University of Phayao Welcomes Delegates from Kindai University and Frontier Co., Ltd. to Strengthen Academic Collaboration
On September 3, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., the University of Phayao, led by Associate Professor Dr. Supakorn Pongbangpho, President of the University of Phayao, officially welcomed senior executives from Kindai University and Frontier Co., Ltd., Japan at the Borworn Rattaprasit Meeting Room, Office of the President, University of Phayao.
Delegation from Kindai University
• Professor Dr. Naohito Kawasaki, Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy
• Assistant Professor Dr. Yugo Uematsu, Laboratory of Public Health, Faculty of Pharmacy
• Mr. Takeyuki Uehara, 5th-year Pharmacy student
• Mr. Shuta Yamashita, 5th-year Pharmacy student
• Ms. Natsuha Matsumoto, 5th-year Pharmacy student
Delegation from Frontier Co., Ltd.
• Mr. Hiroyuki Shigemori, President and CEO
• Mr. Masahiro Nakata, President's Special Mission
• Mr. Yutsuki Kudo, Pharmacist
The purpose of this visit was to strengthen long-standing ties and explore future academic collaboration, particularly in the field of pharmacy and in fostering closer cooperation between the university and industry.
On this occasion, the President of the University of Phayao expressed his delight in welcoming the distinguished guests and emphasized the significance of academic-industry partnerships. He highlighted that the discussions, held under the themes “Well-being Through University Research” and “Partnering for Social Impact: Academia and Industry United,” reflect a joint commitment to advancing academic excellence alongside innovation for social well-being.
Presentations and Discussions
• Associate Professor Dr. Surasak Saokaew, Dean of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, presented the past collaborations between the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, and Kindai University. These included student and staff exchanges, pharmacy internship programs, and joint research in areas such as clinical pharmacy, cosmetic science, and herbal product development.
• Assistant Professor Dr. Santiwat Pithakpol, Director of the Innovation and Technology Transfer Institute, showcased the institute’s achievements in translating research into social innovation. Highlights included smart agri-aqua technologies, herbal and functional food products, and affordable health devices, with an emphasis on co-developing future academic collaborations with Kindai University and Frontier Co., Ltd.
• Representing Kindai University, Professor Dr. Naohito Kawasaki introduced the university as one of the largest in western Japan, comprising 15 faculties with 50 departments, and with over 278 partner institutions worldwide. He also shared examples of the university’s impactful research in elderly health promotion, environmental science, and drug discovery.
• Representing Frontier Co., Ltd., Mr. Masahiro Nakata presented an overview of the company, which operates more than 170 pharmacies across Japan with over 2,600 employees. He highlighted Frontier’s strong commitment to academia-industry collaboration, such as the use of facial recognition technology to ensure safe medication dispensing and research on chronic disease prevention.
This visit and academic dialogue mark another important milestone in expanding the University of Phayao’s international network, paving the way for sustainable partnerships and mutual achievements in the years ahead.