AIHD Updates

AIHD welcomed ILO

On 18 December 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chuthamanee Suthisisang; Acting for Director of ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University together with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj; Acting for Deputy Director for Administration, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orapin Laosee; Acting Program Director of Master of Primary Health Care Management program (International Program), and lecturers welcomed Ms. Marielle Phe Goursat; Program Manager, International Labour Organization (ILO) to exchange information and report the progress of Master of Primary Health Care Management program (International Program) – Special track on Social Health Protection. During the meeting, they planned to develop the program and future collaboration at Krasae Chanawonge Room.
ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University and International Labour Organization (ILO) have signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop Master of Primary Health Care Management program (International Program) – Special track on Social Health Protection which aims to develop critical analysis of issues of primary health care and social health protection in order to enable students to acquire the necessary skills to devise appropriate social health protection schemes, and support relevant health policies reforms. This program was supported grants by ILO.

AIHD welcomed University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lao PDR

On 7 December 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chuthamanee Suthisisang; Acting for Director of ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University together with Asst. Prof. Dr. Bang-On Thepthien; Acting program director of Master of Arts Program in Addiction Studies , Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kitti Sranacharoenpong; AIHD lecturer, and staff welcomed Dr. Vanphanom Sychareun; Dean of Faculty of Public Health, University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lao PDR, Dr. Khamtim Samountry; Vice Dean of Faculty of Public Health, and team to discuss on collaboration at Krasae Chanawongse room. As the resolution of the meeting, they also reached an agreement to collaborate on education, research, capacity-building training, and strategies on primary healthcare, food, and nutrition, and memorandum of understanding (MoU).

AIHD attended workshop at UHS-Laos

On 27 November 2023, ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University by Associate Professor Dr. Kitti Sranacharoenpong; a lecturer of AIHD, was invited to lead the workshop on the development and revision of the curriculum of MPH-Nutrition of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, University of Health Science (UGS), Lao PDR. The workshop was held at the Academy Hotel in Vangvieng district, Vientiane province, Lao PDR from 27 November to 2 December 2023. This workshop was supported by the USAID-funded LASER-PULSE project Applied Nutrition Research Capacity Building in Lao PDR (ANRCB).

AIHD welcomed NYCU

On 27 November 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chuthamanee Suthisisang; Acting for Director of ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University together with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cheerawit Rattanapan; Program Director of Doctor of Philosophy for Sustainable Development Program (International Program),  Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orpain Laosee; Program Director; Master of Primary Health Care Management (International Program), and AIHD lecturer and staff welcomed Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chuang, Yi-Fang; Director, International Health Program (IHP) & Master of Public Health Program, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), Taiwan and team to discuss on collaboration on education and research at Krasae Chanawongse room. As the resolution of meeting, they also reached an agreement to held the Joint Symposium as the inaugural event.

AIHD met Japan Yoga Therapy Society

On 16 November 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mathuros Tipayamongkholgul; Acting for Deputy Director for Research and Academic Affairs (AIHD), Mahidol University welcomed Dr. Kimura Keishin; President of Japan Yoga Therapy Society and team at Ratchapruke room.
In this regard, Asst. Prof. Dr. Bang-On Thepthien; Acting program director of Master of Arts Program in Addiction Studies, Asst. Prof. Dr. Seo Ah Hong; lecturer, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Doungjai Buntup; lecturer also attended this meeting and shared knowledge and experiences on An alternative therapy for the mental health problem and addicted people.

AIHD welcomed USM and MUVS

On 14 November 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mathuros Tipayamongkholgul; Acting for Deputy Director for Research and Academic Affairs, ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University together with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj; Acting for Deputy Director for Administration, lecturers, and staff welcomed Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anuwat Wiratsudakul; lecturer of Faculty of Veterinary Science (VS), Mahidol University, and Dr. Ng Siew Kit; lecturer of Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Malaysia, lecturers and students to visit AIHD for exchange knowledge on One Health at room no.2108, ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cheerawit Rattanapan; Program Director of Doctor of Philosophy Program in Health and Sustainable Development (International Program) presented the One Health work performance of AIHD. Moreover, Dr. Orawan Quansri; researcher, and Mr. Wichukorn Suriyawongpaisal; researcher shared knowledge and experiences on WHO Collaborating Center designation of AIHD. They also discuss on the building collaboration between AIHD and USM.

AIHD visited Japan to collaborate with university partners

On 3 – 6 October 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj; Acting for Deputy Director for Administration, ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University, together with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cheerawit Rattanapan; Program Director of Doctor of Philosophy Program in Health and Sustainable Development (International Program), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orapin Laosee; Acting Program Director of Master of Primary Health Care Management program (International Program), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piyapong Janmaimool; lecturer visit Japan to expand collaboration on education, and research with School of Health Innovation, Kanagawa University of Human Services, Department of Global Health Research, Faculty of International Liberal Arts, Juntendo University, Institute of Disaster Mitigation for Urban Culture Heritage Research. Graduate School of Policy Science, Ritsumeikan University, and The Center of Medical Innovation and Translation Research, Osaka University.

AIHD welcomed research team from RILCA and VU

On 21 September 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj; Acting Deputy Director for Research and Academic Affairs, ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University, together with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mathuros Tipayamongkholgul; AIHD lecturer welcomed Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nuntiya Doungphummes and Dr. Narongdej Phanthaphoommee from the Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia (RILCA), Mahidol University, as well as Dr. Marcelle Cacciattolo and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mark Vicars from the College of Arts and Education, Victoria University, Australia at Ratchapruke room and online via Zoom meeting.
The aims of this meeting were to collaborate on research and exchange knowledge and ideas about trauma-sensitive classroom model for fostering social and emotional learning and to enhance resilience in Thai children. This project is led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mathuros Tipayamongkholgul.

AIHD held a short training course

On 4 September 2023 Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kitti Sranacharoenpong, a faculty member at the ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University was invited to provide a short training course on nutritional assessment and food consumption. The training course supported by USAID funded LASER-PULSE project Applied Nutrition Research Capacity Building in Lao PDR (ANRCB) is at Vangvieng district, Vientiane province, Lao PDR between 3 -12 September 2023.

AIHD Education

AIHD was honored to have Assoc. Prof. Dr. Myo Nyein Aung as the committee member for Thesis Proposal Examination

On 27 October 2023, Doctor of Philosophy Program in Health and Sustainable Development (International Program), ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University was honored to have Assoc. Prof. Dr. Myo Nyein Aung from Department of Global Health Research, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Sang-arun Isaramalai; Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University as committee members for Thesis Proposal Examination titled “The Effect of Dietary Behavior Change Program for Community Dwellers with Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus at Diabetes Schools, Thailand, by Miss Thitima Piyathanapong. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj; Acting Deputy Director for Administration was also honored to be the chair.  Additionally, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cheerawit Rattanapan; Program director of Doctor of Philosophy Program in Health and Sustainable Development (International Program), and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orapin Laosee; Program director of Master of Primary Health Care Management (International Program) also served as committee members of the Thesis Proposal Examination Committee. This event was organized as an open session, with students of Ph.D. program from Mahidol University and Jutendo University, Japan also attending both in person at Ratcharuke room, ASEAN Institute for Health Development and online via Zoom Meeting.
ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University and Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan have collaborated on academic affairs to enhance capacity building for Medical and Public Health staff through training programs for medical, nurse, and public health students from Japan for more than 20 years. A double degree for the Doctor of Philosophy Program in Health and Sustainable Development (International Program) will be developed to produce graduates, who will become leaders in health sustainable management.

AIHD held Wai Kru Ceremony

On 21 September 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj; Acting Deputy Director for Research and Academic Affairs, ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University presided over Wai Kru Ceremony held at Boonsiri Hall.
The ceremony offered students an opportunity to show their appreciation and gratitude to their teachers or lecturers, with the goal of formalizing the relationship between students and lecturers.
There were lecturers and students from the Doctor of Philosophy Program in Health and Sustainable Development (International Program), Master of Primary Health Care Management (International Program), and Master of Arts Program in Addiction Studies joining this ceremony

AIHD organized the event “Friendship and Cultural Exchange Camp & Mahidol Core Value”

On 12 – 13 September 2023, ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University by Doctor of Philosophy Program in Health and Sustainable Development (International Program), Master of Primary Health Care Management (International Program) organized the event held “Friendship and Cultural Exchange Camp & Mahidol Core Value” at Centra by Centara Cha-Am Beach Resort Hua Hin, Phetchaburi.
The aim of this event was to support and encourage activities that can enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of Mahidol Core Values and open the stage for arts and cultural exchange by students from various countries.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj; Acting Deputy Director for Research and Academic Affairs, AIHD lecturers, foreign expert and instructor, and staff from the Office of Education and Academic Services also joined this program.

Scholarship

Congratulation to Master of Primary Health Care Management on receiving Living Allowance Scholarship for Foreign Graduate Students from Mahidol University

Mr. Aung Myint Myat

Ms. Abhilasa Pradhan

Ms. Myat Thinzar Oo

Mr. Htet Arkar

Ms. Ei Ei Nyein

Ms. Khin Nyein Myat

Ms. Nandar Linn Aung

Ms. Srijya Thapa

Special event

AIHD held the special lecture entitled "Health who is charge?"

On 8 November 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mathuros Tipayamongkholgul; Acting Deputy Director for Research and Academic Affairs, ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University presided over the special lecture entitled “Health who is charge?” at Room 2108, ASEAN Institute for Health Development.
This special lecture was honored by Prof. Dr. Jean-Louis Lamboray; Co-founder of the Constellation, and Adjunct Professor of AIHD to conduct the lecture and share the knowledge and experiences to lecturers and students about the SALT process and application, which can adjust mindset for deep listening. This process can also apply for working with the community.

AIHD collaborated with UNESCO to held the exhibition on “Against violence and bullying including cyberbullying”

On 2 November 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chuthamanee Suthisisang; Acting for Director of ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University,
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj; Acting for Deputy Director for Administration, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mathuros Tipayamongkholgul; Acting for Deputy Director for Research and Academic Affairs, lecturers, staff, and students attended the exhibition on “Against violence and bullying including cyberbullying” on occasion of International Day Against Violence and Bullying at School including Cyberbullying at Hall, Administrative Building,  ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus. This exhibition is a collaboration between AIHD and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) which aims to share knowledge and understanding about the impact of violence, bullying and cyberbullying, which includes online behaviors such as harassment, defamation, verbal abuse, and intimidation of others through online social media. Additionally, the activity includes group discussions and counseling services provided by Orawan Quansri, Ph. D. (Counseling Education and Supervision).
For further inform
More information on bullying and cyberbullying, you can learn more at
https://www.unesco.org/…/against-school-violence-and…
https://trello.com/…/bullying-prevention-awareness-day…

AIHD held International Scientific Writing Workshop

On 18 October 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chuthamanee Suthisisang; Acting for Director of ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University, assigned Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cheerawit Rattanapan; Program Director of Doctor of Philosophy Program in Health and Sustainable Development (International Program) to preside over the international Scientific Writing Workshop and welcomed Prof. Henry Silverman; Professor, University of Maryland, USA, and Adjunct Professor of AIHD and participants at room no.2108 ASEAN Institute for Health Development.
The workshop aims to enhance scientific writing skills for 30 graduate students and academic staff.  This workshop will be held from 18 – 20 October 2023.

AIHD held Implementation Science Research

On 9 October 2023, ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University, held the workshop entitled “Implementation Science” for Doctor of Philosophy, Program in Health and Sustainable Development (International Program) and Master of Primary Health Care Management (International Program) at S.D. Avenue Hotel, Bangkok.
This workshop was honored by Prof. Rohit Ramaswamy, Ph.D.; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati to lecture on Achieving Outcomes from Evidence Based Interventions: An Introduction to Implementation Science for students and staff to understand the concepts and principles for increasing the efficiency of evdience-based practice in health promotion.

Social Health Protection Recommended Sources for Beginners

Wichukorn Suriyawongpaisal Research Promotion Unit, AIHD
High medical cost and indirect costs incurred by treatment process (e.g., hospital-home commute, services from non-medical personnel, capital expenses, etc.) heavily burden patient’s out-of-pocket expenditure. For people with low- or middle-income, it is hazardous to their daily life with less money to pay for other basic needs. Hence, it is crucial to implement interventions and measures that ensure the people of their access to healthcare as needed.
In this article, we would like to give a glimpse of the basic concept and principles of social health protection for newcomers to understand the mechanism of the approach. The idea of social health protection is proposed as an approach to create a safety net for individuals by ensuring universality, access, quality, timeliness and financial protection in healthcare.
Also, we offer update information on how the approach is applied to special needs groups and those who are affected by global boiling phenomena. People with disabilities pose a challenge to most of social health protection system across the world since it is designed to assist general population without disabilities. Therefore, public health interventions and measures should be designed according to specific needs and requirements of people with disabilities2. In addition to interventions and measures in health sector, social capital (i.e. support or trust in people or institutions) should be considered as a mean to prevent progression of mental health problems at individual or societal level3. Lastly, whether the interventions and measures are designed to support people with special needs or not, the context of global boiling should not be neglected. As erratic climate phenomena become more frequent and severe, social health protection system has to ensure the accessibility of standard healthcare should not overburden individuals who have been through hazardous events of climate change.
Reference
  1. ILO. Social protection spotlight. 2020 [updated Jan 2020; cited 2023 Dec 28]; Available from: https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/—ed_protect/—soc_sec/documents/publication/wcms_740724.pdf
  2. Banks LM, Kuper H, Shakespeare T. Social health protection to improve access to health care for people with disabilities. Bull World Health Organ 2021;99(8):543-A.
  3. Snel E, Engbersen G, de Boom J, van Bochove M. Social capital as protection against the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Sociol 2022;7:728541.
  4. UNESCAP. Social protection and climate change in Asia and the Pacific. Bangkok: Thailand; 2023.

Special Scope

Social Health Protection

Social health protection (SHP) aims to ease the challenges resulting from poor health and lessen the indirect expenses associated with disease and disability. The expenses included the loss of income caused by short and long-term disabilities, family care, limited productivity and the adverse effects on education and social development of children. SHP encompasses a range of financing and organizational choices designed to provide comprehensive benefit packages, safeguarding individuals from risks of illness, related financial burdens and catastrophic events. A proficient SHP system ensures that all individuals have access to essential healthcare that is affordable, available and with adequate quality.  It also provides financial protection during the periods of illness, injury and maternity1. The fundamental principles of SHPs are
1. Universality of protection
2. Diversity of approaches and progressive realization
3. Risk-sharing and solidarity in financial support
4. Overall primary responsibility of state
5.  Adequacy of benefits
6. Predictability of benefits
7. Upholding non-discrimination, gender equality and social inclusion
8. Ensuring fiscal and economic sustainability with regards to social justice and equality
9. Encouraging participation, social dialogue and accountability
10. Promote integration within SHP systems
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims to secure a healthy life for all people, and meeting its specific target 3.8 for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) highlights the critical importance of social health protection. Middle income and low-income countries are rapidly adopting and implementing SHP programs2, 3. Several countries, including Colombia, Mongolia, Rwanda, the Philippines, Thailand and others, have demonstrated the feasibility of extending social health protection to all people even in low-income settings characterized by significant levels of informal employment 4. Significant progress in terms of increasing population SHP coverage have been made in many countries. However, challenges remain in terms of changing demographics, evolutions in the world of work and health as well as economic and environmental shocks. SHP systems need to innovate and find sustainable pathways towards universal health coverage (UHC)5.
References
1. https://www.ilo.org/secsoc/areas-of-work/policy-development-and-applied-research/social-health-protection/lang–en/index.htm
2. Kuper H, Banks LM. Universal health coverage, social protection and disability: a review. In: Inclusive social protection for the empowerment of persons with disabilities. Geneva: International Labour Organization, United Nations Children’s Fund: 2021; (Forthcoming). [Google Scholar]
3. van Hees SGM, O’Fallon T, Hofker M, Dekker M, Polack S, Banks LM, et al. Leaving no one behind? Social inclusion of health insurance in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review. Int J Equity Health. 2019. August 28;18(1):134. 10.1186/s12939-019-1040-0 [PMC free article] [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
4. Ortiz, Isabel, Anis Chowdhury, Fabio Duran-Valverde, Taneem Muzaffar, and Stefan Urban. 2019. Fiscal Space for Social Protection: A Handbook for Assessing Financing Options.
5. ILO (2021). Extending social health protection: Accelerating progress towards Universal Health Coverage in Asia and the Pacific. https://www.ilo.org/newdelhi/whatwedo/publications/WCMS_831831/lang–en/index.htm.

AUN - HPN

AUN-HPN welcomed the visiting team from Center for Global Health, Osaka University

On 28 -29 August 2023, the AUN-HPN Secretariat Office extended a warm welcome to the visiting team from the Center of Global Health, Osaka University, Japan. The visiting team from Osaka University was comprised of Prof. Dr. Ken Nakata, M.D., Director of Center of Global Health; Dr. Daisaku Nakatani, M.D., Vice Director and Associate Professor, and Dr. Rie Ogasawara, Vice Director and Specially Appointed Lecturer.
During this occasion, the overview of its history, activities, and initiatives organized by AUN-HPN was presented. Both parties discussed possibilities and potential collaborations in academic endeavors through educational and research projects. Furthermore, representatives from the AUN-HPN Secretariat Office engaged in discussions with the Osaka University team on opportunities to expand the implementation of Healthy University Rating System (HURS) to the network of universities in Japan. As Osaka University is the Co-Host for the 8th AUN-HPN International Advisory Committee (IAC) Meeting in November 2023 in Tokyo, Japan, both parties also took this opportunity to discuss for the event preparation.

AUN-HPN attended the 20th INHPF Annual Meeting 2023 and the 22th Anniversary of the establishment of ThaiHealth

On 1 November 2023, the 15th AUN-HPN Steering Committee Meeting served as a platform for collective consideration and approval of Kalasin University and Suranaree University of Technology as additional associate members of AUN-HPN. Furthermore, the meeting facilitated a joint discussion and recommendations for expanding the network and advancing health promotion policies through the adoption of AUN Healthy University Framework (HUF) and active participation in the Healthy University Rating System (HURS).

The 15th AUN-HPN Steering Committee Meeting

On 8 November 2023, representatives of the AUN-HPN Secretariat Office attended the 20th INHPF Annual Meeting 2023 under the theme “The Next Step of INHPF: Accelerating Health Promotion Innovations towards Equitable Well-being” and 22th Anniversary of the establishment of ThaiHealth.
The 20th International Health Promotion Fund Network Meeting 2023 was hosted by Thai Health Promotion Foundation with the aim to strengthen the INHPF network through sharing knowledge and experiences and promoting international cooperation. The network jointly declared their commitment in elevating health promotion work to the global health agenda as well as presenting innovations and good operational models of Thailand’s health promotion work to the international level.

Healthy University Rating System (HURS) 2023

The Healthy University Rating System (HURS) Evaluation 2023 successfully ran from 15 August to 16 November 2023, with over 21 universities from the ASEAN region participating. Following the closing date, we are now engaged in the data verification process.
HURS 2023 has showcased the dedication of ASEAN universities to nurturing healthy and vibrant academic environments. We applaud all participating institutions for their commitment to well-being and eagerly await the announcement of the final results in February 2024.
We encourage you to stay tuned for further updates on our website and social media channels. Be among the first to discover which universities are leading the way in prioritizing health and well-being within their communities

8th Thai University Network for Health Promotion Network Committee (TUN-HPN) Meeting

On 12 October 2023, the 8th TUN-HPN meeting discussed progress on health promotion at Thai universities, identified opportunities for collaboration, and set action items for the future.
Operations of the Thai University Network for Health Promotion Committee (TUN-HPN) was funded by Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) to support universities in Thailand to develop their potential and become leaders in health promotion. In addition, the AUN Healthy University Framework (HUF) can be implemented thoroughly among the Thai University in order to achieve its goal of becoming a “Healthy University” and resulting in sustainability of good health in the community. The TUN-HPN Committee consists of 6 main universities, namely Burapha University, Chiang Mai University, Chulalongkorn University, Khon Kaen University, Mahidol University and Prince of Songkla University to jointly drive health promotion policies as well as to expand the network both domestically and internationally. HURS 2023 has showcased the dedication of ASEAN universities to nurturing healthy and vibrant academic environments. We applaud all participating institutions for their commitment to well-being and eagerly await the announcement of the final results in February 2024. We encourage you to stay tuned for further updates on our website and social media channels. Be among the first to discover which universities are leading the way in prioritizing health and well-being within their communities

The 8th AUN-HPN International Advisory Committee (IAC) Meeting

On 24 November 2023, Prof. Banchong Mahaisavariya, M.D., President of Mahidol University and Chairman of the AUN-HPN International Advisory Committee, inaugurated the 8th AUN-HPN International Advisory Committee (IAC) Meeting. The meeting was attended by distinguished participants from ASEAN countries and Japan with the total number of 45 attendees. The meeting took place in an onsite format at Chidori Meeting Room at the Hotel Metropolitan Edmont Tokyo in Tokyo, Japan.
This meeting was organized collaboratively by the ASEAN University Network – Health Promotion Network (AUN-HPN) Secretariat Office and the Center for Global Health, Osaka University (IAC Co-Host 2023). Osaka University is considered to be one of AUN-HPN associate members committed to fostering sustainable and high-quality health promotion initiatives in line with the AUN Healthy University Framework (HUF). Key highlights of the 8th AUN-HPN International Advisory Committee (IAC) Meeting include progress report on AUN-HPN Past Activities and Health Promotion Implementation of AUN-HPN International Advisory Committees, updates on the Healthy University Rating System (HURS): Total number of universities applied for HURS2023, HURS Workshop, Lesson learned from a role model in Thailand: Thai University Network for Health Promotion Network (TUN-HPN), Introducing three new AUN-HPN associate member universities to the network: King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Kalasin University, and Suranaree University of Technology.
This meeting aimed to strengthen collaborative efforts in advancing health promotion activities among member universities.

AUN-HPN Joint Symposium “Pathways to Sustainable Universities: Best Practices from AUN-HPN and HURS” at Global Health Congress 2023

The AUN-HPN Joint Symposium titled “Pathways to Sustainable Universities: Best Practices from AUN-HPN and HURS” was successfully organized on 25 November 2023 at the Sanjo Conference Hall, University of Tokyo – Hongo Campus, as an integral component of the Global Health Congress 2023 held from 24 – 26 November 2023.
The 120-minute AUN-HPN Joint Symposium showcased the transformative impact of collaborative efforts among ASEAN+3 countries in advancing effective health promotion policies. The panel discussion explored HURS, its significance in promoting health and sustainability in universities, and shared best practices. The symposium aimed to empower ASEAN universities for healthier, more resilient futures through knowledge exchange, fostering collective action and shaping a holistic vision for health promotion in higher education across ASEAN. The symposium consisted of three sessions with the following keynote speakers and guest speakers:
Session 1: Presentation on the “Role of AUN-HPN in promoting effective health promotion policies and practices in collaboration among ASEAN countries” by Dr. Wiwat Rojanapithayakorn, M.D., Advisor to the AUN-HPN Steering Committee as a keynote speaker
Session 2: “Osaka University Activities to promote Healthy Society in ASEAN and Japan” by Prof. Ken Nakata, M.D., Director for Center for Global Health, Osaka University as a keynote speaker
Session 3: HURS Panel Discussion – “Building a Healthier Future: Exploring best practices on Healthy University Rating System (HURS) in ASEAN Universities” by Prof. Dr. Chartchalerm Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya, Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahidol University and Chair of the Committee on HURS Development as a keynote speaker along with other six guest speakers from universities with exemplary 4 and 5-star ratings in HURS version 2022 sharing best practices on health promotion: Prof. Yayi Suryo Prabandari (Universitas Gadjah Mada), Prof. Dr. Roslee Rajikan (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia), Dr. Wethaka Klinwichit (Burapha University), Dr. Santhiti Dahlan, M.D. (Chulalongkorn University), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chawin Chantharasenawong (King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi) and Dr. Sri Widati (Universitas Airlangga).

AUN-HPN project was recognized at the ASAIHL International Conference 2023

On 7 December 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj, Acting Deputy Director for Administration, ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University and Deputy Executive Director of AUN-HPN, participated in the ASAIHL International Conference 2023. Held at the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi in Vietnam, the conference theme was “International Cooperation Toward Excellence in Training and Research.”
Representing both the AUN-HPN Secretariat Office and the ASAIHL Thailand candidate, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee presented an academic paper titled “Building a Health Promotion Exemplar: The Development of an International University Network Model through the AUN Healthy University Framework.” This presentation provided an overview of the ASEAN University Network – Health Promotion Network (AUN-HPN) and its activities, with the goal of strengthening health promotion systems within these institutions at both the national and ASEAN regional levels.

Accreditation for the AUN-HPN Joint Symposium

The AUN-HPN Session, titled “Pathways to Sustainable Universities: Best Practices from AUN-HPN and HURS,” featured on November 25 at the Global Health Congress 2023, has received accreditation as a “Commemorative Event for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation” by the ASEAN Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
The GH2023, hosted at the University of Tokyo – Hongo Campus, Japan from 24 -26 November 2023, included the AUN-HPN session as an integral component of the conference. This symposium serves as a dynamic platform, showcasing the transformative impact of the ASEAN University Network – Health Promotion Network (AUN-HPN) in advancing effective health promotion policies and practices through collaborative efforts among ASEAN countries. The success of these initiatives would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of this year’s IAC Co-Host, Center for Global Health, Osaka University, and all member universities who will participate as guest speakers and observers.

More activity

AIHD attended Mahidol Day commemorative ceremony 2023

On 24 September 2023, Assoc. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chuthamanee Suthisisang; Vice President of Mahidol University and Acting Director of ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), together with AIHD administrators, staff, and students attended Mahidol University’s commemoration of the death of His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol of Songkhla on Mahidol Day at the Mahidol Learning Center, Mahidol University.
They also attended the exhibition held by the Archives and Museum Department, Library and Knowledge Center at Learning Center, Mahidol University.

AIHD held Retirement Ceremony 2023

On 21 September 2023, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj; Acting for Deputy Director for Research and Academic Affairs, ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University was honored to preside over the retirement ceremony. During the event, she presented award plaques and souvenirs to AIHD retirees at Boonsiri Hall. There were administrators, lecturers, and staff joining this ceremony.