Peking University, September 18, 2023: Recently, an exchange delegation consisting of three teachers and 15 students from Peking University's School of Public Health and the Office of International Cooperation at Peking University Health Science Center (PKUHSC) visited Thailand, as part of a trip to deepen exchanges and cooperation between China and ASEAN in the field of public health and promote PKU's "Global Engagement Year" initiative.

 
The first stop of the visit was Mahidol University in Bangkok. Through exchanges, both sides have formed a deep understanding of the current situation of public health in both Thailand and China, as well as the global health education and practice situation. The two sides also expressed a strong willingness to continue student exchange activities, with the hope of providing reference and experience for promoting future global health exchange and cooperation.


From August 29 to 30, the exchange team visited the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) of Thailand, during which Dr. Narong Apikulvanich, Permanent Deputy Secretary General of the Thai MOPH, praised the long history of friendly relationship between China and Thailand, and hoped that this exchange would build an important platform for both sides to further strengthen cooperation.

 
During the visit, Dr. Viroj Tangcharoensathien, the “master carpenter of Thai health care,” came to have a warm exchange with the visiting teachers and students, sharing his valuable experience in the field of public health. During the exchange with Dr. Viroj, participants not only drew on his professional knowledge but also deeply felt the importance of pursuing excellence.
 
On the morning of August 31, the exchange group was invited to participate in a global health-themed event, which was organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and hosted by Jos Vandelaer, WHO representative in Thailand. 

During the event, the teachers and students from the exchange group shared their views on global health governance and also offered their insights on international health cooperation. They also expressed the urgency of strengthening cooperation in the field of health among developing countries, so as to jointly promote the address of health issues and achieve sustainable development in public health.
 

This article was featured in the special coverage of PKU’s Global Engagement Year.


Written by: Wu Zhaoxia
Edited by: Dennis Meng
Source: Office of International Cooperation, School of Public Health