Nine faculty members and students from the Department of Information Management at Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) returned to Khon Kaen, Thailand, this summer for a two-week program focused on information technology education and cultural exchange. The year 2026 marks the tenth year of the “Thai-Kong-Man-You” International Volunteer Team’s engagement in the region. Building on a decade of collaboration, the team continued to bring its expertise in information technology into local schools, introducing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and programming to strengthen students’ digital skills and open a new chapter in the long-standing educational partnership between CYCU and its partners in Khon Kaen.
Led by Professor Hsiu-Li Liao of CYCU’s Department of Information Management, the “Thai-Kong-Man-You” International Volunteer Team consisted of eight CYCU students and one ASUS volunteer. From August 16 to 29, 2026, the team provided educational services at the Asia-Pacific Digital Opportunity Center (ADOC), the College of Asian Scholars (CAS), and several local schools in Khon Kaen. Courses covered virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI) tools, Code.org, LINE Bot, and Taiwanese culture, giving local students and teachers opportunities to explore digital technologies through hands-on learning.
The team observed strong local interest in computer skills and Chinese-language learning, and students responded enthusiastically to the courses. In addition to continuing the popular VR experience introduced the previous year, this year’s program incorporated introductory and hands-on activities involving generative AI, allowing students to explore the practical uses of emerging technologies through immersive and interactive learning. Programming and LINE Bot activities were also tailored to different age groups and levels of experience, gradually guiding students from basic digital tool use toward logical thinking and practical applications. For many participants, it was their first experience using VR equipment, and the immersive virtual environment generated considerable excitement. The AI sessions, meanwhile, introduced generative AI through everyday scenarios and encouraged students to consider how new technologies can be used to solve real-world problems.
Professor Hsiu-Li Liao said she was pleased to see CYCU students apply what they had learned in the classroom to an international service setting. Despite limitations in internet connectivity and equipment, the students adapted their teaching methods and successfully guided local participants through VR and AI activities. She noted that service-learning is not simply about transferring knowledge and technical skills; more importantly, it allows students to develop intercultural communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities in real-world settings. The creativity and resilience demonstrated by the students, she added, reflect CYCU’s commitment to holistic education.
During the service program, CAS President Asst. Prof. Dr. Kasom Chanawongse met with the CYCU faculty and students and recognized the University’s long-term commitment to information technology education in Khon Kaen. Over the years, CAS has continued to support CYCU students and faculty in bringing educational programs into local schools. Through repeated exchanges and joint service initiatives, the two institutions have built strong mutual trust and gradually developed a stable and lasting educational partnership.
The “Thai-Kong-Man-You” International Volunteer Team continued to receive support this year from the ASUS Foundation and the Youth Development Administration of Taiwan’s Ministry of Education, enabling the program to reach more schools in Thailand. Team member Ya-Chi Lee shared that the experience—from pre-departure preparation to on-site service—deepened his understanding of leadership. Rather than simply taking the lead, he learned that effective leadership means integrating team members’ strengths, building consensus, and creating opportunities for everyone to contribute toward a shared goal.
Wei-Hung Chen, who served as the team’s teaching coordinator, noted that every lesson required repeated adjustments from the planning stage to actual classroom delivery. In addition to keeping the overall teaching schedule on track, he needed to closely observe student responses and the teaching conditions faced by team members, while adjusting the pace and interaction methods when necessary. Through the experience, both students developed practical skills in leadership, instructional design, and on-site problem-solving.
A decade of service by CYCU’s Department of Information Management has created more than educational outcomes in digital literacy; it has built a cross-border educational partnership sustained by successive generations of students. Looking ahead, the “Thai-Kong-Man-You” team will continue to respond to local learning needs by combining information management expertise with emerging technologies. Through international service, CYCU aims to provide students with opportunities to apply their professional knowledge, deepen their understanding of cultural differences, and cultivate a stronger sense of social responsibility.
