Four students from the Faculty of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (FFANR) at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) participated in the Training Program on Agriculture and Rural Revitalization: Enhancing Cross-Cultural Communication and Chinese Language Skills, hosted by Yunnan Agricultural University (YNAU) in Kunming, China, from 5–19 May 2026.
The two-week international training program provided participants with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of sustainable agriculture, rural revitalization, and emerging innovations shaping the future of agri-food systems. Combining academic lectures with hands-on field experiences, the program covered a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence in agriculture, cross-border e-commerce, sustainable rural development, and the food and beverage industry.
As a part of the program, participants also visited sites including Yunnan Agricultural University, Yanglingang Village, and the renowned Kunming Flower Market, where they gained first-hand insights into innovative agricultural practices, rural transformation initiatives, and successful agribusiness models. The field activities complemented the classroom sessions by demonstrating how technology, sustainability, and community engagement can work together to support rural development.
Representing AIT were:
- Natnicha Jantip – Agribusiness Management
- Thanakorn Pasangthien – Agricultural Systems and Engineering
- Pim Tamrongratanasilp – Food Engineering and Bioprocess Technology
- Laphatsiree Hadphichai – Food Innovation, Nutrition and Health
The program also strengthened the students’ cross-cultural communication skills while fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange with peers and experts from diverse backgrounds. Through interactions with fellow participants, lecturers, and practitioners, the students gained broader perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing agriculture and rural communities in different contexts.
The experience further reflected AIT’s commitment to providing students with global international learning opportunities that equip them with the knowledge, skills and global perspectives needed to address complex challenges in agriculture, food security, and sustainable rural development.
FFANR extends its sincere appreciation to Yunnan Agricultural University for hosting the program and for its warm hospitality. Special appreciation is also extended to Dr. Lu Yao (YNAU), Zhao Yuchi (UNESCO-INRULED), Dr. Suleeporn Bunbongkarn (Chaipattana Foundation), Wang Qi (UNESCO), as well as all organizers, lecturers, and staff whose dedication and support contributed to a meaningful and rewarding learning experience.
Through international partnerships and student mobility initiatives, AIT continues to empower the next generation of leaders with the knowledge, skills, and global perspectives needed to advance sustainable and resilient agri-food systems.
