The 5th Forum on China-Thailand Higher Education Cooperation, jointly organized by Jiangsu University (JSU), the Secretariat of Alliance of China-Thailand Universities (ACTU), Guizhou University, and Guiyang College, was held successfully at the permanent venue of China-ASEAN Education Exchange Week (CAECW) in Guiyang from August 28 to 30. More than 150 government officials, representatives from the educational sector, university presidents, young students, as well as professionals in agriculture and food industry from China and Thailand gathered together to explore cooperation and exchange in the field of higher education between the two countries.

With the theme of “Promoting Digital Education Cooperation and Deepening University Connectivity”, the forum aimed to promote cooperation in digital education and development in higher education between China and Thailand, as well as deepen talent cultivation and exchange between the two sides.The forum held a series of activities, including the “University Presidents’ Forum”, “Agricultural and Food Academic Forum”, “Youth Scholar’s Seminar”, and “ZHI&XING” Guizhou Silk Road Youth Exchange Program”.
At the Opening Ceremony, Education Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand Mrs. Feng Junying, Minister of Science and Technology Counsellor of Embassy of Thailand in China Dr. Pasupha Chinvarasopak, President of Siam University and ACTU Co-Chair Dr. Pornchai Mongkhonvanit, Vice-President of Guizhou University Prof. Zhang Dalin, Vice-President of Guiyang University Prof. Li Can delivered speeches respectively. The opening ceremony was presided over by Secretary General of ACTU E Xuewen.

During the China-Thailand University Presidents’ Forum, Vice President of JSU Prof. Cai Yingfeng, President of Siam University Dr. Pornchai Mongkhonvanit, Vice President of Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications Prof. Zhang Jianhua, Vice-President of Burapha University Prof. Somtawin Jaritkhuan, Vice-President of Suan Dusit University Dr. Pornchanit Kaew-Nate, and Vice President of Guizhou Normal University Prof. Ren Jie, along with other guests, actively explored new models of digital education and collaboration in the future development of higher education. The university presidents agreed that there is strong complementarity between higher education in China and Thailand. Developing digital education in universities and strengthening interconnectivity between universities is of vital significance to broaden channels for educational exchange and cooperation between the two countries, improve the level of higher education development, and promote regional common development.

At the ceremony of Awarding Honorary Certificate of Founding Chinese co-chair Prof. Yan Xiaohong was awarded the Honorary Chairman Certificate of the alliance.

As the Chinese co-chairing university of ACTU, JSU has launched a proposal to establish the ACTU Digital Education Committee” and “ACTU College-Enterprise Cooperation Committee”. As the Thai co-chairing university of ACTU, the University of Siam has launched a proposal on “Promoting standards, innovation and efficiency in higher education cooperation between Thai and Chinese universities”. The launch of the two proposals will help strengthen cooperation and exchange between China and Thailand in the fields of digital education and education-industry cooperation, guide more universities and enterprises to participate in the field of digital education, improve education quality and scientific research level, and also promote international cooperation and exchange in higher education between China and Thailand towards higher levels and wider fields.

Executive Secretary-General of the Secretariat of the Organizing Committee of the China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week (CAECW) Mr. Liu Baoli, stated in his closing speech that the China-ASEAN Education Exchange Week has become an important institutionalized platform for connectivity, mutual learning, and mutual exchange in the field of education between China and ASEAN. It has made significant contributions to deepening the strategic partnership between China and ASEAN.