Welcome
A Message from the President of Mahidol University
I am honored to welcome you to the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) 2012 Conference and Exhibition to be held at our Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital in the newly opened Srisavarindira Building. On behalf of Mahidol University, I hope you will find this event to be a memorable and rewarding experience.
Mahidol University originates from Thailand’s first medical school at Siriraj Hospital founded in 1888 by H.M. King Chulalongkorn. The school gained prominence in the fields of medicine, public health and the sciences and was designated the University of Medical Sciences in 1942. H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej renamed the university in 1969 after his father, H.R.H. Prince Mahidol of Songkla, widely considered to be the “Father of Modern Medicine and Public Health in Thailand”. Mahidol University has since grown far beyond our origin as a medical school to become a diverse and comprehensive institution. We recognize that teaching, discovery, and engagement missions of a modern university require a new level of interdisciplinary cooperation.
At Mahidol University, we strongly believe that universities exist to serve the communities. From tackling today’s medical, social and environmental concerns, to anticipating the priorities of tomorrow, we strive to develop innovative solutions for challenges facing our rapidly changing world. The theme of APAIE 2012 “University Social Responsibility for the Benefit of Mankind” illustrates this commitment perfectly and echoes the philosophy of our namesake, Prince Mahidol that “true success is not in the learning, but in its application to the benefit of mankind”.
APAIE 2012 therefore aims to provide delegates with an opportunity to explore how our knowledge, expertise and resources can help to tackle complex problems facing our communities both at the local and global level. Dr. Gwang-Jo Kim, Director of UNESCO Bangkok and M.R. Disnadda Diskul, Secretary of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under the Royal Patronage will be keynote speakers. We are delighted that these leaders of prominent community-focused organizations can join us and share their insights and experiences.
Of course, APAIE 2012 will also provide a great networking opportunity for representatives of higher education from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. In addition, as it is being held in the heart of the cosmopolitan Bangkok, APAIE 2012 will offer its delegates a chance to experience the hospitality and culture for which Thailand is world-renowned.
Once again, on behalf of us all, I look forward to warmly welcome you to the APAIE 2012 Conference and Exhibition.
Clin. Prof. Piyasakol SakolsatayadornPresident, Mahidol University
