From September 9th to 14th, 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, 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 to introduce AIT and BRRC as a regional collaborative and Innovative hub based in Southeastern and ASEAN region. Former collaboration in the application of big earth data and sustainability with Chinese Academy of Science was introduced and future collaboration intention with local organization and respective department of local government was expressed in the meeting. The Department of Science and Technology of Guangxi Province introduced and stressed the advantages of the province in carrying out ASEAN cooperations.
In the afternoon, BRRC, together with Professor Qiu Yubao from Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Science (AIRCAS), visited China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Center in Guangxi. A preliminary exchange and discussion on further collaboration together with AIRCAS and China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Center in Guangxi. China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Center also introduced opportunities that welcome scientists and experts from ASEAN region to participate in government supported exchange programs in Guangxi and contribute to the economic and social development of the region. The group also visited the Guangxi Institute of Industrial Technology (GIIT), especially the Institute of Space-Time Information Technology, and the Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Big Erath Data Application, to learn the centers under GIIT and different projects.
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. Specific discussions on possible collaborations focus on short term capacity building program for young teachers from the two colleges and professionals in the public official system in the Department of Natural Resource and Industrial and Commerce of the Province, and entrepreneurs; Degree programs for excellent professionals; Research collaborations on related topics of ASEAN cooperation, such as research report, market evaluation reports, etc.; joint professional training program for professionals in the ecommerce industry in Thailand; joint organization of international conference and seminars; China-Thailand High Speed Train project related collaboration, including training, employment, standard construction, etc.; Cross-border food and agricultural product trade, etc.. The visit and meeting are of great significance in promoting China-ASEAN Cooperation and future collaborations between AIT and Guangxi which is the bridgehead of ASEAN cooperation.
On September 11th, BRRC visited Yunnan Agricultural University (YAU) in the morning. Prof. Yaoshun Zhu, Director of External Cooperation and Exchanges Division, and Prof. Yao Lu, Deputy Director of International College (China-ASEAN Education and Training Center), who is also alumnus of Asian Institute of Technology, joined the meeting, together with other colleagues of YAU. Both institutions expressed strong wishes to build solid partnership and carry out joint events. Specific discussions for collaboration include dual degree program for graduate students, co-organization of international conferences, CSC scholarship application, jointly application of research projects, student and faculty exchange programs, and short-term capacity building program for students and faculty, etc.
In the afternoon, BRRC co-organized the “Belt and Road” Science Salon on Green Energy in Kunming with Yunnan Green Energy Industry Association (YGEIA), Yunnan Association of Science Education Bases (YASEB) and Yunnan Province Association for Southeast Asian Studies (YPASA). Prof. Gang Yan from the Yunnan University hosted the event. President Liya Han of Yunnan Green Energy Industry Association and Dr. Jun Zhang gave thematic talks in the event. Dr. Wenchao Xue, provided a thematic talk on “Green Energy Development and Belt and Road Cooperation in Thailand: Challenges and Opportunities”. This event is aimed to popularize the knowledge of green energy, concept of energy saving, emission reduction and green environmental protection, to promote clean energy development, and to empower the development of green energy in Yunnan and the construction of “Belt and Road” project.
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 Asian Institute of Technology, jointed the meeting. Intentions to forge partnership between AIT and Yunnan University, and solid collaborations between AIT BRRC and YNU Belt and Road Research Institute were discussed, including research reports on Chinese enterprises development in overseas markets in Southeast Asia and ASEAN regions, establishment of research base and center of Yunnan University Belt and Road Research Institute in AIT, joint application of international projects, co-organization of international conferences, short-term exchange program, etc. Follow-up work for promotion of MoU between AIT and YNU will be carry out from both sides.
In the afternoon, BRRC visited Yunnan Green Environment Development Foundation. The foundation has been dedicated to ecological and environmental protection work in Yunnan province since establishment in 2008. A preliminary communication between the two institutions for potential opportunities to cooperate in future in the field of environmental protection have been done, including joint application of international projects and personnel exchanges, capacity building programs, etc.
On September 13th, BRRC visited Dali University (DU) in Yunnan and carried out a meeting with Mr. Zuo Chong, Director of the International Exchange and Cooperation Division, and Prof. Xiao Wen, Director of the Institute of Eastern-Himalaya Biodiversity Research of Dali University. Dali University and the Institute of Eastern-Himalaya Biodiversity Research are contributing greatly to regional sustainable development and ecological security with their rich experience and strengths in research, innovation and practices for biodiversity and environmental conservation. Discussions on possible future cooperation include joint organization of international conferences, exchanges of researchers or students both short-term and mid-term programs, co-operation in graduates’ employment, etc. BRRC visited the Dali Biodiversity Science Exhibition Hall in the campus, which is a professional museum with the theme of biodiversity and primary goal of science education, to promote the protection of biodiversity.
On September 14th, BRRC conducted a research trip to Yunnan Dali Gusheng Village Science and Technology Yard to learn the operation of the science yard serving as a research station and center for graduate students from Yunnan Agricultural University and other universities in China to conducted field work and carry out researches that directly contribute to the agricultural, economic and social development of the villages, through scientific and technological innovation, social services, skill training and capacity building for local residents. The mode of the science yard is not only an education mode, but a model for the synergistic development of ecological environmental protection and agricultural high-quality development.
This 6-day trip to Guangxi and Yunnan Province successfully completed the task to promote Asian Institute of Technology and Belt and Road Research Center, especially as international and regional platforms to promote innovation and sustainability through various activities. With the advantages in international graduate education and strong networks of alumni in Asia, research and innovation that directly linked to economic and industrial development, AIT AND BRRC have great potential in building partnership and carry our collaborations with different institutions and 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 visited and communicated in this trip, to carry out solid collaborative activities together for regional technological advancement, sustainable economic and social development.