Bridging Civilizations through Dialogue and Education
WRITER : ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY OF THAILAND
On June 10, 2025, Assumption University of Thailand (AU) proudly participated in the 2025 HEHE Civilization Forum, hosted by the International Confucian Association at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok. Under the theme “Mutual Learning and Globalization” the event brought together political leaders, renowned academics, and university representatives from across Asia—including Thailand, China, Japan, Indonesia, and Vietnam—to promote cross-cultural understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.
As one of Thailand’s most internationally engaged institutions, AU was invited to join the high-level dialogue, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to regional cooperation and educational exchange. AU’s presence at the forum emphasized the importance of academia in fostering global citizenship and promoting peace through mutual understanding.
Representatives from AU highlighted that participating in the forum offered faculty and students a meaningful opportunity to broaden their international outlook and explore deeper academic collaboration between Thailand and China. AU’s contributions resonated with the forum’s mission: to cultivate intercultural dialogue and civilizational coexistence in today’s global society.
The opening ceremony featured remarks from key international figures, including:
H.E. Pattanapong Wijayachai, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand
Sun Chunlan, President of the International Confucian Association
Wang Chao, President of the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs
Mr. Maddox, Assistant Director-General of UNESCO
Each speaker called for renewed efforts to enhance cultural exchange and cooperation in addressing global challenges.
The keynote forum, chaired by Prof. Hao Ping, Executive Vice President of the International Confucian Association and former Chairman of Peking University Council, brought together six eminent scholars. Topics ranged from the contemporary relevance of Confucianism to civilizational harmony and the evolving expression of traditional thought in the modern era.
Speakers explored key issues such as:
The philosophical value of HEHE Civilization
Sustainable development and cultural diversity
Cross-cultural dissemination of Confucianism
The role of education in fostering civilizational dialogue
Consensus emerged around the importance of mutual learning as a tool to build a shared future for humanity.
The forum concluded with shared commitments to uphold cultural diversity, deepen regional partnerships, and harness the power of education to advance global harmony.
By participating in the 2025 HEHE Civilization Forum, AU not only contributed to the regional conversation on civilizational exchange but also reinforced its leadership role in promoting academic diplomacy and intercultural engagement.
Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Thailand
Sun Chunlan, President of the International Confucian Association civilizational dialogue in the 21st century.
Chen Lai, Dean of the Academy of Chinese Learning and Professor of Philosophy, Tsinghua University
Anek Laothamatas, Former Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation of Thailand
Roger T. Ames, Chair Professor in Humanities, Peking University
Helwig Schmidt-Glintzer, Professor Emeritus of East Asian Literature and Culture, University of Göttingen
Chandra Setiawan, Former Chairman of the Indonesian Confucian Association
Nguyen Tai Dong, Director of the Institute of Philosophy, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences
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