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Walailak University (WU) organized a discussion on educational collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Thailand. The event, held yesterday at the Chorpradu Chamber, Walailak University Hospital, was attended by executives, students, and staff.

The WU management team, led by President Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthayawong, welcomed delegates from the Embassy of China in Thailand: Professor Xu Lan, Counsellor of Education, and Professor Wang Huan, First Secretary, to discuss educational cooperation.

Central to the discussion was the joint effort between WU and the Chinese Embassy to enhance teaching and learning, research, and student mobility between WU and Chinese universities.

Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthayawong said Walailak University, as a public autonomous university, has efficient management comparable to private institutions. According to the legislation, the university is designated to be research-intensive.

He noted that in research, Walailak University was honored with the 2023 Excellence Award for internationally high-caliber research by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, on January 10th. “Currently, the university has a significant number of research publications in Scopus-indexed journals quartile 1, ranking first in the country.”  

In terms of teaching and learning, he added that Walailak University has adopted the United Kingdom Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) to promote student-centered learning, focusing on critical, analytical, and synthetic thinking. “Chinese students choosing to study at Walailak University can expect a quality education that prepares them as highly competent and skilled individuals," said Professor Dr. Sombat.

Professor Xu Lan, on this occasion, expressed gratitude for the university’s warm welcome and shared her impressions of the university, noting that this was her first time visiting Thailand’s southern region and WU since assuming her position three months ago.

"I am deeply impressed by two aspects," said Counsellor Xu Lan. "Firstly, the university's commitment to environmental sustainability as a green university, and secondly, its dedication to high-quality education, research excellence, and international cooperation."

She emphasized that for universities to become leading institutions globally, they must collaborate with other institutions and prioritize research to advance further. "I am confident that Chinese and international students studying at Walailak University are very fortunate. And should Walailak University seek assistance, I am willing to provide full support," she added.

The discussion also highlighted progress towards establishing the Confucius Institute at WU in collaboration with Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, aiming to support Chinese learning and culture for both students and the public, as well as an update on the operation of the ASEAN-Bangkok Learning Centre, College of Overseas Chinese, Walailak University Center.

Counselor Xu Lan also invited the university management team to visit Chinese universities and informed them about an upcoming educational exhibition in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, focusing on the Asia region, scheduled for August. This event will provide an opportunity for the university to showcase its research and teaching to interested parties.