In response to the needs for human capacity development and to foster academic partnership between Myanmar and Thai higher education institutions, “Myanmar-Thailand Higher Education Institutions Leadership and Networking Programme” was organised at Mae Fah Luang University and the Chiang Mai province during 26-30 June 2017.
The programme was initiated as a pilot project in accordance with the International Academic Cooperation Strategy with the Neighboring Countries of the Office of Higher Education Commission, the Ministry of Education of Thailand. The main purpose of the programme was to enhance and deepen higher education networks between Myanmar and Thailand for future collaborative projects. Moreover, this programme emphasized on enhancing human capacity of higher education institutions leaders of Myanmar and Thailand through the exchanges of good practices as well.
This programme was divided into two parts; 5 days in Thailand and another 5 days in Myanmar which will be organised in this following September. There were 14 Rectors and executives from both Thailand’s and Myanmar’s higher education institutions participating in this leadership workshop which included Rectors of University of Mandalay, Myeik University, University of Sittway, Taunggyi University, Kyaing Tong University, Mawlamyine University, and Pro rector of Yangon University and Executives from Chiang Mai University, Narasuan University, Kanchanaburi Rajabhat University, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, North-Chiang Mai University, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, and Mae Fah Luang University.
The workshop also brought in many experienced experts as keynote speakers including former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Prof. Dr. Yongyuth Yuthavong; Executive coach Mr. Itthipat Pattaramekanon; former Secretary-General of Higher Education Commission Dr Sumate Yamnoon; Special advisor of SEAMEO-RIHED Ms. Pornthip Kanjananiyot; Specialist in Adult Learning and the President of Warwick Institute Mr. Apichai Chaiwinij; Associate Dean of Faculty of Medicine at Chiang Mai University and Assessor of Thailand’s Institute for Medical Education Accreditation Assoc. Prof. Nuthapong Ukarapol, M.D.; Acting Vice President for International Relations and Alumni Affairs at Chiang Mai University Assoc. Prof. Rome Chiranukrom; Acting Vice President for Research at Chiang Mai University Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sampan Singharajwarapan; President of Rajamanagala University of Technology Lanna Assoc. Prof. Dr. Numyoot Songthanatipak; President of Payap University Assist. Prof. Dr. Sompan Wongdee; and President of Mae Fah Luang University Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vanchai Sirichana.
With an encouraging environment of the workshop,the participants shall better understand the Myanmar and Thailand’s higher education management system through the sharing of experiences. It is also expected that the collaborative projects shall be initiated to continue the sustainable network of the universities' leaders.
