Chula and USTC Expand Cooperation Through MOUs and Quantum Science & Technology Seminar 

Chulalongkorn University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), along with the opening ceremony for the Thai–Chinese Academic Seminar on Quantum Science and Technology, on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Room 111, Maha Chulalongkorn Building. The ceremony was presided over by Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University; Prof. Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI); and Mr. Zhang Jianwei, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Thailand. 

The ceremony began with Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, together with representatives from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Thailand, and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, jointly presiding over the opening of the Thai–Chinese Academic Seminar on Quantum Science and Technology. Prof. Dr. Wilert delivered the welcoming remarks, followed by congratulatory messages from Mr. Zhang Jianwei, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Thailand, and Prof. Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of MHESI, celebrating the collaboration between the two academic institutions. 

The event then proceeded to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Chulalongkorn University and USTC. Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, signed the first MOU with Prof. Dr. Congzhao Zhou, Vice Chairman of the University Council of USTC, marking an academic collaboration between Chulalongkorn University and USTC. The second MOU was signed by Prof. Dr. Pranut Potiyaraj, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, and Prof. Dr. Chuan-Feng Li, Director of the Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Quantum Network, to establish a Joint Laboratory on Quantum Science and Technology. 

Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat stated that this Thai–Chinese Academic Seminar on Quantum Science and Technology was organized to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the People’s Republic of China. He emphasized that the seminar offers an important opportunity for leading scientists and researchers from both countries to exchange knowledge, experiences, and visions in the field of quantum technology—one of the most promising fields shaping the future of humanity. He also expressed his appreciation to all distinguished guests in attendance. 

Prof. Dr. Congzhao Zhou, Vice Chairman of the University Council of USTC, discussed the background, objectives, and significance of the academic seminar and the MOUs, which will lead to the establishment of the Joint Laboratory on Quantum Science and Technology—formally launched on the same day. 

Mr. Zhang Jianwei, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Thailand, and Prof. Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of MHESI, expressed their congratulations on the collaboration between the two institutions. Prof. Dr. Supachai affirmed the ministry’s readiness and commitment to supporting the Thai–Chinese academic seminar on quantum science and driving forward the cooperation formalized in the MOUs. This includes academic initiatives, international networking, talent mobility for research personnel, and the translation of research outcomes into economic and social impact—all of which are central to Thailand’s Quick Win strategy and its national plan for developing advanced human resources.