SDU Hua Hin Aviation Business Goes Global as Thailand and China Advance Aviation Education via CAUC Partnership

The student exchange initiative between Suan Dusit University (SDU), Hua Hin Center, and the Civil Aviation University of China (CAUC) marked a significant milestone in the international advancement of aviation business education. This collaboration originated from a prestigious international educational platform linking China and the ASEAN region.

The partnership blossomed following the 2024 China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week in Guizhou, China. During this event, the China-ASEAN Thousand School Hands Together Conference was held to foster deep-rooted academic ties. Representing Suan Dusit University, Asst. Prof. Dr. Pornchanit Kaew-nate, Vice President for Academic and International Affairs, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CAUC—a premier institution in China’s civil aviation sector. The agreement aimed to enhance international collaboration in teaching, student exchange programs, and professional human resource development.

Following the signing, the partnership transitioned into tangible action. In 2024, five Aviation Business students from SDU Hua Hin participated in a 7-day study tour at CAUC. Building on this success, the first cohort of the long-term exchange program was launched in 2025, where students underwent intensive study and training at CAUC for a full academic semester (approximately two months).

Throughout the exchange, students immersed themselves in specialized aviation training, including aircraft structures, cabin service, emergency evacuation procedures, and passenger assistance. These technical skills were complemented by cross-cultural experiences, such as traditional tea ceremonies and Chinese calligraphy, which sharpened their communication skills and service mindsets within an international context.

This exchange program captured international attention, with Xinhua News Agency reporting on the China-Thailand aviation education synergy. The report highlighted the role of SDU Hua Hin students as vital contributors to the aviation human resource pipeline, supporting long-term China-ASEAN cooperation.

This success reflected the high caliber of the Aviation Business program at SDU Hua Hin in developing students with global competencies. It solidified the Hua Hin Center’s position as a strategic engine for Suan Dusit University, driving aviation education onto the global stage and preparing graduates for elite career opportunities in the international aviation industry.