Three leading Thai universities – Mahidol University, Chulalongkorn University and Chiang Mai University – have joined forces in a historic collaboration through MC? GenEd (Mahidol–Chula–Chiang Mai General Education). The initiative was unveiled during the event MC?: Beyond Boundaries, Building Future. Under this pioneering cross-institutional learning system, students can enroll in courses offered by any of the three universities while earning and transferring credits seamlessly. The collaboration was officially announced on June 11, 2026, at Ruan Chula Narumit, Chulalongkorn University.

MC? GenEd marks a significant milestone in the reform of Thailand’s higher education system through a shared learning ecosystem that enables students to enroll in General Education courses offered by participating universities and transfer credits across institutions without barriers. This initiative will allow students to learn directly from leading experts while exchanging knowledge and perspectives with peers from other universities, preparing them for a rapidly evolving future.

During its initial phase, students will be able to choose from 24 pilot General Education courses offered by the three universities. The courses span a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, science and technology innovation, sustainability, and future skills, and are available in both online and onsite formats. Another key feature is flexible learning accumulation and cross-institutional credit transfer, subject to each university’s regulations. This approach allows students to design their own learning pathways with greater flexibility.

Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, explained that Chulalongkorn University seeks to advance education under the concept of ‘Learning for the AI and Digital Era’ to prepare learners for an AI-driven world and the transition to the digital age. The approach emphasises learning from real-world experiences and experts while promoting the responsible use of AI guided by critical thinking and ethical principles. ‘We don’t want learners to simply know how to use AI; we want them to create new value for society and leverage technology to drive the future with a strong sense of responsibility,’ said Professor Dr Wilert.

Professor Dr. Piyamitr Sritara, President of Mahidol University, stated that the MC? GenEd project demonstrates how three leading universities can collaborate to create a new learning model that responds to the needs of the modern world. Mahidol University emphasises the concept of ‘Learning with Industry and Society’, connecting education with the business sector, industry and society at large. This enables students to learn from real-world situations while developing essential skills for future careers. ‘Education in the 21st century must be experiential, and MC? GenEd will serve as a model for cross-institutional learning in Thailand’, said Professor Dr Piyamitr.

Professor Dr. Pongruk Sribanditmongkol, President of Chiang Mai University, highlighted CMU’s concept of ‘Learning from Communities and Sustainability’, which is founded on the belief that learning extends beyond university boundaries into communities, nature and real-world environments. Students gain valuable insights from social challenges, cultural diversity and sustainability issues that define the contemporary world. ‘MC? GenEd goes beyond cross-university learning; it opens the door to learning beyond campus. It connects students, lecturers and experts with the vast ‘knowledge resources’ of Thailand’s three leading universities to develop graduates capable of addressing future global challenges’, explained Professor Dr. Pongruk.

MC? GenEd is more than an academic collaboration; it marks the beginning of a new educational model that is open, flexible and interconnected. The initiative aims to elevate the quality of Thai higher education and equip graduates with the knowledge, skills and adaptability needed to thrive in a world shaped by AI, technological advancement and rapid change in the 21st century.