From September 7-8, the “One Kobe Family” Global Fair 2025 was held in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand. It aimed to strengthen partnerships with Asian universities, expand study-abroad opportunities for both international and Kobe University students and enhance connections with overseas alums—including former international and Japanese students—to further develop the university’s global alum network. The event included Study in Japan Fair 2025 (Thailand) organized by JASSO and a courtesy visit to Chiang Mai University. 

The delegation was led by KONDO Narihiko, executive assistant to the president and vice director of the Institute for Promoting International Partnerships; ITO Tomomi, professor at the Graduate School of Intercultural Studies; and SATO Miho, associate professor at the Global Education Center. Staff from the Global Engagement Division and the International Exchange Division also participated.

At the Study in Japan Fair 2025 held at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit on September 7, Kobe University staff members, with support by former students, introduced the university to local students considering study in Japan. 820 participants were in attendance over the course of the event, with over 80 visiting the Kobe University booth. The staff answered questions from prospective students and provided information on academic programs, scholarships and daily life in Kobe.

In September 8, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to Chiang Mai University (CMU), with which Kobe University has enjoyed long-standing collaborative relationships under inter-university academic cooperation agreements.

The delegation met with Associate Professor Pradthana Jaipong, assistant to the president of CMU; Associate Professor Pailin Phujeenaphan, dean of the Faculty of Political Science and Public Administration; Assistant Professor Rawee Jansong, dean of the Faculty of Humanities; and other 6 members. Building on ongoing student exchange programs in the Faculty of Global Human Sciences and the Department of Health Sciences, the delegation also explored potential research collaborations with CMU in emerging fields, such as well-being.

Following the courtesy visit, a student seminar introducing Kobe University was held at the Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Political Science and Public Administration at CMU. At the seminar, Professor Kondo presented an overview of Kobe University, Professor Ito introduced the Faculty and Graduate School of Humanities and Liberal Arts and Associate Professor Saito explained Japanese language classes and support services for international students. A video message from Thai students who had previously studied at Kobe University was also shown during the seminar. 14 students attended from the Faculty of Humanities and 16 from the Faculty of Political Science and Public Administration. Several students expressed interest in studying at Kobe University and approached the presenters with individual, detailed questions after the seminar.

Building on the outcomes of the “One Kobe Family” Global Fair 2025 in Thailand, Kobe University will continue fostering exchange and collaboration between the two countries in education, research and community engagement.

(Global Engagement Division)