The ‘WorldNexGen 2026’ project, an international academic collaboration between Seoul National University (SNU), the Republic of Korea, Thammasat University, and KH Academy, concluded its program with an outstanding closing ceremony.
The initiative aims to cultivate new-generation leaders through in-depth learning in economic policy, finance, industry, trade, and investment, as well as social and cultural issues in the ASEAN region—key mechanisms for national development. The official closing and certificate award ceremony for 20 students was held on February 5, 2026, at the Convention Hall (SNU Faculty Club), Seoul National University.
The event was honored by the presence of leading figures from the public and private sectors of South Korea and Thailand. Notable attendees included H.E. Chung Sye-Kyun, Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea; Mr. Ahn Duk-Geun, Former Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Republic of Korea; Mr. Bang Ki-Sun, Former Minister for Government Policy Coordination; Mr. Park Won-Joo, Former Senior Presidential Secretary for Economic Affairs; Mr. Kim Kang-Hak, Chairman, Myungwoon Industry Development; Prof. Ryu Hong-Lim, President of Seoul National University; Prof. Park San-Gook, Professor of Science and Technology Policy at Seoul National University; Mr. Tanee Sangrat, Ambassador of Thailand to to the Republic of Korea; Mr. Peradach Patanachan, President of Renewable Energy Business at B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited (BGRIM), a partner of Seoul National University from Thailand; Prof. Dr. Supasawad Chardchawarn, Rector of Thammasat University, the project’s Thai host; Asst. Prof. Dr. Orapan Yolrabil, Lecturer at the Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, Thammasat University; Mr. Burapha Sanguanwong, Founder of KH Academy and project coordinator, and many others.
H.E. Chung Sye-Kyun, Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, delivered a keynote address and gave words of encouragement to the students, praising the successful cooperation of all stakeholders in launching this creative initiative. He expressed hope that the project would become a vital mechanism for advancing Thai-Korean cooperation amid today’s global economic crisis.
“First of all, I would like to congratulate the splendid success of this inaugural academic collaboration between Seoul National University and Thammasat University. I appreciate the dedication of everyone involved. I sincerely hope this project will expand students’ worldviews, foster understanding between two distant countries, and highlight the value of collaboration. Our economies can grow together through mutual support. If we continue these efforts, we can create a world of economic prosperity where neighboring countries progress together toward becoming developed nations. The value of cooperation, co-existence, and maintaining peace together—these elements will help create a better world in the future.”
Similarly, Ambassador Tanee Sangrat remarked that he was truly honored and delighted by the success of the WorldNexGen 2026 project, a partnership between Seoul National University and Thammasat University to develop future international leaders. He emphasized that the world is undergoing new challenges, and this project has built a bridge between Thai and Korean students, developing them into leaders, thinkers, and scholars who will advance education, economics, trade, technology, and innovation. He expressed a strong desire to see close relationships between these two prestigious institutions bear fruit in the future.
“Our diplomatic ties with South Korea have been long-standing, and we must continue to strengthen them. South Korea is a strategic partner for Thailand, especially in trade and investment—our trade volume is about US$15 billion. We are close to concluding negotiations for the Thailand-South Korea CEPA FTA agreement. We aim to establish South Korean industrial zones in Thailand, along with various transport agreements. Building such robust connections will require strong teams and good relations, and in the future, students who complete the WorldNexGen program can play significant roles in supporting the work of the Thai Embassy in South Korea, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Thailand, and the private sector in furthering these organizations’ collaboration.”
After the speeches, souvenirs were presented to the two student groups with the most outstanding business and social presentations about Bangkok and Seoul. This was followed by awarding certificates to the 20 graduating WorldNexGen 2026 students, presented by Prof. Park San-Gook of Seoul National University and Prof. Dr. Supasawad Chardchawarn, Rector of Thammasat University.
On this occasion, the Rector of Thammasat University remarked that the WorldNexGen project was a collaboration between two prestigious institutions—Thammasat University from Thailand and Seoul National University, South Korea’s leading university. The objective is to facilitate academic, economic, trade, and cultural exchanges, allowing students from both countries to foster friendships and, most importantly, exchange diverse viewpoints—not just within the classroom but also in understanding each other’s national images.
“Korean students visiting Thailand, and Thai students visiting the Republic of Korea, have allowed both sides to see multi-dimensional aspects—political, social, and cultural. WorldNexGen 2026 serves as a true international stage and an important platform for nurturing young talent at a global level.”
Mr. Burapha Sanguanwong, Founder of KH Academy and main coordinator of WorldNexGen 2026, shared his pride: “I am delighted that KH Academy took part in this international project, which can be a starting point for youth-to-youth ties between the two countries. South Koreans learned about the diversity of Thailand—not only tourism or agriculture, but business and lifestyle. Meanwhile, Thammasat students gained exposure to Korean technology and innovation, recognizing Korea as a global leader. With nearly 70 years of diplomatic relations, this project is a promising foundation for both countries’ next generations to forge creative, mutually beneficial ties. Moreover, this program gives students a wider perspective and a significant learning advantage.” He concluded that the WorldNexGen project acts as a powerful “soft power” mechanism, building human resource capacity for the greatest benefit to both countries, especially Thailand—making WorldNexGen a true example of soft power.
WorldNexGen 2026 was supported by leading private-sector partners such as Hoban Group, B.Grimm Power, Nakwol Blueheart, Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel, and Kaohoon Turakij. The program comprised academic learning, business and policy exchanges, field studies, and cultural activities. Distinguished speakers from government and top private organizations of both countries delivered English-language lectures over three weeks: two weeks in Thailand (January 7–17, 2026) and one week in South Korea (February 1–7, 2026).
In Thailand, WorldNexGen 2026 students visited key sites such as the Government House, the Ministry of Finance, the Stock Exchange of Thailand, SCB X Public Company Limited (SCB), and leading law firm Baker McKenzie Thailand.
In the Republic of Korea, participants attended briefings on international trade and investment law at leading cross-border law firm Jipyong LLC (an educational partner of KH Academy), explored history and culture at Gyeongbokgung Palace, and visited SM Entertainment—the influential Korean entertainment giant well-known to Thais.
