Queen Mary advances strategic partnership with Thailand

The visit, led by the University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, focused on how the universities could work together to advance transnational education (TNE) activities, including through the development of new degree programmes to be delivered jointly by Queen Mary and KMUTT. These discussions reflect the two institutions' shared strengths in science, engineering, and innovation, and mark an important step forward in their partnership. 

Professor Wen Wang, Vice-Principal for Science and Engineering, who led the Queen Mary delegation, said: “This partnership marks an important step in Queen Mary’s approach to international engagement in science and engineering. Our discussions with KMUTT have focused on exploring opportunities for transnational education and joint programme development, as well as building a strong foundation for longer-term collaboration. We value the constructive engagement with our partners in Thailand as this work continues to develop.” 

The visit also included a meeting between Queen Mary, KMUTT and the Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), Professor Dr Supachai Pathumnakul. Discussions focused on proposed TNE initiatives and their long-term potential, with the collaboration receiving strong encouragement from the Permanent Secretary. 

In addition, the Queen Mary delegation met the Secretary-General of the Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) to discuss collaboration around the Foundation Program for Outstanding Development Opportunity Scholarship (ODOS), a Thai government initiative which provides scholarships to support underprivileged students with high academic potential. Conversations also covered academic support for Royal Thai Government PhD scholarship recipients and other government-funded students who will undertake their studies at Queen Mary. 

The Queen Mary delegation included colleagues from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Professor Alex Clark, Professor James Busfield, Dr Rachel Appleton, and Dr Chinnapat Panwisawas, as well as Manyi Cristofoli, Head of Internatioal Research and Innovation at JRMO.