The University of New England’s School of Law, which last week celebrated its 21st anniversary, has strengthened its friendship base in Southeast Asia by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chiang Mai University in Thailand (CMU).

CMU was the first university in Thailand to be based outside of a major city, much as UNE was in Australia. Also like UNE, CMU has a strong focus on rural and regional issues, particularly in relation to its Law School and its highly regarded School of Medicine.

In Armidale last week to sign the Memorandum were officials from Chiang Mai University, Dean Assistant Professor Chatree Rueangdetnaron and Associate Dean for International Affairs Ms Kanya Hirunwattanapong. They signed the agreement with the Head of UNE’s School of Law, Professor Michael Stuckey, and UNE Pro Vice-Chancellor of Educational Innovation and International, Dr Michael Crock.

The Memorandum opens the way for the two universities to explore the possibilities of student exchange programs, study tours and other collaborations that will be of mutual benefit.

Professor Stuckey says that while the Memorandum is new, the relationship between the two institutions has been strong for a long time.

“One of the esteemed professors at Chiang Mai University is a UNE graduate,” Professor Stuckey explained. “We also have a PhD student from CMU who has just started here at UNE. The student, Mr Watis, also happens to be the son of a UNE graduate.

“I am very happy to have made our friendship a little more formal, and I think we can look forward to great things coming out of this relationship for staff and students of UNE and CMU alike.”

This article was written by UNE’s Planning & External Relations office and reproduced here with their permission.