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In today's society, leadership is paramount. We consistently emphasize that raising educational standards is key to cultivating exceptional leaders, empowering individuals in the workforce to fully realize their leadership potential.
Many challenges confront various sectors in Thailand today, and the lack of effective leadership is a root cause. The current education system often focuses on cultivating individual competitiveness while neglecting teamwork and the pursuit of the common good. Therefore, we need to transform our educational model to adapt to the rapidly evolving global landscape. The faster the world develops, the more critical the ability to adapt becomes.
Professor Dr. Krasae Chanawongse, President of Krirk University, Chairman of the Council of Panyapiwat Institute of Management, and Chairman of the Council of Nakhon Phanom University, believes that exceptional leaders should possess the following qualities: clear self-awareness, adaptability to diverse service environments, and a proactive drive to promote change within organizations, communities, and even on a global scale. They are empathetic, possess critical thinking and innovative abilities, and are excellent listeners, capable of fostering the common good through effective communication.
Dr. Krasae Chanawongse leads by example, continuously enhancing his own leadership. People often wonder why his words resonate so deeply, earning him the respect and love of students and the public. Even in his advanced years, and despite achieving remarkable success in various fields, he remains humble and eager to listen and learn. More admirably, he consistently creates opportunities for younger leaders to gain practical experience, helping them cultivate their leadership skills and contribute to the future well-being of Thai society.
Dr. Krasaeoften reminds us that leadership determines the ultimate outcomes of human actions, especially in collaborative endeavors.
Within the context of formal education and social organizations, we need to remember that an "organization" is not simply a group of two or more individuals working together to achieve a specific goal. From a broader perspective, the entire Thai society can be viewed as a large organization.
Undoubtedly, humanity has made significant strides in the pursuit of excellence over the past centuries. However, our education system still adheres to the models of the 19th century, focusing on the benefits brought about by technology, social, and political systems. Today, the world of the 21st century has undergone a radical transformation. The global society we inhabit no longer relies on past models, but is a completely new era.
"Reform" signifies enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of existing models, particularly in the field of education. We urgently need to rapidly reform our educational models to fully adapt to the demands of the information technology and digital age.
Achieving change through reform is essential for progress. We must draw beneficial experiences from socio-political and economic models, driving continuous human advancement, rather than allowing outdated models to hinder development.
For years, Dr. Krasaehas been concerned that the lack of a leadership culture serving the common good in Thai society has led to social imbalances, unequal access to development opportunities, and unfair distribution of benefits from the growth of the gross domestic product.
In 1973, Dr. Krasaereceived the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership. Since then, he has never ceased to dedicate himself to Thai society. This award fully recognizes his tireless efforts and contributions to social development, a recognition of social capital rather than material reward.
In 1975, Dr. Krasaerealized that education is essential for raising the level of individual development, helping to achieve sustainable improvements in quality of life. He recalled the poverty in his hometown of Phon County, Khon Kaen Province, where higher education resources were scarce. To change this situation, Dr. Krasaefounded Phon County Commercial Technology College, providing local students with the opportunity to receive vocational education at their doorstep, helping them realize their dreams of advancing from secondary vocational school to university. He firmly believes that "rural education is the future of Thailand."
To this day, Dr. Krasaeremains active in the field of education, committed to providing up-to-date and applied education. He leads by example, practicing the philosophy that "actions speak louder than words."
