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SOLGEN Hosts Talk–Demonstration on Royal Compositions and Jazz by the Singora Band

The Cultural Preservation Committee of the School of Languages and General Education (SOLGEN), Walailak University (WU), organized a talk–demonstration on royal compositions and jazz music performed by the Singora band on December 12, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong Building (ST), Walailak University.

The event was held under the project “Music of Remembrance: Royal Compositions of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (Jazz Interpretation of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great Compositions).”

The event was honored by Associate Professor Dr. Prakasit Sitthithikul, Dean of the School of Languages and General Education, who delivered the opening remarks and joined The Singora band in a vocal performance of the royal composition “Jai Rak.”

Throughout the program, The Singora band shared knowledge of jazz music through a combination of lectures and live performances, featuring pieces such as Tenor Madness, Fly Me to the Moon, Misty, The Girl from Ipanema, Still on My Mind, and Oh I Say, alongside royal compositions. In addition, a contemporary dance performance titled JazzaNora by Assistant Professor Dr. Kanit Sripaoraya beautifully blended local cultural art forms with jazz music.

This activity highlights SOLGEN’s commitment to preserving and promoting arts and culture, while conveying the enduring value of royal compositions. At the same time, it provided a meaningful learning space in aesthetics and jazz music, offering new perspectives to students and participants through the creative integration of culture with contemporary learning.

SOLGEN Researcher Joins International Conference to Advance High-Quality Research and Global Collaboration

“Assistant Professor Dr. Kannika Thongkhao, a researcher from the School of Languages and General Education (SOLGEN), During 8–10 December 2025 in Hong Kong, participated in the International Conference on Quality Control, Authentication, and Conservation of Herbal Materials and Products (icHerb 2025), an international academic event organized by the School of Life Sciences and the School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, in collaboration with the Engineering Research Center of Shanghai Colleges for TCM New Drug Discovery, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The conference brought together researchers and graduate students from Hong Kong, Germany, Korea, and Thailand, providing a global platform for knowledge exchange and research collaboration in the field of herbal medicine. The main focus of icHerb 2025 was quality control, authentication, and conservation of herbal materials and products, which are critical to ensuring the safety, efficacy, and sustainability of medicinal plant resources.

Key activities of the conference included keynote lectures, research presentations, and academic discussions on the latest knowledge and advanced technologies for quality control and authentication of herbal materials. These activities encouraged interdisciplinary interaction among experts in pharmacognosy, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and related disciplines.

The outcomes of icHerb 2025 are expected to enhance multidisciplinary and international research collaboration, support the modernization of Chinese Medicine, and contribute to raising international standards of quality control and assurance for Chinese medicinal materials and related commercial products.

During the conference, Assistant Professor Dr. Kannika Thongkhao engaged in academic discussions and networking activities, drawing on her expertise in herbal medicine authentication using DNA barcoding techniques. Her participation focused on establishing and strengthening global research collaboration with international experts in the field. These interactions created opportunities for future joint research, academic exchange, and international partnerships, supporting SOLGEN’s strategic goal of enhancing research quality through global collaboration.

This participation highlights SOLGEN’s active role in promoting high-quality research and international collaboration, while providing valuable opportunities for researchers and graduate students to engage with global experts and establish future collaborative initiatives.
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SOLGEN Collaborates with Youth With A Mission to Organize a Korean Cultural Exchange Activity

The School of Languages and General Education (SOLGEN), Walailak University (WU), in collaboration with Youth With A Mission, organized a Korean cultural exchange activity on December 9, 2025, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the Prof.Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong (ST), Walailak University.

The activity aimed to promote learning in foreign languages and cultures, while also providing students with opportunities to exchange experiences and develop mutual understanding across cultures. The program featured a wide range of engaging activities, including introductory Korean language learning, Korean games, and Korean cultural and artistic activities.

This activity was made possible through the cooperation of Youth With A Mission (YWAM) and was attended by more than 40 participants, including Korean participants and Walailak University students. The atmosphere was warm and friendly, combining enjoyment with learning, and highlighting the importance of developing communication skills and intercultural understanding in today’s global society.

SOLGEN Holds Merit-Making Ceremony to Celebrate the School’s Founding Anniversary 2025

On 7 November 2025, the Cultural Preservation Committee of the School of Languages and General Education (SOLGEN), Walailak University, organized a Merit-Making Ceremony in celebration of the school’s founding anniversary, which falls annually on 9 November, at Academic Building 6, the current office location of the school.

The event began with an Islamic ritual (Arawah) followed by a Buddhist merit-making ceremony, reflecting the cultural and religious diversity among the school’s staff members. This activity aimed to foster mutual respect and promote harmony among different faiths within the school community.

The school was honored to welcome Phra Methiwachiraphirat, the Ecclesiastical Provincial Governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat (Dhammayut Order), who kindly presided over the Buddhist ceremony and delivered a Dhamma sermon emphasizing the principle of “Give when you can, keep your precepts, and cultivate meditation.” His words of wisdom inspired all participants to uphold moral values and spiritual growth in their daily lives.

The ceremony was filled with a warm and peaceful atmosphere. Both Thai and international lecturers joined the event, sharing cultural experiences and learning about Thai traditions. Notably, several international faculty members enthusiastically participated in the Thai-style merit-making rituals for the first time, marking a memorable moment of cultural exchange.

The event concluded with a friendly communal lunch featuring Southern Thai rice noodles (Khanom Jeen), symbolizing good fortune and lasting unity among the school’s faculty and staff.

SOLGEN extends its congratulations to Dr. Mark Bedoya Ulla on his appointment as Associate Professor

The School of Languages and General Education (SOLGEN), Walailak University, extends its congratulations to Dr. Mark Bedoya Ulla, a faculty member in the Languages Department, on the occasion of his appointment as Associate Professor in English (English as a Foreign Language).

SOLGEN Extends Congratulations to Asst. Prof. Dr. Taweeluck Pollachom, on Receiving Research Funding from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI)

The School of Languages and General Education (SOLGEN) extends its congratulations to Assistant Professor Dr. Taweeluck Pollachom, a faculty member of the School of Languages and General Education, on receiving research funding from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).

The funding has been awarded for the research project entitled “Enhancing truth-telling and survivor-led justice in Thailand’s Southern Border provinces, mobilizing women and youth to heal communities affected by two decades of armed violence,” with a total grant amount of CAD 11,965 (approximately 282,800 Thai baht).

This research grant reflects the research capacity of the faculty at the School of Languages and General Education and supports their academic role in generating valuable knowledge that benefits society at both national and international levels.

SOLGEN Holds Annual Seminar for Fiscal Year 2026 to Strengthen Staff Capacity and Drive the Organization Toward Its Goals

The School of Languages and General Education (SOLGEN), Walailak University (WU), organized the “Annual Workshop and Seminar of the School of Languages and General Education for Fiscal Year 2026” from 29–31 October 2025 at Deevana Plaza Ao Nang Hotel, Krabi Province. The event was presided over by Assoc.Prof.Dr. Pragasit Sitthitikul, Dean of the School of Languages and General Education, with the participation of the school’s administrators, faculty members, and supporting staff.

The seminar aimed to communicate the school’s strategic direction and operational plan for fiscal year 2026, enhance participants’ knowledge of modern teaching and learning approaches, and provide a platform for professional exchange and collaboration to ensure the school’s development keeps pace with the rapidly changing digital era.

The three-day event featured a variety of activities, including:

A presentation on the school’s strategic roadmap by the SOLGEN Executive
A lecture on “Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL)” by Asst.Prof. Piyachat Suongtee
A lecture on “Integrating Al into Teaching: A Practical Approach” by Assoc.Prof.Dr. Pragasit Sitthitikul
A lecture on “Application of AI in Higher Education Teaching and Learning” by Aj.Suthira Thongkao
A lecture on “AI in the L2 Classroom: Insights from Pronunciation and Fluency Tools” by Dr. Simon Moxon

In addition, the seminar included discussion and team-building sessions that allowed participants to share experiences, express opinions, and strengthen interpersonal connections—fostering unity and collaboration within the school.

The seminar successfully enhanced staff understanding of SOLGEN’s strategic goals, while encouraging a shared sense of responsibility in driving the school forward. It also cultivated a warm and collaborative working atmosphere, marking a strong and promising start to the school’s operations in the 2026 fiscal year.

Summary of Research Publications in October 2025

The School of Languages and General Education has research publications that were accepted for publication and published in August, consisting of 5 papers, as follows:

Manuscript title “Representation of Prostitutes in Thai Songs, 2019–2024”
written by Aj. Krisada Kantichol (EIC) and co-authored by Dr. Chutacaphat Rattanaphan (FA), School of Education, and Aj. Kawinsara Sudjai (CA), School of Liberal Arts, Walailak University, has been accepted for publication in “Cogent Arts & Humanities” on Scopus Index, Q1 (88th percentile)
Manuscript title “Conceptual Metaphors of Himmapan Avatars in Thai”
written by Aj. Methus Siriwat (CA) and co-authored by Narongkan Rodsap (FA), Naresuan University (Thailand), and Dr. Satit Leelathawornchai (CA), Utah Tech University (USA), and Umawan Chart-iyaranont (CA), Hatyai University (Thailand), has been accepted for publication in “Scientific Culture” on Scopus Index, Q1 (98th percentile)
Manuscript title “The Representation of Southern Thai Women in Female Artists’ Songs: A Case Study of Ratchanok Suwannaket”
written by Aj. Krisada Kantichol (FA) and co-authored by Aj. Kawinsara Sudjai (CA), School of Liberal Arts, and Dr. Chutacaphat Rattanaphan (CA), School of Education, Walailak University, has been accepted for publication in “Scientific Culture” on Scopus Index, Q1 (98th percentile)
Manuscript title “Transcultural Ancestors and the Politics of Memory: Comparative Rituals in Thailand and Mexico”
written by Aj. Kanokkarn Mueangkaew (CA) and co-authored by Aj. Thachamon Kamlangkuea (FA), Education Program, Faculty of Education, Thaksin University (Phattalung Campus), and Tashi Wangmoc (CA), Royal Thimphu College, Royal University of Bhutan, Bhutan, has been accepted for publication in “Scientific Culture” on Scopus Index, Q1 (98th percentile)
Manuscript title “News regarding the sexual behavior of Thai artists: A study on hedging in the Thai language, exploring deviations from online headlines”
written by Aj. Krisada Kantichol (FA) and co-authored by Aj.Pavirasa Praditsorn (CA), has been accepted for publication in “Scientific Culture” on Scopus Index, Q1 (98th percentile)

SOLGEN Showcases “AI for Student Services: SOLGEN Connect – The SOLGEN Official Line Initiative.” at the Innovative Student Development Event

On September 29–30, 2025, the Student Affairs Division, School of Languages and General Education, Walailak University, received a certificate from Ms. Waraporn Rungtrakan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), in recognition of its selection to present an innovative student development project for the year 2025. The event was organized by MHESI under the theme “Student Development in the AI Era: The Future Challenges.”

The Assistant Dean for Student Affairs presented the project titled “AI for Student Services: SOLGEN Connect – The SOLGEN Official Line Initiative.” This innovation leverages the SOLGEN Line Official platform as a key tool for communication, public relations, counseling, and as a centralized hub for student services. The platform was designed to be easily accessible, convenient to use, and aligned with the lifestyle of students in the digital age.

This participation not only highlighted the university’s innovative achievements but also provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas and experiences with universities across the country. The aim was to jointly explore approaches to enhance student potential in line with 21st-century skills and to adapt to the rapid global transformation driven by AI. Notably, the project was one of only 30 initiatives selected for presentation from more than 300 submissions nationwide.

SOLGEN and USM jointly held a discussion and knowledge exchange on language and culture under the theme “Same Same but Different.”

On the morning of 29 September 2025, the School of Languages and General Education (SOLGEN), Walailak University, led a group of students to visit the School of Languages, Literacies and Translation, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, Malaysia.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by En. Azril Ali, Deputy Dean for Academic, Career & International Affairs, who also gave an introduction to USM and its academic programs. His session helped Walailak University students gain a deeper understanding of the institution and establish academic linkages between the two universities before moving into the discussion activities.
The highlight of the program was a discussion and knowledge exchange on language and culture under the theme “Same Same but Different.” Students and the Deputy Dean engaged in lively conversations about English language teaching approaches, strategies for skill development, and classroom activities that foster communication and creative learning.
In addition, En. Azril Ali shared his insights on the challenges of English language teaching in multicultural classrooms—where diversity in culture, ethnicity, and religion means that students bring different backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives. He emphasized the importance of designing teaching activities that align with such contexts while creating an inclusive learning atmosphere for everyone.
The discussion was vibrant and interactive. Students had the opportunity to practice English communication, share ideas, ask questions, compare differences, and identify common ground that could inspire future teaching and learning practices. To further strengthen the friendship and collaboration, USM hosted a welcome luncheon, deepening ties between the two institutions.
Walailak University would like to express its sincere appreciation to Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and the School of Languages, Literacies and Translation, especially En. Azril Ali, for the warm welcome and generous support. This event marked a valuable step toward expanding academic collaboration and knowledge exchange between the two universities in the years to come.