On Tuesday, November 22, 2023, a group of professors from the Indonesian Language and Literature Education Program, Faculty of Language and Literature Education, Prof. Dr. Sumiyadi, M.Hum., and Prof. Dr. Yeti Mulyati, M.Pd., along with the Master’s Program in Indonesian Language Education at the Graduate School of UPI, namely Dr. Nuny Sulistiany Idris, M.Pd., and Dr. Suci Sundusiah, M.Pd., presented how Indonesia and Thailand share many similarities. In their presentation, Dr. Nuny Sulistiany Idris, M.Pd., explained that the cultural similarities between Indonesia and Thailand can be a means to learn the Indonesian language. To reinforce this point, Prof. Dr. Sumiyadi, M.Hum., compared Indonesian and Thai literary works as a cultural diplomacy tool to strengthen international relations.
Meanwhile, representatives from Maejo University showcased how Thai culture and the nation have unique characteristics. Dr. Kulaya from Maejo University presented insights into Thai culture and the country, while other faculty members demonstrated the traditional art of Thai perfume-making.
As a tangible expression of collaboration, both institutions signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) in the field of Higher Education Tri Dharma, encompassing Visiting Lecturer programs, collaborative research, joint publications, student exchange, and student internships. Following the Focus Group Discussion (FGD), UPI professors also introduced the Indonesian language to MJU students in a workshop session.