Parallel Session 2: University-Industry Partnerships for Sustainability

Tuesday 21 October 2025
11:00 – 12:30
Thaksin University

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The ‘Glocalisation’: Functional Role of Higher Education from Local to Global

Sub-themes in focus: University-Industry Partnerships for Sustainability

What: Roundtable Discussion: Plenary Session

Overview: In these sessions we will explore the sub-themes for the Congress through a range of short presentations leading into round table discussions.

Each parallel session will have a Chair to facilitate the discussion and we hope the conversations might spark areas for future WTUN collaboration and workstream developments.

Chair: Associate Professor Dr. Nurul Hazrina Idris, Associate Professor/ Manager of External and Global Engagement, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Speakers:

• Professor Charlou A. Bautista, Special Assistant, Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs & Faculty, Department of Marketing, Mindanao State University
• Dr Supunnee Junpirom, Acting Deputy Director of Technopolis for Technology, Adaptation, Transfer and Development, Suranaree University of Technology
• Mr Paul McNama, Research, Development and Innovation Engineer, Atlantic Technological University
• Assistant Professor Dr Nugul Intrasungka, Director of Science and Social Innovation Park, Thaksin University

Joining Details: TBC

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Charlou A. Bautista

‘Collaborate for Change: Leveraging Social Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship for University-Industry Synergy in Sustainability’

As sustainability problems are becoming more complex, universities today must take an active part in co-creating solutions. The role of higher education institutions must not be limited to instruction, but also to collaborating with industries, communities, and governments to advance systemic change. This talk explores how we can leverage intrapreneurship and social entrepreneurship as strategic approaches to build multidisciplinary university-industry partnerships for more sustainable, circular, and inclusive impact.

Based on my personal experience as a faculty member and mentor to student-led businesses, such as NeoRanao, a circular fashion startup that emerged from our entrepreneurship program; I have seen how student innovators can grow into more than just startup founders but also as intrapreneurs, driving innovations within established institutions through the integration of sustainability and SDG principles into the curriculum. These two pathways – social  entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship – allow universities to nurture a new generation of changemakers who can drive innovation not just by starting their ventures, but also by making meaningful contributions from within existing organizations.

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Dr Suppunee Juniprom

‘The Role of Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) – The Federation of Thai Industries Nakhon Ratchasima (FTI-NR) Partnerships in Accelerating Korat’s Carbon Neutrality Pathway’

The initiative “Korat Carbon Neutrality” is a strategic partnership launched by Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) and The Federation of Thai Industries Nakhon Ratchasima (FTI-NR) to drive the city toward carbon neutrality. Recognizing the urgent global imperative for climate action and sustainable development, this joint endeavor aims to position Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) as a leading model for carbon neutrality within Thailand. The project will leverage SUT’s academic expertise, research capabilities, and technological innovation alongside FTI-NR’s industrial network, practical experience, and private sector engagement. The five pillars of carbon management—validation and verification unit, national and international collaboration, research and development, social awareness, and education—are the flagship strategies of our movement. Key objectives include comprehensive carbon footprint assessment across various sectors, development and implementation of targeted emission reduction strategies, promotion of renewable energy adoption, enhancement of carbon sequestration initiatives, and fostering public-private collaboration for a green economy. Since 2023, the annual “Korat Carbon Neutrality Expo” has served as a platform for showcasing initiatives, facilitating knowledge exchange, initiating consortia, and educating the public. This partnership seeks to drive tangible environmental benefits, stimulate green industrial growth, and enhance the quality of life for Korat’s citizens, contributing significantly to Thailand’s national carbon neutrality goals and setting a precedent for regional sustainable development.

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Mr Paul McNama

‘The Quadruple Helix in Action – TUs Driving Sustainability’

Atlantic Technological University is mentor to over 270 Sustainable Energy Communities in Ireland. These are genuine quadruple helix engagements in action, where local communities are supported by ATU in taking ownership of their own energy use and planning, on a long-term basis. The key to successful engagement is the relationship between local community organisations and ATU. This presentation will describe how these SECs came about, and how they operate in practice.

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Assistant Professor Dr. Nugul Intrasungkha

‘WTUN as Bridges for Local Intermediary Network for Sustainability and BCG Economy in Southern Thailand and Southeast Asia’

University-Industry Partnerships (UIPs) are increasingly recognized as a crucial mechanism for advancing sustainability. They involve collaboration between academic institutions and private sector companies to address complex environmental, social, and economic challenges. UIPs contribute to sustainability through a variety of mechanisms such as bridging the knowledge-to-action gap, driving green innovation, skill development and workforce readiness, knowledge and technology transfer, addressing societal challenges, promoting responsible business practices and leveraging resources.