February 7, 2025 – The Faculty of Education at Khon Kaen University welcomed Prof. Dr. Tomohisa Yamada, Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Language Studies, Seinan Gakuin University, during his visit to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two institutions. The signing ceremony was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Charuni Samat, Associate Dean for Education and Academic Services, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pornsawan Vongtathum, Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, and International Relations, along with Asst. Prof. Dr. Watchara Suyara, a faculty member specializing in Japanese language teaching.
The partnership, sealed through a historic signing ceremony, brings together two powerhouses in language education. Leading the Japanese delegation, Prof. Dr. Tomohisa Yamada, Dean of Seinan Gakuin’s Faculty of Foreign Language Studies, emphasized the significance of choosing KKU as their strategic partner, citing the institution’s outstanding track record in Japanese language instruction.
“This isn’t just another partnership – it’s a meeting of minds that brings together 70 years of Japanese teaching excellence with KKU’s innovative approach to language education,” Prof. Yamada explained, highlighting Seinan Gakuin’s rich heritage in foreign language studies.
The collaboration goes beyond traditional student exchanges, envisioning a comprehensive program that includes faculty mobility, joint research initiatives, and cultural immersion experiences. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pornsawan Vongtathum, Faculty of Education’s Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, and International Relations, painted an exciting picture of the future: “We’re not just teaching language – we’re building bridges between cultures and creating opportunities that will transform our students’ academic journeys.”
What makes this partnership particularly exciting is its potential to revolutionize Japanese language education through innovative teaching methods and real-world applications. The agreement builds on already successful joint ventures, including teaching internships and cultural exchange programs, which have shown promising results.
Looking ahead, both institutions have ambitious plans to expand their collaboration beyond language studies, potentially incorporating cutting-edge research projects and technological innovations in education. This partnership represents a significant milestone in Thailand’s journey toward becoming a regional hub for Japanese language education and cultural exchange.
The alliance between these two educational giants promises to open new doors for students and faculty alike, creating a dynamic environment where traditional Japanese language instruction meets modern educational innovation. As both universities embark on this exciting journey together, the future of Thai-Japanese academic collaboration looks brighter than ever.
