The Thailand-Philippines Bilateral Graduate Student Research Exchange Forum, held from November 22 to 25, 2024, at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, Thailand, brought together over 150 participants, including 63 delegates from the Philippines. The forum aimed to foster collaboration in educational leadership, focusing on innovation, equity, and addressing global challenges. Delegates included students from the Philippine Normal University-Manila Comparative Education Society, the Students’ Critical Leadership Society (PNU-CESCLS), Mariano Marcos State University, and Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi.

Representing PNU were select graduate students: Catherine Salazar, Abegail Simbre, and Ingrid Palad from the Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Management program; Mary Elaine Pacarat from the MA in Education Measurement and Assessment program; Joseph Benjamin Llovia from the BSMA Counseling and Psychology program; Karl Angelo Tabernero from the Doctor of Philosophy in English Language Education program; and Ma. Laarni D. Buenaventura from the Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling program.

The students were accompanied by PNU officials, including Dr. Leah Amor Cortez, Executive Director and Provost of PNU South Luzon; Dr. Reynald M. Cacho, Director for Research, Extension, Quality Assurance, and Development at PNU SL; Prof. Cyrene C. Oseña, Head of the Extension, Alumni, Linkages, and Internationalization Unit; Dr. Arlyne C. Marasigan of the College of Advanced Studies, PNU Manila; and Dr. Jayson L. De Vera of the Faculty of Science, Technology, and Mathematics, PNU Manila.

The forum enhanced students’ understanding of comparative education, explored best practices in educational research and leadership, and underscored the importance of ASEAN collaboration in promoting education and academic success. These goals were achieved through partnerships with prestigious institutions such as UNESCO, SEAMEO, Thailand’s Ministry of Education, and Kasetsart University.

The event began with institutional visits to UNESCO, SEAMEO, and Thailand’s Ministry of Education, where participants explored Thailand’s educational landscape and its alignment with global sustainability goals. The forum’s official opening on November 23 featured keynote addresses from academic leaders, including Assistant Professor Dr. Tongta Somjaipeng and Dr. Rangsun Wiboonapatum, who discussed post-pandemic reforms and equitable access to education. A lecture on 21st-century instructional leadership by Professor Philip Hallinger emphasized teacher empowerment. Delegates presented university profiles and shared research findings in parallel sessions, followed by a cultural night celebrating Thai and Filipino traditions.

Delegates also toured Kasetsart University, learning about its history and academic programs. The next day included visits to cultural landmarks such as the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. A knowledge exchange session focusing on education policies, internationalization, and sustainability in higher education was led by Dr. Pred Evans and a team from the Faculty of Social Administration at Thammasat University.

On the final day, participants visited Bangkok University for a lecture on knowledge management by Dr. Vincent Ribiere, which highlighted strategies for effective knowledge sharing. The forum concluded with commitments to future collaborations in teaching, research, and leadership development, further strengthening partnerships between Thai and Philippine educational institutions.