Advancing Regional Collaboration: Participation in the 3rd China–ASEAN Public Health Forum
On July 3, 2025, representatives from the School of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University (SGH) participated in the 3rd Forum on China–ASEAN Cooperation in Public Health and the Annual Assembly of the China–ASEAN University Consortium on Medicine and Health, held by Peking University, in Beijing, China.
The invitation to participate was extended by Professor Ming Xu, Chair of the Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University. The forum, with the theme “AI Pioneering Global Public Health Advancements,” brought together professionals and policymakers from ASEAN countries and China to exchange practical experiences on the integration of digital technology in health systems and public health. As one of the key regional platforms for public health dialogue, the forum underscored a shared commitment to advancing health equity and system resilience through innovation. Participation in this event aligns with SGH’s mission to contribute Thailand’s perspectives while fostering regional collaboration in strengthening health systems through responsible digital health initiatives.
Professor Kiat Ruxrungtham, Director of SGH and the Chula Vaccine Research Center, delivered a keynote speech on advancing RNA technologies for global access, sharing Thailand’s experiences in the development and application of mRNA vaccine technologies for diseases relevant to the region. His presentation highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in strengthening research capacity, promoting equitable vaccine distribution, and ensuring sustainable access to advanced medical innovations within ASEAN and beyond.
Dr. Jiayu Li, Lecturer at SGH, joined the panel discussions to share perspectives on digital health and equity in the ASEAN context. The panel also featured Ms. Wen Hua (UNFPA), Ms. Xu Ye (Asian Development Bank), Dr. Qiu Yingpeng (China National Health Commission), and Prof. Mahesan Nirmalan (Manchester Royal Infirmary), moderated by Dr. Wang Minmin (Peking University). Panelists shared insights from policy, financing, implementation, and academic perspectives, exploring how AI and digital innovations can be responsibly integrated into emergency care and health systems to address health disparities across the region. The discussion underscored the value of cross-sector collaboration and context-sensitive approaches in advancing digital health for public health improvement.
SGH values the opportunity to engage with colleagues from ASEAN countries and China through this forum and remains committed to supporting knowledge exchange and regional cooperation to advance health equity and innovation.
