HSE University explores new avenues of collaboration with Thammasat University

On December 5, HSE University hosted a delegation from Thammasat University (Thailand) to explore new opportunities for cooperation in education, research, and cultural exchange. The discussions focused on the intersection of creative industries, business education, and digital technologies, as well as on developing formats that would benefit students from both countries.

The Thai delegation included representatives from the Faculty of Liberal Arts: Dean Sirirat Na Ranong, Deputy Dean for Academic and International Affairs Jittipat Poonkham, Director of Bachelor Programs Danupol Chaloeysook, and faculty representative Thanavut Thanabut.

From HSE University, the guests were welcomed by Kirill Kisel, Director for Internationalization; Sofya Sadykova, Deputy Head of the International Partnerships Office; Anna Veselova, Academic Supervisor of the International Business program at the Graduate School of Business; Natalia Logutova, Deputy Director of the Institute for Creative Industries Development; and Ivan Fidrovskiy, International Relations Manager at the HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL.

Opening the meeting, Kirill Kisel highlighted the traditionally strong, trust-based relations between Russia and Thailand and presented the university’s structure, which spans four cities and features a comprehensive digital environment. Sofya Sadykova added that HSE’s status as a National Research University ensures close integration between education and research. She noted HSE’s evolution from a specialized economics institute into a multidisciplinary university where unified high standards of English proficiency and digital literacy apply to all students, from designers to lawyers.

The topic of digital competencies was expanded by Natalia Logutova. She described the principle of professional immersion at the HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL: students begin working on real projects from their first year, ensuring a smooth transition into professional practice. Logutova also presented a digital portfolio platform accessible to partners and invited the Thai colleagues to participate in the “Creative City” territorial branding project, which works with local cultural codes.

Anna Veselova spoke about the importance of an interdisciplinary approach, emphasizing the value of programs that combine managerial skills with creative expertise. The Thammasat University delegation expressed strong interest in this model. The parties discussed the possibility of sending Liberal Arts students to HSE for practical modules — such as multimedia and game design — to expand their professional portfolios.

Participants noted that mutual interest in the creative sectors of both countries is already evident. For example, at the same time the meeting was taking place in Moscow, the curator of the Industrial Design track at the HSE ART AND DESIGN SCHOOL was participating in Chiang Mai Design Week.

Following the talks, the parties agreed to develop formats for short-term mobility, including winter and summer schools, to expand opportunities for students from Thailand, nine of whom are already studying full-time at HSE University.