On April 24, 2026, Yu Yang, Vice President of the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA), met with a visiting delegation from Assumption University of Thailand. The two sides engaged in in-depth discussions on China–Thailand cooperation in art education and future development, reaching broad consensus on a range of areas including disciplinary development, teaching collaboration, academic research, cultural exchange, faculty and student mobility, and student exchange programs.

The delegation from Assumption University included Kitti Phothikitti, Executive Vice President; Achin Tengtrakul, Executive Vice President of Saint Gabriel’s College, Thailand; Gao Li, Assistant Vice President of Assumption University; and Khongrit Chatpathomrak, Thai Director of the Confucius Institute at Assumption University, among others.

Vice President Yu Yang introduced CAFA’s history, academic structure, distinctive educational approach, and international engagement. He emphasized that CAFA has consistently prioritized collaboration with overseas institutions, particularly with neighboring Asian countries, in areas such as art education, academic research, exhibitions, and intercultural dialogue. As one of Thailand’s leading private universities, Assumption University is known for its strong international orientation and interdisciplinary strengths. The two institutions share a solid foundation and promising prospects for cooperation in fields including fine arts, design, architecture, and calligraphy. Yu expressed his expectation that both sides will further expand exchange channels and advance concrete collaborative projects, jointly contributing to the development of art education in China and Thailand.

Kitti Phothikitti, Executive Vice President of Assumption University, expressed sincere appreciation for CAFA’s decision to establish its first overseas student recruitment base at Assumption University. He spoke highly of CAFA’s profound academic tradition, distinctive educational philosophy, and outstanding achievements in art education. He also expressed the hope that this visit would serve as an opportunity to deepen cooperation in curriculum development, faculty exchange, student mobility, joint training programs, exhibition collaboration, and the integration of artificial intelligence and art. He noted that such efforts would enable more Thai students and the wider public to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese art and culture, contributing to the enduring friendship between China and Thailand.

During the meeting, the two sides also reached agreements on specific initiatives, including leveraging the Confucius Institute at Assumption University and its network of 15 affiliated secondary schools to jointly develop programs in calligraphy and Chinese culture, as well as promoting short-term teaching exchanges, summer study programs, thematic workshops, and student exchange projects. A Memorandum of Understanding and a student exchange agreement were signed.

Following the meeting, the delegation visited the CAFA Art Museum, the School of Calligraphy, the School of Architecture, and the Affiliated Secondary School of CAFA.

The meeting was attended by Wang Chuan, Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Exchange; Yang Xi and Zheng Yuyao, Deputy Directors; Yang Jie, Director of the Faculty Affairs Office; Xu Hai, Dean of the School of Calligraphy; and Cui Donghui, Executive Dean of the School of Architecture.