The MoA, formalized on July 31, 2025, outlines key areas of cooperation, including student and faculty exchanges, joint research initiatives, training programs, and fellowship opportunities. A notable focus of the partnership is collaborative research on climate change, reflecting both institutions’ commitment to addressing global challenges. “We are excited to work together on initiatives that benefit our students, faculty, and the broader global community,” said Dr. Philips J. Vermonte, the Dean of FOSS.

Leading the delegation from Mahidol University were Prof. Dr. Punchada Sirivunnabood, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities; Assoc. Dr. Patreeya Kitcharoen, Deputy Dean for International Relations, Corporate Communication, and Student Affairs; Lecturer Dr. Patcharapan Nakpong from the Department of Social Sciences; and Mrs. Naphanat Kongkarat, Head of International Relations, Corporate Communication, and Student Affairs Section.

Representing FOSS UIII was Dr. Philips J. Vermonte, Dean of FOSS, alongside Dr. Sirodjudin Arif, Convenor of the MA in Political Science program; Dr. Djayadi Hanan, Convenor of the PhD in Political Science program; and Dr. Ridwan, Director of the FOSS Center for Muslim Politics and World Society. Dr. Ridwan, a Mahidol alumnus with a Master’s degree in Human Rights Studies, highlighted the personal significance of the partnership, having pursued his PhD at the University of Western Australia. Also in attendance were FOSS lecturers Dr. Testriono and Dr. Gde Dwitya Arief Metera.

“This collaboration with Mahidol University, one of Thailand’s leading institutions, opens new avenues for academic excellence and impactful research,” said Dr. Saiful Umam, Director of research and partnerships at UIIIz who witnessed the MoA signing event.

The partnership is expected to enhance cross-cultural academic exchanges and produce meaningful contributions to social sciences and humanities, particularly in addressing pressing issues like climate change and global political dynamics. []