On August 30, the 5th Forum on China-Thailand Higher Education Cooperation was held at the permanent site of the China-ASEAN Education Exchange Week (CAEWC).

This forum was jointly hosted by Jiangsu University, the Alliance of China-Thailand Universities (ACTU), Guizhou University, Guiyang University, and the East & West International Education Group. Themed “Promoting Digital Education Cooperation to Enhance University Connectivity”, the forum focused on important topics such as the role of digital education in fostering innovation in higher education, agricultural ecological development, and the role of the younger generation in responding to China’s “Belt and Road” initiative and building a community with a shared future for mankind.

E Xuewen, Secretary-General of the ACTU, attended and presided over the opening ceremony. Leaders, experts, and young student representatives from 51 universities in both China and Thailand participated in the forum. Prominent attendees included Professor Cai Yingfeng, Vice President of Jiangsu University and representative of the Co-chairing Chinese institution of the ACTU, Professor Yan Xiaohong, the first Chinese Co-Chair of the ACTU, Dr. Pornchai Mongkhonvanit, President of Siam University and the Thai Co-Chair of the ACTU, Dr. Pasupha Chinvarasopak, Minister-Counsellor for Science at the Thai Embassy in China, Zhang Jianhua, Professor from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Dr. Thakerng Wongsirichot, Vice President of Prince of Songkla University, Professor Zhang Dalin, Vice President of Guizhou University, Dr. Song Tawin, Vice President of Burapha University, Thailand, and Dr. Pornchanit Kaew-nate, Vice President of Suan Dusit University, Thailand, and Professor Li Can, Vice President of Guiyang University. Ms. Feng Junying, Counsellor of Education of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, attended the event via video.

Zhang Dalin extended a warm welcome to the attendees. He highlighted the rich history of Guizhou University in hosting international students within Guizhou Province and its unwavering commitment to educational opening-up. The university has signed cooperative agreements with institutions in many countries, initiated various talent cultivation projects in collaboration with enterprises, and consistently advanced international exchanges and cooperation. Substantial progress has been made in the internationalized development of its education endeavors in terms of practical experience, achievements, and addressing challenges. Guizhou University places great importance on attracting and nurturing students from ASEAN countries. Since 2008, nearly 7,000 students from ASEAN countries have studied at GZU. In recent years, GZU has provided training or education programs to over 3,000 local Chinese language teachers from ASEAN countries. He stressed that China-Thailand higher education cooperation will continue to flourish with joint efforts from institutions on both sides.

Feng Junying, Pasupha Chinvarasopak, Cai Yingfeng, Pornchai Mongkhonvanit, Li Can, and Yan Xiaohong delivered keynote speeches, followed by in-depth discussions with the attendees.

Cai Yingfeng and Pornchai Mongkhonvanit jointly presented the honorary certificate to Yan Xiaohong as the first Chinese Co-Chair of the ACTU. Professor Ma Lei, Director of the International Affairs Office of Southwest Jiaotong University and Professor Acharawan Topark-Ngarm, Assistant to the President of Khon Kaen University signed a MoU on behalf of their respective universities.

During the forum, a combination of online and offline methods was used to hold the China-Thailand University Presidents Forum, the China-Thailand Young Scholars Symposium, and the China-Thailand Agricultural and Food Academic Forum.

Hong Yun, Director of the Office of International Relations of Guizhou University, delivered a closing speech. She underlined that the series of activities organized by the ATCU have gradually evolved into a vital platform and intellectual space for educational professionals and practitioners to share experiences, explore best practices, innovate theories, and serve decision-making. Hong Yun also highlighted the strong foundation and promising future of educational exchanges and cooperation between China and Thailand. She emphasized the need for both Chinese and Thai universities to actively take a leading role in expanding and innovating exchange models on the basis of deepening digital education cooperation and connectivity. Universities on both sides are expected to uphold the friendly tradition between China and Thailand and serve as defenders and promoters of regional and even global peace and development.

This forum coincided with the 48th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand. It also marked the first event of the ACTU that was primarily conducted in-person since the formation of the alliance.

Editor: Pang Aizhong, Han Xiaomei

Chief Editor: Li Xufeng

Senior Editor: Yang Nan

Translator: Jia Haibo