Between 11–12 July 2025, Associate Professor Dr. Supakorn Phongsabangpo, President of the University of Phayao, led a delegation to participate in a formal signing ceremony for an academic cooperation agreement with Chongqing University of Technology in the People's Republic of China. The delegation included executives from the School of Business and Communication — Assistant Professor Dr. Prakobsiri Phakdeepinit, Dean; Dr. Satit Chueoyoonan, Associate Dean for Administration; and Dr. Piyapong Supanyo, Head of the Bachelor of Arts Program in Tourism and Hospitality — as well as Associate Professor Dr. Torpong Kreethachart, Dean of the School of Energy and Environment.
The ceremony was graciously hosted by Professor Liu Xiaokang, President of Chongqing University of Technology, and attended by vice presidents, university executives, faculty members, and industry partners from Chongqing Municipality who served as witnesses.
During the visit, the two institutions officially launched two joint research centers: the “Belt and Road” International Business and Tourism Modern Industry Center and the Innovation and Development Research Center of the New Western Land-Sea Corridor. These centers are designed to strengthen academic collaboration, co-develop curricula, conduct joint research, and facilitate faculty and student exchanges. They also aim to advance cooperation in emerging energy sectors and intelligent autonomous vehicle technologies.
The delegation also toured cutting-edge research and development projects on intelligent autonomous vehicles, which demonstrate strong potential for commercialization. These initiatives align with the socio-economic development strategies of both nations, promoting modern industrial growth and workforce development while offering students opportunities to build global competencies.
This collaboration supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4 (enhancing international student and faculty exchanges and expanding global knowledge), SDG 8 (advancing modern industries and human resource development), SDG 9 (creating joint research hubs and driving innovation for commercial impact), and SDG 17 (strengthening international partnerships between academia and industry).
The agreement marks a major step forward in international education, fostering student growth, modern industrial development, and innovation to achieve long-term sustainability on both regional and global scales.