On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kasetsart University (KU) and Guizhou Education University, China was held in Meeting Room 9, 2nd Floor, the Golden Jubilee Administration and Information Center Building, Kasetsart University, Associate Professor Dr. Apisit Songsasen, the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Science, represented Dr. Chongrak Wachrinrat, the President of Kasetsart University, presided over the event, welcomed the delegation, and signed the MoU. Several executives and faculty members from Kasetsart University participated as witnesses, including Professor Dr. Dokrak Marod, Vice President for Research and Internationalization; Professor Dr. Wanwipa Vongsangnak, Acting Dean of the Kasetsart University International College; Associate Professor Dr. Pitak Chuawong, Assistant Dean for Student Scholarship Development in Science, Faculty of Science; Associate Professor Dr. Ratcha Chaichana, Deputy Dean for International Affairs, Faculty of Environment;  Assistant Professor Dr. Wandee Kasemsukpipat, Associate Dean for International Affairs, Faculty of Education; Assistant Professor Dr. Chatuwit Keawsuwan, Head of Department and Lecturer from the Department of Eastern Languages, Faculty of Humanities; Acting Sub Lt. Dr. Phunsin Kantha, Faculty of Fisheries; Miss Pratthana Thirakiettikun, Head of the International Collaboration and Networking Sections; and staff members of the International Affairs Division.

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The representatives from Guizhou Education University, China attending the ceremony included: Shi Peixin, Party Secretary of Guizhou Education University; Luo Guangjie, Director of Scientific Research Department, GZEU Director of the Key Laboratory of Geographical Monitoring of Guizhou Basin; Xiao Xiangping, Secretary of Party Committee, School of Education Science, GZEU; Yang Bo, Dean of School of Literature and  Communication, GZEU; Zhang Bin, Deputy Director of Department of International Exchange, GZEU;  Zhang Yu, Associate Professor of School of Foreign Languages, GZEU on the occasion of visiting Kasetsart University to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kasetsart University and Guizhou Education University, China.

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The Kasetsart University International College or KUIC previously discussed academic cooperation with the Alliance of China-Thailand Universities – ACTU to foster collaboration in teaching and exchange of students and personnel between Kasetsart University and universities from the People’s Republic of China. The meeting resolved to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kasetsart University and Guizhou Education University, China, one of the founding universities of ACTU. Therefore, GZEU intends to send a delegation to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

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After Associate Professor Dr. Apisit Songsasen, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, delivered a welcome speech at the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kasetsart University and Guizhou Education University, China, Shi Peixin, Party Secretary of Guizhou Education University, expressed his gratitude and congratulations on the opportunity to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions and discussed that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kasetsart University and Guizhou Education University, China, is to support and promote cooperation in research for continuous effort and development.

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The main purpose of the visit by the executives from Guizhou Education University, China, and the delegation from the Alliance of China-Thailand Universities (ACTU) this time is to:

1.       To engage in in-depth discussions on cooperation programs related to the exchange of teachers and students.

2.      To seek out joint scientific research opportunities with Kasetsart University (KU), in particular, to focus on the construction of the “China-Thailand Basin Monitoring and Sustainable Development ‘the Belt and Road’ Joint Laboratory”. This entails carefully selecting Thai participating universities and disciplinary teams for the joint laboratory.

3.      To explore other cooperation projects of mutual interest to both sides. This could encompass a wide variety of areas such as joint curriculum development, academic conferences, and research symposiums.

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The activities covered by this MOU will focus on the following:

o   Developing collaborative research projects.

o   Organizing joint academic and scientific activities such as courses, conferences, seminars, symposia, or lectures.

o   Implementing a 2+2 undergraduate program at Guizhou Education University, and facilitating Chinese students’ transfer to Kasetsart University.

o   Exchanging of research and teaching personnel.

o   Collaborating to enhance Chinese students’ enrollment for one-semester or one-year visiting program at Kasetsart University, and encourage Thai students studying at Guizhou Education University.

Any activities concluded within the broad framework of this MOU should be mutually agreed upon by both parties, considering constraints such as time, funding, and other relevant resources.

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Following the signing ceremony, the meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the two institutions. Executives from both universities introduced their respective institutions and faculties, exploring opportunities for research and academic cooperation in areas such as forestry, Sino-Thai Special Programs, science, education, fisheries, humanities, and environmental studies. Both universities expressed optimism that the signing of the MoU would pave the way for meaningful and tangible collaborations in these fields. To achieve this, Kasetsart University (KU) and Guizhou Education University (GZEU) committed to developing a mutually agreed-upon ad hoc plan to guide their joint initiatives. The event concluded with Associate Professor Dr. Apisit Songsasen, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning at KU and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Science, presented souvenirs to the GZEU delegation. A group photo was then taken to commemorate the occasion.

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Guizhou Education University (GZEU) is located in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China. It is a university specializing in teacher training and education. Formerly known as Guizhou Institute of Education, it has developed into a regional institution of higher learning. The university has a wide range of faculties, including education, liberal arts, science, and technology, and supports international students through government scholarships and Chinese language training programs at various levels.

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For international students, GZEU offers a variety of study programs, ranging from undergraduate degrees to short-term language training. Most programs focus on improving Chinese language skills, using teaching methods that integrate Chinese culture, such as summer camps and introductions to ethnic minority cultures in Guizhou Province. Students must meet certain qualifications, such as an HSK level 4 score, to apply for degree programs and apply for additional scholarships.

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As one of the founding universities of the Alliance of China-Thailand Universities (ACTU), the university plays a key role in fostering Thai-Chinese educational cooperation and promoting cultural exchanges between the two countries. The university’s participation in events, such as the China-Thailand Higher Education Forum, demonstrates its commitment to developing educational relations and promoting international cultural and academic understanding among young people.