On 28 July 2025, Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) officially kicked off the annual orientation event, “How to Live and Learn on Campus 2025 (HLLC 2025).” The event was designed to prepare over 4,000 first-year Thai and international students for university life. The freshers gathered at the Indoor Stadium, for the opening ceremony.
The ceremony featured a welcoming speech from Prof. Dr. Vanchai Sirichana, Chairman of the University Council and Founding President of Mae Fah Luang University. He reaffirmed MFU’s commitment to being one of the leading universities in Thailand, and above all, “a university of opportunity.” He emphasised that no student would be forced to leave due to financial hardship and encouraged students to develop the MFU graduate character through both academic learning and extracurricular engagement.
The opening was followed by the “Meet the President” session, Asst. Prof. Dr. Matchima Naradisorn, MFU President, addressed the challenges and opportunities of transitioning into university life. She highlighted the importance of adjusting to new academic expectations, building social connections, and learning in an English-medium environment. The President also encouraged students to embrace the university’s Chinese language programme, prepare for the Exit Exam, and strive to become smart, good, happy individuals who are ready to be global citizens. A Q&A session allowed new students to ask questions and engage in open dialogue with the university leadership.
One of the key activities, “'Following the Footsteps of the Royal Aspiration',” introduced students to MFU’s origin as a tribute to Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, whose legacy continues to inspire the university’s values. Students also learned about the symbolic “Lamduan Flower”, with each freshman cohort referred to as a “Bunch of Lamduan.” This year marks the 27th Bunch of Lamduan, celebrating the university’s 27th anniversary. To commemorate the occasion sustainably, discarded plastic bottle caps were transformed into colorful keychains featuring the letters “MFU 27” and yellow Lamduan flowers—unique keepsakes for this year’s freshmen.
Held from 28 July to 2 August 2025—before the semester officially started on 4 August—the HLLC programme consisted of two main themes:
• How to Live: this theme helped students navigate their new environment and social life at MFU through inspiring talks and engaging activities with special guest speakers.
• How to Learn: this theme consisted of faculty-based orientation sessions for undergraduate students across MFU’s 14 Schools, where they met deans, professors, alumni, and senior students to gain academic guidance and future career insights.
The event also featured various inspirational sessions:
1. Grow Up, Glow Up with Mr. Pipat Apiraktanakorn (Top) focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility through the ECOLIFE in U platform, MFU’s carbon neutrality efforts, and promoting equality and inclusion.
2. LIFE AS A TEEN with Ms. Kanticha Chumma (Ticha), a popular actress, model, and host of a Sex Education programme, who shared insights on self-respect, healthy relationships, safe sex, and self-love.
3. The Inspiration with Mr. Siranudh Scott (Psi), a renowned ocean conservationist and founder of Sea You Strong, who is known for his solo 30 km sea swim. He shared his experiences of overcoming failure, initiating environmental campaigns, and using his voice to challenge irresponsible tourism and promote social awareness.
4. 404: Gender Bias Not Found with Niti Chaichitathorn (Pompam) and Thongchai Thongkanthom (Pingpong), who engaged with MFU freshmen through light-hearted yet thought-provoking conversations. They shared insights on building friendships, navigating academic life, adjusting to new environments, and thriving at university, while encouraging openness, inclusivity, and resilience.
In addition, the university arranged a wide range of highlight activities:
• Planting Forests, Growing People: A traditional activity where freshmen participated in two initiatives:
- Planting five native Northern Thai orchid species (currently endangered) around campus buildings and dormitories.
- Planting Robusta coffee trees at the MFU Sakura Garden as a pilot project to promote economic crops in Chiang Rai, the university's home province.
• Traditional Lanna Bai Sri Su Kwan Ceremony & Khantoke Dinner: A cultural immersion into Northern Thai traditions, blessing rituals, and local cuisine. Students enjoyed traditional music, dance, and a warm welcome that celebrated cultural diversity and community spirit.
• MFU Freshers Night 2025: A grand finale featuring a talent competition, live performances by the MFU Band, and a special concert by popular guest band Musketeers, known for their chart-topping hits.
The HLLC 2025 programme aimed not only to equip students with practical skills and knowledge for university life but also to cultivate a strong sense of purpose, confidence, happiness, and global responsibility as they begin their journey at MFU.
