Bangkok, UNHAS.TV – In an effort to expand international academic partnerships, the Faculty of Public Health (FKM) at Universitas Hasanuddin has initiated strategic discussions with the Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Thailand. This initiative marks the beginning of a potential collaboration to be formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), particularly in the areas of postgraduate education and research in public and environmental health.
The bilateral meeting took place on July 8, 2025, in Bangkok, in conjunction with the Workshop on Environmental Health Technology, Management, and Sustainability, held on July 7–8, 2025, at Mahidol University. This scientific forum served as a platform to connect scholars from various institutions and strengthen cross-border academic dialogue.
FKM Unhas was represented by two key figures: Prof. Dr. Anwar Daud, SKM., M.Kes, Head of the Master of Environmental Health Program, and Prof. Anwar Mallongi, SKM., MSc., Ph.D, Vice Dean for Partnerships, Research, and Innovation. From Mahidol University, the meeting was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Public Health, Dr. Sarawut Thepanondh.
The Dean of the Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Thailand, Dr. Sarawut Thepanondh, delivered a welcoming speech before the FKM Unhas delegation.
Collaborative Focus: Joint Curriculum, Research, and Academic Engagement
Discussions between the two institutions centered on the development of a joint curriculum, aimed at establishing equivalent and globally oriented postgraduate education standards. This collaboration also opens opportunities for student and faculty exchanges, enhancing the competencies of graduates to address international public health challenges.
Research collaboration was another key focus, particularly on pressing issues such as climate change, waste management, and environmental sustainability. The partnership will enable the exchange of expertise and research resources, leading to more impactful and relevant scientific outcomes.
Moreover, both institutions expressed interest in co-hosting guest lectures and international seminars, which will enrich the academic experiences of students and faculty members alike.
A warm atmosphere filled the discussion at the Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok. Representatives from FKM Unhas—Prof. Dr. Anwar Daud (Head of the Master’s Program in Environmental Health) and Prof. Anwar Mallongi (Vice Dean for Partnerships, Research, and Innovation)—joined Mahidol University officials, including Dr. Sarawut Thepanondh (Dean of the Faculty of Public Health), to explore potential doctoral and master’s level collaborations. Our mission: to achieve international standards in public health education and research.
Toward Concrete Implementation
According to Prof. Dr. Anwar Daud, the collaboration is not merely about expanding academic networks but also a concrete step toward achieving international standards in education and research. “This partnership is expected to broaden students’ perspectives and experiences within the global public health context,” he stated.
The next step involves drafting a comprehensive MoA and outlining a joint work agenda to ensure effective implementation. This strategic collaboration is expected to enhance the academic capacities of both FKM Unhas and Mahidol University and contribute significantly to the development of human resources capable of addressing the complexities of global public and environmental health.
This initiative serves as tangible proof that amid the ever-changing global landscape, international collaboration is essential for generating innovative and sustainable solutions. With the foundation now in place, the partnership between FKM Unhas and Mahidol University holds great promise for advancing public health knowledge and practice across the region.