On December 4, 2023, a delegation from the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) visited Shanghai University (SHU) in the People’s Republic of China. The delegation, led by Prof. Dr. Tippawan Lorsuwannarat, President of NIDA, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sombat Kusumavalee, Vice President for Academic and International Affairs, consisted of representatives from various graduate schools within NIDA, including the Graduate School of Public Administration, Graduate School of Business Administration (NIDA Business School), Graduate School of Social Development and Management Strategy, Graduate School of Law, and Graduate School of Communication Arts and Management Innovation. They were warmly received by the executives of SHU, led by Prof. NIE Qing, Vice President, along with representatives from the International Office, Office of Alumni Affairs, School of Management, School of Social Sciences, School of Journalism and Communication, Law School, SILC Business School, and Asia-Pacific. During the visit, both parties engaged in a productive and collaborative dialogue on academic cooperation.
The discussion focused on several key areas of interest, including: (1) Mutual interest in facilitating the exchange of visiting lecturers and professors between the two institutions. (2) Exploration of collaborative projects, such as study tours and participation in seminars. SHU expressed its commitment to earmark funds to encourage student involvement in these academic activities. (3) Both parties shared a strong enthusiasm for undertaking case study research for teaching purposes and the publication of academic articles. (4) A willingness to serve as co-advisors for students’ dissertations, particularly those focusing on Thai-China related issues. (5) The plan to establish faculty-level cooperation initiatives, with the goal of developing a dual-degree curriculum together. (6) In line with their commitment to strengthen collaboration, SHU and NIDA are actively working on finalizing a memorandum of understanding on academic cooperation. This formal agreement will solidify their intent to enhance collaborative efforts and promote academic exchange between the two institutions. Overall, the visit of the NIDA delegation to SHU marked an important step towards establishing a sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership, fostering academic growth and exchange in various areas of study and research.
