Peking University, 2 October, 2021: The inauguration meeting of the Thai Confucius Institute (Classroom) Development Alliance was held virtually on 27 September 2021. The event was attended by Princess Sirindhorn of Thailand, Chinese ambassador to Thailand Han Zhiqiang, and president of Chulalongkorn University (CU) Bundhit Eua-arporn. Esteemed guests, education experts and scholars, as well as deans and teachers of various Confucius Institutes from China and Thailand graced the conference. Peking University (PKU) president Hao Ping was invited to attend the conference and delivered his congratulatory speech.
The Alliance was formed with the aim to promote Chinese teaching in Thailand, Sino-Thai cultural exchanges, and strengthen bilateral friendly relations. The Alliance hopes to actively integrate the Belt and Road Initiative and uphold the key values of “commonality, sharing and co-establishment”. It will provide a platform for cooperation, sharing of resources, tapping on each other’s advantages and enhancing mutual development.
In her mandarin speech, princess Sirindhorn mentioned “众人拾柴火焰高”,meaning “great things can be done by mass effort”. The establishment of the Alliance will greatly promote the development of Chinese education in Thailand. She hopes that the Confucius Institutes and Classrooms will be able to make further progress under the guidance of the Alliance.
Princess Sirindhorn giving her speech
Han Zhiqiang expressed the importance of Thailand’s Confucius Institutes (Classrooms) in promoting Sino-Thai cultural exchanges. Committed to meeting the needs of Chinese education in Thailand, the Institute will deepen the Thai people’s understanding of Chinese culture and serve as their gateway to China.
Han Zhiqiang presenting his speech
President Hao Ping then extended his warmest congratulations to the establishment of the Alliance. Under the Covid-19 pandemic, the establishment of the Alliance reflects the confidence and determination of the education sectors in both countries in deepening mutual understanding, exchange and cooperation, working together to build a shared future for mankind. In the same vein, it has been 14 years since the establishment of the Confucius Institute by PKU and CU. The Institute has made significant contributions in promoting cultural and education exchange between China and Thailand. PKU will continue to work with CU in achieving sustainable development for the Institute.
President Hao Ping gives his address
The establishment of the Alliance is an opportunity to further academic exchanges between PKU and CU, strengthen the workings of the CU Confucius Institute, and transform it into a beacon in Sino-Thai cooperation. This will strengthen PKU-CU relations in the long run.
Written by: Lee Xin Ying Rachel
Edited by: Li Wanqi
