On Wednesday, 17 December 2025, Khon Kaen University (KKU), in collaboration with the College of International Affairs (CIA), held a scholarship award ceremony for the Thailand–Vietnam Exchange Student Programme. The scholarships were generously supported by the Thai–Vietnamese Friendship Association, and the air tickets were sponsored by VietJet Air.
The ceremony was honoured by the presence of Ms. Duong Thi The and Mr. Nguyen Anh Duc, representatives from the Consulate General of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Khon Kaen Province. Also attending was Mr. Surapon Petch vra, Vice Chairman of the KKU University Council, who participated as the representative for the President of the Thai–Vietnamese Friendship Association, alongside Mr. Thong Kulthanyawat, Mr. Santi Viswamethikul, and Ms. Kwansoong Limpaphan.
KKU administrators present included Assistant Professor Acharawan Topark-Ngarm, Assistant to the President for International Affairs, and Associate Professor Prapansak Chaveerach, Assistant to the President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization. They were joined by administrators from the College of International Affairs, faculty members, staff, and relevant students.
In her opening remarks, Assistant Professor Sirimonbhorn Thipsingh, Dean of the College of International Affairs, reported that the College prioritises the development of students’ potential by equipping them with international knowledge, competence, and perspectives. This is achieved by supporting student participation in overseas exchange programmes to enhance global citizenship skills and prepare them for the future global job market.
“The Thailand–Vietnam Exchange Student Programme, held between Khon Kaen University and FPT University, will allow our students to develop language skills, cross-cultural communication abilities, and a deeper understanding of the ASEAN regional context,” stated Assistant Professor Sirimonbhorn. “This invaluable opportunity is made possible through the excellent support provided by the Thai–Vietnamese Friendship Association.”
Assistant Professor Acharawan Topark-Ngarm, Assistant to the President for International Affairs, welcomed the attendees and expressed gratitude, noting that Khon Kaen University and FPT University share a long-standing academic collaboration that encompasses student and faculty exchange, research, and international academic activities.
“The support from the Thai–Vietnamese Friendship Association and its partners is not merely providing educational opportunities for our students; it is an investment in human resources and a crucial step towards strengthening the excellent relationship between Thailand and Vietnam,” Assistant Professor Acharawan added.
Mr. Surapon Petch vra, Vice Chairman of the KKU University Council and representative of the President of the Thai–Vietnamese Friendship Association, spoke about the Association’s role. He stated that the Association’s core mission is to foster friendship between the peoples of both nations through educational, cultural, and academic cooperation.
“The students participating in this programme are not just exchange students, but representatives of Thailand who will transfer Thai culture and understanding, building strong rapport between Thai and Vietnamese youth. This will form a vital foundation for a sustainable relationship in the future,” Mr. Surapon concluded.
During the ceremony, scholarships were formally awarded to two selected students from the College of International Affairs: Ms. Manassanun Noitamyae and Ms. Kanwara Bumrung, both second-year students in the International Entrepreneurship programme. They will participate in the exchange programme at FPT University in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for a period of five months.
