MFU Joins EMPM Forum 2026 to Expand Educational Opportunities for Myanmar Youth

On 21 – 22 October 2026, Asst. Prof. Dr.Romyen Kosaikanont, Vice President of Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), attended the EMPM Forum 2026: Education Pathways for Myanmar Youth at the Mandarin Oriental Jakarta, Indonesia.

The EU Mobility Programme for Myanmar (EMPM), implemented by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Nuffic and Campus France, has supported Myanmar students and young professionals through degree mobility, virtual learning opportunities, short-term academic exposure, student support measures, and cooperation with higher education institutions across ASEAN and Europe. Mae Fah Luang University is one of the proramme’s partner universities, welcoming EMPM scholarship recipients to pursue their studies at MFU.

The forum brought together students, alumni, partner universities, European and ASEAN stakeholders, and selected institutional partners. It focused on education pathways, academic resilience, student support, ASEAN higher education cooperation, international exposure and youth opportunities. The event recognised the role of partner universities in creating access to quality higher education and providing supportive learning environments for Myanmar students. It also gave EMPM students and alumni a moderated platform to share their academic journeys, learning experiences, and future aspirations.

During the event, Asst. Prof. Dr.Romyen Kosaikanont was invited to be a panellist in the session titled, “Creating Education Pathways in Complex Settings: Scholarship, Supports and Youth Opportunities.” 

Addressing the panel, she shared: “It is very important that we understand the specific context and situation of Myanmar. Above all, we need to balance opportunities for those who have the right capabilities to study with the regulations we must respect. A system for recognition of prior learning is therefore crucial and should be considered alongside these efforts.

Supporting educational scholarships alone is not enough. Mae Fah Luang University’s vision is to be a “global partner for well-being and a sustainable future,” and we are committed to building global citizenship within the university through our internationalisation process. We see Myanmar students, like all international students, as a valuable resource. It depends on how we design our systems so they have meaningful opportunities for exchange and learning at the university.” 

She further highlighted the importance of understanding students' unique circumstances. “For example, after the unexpected earthquake in Myanmar, we provided scholarships to help affected families and offered counseling services in students’ own local languages for those experiencing stress. Promoting cross-cultural communication competence among staff is also a key part of building an ecosystem that makes a university truly international.

In summary, scholarships in times of crisis must consider admission pathways, as well as the design of learning and daily life. But what matters most, and is not yet discussed enough, is that success should not stop at education. It should include opportunities to work and live in a real society.”

Additionally, the MFU Vice President met with a current EMPM scholarship recipient studying in the Master of Science programme in Creative Innovation in Cosmetic Science at the School of Cosmetic Science. 

Overall, MFU continues to provide access to quality higher education and supportive learning environments for international students. By cultivating global citizenship competencies, the university strives to produce graduates who actively contribute to sustainable regional development.