UTCC Proudly Participates in the “Heart to Heart Connection Program,” Strengthening Thailand–China Cooperation and Expanding Opportunities for Thai OTOP Entrepreneurs on the International Stage
Student blog — 26/01/2026
The event was organized to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, highlighting the long-standing friendship between the two nations and strengthening collaboration in education, culture, and regional development.
As part of this special milestone year, selected Thai entrepreneurs from the One Tambon One Product (OTOP) initiative showcased their distinguished community-based products in Kunming. This platform provided an invaluable opportunity to introduce authentic Thai craftsmanship to the international market, expand foreign trade prospects, and foster commercial partnerships with Chinese business networks, one of the most essential and fast-growing markets for Thai entrepreneurs today.
The success of this event was made possible through the collaboration of multiple key partners. Yunnan Open University served as the initiator of the program, with additional support from the the Beijing Business People Association Thailand, which sponsored round-trip travel for participants. Contributing organizations also included the Department of Industrial Promotion, the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), and the Young Entrepreneur Chamber of Commerce (YEC), and the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), which jointly selected 20 high-potential OTOP enterprises to take part in the program.
Together, these partners advanced the initiative “Lancang–Mekong Cultures Entering Yunnan: Digital Empowerment for Skilled Talents Cultivation Exchange Event,” aimed at strengthening the capabilities of Thai personnel and OTOP entrepreneurs. The program focuses on enhancing skills development, expanding international business potential, and building cross-border opportunities for long-term growth.
In the field of educational cooperation, the partnership between University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) and Yunnan Open University highlights the vital role that both Thai and Chinese academic institutions play in connecting education with real-world business sectors. This collaboration underscores the shared commitment to cultivating globally competitive talent and fostering meaningful academic exchange.
Both universities have expressed their intention to further expand academic cooperation in the future, including student exchange programs, cross-border learning initiatives, internships with leading companies, and the development of international business curricula.
As part of the event, the University also held the inauguration ceremony for the Yunnan Open University Sino-Thai Cultural Exchange Center (International Communication Service Center), reinforcing its role as a regional hub for cultural understanding and opportunities for international study.
