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Strengthening Ties in Healthcare: Sima Sarasakham Nursing University Delegation Visits Okayama University

On March 26, 2025, a notable delegation from Sima Sarasakham Nursing University in Thailand visited Okayama University, signifying a commitment to enhancing international academic relations. The delegation was led by Dean Siranee Imnamkhao, alongside Vichai Tienthavorn, President of the Praboromarajchanok Institute, an educational institution under Thailand's Ministry of Public Health that focuses on public health workforce development.

The visit is rooted in a long-standing collaboration that began in March 2009, with the establishment of a departmental agreement between the Graduate School of Health Sciences at Okayama University and Sima Sarasakham Nursing University. Over the years, there has been an active exchange of students and faculty, promoting mutual learning and cooperation in health sciences education.

During the meeting, President Vichai Tienthavorn expressed his intention to expand the collaboration to include research exchanges in the field of Primary Health Care (PHC), thereby enhancing the educational experience for students from both institutions. This idea was warmly received by Okayama University's President, Yoshitomo Nasu, who underscored the strong connections with ASEAN University Network (AUN) and the importance of leveraging these networks to further strengthen the partnership.

The discussions also emphasized the richness of collaboration that both universities have fostered over the years, highlighting the potential for future initiatives that can address public health challenges, particularly in Southeast Asia. Such partnerships are crucial to enhancing the quality of healthcare education and research in the region, especially in light of the ongoing global health issues.

Following the visit, there is an optimistic outlook for increased interaction and collaboration between Okayama University and Sima Sarasakham Nursing University, further reflecting Okayama University’s role as a pivotal institution for healthcare education and research.

Amidst the backdrop of Okayama University’s strategic focus on global partnerships and community engagement, the gathering signifies an important juncture for the academic community aiming to cultivate a robust public health workforce that meets both current and future healthcare needs in Thailand and beyond.

With ongoing efforts to expand and deepen these ties, the collaboration will likely empower students and faculty alike, paving the way for innovative educational programs and impactful research initiatives. Stay tuned for future updates on the developments arising from this promising partnership.



As a university dedicated to fostering sustainable development goals (SDGs), Okayama University is committed to nurturing global leaders in health and research, contributing to both regional and global communities. The commitment of Okayama University was recognized with a special award at the inaugural Japan SDGs Awards, affirming its status as a leading institution focused on sustainability and collaborative research efforts.