ไทยThe Office of International Affairs, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, successfully hosted a short-term exchange program for students from Aoyama Gakuin University (AGU), Japan, from March 9 to 22, 2025. This marks the fifth consecutive year of collaboration between Chula Engineering and Aoyama Gakuin University, strengthening academic and cultural ties between the two institutions.
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This year, the program has been officially renamed MALI Program (Multicultural Awareness through Language Immersion). The word “MALI” can also be read in Thai as “Jasmine,” a flower symbolizing pure love and Mother’s Day in Thailand. Additionally, in Japan, Mother’s Day was established in the same year as the founding of Aoyama Gakuin University. This reflects the program’s goal of fostering cross-cultural learning and deep language immersion.
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The opening ceremony was presided over by Asst. Prof. Dr. Surat Kwanmuang, Associate Dean, who emphasized the program’s broader objectives: “This program is not only about academic learning but also about building friendships, expanding networks, and fostering a community of mutual exchange and understanding. I encourage all students to make the most of these two weeks—immerse yourselves in the activities, engage with one another, and create memories that will last a lifetime.”
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Throughout the two-week program, students from both universities participated in a variety of activities, including attending engineering classes at Chula Engineering, learning the Thai language, and engaging in workshops on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A key highlight was the SDG project presentation, where students proposed solutions to university-related challenges within the SDG framework.
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The program also featured experiential learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Students traveled to Rayong for a field trip focused on team-building activities, joined a Thai Cooking Class where Japanese participants learned to prepare four traditional Thai dishes, and took part in a One-Day Trip to Ayutthaya, immersing themselves in Thailand’s rich history and heritage. The program culminated in a Cultural Exchange Presentation, where Thai and Japanese students shared insights and reflections on their experiences.
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At the closing ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natt Leelawat, program advisor, presented certificates to all participating students from Chula Engineering and Aoyama Gakuin University, acknowledging their successful completion of the program and their contributions to fostering global collaboration.
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The MALI Program continues to serve as a bridge between cultures, offering students invaluable academic and cultural experiences. Chula Engineering looks forward to further strengthening its partnership with Aoyama Gakuin University in the coming years.
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