On Friday, December 22nd, 2023, at 1.30 p.m., Meeting Room 9, 2nd floor of the Golden Jubilee Administration and Information Center Building, Kasetsart University Bangkhen Campus, Dr. Damrong Sripraram, Vice President for Administration (in place of Dr. Chongrak Wachrinrat, President of Kasetsart University) along with administrators and lecturers, namely Assistant Professor Dr. Krit Won-in, Assistant to the President for Innovation and Social Engagement, Assistant Professor Dr. Thongrob Ruenbanthoeng, Dean of Faculty of Humanities, Associate Professor Dr. Apisit Songsasen, Dean of Faculty of Science, Dr. Nathakarn Thaveewatanaseth, Director of the Confucius Institute (Thai), Faculty of Humanities, Kasetsart University, Associate Professor Dr. Wanwipa Vongsangnak, Deputy Director of Kasetsart University International College (KUIC), Assistant Professor Dr. Nadhawee Bunnag, Representative of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and Dr. Somchoke Ruengittinun, Deputy Head of Department for Student Development and International Relations, Faculty of Science, Department of Computer Science, welcomed administrators from Huaqiao University (HQU), China, led by Professor Wu Jianping, President, Huaqiao University, along with Zeng Shanni, Director of the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation; Hong Xuehui, Director of the Office of Admissions; and Professor Zeng Zhixing, Dean of the Graduate School of Huazhong University.

          Dr. Damrong Sripraram, Vice President for Administration provided a brief overview of Kasetsart University to administrators from HQU and emphasized the 17-year relationship between the two universities. In April 2023, the president and administrators of Kasetsart University traveled to China to visit HQU for the 12th meeting regarding the consultative committee of the Confucius Institute, KU, and HQU. Therefore, this day is a great opportunity for both universities to discuss the future possibilities.

          Before the academic discussion between both universities, Professor Wu Jianping, President of Huaqiao University congratulated on the 80th anniversary of Kasetsart University, and then presented the history of HQU, stating that HQU’s objective is to provide services to international students, especially students from countries in ASEAN and the Silk Road. HQU consists of 2 campuses: Quanzhou Campus, the starting point of the Silk Road, and Xiamen Campus, the special economic zone with exported products as its greatest strength. Currently, there are approximately 36,000 students in HQU, 658 of whom are Thai, considered one of the greatest amounts of students from countries in ASEAN. Furthermore, since 2005, HQU has been carrying out a Chinese language training program for Thai government officers from various ministries such as The Royal Thai Police, Ministry of Defense, etc. 1,800 officers or 18 classes completed this program.

          Subsequently, HQU suggested programs to develop language and cultural collaboration between the two universities as follows:

1.       Chinese language curriculum for Thai students

2.      The two universities visit to increase the opportunity for knowledge exchange

3.     Conference and student exchange program during the semester break (Dual Degree)

4.      Collaborative research program to meet the needs of today’s society

5.      Draw the students with an interest in sports or music

At the end of the discussion, HQU agreed to further discuss the programs as mentioned earlier in more detail with administrators of KU at the Faculty of Humanities, Kasetsart Universities. Lastly, Dr. Damrong Sripraram, Vice President for Administration gave souvenirs to administrators from HQU and took a group photo.