KKU's Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies Goes Global: Visits Botanee Group and Overseas Chinese Service Center of Kunming High-tech Industrial Development Zone in Yunnan to Pave the Way for Academic and Innovation Collaboration

KUNMING, CHINA – August 12, 2025

A delegation from the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, led by Assistant Professor Dr. Suntaree Buchitchon, Dean, and accompanied by Associate Professor Dr. Wullapa Wongsinlatam and Mr. Chakkawan Glebbua, Vice Deans, visited Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China. The visit was part of a project to Establish an Academic and Research Collaboration Network with International Institutions in Yunnan Province, People’s Republic of China, reaffirming the Faculty's vision to become the hub of interdisciplinary learning and innovation in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).

The visit had clear strategic objectives: to open doors for collaboration by exchanging knowledge and best practices, and to explore opportunities for staff and student exchange programs. The experience gained will be applied to enhance the Faculty's strategy and competitive edge, ultimately fostering innovation with international recognition.

A key highlight of the project was the visit to Botanee Group, a leading biotechnology and cosmetics company located in the Kunming National Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone. The company is renowned for its products developed from scientific research and the extraction of active compounds from local plants with unique properties, with its flagship brand 'Winona' pioneering the online market on Tmall in 2011 before expanding to giants like JD.COM, Xiaohongshu, and TikTok. This success is symbolic of the Chinese beauty industry's full-scale entry into the 'cosmeceutical era'.

In addition to this industry visit, the delegation also toured the Overseas Chinese Service Center of Kunming High-tech Industrial Development Zone. As an integral part of the Qiaohai Science and Technology Innovation Base, the center acts as a vital support hub, providing policy consultation, assistance with company registration for the private sector and serving as a bridge for new overseas Chinese. This robust ecosystem unites 78 experts, 184 member companies, and collaborates with 93 universities and research institutes to foster R&D in fields such as biomedicine, IT, and modern agriculture.

In-depth discussions with the management of both organizations sparked ideas for future academic and research collaborations, aiming to connect university knowledge with real-world applications in both industry and the broader innovation ecosystem.

Assistant Professor Dr. Suntree Boochitchan, the Dean, stated, "Witnessing the innovation at Botanee Group, and and especially the robust strategic framework of the Overseas Chinese Service Center, gives us a clear picture of how to successfully transform research into globally recognized products and entrepreneurs. Today's discussions have opened new doors for tangible collaborations in joint research, student development, and innovation. This aligns perfectly with our Faculty's strategy to enhance our capabilities on the international stage."

This visit marks a significant step for the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies in expanding its international network, building a solid foundation for advancing its academic and research endeavors to meet and exceed global standards.