Chula President Elected President of the Asian Universities Alliance (AUA) 

On June 2, 2026, at Nazarbayev University in Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan, during the Asian Universities Alliance (AUA) Presidents Forum 2026 under the theme “Shaping Future Universities: Industry Engagement and Governance Innovation,” the AUA Board Meeting 2026 unanimously elected Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, as President of the Asian Universities Alliance (AUA) for a three-year term (2027–2029). 

The Asian Universities Alliance (AUA) comprises 15 leading universities from 15 countries and economic regions across Asia. Members include Chulalongkorn University, Tsinghua University, Peking University, National University of Singapore, the University of Tokyo, Seoul National University, Universiti Malaya, and other prominent institutions as associate members. 

The Alliance’s core mission is to advance collaboration in higher education, science, technology, and economic development across Asia toward the international stage. 

Chulalongkorn University is the only founding member from Thailand. The election of its president as AUA President marks the first time a Thai higher education institution has assumed the highest leadership position in this continental university alliance. 

At the forum, Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat was also honored to present his vision on the topic “Future University Governance Models” to presidents and senior executives of leading Asian universities for deliberation and endorsement. 

His presentation reflected strategic thinking aimed at reforming university governance structures to keep pace with the rapidly changing global context. 

Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat has been continuously recognized and entrusted by leading international organizations. He currently holds several significant positions, including: 

Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat’s election as President of the Asian Universities Alliance affirms at the continental level that Chulalongkorn University and Thai higher education possess strong potential, clear vision, and the trust of the Asian university community. 

With more than 109 years of history, Chulalongkorn University is stepping confidently into a leadership role in shaping the future of higher education in Asia—driven by a steadfast commitment to sustainable development for society, the nation, the region, and the world.