From July 19 to July 22, National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) hosted an international academic exchange with visiting faculty members from prominent Thai institutions. The delegation included Associate Professor Soodkhet Pojprapai and Associate Professor Sirirat Tubsungnoen Rattanachan from Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), alongside Assistant Professor Supalak Luadlai from the Faculty of Psychology at Chulalongkorn University. The visit served as a pivotal platform for cross-institutional dialogue and interdisciplinary collaboration between Thailand and NCKU.

Primary Visit Objectives

The main objective of this visit was to discuss and structure a joint research project focused on the co-development of a smart insole-based fall-risk prediction system. This collaborative endeavor aims to synergize the visiting delegates' expertise in sensor-based insole technology, AI-driven movement assessment, and Thailand-based field implementation experience with NCKU's established strengths in biomedical engineering, healthcare AI, motion analysis, and medical device innovation.

Student Mentorship and Academic Engagement

Beyond institutional discussions, the visiting professors took the opportunity to meet with and support graduate students from Thailand who were visiting Taiwan to participate in the Biodesign Summer Course at NCKU. This interaction highlighted the commitment of both institutions to fostering talent in medical technology innovation and providing international learning and mentorship opportunities for emerging researchers.

Key Discussions and Strategic Outcomes

Throughout the visit, both parties engaged in comprehensive discussions to outline joint research frameworks and define technical workflows for developing AI models that utilize wearable sensor data to predict fall risks accurately. In addition, the delegation explored prospective clinical validation opportunities leveraging Suranaree University of Technology Hospital (SUT Hospital) to ensure the system's practical efficacy. Looking toward long-term partnership, the institutions formulated a clear roadmap for future initiatives, including joint research proposals, co-authored academic publications, and bilateral researcher exchange programs.