On December 3, 2024, Prof. Dr. Piyamitr Sritara, MD, FRCP, President of Mahidol University was honored to inaugurate “The 10th Anniversary of the ASEAN University Network – Health Promotion Network (AUN-HPN) in conjunction with the 1st AIHD International Forum: Synergizing Global Health, Primary Health Care, and Health Promotion for a Sustainable Future Conference.” Dr. Choltis Dhirathiti, Executive Director of ASEAN University Network (AUN), and Dr. Nuttapun Supaka, Director of the Partnership and International Affairs Section, Thai Health Promotion Foundation, delivered welcoming remarks to participants, including university and institute representatives, and AUN-HPN network members. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunwadee Suksaroj, Director of the ASEAN Institute for Health Development and Executive Director of ASEAN University Network-Health Promotion Network (AUN-HPN) presented the background and objectives of the conference. The hybrid event was held at the Millennium Hilton Bangkok Hotel and via an online platform.
One of the main highlights of the conference was the Healthy University Rating System (HURS) Award Presentation 2023. Universities that achieved the highest honors were as follows: 5 Star Plus (over 900 scores) including Universitas Indonesia (Indonesia), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (Malaysia), 5 Star (800-899 scores) including De La Salle University (Philippines), Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia), 4 Star (600-799 scores) including Universitas Airlangga (Indonesia), and University of the Philippines (Philippines).
The event featured a special lecture by Dr. Nuttapun Supaka, Director of the Partnership and International Affairs Section, Thai Health Promotion Foundation, titled “Synergizing for Sustainable Health Promotion: The Roles of International Network of Health Promotion Foundations (INHPF) and AUN-HPN“. Additionally, Prof. Dr. Chartchalerm Isarankura-Na-Ayudhya, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahidol University and Chair of the Committee on HURS Development, led discussions alongside distinguished panelists, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Agustin Kusumayati, University Secretary of Universitas Indonesia, Universitas Indonesia, and Assoc. Prof. Chm. Dr. Siti Fairus Mohd Yusoff, Deputy Executive Director (Excellence & Recognition), UKM Strategy Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The panel addressed the topic “Leveraging HURS: Cooperative Use in Global University Rankings“.
The occasion also hosted the 9th AUN-HPN International Advisory Committee (IAC) Meeting and showcased “Best Practices of Health Promotion Achievements in ASEAN Universities”. The event concluded with a warm welcome extended to ten new associate members of AUN-HPN, including De La Salle University, Universidad de Sta Isabel de Naga, Inc, Philippines, University of Phayao, Silpakorn University, Sripatum University, Hatyai University, Princess of Naradhiwas University, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Rangsit University, Songkhla Rajabhat University, Thailand.
The ASEAN University Network – Health Promotion Network (AUN-HPN) is a regional academic collaboration of health promotion experts from educational institutions. Its mission is to empower universities to play a key role in promoting healthy lifestyles and fostering supportive environments, ultimately advancing the concept of “Healthy Universities.” AUN-HPN brings together 30 member institutions from 10 ASEAN countries, working collaboratively to enhance the quality of life across Southeast Asia. Through partnerships and shared initiatives, the network addresses health promotion challenges, driving improvements in public health and well-being throughout the region.
Photo credit: ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University
