On 6 February 2026, the Student Union of the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University (KKU), organised the 10th Khon Kaen University International Challenge of Emergency Medicine and Related Basic Sciences (KKU ICEM 2026). The programme provides medical students with a strong interest in emergency medicine an international platform to exchange academic knowledge, share cultural perspectives, and build professional networks that support future collaboration.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Professor Pathorn Phiromchai, M.D., Associate Dean for Strategic Planning and Quality Development, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University. A significant number of faculty members, competitors, and students from various nations attended the event at the Maudin Daeng and Friendship Meeting Rooms, Integrated Learning Building, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University.
In his welcoming address, Professor Pathorn emphasised that reaching the 10th edition of the competition marks an important milestone and reflects the Faculty’s sustained commitment to advancing emergency medicine education.
“The opportunity to continuously host this international event for the past ten years is a source of great pride for the Faculty of Medicine and Khon Kaen University,” Professor Phiromchai remarked. “We are honoured to serve as a hub for the exchange of knowledge and experience among medical students from diverse international backgrounds.”
Professor Pathorn further detailed the competition’s style, noting: “The KKU ICEM 2026 activities were designed to encompass both academic conferences and practical workshops covering essential topics, including Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PCLS), CPR, and Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS). These sessions are intended to enhance the critical skills necessary for emergency medical professionals.”
He added that the programme also included a Cultural Trip designed to promote understanding of Thai and Isan culture and strengthen camaraderie among international students. This year, the competition welcomed 12 teams from three countries: Thailand (Ramathibodi Hospital – Mahidol University, Chiang Mai University, Thammasat University, Nakornping Hospital Chiang Mai, Udon Thani Hospital, Somdet Phra Pinklao Hospital), Japan (Wakayama University, Tsukuba University), and the Philippines (Far Eastern University), demonstrating the event’s growing international acceptance.
The programme ran from 6 to 10 February 2026 at the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University. Activities began with the opening ceremony at the Witthayawiphas Room, Faculty of Science, followed by academic conferences, skill-based workshops, and the emergency medicine challenge competition.
Cultural activities included a trip to Me Kin Farm (ยังมีกิน ฟาร์ม) and Jutatip (จุฑาทิพย์) to experience Indigo fabric dyeing, a visit to Gumpun Muay Thai (กำปั้นมวยไทย), and a Hospital Tour and Khon Kaen Tour for accompanying faculty members.
The event concluded with the “Isan Secret Night” closing and award ceremony, presided over by Associate Professor Pattarapong Makarawate, M.D., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University. A farewell party was subsequently held at the field in front of the Khon Kaen University Art Gallery.
Importantly, ICEM 2026 was organised under the theme “ICEM Go Green.” Participants were encouraged to bring reusable cups and cloth bags to minimise plastic waste, and educational activities on proper waste separation were incorporated into the event. This initiative reflects the Faculty’s commitment to environmental sustainability alongside academic excellence.
