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Walailak University has further expanded its international academic collaboration by reinforcing its partnership with Yunnan Normal University in China, with a shared goal of advancing sustainable development in Chinese language education.

Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, President of Walailak University, together with Professor Dr. Narin Sungrugsa, Dean of the School of Education, and Assistant Professor Dr. Patnarin Supakorn, Assistant to the President, visited Yunnan Normal University in Kunming, Yunnan Province, from 21–24 August 2025 to attend the 2025 Symposium on International Chinese Language Education in South and Southeast Asia.

At the symposium, President Sombat delivered a keynote speech titled “Connecting Our Nations: Nurturing Engagement between Chinese and Thai Communities for South & Southeast Asia”, emphasizing the role of language, culture, and people-to-people exchange in strengthening regional ties. The event gathered more than 200 representatives from 24 universities across China, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

During the visit, President Sombat also joined the signing ceremony of the Sino-Foreign Cooperative Talent Cultivation Agreement, reinforcing ongoing cooperation between Walailak University and Yunnan Normal University under the iLEARN Project. The agreement further deepens collaboration between Walailak University’s School of Education and School of Liberal Arts (Chinese Language Program) and Yunnan Normal University, supporting the sustainable development of Chinese language education.

Established over 80 years ago, Yunnan Normal University is one of China’s leading institutions, well-known for teacher education and its role as a hub for academic development in Southwest China. With more than 30,000 students and partnerships with over 120 universities in 30 countries worldwide, it continues to play a vital role in international education. The strengthened collaboration with Walailak University marks another important milestone in enhancing the university’s capacity in Chinese language education on the global stage.



Photos credit: Center for International Affairs, Walailak University