AUN Forges Closer Ties with Chinese Universities in Courtesy Visits to Guangxi University, Guizhou University, and Yunnan University from 19-25 May 2024

Written by Ninnart Ratanasukhon and Sirapat Ardkla, AUN Programme Officers

From 19-25 May 2024, Dr. Choltis Dhirathiti, AUN Executive Director, and the team of the AUN Secretariat had the opportunity to strengthen ties and explored potential areas of collaborations and joint activities with Guangxi University, Guizhou University, and Yunnan University in a courtesy visit, all a member of the ASEAN+3 University Network (ASEAN+3 UNet).

The visit yielded many tangible outcomes for universities of the ASEAN and ASEAN+3 University Network to look forward to, with consultation on the hosting of future AUN activities and the exploration of the universities’ academic and research pursuit for potential collaborations, from Guangxi University's state-of-the-art facilities for marine research and the award-winning faculty of engineering, Guizhou University’s National University Science Park, and Yunnan University’s Animal Research and Resource Centre

More information on the visit to the three Member Universities are available below.

1. Guangxi University

Guangxi University, founded in 1923, is located in Nanning, Guangxi, China. The university features the comprehensive Large Structure Testing Research Platform at the School of Civil Engineering and Architecture. The research platform utilises the comprehensive strength of concrete technology to contribute to the construction of infrastructure in the Belt and Road Initiative which links China to Southeast Asia and shortens travel time from 10 days to 3-4 days.

Guangxi University also housed the Guangxi Key Laboratory of South China Sea Coral Reef Research and the Marine Science and Education Museum. The Laboratory and the museum employed technology in enhancing the experience of visitors, including the utilisation of VR headset to experience a submarine ride and diving into the depth of the ocean. The museum is also a home to a collection of marine fossils collected by the faculties of Guangxi University. Visitors can experience the fascinating oceanic ecosystem as well as learning about the impact of human activities on the pristine nature of the ocean.

2. Guizhou University

Founded in 1902, Guizhou University is the flagship higher education institution of Guizhou Province, China. Guizhou University is the first university in China to house a science park on the university campus. The Guizhou University’s National University Science Park showcased its potential as a hub for nurturing start-ups, fostering regional economic growth, and embedding the culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in the university’s students. 

As well as the scientific and innovative advancement, Guizhou University is well-equipped with the Department of Music, demonstrating the university’s readiness for the hosting of the ASEAN Youth Cultural Forum (AYCF) in the celebration of the region’s rich cultural diversity.

3. Yunnan University

Founded in 1922, 102 years of history of Yunnan University is displayed proudly in the Hui Zhe Hall, named after the university’s founder. The hall allowed visitors to walk through the history of the university, and the university is also a home to the historic Zhuang Yuan exam centre where an imperial examination for government officials took place.

Yunnan University played an active role in the development of the COVID-19 vaccine through its Animal Research and Resource Centre. The centre supplies animals such as guinea pigs and mice to other universities across China for research in the field of life sciences and pharmaceutical science. On the scientific front, Yunnan University is also the home to the  Yunnan University Observatories, a central venue for learning about space in southern China. The observatories feature telescopes for the studies of celestial bodies and astronomical research, as well as the development of new technology and devices to further the academic endeavour in the study of astronomy.

The AUN Secretariat would like to express its sincerest gratitude to the three universities for the warm welcome and insightful look into each university's advanced facilities, ongoing academic pursuits, and the potential areas for members of the ASEAN+3 University Network to collaborate. The AUN Secretariat stands firm by its commitment to advancing its objectives through strategic partnerships within the ASEAN and ASEAN+3 University Network and shall continue its endeavour to ensure a more interconnected and more collaborative environment for the higher education of the ASEAN+3 region.