Chiang Mai University has brought pride to Thailand as the only Thai university to receive the ‘Highly Commended’ distinction at the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards Asia 2026 in the Outstanding Contribution to Regional Development category.
The announcement was made on April 22, 2026, in Hong Kong, China, with more than 500 outstanding entries submitted from across Asia. This achievement highlights the strong potential of Thailand’s research community to deliver meaningful impact at both regional and international levels.
The recognition was awarded for the project titled ‘SMART BEE SDGs – Enhancing Food Security and Beekeeper Livelihoods in the Mekong Region’. The initiative leverages science, technology, and cross-border collaboration to elevate beekeeping practices, strengthen food security, and promote sustainability across the Mekong subregion. The project is led by Associate Professor Dr. Terd Disayathanoowat and his team from the SMART BEE SDGs Research Centre, Faculty of Science.
SMART BEE SDGs is a long-term collaboration among six countries in the Mekong subregion, including Thailand, China, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar. The project applies artificial intelligence and big data to support beekeepers in monitoring bee health, analyzing honey quality, and improving production efficiency. It also organizes training programs to transfer knowledge and foster both domestic and international collaboration networks.
The project has delivered several tangible outcomes, including:
• Increased income for beekeepers
• Development of value-added honey products
• Creation of local employment opportunities
• Improved beekeeping standards across the region
• A scalable honey brand development model for industrialization
In addition, the initiative contributes to pollinator and biodiversity conservation, raises awareness of the critical role of bees in food systems, and strengthens sustainable agricultural practices. The project is supported by Chiang Mai University, the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
SMART BEE SDGs stands as a strong example of how university-led research can generate real-world impacts across economic, social, and environmental dimensions in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In addition to this recognition, two other Chiang Mai University projects were shortlisted in the following categories:
• International Strategy of the Year
‘CMU’s International Strategy: A Multi-Tiered Architecture for Global Impact’ by the International Relations Division, transforms faculty-level collaborations into an integrated university-wide framework, fostering innovation and sustainable outcomes across multiple dimensions.
• Outstanding Support for Students
‘Token to Care (T2C): No Money, No Hunger’ by the Student Development Division, is an aid system that provides immediate support for students facing food insecurity through digital meal tokens on the CMU Mobile application. Redeemable at participating campus vendors, the tokens ensure students can continue their studies without going hungry during difficult times.
Chiang Mai University’s achievements at the THE Awards Asia 2026 underscore its capacity to drive impactful research and social development initiatives at regional and global scales, reinforcing its position at the forefront of higher education in Asia.For further information, please visit: https://theawardsasia.com/2026/en/page/2026
