WRITER: ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY OF THAILAND
May 16, 2025, Tianjin — A delegation from Assumption University of Thailand (AU) visited the Binhai Campus of Tianjin University of Science and Technology (TUST) on May 16, 2025. High-level talks were held in Room 308 of Yanquan Building, where both sides reached multiple agreements to deepen educational collaboration, promote cultural exchanges, and advance scientific innovation between China and Thailand. The meeting was attended by TUST President Lu Fuping, Vice President Wang Min, and key department heads, alongside AU President Rev. Bro. Sirichai Fonseka, f.s.g. Ph. D.,Vice President Asst. Prof. Dr. Kitti Phothikitti, and other representatives.
I. Confucius Institute Upgrade: Building a New Hub for China-Thailand Cultural Exchange
As the cornerstone of bilateral cooperation, the Confucius Institute at AU unveiled its new council and launched a comprehensive development plan, including:
– Curriculum Enhancement: Launching practical courses such as Business Chinese and Technical Chinese, while integrating online and offline teaching models.
– Cultural Center Establishment: Creating a China-Thailand Cultural Experience Center to promote traditional practices like calligraphy, tea art, and Muay Thai.
– Confucius Classroom Expansion: Collaborating with Assumption College Thonburi to establish Confucius Classrooms, extending Chinese language education to K-12 students.
– Resource Sharing: Leveraging TUST’s faculty expertise and digital resources to build a shared curriculum database, enhancing teaching capacity and outreach.
– Leadership Initiatives: Systematic teacher training, localized textbook development, and community cultural activities.
President Lu Fuping emphasized, “The Confucius Institute is not only a bridge for language education but also a cultural hub fostering mutual understanding between our peoples.” Joint programs such as “Chinese Language Competitions for Secondary Students” and “China-Thailand Youth Cultural Camps” will deepen cross-cultural engagement among younger generations
II. International Education Collaboration: Building a Comprehensive Exchange Platform
Building on the Confucius Institute partnership, the two universities expanded collaboration into research, academics, and talent development, signing the following frameworks:
- Joint Working Group: Led by international offices, regular meetings will coordinate dual-degree programs, faculty-student exchanges, and joint research.
- China-Thailand Cultural Festival: Starting in 2026, an annual festival will feature food exhibitions, academic forums, and artistic performances to strengthen grassroots ties.
- Scholarships and Dual-Degree Programs: TUST will establish the “TUST-AU Excellence Scholarship” for AU students, supporting “3+1” and “2+2” dual-degree pathways in food science, bioengineering, and related fields.
- China-Thailand Friendship Fund: Funding short-term faculty visits, student summer research camps, and joint laboratory development.
- Joint Research Initiatives: Scholars from both sides will co-apply for government-funded projects and host annual symposiums in food engineering, biomedicine, and AI to drive industry-academia integration.
- Industry Collaboration: Establishing the “China-Thailand Food Innovation R&D Center” to advance tropical agricultural processing technologies, utilizing TUST’s national-level research platforms.
Future Vision: Education as a Catalyst for China-Thailand Innovation
During the meeting, AU’s Dean of Engineering, Asst. Prof. Dr. Narong Aphiratsakun, and TUST’s Deans of Bioengineering (Du Yangang) and Food Science (Xia Xiaole) agreed to co-host the “Belt and Road Food Technology International Summit” in 2026. Additionally, TUST’s AI Dean Zhang Xiankun proposed cross-disciplinary “AI+” solutions for Thailand’s smart agriculture and Industry 4.0 development.
President of AU stated, “This upgraded partnership marks a shift from language education to multidimensional strategic synergy, fostering globally competent talents.” President Lu Fuping affirmed TUST’s commitment to building a model for Belt and Road educational cooperation.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of symbolic gifts, laying a solid foundation for a decade of collaboration and injecting new vitality into China-Thailand cultural and technological ties.
More Information about Office of Graduate Studies, please visit:
Website: https://www.grad.au.edu/ , https://tcic.au.edu/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abacgraduate/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/au_grad_studies
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbacGrad
E-mail: grad@au.edu
Tel: (+66)-2783-2222 Ext.1360-61
