DENPASAR, BALI, INDONESIA – July 18, 2025 – The School of Business and Communication Arts of the University of Phayao and Bali Tourism Polytechnic convened for a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) discussion meeting, marking a significant step toward enhanced international academic collaboration between Thailand and Indonesia.
The meeting took place at Bali Tourism Polytechnic in Bali, Indonesia, bringing together academic leaders from both schools to explore ways they can work together. The University of Phayao delegation was led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Prakobsiri Pakdeepinit, Dean of the School of Business and Communication Arts, and included Dr. Phatpitta Sreesoompong, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Tanyatip Kharuhayothin, Vice Dean for Corporate Relations and Global Engagement, Mr. Kamolpong Ratanasanguanvongs, Vice Dean for Student Affairs, Asst. Prof. Dr. Phornphan Jandaeng, Head of New Media Communication Program, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phattar Burarak, Lecturer in New Media Communication Program, Asst. Prof. Dr. Bungon Sawatsuk, Lecturer in Accounting Program, and Mrs. Suphannee Burnell, Lecturer in New Media Communication Program. The Bali Tourism Polytechnic team was represented by Dr. Drs. Ida Bagus Putu Puja, S.T., M.Kes., Director, Dr. Luh Yushi Wiarti, A.Par., S.E., M.Par., M.Rech., Vice Director III, and Dr. I Gusti Agung Gede Witarsana, S.ST.Par., MM., CHE., Vice Director I.
During the meeting, both institutions discussed five main areas of cooperation. The student exchange program will allow students from both universities to study at each other's campuses for one or two semesters, giving them international experience and exposure to different teaching methods. The specialized short course program will offer intensive training sessions lasting from one week to several months, focusing on specific skills in tourism, hospitality, business, and communication arts. The international conference initiative will see both institutions jointly organize academic conferences where researchers and students can present their work and share knowledge with international participants.
The joint research project component will enable faculty members from both schools to collaborate on research studies related to tourism development, hospitality management, digital communication, and business innovation in the Southeast Asian region. The international internship program will provide students with practical work experience at partner organizations in both Thailand and Indonesia, helping them develop professional skills and cultural understanding.
The visiting delegation also toured the Bali Tourism Polytechnic campus to see their culinary program, which trains students in Indonesian and international cuisine preparation and restaurant management, their hotel management program that covers front office operations, housekeeping, and guest services, and their hospitality accounting management program that teaches financial management specific to the tourism and hospitality industry.