Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University Strengthens Strategic Partnership with Southwest University, China, Expanding Collaboration in Agricultural Education, Research and Innovation

6 July 2026
13:13

Chongqing, China | 23–27 June 2026

A delegation from the Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University (KKU), Thailand, recently visited Southwest University (SWU) in Chongqing, People’s Republic of China, to strengthen and expand the two institutions’ long-standing academic partnership. The delegation was led by Associate Professor Dr. Darunee Jothityangkoon, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, together with Associate Professor Dr. Panupon Hongpakdee, Associate Dean for Research, Innovation and International Affairs, and Dr. Chokchai Suiauy. The visit reaffirmed more than two decades of collaboration while establishing new strategic directions in agricultural education, research, innovation, and international engagement.

The partnership between the Faculty of Agriculture, KKU and Southwest University dates back to 2009, when both institutions initiated the Summer School Exchange Program for undergraduate students. Over the past seventeen years, the programme has grown into one of the Faculty’s most successful international exchange partnerships, facilitating the mobility of more than 200 inbound and outbound students and fostering long-lasting academic and cultural connections between Thailand and China.

Following the post-pandemic institutional restructuring at Southwest University, the former College of Agriculture has evolved into six specialised colleges:

College of Animal Science and Technology
College of Agronomy and Biotechnology
College of Fisheries
College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture
College of Plant Protection
College of Resource and Environment

During the past three to four years, the Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University has revitalised its longstanding partnership with Southwest University by re-engaging with three core colleges: the College of Animal Science and Technology, the College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, and the College of Fisheries. This renewed collaboration has led to meaningful progress in faculty exchanges, joint research development, and international academic networking. One significant achievement has been the preparation of collaborative research proposals under the Mekong–Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Special Fund 2025, a flagship regional initiative that promotes scientific and educational cooperation among the six Mekong countries and China.

Building upon these achievements, the June 2026 visit marked an important milestone in expanding cooperation with three additional colleges: the College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, the College of Plant Protection, and the College of Resource and Environment. These new partnerships align closely with KKU’s strategic priorities in horticultural sciences, smart agriculture, plant health, environmental sustainability, and climate-resilient agricultural systems.

Throughout the visit, the delegation met with university executives, faculty members, and researchers, and visited laboratories and research facilities. Discussions focused on establishing long-term collaborations in several strategic areas, including:

Undergraduate and graduate student mobility
Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education (CWIE)
Staff exchange and professional training
Joint supervision of postgraduate students
Collaborative international research projects
Joint scientific publications
Academic networking with industry and governmental organisations

A major highlight of the visit was a detailed discussion of SWU’s advanced research infrastructure, particularly the Key Laboratory of Germplasm Innovation and Utilization in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China. Both institutions also explored opportunities to develop joint research proposals under bilateral and international funding mechanisms supported by the Ministries of Education of both countries and other regional research initiatives. Potential research themes include germplasm development, molecular breeding, smart agriculture, climate-smart farming systems, carbon management, sustainable horticulture, and agricultural biotechnology.

The renewed partnership also reflects the growing opportunities created through China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which promotes international cooperation in education, science, technology, innovation, and people-to-people connectivity. As one of Western China’s leading comprehensive universities, Southwest University plays a significant role in advancing agricultural research and innovation within the Yangtze River Economic Belt, making it an ideal strategic partner for Khon Kaen University in expanding regional and global academic networks.

Another important advantage supporting future collaboration is the increasing accessibility between Thailand and Chongqing. International travel has become far more convenient, with direct low-cost flights now connecting Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), Bangkok, and Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG). In addition, travellers departing from Khon Kaen International Airport (KKC) can conveniently connect via Bangkok while checking baggage through to Chongqing on eligible connecting itineraries. This improved transportation network substantially reduces travel time and costs, making student exchanges, staff mobility, research visits, internships, and Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education (CWIE) programmes more accessible.

Looking ahead, both institutions agreed to strengthen collaboration in several flagship areas, including:

Germplasm development and molecular breeding
Tropical horticulture and landscape innovation
Ornamental horticulture and floriculture
Smart and precision agriculture
Climate-smart agriculture and carbon management
Plant protection and biological control
Sustainable agricultural systems and bioeconomy
Joint postgraduate education and international research networks

The Faculty of Agriculture, KKU also invited Southwest University to participate in future international academic activities hosted by the university, including the IV International Symposium on Tropical and Subtropical Ornamentals (TSO2027) and the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026–2027, providing additional platforms for expanding scientific collaboration and global networking.

This official visit marks the beginning of a new era in the partnership between Khon Kaen University and Southwest University. Moving beyond a successful history of student exchanges, both institutions are committed to building a comprehensive strategic alliance encompassing education, research, innovation, and human resource development. Through strengthened collaboration, KKU and SWU aim to generate impactful research, develop globally competent graduates, and contribute jointly to sustainable agricultural development and food security across Asia and beyond.