Chiang Mai University Makes Asian Mark, Wins Special Commendation at International THE Awards Asia 2026

Chiang Mai University has made its mark on the Asian stage, earning a Highly Commended award at the international THE Awards Asia 2026 ceremony. The university is proud to be the only Thai institution to receive this Highly Commended recognition from Times Higher Education (THE) Awards Asia 2026 in the Outstanding Contribution to Regional Development category.

The awards were announced on April 22, 2026, in Hong Kong, amid competition from over 500 leading projects across Asia, demonstrating the potential of Thai research to create tangible impact at both regional and international levels.

This success comes from the SMART BEE SDGs project—"Enhancing Food Security and Beekeeper Livelihoods in the Mekong Region"—a research and innovation initiative that leverages science, technology, and international collaboration to elevate beekeeping as a profession, strengthen food security, and drive sustainable development throughout the Mekong region. The project is led by Associate Professor Dr. Terd Disyadthanuworrawong and faculty from the SMART BEE SDGs Research Center at the Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University.

SMART BEE SDGs represents long-term cooperation with six Mekong countries: Thailand, China, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar. The project applies science and innovation to support actual beekeepers through AI and Big Data to monitor bee health, analyze honey quality, and boost production efficiency. It also provides training, knowledge transfer, and builds cooperation networks both domestically and internationally. The tangible results include:

- Increased beekeeper incomes - Development of high-value honey products - Job creation in communities - Improved regional beekeeping standards - Evolution of honey brands toward industrial scale

Beyond economic gains, the project has helped conserve pollinators and biodiversity, raised awareness of bees' role in food systems, and advanced regional beekeeping standards. It has received support from Chiang Mai University, the Mekong River Commission, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

SMART BEE SDGs exemplifies how university research can create real economic, social, and environmental impact aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Beyond the Highly Commended award, Chiang Mai University has two additional projects shortlisted for final consideration:

1. International Strategy of the Year for "CMU's International Strategy: A Multi-Tiered Architecture for Global Impact" by the Center for International Affairs, which elevates the university's international standing through a systematic approach to partnerships with leading world universities, generating innovative and sustainable outcomes across multiple dimensions.

2. Outstanding Support for Students for "Token to Care (T2C): No Money, No Hunger" by the Student Development Division, an emergency food assistance system that distributes Meal Tokens through the CMU Mobile app for use at campus merchants, providing immediate relief and helping students avoid hunger during financial hardships.

This success reflects Chiang Mai University's strength in advancing research and social development to regional and international levels, solidifying its position as a leading Asian university.