Assumption University of Thailand Awarded the World’s First Chinauto Skills Center
From April 2 to 4, 2026, the 2026 World New Energy Vehicle Conference (Thailand Session) and International Cooperation Summit on Talent Development was successfully held in Bangkok, Thailand. Coinciding with the 5th anniversary of the China–ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the conference was jointly organized by the World New Energy Vehicle Development Organization, the China Society of Automotive Engineers, and the National Steering Committee for Automotive Vocational Education of China.
With the themes of “Transportation Transformation and Sustainable Development” and “International Cooperation and Skills Globalization,” the conference served as a high-level global platform for technological exchange and industry–education integration in the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, promoting international collaboration, innovation sharing, and mutually beneficial cross-border cooperation.
During the conference, Assumption University of Thailand was officially awarded the world’s first Chinauto Skills Center (No. 2026001). The University also became one of the first members—and a core institution—of the Global Alliance for the Cultivation of High-Skilled NEV Talent.
This milestone marks a significant step forward for Assumption University of Thailand in advancing China–Thailand cooperation in NEV industry–education integration and international talent development. Building on its century-long educational mission, the University is committed to becoming a leading hub for cultivating high-skilled NEV talent in ASEAN.
On April 2, the conference focused on low-carbon transportation development and regional economic cooperation, fostering consensus on the strategic development of the NEV industry in ASEAN. On April 3, a thematic session centered on “International Cooperation and Skills Globalization” was convened, attended by more than 300 participants, including:
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- Wan Gang, President of the China Association for Science and Technology
- Yuttasab Winaikosol, Secretary-General of the Office of the Vocational Education Commission, Ministry of Education of Thailand
- Representatives from education and industry sectors of Malaysia, Vietnam, and other countries
- Delegates from universities, automotive enterprises, and industry organizations in China and Thailand
A delegation of eight representatives from Assumption University, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanintorn Jittawiriyanukoon ,Vice President for Research and Academic Services and Dr. Gao Li , Assistant Vice President for Educational Innovation and Graduate Studies, attended the conference.
In his keynote speech, Wan Gang emphasized that the globalization of the NEV industry relies on strong support from high-skilled talent. He proposed an international cooperation initiative advocating for “shared standards, shared resources, and a shared ecosystem,” aiming to build a virtuous cycle between talent development and industrial growth, and to deepen industry–education integration across the region.
Yuttasab Winaikosol noted that Thailand’s Ministry of Education will advance the development of digital standards, green skills, and lifelong learning systems, while launching international talent cooperation programs in the new energy sector. These efforts aim to strengthen China–Thailand collaboration in industry and education, providing a model for regional talent development and international educational cooperation.
Representatives from the Vietnam Vocational Education Association, the Malaysian National Technical Education Council, and Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor Office delivered keynote presentations, sharing national policies, vocational education practices, and industry–education integration models. They highlighted successful talent development approaches and expressed strong commitment to expanding international cooperation and cross-border talent cultivation.
Meanwhile, representatives from the National Steering Committee for Automotive Vocational Education of China shared insights into global NEV industry trends, as well as opportunities and challenges in talent globalization. They proposed international cooperation frameworks focusing on industry–education integration, talent development standards, and intelligent education systems, outlining a clear pathway for cross-border collaboration.
During the conference, the Global Alliance for the Cultivation of High-Skilled NEV Talent was officially launched. Six leading vocational institutions from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam joined as founding members, working alongside Chinese partners to establish benchmarks for talent development. Mr. Zhang Jinhua, Chairman of the China Society of Automotive Engineers, presented appointment certificates to members of the Alliance’s Advisory Committee.
At the same time, the operational standards and regulations for the Chinauto Program were officially released, and the Thailand Chinauto Program was launched. Assumption University of Thailand was awarded the world’s first Chinauto Skills Center (No. 2026001).
Several major China–Thailand cooperation agreements were signed, focusing on:
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- Localized talent development
- Joint curriculum development
- Faculty exchange and co-training
- Shared practical training resources
These initiatives aim to transform industry–education integration from conceptual consensus into concrete actions.
The successful hosting of this conference represents a significant step in strengthening comprehensive cooperation between China and ASEAN in technology, education, and industry. It facilitated the signing of multiple key projects in NEV industry–education integration and established a long-term cooperation mechanism between China, Thailand, and ASEAN countries.
With the effective operation of the Global Alliance and the full implementation of the Chinauto Program, a large pool of localized, industry-ready technical talent will be cultivated across Thailand and ASEAN. This will further support the upgrading of the NEV industry and contribute tangible outcomes to the 5th anniversary of the China–ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, while also providing a replicable model for international cooperation in industry–education integration under the Belt and Road Initiative.
WRITER : ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY OF THAILAND
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