March 10, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. – Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University; along with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nawarat Wara-Aswapati Charoen, Vice President for International Affairs; Asst. Prof. Dr. Acharawan Topark-Ngarm, Assistant to the President for International Affairs, welcomed Mr. Liao Junyun, Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China at Khon Kaen and Miss Shi Yuthong, Consul-General Secretary, to Khon Kaen University for an official discussion on academic collaboration between Khon Kaen University and Southwest Jiaotong University of the People’s Republic of China. The meeting took place at Sirikunakorn Room 5, 6th Floor, Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University and was aimed to follow up the progress of the joint degree program at the undergraduate level and the founding of a branch of the Institute for High-Speed Train of Southwest Jiaotong University at KKU.
Mr. Liao Junyun, Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China at Khon Kaen said that Southwest Jiaotong University is pleased to collaborate with Khon Kaen University. This collaboration is part of the development of the high-speed train in China and it answers the instructional strategy of Southwest Jiaotong University, which aims at establishing academic collaboration with 5 universities worldwide, especially in Indochina.
“The reason that Khon Kaen University meets our criteria for the collaboration with Southwest Jiaotong University is that Khon Kaen University is one among the top universities of Thailand, especially in the field of engineering and machinery, which are KKU’s strength. Another important thing is the location of Khon Kaen, which is the center of Indochin, where the high-speed train will pass. There are also the route that links with Vientiane and the route close to Burma and Vietnam. Khon Kaen is therefore an important strategic point. Besides, the high-speed railway from China to Lao PDR will be completed at the end of this year. The high-speed train system from China to Malaysia is also under construction. If we look at this network, we’ll see that Khon Kaen is at the center.”
‘Therefore, as the center point, there will be a big number of students studying in high-speed train engineering. After I had discussed with the President of Southwest Jiaotong University, I learned that there is a little difference between the instructional methods of the two universities. Southwest Jiaotong University intends to establish an institute in Khon Kaen University, or a department in the field of high-speed train. This is because Southwest Jiaotong University sees that the courses offered will be more complete. Or else, if the students want to continue their studies in Southwest Jiaotong University, they can do that in a period of 2 years, without having to worry about the language because Southwest Jiaotong University can teach the courses in English language.”
“Before this, Southwest Jiaotong University had proposed 15 programs for Khon Kaen University to choose. If Khon Kaen University wants to open any other program, the Southwest Jiaotong University can take it to consideration. Presently, Southwest Jiaotong University is offering the courses such as Electric-Magnet High-Speed Train System. The President said that we should begin with something simple, and when the acceptance is good, then we can move on to the next step of development. If Khon Kaen University wants more detail, then you can contact Southwest Jiaotong University directly,” Mr. Liao Junyun, Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China said.
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University then thanked the Consul-General for the explanation of the progress, which is good news for Khon Kaen University. President Assoc. Prof. Charnchai then went on to conclude what the Consul-General said in 3 topics:
- The High-Speed Train Program – This was discussed once and Khon Kaen University was holding another meeting with the Faculty of Engineering on this matter on March 11, 2021. The President agreed with the Consul-General with regard to the program for students to take courses in China, which should be 2 years. However, KKU has to listen to the Faculty of Engineering before making the decision. It is quite certain that the High-Speed Train Program can be opened and will be the first project between Khon Kaen University and Southwest Jiaotong University.
- KKU is grateful to the Consul-General for coordinating with Southwest Jiaotong University until they choose Khon Kaen University as the partner. KKU President believes it is greatly possible for Southwest Jiaotong University to establish programs or an institution at Khon Kaen University. It should also benefit Khon Kaen University by enhancing the knowledge in high-speed train. In this regard, Khon Kaen University will consult with the relevant organizations in due course.
- KKU thanks Southwest Jiaotong University for proposing the 15 programs, which will be taken into consideration. KKU will also see if there are any other programs to be under the collaboration.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nawarat Wara-Aswapati Charoen, Vice President for International Affairs added that Southwest Jiaotong University sent an email to the International Affairs Section after the first discussion. It was understood that Southwest Jiaotong University wanted to set the date for a video conference to discuss the entering into an MOU. The Presidents of the two universities will be invited to this video conference. KKU will also invite the Consul-General to this important meeting as the key witness.
News: Rawiporn Saisaenthong
Photos: Pornthip Khamdee
