The Secretariat of the ASEAN University Network for Health Promotion (AUN-HPN), ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, delivered a presentation at the 7th ASEAN+3 Rectors’ Conference held in Can Tho City, Viet Nam.

19 November 2025

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On 19 November 2025, The Secretariat of the ASEAN University Network for Health Promotion (AUN-HPN), ASEAN Institute for Health Development (AIHD), Mahidol University, delivered a presentation at the 7th ASEAN+3 Rectors’ Conference in Can Tho City, Viet Nam. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj, Director of ASEAN Institute for Health Development and Executive Director of ASEAN University Network – Health Promotion Network (AUN-HPN), was invited by the ASEAN University Network and Can Tho University, Viet Nam, to serve as a speaker and panelist on the topic “Advancing Health Equity: Best Practices and Future Directions for ASEAN+3”. She was joined by Prof. Wening Udasmoro, Vice Rector for Education and Learning, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanapan Laiprakobsup, Executive Director, ASEAN University Network, at the Sheraton Can Tho Hotel, Can Tho City, Viet Nam. The session on “Advancing Health Equity: Best Practices and Future Directions for ASEAN+3” focused on key themes including Digital Health & Inclusive Infrastructure for Wellbeing, Youth Wellbeing, Campus Mental Health & AI-Empowered Support Systems, and Collaborative Governance for Health Equity in Higher Education. The speakers shared perspectives and experiences drawn from successful initiatives such as university health promotion programs, applications of digital health technologies, and regional health policies that have strengthened student wellbeing across ASEAN+3. They also presented case studies demonstrating evidence-based outcomes and tangible institutional impact, as well as insights on scaling and sustaining student-health innovations in higher education institutions. The discussion highlighted future directions through policy integration, student engagement, technological innovation, and strengthened collaboration to build inclusive and resilient health systems for the next generation. The ASEAN+3 Rectors’ Conference 2025 serves as a key platform bringing together leaders of higher education institutions—including Presidents, Rectors, and Vice-Chancellors—from the ASEAN+3 University Network (ASEAN+3 UNet), along with partner countries Japan, the Republic of Korea, and China. The conference aims to advance collaborative efforts to address shared regional challenges. Hosted this year by Can Tho University, Viet Nam, the conference seeks to exchange knowledge, strengthen academic partnerships, and foster robust cross-border collaboration. The main theme emphasizes the role of strong and stable higher education networks, highlighting how “shared best practices” can drive sustainable development and enhance the region’s academic capacity. Through in-depth discussions and strategic direction-setting, member universities explore new pathways to deepen cooperation, expand high-impact initiatives, and build resilient, future-ready cross-border partnerships.