On June 1st, 2024, an academic delegation from the Faculty of Foreign Languages at Van Lang University, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Vu Phi Ho and Dr. Nguyen Hai Long, along with 12 master’s students, visited the School of Liberal Arts at King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Thailand. The visit marked an important step in strengthening academic and research collaborations between the two institutions, fostering knowledge sharing, and enhancing cross-cultural connections.
The day-long program commenced at 9 AM with a morning research sharing session, providing a platform for academic exchange between the visiting delegation and KMUTT’s Master of Arts in Applied English Studies (AES) program. During this session, master’s students from both Van Lang University and KMUTT presented their current research projects, showcasing a range of topics related to applied linguistics, English education, and interdisciplinary language studies. The session featured active engagement, as students and faculty members exchanged constructive feedback, ideas, and perspectives. The lively discussions reflected a shared commitment to academic excellence and a mutual desire to advance research knowledge.
The event was graciously hosted by the Department of Language Studies at KMUTT, represented by Asst. Prof. Dr. Saowaluck Tepsuriwong, Asst. Prof. Dr. Natjiree Jaturapitakkul, Asst. Prof. Thanis Tangkitjaroenkun, Dr. Punyapa Saengsri, and Dr. Ali Zahabi. Their insightful contributions and warm hospitality created a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere, enabling students and lecturers alike to benefit from the exchange.
In the afternoon, the master’s students of Van Lang University were given the opportunity to explore the KMUTT Library and the Resource Center at the School of Liberal Arts. The visit offered an enriching experience as the students explored a variety of resources, including academic journals, research databases, and digital learning tools. This firsthand exposure to KMUTT’s state-of-the-art learning facilities underscored the importance of access to robust academic resources in supporting research and knowledge development.
While students engaged with KMUTT’s academic environment, lecturers from both institutions held in-depth discussions on potential avenues for future collaboration. Topics of interest included joint research projects, co-authored publications, student exchange programs, and opportunities for organizing academic conferences and workshops. These discussions highlighted the strong alignment between the two universities’ goals in promoting research-driven learning and international academic partnerships.
The visit concluded with a reflective exchange hour, where students and faculty members shared their key takeaways from the day. This session served as a meaningful opportunity for students from both universities to interact more informally, forge new connections, and learn about each other’s academic journeys and cultural experiences. The vibrant exchange of ideas and camaraderie among participants emphasized the value of cross-border academic engagements.
By fostering meaningful academic discussions and facilitating experiential learning opportunities, the visit to KMUTT not only strengthened institutional ties but also provided a platform for students to expand their research perspectives and global outlook. The successful event marks a promising foundation for continued collaboration between Van Lang University and KMUTT’s School of Liberal Arts, contributing to their shared vision of academic innovation and excellence.
