Depok, September 26, 2025 — The Faculty of Public Health (FPH) Universitas Indonesia (UI) expanded its international partnerships by welcoming a delegation from Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), Thailand, on Friday, September 26, 2025. The exploratory meeting, held in Meeting Room B206, opened opportunities for both institutions to strengthen academic and research collaborations in the field of public health.
“Welcome, and thank you for visiting FPH UI. This meeting opens the door to synergy between FPH UI and SUT in exploring collaboration in health—especially public health. We believe that this partnership will empower both institutions to collaborate through student and faculty exchanges, as well as knowledge and information sharing. We look forward to developing this partnership further in the future,” said Dr. Ir. Asih Setiarini, M.Sc., Vice Dean for Education, Research, and Student Affairs at FPH UI, in her opening remarks.
Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), located in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, is one of the country’s nine “National Research Universities.” The visiting delegation included Asst. Prof. Dr. Chalalai Hanchenlaksh, Dean of the Institute of Public Health; Asst. Prof. Dr. Siraporn Potivichayanon, Associate Dean of the Institute of Public Health; Asst. Prof. Dr. Pongsit Boonruksa, Head of the School of Occupational Health and Safety; Dr. Aoitip Samanros, Lecturer at the School of Nutrition and Dietetics; and Ms. Kanchana Promsorn, Chief of the Dean’s Office.
“SUT and FPH UI share similarities in learning activities and curriculum, particularly in the Departments of Nutrition, Occupational Health and Safety, and Environmental Health. This visit provides an excellent opportunity to discuss potential future collaborations. We are also eager to support student exchange programs that can further enhance research and knowledge development in public health between the two institutions,” said Asst. Prof. Dr. Chalalai Hanchenlaksh as she opened the discussion.
The exploratory meeting continued with introductions and discussions between representatives of both institutions. The FPH UI delegation included Prof. Dr. Indri Hapsari Susilowati, S.K.M., M.K.K.K., and Mila Tejamaya, S.Si., MOHS., Ph.D., from the Department of Occupational Health and Safety; Dr. Fathimah Sulistyowati Sigit, M.Res., Ph.D., from the Department of Nutrition; and Dr. Laila Fitria, S.K.M., M.Kes., and Dr. Al Asyary, S.K.M., M.P.H., from the Department of Environmental Health.
In addition to the discussion on potential areas of collaboration, the SUT delegation also visited FPH UI’s research facilities, including the Public Health Innovation and Research (PHIR) Lab, to observe firsthand the academic and research infrastructure supporting the faculty’s innovation ecosystem.
The Public Health Innovation and Research (PHIR) Lab at FPH UI is dedicated to advancing innovation, evidence-based research, and technology application in public health. It serves as a collaborative platform for academics, researchers, and external partners to generate innovative solutions, inform decision-making, and strengthen research networks at both local and global levels.
This exploratory visit concluded with a shared understanding between FPH UI and Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) on the vast potential for collaboration—particularly in the areas of Nutrition, Occupational Health and Safety, and Environmental Health. The collaboration is expected to include student and faculty exchanges, joint research development, and mutual knowledge sharing in the field of public health. Both institutions also expressed interest in future curriculum development and academic initiatives that will enhance educational quality and foster meaningful contributions to society. (ITM)