A Tianjin University (TJU) delegation led by the President, Professor Li Jiajun visited a number of ASEAN universities in Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, and attended the 1st General Assembly of ASEAN-China Network for Cooperation and Exchanges among Engineering and Technology Universities (ACNET-EngTech) from November 5 to November 14, 2015. The purpose of the visit was to discuss the implementation of the “One Belt, One Road” strategies, foster the cooperation and exchanges with countries along the route, perfecting the organizational structure, and promoting the sustainable development of the alliance. Other members of the delegation included Professor Chen Zhihua, Dean of the School of International Education, and Professor Yang Fuling, Director of the Office of International Cooperation.

Professor Udom Kachintorn, President of Mahidol University delivered a welcome address and thanked President Li Jiajun for attending on behalf of the Chinese Permanent Presidency. President Li Jiajun expressed his heartful appreciation to Mahidol University for excellent work in organizing the Assembly. Professor Li provided a brief description of the background of the Network, status of the alliance and issues to be discussed at the General Assembly. Professor Yang reported on the progress of the alliance in 2015 and spoke about the future plans. The meeting voted and unanimously agreed that Mahidol University would be the Permanent Presidency, Northwestern Polytechnical University as the rotating Chair in 2016, and Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember of Indonesia as the rotating Chair in 2017. The next stage of the plan was also discussed. In addition, the delegation visited the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology and other laboratories of the Mahidol University, and The Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital of Mahidol University, as well as the biggest hospital in Bangkok and museums of the hospital.

The delegation also met alumni in Thailand who sent their sincere greetings to all people at TJU. Professor Li thanked them for their affection and continuous support of their alma mater and wished them every success in their careers in Thailand.

During the mission the delegation visited Meanchey University in Cambodia where they met the Vice Rectors Professor Chea Sern, and Hill Sothea, and the Deans of the Faculty of Management, Technology and Agriculture; Champasack University in Laos where they met the Vice President, Doctor Phonesavanh Thepphasoulithone; and Savannakhet University, Thailand where they met the President, Professor Bounpong Keorodom, Vice President, Professor Sitha Khemmarath and representatives of all faculties.

At each of these universities, an overview and progress of each of the respective universities was presented and discussions about future collaboration of staff and students took place. All parties unanimously agreed to foster any future collaboration.