The  Sixth  ASEAN - China Forum of  Private Higher Education Development and Cooperation and the Fourth Annual Meeting of the ASEAN - China Alliance of Private Higher Education Institutions(ACAPHEI) were successfully held at Sripatum University on November 14-15, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand. The forum, with the theme of "Fostering ASEAN-China Collaboration for Sustainable Business Practices" attracted 27 universities from 8 ASEAN-China countries, as well as important representatives from education, business, and academia, to jointly promote in-depth discussions on education cooperation and sustainable development issues. Xiangtan Institute of Technology signed a contract to join the alliance. Xu Lin, a teacher from the School of Foreign Languages, delivered a keynote speech at the annual meeting.

Before the opening of the forum, the attending representatives visited the campus of the host, Sripatum University. Sripatum University is a prestigious, full-time, comprehensive private university with a long history in Thailand. The university has always focused on cultivating students' comprehensive learning abilities, independent thinking, innovative mindset, and the spirit of exploration and research in professional fields, enabling them to become comprehensive and practical talents who can adapt to social development. During the visit, the educational and teaching achievements of the School of Information Technology, School of Aeronautics, School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and School of Digital Media were showcased, leaving a deep impression on everyone.

At the opening ceremony, Professor Lu Dan, President of Geely Talent Development Group and Chair of ACAPHEI, and Dr. Wirat Lertpaitoonpan, Vice President of Sripatum University, delivered a joint speech, reviewing the deep foundation of cooperation between China and ASEAN in the fields of higher education and business sustainability, and looking forward to future opportunities for cooperation. The theme of "Sustainable Development and Cross border Cooperation" has become a highlight of this forum.

In the open discussion session on "Digital Transformation for Sustainability", Xu Lin delivered a keynote speech on "Advancing Sustainable Digitalization", introducing Xiangtan Institute of Technology's CFAP innovative talent training model and project-based teaching case to the conference. In recent years, Xiangtan Institute of Technology has actively promoted sustainable development through educational reform and innovative practices, committed to building a digital industry education deep integration ecosystem, and promoting more inclusive, open, and innovative international exchanges and cooperation, which has received warm responses from attendees.

During the forum, representatives of teachers from Xiangtan Institute of Technology participated in multiple keynote speeches and thematic discussions, covering topics such as "Sustainable Supply Chain and Circular Economy", "Digital Transformation for Sustainability", and "Social Responsibility and Community Engagement". The attending education experts, scholars, and business representatives engaged in intense discussions on how to utilize digital technology, innovate business models, and optimize resource allocation, and put forward many forward-looking viewpoints.

The ASEAN - China Alliance of Private Higher Education Institutions(ACAPHEI)  is committed to promoting cooperation between China and ASEAN countries in the fields of higher education, scientific research, and culture, facilitating the sharing and innovation of educational resources, and promoting sustainable development of the regional economy and society. The annual meeting held a special signing ceremony for new members and a handover ceremony for the rotating chairman of the university. Xiangtan Institute of Technology officially signed a contract to join the alliance. The participants jointly participated in the 2024 ACAPHEI project results report and stated that they will continue to strengthen cooperation in the fields of education, research, and business in the future, jointly addressing the challenges and opportunities in the context of globalization.

In addition, during the forum, it coincided with Thailand's traditional Water Lantern Festival, and Sripatum University carefully organized guests to participate in this meaningful celebration together. The Water Lantern Festival is an important annual festival in Thailand, symbolizing the elimination of past troubles and the embrace of future hope. The guests placed water lanterns symbolizing good wishes under the night sky of Bangkok and experienced this culturally significant traditional celebration, further deepening the cultural and people to people exchanges between China and ASEAN.