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Peking University, Apr. 10, 2011: "Ganxie Beida zhaoshou Taiguo xuesheng bing jiji tuidong Zhong Tai liangguo de jiaoliu he fazhan," wrote Princess Sirindhorn during a celebration for the 10th anniversary since she started to study at PKU in 2001.
Thanks, PKU, for your recruitment of students from Thailand and your active role in promoting exchanges between and development of Thailand and China, the Chinese characters literally mean.
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand paid a visit to Peking University on April 6, 2011. To welcome Princess Sirindhorn and celebrate the 10th anniversary, a series of activities were organized. A conference on biochemistry was also held between scholars from both PKU and Chulalongkorn University.
After the PKU Sirindhorn Science and Culture Center was established in 2005, Princess Sirindhorn pays annual visits to PKU. It has now been 30 years since her first visit to China, and 10 years since her first study at PKU.
On arrival, Princess Sirindhorn was received by students and faculty members at PKU. Professor Min Weifang, Chairman of Peking University Council, had a closed-door meeting with the princess. In response, Princess Sirindhorn wrote in Chinese to show her gratitude.
"Thanks, Beida (PKU), for such a precious opportunity for me; Thanks, Beida, for your support for the bilateral academic exchanges; Thanks, for the bond and bridge for communications developed by Beida and Chulalongkorn University, and Thank you," She wrote.
A short video featuring the princess's unique experience at PKU was shown at the ceremony to commemorate the 10th anniversary. Professor Min made a speech and presented a souvenir to the princess.
Princess Sirindhorn, in standard putonghua, expressed her gratitude to PKU, as well as sentiment for China.
Peking University will step up efforts in cultivating more talents, the princess wished.
Professor Zhang Ying and Professor Pei Xiaorui, representatives of the princess's teachers, also expressed their best wishes to the princess.
An annual council meeting of the PKU Sirindhorn Center was held prior to the ceremony. Bo Wenze, deputy director of the PKU Sirindhorn Science and Culture Center, delivered a work report after PKU Vice Preident Li Yansong's speech. A PKU alumna, the princess contributed to the establishment of the center.
The princess also attended the PKU-Chulalongkorn University Biotechnology Conference, where speakers voiced their opinions on biotechnological progress of the two countries.
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was born in 1955, the third child of the King and Queen of Thailand.
A scholar of Pali, Sanskrit, Cambodian, and several other languages, and a gifted practitioner of traditional Thai musical instruments, the princess is currently the director of the Department of History at the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. She also runs several philanthropic organizations and foundations promoting Thai culture and higher education, protecting the environment, and supporting disabled veterans. The Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Foundation, established in 1979, supports needy students in schools, vocational colleges, and universities.
The princess was awarded "People’s Friendship Ambassador," the "International Literary Prize for Understanding and Friendship," and the "Chinese Language and Culture Friendship Award" from various Chinese organizations.
Extended Reading:
PKU News (Chinese): PKU celebrates 10th anniversary of Thai Princess's study at PKU
Written by: Zhang Bolan
Edited by: Su Juan
Source: Office of International Relations
