Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., Signs MOU Between Khon Kaen University and Children’s Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine

On 2 December 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Khon Kaen University (KKU) and Children’s Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine (ZCH), People's Republic of China. The MOU was signed on behalf of the two institutions by Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, and Prof. Fu Junfen, President of the Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University.

The ceremony was witnessed by executives and representatives from both sides, including Prof. Shu Qiang (Chairman, ZCH), Prof. Ma Daqing (Executive Vice Dean, College of Pediatrics, Zhejiang University), Prof. Mao Jianhua (Vice President, ZCH), Prof. Zhang Ling (Director of International Affairs Office, ZCH), Prof. Ma Ming (Vice Director of Clinical Nutrition Department, ZCH), Prof. Yu Yichao (Vice Director of Education Office, ZCH), Prof. Pan Feixi (Vice Director of National Clinical Research Center for Child Health), and Prof. Liu Zhigang (PI of National Clinical Research Center for Child Health).

The Khon Kaen University delegation was led by Prof. Pewpan Maleewong, M.D., Vice President for Research; Assoc. Prof. Thuss Sanguansak, M.D., Associate Dean for International Relations and Corporate Communications; and Assoc. Prof. Suchaorn Saengnipanthkul, M.D., pediatrician at the Faculty of Medicine. Representatives of the National Phenome Institute, Khon Kaen University, also attended the ceremony: Asst. Prof. Dr. Jutarop Phetcharaburanin, Director; Dr. M.L. Manida Suksawat, Deputy Director for Academic Services; Dr. Marisa Attapong and Dr. Navaporn Sritong, Research Scientists; together with Ms. Phawini Khamla, International Relations Officer, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University.

The MOU focuses on strengthening collaboration in pediatric specialty medicine, the development of medical innovation, and support for international joint research, particularly in addressing global child health challenges. It marks an important step that reflects Khon Kaen University's commitment to raising the quality of its education and research to the international level.

Executives from both institutions also discussed future collaborative activities, including student and medical staff exchanges, the development of curricula and specialized training, and the establishment of joint research projects in pediatric specialty medicine, in order to build a collaborative network and create ongoing opportunities for academic knowledge exchange.

On this occasion, the National Phenome Institute, Khon Kaen University, is delighted to serve as a key unit driving research in pediatric specialty medicine and strengthening international collaboration in medical innovation. This partnership will lay an important foundation for enhancing medical and research capabilities, contributing to the sustainable development of child health and medical systems worldwide.