From 1 - 5 February 2026, a delegation from Mae Fah Luang University, led by Asst. Prof. Dr.Romyen Kosaikanont, Vice President, together with administrative officers from the Global Relations Division, participated in the World Education Expos 2026 and conducted university visits in Manila, the Philippines. The visit aimed to expand international student recruitment and strengthen strategic academic partnerships .
The delegation participated in the World Education Expos 2026, organised by MSW Global at Dusit Thani Hotel. The event provided a valuable platform for prospective Filipino students to explore international higher education opportunities. MFU also extended its outreach through site visits to Starland International School and St. Patrick School of Quezon City, where representatives engaged directly with the principals, teachers, and students. During these interactions, MFU showcased its wide range of study programmes, scholarship opportunities, and modern facilities, positioning the university as a premier destination for Filipino students seeking a global career pathway.
Beyond recruitment activities, the visit focused on strengthening collaboration with the Philippines’ leading higher education institutions. At the University of the Philippines Manila, MFU met with leadership from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the College of Public Health, led by Dr. Marissa M. Alejandria, Executive Director of the NIH. Discussions centred on formalising agreements for student exchange, joint research initiatives, and visiting scholar programmes in areas such as public health policy, epidemiology, and mycology.
At the University of the Philippines Diliman, the delegation met with Dr. Erik Paolo S. Capistrano, Dean of the Virata School of Business, and his team to explore opportunities for collaboration in short-term academic programmes, student exchange programmes, and visiting scholar programmes in areas such as business administration with an emphasis on entrepreneurship. Mae Fah Luang University also invited the University of the Philippines Diliman to participate in the MFU Research Expo and MFU Innovation Day, providing a platform to share research ideas and innovations.
At the University of Santo Tomas (UST), building on existing AIMS and Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) programmes, both institutions discussed expanding cooperation through 3+1 and double-degree programmes within the School of Agro-Industry.
At De La Salle University (DLSU), MFU met with Prof. Dr. (Anthony) Shun Fung Chiu, Vice President for External Relations and Internationalization, to discuss potential collaboration on interdisciplinary summer programmes and field research. Key areas of interest included Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) issues, climate change, ethnic community business, sustainable food systems, and MFU’s signature workshops in coffee and tea.
Aligned with MFU’s vision to become a leading university in ASEAN with international recognition, striving for well-being and a sustainable future, the University continues to advance cross-border education and its role as a regional wellness and medical hub. The visit to the Philippines provided valuable opportunities to enhance MFU’s international profile and reinforce its position as a top-tier academic destination. Through these strengthened partnerships, MFU remains dedicated to creating expanded opportunities for students and faculty to advance research excellence and broaden global academic perspectives.
