On August 12, 2025, the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, led by Asst. Prof. Suntaree Buchitchon, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty, together with Assoc. Prof. Wullapa Wongsinlatam, Ph.D., Vice Dean, and Mr. Chakkawan Glebbua, Vice Dean, visited Yunnan Province, People’s Republic of China, as part of a strategic initiative to build academic and research collaboration networks. The visit reinforced the Faculty’s vision to become a regional hub for interdisciplinary learning and innovation in the Greater Mekong Subregion.
The visit was strategically designed to establish pathways for academic and research cooperation, focusing on the exchange of knowledge and best practices, and identifying opportunities for faculty and student exchanges. These experiences are intended to strengthen the Faculty’s academic capacity and enhance its ability to generate globally recognized innovation.
A highlight of the trip was the visit to Botanee Group, a leading biotechnology and cosmetics company located in the Kunming National Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone. Botanee Group has distinguished itself with products developed through research and extraction of bioactive compounds from local plants with unique properties, supported by a marketing strategy that integrates both offline channels and online-dominated e-commerce platforms. Its flagship brand, Winona, pioneered online sales on Tmall in 2011 before expanding to JD.com, Xiaohongshu, and TikTok, symbolizing China’s full transition into the cosmeceutical era.
The delegation also visited the Overseas Chinese Service Center of the Kunming High-tech Industrial Development Zone, located at the Qiaohai Science and Technology Innovation Base. The Center plays a vital role in advising government on policy, supporting private companies with business registration, and serving as a bridge for overseas Chinese returnees and young entrepreneurs. With an ecosystem of 78 experts, 184 member companies, and partnerships with over 93 universities and research institutes, the Center drives research and development across fields such as biomedicine, information technology, and modern agriculture.
In-depth discussions with executives from both organizations generated new ideas for future collaboration, including joint research initiatives, student development programs, and innovation partnerships linking academic knowledge to practical applications in industry and innovation ecosystems.
Reflecting on the visit, Asst. Prof. Suntaree Buchitchon, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, remarked: “Seeing the operations and innovation of Botanee Group, and especially the strong strategic planning at the Overseas Chinese Service Center, has given us a clear picture of how research can be successfully transformed into products and how entrepreneurs can gain global recognition. Today’s discussions have opened the door to new possibilities for tangible cooperation in joint research, student development, and innovation creation—fully aligned with our Faculty’s strategy to strengthen capacity on the international stage.”
This visit marks a significant milestone for the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies in extending its international network and establishing a solid foundation for advancing academic and research development toward global excellence.
