Khon Kaen University, represented by the Division of Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization and the Division of Student Development and Alumni Relations, led a delegation of over 70 administrators, faculty, staff, and student leaders on an educational and cultural exchange visit to the People’s Republic of China. The visit, conducted under the programme “International Outlook for Student Leaders to Foster a Global-Minded Identity,” took place from 28 February to 5 March 2026. The initiative aims to develop global citizenship competencies among students, in alignment with the university’s EGGS Identity framework, particularly the “Global-Minded” dimension.
On the morning of Tuesday, 3 March 2026, the delegation, led by Associate Professor Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization, participated in exchange activities, site visits, and workshops at Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine (GXUCM) in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The group was warmly welcomed by President Li Xuebin of GXUCM. In her remarks, Associate Professor Jaroenwanit expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to visit and engage in collaborative activities. The universities also exchanged commemorative souvenirs, reinforcing a spirit of friendship and academic cooperation.
Following the official reception, students from both universities participated in a cultural exchange programme, showcasing their talents through a variety of performances. Highlights included musical presentations and an energetic KKU Cheerleader performance, which received enthusiastic applause from the audience. A performance of the traditional Thai song “Kid Teung Thung Lui Lai” by KKU student representatives beautifully presented the cultural identity of Northeastern Thailand on an international stage.
A key highlight of the visit to GXUCM was a hands-on workshop on the preparation of traditional Chinese herbal sachets, led by Professor Wang Liuping from the Faculty of Pharmacy. Through this activity, KKU students gained practical experience in traditional Chinese medicine practices, integrating cultural knowledge with experiential learning.
The delegation also visited the herbal specimen museum of the Faculty of Pharmacy, which features exhibition halls dedicated to folk medicinal herbs, Chinese medicine preparation, Guangxi local medicinal plants, and medicinal plant taxonomy. This visit provided a valuable and rare learning opportunity for the Thai students.
Later that afternoon, the delegation travelled to Guangxi University of Foreign Languages (GUFL) in Nanning for further exchange activities and workshops. They were formally welcomed by Professor Wei Xianggang, a representative of the university. The programme included cultural exchanges featuring traditional performances of the Zhuang people and discussions on potential collaborations between the two universities.
The “International Outlook for Student Leaders to Foster a Global-Minded Identity” programme is designed to provide students with experiential learning opportunities, which are fundamental to developing a global perspective and the skills required of 21st-century citizens. In line with the EGGS Identity: Global-minded framework, the initiative seeks to enhance cross-cultural communication skills, deepen understanding of global trends and international cultures, and cultivate essential leadership qualities. These efforts are aimed at elevating the capabilities of KKU graduates, preparing them to meet the challenges and competition of the global stage sustainably.
Source/Photography: Student Development Affairs
