ME KKU Students Explore Leading Industrial Sites: Inspiring the Next Generation of Professional Engineers
The Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University, organized an industrial field trip for 3rd-year students to Chonburi and Rayong provinces from November 18-21, 2025. This initiative aimed to provide students with first-hand experience and a deep understanding of mechanical engineering practices within Thailand's leading industrial sectors.
Participants and Leadership
The delegation consisted of 80 participants, including 3rd-year students, faculty members, and staff. The expedition was led by a team of expert faculty members:
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Jarupol Suriyawanakul
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natee Panagant
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sappinandana Akamphon
- Dr. Supachai Polnumtiang
- Dr. Kritsakon Pongraktham
- Supported by the department’s technical and administrative staff.
Core Mission: Bridging Theory to Practice and Igniting Inspiration
The project’s primary objective was to enable students to witness the application of Mechanical Engineering principles beyond the classroom. By observing complex manufacturing processes and advanced technologies, students gained "inspiration" to drive their academic growth and clarify their future career paths.
"Seeing real-world machinery in operation and engaging with expert engineers helps bridge the gap between textbook theories and industrial challenges. This experience truly ignites our students' passion for engineering," stated the program coordinators.
ME KKU remains committed to evolving its curriculum to meet the demands of the modern workforce and producing high-quality engineers to drive the nation forward.
Participating Industrial Partners
The field trip received gracious support from several industry leaders across various sectors:
Automotive & Parts Industry:
- Siam Michelin Co., Ltd. - Lean manufacturing systems and tire production technology.
- Kawasaki Motors Enterprise (Thailand) Co., Ltd. - Motorcycle assembly processes, quality control, and mechanical design.
- BMW Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd. - Premium vehicle production, robotics, and automation technology.
- Siam Kubota Corporation Co., Ltd. - Agricultural machinery manufacturing and applied materials science.
Electronics & Electrical Appliances:
- Mitsubishi Electric Consumer Products (Thailand) Co., Ltd. - Air conditioning production systems, thermodynamics, and energy management.
Food Processing & Automation:
- CPRAM Co., Ltd. - Automation in food production lines, temperature control, and industrial hygiene.
Aerospace Industry:
- Senior Aerospace (Thailand) Ltd. - High-precision aircraft components, quality control, and aviation industry standards.
Key Benefits for Students:
1) Practical Application: Students witnessed how mechanics, materials science, and engineering design are applied to solve real-world production challenges.
2) Career Readiness: Gained insights into the skills demanded by the current job market and future industrial trends.
3) Networking & Collaboration: Strengthened ties between the academic institution and the industrial sector, paving the way for future internships and employment opportunities.
