AU representatives joined national educators at Thailand’s 55th CECT seminar.
Rev. Bro. Sirichai Fonseka, f.s.g., Ph.D., President of Assumption University, and Dr. Kitikorn Dowpiset, Vice President for Moral Development Education, represented Assumption University at the 55th Annual Seminar of the Catholic Education Council of Thailand (CECT), held from August 16 to 19, 2026, at The Greenery Resort, Khao Yai.
The annual gathering brought together senior administrators, teachers and education leaders from Catholic institutions across Thailand about 570 participants. This year’s seminar was hosted by the four Catholic dioceses of Thailand’s Northeastern, or Isan, region. Opening remark by Archbishop Peter Bryan Wells Apostolic Nuncio to Thailand.
Held under the theme, “Six Decades of Gravissimum Educationis: Challenges and Future Directions for Catholic Education in the Modern Global Context” the seminar marked 60 years since the Second Vatican Council’s 1965 declaration on Christian education.
Over four days, participants explored how Catholic schools can preserve their identity and mission while responding to a rapidly changing global and technological environment. Sessions focused on whole-person education, moral formation, family engagement, environmental responsibility, child protection and the responsible use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. A dedicated showcase segment framed the seminar’s priorities around an Environment–Social–Governance (ESG) structure, with school leaders presenting on each pillar:
- Environment (รักษ์โลก – “Love the Earth”): Sister Lampai Nueangplee, Director of St. Theresa School, presented on climate action and the school’s drive toward carbon neutrality — addressing global warming through waste reduction, energy efficiency, and a Carbon Zero learning-community model.
- Social (รักษ์คน – “Love People”): Sister Marie-Agnes Suwanna Buasap, Director of St. Paul Convent School, together with a representative from Talitha Kum Thailand, presented on child protection and combating human trafficking, reinforcing the seminar’s August 18 awareness activity on safeguarding children and youth.
- Governance (รักษ์ความถูกต้อง – “Uphold Integrity”): Dr. Phantitra Kosuwan, Director of Prem Prachawattana School, presented on ethical leadership and sound governance in the administration of Catholic schools.
An interactive child-protection awareness activity, “Joining Forces to Protect Children from Human Trafficking,” was held on August 18, encouraging participating institutions to strengthen understanding of trafficking risks affecting children and young people.
Assumption University’s participation reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to Thailand’s Catholic education community and to the founding educational mission of the Brothers of St. Gabriel. Through academic excellence, moral development and service, AU continues to prepare graduates to contribute responsibly and compassionately to society.
About Assumption University
Assumption University is a Catholic university founded by the Brothers of St. Gabriel. The University offers programmes across the arts, sciences, business and professional disciplines, combining academic excellence with moral formation, international understanding and service to society.
WRITER : KITIKORN DOWPISET
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