International College - Siam University

On Thursday, 14 May 2026, Siam University officially solidified its commitment to global social innovation and enterprise-led development by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Yunus Centre. The virtual signing ceremony formally establishes a strategic partnership centered around the Yunus Social Business Centre (YSBC) Siam.

The ceremony commenced with Welcome Remarks from Dr. Duminda Jayaranjan, Dean of the International College at Siam University.

Providing an overview of the newly formed YSBC partnership at, Prof. Faiz Shah (Executive Director of the Yunus Center AIT and President of Yunus Thailand) emphasized how the center will bridge academic excellence with real-world, scalable social innovation. Following this, Ms. Lamiya Morshed, Executive Director of the Yunus Center, delivered her remarks welcoming Siam University into a vibrant global academic network spanning five continents, noting the critical importance of embedding social business principles into higher education.

Siam University President Dr. Pornchai Mongkonvanit delivered his address, articulating the university’s vision of shifting focus toward sustainability and enterprise-driven social development. Dr. Pornchai highlighted that YSBC Siam will aggressively spearhead new initiatives, particularly focused on mainstream Business and IT programs. A core pillar of this initiative will be leveraging Information Systems and Technologies to uplift underserved populations and bridge the digital divide.

The highlight of the ceremony was an address by Nobel Laureate Prof. Muhammad Yunus, Chairman of the Yunus Center. Speaking to the leadership and faculty, Professor Yunus stressed that human beings are natural entrepreneurs rather than job seekers. He expressed his immense satisfaction in having Siam University join over 117 universities worldwide in actively pursuing the exact sequence of his "Three Zeros" vision: Zero Net Carbon Emissions, Zero Povert and Zero Unemployment.

At the event, Professor Muhammad Yunus drew a striking parallel between the bonsai tree, whose growth is deliberately constrained, and the untapped potential of young people and those living in poverty.

“We don’t want to make bonsai people,” he said.

“YSBCs exist to dismantle that limitation, fostering environments where people grow without boundaries. Imagination is the ingredient of the future.”

Following the remarks, the event reached its peak with the Official MoU Signing & Exchange between Prof. Yunus and Dr. Pornchai.

The ceremony concluded with Closing Remarks from Asst. Prof. Dr. Maruj Limpawattana, Vice President for International Affairs and Cooperative Education, who reiterated Siam University's readiness for deep, meaningful cooperation in Thailand and across the region. The milestone event successfully wrapped up with a virtual Group Photo Session featuring all global dignitaries.

Professor Emeritus, Dr. Chanita Rukspollmuang, Senior management, Deans, Directors, faculty members and students witnessed this event.

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