The Mae Fah Luang University delegation led by Associate Professor Dr. Vanchai Sirichana, President of Mae Fah Luang University participated in the inaugural ceremony of the University Consortium of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and University Presidents Forum at Xiamen University from 19-21 October 2018.
The University Consortium of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (UCMSR), initiated by Xiamen University, included over 60 universities from 17 countries and regions along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. This consortium was established to promote cooperation and exchange in higher education among member countries with the Silk Road spirit of “peace, friendship, openness, inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual benefit.”
Moreover, the consortium members issued a declaration at the inaugural ceremony, calling for deepened cooperation in higher education and scientific research, shared educational resources and promotion of cultural exchanges. UCMSR also set up its secretariat on the Xiamen University's campus.
On 20 October 2018, there was a University Presidents Forum which presidents and executives exchanged views on topics of Entrepreneurship Education and the University-Industry Partnership; Trend in Higher Education: Transformation and Internationalization; and Building World-class university ： Perceptions and Thoughts. In a panel of the University Presidents Forum, Associate Professor Dr. Vanchai gave an address on topic of “Trends in Higher Education: Transformation and Internationalisation”. He stated that as the world has witnessed the unequal distribution of the benefits of digital advances and innovations, all educators should play a leading role in deepening and strengthening their collaboration in order to lessen the gaps while creating a more meaningful transformation for the people. Importantly, the meaningful transformation should focus on collaboration, mutual benefit, and purposeful outcomes. Additionally, the digitalization, internationalisation and transformation are only the vehicles driving to the goal of a peaceful livable world made up of high quality global citizens who focus on the well-being of all.
On the whole, MFU is determined to constructively engage in international cooperation in order to promote deeper understanding of the people, and achieve the mutual goal of creating a peaceful world.
