Dean of the International College of Digital Innovation, CMU, Participates in the 6th Western China Digital Economy Expo in Xi’an, China — Delivers Keynote Speech and Signs LOI on AI Innovation with XUPT
24 June 2025
International College of Digital Innovation
On June 19, 2025, Assistant Professor Dr. Rujira Ouncharoen, Dean of the International College of Digital Innovation (ICDI), Chiang Mai University, was invited to participate in the 6th Western China Digital Economy Expo held at the Xi’an International Convention Center in Xi’an, People’s Republic of China.
The event’s opening ceremony featured remarks by Mr. Pana Stitsart, Deputy Consul General of the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Xi’an, who emphasized the strong relationship between China and Thailand in advancing the digital economy. He also highlighted the critical role of education as a foundation for bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed the Consulate’s commitment to supporting tangible collaboration between universities and the business sectors of both countries.
Following the opening, Asst. Prof. Dr. Rujira Ouncharoen delivered a keynote speech on the topic “China–Thailand High-Level Talent Exchange,” where she underscored the importance of educational cooperation between Thailand and China in cultivating international digital talent and fostering sustainable linkages between academia and industry. She emphasized the role of educational institutions as bridges for cultural, scientific, and academic exchange, and proposed the development of joint platforms for research, knowledge-sharing, and curriculum co-creation to nurture high-quality human capital.
On this occasion, ICDI also signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Artificial Intelligence Application Design Research Institute and the School of Computer Science at Xi’an University of Posts and Telecommunications (XUPT). The LOI aims to promote collaboration in AI innovation, joint research, curriculum development, and faculty and student exchanges.
The key areas of cooperation outlined in the LOI include:
• Establishing institutional mechanisms for sustainable resource exchange
• Conducting joint research and training programs in AI and digital innovation
• Creating collaborative platforms linking higher education with industry
• Expanding student and staff exchange initiatives, including co-development of academic programs
The event also featured the 2025 Xi’an Digital Economy Cooperation Matchmaking Event, which brought together representatives from government, academia, and industry across China, Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia to advance international cooperation in digital economy development and human capital enhancement.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Rujira Ouncharoen concluded by stating:
“The International College of Digital Innovation at Chiang Mai University is committed to playing an active role in Thai–Chinese educational cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Our focus is on building collaborative innovation platforms, developing industry-ready digital talent, and fostering sustainable regional partnerships.
This collaboration is not only a reflection of the enduring friendship between China and Thailand but also a concrete step toward cultivating the next generation of digital economy professionals in Asia.”