Thammasat, Public Health, and Leave a Nest Singapore to Host Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference Thailand 2026

     Thammasat University, in collaboration with its Faculty of Public Health, has partnered with the global organization Leave a Nest from Singapore and a network of innovation affiliates to launch the international academic conference, Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference (HIC) Thailand 2026, on January 31, 2026, at Puey Ungphakorn Centenary Learning Park, Thammasat University, Rangsit Center. The conference committed to “Universities Reimagined,” transforming universities into Innovation Catalysts to address the national agenda for a sustainable transition to a Super-Aged Society. This platform unites professors, researchers, students, entrepreneurs, and partners, both domestic and international, to exchange knowledge, build networks, and promote applicable research and innovation through lectures, discussions, and exhibitions.

     The HIC Thailand 2026 event this year is held under the theme “Re-imagining Connections: From Education to Ecosystem,” which represents a significant reform in the structure of collaboration. It is not limited to academic exchanges but aims to connect “social structures, communities, the environment, and the industrial sector” together. Crucially, it seeks to transform visionary ideas into tangible innovations to enhance competitiveness on a global scale and to keep pace with the challenges of the digital age.

     Assoc. Prof. Dr. M.L. Phinitbhand Paribatra, Vice President for Research and Innovation revealed that in 2025, Thammasat University, through the Faculty of Public Health, received support under the Reinventing University project on the topic of Creating Supportive Environments and Strengthening Health Behaviors for Quality Aging. This initiative aims to leverage science and innovation to address the national agenda concerning an aging society. The collaboration with Leave a Nest thus serves as a crucial mechanism in transforming the university into a future-oriented institution that focuses on providing solutions for society and developing the potential for elderly health on an international level.

     Prof. Dr. Takeo Ogawa discussed “Innovation in Aging Society,” emphasizing that innovation includes social restructuring and leveraging age diversity, not just technology, to turn “burden” into “strength.” The platform allows researchers, startups, and experts to pitch ideas to judges and partners, receive feedback, compete for prizes, and gain commercial development opportunities. This fosters academia-business collaboration for comprehensive elderly care innovations, showcases Thai research and personnel readiness, and includes discussions to inform public policy. An exhibition will feature diverse health innovations (Health Tech) for the aging society, reflecting the innovation ecosystem promoted by Thammasat University.

Asst. Prof.Dr. Soisuda Kesornthong, Dean of Faculty of Public Health, added towards the end of the exchange that today’s interdisciplinary collaboration underscores that innovation and cross-border cooperation are essential in addressing the challenges of an aging society. The knowledge gained will be leveraged to create an environment and health behaviors conducive to sustainable quality of life, marking a significant step in Thailand’s innovation ecosystem. This is a crucial step that reaffirms that “Thammasat University and the Faculty of Public Health” are not merely providers of knowledge but are Future Shapers ready to drive Thailand towards becoming a regional hub for health innovation.