Thammasat University, through the Thammasat Business School (TBS) and KH Academy Learning Institute, a network partner in the education sector, recently hosted the opening ceremony for the “WorldNexGen” project. This initiative is organized in collaboration with Seoul National University (SNU), the top-ranked university in the Republic of Korea.
The program is an academic exchange focused on economics, industry, trade and investment, as well as social and cultural studies in the ASEAN region, aiming to nurture new-generation leaders with international potential.
The ceremony featured Mr. Burapha Sanguanwong, Founder of KH Academy, as the main organizer and coordinator of the WorldNexGen 2026 project, who welcomed distinguished guests, renowned professors from both Thammasat University and Seoul National University, and the 20 participating students. In his remarks, Mr. Burapa presented the background and objectives of the project, emphasizing that WorldNexGen is an international academic collaboration between Thammasat University and Seoul National University, with KH Academy acting as a bridge linking the academic excellence of both institutions with seamless real-world industry experience.
“KH Academy not only is the organizer and the main coordinator for the program, but also creates learning pathways that connect countries, classrooms, and the actual working world. This project seeks to provide participating students the chance to learn and immerse themselves in the ASEAN context, Thailand’s role as a gateway to the region, as well as the economic landscape and institutional cooperation between Thailand and the Republic of Korea. This is delivered through academic learning, industry interactions, and cross-cultural exchange. With the support of all sectors, WorldNexGen will not stop at two countries but will expand its network to include Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Vietnam, Australia, and the United States.”
Later, Professor Dr. Supasawat Chatchawan, Rector of Thammasat University, spoke on the significance of academic collaboration between the two countries under this project, with the goal of developing human resources into new-generation leaders with international competence in the future.
“For the WorldNexGen 2026 project, it marks an international academic collaboration between Thammasat University and Seoul National University, aiming to develop students’ capabilities to be prepared for the global stage and promote the exchange of knowledge, experience, and cross-cultural perspectives between the two nations. This will foster stronger connections and lay the foundation for further academic collaboration between the two institutions in the future.”
Similarly, Professor Sangook Park, Professor of Science and Technology Policy at Seoul National University, stated:
“Seoul National University is very pleased to collaborate with Thammasat University, which has a long history and a vital role in the development of Thai society and economy, through the WorldNexGen project. This partnership will strengthen the alliance between the two institutions and is expected to meaningfully promote intellectual exchange, reinforce institutional relations, and cultivate a network of new-generation leaders ready to creatively address regional and global challenges.”
Dr. Harald Link, Chairman of B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited (BGRIM), also offered his congratulations as a partner of Seoul National University from Thailand, reflecting the private sector’s role in sustainably supporting the development of new-generation leaders at the international level.
The Chairman expressed profound gratitude for the warm reception B.Grimm has received in Korea, noting that the nation is built on hardworking and intelligent people. While the company focused primarily on Thailand for many years, it has now expanded its objectives to ensure the world recognizes the capabilities, compassion, and partnership inherent in its people.
This international collaboration is exemplified by the synergy between two prestigious institutions:
- Seoul National University: Recognized as a pinnacle of academic excellence in Korea.
- Thammasat University: A name derived from Dharma (the essence of Buddhism) and Sastra (science).
By fostering a future together, B.Grimm aims to provide opportunities for students and graduates from both universities to gain experience and collaborate. The ultimate goal of this partnership is to enhance global capabilities and create a better world through ethical and compassionate business practices.
The highlight of the event was the official launch of the WorldNexGen 2026 project. Dr. Benjarong Suwankiri, Assistant Minister to the Ministry of Finance and event chair, officiated the ceremony, initiating the program to nurture students from both countries into internationally competent new-generation leaders through academic exchanges in economics, industry, trade and investment, as well as social and cultural fields in the ASEAN region.
Dr. Benjarong noted that the WorldNexGen project demonstrates how academic cooperation can concretely strengthen ties between the peoples of both countries. By integrating academic learning with perspectives in economics, industry, and society, the project deepens ASEAN understanding and Thailand’s role in the regional and global economic network. The initiative also provides youth from Thailand and the Republic of Korea with international experience and cross-cultural learning, forming a valuable long-term foundation for closer cooperation between the two countries and contributing to future creative international relations.
About WorldNexGen 2026
WorldNexGen 2026 #worldnexgen2026 is an international academic collaboration between Thammasat University’s Thammasat Business School (TBS) and Seoul National University (SNU), with KH Academy as the main organizer and coordinator. The project encompasses academic learning, business and policy exchanges, field visits, and cultural exchange activities, supported by government agencies and leading private sector organizations in Thailand, providing high-profile English-speaking lecturers throughout the program duration. Students also have the opportunity to visit key sites such as the Government House, Ministry of Finance, and the Stock Exchange of Thailand.
The WorldNexGen 2026 #worldnexgen2026 project is supported by various business organizations, including Hoban, Nakwol Blueheart, B.Grimm Power, Royal Orchid Hotel, and Kaohoon Turakij, running over three weeks. The program consists of two weeks of activities in Thailand from January 7-17, 2026, and one week in the Republic of Korea from February 1-7, 2026, at which point the project concludes.
