The cultural exchange project, “Chinese Bridge – Panda High-Speed Rail Cultural Exchange Programme,” successfully concluded from 23 November to 7 December 2025 in Chengdu, People’s Republic of China, following the official opening ceremony at Southwest Jiaotong University (SWJTU) on 23 November.

The delegation from the Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University, was led by Associate Professor Komgrid Pitiyart, Ph.D., Dr. Phattrasart Sa-ngwong, Dr. Surachet Thuankaeosing, Assistant Professor Phanwich Harnpinitsak, Ph.D., and Associate Professor Mathee Boompichatewong, Ph.D. A total of 16 engineering students participated in the programme. At the start of the visit, the delegation toured SWJTU’s magnetic levitation (Maglev) rail system laboratory and rail transport facilities before the students commenced the two-week exchange activities.

The programme was managed by the KKU-SWJTU Tianyou Railway Research Institute. Throughout their stay in Chengdu, the students participated in Chinese language classes focused on rail systems terminology, coupled with learning about Chinese culture through various activities. These included visits to the Panda Base and the ancient city of Dujiangyan, Sichuan cooking lessons, and workshops on tea ceremonies and Chinese shadow puppetry.

Through this immersive experience, students enhanced their Mandarin Chinese communication skills, gained deeper insight into Chinese culture, and developed a clearer understanding of China’s advanced high-speed rail and railway technologies. The programme not only broadened their academic perspectives but also strengthened their readiness for future international studies and careers in the global engineering and transportation sectors.