ASTANA, Kazakhstan, July 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, has been elected President of the Asian Universities Alliance (AUA) for the 2027–2029 term, becoming the first Thai university leader to head the regional alliance. The election was unanimously approved during the AUA Board Meeting 2026, held in early June at Nazarbayev University in Astana as part of the AUA Presidents Forum 2026.
The forum was held under the theme "Shaping Future Universities: Industry Engagement and Governance Innovation," bringing together university presidents and senior executives from leading institutions across Asia to discuss the future direction of higher education and university governance.
Founded in 2017, the AUA comprises 15 leading universities from countries and economic regions across Asia. Its members include Tsinghua University, Peking University, the National University of Singapore, the University of Tokyo, Seoul National University, Universiti Malaya, and other prominent institutions. The alliance serves as a platform for cooperation in higher education, research, innovation, and academic exchange. It was established to strengthen collaboration in higher education, science, technology, and economic development across Asia while enhancing the region's role on the global stage.
Chulalongkorn University is the alliance's only founding member from Thailand. Dr. Wilert's election marks the first time a Thai institution has assumed the organization's top leadership position.
During the forum, Dr. Wilert presented his vision on "Future University Governance Models," outlining approaches to help universities adapt to a rapidly changing global environment. His presentation focused on governance strategies designed to strengthen institutional resilience, innovation, and engagement with industry and society.
The AUA appointment marks a significant milestone for Chulalongkorn University and Thailand's higher education sector, placing a Thai university leader at the helm of a network that brings together some of Asia's most prominent institutions. Dr. Wilert currently serves as President of the Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT), President of the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL), and President of the Asia-Europe Meeting Lifelong Learning Hub (ASEM LLL Hub) for the 2025–2030 term.
Founded in 1917, Chulalongkorn University is Thailand's oldest university and will celebrate its 110th anniversary next year.
Read more at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/411888/
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Chula Communication Center
Email: Pataraporn.r@chula.ac.th
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Chulalongkorn University President Elected Head of Asian Universities Alliance
- New findings show hair loss affecting more young people in APAC
- Social media is driving earlier awareness of hair loss
- REGAINE® reaffirms commitment to research and innovation to meet evolving hair loss landscape at the 14th World Congress of Hair Research (WCHR)
- Study conducted by renowned Korean professors on the combination use of oral and topical minoxidil shared at WCHR
SINGAPORE, July 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hair loss is not a condition that exclusively plagues middle-aged men. Findings in recent years show that androgenetic alopecia, more commonly known as hereditary hair loss and also the most common form of hair loss, does affect younger individuals.[1],[2] Against this backdrop, REGAINE® continues to spearhead research and innovation to redefine the next generation of hair loss care.
The Changing Face of Hair Loss
Androgenetic alopecia is characterized by the progressive miniaturization of hair follicles and shortening of the hair growth cycle.[3] It affects up to 80% of men and 50% of women by age 70.[4] Recent evidence has shown that individuals may suffer an early onset of androgenetic alopecia, where hair loss occurs before the age of 30 years old.[1],[2]
Dr. Leona Yip, Consultant Dermatologist, Alopecia Specialist and Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists from Brisbane, Australia, said, "In my clinical practice, I am seeing more teenagers and young adults seeking treatment for androgenetic alopecia, sometimes as early as their mid-to-late teens. While genetics remains the primary driver, we now recognize that environmental and lifestyle factors can also influence how early and progressively hair loss presents in predisposed individuals. Factors such as rapid weight loss, psychological stress, UV exposure, pollution, smoking, metabolic health and poor scalp health may all contribute to increased oxidative stress and inflammation around the hair follicle. Increased awareness through social media and improved health literacy also means younger patients are recognizing the signs of hair loss much earlier – creating an important opportunity for earlier intervention and long-term scalp and hair health preservation."
"A common misconception is that androgenetic alopecia only affects men. In reality, women are also significantly affected, often with profound impacts on confidence and quality of life. Women accounted for 54% of hair loss treatment users globally.[5] Hormonal changes across a woman's life – particularly during perimenopause and menopause – may unmask or accelerate female pattern hair loss in genetically predisposed individuals," Dr Yip added.
The impact of androgenetic alopecia also has far-reaching effects beyond the physical. The appearance of hair loss can impose a significant psychological burden on patients, leading to anxiety, low self-esteem, and severe impairment of personal life and social interaction[6] – placing further emphasis on the importance of early diagnosis and effective treatment.
Comprehensive Treatment and Continued Advancement in Hair Loss Research
Decades as one of the most researched and clinically tested hair loss treatments worldwide have not slowed its pursuit for advancement as REGAINE® continues to push the boundaries of what hair regrowth science can achieve.
This May, the brand was a platinum sponsor at the 14th World Congress of Hair Research in Seoul, South Korea, one of the most esteemed gatherings in hair science.[7]
Where Every Gain Counts
The findings are pivotal, directly impacting both the clinical and consumer community at large. With a deeper understanding of how topical minoxidil – a treatment with established efficacy and favorable safety profile[8] – enhances hair regrowth performance in combination therapy, REGAINE® continues to innovate with the goal of cementing its place as a trusted first-line hair regrowth option among dermatologists.
About The REGAINEⓇ Brand
The REGAINE® brand is the first topical minoxidil brand FDA-approved to help regrow hair - in both men and women. With 38 years of results and over 47,000 people in clinical trials, REGAINE® topical minoxidil products help reverse the progression of hereditary hair loss.
* The brand has been licensed as Rogaine in China and South Korea.
[1] Ding Q, Xu YX, Sun WL, Liu JJ, Deng YY, Wu QF, Cao CY, Zhou LB, Lu Y, Fan WX. Early-onset androgenetic alopecia in China: a descriptive study of a large outpatient cohort. J Int Med Res. 2020 Mar;48(3):300060519897190. doi: 10.1177/0300060519897190. PMID: 32188323; PMCID: PMC7105740.
[2] Liu LP, Wariboko MA, Hu X, Wang ZH, Wu Q, Li YM. Factors associated with early-onset androgenetic alopecia: A scoping review. PLoS One. 2024 Mar 7;19(3):e0299212. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299212. PMID: 38451966; PMCID: PMC10919688.
[3] Ho CH, Sood T, Zito PM. Androgenetic Alopecia. [Updated 2024 Jan 7]. In: StatPearls[Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430924/
[4] Nestor MS, Ablon G, Gade A, Han HW, Fischer DL. Treatment options for androgenetic alopecia: Efficacy, side effects, compliance, financial considerations, and ethics. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Nov 6;20(12):3759–3781. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14537 . PMCID: PMC9298335 PMID: 34741573 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9298335/
[5] Hair Loss & Growth Treatments and Products Market. Market Growth Reports. Available from: Market Growth Reports
[6] Li H, Li W, Zhang J, Liang Q, Zhao Y, Guo Z, Jiang B, Wang Z, Qu Q, An S, Miao Y. Risk factors for androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health. 2026 Jan 28;26(1):1000. doi: 10.1186/s12889-026-26258-y. PMID:41606541; PMCID: PMC13020014.
[7] Kwangsun Choi, Basic therapy for hair loss treatment, the use of topical minoxidil, and case sharing, Proceedings at the World Congress of Hair Research, Seoul, South Korea
[8] Hussein, RS, et.al, Applications and efficacy of minoxidil in dermatology. Skin Health Dis. 2024 Nov 24;4(6):e472. doi: 10.1002/ski2.472. PMCID: PMC11608877 PMID: 39624749. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11608877/#ski2472-bib-0012
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MORE YOUNG PEOPLE STRUGGLE WITH HAIR LOSS: REGAINE®* LEADS THE CHARGE FOR HAIR SCIENCE RESEARCH
