Prince of Songkla University hosted its 12th annual Open Week, starting on August 14, 2014. Open Week emphasizes PSU’s academic potential to aid in the development of southern Thailand, and features conferences and seminars, and research and innovation exhibitions. The opening ceremony for the event was held at The 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King's Accession to the Throne International Convention Center, PSU Hat Yai Campus, where H.E. Chuan Leekpai, former prime minister and member of the PSU Council, chaired the event and officially opened it by announcing its theme: “Academic Innovation for Community Development”.
Ambitious Projects for the Community
Exhibitions this year covered a wide variety of community-oriented topics, including a new learning process for primary students, a novel system for community health development, a mobile web app for facilitating local eco-tourism, a Green City tourism project and many more. Participants occupied 160 booths from 140 academic institutions.
Colorful Cultural Interlude
Visitors were entertained by a variety of cultural performances and shows, including traditional Thai performance from the Ramakien epic, Southern Thai dances and songs, and a sketch comedy piece about digital media by the PSU International College. On August 18, the exhibition featured a full-day program called the “BBA Singing Contest”, where amateur performers sang English songs of their own choosing, and won prizes. The international feel was further enhanced by the exotic dances and songs that members of the PSU International Student Association performed for visitors.
The full program
During Open Week, PSU Hat Yai Campus was also host to the following events:
- 18th Southern Higher Education Exhibition: 14-15 August.
- 1st ASEAN Week: 18-23 August.
- Science Week: 18-19 August. “Environment and Energy for a Better Life with Science and Technology”
- Southern Agricultural Fair: 8-17 August. “The Future of Thai Agriculture”
All five PSU campuses participate in Open Week, with the following schedule:
- Hat Yai Campus: 14-15 August
- Pattani Campus: 18-19 August
- Surat Thani Campus: 19-29 August
- Phuket Campus: 13-14 November
- Trang Campus: 20-21 November
