CHIANG MAI, Thailand—The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), which serves as the secretariat of the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC) will support the convening of the 8th UC Faculty Forum (UCFF) on 27–28 July 2026. Maejo University (MJU) will host the regional forum in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
With the theme "IWA: Intelligent Well-being Agriculture toward Sustainable Development," the 2026 UCFF highlights the growing need to transform conventional agricultural systems into integrated models that harness technological innovation while promoting environmental sustainability, human well-being, and inclusive community development.
The forum will bring together academics, researchers, industry partners, and development practitioners from UC member institutions and partner organizations to exchange knowledge, present research findings, strengthen institutional collaborations, and explore innovative solutions that advance sustainable agriculture and improve community well-being across Southeast Asia and beyond.
SEARCA Center Director Dr. Mercedita A. Sombilla will deliver the keynote address during the opening program on f 27 July. Her participation underscores SEARCA's continuing role in promoting regional academic cooperation, knowledge exchange, and institutional partnerships through the UC.
The two-day forum will feature at least 26 research paper presentations organized under four thematic areas: smart agricultural technologies; sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture; human health and well-being; and community-centered and inclusive development. The presentations will showcase current research and practical innovations addressing emerging agricultural and societal challenges in the region.
Participants will represent UC member universities across Southeast Asia and beyond, including IPB University, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and Universitas Brawijaya in Indonesia; Universiti Putra Malaysia in Malaysia; University of the Philippines Los Baños, Central Luzon State University, Visayas State University, Central Mindanao University, and Mariano Marcos State University in the Philippines; Kasetsart University and MJU in Thailand; National Taiwan University in Taiwan; and Tokyo University of Agriculture in Japan. Their diverse expertise and perspectives are expected to foster meaningful dialogue, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative approaches to agricultural and rural development across the region.
Beyond the technical sessions, participants will take part in experiential and cultural learning activities, including visits to MJU's agricultural innovation centers, organic farms, and smart agriculture facilities, as well as selected cultural sites in Chiang Mai. These activities will allow delegates to learn firsthand about Thailand's agricultural innovations and cultural heritage while strengthening professional networks among delegates.
Established in 2019, the UCFF has become an important annual platform for faculty members, researchers, and extension professionals from UC member institutions to foster camaraderie, promote interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, and strengthen partnerships that contribute to sustainable agricultural development in the region.
The forum reflects the UC's broader mission, supported by SEARCA, to strengthen graduate education, research collaboration, and knowledge exchange among leading agricultural universities in Southeast Asia and beyond the region.
This year's forum also marks a significant milestone for MJU, which will host its second major annual UC event since joining the consortium. Hosting the event reaffirms MJU's commitment to advancing regional collaboration in graduate education, research, and innovation in agriculture and natural resources.