From June 18 to 19, 2025 Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Executive Director of the Mekong Institute (MI), visited the Center for International Studies on Development and Governance (CISDG), Zhejiang & Zhejiang University. The visit was hosted by Dr. Gong Sen, Director of CISDG, who held in-depth discussions with Mr. Suriyan. The two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize their strategic cooperation.
During the meeting, both parties introduced their respective mandates and agreed to focus collaboration on three key areas: digital transformation and smart governance, green transformation, and shared prosperity.
They expressed a strong commitment to strengthening knowledge exchange and promoting the application and adaptation of China’s development experiences—particularly Zhejiang’s successes in digitalization and inclusive development. These experiences were recognized as highly relevant and valuable for the Mekong subregion and the broader ASEAN region. The collaboration will be pursued through joint research, capacity building programs, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
They also held detailed discussions on co-organizing activities to support the development of the national and regional digital ecosystem in the Lancang-Mekong region, as well as facilitating internship placements for CISDG students at MI.
As part of the visit, Mr. Suriyan delivered a guest lecture to students currently enrolled in CISDG’s international organization program. He shared his personal insights from his career in international organizations, offered guidance on professional development, and engaged students in a lively Q&A session.
While in Hangzhou, Mr. Suriyan also visited several leading institutions and enterprises, including Hangzhou Zaishuiyifang Service for the Elderly Group, the Zhejiang High-Quality Silver Economy Industrial Park, Dahua Technology, Tuya Smart, and Hangzhou Huizhi Artificial Intelligence Co., Ltd. These visits facilitated meaningful exchanges on innovation, smart aging, and digital industry development.
