On January 7, a delegation led by Dr. Thanapat Wanitjanon, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Mahidol University in Thailand, visited Harbin Engineering University (HEU). Vice President YU Zhiwen hosted the delegation during their visit.
YU Zhiwen highlighted the growing collaboration between the two universities, particularly since 2023. The joint establishment of the HEU-Mahidol Office has played a pivotal role in strengthening their partnership. He expressed a strong desire to further enhance cooperation in areas such as faculty and student exchanges, the development of academic programs, and the creation of platforms for education and innovation. These initiatives, he noted, would contribute to advancing regional educational standards and driving technological innovation.
Dr. Thanapat Wanitjanon provided an overview of Mahidol University’s academic achievements and emphasized his intention to use this visit as an opportunity to deepen collaboration in fields such as artificial intelligence and the integration of medicine and engineering. He also expressed hope for continued breakthroughs in technological innovation through joint efforts between the two institutions.
Representatives from HEU’s International College, the Office of International Affairs, and the China-Thailand Science and Culture Center also attended the meeting.
Founded in 1888, Mahidol University is Thailand’s oldest higher education institution and is internationally recognized for its excellence in medicine, public health, and the natural sciences. In September 2023, Mahidol University President Banchong led a delegation to participate in HEU’s 70th Anniversary Celebration and University Presidents’ Forum. During this visit, the two universities signed an inter-university cooperation agreement.
Since then, the two institutions have engaged in frequent interactions, including high-level visits, faculty exchanges, and student exchange programs, which have produced positive outcomes. In August 2024, the universities jointly established the HEU-Mahidol International Cooperation Office. Between 2023 and 2024, nearly 20 students from both universities participated in exchange programs, with one student from HEU’s School of Intelligent Systems receiving a scholarship to pursue a master’s degree at Mahidol University.
