The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Mahasarakham University, extends congratulations to Mrs. Mallika Sangsanit, an alumnus of the Bachelor’s degree in English, on receiving the Outstanding Alumni Award in the category of “Career and Professional Success” from Mahasarakham University for the year 2024. Mrs. Sangsanit currently holds the position of Vice President for External Relations, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at Suranaree University of Technology (from 2021 – present).
Educational Background
- Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities, Major in English, Faculty of Humanities, Srinakharinwirot University, Mahasarakham, Graduated in 1993.
- Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Fairleigh Dickinson University, USA, Graduated in 1996.
- Doctoral Degree in Human Resource Development, College of Education, University of Minnesota, USA, Graduated in 2002.
Professional Experience
- Vice President for External Relations, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
Suranaree University of Technology (2021 – Present)
Responsible for overseeing the university’s external relations at local, national, and international levels. The role includes managing international affairs, academic services, technology transfer, and innovation management. Additionally, it focuses on fostering entrepreneurship and enhancing the capabilities of students and staff for business and social innovation.
- Acting Director, TechnoThani
Suranaree University of Technology (2022 – Present)
Manages and supports the development of innovation and technology, driving projects to enhance the university’s innovation capabilities, innovation management, and intellectual property. Focuses on applying knowledge to academic services and social innovation, creating new businesses from research, and strengthening the industrial sector’s competitiveness through the university’s expertise. Additionally, serves as a model for one-stop services in academic services, technology transfer, innovation development, and revenue generation.
- Head of the Center of Excellence for Entrepreneurship
Suranaree University of Technology (2019 – Present)
Leads research, development, and dissemination of knowledge in entrepreneurship, focusing on supporting the growth of entrepreneurs in communities and academic institutions.
- Founder and First Head of the Student Entrepreneurship Development Academy (SEDA)
Suranaree University of Technology (2016 – 2021)
Developed and implemented programs to raise awareness, inspire, and cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets and skills. Focused on developing student entrepreneurs, academic entrepreneurship, and promoting a better understanding of entrepreneurship.
- Manager, Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO)
Suranaree University of Technology (2008 – 2013)
Founded and developed processes, policies, and management methods for intellectual property (IP) at the university. Worked on promoting the use and commercialization of intellectual property and provided consulting services for IP registration and management.
- Associate Professor, Department of Technology Management
Suranaree University of Technology (2002 – Present)
Teaches and conducts research in human resource development, performance management, strategic management, and entrepreneurship (Technopreneurship, Social Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship and Innovation) at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Additionally, instructs courses on innovation development (Design Thinking, Social Innovation, Business Models, etc.) and intellectual property management, as well as technology transfer and entrepreneurship (Intellectual Property Management, Technology Transfer, and Entrepreneurship) at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
- Consultant and Key Speaker in Entrepreneur Development Projects Supported by InfoDev – World Bank
Dr. Mallika has been involved in building business and innovation capacity for entrepreneurs in various regions through significant projects, including the Mekong Women Entrepreneurship Challenge (MWEC). This initiative focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs in the Mekong region by providing training and mentorship to entrepreneurs in Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, helping them build regional networks.
Dr. Mallika is also a key contributor to the Women Innovators Network in the Caribbean (WINC), which develops the potential of women entrepreneurs in the Caribbean through the Grow Your Business (GyB) Workshop, supported by the Canadian Government and the World Bank. The workshop helps entrepreneurs in the Caribbean learn innovation strategies and business management skills to scale their businesses.
Additionally, Dr. Mallika serves as a consultant for the Nepal Agri-Food Business Growth Program, aimed at enhancing sustainability for agri-food entrepreneurs in Nepal. The program focuses on improving business management and innovation within the agriculture sector to help these businesses compete at an international level.
Dr. Mallika also plays a key role in training managers and staff at business incubators through the Thai Business Incubator and Science Park Association (ThaiBISPA) and the Office of the Higher Education Commission (OHEC). These training programs aim to strengthen knowledge in innovation business management, support the development of entrepreneurs within business incubators, and manage incubators to foster the growth of innovation-driven businesses in Thailand.
Dr. Mallika Sangsanit has played a pivotal role in driving transformation at Suranaree University of Technology (SUT). As a leader in innovation, entrepreneurship, and regional development, her work spans local and international levels, significantly impacting SUT’s mission, students, and the wider community. Below are some of her remarkable contributions:
1. Leadership in Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development
Vice Rector for Administrative Affairs, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Mallika has positioned SUT as a hub for innovation in Northeast Thailand. Her strategic policies have fostered an environment conducive to technological and entrepreneurial growth. Key outcomes include:
- 34 startup teams and 21 spin-off companies, with spin-offs stemming from research-based ventures, enhancing the local economy.
- These initiatives have strengthened SUT’s role as an incubator for sustainable economic development.
2. Pioneering the Student Entrepreneurship Development Academy (SEDA)
Dr. Mallika founded SEDA to cultivate entrepreneurial and innovation skills among students. SEDA focuses not only on business skills but also on 21st-century competencies such as creative thinking and problem-solving.
- Participation in co-curricular activities grew from 3,522 students in 2021 to 8,989 students in 2024, with 2,396 students joining extracurricular activities, underscoring the growing demand for practical entrepreneurial education.
3. International Role
Dr. Mallika has made significant contributions on a global scale, including serving as a consultant for InfoDev-WorldBank and participating in international projects:
- Mekong Women Entrepreneurship Challenge (MWEC) supporting female entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia.
- Women Innovators Network in the Caribbean (WINC) enhancing women’s entrepreneurial skills in the Caribbean.
- Nepal Agri-Food Business Growth Program, focusing on innovation management in Nepal’s agricultural sector.
4. Role in Urban and Regional Development: Korat Medical and Health Innovation Zone
Dr. Mallika Sangsnit has played a pivotal role in the Korat Medical and Health Innovation Zone project, leading initiatives in coordination, network development, project proposal creation, and strategic planning. Her efforts aim to position Nakhon Ratchasima as a regional hub for advanced medical and healthcare innovation. The project focuses on attracting investment, research, and the development of cutting-edge medical technologies.
The continued progress of this initiative culminated in its presentation to the Cabinet during a mobile meeting on July 2, 2024, underscoring its significance and potential. This project is a testament to its crucial role in enhancing the economy and improving the quality of life for the people in Northeastern Thailand.
5 Building Strong Collaborative Networks
Dr. Mallika Sangsnit has established robust partnerships with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sectors, and international organizations, to drive innovation and foster economic growth. These collaborations have significantly enhanced the university’s capacity to attract external investment.
In 2024, Suranaree University of Technology successfully secured a total of 59,116,353 baht in external funding to support entrepreneurship and student development initiatives. This funding has been instrumental in promoting innovation and fostering creativity within the university and the local community. Additionally, it has helped attract both domestic and international investors to participate in joint ventures under SUT Holding Company, further amplifying the university’s impact on regional and national economic development.
6 Disseminating Knowledge and Inspiring Others
Beyond her role at the university, Dr. Mallika Sangsnit has played a pivotal role in spreading knowledge on innovation and entrepreneurship. She has published research articles in international academic journals and conducted training programs for universities both domestically and abroad.
Dr. Mallika is also the organizer and key speaker for the Thailand Entrepreneurship Education Network (TEEN) Forum, hosted by the Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship. This forum aims to share expertise in entrepreneurship and innovation with faculty members, educators, and practitioners involved in student development across universities nationwide.
The initiative enhances the understanding of entrepreneurship development among university staff, enabling them to effectively impart this knowledge to students. By doing so, the program inspires young people to adopt a mindset that embraces challenges and seeks new opportunities, contributing to the nation’s progress and innovation-driven future.
With her significant roles in policy administration, innovation development within the university, fostering entrepreneurship, building collaborative networks, and disseminating knowledge, Dr. Mallika Sangsnit has become a driving force for development both locally and globally. Her contributions have created a lasting positive impact on the university, the community, and the nation, fostering sustainable progress and growth.