Hanoi, Vietnam – A delegation from Khon Kaen University (KKU), comprising faculty members and master’s students from the Mekong Studies program, visited leading academic institutions in Hanoi, Vietnam, from September 15-18, 2028. The visit aimed to promote the program, foster collaborative networks, and facilitate academic knowledge exchange between Thailand and Vietnam.
The delegation was led by Associate Professor Dr. Thananan Boonwanna, Chair of the Mekong Studies program, and Assistant Professor Dr. Keeratiporn Jutaviriya, Acting Director of the ASEAN Studies Center at KKU.
The visit commenced at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH), Vietnam National University, Hanoi. The KKU team received a warm welcome from Dr. Phạm Hoàng Hưng, Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Studies; Dr. Nguyễn Ngọc Bình, Dean of the Faculty of Vietnamese Language and Vietnamese Studies; and Dr. Nguyễn Thị Thúy Châu, Head of the Thai Studies program. The visit included an academic exchange session with Vietnamese faculty and students studying the Thai language, which served to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen educational relations between the two nations.
Subsequently, the delegation proceeded to the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They were greeted by Dr. Đặng Trung Dũng, a faculty member at the academy and former diplomat at the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand. This meeting marked a significant step in expanding academic cooperation between Khon Kaen University and the Diplomatic Academy. Discussions emphasized promoting student and academic exchanges, as well as integrating research initiatives pertinent to the Mekong region. Such collaborations are expected to broaden the scope of knowledge and establish a more profound academic database.
This strategic academic networking between Thailand and Vietnam is crucial. It not only elevates Khon Kaen University’s reputation and academic potential on an international scale but also underscores the role of KKU’s Mekong Studies program as a hub for learning and research, dedicated to connecting academic networks across Southeast Asia. These efforts are anticipated to foster future cooperation in education, research, and sustainable development within the Mekong region.
Reported by: Mr. Pitipat Janthamat, ASEAN Studies Center, Khon Kaen University
