Chula Launches “Chula XL” to Drive Lifelong Learning for the People 

Chulalongkorn University has announced the establishment of the College of Extension and Lifelong Learning for the People, Chulalongkorn University (Chula XL). It will integrate knowledge across disciplines and connect it to people of all ages, responding to societal changes and the 21^st-century labor market, while affirming Chulalongkorn University’s role as a ‘university for the people.’ 

The launch press conference for Chula XL was held on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on the 9th floor of the SIAMSCAPE Building. Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, presided over the event and delivered a special keynote address titled “The Role of Lifelong Learning at the Global Level, in My Capacity as Chair of the ASEM Lifelong Learning Hub, 2025–2030.” 

This was followed by remarks from Associate Professor Dr. Thiti Bovornratanaraks, Dean of the Graduate School, on the development of Chulalongkorn University’s lifelong learning ecosystem, and a report by Professor Dr. Polkit Sangvanich, Chair of the Committee for the Establishment of the College of Extension and Lifelong Learning for the People of Chulalongkorn University (Chula XL), on the objectives and establishment of the college. 

The event also featured a panel discussion entitled “Synergy for Lifelong Learning: Driving Future Skills for a Sustainable Thai Society,” with university executives and faculty members from various faculties of Chulalongkorn University. In addition, parallel sessions titled “Learning Platform powered by Chula” showcased lifelong learning platforms such as CUVIP, Chula MOOC, CBS Academy, PIES, and MDCU MedUMORE. 

Chula XL’s mission is to manage and develop lifelong learning in flexible and accessible formats that align with the social context through non-degree programs, micro-credentials, training courses, as well as upskilling and reskilling linked to the Credit Bank System. It also promotes cross-sectors collaboration to build an internationally recognized interdisciplinary lifelong learning ecosystem. 

The launch of Chula XL marks a significant step for Chulalongkorn University in driving Thailand toward a lifelong learning society for human development, national development, and future sustainability. 

Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, stated that Chula XL reflects a major transition of the university toward becoming a learning platform for society. Education should move beyond university walls and formal degrees to be open, accessible, and relevant to real life and professional careers. Knowledge empowers people of all ages to sustain work and quality of life. This underscores Chulalongkorn University’s leadership in lifelong learning by uniting all faculties to create an open academic hub that serves all Thais—from students to working professionals across the public and private sectors—ensuring fair access to both academic and practical knowledge. 

Chula XL has received cooperation from key national sectors, including the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Labor, Thai Airways International, Thailand Post, the private sector, and various organizational networks. This reflects the power of integration in enhancing Thai education to better respond to the real economy, society, and people’s lifestyles—where learning can take place at workloads, during travel, or in public spaces. Chula XL represents a new milestone in Thai education by extending learning opportunities to anytime and anywhere. “XL” symbolizes the scale of Chulalongkorn University’s role in empowering knowledge across the nation, transforming learning and contributing to a sustainable future for Thai society.  

Associate Professor Dr. Thiti Bovornratanaraks, Dean of the Graduate School, revealed that Chulalongkorn University has an important mission to promote lifelong learning to strengthen the capacity of individuals and society to adapt and develop sustainably amid global change. The university aims to expand access to learning opportunities for people of all ages through diverse, flexible learning formats that respond to societal needs. Since 2022, the university has assigned the Graduate School to manage the lifelong learning system, including the Credit Bank and Credit Transfer systems, to promotes continuous learning across multiple formats. This has led to the development of the “Chula Lifelong Learning Ecosystem,” which enables learners to flexibly develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for life and work. The system has grown through collaboration among faculties and units within the university, as well as partners both domestically and internationally, and has now evolved into the establishment of the College of Extension and Lifelong Learning for the People, serving as a central hub for integrating knowledge from diverse disciplines to meet the needs of modern learners. The Chula XL project not only expands educational opportunities but also serves as a key mechanism for developing the nation’s human resources with lifelong learning competencies, enabling them to build upon knowledge, create value for themselves, and adapt effectively to the future, in line with Chulalongkorn University’s “Impactful Growth” strategy, which aims for holistic growth and sustainable positive social impact. 

Professor Dr. Polkit Sangvanich, Chair of the Chula XL Establishment Committee, stated that Chulalongkorn University established the College of Extension and Lifelong Learning for the People (Chula XL) with the key goal of expanding its role from being a leading university to becoming a university for the people that supports lifelong learning for Thais throughout their lives. In a rapidly changing world where knowledge and skills must be continuously developed, Chula XL will serve as a central unit integrating lifelong learning from all faculties and units of Chulalongkorn University into a coherent system. It is not merely about providing general training programs but about acting as the main mechanism for developing the university’s lifelong learning ecosystem. The college will also link the credit bank system, learning management systems, and microcredential systems to enable people to accumulate, build upon, and develop skills flexibly throughout their lives, while working closely with the public sector, private sector, and industry to ensure that learning is truly aligned with work and national development. 

To celebrate the launch of Chula XL – the Lifelong Learning College of Extension and Lifelong Learning for the People (Chula XL), Chulalongkorn University is delighted to share happiness with everyone through free online courses. 

Learn anytime, anywhere, and continue your lifelong learning journey with Chula. 
Explore the free courses here: https://www.chula.ac.th/news/278167/  

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