On January 19, 2026, the International Academic Symposium on Cultural Technology and Social Innovation and Expert Meeting on Talent Development, jointly organized by Assumption University of Thailand (AU) and Peking University, with the support of the UNESCO Chairholder on Creativity and Sustainable Development in Rural Areas, was successfully held at the John XXIII Conference Center of Assumption University of Thailand, Suvarnabhumi Campus.
The symposium brought together university leaders, distinguished scholars, and emerging researchers from China, Thailand, Singapore, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, and other countries. Discussions focused on cultural technology integration, pathways for social innovation, and mechanisms for cultivating internationally oriented high-level talent.
The International Academic Symposium held in the morning opened in a professional and engaging atmosphere. In the opening session, remarks were delivered by Professor Xiang Yong, UNESCO Chairholder on Creativity and Sustainable Development in Rural Areas, and Professor at Peking University, and Dr. Kitikorn Dowpiset, Vice President for Moral Development Education of AU. Both speakers highly acknowledged the achievements of China–Thailand academic collaboration in the field of cultural technology and social innovation, and emphasized that interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and international cooperation is essential for building future-oriented talent development systems and advancing social innovation at regional and global levels.
A Doctoral Supervisor Certificate Presentation Ceremony followed, further strengthening the foundation for joint doctoral training and academic supervision between the participating institutions.
During the expert presentation sessions, scholars from leading universities and research institutions—including Peking University, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The University of Hong Kong, National University of Singapore, Politecnico di Milano, Sichuan University, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, and Assumption University of Thailand—shared their latest research findings and practical experiences. Topics covered cultural industries, urban and environmental studies, arts and design, digital technologies, social innovation models, and interdisciplinary education, highlighting global trends in the integration of culture, technology, and society.
In the afternoon, the Expert Meeting on Talent Development focused on joint doctoral supervision mechanisms, arrangements for regular teaching and academic support, as well as joint master’s and doctoral programs and international student recruitment in the field of cultural technology and social innovation. Participants reached a strong consensus on the importance of institutionalized collaboration, multi-campus engagement, and international co-supervision in building an open, diverse, and sustainable framework for high-level talent cultivation.
The successful convening of the symposium marks a new milestone in China–Thailand cooperation in cultural technology and social innovation, and provides a solid platform for advancing international academic collaboration, talent development, and socially engaged innovation practices in the future.
WRITER: ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY OF THAILAND
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