5 November 2025 | Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand
The 56th Asia Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH) Conference 2025 officially opened on 5 November 2025 at Mae Fah Luang University (MFU), Thailand, marking the start of a momentous week of global dialogue and collaboration in public health, with over 600 participants from 20 countries in attendance. With the theme “Public Health Challenges in a Disruptive World,” this year’s conference sets a bold agenda to address urgent health issues across the Asia–Pacific region and beyond.
A Formal and Inspiring Beginning
The Opening Ceremony, held at the Somdej Ya Auditorium, was attended by over 600 delegates from 20 countries, comprising academics, health professionals, researchers, and international representatives.
The ceremony began with a conference report by Asst. Prof. Dr. Wipob Suttana, Dean of the School of Health Science, MFU, highlighted the significance of the conference in fostering academic collaboration and advancing sustainable health development.
This was followed by a warm welcome from Asst. Prof. Dr. Matchima Naradisorn, President of MFU, who reaffirmed the university’s commitment to international cooperation in health research and education. In her speech, she emphasised the role of academic institutions in driving innovative solutions to complex public health challenges.
Professor Dr So Yoon Kim, President of APACPH, then delivered the official opening remarks. She praised MFU’s leadership and hospitality and underscored the need for resilient, equity-driven public health systems in today’s disruptive global context.
Honouring Public Health Leadership
A highlight of the ceremony was the APACPH Awards Ceremony, which celebrated distinguished individuals for their contributions to public health:
- Professor Kazue K. McLaren Leadership Achievement Award
Recipient: Dr Shou-Hsia Cheng
Announced by Prof. Betty Chiu the Vice-President, I, APACPH - APACPH Public Health Recognition Award
Recipient: Asst. Prof. Dr Phitsanuruk Kanthawee
Announced by Prof. Dr Maznah Dahlui, the Vice-President Admin, APACPH - APACPH Excellence in Leadership Medallion
Recipient: Dr Sopon Iamsirithaworn
Announced by Prof. Elahe Nezami, the Vice-President II, APACPH - APACPH Medal of Merit
Recipients: Prof. Dr So Yoon Kim and Prof. Dr Philip Baker
Announced by Assoc. Prof. Dr Sarawut Thepanondh (Thailand Regional Director, APACPH) and Assoc. Prof. Dr Naruemon Auemaneeku (Early-Career Network Director, EXN)
The ceremony also featured the presentation of the Young Investigator Traveller Awards (YITA) to five emerging scholars from Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia, reflecting APACPH’s commitment to developing future leaders in public health.
A Moment of Tribute and Transition
The ceremony concluded with a touching memorial tribute to Professor Walter Patrick, a respected figure in the APACPH community, delivered by Professor Dr Maznah Dahlui, honouring his lifelong contributions to the consortium and the field.
Global Perspectives on Disruptive Health Issues
Three Plenary keynote speakers delivered powerful insights into contemporary global health issues:
- Dr Richard Brown (WHO-SEARO): Health Security in the Asia–Pacific – Health security in the Asia-Pacific
- Prof. Dr Joia Mukherjee (Harvard Medical School): Global Health Equity and Structural Change – Understanding global history and politics in addressing global health equity: perspectives of global health professionals.
- Dr Charay Vichathai (Health Systems Research Institute): Funding and Innovation for Health System Resilience – Strategy and Mechanism of Research Funders in Reinforcement of National Health and Health Systems Improvement
Their messages converged around the urgent need for systems thinking, evidence-based policy, and transnational cooperation to navigate an increasingly unpredictable world.
Reflection
The opening of APACPH 2025 not only set the tone for an intellectually rich conference but also reaffirmed the Consortium’s mission to promote public health leadership, innovation, and regional cooperation. As the world navigates the disruptions of the present and future, APACPH remains a steadfast platform for advancing equitable and resilient health systems.
Acknowledgement:
Our sincere thanks to Mae Fah Luang University for their gracious hosting and to all organisers, speakers, and participants who contributed to the success of the Opening Ceremony.
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