Shenzhen, China — May 20, 2025
WRITER: ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY OF THAILAND
In the heart of Shenzhen’s innovation corridor, Assumption University of Thailand (AU) and Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS) took a meaningful step toward deeper academic collaboration. On the morning of May 20, Rev. Bro. Sirichai Fonseka, f.s.g., Ph.D., President of AU, led a senior delegation to Tsinghua SIGS for high-level talks focused on talent development, graduate research cooperation, and educational innovation in the Belt and Road era.
The symposium was hosted by Professor Zuo Jian’e, Vice Dean of Tsinghua SIGS. Both leaders exchanged visions for future cooperation, grounded in mutual respect and aligned ambitions.
Strategic Education with Global Vision
In his address, Rev. Bro. Sirichai noted the achievements of Tsinghua SIGS as a key component of the university’s “Southern Strategy,” especially in promoting technological advancement and international cooperation.
“Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School has achieved remarkable accomplishments in technological innovation and international educational cooperation,” he stated.
“Under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, the two institutions could jointly develop an international talent cultivation system… to nurture high-caliber professionals with global perspectives.” He also proposed the establishment of a China-Thailand joint graduate education mechanism, aiming to facilitate faculty and student exchanges, promote research collaboration, and achieve cross-cultural integration and innovation.
Responding with enthusiasm, Professor Zuo Jian’e welcomed the AU delegation and spoke of SIGS’s strategic role in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
“We look forward to practical collaboration with AU in talent cultivation and scientific research innovation,” he said, emphasizing both institutions’ shared commitment to regional development and cross-border exchange.
Ideas in Action: Campus Tour and Key Outcomes
After the symposium, the delegation toured Tsinghua SIGS’s International Building, inspecting state-of-the-art teaching and research spaces. The immersive visit deepened the AU delegation’s understanding of SIGS’s facilities and research capabilities.
During these exchanges, both parties reached consensus on several action points:
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- Cooperative initiatives to facilitate outstanding Thai students studying in Shenzhen.
- Expansion of industrial training programs and cross-institutional collaboration.
- Joint exploration of collaborative master’s and doctoral programs, especially in fields tied to regional innovation.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Narong Aphiratsakun, Dean of AU’s Vincent Mary School of Engineering, Science and Technology, expressed strong admiration for the school’s innovation capabilities and proposed collaboration in areas such as smart tech and interactive applications.
From Dialogue to Development
The meeting concluded with the exchange of commemorative gifts and a group photo, marking the beginning of what both parties anticipate will be a long-term academic partnership.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Kitti Phothikitti, Vice President of AU, summed up the significance of the exchange:
“This cooperation not only benefits our institutions’ development but will also serve as a model for academic collaboration among Belt and Road countries.”
Also present were Dr. Gao Li, Assistant Vice President of AU; Director Zhang Yi, Office of Global Affairs at Tsinghua SIGS; and Professor Chan Waikin, Institute of Data and Information.
With formalities completed, what remains is the shared commitment to implementation—transforming strategic discussions into real programs, real people, and real-world outcomes.
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