Chiang Mai University Expands International Academic Networks at APAIE 2026 in Hong Kong (SAR)

11 March 2026
International Relations Division
Chiang Mai University (CMU) continues to drive its mission toward internationalization and sustainable development through its recent high-profile participation in the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) 2026 Conference and Exhibition. Held from February 23–27, 2026, in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China, the CMU delegation was led by Assistant Professor Dr. Worakanya Buranaphatthana, Assistant to the President, and representatives from the International Relations Excellence Center (IRAC), the Language Institute, and the Faculty of Medicine.

This year’s conference was organized under the visionary theme “Asia-Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good,” serving as a premier global platform that brought together executives and representatives from leading higher education institutions worldwide to exchange knowledge and advance the future of international academic collaboration.

During the event, Chiang Mai University engaged in intensive strategic activities focused on deepening academic ties with global partners. The university prioritized discussions to promote student mobility across Undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctoral levels, emphasizing diverse opportunities such as international coursework exchanges, internships, and short-term research placements. These initiatives are carefully designed to enrich the campus academic environment and foster a culture of “Internationalization at Home” for the entire CMU community.

Beyond student mobility, the delegation explored broader institutional cooperation through both bilateral frameworks and inter-regional projects like ERASMUS+. These discussions aimed to support comprehensive student and staff exchanges, enhance institutional capacity building, and create new avenues for joint research with partner institutions across the globe.

A significant highlight of the university’s participation was the academic contribution of Ms. Junvimol Lertanan, International Relations Officer from IRAC. She was selected to deliver an Oral Presentation titled “Navigating Outbound Student Mobility Demand and Institutional Realities” within the specialized Partnerships and Mobility stream. Presented in collaboration with representatives from the University of Sydney, Australia, and Robs of Lions, Netherlands, the session offered valuable insights into the strategic management of outbound exchange programs and the evolving landscape of global education partnerships.

Chiang Mai University’s presence at APAIE 2026 reflects its proactive commitment to expanding its global footprint and elevating international mission management. By continuously forging these international alliances, the university remains dedicated to providing transformative educational opportunities and developing the potential of its students and personnel for the challenges of the future.

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