On April 3^rd 2024, Phan Chau Trinh University (PCTU) had the honor of welcoming a delegation of 12 representatives from the Faculty of Public Health and the Faculty of Social Sciences & Health of Mahidol University, Thailand—the nation’s No. 1 university and one of Asia’s most prestigious institutions in medical and health sciences education.

The visit is part of PCTU’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international partnerships, aiming to provide students and faculty with greater access to advanced academic environments, as well as opportunities for exchange programs, joint training, and collaborative research.

Academic Exchange and Discussion on Long-Term Collaboration

During the meeting, both institutions introduced their signature academic programs and key research activities in Public Health, Family Medicine, and community-based clinical research.
Mahidol University expressed high appreciation for PCTU’s humanistic and practice-oriented medical education model—especially the philosophy of “Patient-Centered Training”—and acknowledged the strong progress PCTU has made in recent years.

Representing Mahidol University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phitaya Charupoonphol shared the institution’s interest in:

•  Developing joint undergraduate and postgraduate programs
•  Launching student and faculty exchange initiatives
•  Conducting collaborative research in public health and community interventions
• Implementing short-term training programs and field projects in Vietnam

He emphasized that the two universities share many similarities in their curricula, creating an excellent foundation for sustainable cooperation.

On behalf of PCTU, PhD. Dr. To Viet Thuan – Head of Academic Affairs, highlighted the University’s strategic direction for postgraduate education, particularly Master’s and Doctoral programs in Public Health. PCTU hopes to partner with Mahidol to establish internationally aligned programs that enhance students’ academic and practical experiences.

Mahidol University – Thailand’s Leading Institution in Health Sciences

Mahidol University is ranked No. 1 in Thailand, renowned for its excellence in training and research in Medicine, Public Health, and Health Sciences.
The university operates three campuses across Bangkok, with the Salaya campus in Nakhon Pathom serving as its largest site—home to numerous research centers, student facilities, and residential housing. Additional provincial campuses in Nakhon Sawan, Kanchanaburi, and Amnaj Charoen further diversify and extend Mahidol’s academic network.

A Significant Step Toward PCTU’s Internationalization Strategy

The visit from Mahidol University marks an important milestone in PCTU’s commitment to:

•  Expanding global academic partnerships
•  Enhancing student and faculty mobility
• Promoting multinational public health research initiatives
• Developing high-quality joint training programs

This collaboration reflects PCTU’s vision of becoming a pioneering medical university in practical training, applied research, and international academic engagement—ultimately contributing to better healthcare outcomes for the community.