Category: 2025 Speaker

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chawin Chantharasenawong

Chawin Chantharasenawong is now currently holds a position of Vice President for Internationalization of King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thnoburi. He is an experienced researcher and academician with over a decade of experience in the field of engineering. He holds a PhD in Aeronautics from the Imperial College London and has since contributed in the field of wind energy, Formula Student racecar and, most recently, remote education technology.

Together with his co-researchers, his team has published over 20 research articles in leading engineering journals and presented his work at numerous international conferences. Chawin has held several administration positions, including Associate Dean for International Affairs at Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi. He is currently the Board of Trustees Chairman at Concordian International School and Deputy Manager for International Affairs for the Princess Maha Chakri Award Foundation. Chawin’s areas of expertise include nonlinear dynamical systems, multiphysics simulations, and optimization techniques.

Apart from his technical skills, Chawin is known for his excellent communication and leadership abilities. He has mentored several graduate students and, through his professional experience, networked with many high-level government organisations in the education sector.

Dr Chantharasenawong served as the WTUN Operational Board Chair 01 August 2025 – 31 July 2026

Dr Khwanchit Suwannoppharat

Dr. Khwanchit Suwannoppharat is the Assistant President for International Affairs, Thaksin University, Thailand. She has 16-year teaching experience in tertiary level. She finished her Ph.D. in English as an International Language (EIL) from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand in 2015 and Master of Education in TESOL from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in 2008. Her areas of expertise include curriculum design, English as a foreign language learning and teaching, Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), and language assessment and evaluation. Her current interests are on community-based learning and CLIL and social development for sustainable development.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Samak Kaewsuksaeng

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Samak Kaewsuksaeng is the Vice President for Research and Innovation at Thaksin University, Thailand, and currently serves as Acting Director of the university’s Research and Innovation Institute. He is an academic and researcher specializing in postharvest technology, with extensive experience in teaching, research, and university research administration.

His research expertise focuses on postharvest technology and plant science, particularly the physiology and quality of agricultural produce after harvesting. He has published numerous research papers in national and international academic publications. He has also expanded his international academic experience as a visiting scholar at Yamaguchi University, Japan, as well as at universities in Korea and the United States. In addition, he received professional training in postharvest physiology, pathology, and handling of fresh commodities in Israel.

In his current leadership role, Dr. Kaewsuksaeng plays an important part in strengthening Thaksin University’s research and innovation ecosystem. His work emphasizes connecting research, technology, and innovation with practical applications and sustainable development. He has also contributed to initiatives promoting social innovation, university-industry collaboration, entrepreneurship, startups, and area-based development.

Beyond the university, Dr. Kaewsuksaeng actively participates in national and international academic and innovation networks. Through his academic expertise and administrative leadership, he contributes to advancing Thaksin University’s mission of using research and innovation to create meaningful social, economic, and community impact.

Professor Dr. Michael Affenzeller (Chair)

Michael Affenzeller’s main research focus is on theoretical and practical aspects of evolutionary computation, genetic algorithms, and meta-heuristics in general. In 2001 he received his PhD in engineering sciences and in 2004 he received his habilitation in applied systems engineering, both from the Johannes Kepler University of Linz, Austria.

Michael Affenzeller is professor at the Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences, Campus Hagenberg, and head of the research group HEAL. From October 2014 to August 2022 he served as the head of studies for the Master degree program Software Engineering and as vice dean for R&D at the faculty of informatics, communications and media. Between 2019 and 2022 Michael Affenzeller acted as the scientific head of the Softwarepark Hagenberg. Since 2022 he took on the role of Provost of the Upper Austrian University of Applied Sciences.

Professor Affenzeller commenced his role as WTUN Chair beginning 1 August 2025 for a period of two years.

Dr. Mullika Sungsanit

Dr. Mullika Sungsanit is the Head of the Center of Excellence for Entrepreneurship. With extensive experience in entrepreneurship development and innovation management, Dr. Mullika has led key initiatives to support students and researchers. She founded the Student Entrepreneurship Development Academy (SEDA) to instill an entrepreneurial mindset through practical training and mentorship. Her work is dedicated to connecting academic research with community needs, fostering sustainable business models, and promoting economic growth with a positive social and environmental impact.

Holding a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, Dr. Mullika’s expertise is recognized internationally through her roles as the National Coordinator for ASEA-UNINET in Thailand and past operational chair for the World Technology Universities Network (WTUN). She has also served as a consultant for World Bank programs, focusing on capacity-building for women entrepreneurs. Dr. Mullika is a committed advocate for cross-regional collaboration and sustainable development, actively building partnerships with European institutions to advance shared goals in areas like the blue economy.