WRITER: : ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY OF THAILAND
On June 25, 2025, a delegation from Aba Teachers University (China) visited Assumption University of Thailand (AU), where the two institutions held high-level talks and signed six landmark cooperation agreements. These agreements span key areas such as student mobility, faculty development, and academic collaboration. A highlight of the visit was the unveiling ceremony of the Thai base of the Sino-Thai Research Center for Basic Education of Nationalities, marking a new chapter of comprehensive, multi-level strategic partnership between the two universities.
The AU leadership team extended a warm welcome and demonstrated strong institutional support for the collaboration. The delegation was led by Rev. Bro. Sirichai Fonseka, f.s.g., Ph.D., President of AU, whose visionary leadership continues to guide the university’s internationalization and academic excellence. He was joined by Asst. Prof. Dr. Kitti Phothikitti, Vice President, known for his commitment to educational quality and innovation; Dr. Kitikorn Dowpiset, Vice President, who played a key role in shaping the strategic framework of the partnership; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanitorn Jittawiriyanukoon, Vice President, whose academic leadership bridges technology and business disciplines; and Dr. Gao Li, Assistant Vice President, whose cross-cultural insight and coordination were pivotal in fostering this international collaboration.
The Aba Teachers University delegation was led by Prof. Ma Changwei, Vice President, whose leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in advancing the university’s global engagement. He was joined by Mr. Han Mingjun, Deputy Director of the Academic Affairs Office, recognized for his expertise in academic innovation, and Ms. Zhong Yi, Deputy Director of the Office of International Cooperation, whose dedication to building strong international partnerships continues to elevate Aba Teachers University on the world stage.
This collaboration is a concrete step in implementing China’s Belt and Road Initiative and supports the national strategy outlined in the Education Modernization 2035 plan. The agreements signed include:
- Joint bachelor-master degree programs
- Doctoral advancement for faculty members
- Reciprocal appointment of graduate supervisors
- International exchange initiatives
- Short-term cultural immersion programs
Through credit recognition, curriculum co-development, and integrated training models, both institutions aim to foster deeper educational integration between China and Thailand.
The newly established Sino-Thai Research Center for Basic Education of Nationalities will serve as a dynamic platform for comparative research on basic education in ethnic regions, professional development for teachers, and localized curriculum innovation.
The Center will draw on the educational strengths of both universities to support innovation and equity in education across Belt and Road regions.
During the discussions, the two sides explored further collaboration in graduate training, Confucius Institute faculty deployment, and joint academic platforms.
Prof. Ma Changwei, Vice President of Aba Teachers University, noted that this partnership provides a global development platform for faculty and students and represents a meaningful response to national educational strategies.
Dr. Kitikorn Dowpiset, Vice President of AU, highlighted that the two universities will work toward an integrated “bachelor-master-doctorate” academic pipeline to support long-term educational cooperation.
The delegation also toured AU’s Vincent Mary School of Engineering, Science, and Technology, the Confucius Institute at AU, and the Graduate School of Business and Advanced Technology Management, gaining firsthand insight into the university’s academic facilities and global engagement initiatives.
They participated in an academic innovation workshop and attended the opening ceremony of the 2025 AU Study Abroad Fair, gaining a comprehensive understanding of AU’s international education achievements.
This milestone visit between Aba Teachers University and Assumption University of Thailand marks not only the strengthening of bilateral academic ties, but also a shared commitment to shaping the future of education through innovation, inclusion, and international cooperation. As both institutions move forward under the Belt and Road framework, the establishment of the Sino-Thai Research Center for Basic Education of Nationalities demonstrates what strategic partnerships in higher education can achieve. With shared vision, mutual respect, and a passion for empowering future generations, this collaboration sets the stage for a new era of excellence in global education.
More Information about Assumption University of Thailand (AU), please visit:
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