XIAMEN, CHINA — In a significant step toward regional marine cooperation, the delegation from the Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University (KU), Thailand, concluded a high-level visit to Xiamen University (XMU) from January 5 to 9, 2026. Led by Assistant Professor Suriyan Tunkijjanukij, Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries, KU and hosted by the COASTAL-SOS project alongside the College of Ocean and Earth Sciences at XMU—represented by Director Associate Professor Hongmei Chen and Associate Dean Professor Ya-Wei Luo—the five-day mission aimed to catalyze bilateral efforts in marine science, biotechnology, and sustainable fisheries management.
(The workshop organized by Associate Professor Hongmei Chen (Director of UN Ocean Decade project COASTAL-SOS) and Executive members from KU and XMU including 1) Assistant Professor Suriyan Tunkijjanukij, Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries, KU, 2) Assistant Professor Teerapong Duangdee, Director of Department of Marine Science, KU, 3) Professor Ya-Wei Luo, Associate Dean of Ocean and Earth Science College, XMU, and 4) Professor Weiwei You, Associate Dean of Ocean and Earth Science College, XMU )
The visit opened with a thematic workshop titled "Coastal Sustainable Fisheries and Coastal Zone Health Management: Chinese and Thai Perspectives." This session, convened by Associate Dean Professor Weiwei You and moderated by COASTAL-SOS Director Associate Professor Hongmei Chen, served as a platform for aligning the academic trajectories of both institutions. Professor Ya-Wei Luo provided a comprehensive overview of XMU’s milestones in talent cultivation and international research excellence, while Dean Suriyan Tunkijjanukij outlined the strategic role of KU’s Faculty of Fisheries. Operating research hubs along both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, KU stands as a vital partner in addressing shared challenges regarding coastal protection and the development of a regional blue economy.
(Professor Ya-Wei Luo presented a history overview of the College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University)
(Assistant Professor Suriyan Tunkijjanukij, Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries, provided an overview of the Faculty’s history)
The scientific exchange featured a series of technical presentations that addressed urgent ecological concerns. Assistant Professor Dr. Jitraporn Phaksopa of KU opened the discourse by elucidating the impact of coastal processes on tourism, utilizing numerical modeling to analyze the dangers of rip currents and the environmental threat of microplastic pollution. This was followed by Dr. Khanittha Uthaipan, who detailed the evolutionary trends of hypoxia in the Upper Gulf of Thailand, integrating these regional findings into the broader management framework of the COASTAL-SOS-Thailand project.
Representing the technological side of the partnership, XMU doctoral student Tan Yenzhen explored the future of sustainable seaweed exploitation between China and ASEAN nations. Complementing this, Associate Professor Dr. Fangyi Chen delivered a presentation on marine bio-resources, specifically the discovery of novel antibacterial peptides and their transformative potential in aquatic health and biomedicine. These presentations were followed by a strategic dialogue between Assistant Professor Teerapong Duangdee and Professor Weiwei You, who identified aquatic germplasm and carbon sequestration as primary pillars for upcoming joint research.
(The session featured presentations from 1) Assistant Professor Dr. Jitraporn Phaksopa (KU), 2) Associate Professor Dr. Fangyi Chen (XMU), 3) Dr. Khanittha Uthaipan (KU), and 4) doctoral student Tan Yenzhen (representing Professor Tao Liu, XMU).
(1)Assistant Professor Teerapong Duangdee (KU) and 2) Professor Weiwei You (XMU))
The diplomatic core of the visit centered on executive meetings held on January 6 and 7, involving distinguished leaders such as Academician Professor Minhan Dai and Dean Professor Zhiyu Liu. These high-level discussions moved beyond academic theory to focus on the pragmatic implementation of institutional partnerships. The leaders reached a consensus on several key initiatives, including the establishment of faculty and student mobility programs and the creation of joint scientific platforms. Central to these talks was the enhancement of regional collaboration under the UN Ocean Decade COASTAL-SOS framework, ensuring that the partnership contributes directly to global sustainability goals.
(Left-Right: Professor Wei-Lei Wang (XMU), Assistant Professor Dr. Jitraporn Phaksopa (KU), Assistant Professor Teerapong Duangdee (KU), Assistant Professor Suriyan Tunkijjanukij (KU), Academician Professor Minhan Dai (XMU), Dr. Khanittha Uthaipan (KU), Associate Professor Hongmei Chen (XMU), (Dr. Aiqin Han, Third Institution of Oceanography))
(Center: Professor Zhiyu Liu, Dean of College of Ocean and Earth Sciences at XMU and Assistant Professor Suriyan Tunkijjanukij, Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries at KU)
To evaluate the practical infrastructure supporting these goals, the Thai delegation conducted a series of immersive site visits. The tour included the state-of-the-art Research Vessel (RV) Tan Kah Kee, the Center of Major Equipment and Technology (COMET), and the Fujian Ocean Innovation Center. The delegation also visited Jinjiang Fuda Abalone Aquatic Co., Ltd., to observe the industrial application of advanced breeding technologies. These assessments provided the delegates with a firsthand look at the cutting-edge instrumentation that will support future joint educational and research projects.
This milestone exchange between Kasetsart University and Xiamen University underscores a burgeoning synergy in the fields of marine biotechnology and ecological restoration. By establishing a robust foundation for "Blue Technology" collaboration, the two institutions have clarified their implementation pathways for the years ahead. As both parties move toward institutionalizing regular communication, this partnership stands as a vital contribution to regional marine health and the broader objectives of global ocean governance.
Reporters: Xinyi Wu (Secretary of College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, XMU), Yongqi Liu (COASTAL-SOS Project Officer), and Dr. Khanittha Kikky Uthaipan (Lecturer, Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University)
Photographers: Yongqi Liu and Xinyi Wu
Review: Associate Professor Hongmei Chen (Director of COASTAL-SOS Project) and Professor Xiaolin Li (Associate Dean of College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, XMU)
