You’re witnessing the future of education unfold as nearly 100 teachers from across Southeast Asia gather at Khon Kaen University’s ASEAN Institute. The air buzzes with anticipation as educators prepare to embark on a transformative journey that will reshape how they approach teaching in an AI-driven world. Today marks the beginning of something revolutionary.
# KKU Launches International Training Program “AI for Teachers” in Collaboration with UNESCO UNITWIN
## Catalyst
On July 4, 2025, the ASEAN Institute for Teacher Profession Research and Development at Khon Kaen University officially launched the 2025 KNUE-KKU UNITWIN Teacher Training Program for Quality Teacher Education under the theme “AI for Teachers: Transforming Classrooms for the Future.” The opening ceremony was presided over by Asst. Prof. Natthasamon Thanakulrangsarit, Vice President for Legal Affairs and Corporate Communication, marking a pivotal moment in educational innovation.
Distinguished attendees included Prof. Dr. Younghoon Kim, Director of the UNESCO UNITWIN Program from Korea National University of Education, alongside Asst. Prof. Sakawduan Sathum, Deputy Director of the ASEAN Institute. Notably, speakers from South Korea, Japan, and Thailand joined forces with teachers and participants, creating an unprecedented gathering of educational minds focused on artificial intelligence integration in teaching.
This ambitious initiative emerged from a pressing global need: equipping educators with artificial intelligence skills to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of 21st-century education. However, the foundation for this breakthrough moment had been carefully laid over many years of international collaboration.
## Rising Action
The journey toward this transformative training program began in 2019 when Korea National University of Education (KNUE) and Khon Kaen University first established their partnership under UNESCO’s UNITWIN Program framework. As educational landscapes worldwide began shifting toward digital transformation, these institutions recognized the urgent need to prepare teachers for an AI-enhanced future.
Meanwhile, the scope of collaboration expanded dramatically beyond bilateral cooperation. Asst. Prof. Sakawduan Sathum revealed that the program now operates through a robust partnership network spanning six countries, demonstrating unprecedented international unity in educational advancement.
The partner institutions include:
- Korea National University of Education
- Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
- Souphanouvong University in Laos
- Vietnam National University – University of Education
- Mahidol University (Kanchanaburi Campus)
- University of the Philippines
As these partnerships solidified, the challenge became clear: how to effectively integrate cutting-edge AI technologies into traditional teaching methodologies while ensuring accessibility across diverse educational systems throughout Southeast Asia.
## Turning Point
This is not just a training program—it represents a fundamental shift in how we prepare educators for tomorrow’s classrooms.
Asst. Prof. Natthasamon Thanakulrangsarit articulated the program’s transformative potential, stating that this initiative aligns seamlessly with Khon Kaen University’s 2025–2028 strategic plan. The plan emphasizes educational advancement, development of globally competent professionals, impactful research and innovation, and elevation of the university’s international presence.
“This is not just a training program. It is a platform for collaboration, research, innovation, and preparing teachers for the 21st century — directly tied to KKU’s strategic priorities.”
Furthermore, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maitree Inprasits, a senior researcher at the ASEAN Institute, emphasized that this represents a watershed moment in KNUE-KKU cooperation under the UNESCO-supported UNITWIN framework. The breakthrough lies in successfully integrating AI content into professional teacher development through intensive lectures and hands-on workshops designed to create lasting professional networks.
Significantly, the program directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and SDG 4 (Quality Education), positioning this initiative within a broader global framework for educational excellence.
## Resolution
From July 4 to 6, 2025, the three-day intensive training unfolded with remarkable diversity and depth. Participants engaged with forward-thinking topics including “Mathematical Thinking as a Foundation for AI in the Teacher Training Program,” “ORANGE Software for Educational Applications,” and “Teachers Who Research with AI: Designing the Future of Mathematics Education.”
Additionally, practical applications took center stage through sessions on “AI-Powered Scientific Visualization: Turning Complex Concepts into Clear Classroom Images” and “AI and Teachers’ Decision-Making: Defining the Boundaries of Appropriate Use.” The hands-on workshops, including “Scanimation Unplugged Coding” and “Language for AI: Prompt to be Prompt,” were expertly led by specialists from Korea, Japan, and Thailand.
The program successfully delivered on its promise to provide participants with valuable opportunities to acquire relevant knowledge, share experiences, and establish long-term professional networks that will continue fostering educational innovation across the region.
This groundbreaking collaboration between KKU and UNESCO UNITWIN has established a replicable model for international educational cooperation that promises to influence teacher training programs worldwide. As artificial intelligence continues reshaping every aspect of society, programs like this ensure that educators remain at the forefront of innovation, equipped to guide the next generation toward a digitally empowered future.
