From AI Users to AI Creators: Chula Launches NEXUS AI Cohort 2

Chulalongkorn University, together with the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, and Degree Plus, officially launched the second cohort of the NEXUS AI (Network for Executive Xceleration & Unbounded Scale) program on May 5, 2026, at Sala Phra Kiao. 

Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation

The opening ceremony and keynote lecture were presided over by Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, who also delivered a special keynote address. He was joined by Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, along with university executives. A total of 68 senior executives from both the public and private sectors participated in the program. 

In his keynote speech, titled “Thailand’s AI Development Direction: The Role of Higher Education Institutions in Driving the Nation Together with the Public and Private Sectors Toward Thailand’s AI Sovereignty,” Prof. Dr. Yodchanan outlined the government’s policy direction to accelerate AI development nationwide. The strategy aims to enhance capabilities across sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, biotechnology, robotics, and advanced technologies such as Digital Twins. He emphasized a key national objective: transforming Thailand from a “user” into a “developer” of its own AI technologies. 

The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted AI’s role as a major mechanism for improving productivity in key economic sectors such as agriculture, SMEs, and services, while simultaneously creating new economic engines in high-value industries including the health economy and space economy. He also stressed the importance of developing data infrastructure and promoting AI literacy among the public to support sustainable future transformation. 

Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat stated that the university is committed to becoming “The University of AI” by focusing on developing both AI users and creators simultaneously. He emphasized strengthening collaboration among academia, government, and the private sector to enhance Thailand’s competitiveness in an era where AI has become a critical strategic factor. 

The second cohort of the NEXUS AI program builds upon the success of the first cohort. Its goal is to empower leaders to strategically apply AI within organizations and create impact at both industry and national levels. The program also features participation from global technology partners who contribute knowledge and practical experience. 

Assoc. Prof. Manoj Lohatepanont, Chairman of the program, welcomed participants and emphasized the program’s role in developing leaders capable of using AI as a practical tool to drive organizational transformation. 

Following the opening ceremony, participants attended the program’s first class, titled “Unlocking the AI Universe: From Basics to Breakthroughs,” taught by Assoc. Prof. Atiwong Suchato. The session provided foundational AI knowledge and perspectives on organizational applications. 

The event also featured AI innovation exhibition booths presented by Chulalongkorn University, government partners, and alumni networks. The Minister and executives toured the exhibits and observed demonstrations showcasing AI applications across various sectors. 

Chulalongkorn University presented technologies spanning language processing, healthcare, and automation systems, including the following:

Government partners also showcased projects: 

The NEXUS AI program serves as an important platform for cultivating Thailand’s next generation of AI leaders, helping shape the direction of AI adoption at both organizational and national levels while strengthening the country’s global competitiveness.