On February 18, 2025, the Happy University Academic Centre towards Sustainable Health Promotion, Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, in collaboration with the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and 14 partners of the Happy University Model Network (14 PHATC), convened a progress meeting to advance the “Happy University Policy Proposal” as a policy under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI). The meeting was attended by 65 participants.
The event featured Professor Dr. Piyamitr Sritara, President of Mahidol University, one of the 14 PHATC members, who delivered the opening report and welcomed the participants. Mr. Wannee Nonsiri, Inspector-General of MHESI, presided over the opening ceremony, held at Srabua Meeting Room (109), Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, and online.
The project research team, led by Associate Professor Dr. Sirinan Kittisuksathit, Assistant Professor Dr. Nucharapon Liangruenrom, and Associate Professor Dr. Charamporn Holumyong, presented the draft “Happy University Policy Proposal”, followed by discussions with representatives from the 14 PHATC institutions.
During the meeting, Professor Dr. Piyamitr Sritara proposed guidelines for incorporating the six key elements of the “Happy University Standards” into universities’ existing operations to streamline implementation without increasing workload. He also emphasized prioritizing the seven elements of the “Happy University Standards” and fostering collaboration among the 14 PHATC institutions to drive the “Happy University” initiative towards a Sustainable Health Organization.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Wannee Nonsiri commended the “Happy University Policy Proposal” for its comprehensive scope and alignment with MHESI’s key policies, including enhancing education quality, fostering happiness, increasing income opportunities, and promoting impactful research and innovation. He highlighted that this initiative is a crucial step toward establishing universities as well-being organizations, contributing to human resource and institutional development, research excellence, cross-sector collaboration, and community impact, ultimately fostering a prosperous society and economy.
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