WRITER: ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY OF THAILAND
On May 18, 2025, Peking University and Assumption University of Thailand (AU) held a landmark strategic dialogue in Beijing to advance a shared vision of academic excellence, technological cooperation, and cultural exchange. Hosted at Peking University, the high-level meeting brought together senior leadership from both institutions to celebrate past achievements and launch new initiatives that promise to deepen their longstanding partnership.
The delegation included academic leaders from Peking University’s Office of International Relations, School of Arts, and Institute for Cultural Industries. Representing AU were administrators from the Thai-Chinese International College, Graduate School of Business and Advanced Technology Management, Vincent Mary School of Engineering, Science and Technology, and the Confucius Institute.
This strategic encounter signified a powerful step forward in building a sustainable and innovative model of collaboration—focused on cross-cultural understanding, shared research, and regional development under the Belt and Road framework.
Peking University’s Vision for Global Academic Leadership
Mr. Fang Fang, Standing Committee Member of the Peking University Party Committee and Vice President, opened the talks by presenting the university’s most recent developments in artificial intelligence, cultural technologies, and green energy innovation. Emphasizing the values of “inclusiveness and openness,” he affirmed the university’s commitment to global partnerships and interdisciplinary research that meets the needs of the region and supports China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Peking University continues to serve as a bridge between East and West, blending academic excellence with international cooperation.
AU President Rev. Bro. Sirichai Unveils Bold New Initiatives
Delivering a keynote address, Rev. Bro. Sirichai Fonseka,f.s.g., Ph. D., President of Assumption University of Thailand, praised the fruitful partnership and announced three forward-looking initiatives:
Arts and Technology Research Fund
A joint fund to support Sino-Thai research and exchanges in AI, creative industries, and related fields—complementing UNESCO’s efforts in rural innovation and sustainable development.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
From cultural creativity to smart mobility, both universities aim to co-develop artistic programs and establish joint laboratories for new energy vehicles, intelligent systems, and traditional medicine modernization.
Regional Development Services
With a focus on practical outcomes, the partnership will engage in technology transfer and industry-academia integration to support regional needs across Southeast Asia.
Quoting HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn—”Education is the spark that lights the future”—Rev. Bro. Sirichai emphasized the importance of this alliance in creating a “China–Thailand Community with a Shared Future.”
Invitation to Bangkok: Harmony Civilization Forum 2025
As part of the expanding collaboration, Peking University formally invited AU leadership to participate in the Harmony Civilization Forum, scheduled for June 10, 2025, in Bangkok. The forum is co-hosted by Peking University and Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with the International Confucian Association and the Thailand-China Cultural Relationship Council.
With the theme “Technological Innovation and Cultural Exchange” the forum features two key tracks:
Technological Transformation Reshaping Education
Cultural Exchange Facilitating Civilizational Dialogue
Mr. Fang Fang underscored the importance of AU’s involvement, noting that it would significantly enrich the forum’s outcomes and set new standards for bilateral cooperation in education.
A Model for Future Partnerships
This latest meeting reaffirms the commitment of both institutions to long-term collaboration. The joint efforts will not only benefit students and researchers, but also contribute to sustainable regional development, knowledge diplomacy, and global cultural understanding.
By combining academic rigor with cultural empathy, Peking University and AU are forging a future where innovation and education know no borders.
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