SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

[17.3.16 / 16_Summary] Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) Annual SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) Progress Report for Data Year 2025.

The current President of the Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya Council is Professor Emeritus Dr. Piemsak Menasveta, who was appointed pursuant to an announcement from the Office of the Prime Minister dated March 23, 2025 (effective from March 20, 2025). Pursuant to Section 15 of the Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya Act, B.E. 2548 (2005), each university shall have a University Council, consisting of: (1) A President of the University Council, who shall be appointed by Royal Command. (2) Ex-officio members of the University Council, namely the President of the University and the Chairperson of the Faculty and Civil Servant Council.

News 1 - RUTS Strengthens Institutional Governance through the University Council The current President of the Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya Council is Professor Emeritus Dr. Piemsak Menasveta, who was appointed pursuant to an announcement from the Office of the Prime Minister dated March 23, 2025 (effective from March 20, 2025). Pursuant to Section 15 of the Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya Act, B.E. 2548 (2005), each university shall have a University Council, consisting of: (1) A President of the University Council, who shall be appointed by Royal Command. (2) Ex-officio members of the University Council, namely the President of the University and the Chairperson of the Faculty and Civil Servant Council.

From October 30 to November 1, 2025, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RMUTSV)—led by President Professor Dr. Suwat Thanyaros and the university’s executive team—participated in a policy seminar (retreat) held at Krabi Resort, Ao Nang, Krabi Province. The objective of this retreat was to provide a platform for the university’s leadership to exchange academic and policy-related perspectives, review and update university regulations to ensure they remain relevant and modern, and develop strategies for more efficient and agile organizational management. The program also included team-building activities and sessions to reflect on operational outcomes, aimed at fostering unity and collaboration among the leadership—ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of the university.

The Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) promotes student representation to manage operational benefits and student welfare at two levels: the University Student Organization Committee and the Faculty/College Student Club Committee. University Student Organization Committee This committee represents students at the university level and is responsible for efficient student management and organizing activities. Committee members are elected annually through a democratic process that includes candidate registration, voting by eligible students, and election result announcements. In the 2025 academic year, President of the Student Organization: Ms. Tasneem Jongrak as President of the Student Organization Faculty/College Student Club Committee

RUTS: Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya Due to the flooding situation that has occurred in the southern region. Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya: Recognizing the importance of and being concerned about the students affected, we have announced urgent measures to assist students who have been impacted by the floods. 1. In the event of the death of a guardian (father, mother, or guardian), tuition fees will be waived until the completion of the student's education. 2. In cases where the residence is damaged to the point of being uninhabitable, affecting livelihood, tuition fees for the second semester of the 2025/2025 academic year will be waived. 3. In cases where the residence sustains partial damage, tuition fees will be reduced by 50% for the second semester of the 2025 academic year. 4.

Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) has published No Gift Policy announcements for Fiscal Years 2025 on its official website. The policies express the university’s commitment to preventing corruption and misconduct and promoting integrity, transparency, accountability, and fair performance of official duties. The policies state that university administrators and personnel are to refrain from accepting gifts or rewards in connection with the performance of their duties, including before, during, and after carrying out those duties, as described in the announcements. The policies also seek to reduce conflicts between personal interests and the public interest. These publicly accessible policy announcements provide documentary evidence of RUTS’s stated commitment to corruption prevention and ethical institutional governance.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), through the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) office, organized the second "RU CONNEXT: Bridging Thai Research to Real-World Application (Southern Region)" event from August 31 to September 1, 2025. The delegation, led by TSRI Director Prof. Sompong Klaynongsruang and Deputy Director Prof. Wissanu Mee-yu—accompanied by other TSRI executives and representatives from Program Management Units (PMUs)—visited Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) to review research outcomes developed under the national Science, Research, and Innovation (SRI) plan. The visit included discussions on strategies to bridge research and innovation efforts toward practical application, in alignment with TSRI’s policy goals.

Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya has made available a financial audit report for Fiscal Year 2025 through its official finance website. The publicly accessible document is relevant to the university's financial transparency and may serve as supporting evidence for SDG 16.2.7, “Publish financial data,” under the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings Methodology 2027. The report should be reviewed to confirm the exact financial statements covered, the reporting entity, the audit period, and whether the information is sufficiently detailed to support analysis of the university's financial probity and viability. This news item records the availability of the report and does not make claims about audit opinions, financial performance, or specific financial results that have not been verified from the document.

On 23–24 April 2025, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RMUTSV), represented by the University Council President, qualified members of the University Council, university executives, and personnel from the Policy and Planning Division, participated in a strategic dialogue involving the nine Rajamangala Universities of Technology in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. On 24 April 2025, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation announced policy directions for advancing Thailand’s higher education system. A white paper outlining the strategic directions of the nine Rajamangala Universities of Technology was also presented to the Minister.

On 20 February 2025, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RMUTSV), through its Research and Development Institute, reported its collaboration with the Program Management Unit on Area-Based Development (PMU-A), Rajabhat University networks, Rajamangala University of Technology networks, government agencies, private-sector partners, and local administrative organizations to promote grassroots economic development through research, appropriate technology, and innovation. The initiative aims to facilitate the transfer and practical application of research findings, technological knowledge, and innovation to farmers, rural households, and local entrepreneurs. Key areas of focus include enhancing productivity, reducing production costs, creating livelihood opportunities, strengthening community enterprises, and promoting sustainable local economic development.

From 31 August to 1 September 2025, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), through Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), organized the “RU CONNEXT: Connecting Thai Research for Practical Use” activity in Southern Thailand. Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RMUTSV), led by its President and university executives, participated in the event and engaged in discussions with TSRI executives and research funding management units (PMUs). The activity included visits to research projects implemented under RMUTSV’s Science, Research and Innovation (SRI) plan, exchanges on high-potential research and innovation, and discussions on how research outputs could be translated into practical economic, social, regional, and policy benefits.

On 13 August 2025, Trang Campus of Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), in collaboration with the Trang Provincial Election Commission, organized the project “Developing Citizenship in a Democratic Regime with the King as Head of State” at RUTS Trang Campus, Trang Province. The project aimed to strengthen students’ knowledge, understanding, and awareness of participation in a democratic system and good citizenship. The project provided students with learning activities related to citizenship and democracy, with an emphasis on understanding democratic principles and the roles and responsibilities of citizens. The expected outcomes included increased knowledge, understanding, and awareness of democratic participation and good citizenship. However, the published news did not specify measured evaluation results or the number of participants.