Education News

Walailak University students from the School of Engineering and Technology (SET) showcased their creativity at the 17th International Collegiate Snow Sculpture Contest 2025, held at Harbin Engineering University (HEU) in China. Their sculpture, inspired by the viral sensation of the popular pygmy hippopotamus “Moo Deng,” marked the university’s debut at the event, which took place from 4 - 7 January 2025. The competition brought together 64 teams from nine countries, including Thailand, China, Russia, and the United Kingdom.

The students’ participation was part of a preparatory program for international cooperative education at HEU, organized by the College of International Cooperative Education. The program provided various forms of support, including accommodation, meals, specialized training in snow sculpture, and cultural exchange activities in the historic city of Harbin.

The Walailak University team from the Computer Engineering and Artificial Intelligence Program—Mr. Ittiwat Limprasert, Ms. Suchawadee Ubonkan, and Mr. Thiraphat Phetsri—dedicated themselves to meticulous preparation for the competition. Their sculpture, “Moo Deng,” was inspired by the Thai pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng, who became a popular internet sensation after her photo went viral in September 2024.

Before traveling to Harbin, the team used computer software to carefully design their sculpture, ensuring every detail reflected their creative vision. Under the guidance of expert coaches at HEU, they successfully brought their design to life in Harbin’s extreme cold, with temperatures ranging from -24.1°C (-11.4°F) to -12.5°C (9.5°F) during the competition.

This year’s contest theme, “United in Heart and Dream, Building the Future Together,” challenged participants to craft snow sculptures within just three days, testing their skills, teamwork, and resilience in subzero conditions. The event was not only a test of artistic ability but also a celebration of cultural exchange and international camaraderie.

 

  



On January 7, 2025, Mr. Varapote Chensavasdijai, Minister at the Royal Thai Embassy in Beijing, visited HEU to meet the Thai teams, offering words of encouragement and celebrating their efforts. Walailak University also used this opportunity to strengthen its academic collaboration with HEU. The university’s delegation, led by Dr. Suthasinee Sangkhum, Assistant to the President, and Assistant Professor Dr. Monthian Setkit, Dean of SET, reaffirmed mutual interest in developing a Double Degree Program in Computer and Artificial Intelligence Engineering, which promises to open new opportunities for students from both institutions.

The students are set to return to Harbin in June 2025 to participate in an eight-month international cooperative education program at HEU. Dr. Arsanchai Sukkuea and Dr. MD Eshrat E Alahi from SET will serve as their advisors to guide their academic success. Additionally, the students have been awarded a partial tuition scholarship by HEU, further supporting their educational journey.

 



Photo credit: Suchawadee Ubonkan, Thiraphat Phetsri, and Suthasinee Sangkhum