From 14 to 20 April 2024, the Global Affairs and Corporate Communications Center (GACC) at PSU, under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Janya Chanchaichujit, Assistant President for Promotion of Foreign Affairs, along with staff and 13 students, actively engaged in a cultural exchange program with Guangdong University of Technology (GDUT) for the academic year 2024. The primary objectives of the program were to strengthen the relationship between the two universities, facilitate cultural exchange, and nurture the development of global competencies among participants. This enriching experience unfolded at GDUT's campus in Guangdong, China.
During this visit, GDUT extended a warm welcome to the delegation from PSU, organizing various activities aimed at immersing students in Chinese culture. These activities included classroom experiences covering topics such as tea culture, traditional Chinese musical instruments like the Guqin, mural painting, and campus tours, including the library, history hall, and IC Design labs. Additionally, excursions were arranged to explore Yongqingfang old town, the Guangdong Provincial Museum, and the Southern Han Mausoleums Museum. Chinese students enthusiastically volunteered to assist the PSU delegation throughout their visit. Moreover, PSU students actively contributed by conducting a Thai Cultural Workshop for their Chinese counterparts, showcasing PSU's unique identity and Thai culture, including traditional Thai greetings and demonstrations of the Songkran festival's water-pouring ceremony.
Furthermore, on April 17, 2024, a collaborative cultural exchange event, the "Sino-Thai Carnival," was jointly organized. PSU students prepared and showcased six traditional Thai cultural performances, including the graceful "Serd" dance, the dynamic martial art "Pencak Silat," the vibrant "Kipas Perzah" dance, the rhythmic "Dikir Hulu" chant, the festive "Welcoming Rice Harvest Season" dance, and an impressive grand finale performance. The event was filled with joy drawing keen interest and admiration from executives and attendees.
PSU and GDUT have maintained a strong partnership for over 30 years, fostering a consistently good relationship. The cultural exchange program served as an exceptional platform for university executives to engage in discussions and explore avenues for further collaboration. Moreover, PSU took the opportunity to promote graduate study scholarships to GDUT students, extending opportunities for academic advancement. Through this program, students from both universities were afforded the chance to exchange knowledge, forge connections, and cultivate global competencies, thus establishing invaluable networks for their future endeavors.
