Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), led by the School of Health Science, successfully organised the 56th Asia Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health Conference (APACPH Conference 2025) from 4 – 7 November 2025 at Mae Fah Luang University.
Held under the theme "Public Health Challenges in a Disruptive World," the APACPH Conference 2025 convened over 600 participants from 20 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The event brought together public health professionals, researchers, educators, and policymakers from diverse disciplines to explore strategies for building resilient health systems and addressing public health crises effectively.
The event featured the 54th APACPH General Assembly (GA) General Assembly Meeting, attended by institutional representatives, Executive Council members and Secretariat staff. The GA collectively reviewed the Consortium’s governance, elected office bearers, endorsed key policies, and set priorities to advance public health education and research across the Asia-Pacific region. A pre-conference event also included workshops on crucial topics such as Lessons from the Thai-Myanmar Border for the Asia-Pacific—Towards Resilient and Self-Reliant Systems for Health, Nurturing Leadership Through Mentorship in Public Health, Scientific writing in public health, Innovative Strategies for Learning and Teaching Public Health, WHO’s Work to Promote Research Ethics in the Western Pacific Region, and Systems thinking.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Asst. Prof. Dr.Matchima Naradisorn, President of Mae Fah Luang University, who delivered a welcome address. She emphasised MFU’s strong commitment to becoming a hub for international collaboration in academic and health innovation, aimed at improving people’s quality of life and fostering sustainable well-being in local and regional communities. This commitment aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
During the ceremony, Prof. Dr. So Yoon Kim, President of APACPH, praised MFU for hosting the international conference and presented several honorary awards to distinguished figures in public health, including:
• The Professor Kazue K. McLaren Leadership Achievement Award – Dr. Shou-Hsia Cheng, Dean of College of Public Health, National Taiwan University
• The APACPH Public Health Recognition Award – Asst. Prof. Dr. Phitsanuruk Kanthawee, Head of Border Health Research Unit, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University
• The APACPH Excellence in Leadership Medallion – Dr. Sopon Iamsirithaworn, Chief Inspector General and Inspector General of Health Region 6, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
• The APACPH Medal of Merit – Prof. Dr. So Yoon Kim, President of APACPH and Prof. Dr. Philip Baker, Regional Director of APACPH
The ceremony also featured the presentation of the Young Investigator Traveller Awards (YITA), followed by a Plenary Session delivered by four distinguished international experts:
1. Dr.Richard Brown, World Health Organization, Thailand
2. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Joia S. Mukherjee, Harvard Medical School, USA
3. Dr. Sophon Iamsirithaworn, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
4. Dr.Charay Vichathai, Research Manager, Office of Health Equity Research and Development, Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI), Thailand
These speakers shared their insights on global health policy, medical innovation, and cross-border collaboration in building resilient healthcare systems.
Furthermore, the conference featured oral presentations, poster presentations, and panel sessions covering a wide range of subthemes, including Disease Control & Health Education, Life Cycle & Health, Community & Equity, Environmental & Occupational Health, Health Policy & Systems, and Future Society & Health Technology. More than 100 research works were presented by APACPH member researchers from across the region.
The conference served as a vital platform for sharing evidence-based solutions, innovative strategies, and collaborative models to strengthen public health systems and resilience across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Through interdisciplinary dialogue and regional collaboration, the event inspired actionable insights and fostered partnerships that drive forward-thinking public health leadership in times of uncertainty and transformation.
Hosting the APACPH 2025 Conference reaffirmed Mae Fah Luang University’s leading role in advancing global public health knowledge and promoting sustainable well-being for communities across the Asia–Pacific region.
