NXPO and the APEC Center for Technology Foresight (APEC CTF), in collaboration with the Kasetsart University Faculty of Engineering, recently organized a brainstorming session to discuss draft recommendations for the future development of KU Faculty of Engineering over the next decade. The activity is part of the project aimed at developing a strategic plan and future direction for the KU Faculty of Engineering. The event, which took place on 12 March 2024 at Rama Gardens Hotel Bangkok, was attended by 30 participants, comprising executives, faculty members and staff from the KU Faculty of Engineering. 

The event commenced with a welcome address from Prof. Dr. Wanchai Yodsudjai, Dean of KU Faculty of Engineering. He provided an introduction of the KU Faculty of Engineering and the background of this project, emphasizing the utilization of foresight tools to develop strategies and future directions for the faculty. The project, which has been carried out by NXPO and APEC CTF, aims to guide the KU Faculty of Engineering in fulfilling its mission of manpower development, research and innovation, and academic services amidst global dynamics. 

Following the welcome remarks, Dr. Surachai Sathitkunarat, NXPO Vice President and APEC CTF Executive Director, introduced the project and explained the foresight exercises conducted in collaboration with KU Faculty of Engineering. These exercises involved reviewing information and current status of the faculty, analyzing challenges, and identifying trends and uncertainties. The process led to the construction of future scenarios, serving as the foundation for devising recommendations to be reviewed and discussed during the brainstorming session. 

During the brainstorming session, NXPO Policy Developer Dr. Sujin Poonboon presented key findings and draft recommendations for future scenarios. He explained that these recommendations were formulated using the logic of the Mont Fleur scenarios and Causal Layered Analysis (CLA), analyzing drivers, trends, uncertainties, and insights provided by stakeholders such as the KU Council Chairman, KU President, policy experts, representatives from the public and private sectors, and alumni. 

Throughout the session, discussions focused on various sections of the nine recommendations, including strategic vision and direction, collaborative awareness, core development, and product and service value creation. This brainstorming session marks the final step before finalizing the report to be submitted to the KU Faculty of Engineering. The report will assist the KU Faculty of Engineering in navigating global dynamics, leading to the formulation of policies and planning to achieve sustainability.