20 January 2026, the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, in collaboration with the Faculty of Economics and Business, Faculty of Engineering, and the Tourism Diploma Program, Universitas Merdeka Malang (UNMER), Republic of Indonesia, organized the project titled “Sustainability Connect: Global Learning for a Better Tomorrow 2026 (ENVI Mahidol University x UNMER)” at the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University. The opening ceremony was presided over by Associate Professor Dr. Kitikorn Charmondusit, who delivered welcoming remarks to participating faculty members and students. In addition, Ir. Subairi, S.T., M.T., IPM., from the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Merdeka Malang (UNMER), addressed the success of the project’s initiation.
The project represents an academic collaboration between the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, and Universitas Merdeka Malang (UNMER), Republic of Indonesia, aimed at promoting learning in sustainable development, environmental studies, and international student exchange. The initiative integrates international relations, student affairs, and both Thai and international curricula of the Faculty. Its objectives are to establish an international learning platform and provide opportunities for students from both institutions to learn together through real-world situations, while enhancing systems thinking, cross-cultural teamwork, and communication skills in multicultural contexts. The project also encourages the application of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework in problem analysis and the development of creative sustainability-oriented concepts. Dr. Praewa Wongburi, Assistant Dean for Policy, Planning, and International Relations, serves as the Project Director.
Learning activities under the project include participation in international program classes (sit-in classes), hands-on workshops, field studies in community, university, and urban contexts, as well as collaborative creative group projects (SDGs-based Mini Projects) and project presentations. These activities are linked to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The program is conducted from 20 January to 9 February 2026, with participation from faculty members and students of Universitas Merdeka Malang together with Thai students enrolled in both Thai and international programs of the Faculty. The project aims to enable participants to apply sustainability knowledge in diverse contexts and to serve as a strong foundation for the long-term expansion of academic collaboration between the two institutions in the future.
