Chula and MSDHS Join Forces to Empower Thai People and Improve Quality of Life 

Chulalongkorn University and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on “Integrating Efforts to Develop the Potential of Thai People.” The collaboration brings together knowledge, research, innovation, and area-based work to develop the potential of people of all ages, particularly vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, enabling them to become self-reliant and enjoy a better quality of life in a sustainable manner. 

The signing of the MOU on “Integrating Efforts to Develop the Potential of Thai People” between Chulalongkorn University and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security was held on Monday, September 21, 2026, in Room 105 of Maha Chulalongkorn Building. Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, and Ms. Chanok Chanthathong, Assistant Minister attached to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, delivered opening remarks. 

Following the opening, Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, and Mrs. Tuenjai Kongsombat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, signed the MOU to establish a collaborative mechanism that will systematically and continuously leverage the capabilities of both organizations to improve the quality of life of the Thai people. The collaboration aims to promote the potential of people of all ages, facilitate the exchange of knowledge, develop personnel, and promote research, innovation, technology, and databases for social development. The ceremony was moderated by Dr. Weerapong Prasongchean, Adjunct Lecturer at Chulalongkorn University’s General Education Center. 

Ms. Jatuporn Rojanaparnich, Director-General of the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development, discussed the background and significance of the collaboration. She noted that Thai society is facing a range of complex structural challenges, including economic inequality, indebtedness, the transition to an aging society, mental-health problems among children and young people, violence, technology-related crime, as well as environmental crises and climate change. All of these issues affect families, quality of life, and human security, particularly among vulnerable and socially disadvantaged populations. 

The collaboration therefore aims to integrate the resources, knowledge, personnel, and data of the two organizations in jointly implementing plans, projects, and activities that enhance the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of staff and target populations. It will also facilitate the exchange of information, knowledge, experience, and approaches to implementation, so that efforts to develop the potential of Thai people can produce comprehensive, tangible, and sustainable outcomes. 

Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, said of the collaboration: “The role of a university is not limited to generating knowledge or producing graduates. It must also bring knowledge, research, innovation, and the capabilities of its personnel to create tangible change in society. Under the Social Engagement policy, our collaboration with MSDHS will connect the strengths of both organizations to develop the potential of people of all ages, improve social services, and support vulnerable groups, while creating a society in which everyone has opportunities, enjoys a good quality of life, and can become sustainably self-reliant.” 

Ms. Chanok Chanthathong, Assistant Minister attached to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, said that developing the potential of the population is a fundamental pillar of national development amid economic, technological, and demographic changes. Creating opportunities for people to acquire knowledge and skills and adapt to change will enable them to participate more effectively in the development of their families, communities, and society. 

Combining the strengths of Chulalongkorn University—which has expert personnel, research, innovation, technology, databases, and academic knowledge—with the role of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, which works closely with the public, particularly vulnerable groups, and has an understanding of problems and needs at the local level, will help connect academic knowledge with practical implementation and provide concrete responses to people’s needs. 

Under this MOU, the two parties will promote and support the development of the potential of target groups across all age groups and dimensions, enabling them to become self-reliant, enjoy a good quality of life, and access appropriate rights and services. The parties will also support the exchange of knowledge related to professional practice, the development of Chulalongkorn University personnel and students, and the sharing of relevant information and data. 

In addition, the two organizations will jointly develop, advance, amend, and improve relevant laws, regulations, and rules concerning the improvement of people’s quality of life. They will promote research and the creation of innovations, technologies, and databases to enhance the provision of social services and assistance to vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, as well as integrate various projects and activities. 

The collaboration between Chulalongkorn University and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security therefore represents another important step in connecting knowledge and innovation from the university with solutions to social challenges and real-world implementation. Together, the two organizations aim to create opportunities, strengthen people’s capabilities, and improve the quality of life of the Thai people, enabling them to respond to change and participate in the sustainable development of society and the country.