Marine education and research are essential for sustainable national and global development. Recognizing this, the Faculty of Marine Technology (MT), the Faculty of Science (Sci), and the Institute of Marine Science at Burapha University (BIMS) partnered with Zhejiang Ocean University (ZJOU), China, to co-host this symposium. The collaboration focuses on crucial areas including oceanography, marine environments, aquaculture, fisheries, coastal management, and biodiversity. Beyond academic presentations, the project emphasizes drafting joint research proposals and conducting field studies at vital ecological sites. This initiative strengthens long-term international academic relationships and enhances cross-border research capabilities for sustainable coastal and marine management.
The aims of program
1. To provide a dynamic international platform for faculty, researchers, and students from BUU and ZJOU to exchange cutting-edge knowledge in oceanography, environmental science, fisheries, and biodiversity.
2. To showcase research findings through comprehensive oral and poster presentations.
3. To facilitate the discussions to develop concrete joint research proposals between the two institutions.
4. To build a robust international academic network.
The symposium featured a well-structured blend of academic sessions and experiential learning. The event began with keynote speeches from four distinguished experts, followed by intensive oral and electronic poster sessions. A key component was the breakout meetings where participants actively discussed potential joint research projects, dual master’s degree programs, and cooperative education (co-op) student exchanges. The implementation also included immersive field studies, taking participants to the Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Center to learn about coastal resource management, and a visit to the Institute of Marine Science at BUU’s Chonburi campus.
The project successfully engaged 99 participants, including 31 delegates from ZJOU, 1 from the Philippines, and 67 from various BUU faculties. Academically, it generated massive knowledge sharing through 41 oral and 19 poster presentations. Strategically, it yielded concrete outcomes: an agreement to co-develop frontier research on aquatic animal diseases for 2028 funding, advancements in joint Master’s degree planning, and ZJOU’s commitment to accept two MT co-op students in 2026. High participant satisfaction highlighted excellent cross-cultural networking. These achievements strongly advance SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through marine research, SDG 4 (Quality Education) through international learning, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening Sino-Thai institutional collaboration.
Activities period: June 7 – 11, 2026
Project leader: Assistant Prof. Penchan Laongmanee
