Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, Elected as the New Chairman of MCOT PLC 

Chulalongkorn University would like to extend its heartfelt congratulations to Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University and Chairman of the Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT), on his unanimous election by the Board of Directors of MCOT Public Company Limited at Meeting No. 10/2026 on May 7, 2026, to serve as the new Chairman of the Board of MCOT PLC. 

The appointment reflects strong confidence in his vision and expertise in modern AI-driven communication strategies, which are expected to play a crucial role in helping MCOT navigate changing consumer behavior and strengthen its competitiveness against foreign media platforms effectively. 

Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat is a distinguished scholar and executive who combines expertise in academia and international business management. He graduated from the Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy at Chulalongkorn University and from Thammasat University. He earned a master’s degree from Yale University and obtained his doctorate from the University of Oxford. He has also worked with leading global organizations including IBM, Procter & Gamble (P&G), and Hakuhodo. 

Currently, he holds several prominent international positions, including President of the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL) and President of the Asia-Europe Meeting Lifelong Learning Hub (ASEM LLL Hub), both internationally recognized organizations. He is also the founder of the “Chula XL” College of Extension and Lifelong Learning for the People, a new college at Chulalongkorn University that integrates multidisciplinary knowledge and connects it systematically to people of all ages in response to evolving societal and labor market needs. 

Given his broad experience spanning academia and practical communications business management, his appointment is viewed as a major turning point for MCOT in adapting to a new era—one that elevates the role of the national media organization into a “mechanism for creating learning opportunities” and “a genuine force for driving society forward.” 

Following his appointment, Professor Dr. Wilert announced urgent policy priorities focused on revitalizing the business, increasing revenue, and transforming Channel 9 MCOT HD and affiliated media platforms into a “Learning Station.” This initiative aims to integrate all platforms to enhance vocational skills and knowledge for Thai people of all generations while creating sustainable economic opportunities for the country.