Chula Launches CUii To Transform Future Of Education Sector

Synopsis
Chulalongkorn University has launched CUii, an innovation-driven initiative aimed at transforming the future of education through AI, digital learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The platform seeks to enhance research, entrepreneurship, and modern learning experiences while preparing students and educators for emerging global challenges.

Chulalongkorn University has officially launched the Chulalongkorn University College of Interdisciplinary and Integrative Studies (CUii), marking a major step forward in the evolution of higher education in Thailand as universities worldwide adapt to rapid technological, economic and social transformation. The new college aims to redefine modern learning by promoting interdisciplinary education, lifelong learning and innovation-driven academic collaboration designed to prepare students for increasingly complex global challenges.

The official launch was announced during a press conference held on May 19, 2026, at the Chalerm Rajakumari 60 Building in Bangkok. The event brought together senior university leaders, academic experts and policymakers who emphasized the growing importance of integrating knowledge across multiple disciplines to meet the demands of the modern workforce and future society. CUii has been introduced under the concept of “The First Tailor-made S-Curve College,” reflecting its focus on customized education pathways, future-ready skills and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Prof. Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Chairman of the Chulalongkorn University Council, described the establishment of the new college as a strategic response to major global changes, including the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), demographic shifts, climate change and geopolitical uncertainty. Officially published in the Royal Gazette and effective from January 24, 2026, the initiative represents what university leaders consider a historic turning point in the future of Thai higher education. According to Surakiart, universities can no longer simply adapt to global changes but must actively help shape the future by producing graduates capable of solving complex national and international problems.

He emphasized that modern global challenges cannot be addressed through isolated academic disciplines alone. Issues such as AI innovation, aging populations, environmental sustainability and economic disruption require integrated expertise from multiple fields working together. He also highlighted the importance of lifelong learning, noting that students, professionals and the wider public must continuously upskill and reskill in response to rapidly changing industries and technologies. In addition, he stressed that educators themselves must evolve from traditional 'knowledge transmitters' into mentors and coaches who encourage practical, action-based learning in collaboration with industries, government agencies and civil society organizations.

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Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, explained that CUii is designed to create a comprehensive lifelong learning ecosystem that connects knowledge across faculties and disciplines in more flexible and practical ways. He said the modern world increasingly demands individuals who can think beyond traditional academic boundaries, collaborate with experts from different sectors and develop innovative solutions for real-world challenges. According to Wilert, CUii will act as a central platform connecting academia, industry, government and international partners to support impactful innovation and research.

“Universities today can no longer focus solely on producing specialists in isolated fields. The AI and innovation era requires people with multidisciplinary knowledge who can integrate expertise to solve real-world problems. The College of Interdisciplinary and Integrative Studies therefore aims to promote interdisciplinary learning and develop a new generation equipped with both specialization and broad-based capabilities. The university’s role must evolve from being a ‘follower’ to becoming a ‘future shaper’ through curriculum design and skill development aligned with the future workforce and global society”, says the President of Chulalongkorn University.

The university also revealed that CUii represents the transformation of the former Graduate School into a broader institution supporting interdisciplinary education at undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. The college integrates digital innovation, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and analytical thinking into its teaching and research models to strengthen educational quality and workforce readiness.

Currently, CUii offers 37 programs across 21 academic disciplines covering Health Sciences, Science and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies. The institution is also focused on strengthening General Education programs to encourage broader perspectives, creativity and sustainable social impact. University leaders believe CUii will become an important hub connecting academia, business and society while helping develop future talent capable of driving Thailand’s long-term economic, technological and social transformation.