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.

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., led 16 students from the Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University, to participate in the programme. The delegation toured SWJTU’s magnetic levitation (Maglev) rail system laboratory and rail transport systems before the students commenced the two-week exchange programme.

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.

The experiences gained from this programme enhanced the students’ Mandarin Chinese skills, deepened their understanding of Chinese culture, and provided new perspectives on China’s advanced high-speed rail technology. This successfully prepares the students for future academic challenges and confident entry into international career paths.