Photo Credit: Nattapol SukthaiMr. Pichet Photphakdi, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, led a significant meeting focused on educational collaboration between Thailand and Finland. The meeting took place with representatives from the Finnish Embassy in Thailand, the Finnish Embassy in Singapore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Finnish Ministry of Education. Thailand-Finland Education Forum
Key Finnish participants included Mr. Kai Tuorila, Trade and Investment Advisor. Dr. Annika Vatanen, Education Advisor for the Finnish Embassy in Thailand, also attended. Ms. Outi Hakanen, Education Ambassador from Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, joined as well. Additional Thai officials from the Ministry of Education and related organizations attended the discussions both in person and via teleconference.
During the meeting, Mr. Pichet explained that discussions centered around the Thailand-Finland educational partnership. This partnership was established under the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Education between the Ministry of Education of Thailand and the Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland.
Thailand-Finland Forum Set for 2025
One key proposal from both sides was to host a joint academic conference and exhibition. They named it the Thailand-Finland Education Forum. This forum will occur in January or February 2025. It aims to address critical global shifts in education, technology, and future labor market demands.
Finland is renowned for its flexible and effective education system. It offers valuable insights into best practices that could benefit Thailand’s educational landscape. Discussion topics included early childhood education, vocational education, and teacher and administrator development. The use of AI to enhance teaching and lifelong learning was also discussed. These topics align closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 4 and 11.
Furthermore, the Thai side proposed establishing a working group to coordinate activities under the MOU. This group will tackle local, national, and regional educational challenges. Mr. Pichet also shared Thailand’s education policy, “Learn Well, Be Happy.” This policy was introduced by Education Minister Police General Permpoon Chidchob. Additionally, he extended an invitation to the Finnish Embassy. They are invited to participate in Thailand’s National Children’s Day celebrations at the Ministry of Education on January 11, 2025.
Source: Moe360