Khon Kaen University’s Institute for Research and Development in Teaching Profession for ASEAN recently organized the 9th UNESCO UNITWIN International Conference on Quality Teacher Education. The event, focusing on Education for Teacher Professional Development, took place on October 5-6, 2024, both at the university campus and via Zoom.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Panthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University, inaugurated the conference, with Prof. Dr. Young-hoon KIM from Korea National University of Education (KNUE) delivering welcome remarks. Over 100 participants attended, including experts, researchers, and representatives from partner universities across South Korea, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand.
The conference aimed to facilitate knowledge exchange and foster collaboration in teacher professional development among ASEAN countries. It emphasized developing joint solutions to educational challenges, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
In his opening address, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai highlighted the conference’s global significance: “This gathering represents our shared commitment to advancing education across ASEAN and beyond. It’s an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and exchange diverse perspectives, reinforcing our collective effort towards educational sustainability and the achievement of SDGs 4 and 17.”
Key topics included teacher training content and methodologies, educational research, digital and AI integration in education, and STEM (STEAM) education. The program featured lectures by leading experts and interactive breakout sessions, allowing academics from various countries to share experiences and insights.
This conference underscores the importance of international collaboration in enhancing teacher education quality, ultimately contributing to improved educational outcomes across the ASEAN region.