Khon Kaen University is gearing up to position itself as a global leader in medical innovation with the development of the Kangsadan Medical Innovation District (KMID), a comprehensive medical and wellness innovation hub. A key meeting to discuss the integration of development plans for the innovation zone was held on Monday, September 16, 2024, presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Phanthongviriyakul, KKU President.
The meeting, attended by over 60 key stakeholders—including university executives, faculty deans, the President of the Thai Urban Planning Association, local business leaders, and municipal officials—focused on creating a development plan that balances innovation with community well-being. Stakeholders exchanged ideas on how best to develop the innovation zone while minimizing any negative impacts on surrounding areas.
The session took place in the Sarasin Meeting Room at Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University, and featured presentations by prominent academics and leaders. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cholatip Pongskul, Acting Director of KKU’s Wellness Management Center and Medical Innovation District, gave a comprehensive briefing on the district’s development, particularly in terms of physical infrastructure. His presentation, titled “Medical and Wellness Activities in the Innovation Zone,” set the stage for further discussions.
Notable contributors included Asst. Prof. Dr. Chamnan Bunyaputthitpong and Dr. Nutt Laiadon from the Faculty of Architecture, who presented “Master Plan for the Innovation Zone and Architectural Design of the Medical Innovation Center.” Mr. Thapana Boonyapravit, President of the Thai Urban Planning Association, delivered insights on “Infrastructure Design and Physical Integration with Local Government Agencies Around the University.” Mr. Channarong Buristrakul, President of the Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce, capped the session with a presentation on “The Innovation Zone and the Development of Khon Kaen’s Health Economy.”
The meeting also included an open forum, during which representatives from local government, infrastructure agencies, and real estate developers shared their perspectives on urban development and the integration of infrastructure projects around the university. Mr. Thapana Boonyapravit summarized the key insights, providing a strategic pathway for the continued development of the Kangsadan Medical Innovation District.
KKU’s bold vision for KMID is to foster groundbreaking medical innovation and provide holistic healthcare services. The district will encompass the health sciences faculties, surrounding private lands, and the Science Park, with a focus on creating a multidisciplinary innovation ecosystem. The initial phase of the project will prioritize personalized medicine and modern elderly care programs, enhancing access to advanced healthcare services in the region.
In line with the government’s strategic plan to establish Thailand as a global medical hub by 2034, KMID will play a crucial role in driving economic growth in the healthcare sector. Its development aligns with the Ministry of Public Health’s vision of making Thailand a premier global destination for health services, under the “Thailand Medical Hub: Destination of the World” initiative. By fostering collaboration between educational institutions, the private sector, and industries, KMID is expected to attract international patients, promote medical tourism, and boost employment opportunities in healthcare, research, and innovation.
Khon Kaen University’s efforts are further supported by the government’s recognition of Thailand’s Wellness Economic Corridor, which comprises eight strategic zones, including Khon Kaen in the Upper Northeastern Corridor. With its strategic location and comprehensive approach, the Kangsadan Medical Innovation District is set to transform Khon Kaen into a regional hub for medical innovation, providing world-class healthcare services and driving sustainable economic growth in the health and wellness sectors.
