On January 23, 2025, Prof. Piyamitr Sritara, MD, FRCP, President of Mahidol University, together with Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam, Vice Chancellor of The Maldives National University, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster academics and research excellence between Mahidol University and The Maldives National University. The MoU signing ceremony was held with great honor at The Maldives National University, the Republic of Maldives.
In a distinguished gathering, the ceremony was witnessed by Assoc. Prof. Nopraenue Sajjarax Dhirathiti, Ph.D., Vice President for Global Partnerships and University Council, Assoc. Prof. Sarawut Thepanondh, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Public Health, Assoc. Prof. Walasinee Sakcamduang, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Assoc. Prof. Punchada Sirivunnabood, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Asst. Prof. Aphiwit Liang-itsara, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts, Assoc. Prof. Yingyot Chiaravutthi, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Mahidol University International College, Assoc. Prof. Prapat Wanitpongpan, M.D., Deputy Dean for Corporate Communication and International Relations, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Asst. Prof. Pavit Pienvichitr, M.D., Deputy Dean for Mission Support and Corporate Communication, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Prof. Atiporn Ingsathit, M.D., Director of Ramathibodi Hospital, Assoc. Prof. Chalermpong Chatdokmaiprai, M.D., Head of the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Dr. Rapee Boonplueang, Deputy Dean for Corporate Communication and International Relations, Faculty of Science, Dr. Phimphan Pisutsan, M.D., Assistant Dean for International Relations, and the faculties from the Faculty of Liberal Arts, Mahidol University.
On this occasion, Mahidol University and The Maldives National University engaged in the discussion on academic collaboration which highlighted the two key areas, consisting of Medicine, Nursing, and Public Health, as well as Social Sciences, Business Administration, Tourism, and Engineering and Energy. Additionally, both universities expressed interest in conducting joint research in various fields, including tropical diseases, public health related to microplastics, renewable energy, tourism, and interdisciplinary research for sustainable education.
Regarding educational collaboration, the discussion focused on the management and development of curriculum in medicine, nursing, and public health, as well as the exchange of faculties for co-supervision at the graduate level in Applied Linguistics and Tourism & Hospitality. Furthermore, both universities also explored opportunities for student and visiting faculty exchanges, with an initial focus on medicine, nursing, public health, social sciences and humanities, business administration, and tourism, along with training programs for nursing personnels.
Following this, the Mahidol University delegation also visited the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, and engaged in a collaborative discussion to strengthen the capacity of medical staff at The Maldives National University, the Republic of Maldives.
