Aslam Anis and Lena Kang share institutional presentation and collaborative proposal development for UBC SPPH (photo: Mahidol University)
In December 2025, the UBC School of Population and Public Health (SPPH) participated in Mahidol University International Partnerships Week in Thailand, represented by Dr. Aslam Anis, Professor and Director, SPPH, and Lena Kang, Manager, Global Health and Strategic Initiatives. The visit marked a significant step forward in SPPH’s global engagement efforts and the development of new partnerships to support education, research, and practice in global health and the school’s new Master of Global Health program.
Mahidol University, one of Thailand’s leading higher education institutions and ranked second nationally by QS, is internationally recognized for excellence in education, research, and community engagement. With six campuses, 17 faculties, eight research institutes, five colleges, and 11 teaching hospitals, Mahidol plays a central role in advancing knowledge and sustainable development through international collaboration. Guided by its motto, “True success is not in the learning, but in its application to the benefit of mankind,” Mahidol’s mission closely aligns with SPPH’s commitment to population health impact and real-world application.
International Partnerships Week: Global Synergies for Sustainable Impact
The four-day program was anchored by the theme “Global Synergies for Sustainable Impact: Advancing Holistic Well-being and Partnerships for the Goals,” reflecting Mahidol University’s dedication to holistic well-being, sustainability, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event convened 21 international delegates from 17 institutions across five continents, fostering rich dialogue on global collaboration in education, research, and capacity building.
The program opened with welcome remarks from Professor Piyamitr Sritara, President of Mahidol University, followed by a keynote from Dr. Luksmon Samnsin, Director of the International Affairs Division at Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. Presentations on Mahidol’s internationalization strategy and a university-wide showcase highlighted successful models of global collaboration, including joint degrees, double degrees, and cotutelle programs, collaborative online international learning initiatives, seed grant funding, student mobility programs, and scholarship/capacity-building projects through research translation.
Engagements with faculties, campuses, and research centres
Throughout the week, SPPH engaged in targeted discussions with multiple Mahidol Faculties and institutes, including:
- Faculty of Public Health
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine
- Faculties of Medicine (Siriraj Hospital and Ramathibodi Hospital)
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
Site visits included leading research and innovation facilities such as the Mahidol–Oxford Translational Innovation Partnership (MOTIP), the Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, pharmacogenomics and bioinformatics laboratories, drug discovery centres, sustainability projects, and cultural and scientific museums. These visits provided valuable insight into Mahidol’s infrastructure and capacity to support collaborative education, research, and student training.
SPPH also participated in a regional campus visit to Mahidol University’s Kanchanaburi Campus, a nationally significant site known for its strengths in environmental science, geoscience, disaster management, and sustainability-focused programs. The visit reinforced the potential for experiential learning and interdisciplinary collaboration aligned with global health priorities.
Expanding networks across Thailand and beyond
A key highlight of the week was engagement with CUPT International, the international arm of the Council of University Presidents of Thailand, which connects 36 Thai universities. Through structured networking sessions, SPPH met with institutions including Chiang Mai University, Thammasat University, Prince of Songkla University, Walailak University, and others. A strong connection with Chiang Mai University led to a subsequent site visit and follow-up discussions on December 25th, further expanding SPPH’s regional partnerships.
Outcomes and next steps
The visit directly advanced SPPH’s strategic goals, particularly in support of the Master of Global Health (MGH) program. Key outcomes include:
- Strengthened and advanced a reciprocal and sustainable partnership with Mahidol University – new SPPH partner since 2025;
- 20+ potential collaboration leads identified across education and research for SPPH, Faculty of Medicine, and UBC (global health) community at large;
- Identified MU Faculties and other institutions with interest and capacity to host MGH student practicums;
- Early progress on identification of global health-oriented joint initiatives, including online course offerings, faculty exchange, guest lectures, symposia, and research collaborations;
- Extended SPPH’s global health network through engagement with CUPT International and connections with international partners across Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, and the US, creating new pathways for multilateral collaboration and future partnership development.
All collaborative discussions were highly positive, reinforcing the value of in-person engagement and institutional alignment. Work is underway to refine the strategic approach to prioritizing and nurturing partnerships that support the MGH program and the broader UBC global health ecosystem
Acknowledgements and looking ahead
SPPH extends its sincere thanks to Mahidol University for its warm hospitality and leadership in convening a highly impactful International Partnerships Week, and for the openness and shared commitment to advancing global health and sustainable development.
SPPH thanks Chiang Mai University for hosting a campus tour and productive partnership working session at CMU on December 25, 2025.
SPPH also thanks to the UBC Office of Global Engagement for its support in advance of Mahidol University International Partnerships Week. SPPH is pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to partnership leads that may benefit the wider UBC community.
The Mahidol visit builds on SPPH’s broader global engagement efforts, which also included recent discussions with BRAC University (Bangladesh) and the National University of Singapore, further strengthening UBC’s global health networks.
Interested in joining SPPH’s growing global health community?
We are excited to welcome the inaugural cohort of our new Master of Global Health program starting Fall 2026 (applications closed January 21, 2026). Learn more about the program: spph.ubc.ca/mgh