On 16 – 17 January 2025, a delegation from Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Matchima Naradisorn, President, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Romyen Kosaikanont, Advisor to the President, along with Deans of the School of Medicine, School of Dentistry, School of Integrative Medicine, School of Management, and School of Sinology, visited China to further enhance international collaborations with leading institutions, including Kunming Medical University (KMU), Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (YUTCM), Yunnan University (YU), and Yunnan University of Finance and Economics (YUFE). This visit marks a significant milestone in MFU’s ongoing efforts to expand global academic and research partnerships.
The MFU delegation had the honour of a courtesy call on Dr. Yin Xiangyang, Secretary of the Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chairman of KMU. MFU and KMU share a long and strong relationship through the South and Southeast Asia Medical Education and Service Alliance (SSAMESA), focusing on enhancing medical education and service delivery across the region. Asst. Prof. Dr. Matchima Naradisorn reaffirmed MFU’s commitment to further advancing this collaboration. Both universities agreed to intensify efforts to mobilize faculty and students for exchanges and to initiate joint research projects. These efforts will not only deepen academic cooperation but also contribute to the advancement of medical and dental education and services at both institutions.
Additionally, the Deans of MFU's School of Medicine and School of Dentistry visited KMU’s affiliated hospitals and the School of Stomatology, where they observed the cutting-edge innovations in patient care and medical training. The exchange of ideas on patient care and innovative treatment systems was insightful, with both sides agreeing to expand exchanges of expert staff and students to foster a deeper understanding and collaboration in regional healthcare practices.
The delegation also visited YUTCM, where they were welcomed by Prof. Yu Jie, Vice President, to discuss ongoing collaborations. MFU and YUTCM reaffirmed their commitment to continued staff and student exchanges, joint training in traditional medicine, and the organisation of joint activities to mark the 65th anniversary of YUTCM’s establishment. MFU aims to further expand research in Thai and Dai traditional medicine between the School of Integrative Medicine and YUTCM’s Faculty of Chinese Materia Medica, fostering innovation in these fields.
At Yunnan University (YU), the delegation was welcomed by Prof. Ma Wenhui, President, along with university executives, scholars, and experts in herbal medicine research. They participated in discussions and exchanges on cooperation in herbal plant research under the Lancang-Mekong cooperation framework and the science and innovation cooperation project with Southeast Asia. After the meeting, the delegation visited YU's history museum and the Institute of Dai Medicine, which houses over 40,000 types of medicinal herbs for research purposes. YU’s commitment to excellence in scientific research and its pivotal role in advancing knowledge in these critical areas were further highlighted during the visit.
Additionally, the MFU delegation paid a courtesy visit to Ms. Bhavivarn Noraphallop, the Consul-General of Thailand to Kunming, at the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Kunming. The Consul-General provided valuable insights into the region's activities, particularly in the medical sector. Under the guidance of the Consul-General, and leveraging Chiang Rai’s strategic position, MFU is committed to strengthening bilateral relations and further enhancing contributions to the region through academic and service-oriented initiatives.
The delegates also met with Mr. Yan Ming, Vice President of YUFE, to discuss future collaborations in business education and research. MFU and YUFE have a long-standing relationship, with regular visits and student exchanges, particularly through the School of Sinology. Both institutions are eager to expand cooperation and deepen ties in the areas of business and academic exchange.
This visit underscores MFU’s dedication to expanding global partnerships, particularly in medical education, research, and innovation, while further reinforcing its role as a leader in academic excellence and its dedication to contributing to the global medical and educational communities.
