On 8 – 12 September 2025, representatives from Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), led by President Asst. Prof. Dr.Matchima Naradisorn, participated in the 20th Plenary Meeting of ASEA-UNINET, at the University of Brescia, Italy. This marked MFU’s first time attending as a full member of this network of European and South-East Asian universities.
The conference theme, “For a Peaceful and Sustainable Development,” was highlighted by special addresses from keynote guests and working groups that focused on urgent global issues and interdisciplinary collaboration. These groups included: Digital Humanism and Arts in Academia; Ocean Sciences and Climate Change; Renewable Energy; Global Health and Sustainable Food Production; and Ecological Economics and the Bioeconomy.
MFU representatives participated in the Global Health and Sustainable Food Production and Ecological Economics and the Bioeconomy working groups. These sessions emphasised the role of universities in providing knowledge, innovation, and international partnerships to address today’s complex challenges, from climate change to food security and digital transformation. Moreover, the conference highlighted opportunities for European research grants and scholarships.
MFU engaged with universities across Europe and Asia. Notably, discussions with the University of Vienna explored potential joint research on chemical contamination in international rivers, with projects ranging from affordable detection tools for communities to targeted water treatment solutions and policy collaborations involving scientists, social scientists, and international development experts. Additionally, an MFU lecturer from Innovative Food Science and Technology programme also initiated discussions on other joint research initiatives.
Founded in 1994, ASEA-UNINET serves as a key platform for higher education cooperation. Its four main missions include:
• To encourage and facilitate relationships among universities, governmental and non-governmental organisations and economic operators engaged in projects related to education, science, technology, innovation and art in member countries.
• To contribute research that is relevant to global problems, specifically to the target areas outlined in the sustainable development goals, upholding a slogan of “no one should be left behind”.
• To enable and support cooperation between academic institutions through staff/student exchange, teaching and research activities.
• To promote scientific, cultural, and human relationships and personal contacts to increase intercultural exchange and understanding.
As MFU joins ASEA-UNINET as a full member, the university looks forward to strengthening ties with regional and European partners and is committed to advancing collaborative academic efforts.
