【Text and Photos: Assistant Professor Wan-Ling Pan, Department of East Asian Languages and Literature; Edited by: Public Affairs Section】

【Translator： Ya-Hsin Wan】

【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】

2025-05-09 Chulalongkorn University in Thailand has officially recognized the National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) as the only authorized institution in Taiwan for the Thai Language Proficiency Test. On May 9, representatives from the university's Sirindhorn Thai Language Institute visited NUK to present a plaque for the Thai Language Proficiency Test Center, symbolizing the recognition of nearly nine years of collaboration in language and cultural exchange since their partnership began in 2016. This designation makes NUK the sole university in Taiwan that has received such certification.

Asst. Prof. Manasikarn Hengsuwan, Ph.D., Deputy Director of the Sirindhorn Thai Language Institute at Chulalongkorn University, and Mr. Kachen Tansiri, Ph.D., Administrative Director, made a special visit to Taiwan to formally present the plaque. President Chi-Jen Chen of the National University of Kaohsiung received the honor on behalf of the university, underscoring the significance of the collaboration. The ceremony was also witnessed by Vice President Hsing-Hao Wu, Section Chief of the Office of International Affairs' International Exchange Division, Yu-Pin Ma, and Assistant Professor Wan-Ling Pan from the Department of East Asian Languages and Literature.

Chulalongkorn University, established in 1899, is recognized as Thailand’s premier institution of higher education and is often regarded as the starting point of the nation’s modern university system. Since 2016, the National University of Kaohsiung has partnered with its Sirindhorn Thai Language Institute, with the university’s Language Center organizing the CU-TFL Thai Language Proficiency Test annually without interruption.

President Chi-Jen Chen of the National University of Kaohsiung expressed that the university is deeply honored to have maintained a long-term partnership with Chulalongkorn University and its Sirindhorn Thai Language Institute in jointly administering the Thai Language Proficiency Test. He noted that their efforts in promoting Thai language and culture have been well recognized, and he looks forward to expanding the scope of collaboration and exchange between the two institutions in the future.

Manasikarn Hengsuwan expressed sincere gratitude to the National University of Kaohsiung for its longstanding support in successfully organizing the Thai Language Proficiency Test. Representing the Sirindhorn Thai Language Institute of Chulalongkorn University, she stated it was a great honor to present the Thai Language Proficiency Test Center plaque to NUK’s Language Center. She also expressed confidence that this strong foundation would lead to even more opportunities for future collaboration between the two institutions.

Vice President Hsing-Hao Wu of the National University of Kaohsiung noted that NUK has established sister school relationships with 11 universities in Thailand and warmly welcomes faculty and students from Chulalongkorn University to engage in exchanges. He especially highlighted the upcoming Summer School program, set to take place during the summer break, which offers a wide range of courses, including Chinese language and sustainability, among other diverse topics.

Director of the Language Center, CHEN, Jhih-Wen Chen, stated that the plaque is more than just a symbol made of metal—it represents the collective achievements of dedicated efforts and continuous improvement over the years. “The promotion of the CU-TFL test requires a high level of professionalism and international coordination—from test translation and administrative planning to registration assistance and curriculum alignment. This honor belongs to everyone involved,” he said. He added that the Language Center will continue to work hand in hand with Chulalongkorn University, using education as a bridge to foster cultural understanding and global connections.

According to the regulations of the Sirindhorn Thai Language Institute, the Thai Language Proficiency Test Center plaque is awarded only to domestic or international universities that have maintained a partnership for over five years. To date, only universities in Japan and Mainland China have received this certification.

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