TNUA on November 20 signed a memorandum of understanding with the Upper Northern Research Administration Network (UNRN) of Thailand. In the future, the two sides will carry out various cooperation and exchange programs, including personnel, academic research and student exchanges involving the School of Culture Resources’ Graduate Institute Architecture and Cultural Heritage, Graduate Institute of Art Administration and Management and Graduate Institute of Museum.
The signing ceremony was presided over by TNUA President Prof. Hsi-Chuan Liu, Dean of International Affairs Prof. Yatin Lin, Dean of the School of Culture Resources Prof. Huei-ling Liu, Chairperson of the Graduate Institute of Architecture and Cultural Heritage Prof. Min-Chin Chiang, and a 20-member delegation led by UNRN Chairman Prof. Sanchai Jaturasitha. The meeting aimed to exchange views on deepening cooperation between the two sides and to outline a new blueprint.
Following the signing ceremony, Prof. Sanchai Jaturasitha noted in a presentation that UNRN is one of nine research management networks under the Office of the Permanent Secretary (OPS) of Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI).
The MHESI, established in 2019, is responsible for the development and research of higher education, science, technology, and innovation in Thailand. Its jurisdiction covers 156 higher education institutions in Thailand, including 84 public and 72 private institutions.
UNRN is the leading agency for research and development programs in Northern Thailand. Its primary focus is supporting and nurturing emerging researchers by fostering collaborations with public and private sector institutions. It also oversees 27 higher education institutions in the region, including Chiang Mai University. The region is renowned for its rich history and unique cultural identity.
Professor Sanchai Jaturasitha emphasized that he hopes both sides can start by promoting student exchanges in the future, while leveraging the strengths of TNUA's School of Culture Resources in art research to promote the training and exchange of art professionals on both sides.