MINOH, JAPAN – A delegation from Khon Kaen University (KKU) visited Osaka University on October 2, 2025, to discuss advancing their academic network and reinforcing a decade-long partnership between the two institutions.

The visit, aimed at fostering a stronger and more sustainable academic collaboration, involved representatives from KKU’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HUSO). The delegation included Assoc. Prof. Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization; Assoc. Prof. Orathai Piayura, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences; and other faculty members from the Japanese language program.

The KKU representatives met with Prof. Murakami Tadayoshi and Assoc. Prof. Hinata Shinsuke from Osaka University’s School of Foreign Studies. The discussion focused on sharing perspectives on language and cultural education, as well as exploring future collaborative efforts. The agenda included student exchanges, joint curriculum development, and collaborative research projects. The visit also featured a tour of Osaka University’s learning academic facilities and library.

The partnership between KKU’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and Osaka University has been active for the past ten years, from 2015 to 2025. During this period, the institutions have engaged in continuous cooperative activities, resulting in the exchange of over 24 students (both inbound and outbound). They have also regularly organized joint training programs, seminars, and study tours related to Japanese and Thai studies.

This recent visit marks a significant step in deepening the relationship. Both universities aim to develop more in-depth cooperation across various dimensions, including joint research, academic staff exchanges, and the creation of international programs, to enhance the global standing and sustainable development of both institutions.