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Walailak University (WU), led by President Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, has strengthened its academic partnership with Harbin Engineering University (HEU) in China through the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and discussions to advance joint academic programs. The official visit took place from November 5–6, 2025, in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province.

The WU delegation, comprising Assistant Professor Dr. Patnarin Supakorn, Director of the Center for International Affairs, and Mr. Pattanasak Muangchan, Chinese Language Lecturer from the School of Liberal Arts, met with Professor Song Yingdong, Secretary of the CPC HEU Committee, and other senior administrators to renew the MoU originally signed in 2019. The two institutions also reviewed the progress of their ongoing Double Degree Program in Computer and Artificial Intelligence Engineering, jointly developed between WU’s School of Engineering and Technology and HEU’s College of Intelligent Systems Science and Engineering (CISSE).



On this occasion, President Sombat extended an invitation to HEU leaders and faculty to attend the Walailak Research Convention 2026, to be held on March 26–27, 2026, under the theme “Global Higher Education Synergy in Driving Carbon Neutrality and Sustainability.” The ceremony was followed by a guided tour of the HEU History Museum, showcasing the university’s proud heritage and achievements, and a warm welcome reception hosted by HEU.

WU’s collaboration with HEU has evolved significantly since the signing of the first MoU in 2019. The partnership has expanded to include the School of Informatics and the School of Engineering and Technology, leading to academic programs that promote student and faculty exchanges. Currently, three WU students—two from the School of Engineering and Technology and one from the School of Informatics—are enrolled in the 3+1 program at HEU, demonstrating a tangible outcome of the universities’ strong cooperation.

As part of the visit, the WU delegation also met with Dean Ding Xuezhong and the management of HEU’s College of International Cooperative Education to explore new areas of collaboration, including Chinese language education and international internship opportunities.

This visit marks another milestone in WU’s internationalization journey and underscores its vision to build a global academic network that advances excellence in education, research, and innovation.