Albukhary International University (AIU) welcomed a 42-member delegation from Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Pattani Campus, Thailand, for a landmark academic and cultural exchange programme aimed at strengthening cross-border collaboration, celebrating diversity, and fostering student mobility in higher education.
The visit, hosted by AIU’s School of Education and Human Sciences (SEHS), brought together seven academic staff and 35 undergraduate students from PSU’s Faculty of Education, marking an important step in expanding regional partnerships between Malaysia and Thailand.
🔹 A Shared Vision for Education Beyond Borders
In his opening address, Prof. Dr. Abdul Malek bin Abdul Karim, Dean of SEHS, underscored the importance of global collaborations in shaping future-ready graduates.
“Our mission is to provide an opportunity to save humanity through community engagement programmes,” he said, emphasising AIU’s philosophy of education as a tool for social transformation and global impact.
The Dean also shared updates on the expansion of AIU’s academic ecosystem, announcing the upcoming launch of the AIU International School Secondary Division this October. Built on the Cambridge curriculum, the school aims to nurture globally competent learners from early education through to university level, creating a continuous pipeline of holistic learning.
🔹 Academic Insights and Collaborative Opportunities
The PSU delegation engaged in discussions on:
- Curriculum management
- Teaching and assessment approaches
- AIU’s active research clusters
These sessions highlighted potential areas for joint research, faculty exchange, and professional development initiatives, reinforcing both universities’ commitment to knowledge-sharing and innovation.
To mark the occasion, souvenirs were exchanged between AIU and PSU academic leaders, symbolising goodwill and the spirit of long-term partnership.
🔹 Students Connecting Through Cultural Exchange
The heart of the programme lay in the student-to-student interactions. Over an interactive brunch, students from AIU and PSU exchanged personal experiences, insights into campus life, and reflections on their academic journeys.
The visit also included a guided campus tour, featuring:
- The Bachelor of Media and Communication (BMC) Studio, where PSU students explored AIU-produced short films and editing facilities.
- The AIU Library, admired for its unique architectural design and role as a hub for knowledge and inspiration.
These activities gave PSU students a first-hand experience of AIU’s learning environment while providing AIU students with opportunities to practice cultural diplomacy and hospitality.
🔹 Distinguished PSU Delegation
The PSU academic team included:
- Ms. Chutamas Sathianphan (Educational Psychology and Guidance)
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Nattee Boonjan (Physical Education)
- Dr. Wacharee Rittiwat (Elementary Education)
- Dr. Palida Sairatthong Patanapichai (Elementary Education)
- Dr. Rusnee Susaro (Art Education)
- Asst. Prof. Dr. Tapanan Prateepko (Health Education)
- Mrs. Asnee Phongsa and Mrs. Nurham Hahsa (International Affairs Office)
Their participation highlighted PSU’s strong commitment to international engagement in education and research.
🔹 A Lasting Impact on Global Higher Education
While the programme lasted just one day, its impact is expected to resonate far beyond. For AIU, it reaffirmed the university’s mission of being a globally engaged, culturally inclusive institution. For PSU, it opened new pathways for collaboration in joint research, faculty development, and student mobility.
Both universities agreed to deepen their partnership in the coming years, positioning AIU as a hub for global academic exchange in Southeast Asia.
🌍 Key Takeaway
The AIU–PSU academic and cultural exchange is more than just a visit — it represents a milestone in Malaysia–Thailand higher education cooperation. By fostering trust, inclusivity, and excellence, the partnership sets an example of how universities can go beyond national boundaries to equip students with global mindsets and collaborative skills needed in today’s interconnected world.
