On Tuesday, December 24, 2024, Khon Kaen University, in collaboration with the Toyota Thailand Foundation, held a scholarship award ceremony for the 2024 academic year. Scholarships were granted to KKU students and high school students from the Northeastern region. The event, held at the Saisuree Jutikul Conference Room, Faculty of Education, KKU, was attended by Mr. Pramon Sutivong, Chairman of the Toyota Thailand Foundation; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Panthongviriyakul, President of KKU; members of the Toyota Foundation board; university executives; and faculty members.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Kurusart Konharn, Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations at KKU, reported that the Toyota Thailand Foundation has partnered with KKU for over 20 years to provide scholarships to underprivileged Grade 10 students in the Northeastern region, supporting them through high school and, for some, through undergraduate studies at KKU. For the 2024 academic year, the foundation awarded 135 scholarships and allocated 300,000 baht for operational expenses, totaling 3,528,000 baht. The foundation also supports nursing students through the “Toyota Thailand Foundation Nursing Student Scholarship” and the “Toyota: Creating Opportunities, Spreading Smiles” initiative.
“Currently, 42 scholarship recipients have graduated and are working in district and provincial hospitals in their hometowns, demonstrating how these scholarships enable students to return to their communities and improve public health,” said Asst. Prof. Dr. Kurusart.
Mr. Pramon Sutivong expressed his pride in the foundation’s 20-year commitment to supporting education in the Northeastern region. “The foundation is dedicated to creating educational opportunities for youth at all levels, enabling them to use their knowledge to benefit their communities and strengthen the nation,” he said.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Panthongviriyakul, President of KKU, expressed gratitude on behalf of the university, saying, “We deeply appreciate the Toyota Thailand Foundation’s long-standing collaboration with KKU in supporting underprivileged students. This initiative helps develop high-quality human resources, contributing to the nation’s progress.”
The ceremony was filled with joy from both donors and recipients. Ms. Kanlaya Sonerum, a Grade 10 student from Lam Plai Mat School, shared her goal of earning a 4.00 GPA and overcoming challenges, including depression, to achieve her dream. “I am grateful to the Toyota Foundation for supporting my dream,” she said.
Ms. Thanakrita Nakkiaw, a second-year nursing student at KKU, highlighted the importance of the scholarship in supporting her education and living expenses. “This support has enabled many students to continue their studies, graduate, and use their knowledge to develop communities. It also inspires future generations to value education and work toward a better society,” she said.
