» KKU Executives Participate in Symposium Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Thailand-China Diplomatic Relations, Emphasizing Educational Collaboration (43 Views)

On Friday, June 27, 2025, Associate Professor Dr. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, Rector of Khon Kaen University, together with Assistant Professor Dr. Acharawan Topark-Ngarm, Assistant to the Rector for International Affairs; Ms. Tu Min, Director of the Confucius Institute (Chinese Side) Dr. Chuanchen BI, Assistant Dean of the Graduate School of Management; and Dr. Dai Zhiyong, Director of the Chinese Division, KKU-SWJTU Tianyou Railway Institute, attended the "Symposium Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Thailand and China," organized by the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Khon Kaen Province. The event was held at Avani Hotel, Khon Kaen Province, with Madam Liu Hongmei, Consul General of China in Khon Kaen, presiding over the ceremony.

The event was attended by distinguished guests from various sectors, including Mr. Korn Thappharangsee, former Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Thai-Chinese Friendship Society; Mr. Kraisor Kongchalad, Governor of Khon Kaen Province; Pol. Lt. Gen. Pongsiyam Meekhuntong, Deputy Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau in Khon Kaen; Mr. Teeranan Buranamaitri, leader of the Chinese organization in Khon Kaen Province; and representatives from various provinces in the northeastern region of Thailand.

Associate Professor Dr. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul delivered a keynote speech on the special topic "50 Golden Years of China-Thailand Friendship" on behalf of Khon Kaen University. In his remarks, he stated:

"On behalf of Khon Kaen University, I am deeply honored to deliver this address on the auspicious occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the People's Republic of China. Over the past five decades, the ties between our two nations have grown steadily and profoundly across many dimensions—politics, economy, society, education, and culture. Khon Kaen University takes great pride in contributing to this friendship through academic endeavors, research, and innovation. Notably, KKU has partnered with over 40 institutions in China through student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and academic activities that generate tangible benefits for both sides.

One of the most prominent examples of this collaboration is the Confucius Institute at Khon Kaen University, which has continually organized Chinese language teaching, teacher training, Chinese proficiency testing, academic seminars, and cultural events such as Chinese New Year festivals. The institute also coordinates dual-degree programs with Southwest University in China, such as the Bachelor of Education in Chinese Language Education and Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Studies. These programs have already produced over 900 graduates. Additionally, the Confucius Institute at KKU was recently awarded the 'Outstanding Chinese Proficiency Test Center of 2024' by the Chinese International Education Foundation.

In research and innovation, Khon Kaen University has collaborated with Chinese research institutes under the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Special Fund since 2020. A total of nine joint research projects have been funded in fields such as health sciences, smart agriculture, and high-speed rail engineering, addressing global challenges that require strong international cooperation.

Another key initiative is the development of a High-Speed Rail Engineering curriculum, co-developed by KKU's Faculty of Engineering and Southwest Jiaotong University (SWJTU)—a leading institution in railway technology in China. Together, they have established the KKU-SWJTU Tianyou Railway Institute and have already sent more than 40 KKU students to gain field experience in China over the past two years. Both institutions are currently working together to launch a dual-degree program in Railway and High-Speed Rail Engineering, aiming to enhance Thailand's workforce in this strategic sector. This program not only emphasizes academic excellence but also offers hands-on experience in China, nurturing a new generation of engineers equipped with in-depth knowledge of Chinese technology and ready to thrive on the global stage.

On this 50th anniversary of Thailand-China diplomatic relations, Khon Kaen University reaffirms the vital role of education in bridging the people of our two nations under the spirit of 'Jiao Xue Xiang Zhang' (教学相长)—Teaching and learning promote one another.' This core value of academic cooperation will continue to drive progress for both countries, with KKU serving as a 'bridge of knowledge' linking Thailand and China ever more closely."

In addition to the speeches, the symposium presented reports on various areas of collaboration between China and Thailand's northeastern region, including education, trade and investment, technology, and cultural exchange, drawing keen interest from the attendees.

The event took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, reflecting the strong and enduring bond between the two countries over the past five decades, and serving as a catalyst for continued cooperation and mutual understanding in the years ahead.

 


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