Finland and Chula Exchange Visions for “The School of the Future” 

The Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with the Embassy of Finland in Thailand, organized a special lecture titled “The School of the Future and Its Success Factors” on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Poonsapaya Navawongs na Ayudhaya Auditorium, 3rd Floor, Phra Mingkwan Education Building, Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University. The event aimed to exchange perspectives on Finland’s education system and explore potential cooperation to advance the future of Thailand’s educational development. 

The welcome reception was led by Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, together with university executives, Associate Professor Dr. Yotsawee Saifah, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Associate Professor Dr. Witaya Wannasuphoprasit, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University. 

The program began with opening remarks by Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, followed by the keynote lecture “The School of the Future and Its Success Factors,” delivered by Mr. Anders Adlercreutz, Minister of Education of the Republic of Finland, a central figure in shaping and advancing Finland’s globally renowned education system—consistently recognized as one of the best in the world. 

The event also featured a panel discussion on “The Future of Schooling: Shared Pathways to Success” with the participation of Mr. Anders Adlercreutz, Minister of Education of Finland; Associate Professor Dr. Yotsawee Saifah, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University; and Dr. Siriphan Chumnum, President of the Bangkok Vocational Education Institute Council, Advisor on International Affairs to the Office of the Vocational Education Commission, and former Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of the Vocational Education Commission. The discussion focused on international insights regarding the future of schooling and pathways to educational success for students. 

Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, emphasized the timeliness and significance of the lecture topic. In an era of rapid technological change and diverse societal expectations, young people are entering an increasingly complex world. Finland’s experience offers invaluable lessons, providing opportunities to learn from a global leader in educational reform and future-oriented innovation. 

He further noted that the key concepts addressed in the lecture align with Chulalongkorn University’s vision and Thailand’s national education goals—particularly equity and learner well-being to ensure that every child has access to quality learning; professional advancement of teachers as the cornerstone of a strong and sustainable school system; media and digital literacy to equip learners with analytical skills and responsibility in the digital age; and sound education policy. These principles also reflect Chulalongkorn University’s commitment to fostering an open learning environment and highlight the long-standing friendship and cooperation in education between Finland and Thailand. 

Mr. Anders Adlercreutz discussed the evolution of Finnish school education, including current issues such as the impact of smartphone use on student learning. 

For the Faculty of Education, as a leading institution in teacher education, learning from Finland’s model provides valuable insights into how Thai classrooms differ and what aspects could be strengthened to maximize educational benefits. 

The Finnish Minister of Education emphasized the importance of human skills, particularly empathy—an essential value in Finland’s education philosophy. One of the key lessons from Finland’s educational model is that teachers are entrusted with high professional autonomy to manage their classrooms. With such empowerment, teachers can grow alongside their students and continuously challenge themselves to become even better educators. 

Assistant Professor Dr. Chanisa Tantixalerm, Associate Dean for International Affairs and Special Projects, Faculty of Education, shared the opinion that Finland is widely regarded as a country with a high-quality education system and highly competent human capital. 

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