Burapha University places strong emphasis on enhancing human capital development in response to global digital transformation, while promoting inclusive growth and the empowerment of women and youth. In this regard, the University supported the participation of its personnel in the APEC Forum on Women and Youth Empowerment: Enhancing Digital Competitiveness and Inclusive Economic Growth through Innovative Enterprise Education, organized by National Taipei University of Technology (Taipei Tech) and held in Taiwan from 5–7 November 2025.
On this occasion, two representatives from Burapha University joined the forum: Miss Sirapat Tansavetwong, Computer Academic Officer from the Faculty of Informatics, and Miss Auksiporn Umanont, Lecturer in English for Business Presentation from the Faculty of Science and Arts. The forum aimed to strengthen economic productivity in the APEC region through the development of future-ready workforce skills, with a particular focus on innovation, STEM education, and digital competencies. It also emphasized the promotion of innovative and inclusive entrepreneurship, as well as the empowerment of women, youth, and vulnerable groups to actively participate in and benefit from the digital economy.
The three-day forum featured a series of lectures, panel discussions, workshops, and field visits, providing a platform for knowledge exchange among participants from diverse APEC economies. Key topics included digital and enterprise education, cross-sectoral collaboration between higher education institutions and industry, and strategies to enhance the role of women in innovation-driven entrepreneurship. The forum was aligned with the APEC 2024 (Peru) theme, “Empower, Include, and Grow,” highlighting trade and investment for inclusive and connected growth, the application of digital innovation, and sustainable development for long-term resilience.
One of the most notable sessions was the panel discussion entitled “Building a Mechanism through Cross-Sectoral Collaboration,” which showcased best practices from Taiwanese universities in partnering with the private sector and local communities. The session demonstrated how universities can serve as innovation hubs, contributing to community-based product development, knowledge creation, and sustainable economic growth. Such approaches offer valuable insights that can be adapted to Burapha University’s regional context, particularly in supporting balanced development across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
Participation in this forum provided Burapha University personnel with opportunities to engage in international dialogue, gain new perspectives from diverse educational and economic contexts, and observe effective teaching and learning environments led by experienced professors. The knowledge and experiences gained can be applied to enhance teaching practices, student development, and future collaborative initiatives at Burapha University. Overall, this participation reflects the University’s commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 5: Gender Equality, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
