The Faculty of Technology, Khon Kaen University (KKU) successfully hosted the international one-day workshop on “Circular Economy and Green Transition towards Technopreneurship” on Thursday, 26 February 2026, at the Fuengfah Room, TE06 Building, Faculty of Technology. The event brought together a diverse group of over 40 participants including Thai graduate students, international exchange students from Japan, faculty members, and staff of the Faculty of Technology.

The workshop was presided over by Professor Dr. Alissara Reungsang, Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, and International Affairs, Faculty of Technology, KKU, who delivered both the opening and closing remarks. In her address, Prof. Alissara emphasised the Faculty’s strong commitment to advancing knowledge in sustainability and green innovation, and to fostering meaningful international academic partnerships that directly benefit students, researchers, and the wider community.

The workshop featured three distinguished international keynote speakers, each bringing world-class expertise from leading institutions across the globe:

Prof. Chyi-How Lay, Distinguished Professor at the Green Energy Development Center, Feng Chia University, Taiwan, presented on “Biogas and BioH₂ Technologies — Updates and Perspectives”, offering cutting-edge insights into the latest developments in clean energy technologies and their real-world applications.

Prof. Wang Chin-Tsan, University Distinguished Professor at the Department of Mechanical and Electro-Mechanical Engineering, National I-Lan University (NIU), Taiwan — and former Director of the Science and Technology Division at the Taiwan Embassy in India — presented on “Advanced Studies in Microbial Fuel Cells”, showcasing innovative approaches to biological electricity generation and sustainable energy systems.

Prof. Gopalakrishnan Kumar, Professor and Head of the Energy-Sustainability Nexus Laboratory at the University of Stavanger, Norway, and a globally recognised top 2% scientist, presented on “Circularity of Biomass Resources towards Upcycling”, highlighting transformative strategies for converting biological waste into high-value resources within a circular bioeconomy framework.

The sessions sparked rich academic dialogue, with participants actively engaging in a panel discussion and open Q&A session, reflecting the high level of interest among students and researchers in the themes of circular economy, renewable energy, and sustainable innovation.

A particularly significant outcome of the workshop was the establishment of a new academic connection between the Faculty of Technology, KKU, and National I-Lan University, Taiwan. Following the productive interactions between both parties during the event, discussions for a formal agreement and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) are now underway, paving the way for future collaboration in research, academic exchange, and capacity building.

Following the workshop, the executive administrators of the Faculty of Technology, Khon Kaen University, led by Professor Dr. Alissara Reungsang, Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, and International Affairs, together with faculty members and international scholars, paid a courtesy visit to Professor Pewpan Maleewong, MD, Vice President for Research and Innovation, at the Meeting Room, 5th Floor, Research and Innovation Affairs, Office of the President, Khon Kaen University. The purpose of the visit was to report on the implementation of international academic activities and to discuss strategic approaches to strengthening research and innovation collaboration at the global level.

This workshop is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The Faculty of Technology, Khon Kaen University, remains firmly committed to building international collaborative networks, and to advancing research towards the development of technologies and innovations that address the needs of society and industry in an increasingly dynamic global landscape. This initiative further reflects the integrated collaboration between the Faculty of Technology and the Research and Innovation Division in driving the University towards becoming a leading research-intensive institution with strong international engagement and a steadfast commitment to sustainable development.

News: Miss Kanok-on Neera, International Relations Officer

Photo: Priyachart Srisuthom, Public Relations Officer, and Thanks to Research Administrative Division