On 7 April 2026, H.E. Mrs. Piyapin Niyomrerks, Ambassador of Thailand to Kazakhstan, co-chaired and delivered opening remarks at the “Thailand-Kazakhstan Academic Medical Symposium on Oncology, Precision Medicine, Multidisciplinary Care, and Wellness” held at Nazarbayev University School of Medicine (NUSOM) in Astana. The event was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. Aliya Rustemova, Vice-Minister of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Professor Huck Hui Ng, Vice-President and Dean of NUSOM. The symposium was a key activity under the Project entitled “Thailand-Kazakhstan Academic Medical Collaboration on Oncology, Precision Medicine, Multidisciplinary Care, and Wellness”, organized by the Royal Thai Embassy in Astana from 5-9 April 2026.

 

On this occasion, the Ambassador emphasized that the initiative aligns closely with Thailand’s policy on Science, Research and Innovation Diplomacy, a core pillar of its proactive economic diplomacy, and contributes to advancing Thailand’s aspiration to become a regional hub for healthcare. It represents an important step in strengthening Thailand-Kazakhstan cooperation in the fields of oncology and medical technology. The Ambassador also commended Kazakhstan’s strong commitment to developing its healthcare system, which will facilitate further collaboration in research, human resource development, and long-term health security. In parallel, Vice-Minister Rustemova highlighted that the symposium marks a significant milestone in enhancing Kazakshtan-Thailand bilateral cooperation in healthcare, underscoring Kazakhstan’s strong emphasis on international partnerships as a means to improve the overall quality and capacity of its healthcare system. Professor Huck Hui Ng also underscored the Symposium’s role as a vital international bridge, bringing together Kazakhstan’s medical expertise and Thailand’s advanced clinical innovations to build a sustainable framework for medical excellence that will benefit patients in both regions over the long term.

 

Key activities of the event comprised academic and clinical case presentations and specialized knowledge in oncology. From the Thai side, the presentations were delivered Professor Emeritus Dr. Suthat Fucharoen, a leading physician and researcher in thalassemia from the Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, on “Prevention Control of Thalassemia in Developing Countries”; Assistant Professor Dr. Wisut Lamlertthon, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Chulabhorn Royal Academy, on “Comprehensive Cancer Services and Medical Curriculum”; Dr. Thanachai Sanlung from the Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, on “Cancer Care and Training in Remote Areas: Challenges Beyond Borders”; and Dr. Chalermpon Punnotok, Chief Executive Officer of C.T. Asia Robotics Co., Ltd., on “Breast Cancer Screening using AI Breath Analyzer.”

 

From Kazakhstan, presentations were delivered by representatives from NUSOM, including Professor Naanlep Matthew Tanko on medical education, Dr. Milan Terzic on surgery, and Dr. Dieter Riethmacher on research and graduate studies. This was followed by a lecture from Dr. Laura Pak of the National Research Oncology Center on “Advancing Cancer Care and Nuclear Medicine through Science and Education”; Professor Ayan Myssayev from Astana Medical University also delivered a presentation on the university and its medical education programs; Dr. Nikolai Barlev from NUSOM on “Molecular Mechanisms of Solid Tumor Resistance to CAR-T Immunotherapy”; Dr. Ainur Tauyekelova on “Cardio-Oncology: Modern Approaches and Prospects in the Republic of Kazakhstan”; Dr. Indira Tleulessova on “High-Precision Radiation in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment”; Dr. Ayan Yerekesh on “Clinical Experience of NROC in Breast Reconstruction for Breast Cancer Patients”; and Dr. Assiya Kukanova on “Suppression of KRAS Mutation of Colorectal Cancer by Exposure to Oxidative Stress.”

 

The “Thailand-Kazakhstan Academic Medical Collaboration on Oncology, Precision Medicine, Multidisciplinary Care, and Wellness” was highly successful in both academic and policy dimensions, serving as a dynamic platform to connect medical institutions, universities, specialized hospitals, and research communities of Thailand and Kazakhstan. It effectively supports Thailand’s policy to advance Science, Research and Innovation Diplomacy while reinforcing its role as a regional hub for healthcare and wellness. Beyond knowledge exchange, the symposium opened avenues for tangible future collaboration, including joint research in oncology and precision medicine, capacity building and professional exchanges, technology transfer, and cross-border healthcare services such as patient referrals to Thailand. It also lays the groundwork for expanding cooperation in medical tourism and wellness services, thereby contributing to long-term health security and sustainable bilateral relations. The event attracted over 100 healthcare professionals and stakeholders from across Kazakhstan, including Astana, Almaty, and other regions.