MFU Celebrates 28th Anniversary: “A Global Partner for Well-being and Sustainable Future”

On 25 September 2026, Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) celebrated its 28th anniversary, reaffirming its crucial role as a “driving force of change” under the theme “A Global Partner for Well-being and Sustainable Future.” The event highlighted MFU’s mission to advance Thai society and the region towards improved well-being and a sustainable future. The ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Vanchai Sirichana, Chairman of the University Council, Asst. Prof. Dr. Matchima Naradisorn, President of MFU, alongside members of the University Council, executives, staff, and students.

The anniversary celebration began with a morning alms-offering ceremony to 160 monks, followed by a ceremony to pay homage to the statue of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, religious rites, and the annual forest robe offering (Pha Pa) ceremony. The Pha Pa ceremony successfully raised funds to provide educational scholarships for dedicated MFU students facing financial hardship.

A key highlight of the event was a public report presented by Asst. Prof. Dr. Matchima Naradisorn, outlining the University’s achievements over the past year. She emphasised MFU’s role as a Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) talent gateway, connecting Thai and international learners, personnel, and regional networks. The University has actively promoted global learning and mobility, offering opportunities for students to learn and exchange knowledge through experiential learning, exchange programmes, and short-term courses with international partners. Furthermore, MFU offers future-ready curricula across its 15 Schools alongside online life-long learning programmes. These include non-degree personalised courses in fields such as digital technology, high-quality coffee production, elderly care business management, and standard commercial beverages.

In line with its mission to contribute to a sustainable future through impactful knowledge application, the University transfers research and innovation to address critical community challenges. Key focuses include environmental conservation efforts such as flood monitoring systems, practical biomass management to reduce open burning and lower PM2.5 emissions, and the integration of Indigenous Fire Stewardship into local fire management. 

During the public report, President of MFU announced a major strategic direction positioning the institution as a regional powerhouse in advanced healthcare, executive leadership, and the health economy across the GMS. Central to this roadmap is the expansion of specialised medical facilities, executive education, and integrative wellness initiatives:

• Legendary Leadership & Longevity Program: MFU is establishing a pilot programme integrating longevity science and mindfulness to train leaders across the public, private, and social sectors.
• Baan Lamduan MFU Premium Care & Recovery Center: Located at MFU Hospital, Chiang Rai, this new facility will provide comprehensive multidisciplinary care, physical therapy, personalised nutrition, and long-term dependency management for older adults on daily and monthly terms.
• Center for Stem Cell Transplantation and Cell Therapy: In collaboration with Mahidol University, MFU will open this center at the MFU Medical Center Hospital in December 2026, expanding access to complex treatments, hematopoietic stem cell transplants, and advanced cell therapies across Upper Northern Thailand and the GMS.
• Holistic Health Framework: MFU is advancing a framework that bridges modern, traditional Thai, and Chinese medicine with research, innovation, and digital technology to drive health promotion, disease prevention, and health tourism.

These medical developments align with MFU’s infrastructure master plan to establish a comprehensive GMS Medical Hub alongside the GMS Education Hub, encompassing specialised hospitals, medical centers of excellence, academic and medical research complexes, and the expansion of the School of Dentistry. 

On this occasion, MFU presented certificates of recognition to individuals who have significantly contributed to the University’s success and reputation. These awards aim to encourage academic excellence and innovations that benefit both society and the nation.

• The Outstanding Employee Award (Academic Staff): Prof. Dr. Saroat Rawdkuen, School of Agro-Industry
• The Individuals Bringing Distinction to MFU Awards: 

1. Asst. Prof. Dr.Tipavinee Suwanwong Rodbundith (School of Management): Received the 2026 National Outstanding CWIE Curriculum Supervisor Award from the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation(MHESI); 
2. Asst. Prof. Phuangphaka Thammathi (School of Liberal Arts): Received the 2025 Outstanding Local Thai Language User Award from the Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture; 
3. Asst. Prof. Dr. Suwichan Phatthanaphraiwan (School of Liberal Arts): Received the Bronze Award at Thailand Research Expo 2026 from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT); 
4. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siraprapa Mahanil (School of Science): Earned the Silver Medal and the NRCT Special Award at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva;
5. Asst. Prof. Dr. Wilawan Champakaew and Ajarn Orawan Wangsombat: Won Best Presentation in the Onsite Session at the 10th International Conference on Linguistics and Literature (ICLL 2026) in Kyushu, Japan; 
6. Ms. Jirapa Kotta (School of Law): Secured the Silver Medal in the 3,000-metre race (ages 45–49 category) at the 42nd Thailand Higher Education Personnel Games; and 
7. Ms. Wilasinee Kheunkaew (MFU Medical Center Hospital): Received the Winner’s Honorary Plaque for the application of digital technology and artificial intelligence in quality and safety improvement (Q-TBI) at the HA National Forum, organised by the Healthcare Accreditation Institute (Public Organisation).

To date, MFU enrolls 16,088 students, including 1,796 international students from over 50 countries, and maintains active partnerships with 180 institutions across more than 30 countries. Between 2018 and 2026, MFU Medical Center recorded over 2.47 million patient visits, and the University implemented188 healthcare service projects between 2024 and 2026, underscoring its pivotal role in regional public health. 

Entering its 28^th year, Mae Fah Luang University continues to integrate academic rigor with societal transformation. By uniting medical innovation, cross-border collaboration, and leadership development, MFU works toward elevating regional quality of life and fulfilling its promise as “A Global Partner for Well-being and Sustainable Future.”