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Universiti Sains Malaysia–Chiang Mai University: Advancing Collaboration in Research, Publications and Academic Program

26 August 2025- A delegation of 21 staff and postgraduate students from the Department of Psychology at Chiang Mai University (CMU), Thailand, visited the School of Educational Studies at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) to advance international collaboration in research, publications, and academic programs, as well as to participate in the 1st International Postgraduate Colloquium on Psychology and Counselling. The delegation was led by Assistant Professor Dr. Veerawan Wongpinpech, Head of the Department of Psychology at CMU, and included Dr. Tanaphong Uthayaratana, Assistant Professor Dr. Nathawat Longthong, Associate Professor Dr. Teerawan Teerapong, Associate Professor Dr. Natthawut Arin, Assistant Professor Dr. Saengduean Yotanyamaneewong, Assistant Professor Dr. Araya Pontanya, Assistant Professor Dr. Chaiyun Sakulsriprasert, Dr. Daranee Junla, and Ms. Piyathida Prasomsuk.

Beginning of a Fruitful Collaboration

 The collaboration between USM and CMU was spearheaded by the USM-CMU Collaboration Committee, led by Associate Professor Dr. Melissa Ng Lee Yen Abdullah (Psychology), Associate Professor Dr. Lim Hooi Lian (Psychometrics), and Associate Professor Dr. Nor Shafrin Ahmad (Counselling). The initial discussions between the two universities began in June 2025 and were instrumental in shaping the strategic initiatives that led to the successful organization of the 1st International Postgraduate Colloquium on Psychology and Counselling, which was jointly hosted by both institutions. The successful organization of the event within just two months demonstrated the strong networking and collaboration between the two universities, laying the foundation for a long-term and fruitful academic partnership.

Formalizing Collaboration through Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs)

Both universities are in the process of renewing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and formalizing the collaboration with the signing of five Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs) in research, publication, and academic programs, ensuring a long-term partnership. These strategic discussions have focused on key areas such as joint editorial and publication efforts, joint supervision, and creating opportunities for USM-CMU internships.

 (a) Joint Editorial and Publication

 A key initiative of the USM–CMU collaboration is the joint editorial and publication of a thematic issue entitled ‘Emerging Trends in Mental Health: Research Insights from Psychology and Counselling’, which will be featured in the 2026–2027 issue of the Asia Pacific Journal of Educators and Education (APJEE). To ensure high quality and international reach, guest editors have been appointed from USM and CMU, along with experts in the field of psychology and mental health from China and Indonesia. The editorial team consists of Associate Professor Dr. Melissa Ng Lee Yen Abdullah and Associate Professor Dr. Lim Hooi Lian from USM, Assistant Professor Dr. Chaiyun Sakulsriprasert from CMU, Professor Dr. Zhang Yuping from Chengdu Medical College, China, and Professor Dr. Afdal, M. Pd. Kons. from Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia. This joint editorial effort is further reinforced by the appointment of 25 international reviewers from Malaysia, Thailand, China, Indonesia, and Brunei, reflecting broad regional expertise in psychology and counselling and highlighting the strong support for this thematic issue. 

(b) Joint Supervision 

Beyond publication, the partnership also includes joint PhD supervision in three educational psychology research projects between USM and CMU. This initiative fosters collaborative research and capacity building across both institutions by bringing together expertise, resources, and diverse academic perspectives. Through joint supervision, faculty and students will have opportunities to engage in cross-institutional projects and co-authored publications, thereby strengthening scholarly output and advancing knowledge in the field. 

(c) International Internship

 The partnership also aims to enhance student mobility through the launch of the USM–CMU International Internship in 2026. Led by Associate Professor Dr. Nor Shafrin Ahmad, Chairperson of the Counselling Programme, this initiative will broaden postgraduate learning and provide valuable international exposure. For counselling students in particular, the internship will strengthen cultural competence, practical counselling skills and professional readiness by allowing them to engage with diverse client groups and practice across different cultural contexts. 

Charting the Next Phase of Collaboration 

Looking ahead, the School of Educational Studies (USM) and the Department of Psychology (CMU), have identified the following areas for further collaboration:

  • Initiating USM-CMU matching grants to promote international research collaboration between researchers in psychometrics, psychology, and
  • Exploring opportunities for interdisciplinary research in applied neuroscience and learning through collaboration between USM’s School of Educational Studies, School of Medical Sciences, and CMU’s Department of Psychology.
  • Planning a joint book publication on counselling research, providing postgraduate students from both universities with opportunities to publish and engage in international scholarly collaboration.

 Impact Through Collaboration

 The collaboration between USM and CMU, formalized through Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs), represents a transformative step in advancing research, publications, and the international impact of psychology and counselling. Key initiatives such as joint editorial efforts, joint supervision, matching grants, and collaborative research lie at the heart of this partnership, driving progress in both academic and research domains. This collaboration enhances the quality of postgraduate education at USM and CMU by providing students with international internships, research publication opportunities, and participation in the International Postgraduate Colloquium (IPCPC 2025), which was successfully co-organized by both universities on 26 August 2025. The partnership also advances the universities’ agendas by promoting mental health research, enhancing educational quality, and contributing to global health and education initiatives, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

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