The Thai Embassy in Brunei Darussalam donated a collection of books to Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) yesterday in celebration of 40 years of diplomatic relations between the Sultanate and Thailand at the university’s library complex.
UTB Vice-Chancellor Datin Paduka Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman highlighting the strong ties between the two nations said, “This year marks a significant milestone in the relationship between Thailand and Brunei Darussalam as we celebrate 40 years of diplomatic ties. Our nations have fostered cooperation in various sectors, including education, culture, economics, and tourism.”
She also highlighted the significance of the Thai Corner at UTB, describing it as a hub for students and the faculty to explore Thailand’s history, traditions and innovations. “The Thai Corner enhances the international dimension of UTB, aligning with our mission to be a global university for academic excellence and innovation. It will not only be a place for learning but also a space for cultural appreciation, dialogue and friendship,” the vice-chancellor added.
Meanwhile, Thai Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Boosara Kanchanalai, said the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations reflects the achievements of the two nations.
“This event is part of a series organised to commemorate this milestone,” she said.
She also said that UTB, as a leading higher education institution, plays an active role in advancing educational cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
“Through partnerships with several Thai universities, including King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi and Chiang Mai University – we are building strong connections. The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Chulalongkorn University and UTB earlier this year further cements our educational collaboration,” she added.
She also highlighted the importance of joint activities, including study trips, student exchanges and summer camps, which promote knowledge sharing and cross-cultural understanding.
“I look forward to seeing strong candidates from Thailand participating in next year’s Crown Prince Creative, Innovative Product and Technological Advancement (CIPTA) Award,” she said.
The event saw the launch of a ‘Thai Corner’ at the UTB Library, featuring 25 books from the Thai Embassy, covering topics such as culture, history, travel, architecture and sustainable development.
The books are hoped to enrich UTB’s academic resources and enhance the understanding of Thai’s heritage among students and staff, fostering cultural appreciation between the two nations. – James Kon
