Chiang Mai, Thailand – AUSF successfully held its first Executive Committee Meeting of 2026 and the 2nd AUSF Regional Development Programme from 1 to 4 May in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The events brought together key stakeholders from across Asia to discuss strategic development, operational improvements, and enhanced collaboration in university sports.
Chaired online by AUSF President Dr. Liu Lixin, the Executive Committee Meeting first reviewed various work reports and the progress of AUSF events and activities scheduled for 2026. Discussions also covered the proposed activity calendar for 2027, upgrades to the AUSF Accreditation System and Website, and the optimisation of internal workflows.
Dr. Phassakon Nuntapanich, Vice President of the University Sports Board of Thailand (USBT) and President of the ASEAN University Sports Council (AUSC), attended as the representative of the local Organising Committee and delivered a welcome address.
On 3-4 May, following the successful first edition in Mongolia in 2025, the second Regional Development Programme moved to Southeast Asia and attracted participation from eight ASEAN member countries (both online and on-site), as well as other AUSF members including China.
Mr. Boonlue Thammatharanurak, Vice Governor of Chiang Mai Province, graced the opening ceremony and delivered a welcome speech.
FISU President Leonz Eder also addressed the participants via a video message, highly commending AUSF for its outstanding contributions to promoting university sports development in Asia and to the FISU Healthy Campus Programme.
The two‑day programme featured in‑depth reports and discussions on a wide range of topics, including the current status of student sports development, physical education initiatives, student athletic achievements, and strategies to enhance regional participation in continental and global university sports events. A key outcome was the exploration of establishing a stronger relationship within Southeast Asia and with AUSF to achieve deeper involvement and further cooperation.
The FISU Healthy Campus Programme was also introduced during the event by AUSF Secretary General Mr. Seetow Cheng Fave, generating strong interest among participants and underscoring the shared commitment to student well‑being and sports development.
In addition, Ms. Zhang Hong from the AUSF Medical Commission delivered a report on health promotion and anti‑doping, further highlighting the integrated approach to health and sports advocacy.
In a significant milestone, witnessed by AUSF Executive Committee members and the Vice Governor of Chiang Mai Province, Mr. Chen Dongsheng, Vice President and Secretary General of the Federation of Chinese University and School Sports (FOCUSS), and Dr. Phassakon Nuntapanich, AUSC President, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on University Sports Exchange and Cooperation. The MoU paves the way for deepened mutual learning, increased sports exchanges, and win‑win development between China and ASEAN nations.
