Khon Kaen, February 6, 2026 — The Mekong Institute (MI) welcomed a delegation of over 20 professors and Ph.D. students from the BK21 Program of Glocal Studies, Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS), Korea University, and the Development Science Program, Khon Kaen University (KKU) for a knowledge exchange aimed at advancing academic cooperation and regional learning.
The visit was led by Professor Seungho Lee, Dean of GSIS and Director of the BK21 Program at Korea University, and Associate Professor Thanapauge Chamaratana of KKU. Professor Lee expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with MI, recognizing its role as a trusted regional platform and an important bridge between the Republic of Korea and the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). The exchange also provided students with a practical lens on “glocal” perspectives—connecting global academic approaches with local and regional development realities.
During the session, MI presented its mandate and strategic direction under the MI Strategic Plan 2026–2030, highlighting its evolution into a delivery-focused organization and its role as an “Architect of Regional Cooperation” for the six GMS countries. MI also shared its work in agriculture, trade facilitation, and climate resilience, including its management of key international mechanisms such as the Mekong–Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF). In addition, MI introduced its structured internship program and opportunities for graduate students to gain hands-on experience in regional cooperation and development practice.
A key highlight of the visit was MI’s emphasis on experiential learning. Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Executive Director of MI, engaged with the delegation and reaffirmed MI’s readiness to serve as a “living lab” for academic institutions by providing structured internships and field-based learning opportunities that connect research with real-world regional challenges.
The visit concluded with shared interest in continued dialogue and collaboration, including future academic exchanges that contribute to regional human resource development and deeper cooperation between universities and MI.
