Chula Hosts the 3rd “VELA at Chulalongkorn” Honorary Lecture on “Sustainable Development Amid Natural Disaster Crises” 

The Vitality Enhancement and Longevity Academy (VELA), an executive program in medicine and public health jointly organized by Chulalongkorn University’s Graduate School, Faculty of Medicine, and College of Public Health Sciences, in collaboration with the Department of Health under the Ministry of Public Health and Degree Plus Co., Ltd., held the 3rd honorary lecture titled “VELA at Chulalongkorn” on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Chulalongkorn Auditorium. 

The event was presided over by Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, with remarks delivered by Dr. Pongpol Vorapani, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health, on the role and collaboration in curriculum development. Professor Dr. Sathirakorn Pongpanich, Chair of the VELA Program, presented the opening report. 

The keynote speech was delivered by Mr. Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, CEO of Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, on the topic of “Sustainable Development to Overcome Natural Disaster Crises.” His talk aimed to focus on forward-thinking visions and insights from one of the nation’s leading figures, raising social awareness and understanding of cutting-edge health sciences while encouraging knowledge exchange and practical applications of advanced technologies in Thailand. 

Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat stated that Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with the Department of Health, recognizes the growing importance of scientific and technological changes, particularly in health and medicine. Lifelong learning is now more vital than ever, along with upskilling and reskilling in all aspects of societal transformation. The VELA program is designed to cultivate multi-dimensional skills. Participants come from diverse fields and sectors, both public and private, contributing their valuable experiences to enrich the third cohort of the VELA program. 

“The VELA program focuses on longevity and is a source of great pride for Chulalongkorn University. It serves as a model for prioritizing quality of life. I would like to thank the Graduate School, Faculty of Medicine, College of Public Health Sciences, the Department of Health, Degree Plus Co., Ltd., and participants from cohorts 1 and 2. I congratulate the launch of the third cohort and avidly look forward to future editions of this impactful program,” the university president added. 

Dr. Pongpol Vorapani, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health, noted that Thailand is transitioning into a fully aged society. Therefore, it is critical to enhance the capacity of health professionals with up-to-date knowledge and skills. The VELA program provides an essential platform for senior executives and health leaders to engage in experiential learning, practical implementation, and networking through in-depth training and social outreach initiatives such as mobile medical units in remote areas. This reflects their role as genuine agents of social change and marks a significant step toward sustainable health development and improved quality of life for the public. 

Professor Dr. Sathirakorn Pongpanich emphasized that with over 14% of Thailand’s population now aged 65 and above—and the number expected to exceed 20% in the coming years—the country is entering a “Super-Aged Society.” While the healthcare system and social infrastructure are still adapting, the VELA program was created through collaboration between Chulalongkorn University and the Department of Health to prepare healthcare executives for this transition. The program emphasizes the concept of “aging slowly, living longer, and living well” and is now running for the third consecutive year. 

The event also featured booths showcasing health innovations from Chulalongkorn University, offering attendees a chance to explore new health-related ideas and technologies. This reinforces the VELA program’s role in nurturing visionary health leaders and propelling Thailand toward becoming a global Medical Hub in the future. 

The press conference for the launch of the third cohort of the VELA program—Vitality Enhancement and Longevity Academy (VELA)—was held on February 14, 2025. It received strong interest from applicants, with 108 senior executives, entrepreneurs, and managerial-level professionals from the health-related business and service sectors of Thailand selected to join. The program will run every Wednesday over four months, from May to September 2025. Participants will gain insights into modern health and medical technologies from both domestic and international experts, across multiple dimensions, to support Thailand’s sustainable development as a Medical Hub. 

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