Astana:Bangkok For the first time in Thailand, Professor Dr. Vilelert Poorivachara, President of Chulalongkorn University, has been elected as the President of the Asian Universities Alliance (AUA). This marks a significant milestone for Thai higher education as it takes on a leadership role in steering the future of universities within the region.
According to Thai News Agency, Professor Dr. Vilelert Poorivachara's election occurred unanimously during the recent AUA Board Meeting 2026 held at Nazarbayev University in Astana, Kazakhstan. He will serve a three-year term from 2026 to 2029. This is the first time a Thai university has been selected to lead the AUA since its inception in 2017.
The Asian Universities Alliance is a network of 15 prominent universities across Asia, including institutions like Tsinghua University, Peking University, and the National University of Singapore. As a founding member and the sole representative from Thailand, Chulalongkorn University aims to enhance its role in promoting education, research, and innovation to tackle regional challenges and foster opportunities within the Asian community. The election of Chulalongkorn University to lead the AUA is expected to bolster Thailand's participation in international academic collaboration.
In addition to his new role at the AUA, Professor Dr. Vilelert has held several key positions in higher education networks. He will serve as Chairman of the Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT) starting January 1, 2025, and as President of the Association of Southeast Asian Higher Education Institutions (ASAIHL) for 2025-2026. Furthermore, he is set to chair the Asia-Europe Lifelong Learning Network (ASEM LLL Hub) from 2025 to 2030.
The election of Professor Dr. Vilelert as President of the AUA signifies not only an achievement for Chulalongkorn University but also an important step for Thai higher education in contributing to the future of education. This development opens doors for collaboration in knowledge and innovation to benefit Thai society and the global community sustainably, enhancing cooperation in education and human resource development across various levels.