From 19-21 June 2025, PSU hosted the 2nd Northern-Southern Universities Network (NSU NET) under the theme “Growing Together: From Regional Strengths to a Sustainable Global Future” as a Low Carbon Event. Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Keawpradub, President of PSU, presided over the opening ceremony. The event was also honored by Prof. Dr. Sujitra Wongkasemjit, Vice President of Mae Fah Luang University, Asst Prof. Dr. Thakerng Wongsirichot, Vice President for Academic and International Affairs, PSU, along with university executives, faculty members, and staff from network universities at PSU Hat Yai Campus.
The 2nd NSU NET aimed to promote knowledge exchange activities and strengthen collaboration in education, research, and internationalization. It also sought to foster academic partnerships and support the joint development of research and innovation projects. These efforts are intended to enhance research capabilities and generate shared knowledge that can be practically applied among the 17 member universities in the network.
The event featured a keynote address titled "Thai Higher Education in a Global Context: Strategic Successes and Interregional Synergy for Sustainable Development" delivered by Adjunct Prof. Dr. Anek Laothamatas, former Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. A panel discussion under the theme "Growing Together: From Regional Strengths to a Sustainable Global Future" was also held, featuring the following distinguished speakers: Prof. Dr. Sujitra Wongkasemjitt, Vice President of Mae Fah Luang University, Prof. Dr. Peerapong Teekasakul, Director of Air Pollution and Health Effects Research Center, PSU, Asst. Prof. Dr. Wichitpan Rongwong, Acting Director of the Institute for Research and Innovation Promotion for Excellence, Walailak University, Asst Prof. Dr. Thakerng Wongsirichot, Vice President for Academic and International Affairs, PSU. The session was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Janya Chanchaichujit, Assistant to the President for International Affairs Promotion, PSU.
In addition, afternoon sessions were held to discuss and define strategic directions for advancing collaboration in three key areas: education, research, and internationalization. These sessions included information sharing, knowledge exchange, and joint presentations summarizing the outcomes and insights gained from the collaborative discussions.
The establishment of the NSU NET originated from a collaboration between Mae Fah Luang University and Prince of Songkla University, which began with the signing of the first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 21, 2018. The partnership was later renewed through a second MoU signed on August 1, 2021, with the aim of strengthening academic excellence at both the university and faculty/school levels. This collaboration marked the beginning of broader relationships with partner universities in the northern and southern regions of Thailand, fostering integrated cooperation in academics, research, and innovation.
The network comprises a total of 17 higher education institutions. The Northern cluster includes six universities: Chiang Mai University, Maejo University, University of Phayao, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, and Mae Fah Luang University, which serves as the lead institution. The Southern cluster consists of eleven universities: Narathiwat Rajanagarindra University, Thaksin University, Walailak University, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Songkhla Rajabhat University, Yala Rajabhat University, Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University, Phuket Rajabhat University, Suratthani Rajabhat University, Fatoni University, and Prince of Songkla University, which serves as the lead institution in the South.
The 2nd North-South University Network Meeting marked a significant milestone in advancing academic collaboration under the theme "Sustainable Networking for a Better Together." This gathering is to further strengthen the network in the future.