The School of Engineering and Technology Earns 1st Runner–Up Award for Strategic Presentation at iREP2025
The School of Engineering and Technology, Walailak University, recently participated in the iREP2025 event, organized by the Center for International Affairs, which provided a platform for academic schools to present their strategic approaches to enhancing international engagement. The school presented its comprehensive internationalization framework under the RECLER model, aiming to systematically elevate global reputation through practical, results-driven initiatives.
The event was honored by the presence of Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, who offered guidance and encouragement to all participating academic schools. His insights underscored the university’s long-term commitment to becoming a globally recognized institution.
The session was officially opened by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surin Maisrikrod, Vice President for Global Engagement, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Pattnarin Supakorn, Director of the Center for International Affairs. They emphasized the goal of the event: to empower each academic school to develop its own tailored strategy for international advancement while fostering a culture of mutual learning and institutional synergy.
The school’s RECLER model encompasses six integrated strategic dimensions:
- R – Research: Establishing joint research laboratories through multi-year MoUs and cross-faculty collaborations, securing international funding sources (e.g., NRCT, Horizon Europe, JSPS), and implementing research mentorship for early-career academics.
- A – Ambassadorship: Launching a structured Student Ambassador Program and developing Global Alumni Chapters to sustain long-term international engagement.
- C – Curriculum: Aligning academic programs with international accreditation standards such as ABET and EUR-ACE, integrating industry input into curriculum reviews, and producing scalable digital learning content.
- L – Learning: Adopting hybrid mobility models (virtual + physical exchange) to reduce financial and environmental costs, and building faculty capacity in digital pedagogy for globally adaptive teaching.
- E – Employer Engagement: Formalizing long-term co-op and internship partnerships with industry, and co-developing evolving micro-credentials aligned with job market trends.
- R – Reputation: Implementing a long-term communications plan highlighting international impact, training staff in academic branding, and regularly updating digital platforms with accurate, optimized content.
Following the presentation and evaluation by a panel of esteemed experts from top Malaysian universities, the School of Engineering and Technology was awarded 1st Runner–Up for its strategic clarity, vision, and actionable implementation plan. The judging panel included:
- Dr. Lai Soon Onn – Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)
- Professor Ir. Dr. Hazlee Azil Illias – University of Malaya (UM)
- Prof. Sr. Ts. Dr. Adi Irfan Che Ani – Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
- Dr. Siti Rahyla Rahmat – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
This recognition highlights the School of Engineering and Technology’s strong commitment to international excellence and its readiness to collaborate globally across teaching, research, and academic development.