OMU News

From March 9 to 12, 2026, an Osaka Metropolitan University (OMU) delegation visited Bangkok to strengthen partnerships with Thai universities. The delegation, led by Vice President for International Affairs Professor Masahide Takahashi, included Professor Fumio Nagai from the Graduate School of Law and Professor Yoshie Yokoyama from the Graduate School of Nursing.

 JSPS Bangkok Office

The delegation’s first stop was the JSPS Bangkok Office, where they received updates on the ASEAN Short-term Program and recent developments in research collaboration across the region. The Director of the JSPS Bangkok Office, Dr. Yoshio Otani, explained that the Bangkok Office serves as a key hub connecting Japan with researchers across Southeast Asia and India by facilitating joint initiatives and academic exchange. OMU expressed its intention to continue to be in close contact with the JSPS Bangkok Office to explore new possibilities for research collaboration and strengthen its engagement in the region.

^{From left: Prof. Yokoyama, Vice President Takahashi, Director Otani, and Prof. Nagai}

Thammasat University　  

At Thammasat University, the delegation met with Prof. Supreedee Rittironk, Vice Rector for International Affairs, to discuss the expansion of student exchange and short-term programs. With an existing collaboration already in place with OMU’s School of Business, both sides agreed that this foundation could be expanded to additional disciplines. In addition, the meeting noted ongoing ties across several fields, including veterinary science, rehabilitation, and health and sports, as areas where faculty‑level collaboration and researcher exchanges could further to develop. 

^{From left: Prof. Yokoyama, Vice Rector Rittironk, Vice President Takahashi, Prof. Nagai, and Ms. Nanthawan Ketthiangkit}

Chulalongkorn University

The delegation then visited Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Veterinary Science together with Prof. Shinji Yamasaki, Prof. Atsushi Hinenoya, and three students from OMU’s Graduate School of Veterinary Science to hold discussions with Dean Prof. Kaywalee Chatdarong and faculty members. The meeting focused on potential collaboration in infectious disease, microbiology, and zoonotic research, as well as opportunities for faculty exchange.

At the same time, Prof. Fumio Nagai delivered a guest lecture in Thai at the Faculty of Political Science to about thirty students and faculty members, demonstrating OMU’s strong academic engagement across disciplines.　  

Mahidol University　  

At Mahidol University, the delegation met with Vice President Nopraenue Sajjarax Dhirathiti and representatives from the Faculties of Science, Engineering, Nursing, and Social Sciences. Discussions covered a broad range of potential collaborations, including student exchange, training opportunities, and the development of online or short-term academic programs, demonstrating Mahidol’s strong commitment to multi‑disciplinary international engagement.

OMU and Mahidol also reaffirmed their existing student and researcher exchanges in the field of nursing and expressed interest in exploring additional avenues for cooperation across other academic fields.　  

The Bangkok visit provided meaningful opportunities to strengthen existing partnerships and to identify new avenues for collaboration in research, education, and international engagement. As a growing hub for academic activity and international networks, Bangkok continues to present valuable prospects for deeper cooperation. Building on these connections, OMU will continue to advance its global activities and enhance its presence in the region.

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