In today’s rapidly changing and borderless world, educational systems can no longer remain confined within the classroom or be limited to a single country. They must connect with other countries without limits, and importantly, must genuinely meet the demands of 21st-century education. The Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy at Khon Kaen University, also known as KKBS, is one of the institutions that has been firmly committed to the continuous development of education for over 33 years. This institution focuses on producing graduates ready to face the changes in the business world. Driven by all sectors involved with the faculty, today, I invite you to join a discussion with Assistant Professor Pongsutti Phuensane, Ph.D., the current Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy, as they delve into KKBS’s significant advancements towards AACSB international standards.
(Assistant Professor Pongsutti Phuensane, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy)
The Beginning of the Transition to AACSB Standards
To elevate business administration and accountancy education to compete at an international level, Assistant Professor Pongsutti Phuensane, Ph.D. explained that it all began under the former leadership led by Associate Professor Dr. Pensri Charoenwanich, the former Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy, who currently serves as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation at Khon Kaen University. The journey towards international standards began in 2018 when the faculty became a member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), an organization recognized internationally for accrediting business and accounting education. Joining AACSB is a significant step for the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy at Khon Kaen University to raise its educational quality to international standards and enhance its potential to become a leader in business and accounting in the Asia-Pacific region. The faculty is committed to developing curricula, personnel, and students to be equipped for competition in both the digital and global economies, both present and future.
(Associate Professor Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D., former Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy, welcoming AACSB Mentor Dean Ross James from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand)
AACSB: More than a Quality Mark, a Gateway to Educational Elevation
Joining the AACSB accreditation process is not just about receiving a quality certification mark, but about genuinely raising the faculty’s educational system to global standards. For this reason, Assistant Professor Pongsutti Phuensane, Ph.D. continued, the faculty must revise its curriculum to clearly and concretely align with Learning Outcomes, ensuring that students possess the knowledge, skills, and competencies that meet the demands of the new business era. Moreover, AACSB provides a tool for opening up a range of valuable new opportunities, including creating collaborative networks with leading educational institutions worldwide, sharing knowledge, sending students for internships with global businesses, and even developing joint research projects with the industry. All of these efforts enhance the capability of students, faculty, and staff to keep pace with the rapidly changing worldand gain international recognition.
(KKBS participating in AACSB’s 2024 Asia Pacific Annual Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
Regarding the quality of its curriculum, Assistant Professor Pongsutti Phuensane, Ph.D. explained that AACSB has set standards encouraging the faculty to continuously develop the potential of its instructors in terms of professional expertise, quality research, and applying Experiential Learning in the teaching process. This includes using case studies, simulated business projects, inviting business experts to share experiences, and organizing activities that allow students to learn from real-life situations. These initiatives prepare graduates genuinely ready for the business world.
(KKBS welcoming AACSB Mentor Prof. Kwei Tang from National Chengchi University, Taiwan)
Significant Step Towards Educational Standard Assessment Furthermore, Assistant Professor Pongsutti Phuensane, Ph.D. emphasizes that this international standard, AACSB, is not merely an affirmation of the faculty’s academic excellence, but also enhances the faculty’s reputation, credibility, attracting both Thai and international students, and instills pride as an institution ready to compete on the global stage. This aligns with the faculty’s vision of becoming a “Premier Business School Focused on Industrial Integration for Sustainable Economic Development”—a goal the faculty remains committed to and a crucial mechanism for driving the nation’s economy. From June 22-25, 2025, the faculty will undergo an assessment process by the AACSB committee, a challenging process. Still, with concerted effort and a shared goal, KKBS continues to advance educational standards that not only elevate graduate quality but impact the future of students, businesses, and Thai society, enabling them to enter the international arena confidently and sustainably.
(AACSB Accreditation Process)
However, moving towards AACSB standards at the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy, Khon Kaen University, is not just a mission of the faculty alone. It is a collective effort from all sectors, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and related collaborative networks. This advancement marks another significant step that demonstrates the faculty’s commitment to creating international standards, producing globally recognized graduates, and serving as an essential force in truly developing the country’s economy and society.
Article by: Banpot Pilapan.
