RMUTT makes the Short List “TOP8” in Asia from THE Awards Asia 2024

RMUTT has been shortlisted in the “TOP8” of Asia for teaching and learning strategies by THE Awards Asia 2024. The Times Higher Education (THE) hosted the awards ceremony for THE Awards Asia 2024, recognizing outstanding and leading projects from educational institutions and universities across Asia. This took place during the THE Asia University Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event was attended by senior executives and faculty from Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT), led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Boonthida Uepipattankul, alongside Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, the Queen of Malaysia, and executives from Sunway University, led by Tan Sri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah KBE AO. RMUTT, along with seven other universities from Thailand, advanced to the final round and thus made the crucial Short List in the specific category as organized by THE.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Pongphit Thuanphu, acting on behalf of the Rector of RMUTT, revealed that RMUTT achieved a TOP8 ranking in the ‘Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year’ category from THE Awards Asia 2024, competing with over 600 projects from across Asia. The university’s project focused on enhancing and promoting students’ digital skills, primarily in computer and information technology usage, a part of the university’s continuous policy to foster and advance academic and professional skills, creative thinking, and lifelong learning. This is under the plan to enhance undergraduate students’ IT competencies. It marks another proud moment for RMUTT in being ranked among the top 8 universities in Asia for educational quality. The university remains dedicated to providing high-quality, inclusive education, supporting lifelong learning opportunities for students.

Additionally, the digital skill enhancement project included the IC3 DIGITAL LITERACY CERTIFICATE, an internationally recognized standard for assessing competencies in hardware, software, office applications, internet, and basic networking. This certificate is used for evaluating and certifying students’ abilities to use computers and various tools to meet international standards.

Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT) has made basic computer courses a mandatory requirement for all students. This initiative, fully implemented in 2015 by the Office of Academic Resources and Information Technology, aims to enhance students’ digital competencies effectively. This learning model has significantly increased the pass rate from 53.74% to 86.78%, allowing students to receive certifications faster, freeing up time to learn other subjects or work part-time jobs for extra income. Additionally, the initiative has gained recognition from employers, leading to potential salary increases of 1,000-2,000 THB. The university has also managed to cut costs for hiring instructors and electricity by up to 86%.

Furthermore, the development of these digital skills provides a crucial foundation for students to compete globally in digital knowledge competitions, with the potential to become world champions. This development also plays a vital role in promoting lifelong learning within the system of credit transfer for knowledge and experience, often referred to as a “knowledge and credit bank.”

Mr. Taweelap Suwattanaphankul, an RMUTT alumnus from the Faculty of Industrial Education, who is a world champion in the Microsoft Office Specialist PowerPoint 2013 competition, attests to the policies and strategies that support students in competing on the global stage in digital knowledge. He stated, “At RMUTT, there are various strategies and approaches to stimulate, push, develop, and promote learning, as well as applying these skills in various roles that lead to job creation. All these opportunities serve as a gateway, symbolizing professionalism in the digital field.”