4 September 2026 - The School of Business and Communication Arts, University of Phayao, is advancing its strategic direction to strengthen collaboration between the university and the business sector, particularly the tourism and hospitality industries. The initiative aims to enhance graduate development through Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education (CWIE) while expanding a network of industry partners to support workforce development at both national and international levels.
The initiative was led by Assistant Professor Dr. Tanyatip Kharuhayothin, Dean of the School of Business and Communication Arts, together with Dr. Piyapong Supanyo, Vice Dean for Research and Innovation and Network Development; Assistant Professor Dr. Suriya Suwanthipchoti, Chair of the Bachelor of Arts Program in Tourism and Hospitality; and Dr. Nuchanat Muenchan, Program Lecturer of the Bachelor of Arts Program in Tourism and Hospitality. The team engaged in discussions and network-building with executives and representatives from leading establishments in the hotel industry.
The discussions focused on developing a Strategic Partnership between the university and the industry sector, providing opportunities for industry partners to participate in curriculum development, the identification of graduate competencies, the design of work-based learning experiences, as well as the development of professional internship pathways and employment opportunities after graduation.
The network of industry partners encompasses leading hotels and resorts in major tourist destinations across Thailand, including Le Méridien Phuket, Courtyard Phuket Patong Beach, The Naka Island – a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa Phuket, Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort, The St. Regis Bangkok, The Athenee Hotel Bangkok, Vana Belle Koh Samui, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa Merlin Beach, Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok Ploenchit Sukhumvit, Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort, Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok, Kantary Hills Chiang Mai under Cape & Kantary Hotels, and Anantara Hotels & Resorts.
One of the School’s key objectives is to move beyond simply placing students in workplaces for professional internships towards establishing “CWIE Partnerships,” in which the university and industry jointly contribute to the education and development of graduates from the outset. This approach connects industry needs with program learning outcomes and supports the development of students’ professional competencies, language skills, digital technology capabilities, international-standard service skills, problem-solving abilities, and capacity to work effectively in culturally diverse environments.
At the same time, the School plans to expand its CWIE network to encompass establishments at the national level as well as international hotel business networks. The initiative aims to create a continuous learning and career pathway for students from Classroom → Workplace → Professional Experience → Employment, preparing graduates to enter the global tourism and hospitality workforce with the competencies required by the industry.
This strategic initiative reflects the School of Business and Communication Arts, University of Phayao’s commitment to developing education that is closely connected with the real world of work, building long-term partnerships with the business sector, and jointly developing a workforce whose competencies align with the evolving needs of the industry.
“From collaboration to co-designing education — from the classroom to international professional experience.”