On November 19, the delegation from Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), led by Prof. Dr. Suwat Tanyaros, continued its academic visit to China with an official stop at Southwest University (SWU). The visit aimed to build stronger academic relations and explore new collaborative avenues between the two universities.
Accompanying the president were Dr. Lamun Kayurin, Assistant to the President; Assoc. Prof. Surasit Rawangwong, Dean of Engineering; Asst. Prof. Chainun Panyavoodso, Dean of Business Administration; Asst. Prof. Dr. Boonyarit Omanee, Dean of Liberal Arts; Asst. Prof. Chaiya Tanaphatsiri, Dean of Industrial Education and Technology; and Aj. Rachawadee Chanthong, Lecturer from the Faculty of Science and Technology.
Upon arrival, the delegation was warmly welcomed by senior representatives of SWU, including Prof. Zhang Weiguo, Party Secretary; Prof. Jin Yongjun, Director of the Presidentโs Office; Prof. Zhang Yuansong, Party Secretary of the International College; and Prof. Chu Xiuwei, Deputy Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchanges (OICE). The meeting was supported by Ms. Suteetida Sangchote, a student at the International College, who served as interpreter throughout the visit.
The SWU leadership introduced the universityโs academic strengths in education, applied sciences, technology development, and intercultural studies, expressing strong interest in expanding long-term cooperation with RUTS.
During the meeting, Prof. Dr. Suwat Tanyaros highlighted RUTSโs focus on global engagement and its commitment to preparing students for an increasingly internationalized workforce. He noted that collaboration with SWU would open new opportunities in both academic development and student capacity-building.
Discussions during the meeting focused on specific areas of collaboration across several faculties.
The Faculty of Business Administration highlighted plans for upskilling programs and student exchange activities aimed at enhancing business knowledge and international experience.
The Faculty of Industrial Education and Technology explored possibilities for technical teacher development, joint research projects, creation of shared instructional material, and broader upskilling initiatives.
The Faculty of Engineering discussed opportunities for student exchanges and other engineering-related collaborations that align with SWUโs strengths in science and technology.
The Faculty of Liberal Arts proposed cooperation in a 2+2 Chinese language joint degree, summer camps, trainee exchanges for Chinese-language teaching, cultural immersion programs, and other academic activities that support language learning and cross-cultural understanding.
In addition, both institutions expressed interest in jointly developing a Masterโs degree program, which would further strengthen academic pathways and expand opportunities for postgraduate study between RUTS and SWU.
The discussions laid a solid foundation for joint activities in student mobility, research development, international training, and academic program enhancement. Both universities expressed optimism about future cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing meaningful and sustainable academic partnerships.
