From October 27 to 31, 2026, Professor Cheng-Feng Lin of the Department of Physical Therapy at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) invited two distinguished scholars from Chiang Mai University (CMU), Thailand, to visit Taiwan for academic exchange and research collaboration. The visiting scholars were Associate Professor Sureeporn Uthaikhup and Associate Professor Somporn Sungkarat, both from the Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, CMU. Their research expertise encompasses physical therapy, rehabilitation sciences, physical fitness, and adaptive sports, particularly in improving the quality of life and physical activity of people with disabilities, wheelchair users, and amputees. The visit aimed to strengthen academic ties between NCKU and CMU and explore opportunities for interdisciplinary research and international collaboration.

During their visit, the scholars participated in a series of research discussions and academic exchanges with NCKU faculty members and students. Key topics included the assessment of quality of life and physical fitness among people with disabilities, as well as the development of adaptive physical fitness programs for wheelchair users and amputees. Discussions also explored the application of standardized assessment tools, including the WHOQOL-BREF, PASIPD, WhOM, and TAPES-R, with plans to develop multilingual versions in Chinese and Thai to facilitate cross-cultural research and international comparisons.

The visiting scholars also visited the Institute of Allied Health Sciences (AHS) to explore opportunities for international research collaboration, doctoral student co-supervision, laboratory exchanges, and potential dual-degree programs. In addition, they visited Professor Fong-Chin Su and the Motion Analysis Laboratory to learn about ongoing research in rehabilitation-related medical devices and discuss potential collaboration in data collection involving individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

On October 30, the scholars joined laboratory meetings and doctoral student presentations, providing constructive feedback and research recommendations. These sessions offered valuable opportunities for graduate students to gain international perspectives, refine their research directions, and explore potential co-supervision and collaborative research opportunities.

This visit strengthened the academic partnership between NCKU and Chiang Mai University and laid the groundwork for future collaboration in rehabilitation sciences, adaptive physical fitness, and disability-related research. Both universities also explored opportunities for joint international research projects, cross-institutional doctoral training, and the establishment of international research databases. Through continued academic exchange and institutional collaboration, the partnership aims to advance research quality, support talent development, and improve the quality of life of people with disabilities.