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Khon Kaen University (KKU) is known for being one of the most reputable public research institutions in the Northeastern part of Thailand. Both KKU and IIUM are members of the PAN-Asia Biomedical Science Consortium, established on 7^th December 2018 through Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between members and this visit is regarded as one of the MoU activities.

On the last 28^th until 31^st October 2019, a total of 13 IIUM Kuantan delegates (2 staffs & 11 students) from Biomedical Sciences Department organized and participated in an Educational Visit to the notable institution which was held at the School of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences (AMS), KKU Thailand. Upon arrival, the delegates were picked up and greeted with warm hospitality by both the corresponding KKU International Relations Officer and the KKU students.  

On 29^th October, the delegates were welcomed by the Dean of AMS Faculty, Assoc. Prof. Dr Patcharee Jearanaikoon and other KKU staffs followed by an introductory and sharing sessions among the IIUM and KKU students and staffs. Other itinerary includes visitations to the AMS Faculty’s research labs such as the Cholangiocarcinoma Research Centre which is one of the KKU’s Centres of Excellence.

On the next day, the delegates visited Srinagarind Hospital which is a reputable medical hub of the Greater Mekhong Subregion that houses many centres of excellence for health care and research including Queen Sirkit Heart Center of the Northeast. A meeting was also conducted at the Faculty of Medicine and International Affairs Division to discuss future collaborative activities such as the internship program and scholarship status. A city tour around Khon Kaen leaves a good and everlasting memory among the delegates as the city itself was scenic, rubbish-free and filled with friendly citizens regardless of races and religions. A campus tour was conducted on the last day of the program with a total of 22 faculties and a few colleges located on the 900 hectares University ground, solidifying its position as a prominent hub of Thailand higher education.

This program serves as a platform and a starting point for future academic and community engagement collaborations between IIUM and KKU besides enabling the students to form the basis of leadership and communication skills that are crucial in their career development and life processes as a whole.