The ‘Thai-Korean Cultural Exchange 2026 Youth Future Challenge Project with AI Project’ was held at the Phuket Vocational College yesterday (May 25), bringing together students, educators and officials from Thailand and the Republic of Korea.
The event was led by Phuket Vocational College Director Dr Wittaya Ketuchu alongside Phuket Honorary Consul Tosaporn Thepbut, who welcomed a delegation headed by Mr OK Oun OK, Director of the Student Education Center under the Jeollanam-do Office of Education in South Korea.
Representatives from educational institutions, teachers, students and invited guests from both countries attended the event, along with the Deputy President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) and the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Korea in Phuket.
Executives from Yamaha Music School Phuket and the International School of Dance also joined the opening ceremony.
The project was organised to promote language, cultural and technological learning through exchange activities between Thai and South Korean students, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence and future workforce skills.
About 70 participants took part in activities including AI and technology idea exchanges, cultural performances, workshops and exhibition booths aimed at strengthening international cooperation and preparing students to become ‘global citizens’.
Dr Wittaya said the college was honoured to host the South Korean delegation and hoped the exchange would strengthen long-term ties between Thailand and South Korea while giving students valuable international experience.
The initiative forms part of a broader partnership between Phuket Vocational College and South Korean institutions that began at policy level in 2021 and has since expanded into multiple education and vocational training programmes.
One key project has been the ASEAN-ROK TVET Mobility Programme, which has positioned Phuket Vocational College as a regional hub for hospitality and service industry training.
Under the programme, the college has coordinated curriculum management, student selection from ASEAN member countries and placements with leading hospitality businesses in Phuket, giving students practical workplace experience. Officials said 65 participants have benefited from the programme so far.
The college has also worked with Suncheon Hyosan High School on online and in-person exchanges covering food, arts, culture and tourism, while collaboration with Yeungjin University has focused on teaching development, research and educational personnel exchanges.
College officials said the continuing partnerships reflect efforts to raise Thai vocational education to international standards while preparing students and teachers to compete in an increasingly technology-driven global labour market.