ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Holds CONNECT Bilateral Meeting

28 January 2026

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On 28 January 2026, the ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Orapin Laosee, Deputy Director for Administration and Academic Services; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cheerawit Rattanapan, Deputy Director for Research and Academic Affairs; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piyapong Janmaimool, Deputy Director for Strategy and International Relations, together with faculty members and staff of the Institute who are the members of the Facilitating Committee for ILO CONNECT. The meeting was honored by the participation of Dr. Charay Vichathai, DDS, Research Manager, Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI), and Dr. Nathalie Both, ILO Program Manager. The meeting focused on discussions on advancing the CONNECT Network, particularly the organization of the Steering Committee meeting and the revision of the CONNECT Charter, which was originally established in July 2021. In addition, the meeting explored approaches to recruiting new members beyond the seven founding institutions and agreed to hold annual Steering Committee meetings to promote continuous engagement, including participation in decision-making and Charter amendments. Furthermore, the meeting discussed the potential role of the Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI) as a source of research funding and as a co-organizer of international academic conferences, as well as the continuation of CONNECT Network activities with a thematic focus on Social Health Protection. The meeting was held at the Krasae Chanawonges Meeting Room, ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University and via Online Zoom Meeting.