On the afternoon of November 2, 2026, a delegation led by Dr. Kitikorn Dowpiset, Vice President of Assumption University, Thailand, and Dr. Gao Li, Assistant Vice President, visited Chengdu Vocational and Technical College of Industry. The delegation was joined by Mr. Suno, President of the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand and Executive Vice President of SAIC Motor–CP; Mr. Zhang Bin, CEO of Dianlv Shidai; and representatives of the University’s Office of International Cooperation (Thai–Chinese International College). The delegates observed classes and met students enrolled in the joint education programs, toured the College’s practical training facilities, and held in-depth discussions on closer industry–education integration and the development of the CHINAUTO Skills Center.
1. Visit to the International Education Exchange Center
Accompanied by Wu Zhaoyu, Director of the Office of External Exchange and Cooperation, and Jiao Yan, Deputy Director, the delegation toured the International Education Exchange Center. Cooperation between the two institutions began in 2023. As Sichuan Province’s first China–Thailand joint education program at the higher vocational level, the Mechanical Manufacturing and Automation program has operated steadily for three years. Course satisfaction among its first cohort reached 92%, laying a foundation for further cooperation.
Visit to the International Education Exchange Center
2. Classroom Observations and Meetings with Program Students
In Runde Building No. 5, the delegates observed Automation Technology 4.0 and Artificial Intelligence classes offered under the joint education programs and spoke with students.
Automation Technology 4.0 class observation and group photo with faculty and students
Artificial Intelligence class observation and group photo with faculty and students
Dr. Gao Li, Assistant Vice President of Assumption University, spoke with students about their studies and daily lives. He explained that the partnership offers two pathways: continuing to bachelor’s and master’s degree studies at Assumption University, or joining CHINAUTO to pursue internships and employment in Thailand’s growing China–Thailand new energy vehicle industry.
Guided by its student-centered educational philosophy, Assumption University is committed both to delivering quality courses and to working with Chinese companies operating in Thailand, including SAIC Motor–CP. Through the CHINAUTO Skills Center, the University is arranging internship and employment opportunities in Thailand for program students, creating an integrated pathway that combines bachelor’s and master’s studies with overseas internships and employment.
Dr. Gao concluded by encouraging students to make the most of these opportunities, build a solid foundation in their disciplines, develop strong practical skills, and achieve tangible results through the programs.
3. Tour of Practical Training Facilities
The delegation then visited the craftsman training base, the BASF Automotive Coatings Master Skills Studio, the welding training area, and the new energy vehicle training base. CNC machine tools and industrial robots were in operation in the workshops. The master skills studio, jointly established by the College and leading industry enterprises, aligns practical instruction directly with job requirements and occupational skill-level certification. Mr. Suno praised the facilities for reflecting real industrial conditions and providing the resources needed for international industry–education cooperation.
Tour of practical training facilities
4. Cooperation Meeting
At 4:30 p.m., the two institutions held a cooperation meeting chaired by Diao Yuanyuan, Member of the College’s Party Committee and Vice President. Zhang Kaijiang, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and President of the College, opened the meeting with welcoming remarks, followed by addresses from Mr. Suno and Dr. Kitikorn Dowpiset. The two sides then exchanged views on the operation of their joint education programs and plans for further cooperation.
In his remarks, Mr. Suno noted that, since signing a memorandum of understanding in 2023, the partners have jointly organized three China–Thailand international training programs in new energy vehicle technology, providing more than 100 training places for technical personnel from Thai enterprises and teachers from Thai educational institutions. The joint education programs in Mechanical Manufacturing and Automation and New Energy Vehicle Technology have progressed steadily, continuing to develop talent for the automotive industry. He commended the College’s efforts to connect education and industry in China and Thailand.
Dr. Kitikorn Dowpiset reviewed the partnership’s progress. Since cooperation began in 2023, the Mechanical Manufacturing and Automation program has operated steadily, with course satisfaction among the first cohort reaching 92%, offering students a platform to develop both practical skills and an international outlook. Drawing on the research strengths of Assumption University’s New Energy Vehicle Technology Research and Learning Center and CHINAUTO Skills Center, together with the College’s training resources and teaching experience, the two institutions have secured approval for their jointly proposed New Energy Vehicle Engineering program. The program will train more professionals for the new energy vehicle industries of China and Thailand.
During the open discussion, Dr. Gao Li presented detailed follow-up arrangements for program students pursuing further degree studies in Thailand. He explained that the University is actively developing partnerships with Chinese companies in Thailand. After systematic training at the CHINAUTO Skills Center, students will be able to pursue internships and employment with international enterprises, linking academic study with workplace opportunities. The two sides also discussed joint faculty development in depth. To meet the further-study needs of students in the College’s other disciplines, Assumption University will continue to improve its training arrangements and strengthen support. The University remains committed to working with the College to help every student grow and succeed.
Cooperation meeting between the two institutions
The meeting was followed by two significant signing ceremonies. Chengdu Vocational and Technical College of Industry signed a memorandum of understanding with the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand and a CHINAUTO Cooperation Framework Agreement with Assumption University.
Assumption University currently leads the development of the CHINAUTO project’s Thailand base, with participation from the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand and new energy vehicle enterprises operating in Thailand, including SAIC Motor–CP Co., Ltd. Chengdu Vocational and Technical College of Industry participates as a Chinese institutional partner. This three-way collaboration among an industry association, enterprises, and higher education institutions is relatively uncommon in international industry–education integration. It enables program students to pursue internships, employment, and further studies in Thailand, which is the University’s underlying purpose in advancing this cooperation.
Signing of the memorandum of understanding and the CHINAUTO Cooperation Framework Agreement
A certificate presentation ceremony then took place for College faculty appointed by Assumption University. The teachers received appointments as visiting lecturers at the University and CHINAUTO skills certification, marking the establishment of regular joint international faculty development and training arrangements between the two institutions.
Faculty appointment certificate presentation ceremony
Over three years, the partnership has progressively deepened across curricula, faculty development, further study, and employment. Assumption University looks forward to working with Chengdu Vocational and Technical College of Industry to strengthen existing programs and implement the newly approved New Energy Vehicle Engineering program, enabling more Chinese students to pursue further studies, internships, and employment in Thailand. The two institutions are also working toward establishing a joint education institution with independent legal status, taking China–Thailand vocational education cooperation to a new level.
WRITER: ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY OF THAILAND
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