The Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University hosted the BRIDGE-AI Summit 2026, an international academic conference under the theme “Building Regional Medical Innovation in Digital Growth and Education through AI,” on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the Bhumisirimangalanusorn Building, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Prof. Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Chairman of the Chulalongkorn University Council, who also delivered a keynote address titled “Universities as Digital Health Ecosystem Leaders.” The summit brought together university executives, academics, medical professionals, AI specialists, and digital health experts from Thailand and abroad to exchange knowledge and help shape the future of medical innovation, medical education, and healthcare systems through artificial intelligence.
This marked the first collaborative forum between Cornell University, the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University, and partner organizations from Thailand, ASEAN, and the international community. The initiative aims to establish a regional network for collaboration in digital health, artificial intelligence, and medical education, while advancing research, innovation, and the development of healthcare professionals equipped for a rapidly evolving world.
In his keynote, Prof. Dr. Surakiart emphasized that “Artificial intelligence is transforming every aspect of society, including healthcare, education, research, government, and industry. The key question is no longer whether AI will change society but whether educational institutions are prepared to lead that transformation responsibly, effectively, and ethically.”
He noted that universities, by integrating expertise across medicine, engineering, computer science, law, and the social sciences, play a critical role in building the knowledge and innovation ecosystems needed to address the challenges of the 21st century.
He also highlighted Chulalongkorn University’s AI strategy, which integrates AI into education, research, healthcare, and university administration. Key initiatives include:
- Chula AI, which promotes AI literacy and interdisciplinary collaboration;
- ChulaGENIE, providing students, faculty, and staff with broad access to AI technologies;
- CU-MEDi, a curriculum developed by the Faculty of Medicine to prepare future physicians with AI competencies alongside strong ethical and human-centered medical practice; and
- MedUMORE, a lifelong learning platform for healthcare professionals and the wider public.
Prof. Surakiart further emphasized that the partnership between Chulalongkorn University and Cornell University through the Cornell x Chula C2Gether Institute represents a major step toward jointly developing educational programs and research in digital health. The BRIDGE-AI Summit 2026 serves as the flagship initiative under this collaboration.
He added that Thailand and the ASEAN region, home to more than 650 million people, have the opportunity to become global leaders in AI-driven healthcare and education—not necessarily by building the world’s largest AI models, but by demonstrating responsible and impactful applications of AI to solve real societal challenges. He concluded by stressing that the ultimate purpose of technology and innovation is to improve people’s quality of life.
Following the keynote, Associate Prof. Dr. Jiruth Sriratanaban, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, presented a commemorative gift to Prof. Surakiart in appreciation of his leadership and vision for positioning universities as leaders in the digital health ecosystem.
The opening day featured keynote lectures and panel discussions by distinguished experts from Thailand and overseas.
Dr. Ekachai Piansrivatchara, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, delivered a presentation titled “Shaping the Future of Thailand’s Healthcare through Digital Innovation,” outlining the country’s strategy for advancing healthcare through digital technologies.
The summit also introduced the Regional Center for Innovative Health Professions Education @Chula in partnership with Weill Cornell Medicine, presented by Professor Dr. Thanakorn Jirasevijinda of Weill Cornell Medicine and Professor Dr. Nijasri Suwanwela from Chulalongkorn’s Faculty of Medicine. The initiative aims to elevate health professions education and strengthen international academic collaboration.
A major highlight was a keynote by Professor Fei Wang of Weill Cornell Medicine, titled “AI and the Future of Patient-Centered Medicine.” His presentation explored how AI can support patient-centered care, leverage large-scale health data, and improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery systems.
The program also included a panel discussion, “Clinicians as Digital Change Makers,” featuring representatives from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, Mahidol University, Ramathibodi Hospital, and Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Medicine. Panelists shared experiences on the role of healthcare professionals in driving digital transformation and discussed how digital technologies and AI can enhance clinical care, medical education, and national healthcare services.
The BRIDGE-AI Summit 2026 includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, debates, research and innovation presentations, digital health and AI competitions, and networking activities. The conference provides a platform for experts, researchers, physicians, students, and policymakers from around the world to exchange knowledge, build partnerships, and advance innovation in digital health and artificial intelligence, with the goal of strengthening healthcare systems across the region and globally.