In 2025, as Sino-Thai friendship enters its glorious "Golden 50th Anniversary," marking a significant milestone, the educational collaboration between School of Business Shantou University and Dhurakij Pundit University (Thailand) has yielded fruitful results. After successfully signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and an exchange student agreement in April 2025, Dhurakij Pundit University selected outstanding students to form the inaugural study tour group, which conducted a 29-day in-depth academic exchange at our school from May 27 to June 24, culminating in a successful conclusion.
This academic exchange program was rich in highlights. In the language learning module, students systematically enrolled in core courses such as "Chinese Audio-Visual," "Spoken Chinese," and "Practical Chinese," significantly enhancing their proficiency in Chinese language application. During the cultural experience segment, they delved into the Chaoshan region, appreciating the elegance of tea culture, the intricacy of Chinese paper-cutting, and the vibrancy of Yingge dance, thereby gaining a profound understanding of the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture. Activities infused with modern elements, such as business coffee culture experiences, kite design, tile painting, and graduation cap making, further exposed the Thai students to the innovative vitality of Chinese culture.
To comprehensively elevate students' overall competencies, the school offered elite courses like "Business Etiquette and Workplace Communication," seamlessly integrating traditional Chinese etiquette culture with modern professional norms. This not only aided students in their career development but also vividly showcased the profound heritage and contemporary value of Chinese etiquette culture.
In the cultural and business practice sessions, students visited various locations including Shantou Xiaogongyuan, ferry rides, the Chaoshan Historical and Cultural Expo Center, Nan'ao Island, and the Ancient City of Chaozhou.
They explored the historical texture of the thousand-year-old commercial port amidst arcade buildings and experienced the vitality of intangible cultural heritage through Chaozhou opera and Yingge dance, gaining a deep appreciation for the enduring cultural roots of the Chaoshan region.
During their visits to companies such as Poly Real Estate and CHJ Jewelry, students were amazed by the efficiency and precision demonstrated by intelligent construction technologies and the innovative fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern design.
Furthermore, cutting-edge academic lectures focused on global economic management hotspots and China's development strategies, using vivid practical cases and theoretical analyses to showcase China's wisdom and commitment in global governance and technological innovation, further broadening students' international perspectives while highlighting Chinese scholars' confidence in addressing complex challenges.
At the project presentation and graduation ceremony, students shared their learning experiences and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the faculty and staff of Shantou University, stating that this academic exchange had deeply impressed them with the unique charm of Chinese culture, technology, and development models.
Professor Liang Qiang, Dean of the School, fully acknowledged the significance of this academic exchange. He stated that this event marked a crucial milestone in the collaboration between the two universities, serving not only as a sincere tribute to the 50th anniversary of Sino-Thai diplomatic relations but also as a vivid practice of deepening educational cooperation and promoting cultural exchanges between the two regions. Our school will take this event as a new starting point to further expand multi-faceted collaborations, striving to cultivate outstanding talents with an international perspective and cross-cultural communication skills, contributing educational wisdom and strength to consolidating Sino-Thai friendship and promoting the construction of a community with a shared future in the surrounding region.
