On 24 September 2023, MFU organised the international symposium under a theme “Advancing the Global Health Agenda: Transformation of Higher Education towards Regional Well-being” on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Mae Fah Luang University at Pradoo Daeng 1, E4 Building.
The symposium brought together over 200 higher education institution leaders; health-promotion-related governmental and private organisations; policy makers, diplomats, MFU students, alumni, and lecturers; and those interested in sustainable development from many countries to learn and discuss the challenges of regional well-being issues amidst multiple disruptions.
In the opening ceremony, Asst. Prof. Dr. Matchima Naradisorn, President of Mae Fah Luang University stated that MFU has recognised the importance of health system transformation to ensure good health and well-being and has commitment to promote sustainable regional development. Therefore, Mae Fah Luang University, on the occasion of its 25th anniversary celebration, organised this International Symposium to provide a chance for stakeholders to exchange their perspectives on the regional and global health and explore how educational institutions cope with global disruptions.
There was a keynote speech on “Possibility of Accessible and Affordable Healthcare for Sustainable Regional Development” presented by Prof. Dr. Krisana Kraisintu, Pharmaceutical chemist and President of Krisana Kraisintu Foundation, who was 2009 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee and 2023 Medical Scientist Awardee. Dr. Kraisintu shared her views and aspirations for her works on domestic production which leads to greater access to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in Thailand as well as antiretroviral and antimalarial drugs in African countries. Throughout 22 years of her works, Dr. Kraisintu has put efforts in promoting a long-term solution in implementing successful ARV programme by helping community in 17 African countries setup the local manufacturing facilities for antiretroviral and antimalarial drugs in order to ensure that local people can access HIV/AIDS-related drugs.
Moreover, the Plenary Session on “The Roles of Higher Education on Regional Health and Well-being” invited distinguished speakers namely:
1. H.E. Mr. Khamphan Anlavan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, the Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in the Kingdom of Thailand;
2. Lt. Sorawud Preededilok, Minister attached to Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), Thailand;
3. Asst. Prof. Dr. Matchima Naradisornm, President of Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand;
4. Dr. Vipat Kuruchittham, Executive Director of Southeast Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN);
5. Prof. Richard T. Maziarz, M.D., Professor of Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, United States of America; and
6. Asst. Prof. Dr. Teeranee Techasrivichien, National Professional Officer (Public Health), WHO Thailand and a moderator, Dr.Nichan Singhaputargun, Director of Asian Research Center for International Development, the School of Social Innovation to discuss challenges of regional health and well-being issues that take place at the national, regional, and global levels resulting in various insecurities bringing uncertainty and unsustainability in advancing, promoting, and handling health and well-being in GMS and SEA.
Furthermore, all speakers shared their roles on how to advance regional health and well-being with their perspectives, experiences, and best practices for GMS and SEA. They also proposed approaches for international collaboration between higher education institutions and other sectors in promoting good health and well-being by promoting the research on solving regional problems; strengthening the university network to be a think-tank for policy makers and private sector; emphasizing on key components in establishing partnership (secretariat, governance and operating structure, sustainable investment/fund, mutual goals/respects); creating a sense of ownership of communities and enhancing collaboration with all countries and regions to contribute to the realization of public health and global health services.
