From May 13 to 14, a 25-member delegation led by Sumon Sakolchai, President of the University Council, and Watcharin Gasaluck, President of Burapha University, paid a visit to Wenzhou Medical University.

The two universities held an exhibition marking the 20th anniversary of the joint establishment of the Confucius Institute, celebrating two decades of friendly ties. Both sides deepened practical cooperation in medical education, talent training, discipline development, scientific research and industrial coordination, and signed multiple cooperation agreements, striving to elevate Sino-Thai cooperation in higher education, medicine and healthcare. Li Xiaokun, Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and President of Wenzhou Medical University, attended relevant events and delivered a speech.

On the morning of May 13, talks on new-phase cooperation were held. On behalf of the university, President Li Xiaokun extended a warm welcome to the guests. He remarked that over the past twenty years, linked by the Confucius Institute and centered on medical and health cooperation, the two institutions have yielded fruitful achievements in talent cultivation, academic exchanges and scientific innovation. Standing at a new starting point, the two universities will further leverage their respective strengths and deepen complementary cooperation. Both sides will enhance exchanges within the Sino-Thai Biopharmaceutical Industry Alliance, jointly build collaborative colleges, cultivate high-caliber medical talents with global vision, and support healthcare undertakings and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Chairman Sumon Sakolchai and President Watcharin Gasaluck spoke highly of the long-term cooperation outcomes. They stated that the two universities share profound friendship and close partnership, and Wenzhou Medical University ranks among Burapha University’s most valued international strategic partners. They look forward to taking this visit as a new starting point to deepen collaboration in pharmacy, nursing, traditional Chinese medicine and rehabilitation, upgrade bilateral cooperation, and set a benchmark for Sino-Thai cooperation in higher education and medical health.

Remarkable achievements have been made over two decades. The jointly-run Confucius Institute was honored as an Outstanding Chinese Cooperative Institution. It has enrolled over 40,000 learners. The Sino-foreign cooperative master program in nursing was listed as an excellent cross-border education case in Zhejiang Province, with a total admission of 177 students. Regular exchanges including faculty and student visits, clinical internships and academic forums have been carried out. The Sino-Thai Biopharmaceutical Industry Alliance has been established to boost coordinated progress in medical education and research.

During the talks, both sides reviewed cooperation history, pushed forward projects including Sino-foreign undergraduate nursing education and clinical practice exchange bases, and signed relevant agreements. In-depth discussions were also conducted on the long-term plan of joint college construction. Chairman Sumon Sakolchai and President Watcharin Gasaluck were appointed international strategic development consultants of Wenzhou Medical University.

Meanwhile, the council meeting of the Confucius Institute at Burapha University was convened.

The delegation attended the graduation ceremony for Sino-Thai nursing master students, viewed the photo exhibition showcasing the 20-year development of the Confucius Institute, and toured the university library, history museum, China Gene Medicine Valley, China Eye Valley and affiliated hospitals.

As the largest comprehensive public university in eastern Thailand with a complete medical discipline system, Burapha University boasts leading strength in medicine, nursing and public health nationwide. The two universities became sister schools in 2002 and founded Thailand’s first traditional Chinese medicine-themed Confucius Institute in 2006. A comprehensive, practical and distinctive cooperation system covering joint schooling, overseas education, scientific research and industrial alliances has been formed, serving as an exemplary model for medical education cooperation between Chinese and Thai universities.

The upgraded cooperation marks a vital move for Wenzhou Medical University to implement the national opening-up strategy in education and deepen practical ties with ASEAN universities. On the 20th anniversary milestone, both parties will further expand cooperation in joint training, overseas schooling, technological innovation and cultural communication, making greater contributions to bilateral healthcare cooperation and cultural exchanges.

Somtawin Jaritkhuan, Vice President for Academic Affairs of Burapha University, together with officials from its School of Nursing, Confucius Institute and relevant departments took part in the activities. Zhu Xuebo and Lin Li, Vice Presidents of Wenzhou Medical University, and heads of the International Cooperation Office, School of Nursing, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of International Studies, School of Pharmacy and School of Ophthalmology and Optometry also attended the events.