Thai delegation explores China's rural vitalization model in Ningbo

Teachers from a Thai university visit a village in Ningbo. [Photo/Tide News]

To foster global dialogue on rural development, Ningbo University of Finance & Economics recently hosted faculty members from Thailand's Srinakharinwirot University. 

Their visit to Yangshan and Lyuye villages provided an in-depth look at China's "university + village" model, where academic institutions play a role in rural vitalization through innovation, education, and cultural empowerment.

Guided by Zhang Ning, an agricultural coordinator in Yangshan village, the delegation toured collaborative initiatives like the rural arts empowerment program and local agricultural R&D hubs. Assistant Professor Porawan Pattayanon highlighted the model's relevance for Thai rural development: "China's integration of technical support and student involvement is a valuable reference."

At a labor education base, the group observed how Ningbo merges fieldwork with creativity to instill social responsibility in students. Noppadol Inchan emphasized the potential for joint programs: "Labor education shapes both skill and character — our institutions could learn much from this approach."

Vice-Dean Liang Wei proposed future Sino-Thai collaboration through rural art festivals and artist residencies, promoting cultural exchange and mutual growth. The visit highlighted China's expanding role in global rural development and the value of sharing its experience internationally.

"This exchange affirms our efforts," said Zhu Fengmei, a faculty member at Ningbo University of Finance & Economics," and helps contribute Chinese solutions to rural transformation worldwide."