Reinforcing Thailand’s presence on the global academic stage, Krirk University has reached a significant international milestone with its official recognition as a Permanent Member of the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), an organisation operating under the auspices of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The formal announcement took place on 8 October 2025, marking Krirk University as Thailand’s first university to attain this distinguished status.
On this occasion, Dr Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of ICESCO, paid an official visit to present the Certificate of Permanent Membership to the university. The delegation was warmly received by Professor Dr Krasae Chanawongse, President of Krirk University; Mr Wang Changming, Chairman of the University Council; and members of the executive team. Both parties engaged in discussions on advancing higher education within the Muslim world, promoting academic collaboration, and exploring potential joint projects for the future.
Professor Dr Krasae Chanawongse remarked, ‘Being recognised by FUIW marks a significant step for Krirk University in advancing towards internationalisation. It serves as a bridge for academic cooperation between Thailand and the Islamic world, expanding new opportunities for our students, researchers, and academic personnel at the global level.’
This achievement reflects Krirk University’s vision to deliver quality education while fostering international partnerships, positioning itself as a true centre of knowledge at the global level.
Professor Dr Jaran Maluleem, Vice President for International Affairs and Dean of the International Islamic College of Bangkok (IICB), Krirk University, emphasised that FUIW is a major international organisation headquartered in Rabat, Morocco. The federation’s mission is to promote cooperation among higher education institutions in the Muslim world to enhance the quality of education, science, and culture – particularly focusing on the development of higher education, scientific research, and the preservation of Islamic cultural heritage in alignment with global standards.
Dr Sarawut Laesan, Assistant to the Chairman for Strategy and Development, Assistant to the Vice President for International Affairs, and Vice Dean of the International Islamic College of Bangkok (IICB) for Administration and International Affairs, explained that this recognition is the result of continuous efforts since the establishment of the College in 2022. The IICB has actively built networks with higher education institutions in the Muslim world, beginning with its permanent membership in the Asian Islamic Universities Association (AIUA). The College has implemented academic exchange programmes, joint research projects, and professional development initiatives that have gained international recognition, ultimately leading to this prestigious honour – being named ‘Thailand’s First Permanent Member’ of the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW). This milestone represents a proud progression from the national to the regional, and now global, levels.
Dr Chanidapha Nunualvuttiwong, Director of the International Affairs Office at Krirk University, added that the university truly embodies internationalism. It hosts students from diverse countries across all continents, reflecting openness to cultural and religious diversity. Within the university, academic programmes are offered in multiple languages – including Thai, English, Chinese, and Arabic – to support this diversity and foster an international academic atmosphere.
This multicultural environment not only stands as one of the university’s key strengths but also reflects Krirk University’s vision to promote intercultural understanding, peaceful coexistence, and the development of students into capable, globally minded citizens who contribute meaningfully to the world community.
Looking ahead, Krirk University remains committed to expanding academic cooperation with universities and international organisations worldwide. The university continues to create pathways for education and research that meet global standards, in response to the evolving challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
As Thailand’s first permanent member of the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), Krirk University stands at the forefront of international collaboration in higher education. This milestone not only underscores the university’s dedication to global academic excellence but also reaffirms its mission to nurture intercultural understanding and foster future generations of globally competent leaders who contribute to knowledge, peace, and sustainable development worldwide.