Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University Signs MOU with Chengdu University, China — Launching a New Dual-Degree Program in Thai-Chinese Studies

On December 29, 2023, Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University (NSTRU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Chengdu University, People’s Republic of China, to establish a Chinese Studies Center and develop a new dual-degree program in Thai-Chinese Studies.

The signing ceremony was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wichai Waenpetch, President of the University Council, together with Dr. Sompong Raksatham, Acting President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Weerayut Chatakan, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Educational Innovation; and Asst. Prof. Dr. Surin Thongthot, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. The representatives signed the MOU with Prof. Dr. Wang Qingyuan, President of Chengdu University, alongside Prof. Peng Xiaolin, Vice President; Prof. Dr. Du Jie, Director of the Office of International Relations; Prof. Dr. Tan Xiaoling, Dean of the Faculty of Literature and Communication; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yang Xi, Deputy Director of the Office of International Relations; and Prof. Chaphiporn Kiattokachatharn, Head of the China-Thailand Cooperation and Exchange Center.

This MOU aims to promote academic exchange and international education collaboration, including the development of a new undergraduate dual-degree program in Chinese Language (2+2 Program) and the establishment of a Chinese Studies Center at NSTRU. The center will serve as a hub for Chinese language and cultural learning, driving academic development in multiple dimensions.

The collaboration serves as a bridge of friendship and partnership between the two universities, strengthening academic and cultural exchange programs for students, faculty, staff, and researchers. The 2+2 Dual-Degree Program allows students to study two years in Thailand and two years in China, earning two degrees upon completion. This program provides an excellent opportunity for students interested in pursuing higher education while gaining real-world Chinese language experience and deep cultural understanding.

During the visit, the NSTRU delegation also toured Chengdu University’s teaching and learning facilities, laboratories, classrooms, and learning technologies, exchanging insights to enhance NSTRU’s academic development.

Additionally, NSTRU has scheduled a follow-up meeting with Prof. Chaphiporn Kiattokachatharn, Director of the Academic Exchange Center, at the end of January 2024 to draft a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), ensuring the effective and timely implementation of all key objectives outlined in the MOU.