From 4 – 13 August 2025, the School of Agro-Industry organised the “International Short Course Program 2025: Sustainable Food Systems & Cultural Discovery Programme”. The programme brought together 21 participants from three Japanese universities: Chiba University, University of Tsukuba, and Kagoshima University. The students participated in a wide range of activities focused on sustainable food systems, post-harvest technology, and the development of herbal products, along with intensive cultural exchange activities over 14 days (4 days of online activities and 10 days of practical, on-campus activities at MFU).
The programme officially began on 4 August 2025, with an opening ceremony led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Sutthiwal Setha, Dean of the School of Agro-Industry, who delivered a welcoming speech. Faculty members involved in the programme then provided an overview of the 10-day itinerary and led the students on a tour of key university landmarks. Participants also took part in a Herbal and Healthcare Product Workshop organised by the School of Integrative Medicine and the Medicinal Plant Innovation Center of Mae Fah Luang University.
On the final day, participants presented their work at the closing ceremony. Divided into groups, they showcased what they had learned from the programme's activities, including sustainable food systems, post-harvest technology, and herbal product development. They also shared their personal reflection from the intensive 10-day cultural exchange held in Chiang Rai and Phayao provinces.
Throughout the programme, Thai and international students actively exchanged knowledge, experiences, and cultures in classrooms, laboratories, and through local activities both on and off campus. This platform not only provided an opportunity for participants to build a strong network, but also gave MFU students valuable international exposure, fostering a truly global learning atmosphere.
This programme is part of the fifth strategic plan for Mae Fah Luang University's development (2022–2026), revised in 2024. In line with the university's strategic direction, the School of Agro-Industry has been developing international short course programmes since fiscal year 2013, with more than six sessions conducted to date. These programmes have consistently received excellent feedback. Although activities were paused during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021), cooperation with partner universities in Japan, Korea, Indonesia, and Malaysia has remained strong.
In 2025, the programme was redesigned and renamed from the "International Agro-Industry Short Course Programme" to the "International Short Course Programme," with the new activity name, "Sustainable Food Systems & Cultural Discovery Programme." This change aimed to broaden its appeal and attract participants from various disciplines. The new format includes expanded arts and cultural activities, aligning with the recommendations of partner universities in Japan and China. It was also adapted to fit the academic calendars and preferences of international students, featuring an initial three days of online learning, followed by 10 days of fieldwork at MFU, and concluding a final one-day online wrap-up and follow-up session.
Overall, the International Short Course Program 2025 not only enhances Mae Fah Luang University's international reputation but also represents a significant step toward strengthening international cooperation by increasing the number of inbound students and building a foundation for the university's long-term sustainable development.
