IST Strengthens University–Industry Collaboration with Stay Wellbeing & Lifestyle Resort to Expand CWIE and Real-World Learning Opportunities
Connecting academic learning with professional experience to prepare students for the tourism and hospitality industry.
The International School of Tourism (IST), Suratthani Rajabhat University, held discussions with Stay Wellbeing & Lifestyle Resort to explore collaborative approaches to student development, connecting university education with real-world industry experience through internships, CWIE, study visits, workshops, professional training and Industry Talks.
On 21 August 2026, the International School of Tourism (IST), Suratthani Rajabhat University, welcomed representatives from Stay Wellbeing & Lifestyle Resort for a collaborative meeting aimed at strengthening connections between higher education and the tourism and hospitality industry. The discussion focused on developing students' knowledge, professional competencies and practical experience in line with current industry expectations.
The IST delegation was led by Dr. Jeerati Poonead, Dean of the International School of Tourism, together with members of the management team and faculty members from the Tourism and Service Management Program. Representatives from Stay Wellbeing & Lifestyle Resort were led by Mr. Noppadon Paetapha, Associate Human Resource Director, together with members of the resort's Human Resources team.
The discussion provided an opportunity for both parties to exchange perspectives on competencies currently expected of graduates, as well as approaches through which the university and industry partners can jointly design learning experiences that combine academic foundations with authentic professional practice.
Key Areas of Potential Collaboration
The meeting represents another important step in strengthening University–Industry Collaboration. By connecting academic knowledge with professional practice, students can better understand workplace standards, employer expectations and the competencies required to succeed in the tourism and hospitality sector.
Both parties also exchanged preliminary ideas for future collaborative activities, with the intention of developing concrete initiatives and working toward a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the International School of Tourism and Stay Wellbeing & Lifestyle Resort.
IST remains committed to building strong partnerships with the tourism and hospitality industry to expand real-world learning opportunities, strengthen students' professional competencies and prepare future graduates to enter the workplace with confidence and professionalism.
SDG Report & Relevant Goals
This initiative contributes to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
| SDG Goal | Target Description | Connection to the Initiative |
|---|---|---|
|
Goal 4: Quality Education | The collaboration promotes education connected to professional practice and expands opportunities for students to develop knowledge, technical skills and workplace experience through CWIE, internships, workshops, professional training and Industry Talks. |
|
Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | The initiative strengthens students' competencies in response to labour-market and employer needs, enhancing career readiness and future employment opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industry. |
|
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals | The meeting strengthens partnership between the university and industry through the exchange of expertise, professional perspectives and workforce needs, while laying the foundation for joint activities and a future MOU. |
