Khon Kaen, 27 March 2025: ERIA, in collaboration with Medical Excellence Japan (MEJ) and Medical Excellence Thailand (ME Thailand), organised the 2^nd ME Thailand–ME Japan Forum under the theme ‘Transforming Healthy Living through Aging and Wellness Care’. The forum was held as an official side event of the ISAN Wellness Summit, an international gathering designed to position the Northeastern region of Thailand on the global wellness investment landscape.

Prior to the forum, ERIA had an opportunity to visit the Khon Kaen Innovation Centre, which strives to become the leading clinical research and wellness industry hub for Isan – the largest region in Thailand, home to one third of the country’s total population. This visit underscored the importance of seizing the accelerating momentum to explore meaningful and impactful collaborations with Thai stakeholders, with the aim of expanding ME Thailand’s activities as part of the Medical Excellence in Asia (MEX) initiative.

The forum commenced with opening remarks from the CEOs of MEJ and ME Thailand; Deputy Director of Healthcare Industries Division at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI); and the Director of Healthcare Services at ERIA. The opening session was followed by two keynote presentations that highlighted successful stories of ageing and wellness care in Japan.

Dr Yasuhiro Nishizaki, President of the International Health Evaluation and Promotion Association (IHEPA), explained the implementation of anti-aging health check-ups as a comprehensive primary preventive healthcare approach designed to increase healthy life expectancy in Japan. Kenji Muramatsu, Visiting Researcher at the Institute for Future Initiative at the University of Tokyo, shared insights on how elements of the Japanese lifestyle can enhance worker wellness through various health management and promotion schemes.

A roundtable discussion followed, centred on ‘Bridging Thailand and Japan: Advancing Healthcare Collaboration with Clear Goals and Next Steps.’ Dr Kenji Shibuya, CEO of MEJ, moderated the session, which featured contributions from several key actors, including:

1. Dr Manami Uechi – Director of Healthcare Services at ERIA
2. Prof. Cholatip Pongskul – Acting Director at the Wellness and Medical Innovation Zone Administration Centre, Khon Kaen University
3. Dr Ngamnetr Eiamnakha – Chief of Planning and Information Section at the Bureau of Medical Industrial Promoting, Department of Health Service Support, Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) of Thailand
4. Chayaporn Phornprapha – CEO of Medical Excellence Thailand
5. Ryosei Mizuguchi –Deputy Director of the Healthcare Industries Division, Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) of Japan
6. Dr Yasuhiro Nishizaki – President of the International Health Evaluation and Promotion Association (IHEPA)
7. Kenji Muramatsu – Visiting Researcher at the Institute for Future Initiatives, The University of Tokyo

Dr Uechi reiterated ERIA's commitment to connecting all ASEAN Member States (AMS) in promoting wellness as a preventive measure against non-communicable diseases. She also extended her gratitude to the Thai government and academic institutions for their efforts in advancing wellness in the country. Dr Uechi expressed her hope that Thailand’s wellness initiatives would translate into tangible action, with MoPH Thailand and ME Thailand taking a leading role.

The forum concluded with closing remarks from Assoc. Prof. Cholatip Pongskul, followed by a vibrant networking session that allowed participants to network and exchange ideas.