14 October 2024: The Asian Institute of Technology’s Belt and Road Research Center (BRRC) undertook a proactive promotional trip to Guangxi and Yunnan provinces in China from September 9th to 14th, 2024, focused on forging strategic partnerships and enhancing educational collaboration. The delegation actively engaged with universities, research institutions, and NGOs to explore opportunities in postgraduate education, research, and capacity building. This initiative highlights BRRC’s commitment to establishing itself as a regional hub for innovation and sustainability, positioning itself favorably within the China-ASEAN cooperation framework to drive technological and economic development.
On September 9th, BRRC visited the Department of Science and Technology of Guangxi Province in Nanning. Together with Professor Qiu Yubao from Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Science (AIRCAS), BRRC visited China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Center, Guangxi Institute of Industrial Technology (GIIT), for discussion on further collaboration together with AIRCAS and China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Center in Guangxi.
On September 10th, BRRC visited Guangxi Natural Resource Vocational and Technical College and Guangxi Industrial and Commercial School, which are led by the Department of Natural Resource and Department of Industrial and Commerce of the Province respectively, for possible collaborations.
On September 11th, BRRC visited Yunnan Agricultural University (YAU). Prof. Yaoshun Zhu, Director of External Cooperation and Exchanges Division, and Prof. Yao Lu, Deputy Director of International College, who is also alumnus of AIT, joined the meeting. BRRC co-organized the “Belt and Road” Science Salon on Green Energy in Kunming with Yunnan Green Energy Industry Association (YGEIA), etc. Dr. Wenchao Xue, provided a thematic talk on “Green Energy Development and Belt and Road Cooperation in Thailand: Challenges and Opportunities”.
On September 12th, BRRC visited Yunnan University Belt and Road Research Institute. Prof. Xiangyun Li, Deputy Director of Institute of International Relations of YNU, Prof. Jianxun Kong, Chief Expert of the Belt and Road Research Institute, Dr. Mei Wu, Associate Professor of the Research Institute of Higher Education of YNU, who is also alumnus of AIT, jointed the meeting. BRRC also visited Yunnan Green Environment Development Foundation.
On September 13th, BRRC visited Dali University. Mr. Zuo Chong, Director of the International Exchange and Cooperation Division, and Prof. Xiao Wen, Director of the Institute of Eastern-Himalaya Biodiversity Research, joined the meeting.
On September 14th, BRRC visited Yunnan Dali Gusheng Village Science and Technology Yard which servs as research station and center for graduate students from Yunnan Agricultural University and other universities in China.
This 6-day trip to Guangxi and Yunnan Province successfully completed the task of promoting AIT and BRRC. With the advantages in international graduate education and strong networks in Asia, research and innovation that directly links to economic development, AIT and BRRC have great potential in building partnership and carry out collaborations with different organizations in the southern part of China, especially under the framework of China-ASEAN and Lancang-Mekong cooperations. More proactive actions will be followed up with potential partners for solid collaborative activities for regional technological advancement, sustainable economic and social development.
