Podcast/Video Interviews by Stephen Ibaraki

A Chat with Dr. Julaluk Watthananon: Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT), Thailand; Program Chairperson of the International Bachelor of Science in Information Science for Digital Innovation; Her research and project leadership focus on the application of AI, IoT, electronics, and software engineering to real-world challenges

This week, Stephen Ibaraki has an exclusive interview with Dr. Julaluk Watthananon.

Name: Assistant Professor Dr. Julaluk Wattananon

Current Roles:

• Assistant Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology
• Chairperson, International Program in Information Science for Digital Innovation

Instiution:
Faculty of Science and Technology
Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT), Thailand /p>

Academic Background & Expertise

Assistant Professor Dr. Julaluk Watthananon is an Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT), Thailand, and serves as the Program Chairperson of the International Bachelor of Science in Information Science for Digital Innovation. Her leadership responsibilities encompass academic administration, curriculum innovation, and international engagement in the fields of Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Innovation.

Dr. Julaluk has extensive experience in the design and implementation of interdisciplinary, practice-oriented, and industry-aligned curricula, integrating computing, data, and emerging technologies to meet the evolving needs of the digital economy. Her educational approach emphasizes problem-based learning, experiential education, and real-world application, with the goal of preparing students to become globally competent digital professionals.

Her research and project leadership focus on the application of AI, IoT, electronics, and software engineering to real-world challenges, including AI-driven production planning, embedded and smart systems, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable technology solutions. She actively promotes industry-academia collaboration and community-based innovation as mechanisms for creating measurable societal impact.

In addition to her university roles, Dr. Julaluk has contributed as a member of collaborative working groups under the Information Technology Foundation under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, as well as in cooperation with Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA). Through these engagements, she has supported initiatives aimed at developing skills in electronics, computer programming, and computational thinking, particularly for youth, students, and educators, with a focus on long-term national capacity building.

Dr. Julaluk is also actively involved in international academic collaboration and cross-border education initiatives, contributing to joint programs, student mobility, and innovation-driven learning activities. These efforts aim to strengthen STEM leadership, digital competencies, and global perspectives among students and early-career professionals.

Furthermore, she contributes to national and international initiatives in cybersecurity awareness and capacity building, aligning academic practices with global frameworks such as the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI). She is a strong advocate of teaching excellence and professional standards frameworks, including the Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi Professional Standards Framework (RMUTT-PSF) and the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF), and regularly mentors faculty members in competency-based education, curriculum quality assurance, and academic leadership.

As an educator, researcher, and academic leader, Dr. Julaluk Watthananon is committed to empowering the next generation of ethical, innovative, and socially responsible digital leaders. She believes in integrating academic rigor, strategic vision, and hands-on experience to drive sustainable and meaningful transformation in education, technology, and society.

Leadership and Management Experience

• Serve as Assistant Dean, responsible for academic development, international collaboration, and strategic initiatives within the Faculty of Science and Technology.
• Act as Program Chair for an international undergraduate program, overseeing curriculum design, quality assurance, and international standards alignment.
• Lead and coordinate multi-stakeholder projects involving universities, industry partners, and government agencies, both domestically and internationally.

International Collaboration & Global Engagement

• Actively involved in Thai-Chinese academic collaboration, including student exchange programs, joint curriculum development, and international summer camps.
• Organize and manage international workshops, conferences, and exchange programs focusing on Digital Innovation, STEM Leadership, AI, and emerging technologies.
• Experienced in working with multicultural teams, international faculty members, and global academic networks.

Research, Innovation, and Impact

• Conduct and supervise research in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, IoT, Data Science, Digital Innovation, and applied technologies for industry and society.
• Promote project-based learning, invention projects, and real-world problem solving among students.
• Strong interest in translating research and innovation into practical applications, particularly in education, industry collaboration, and community development.

Educational Philosophy & Teaching Approach

• Strong advocate of student-centered learning, STEM/STEAM education, and experiential learning.
• Emphasize the integration of technology, management, and innovation thinking in higher education.
• Focus on developing students' technical competence, leadership skills, and global mindset.