On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand, in response to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), to contribute to global cooperation, and to nurture youth ambassadors with global vision and social responsibility, Shenzhen Foundation for International Exchange and Cooperation (SFIEC), in collaboration with the Thailand International Investment Promotion Association and other domestic and international partners, is officially launching the recruitment for: "APEC·VAMOS Space × Green Tech Box"· International Volunteers in Action—2026 China-Thailand Technology and Cultural Exchange Program.
This summer, we will travel with youth volunteers from the the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to Bangkok and Nonthaburi, Thailand, to collaborate with local schools in building the "APEC·VAMOS Space ✕ Green Tech Box". This space integrates a light steel wooden house, photovoltaic energy storage, STEM education equipment, and arts education. Volunteers will take part in a variety of public service activities such as teaching STEM lessons, delivering youth legal education classes and participating in hands-on experiences with intangible cultural heritage (ICH) crafts, while also conducting China-Thailand sports and cultural exchanges, and visiting leading universities and companies. Through practice, we aim to deepen youth connections and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Since the first round of recruitment, we have received active inquiries from many young people. For a more efficient resonse, we have compiled the 10 most frequently asked questions and detailed answers, hoping to help you more comprehensively assess your compatibility with the project and to help your application.
Q&A
[Project Overview]
Q1: What is the timeline of the project?
A1:
March–May: Registration opens; application materials reviewed; agreements signed between SFIEC and volunteers.
June: Finalization of volunteer list and detailed communications.
July 27–30: On-site pre-departure training in Shenzhen.
August 1–8: Public welfare program in Thailand.
Q2: What costs are volunteers responsible for?
A2: Volunteers shall cover their own international round-trip airfare, meals, accommodation, local transportation, personal expenses, and other related costs during their stay in Thailand. For detailed expense information, please contact the SFIEC assistant (WeChat ID: sfiec2022).
Q3: How do you ensure volunteers' safety in Thailand?
A3: SFIEC staff and mentors will accompany the volunteer group throughout the entire project, ensuring that participants are always together as a team. A pre-departure workshop covering topics on safety will be held before the trip, and overseas travel insurance will be purchased for all participants. Daily activity photos and updates will be shared with parents via a contact group.
[Requirements for Application]
Q4: Do I need a STEM background or teaching experience to join?
A4: There are no professional or subject-area restrictions, and teaching experience is not required—though it is certainly a plus. All accepted volunteers will receive pre-departure training covering essential science and technology knowledge, teaching methods, and cross-cultural communication skills, so that everyone feels prepared and confident.
Q5: Are there any English proficiency requirements?
A5: There are no strict requirements. Classes may be conducted in a mix of Chinese and English, and the Thai partner schools can provide translation support. However, having basic English skills will certainly enhance your overall experience.
Q6: Can recent graduates apply?
A6: The program is primarily designed for current high school and university students. However, recent graduates who have completed their studies within the past year are also welcome to apply.
Q7: Can students who are not from Shenzhen participate?
A7: The program departs from Shenzhen, and the pre-departure training is held on-site in Shenzhen. Therefore, students from the GBA will be given priority. However, students from other regions are also welcome to apply, provided they can arrange their own travel to Shenzhen and fully meet the program's participation requirements.
Q8: Will the interview for university students be online or offline? What should I prepare?
A8: The interview will be conducted online. If you are invited to an interview, please prepare a brief self-introduction and think about how your personal strengths align with the project. Specific arrangements will be shared closer to the time. Please note that this interview applies only to university students—high school student volunteers are not required to participate.
[Preparation Before Departure]
Q9: What should I do if I don't have a passport yet or my passport is about to expire?
A9: The registration deadline is May 31st. We recommend that interested participants apply for or renew their passports as soon as possible to avoid any disruption to their travel plans.
Q10: How are flights, accommodation, and meals arranged?
A10:
Flights: You may purchase your own tickets or book group tickets together with other volunteers. Depending on the situation, the SFIEC will apply for group tickets from the airline. In principle, all team members should enter and leave Thailand together.
Meals and accommodation: Meals and accommodation during your stay in Thailand will be arranged uniformly by the organizer. However, accommodation and meals during the pre-departure training in Shenzhen will need to be arranged and covered by the volunteers themselves.
Itinerary (Drafted)
Part I: July, Pre-Departure Empowerment Workshop (Shenzhen)
Part II: August, Overseas Public Welfare Practice (Thailand)
Project Highlights
01 | "Tech Ark" on the Green Silk Road
2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand. Since then, the two countries have consistently supported each other, steadily advancing the construction of a "China-Thailand Community with a Shared Future." Guided by the BRI, green development and technological innovation have become new highlights of bilateral cooperation.
Against this backdrop, SFIEC is hosting the 2026 China-Thailand Technology and Cultural Exchange Program with the theme of "Tech Co-creation + International Public Welfare + Youth Exchange". Centered on the "APEC·VAMOS Space ✕ Green Tech Box", the project integrates STEM, youth legal education and ICH aesthetic lessons, merging green energy, tech education, and artistic space to enhance educational cooperation and deepen people-to-people exchanges.
02 | Co-building Tech Classrooms
Following previous stops in Laos, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, and Togo, "APEC·VAMOS Space ✕ Green Tech Box" Tech Classroom embarks on a new journey with its fifth stop in Thailand. Volunteers will visit two Thai schools to conduct educational exchange and public welfare teaching. You will teach STEM lessons, provide instructions on the use of STEM education equipment (intelligent robots, 3D printing, meteorological monitoring, open source hardware, and desktop subtractive equipment, etc.), assist in the setup of "APEC·VAMOS Space ✕ Green Tech Box", provide training on its use and explore the application of photovoltaic energy storage systems.
Project Partner Schools
•Nawamintharachinuthit Triamudomsuksanomklao School (Bangkok): Established in 1992 with approximately 2,800 students, it is a public middle and high school under the Education Department of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The school offers trilingual courses (Chinese, English, Thai) and focuses on smart learning with AI and STEM education development.
•Chonprathanwittaya School, CPW (Nonthaburi): Founded in 1955, the school is an integrated K-12 institution under the Royal Irrigation Department Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has visited the school multiple times. The school offers trilingual courses (Chinese, English, Thai) and features a STEM project center, an English and Chinese Language & Culture Center, and specialized programs in astronomy and robotics. The school supports its students to participate in extracurricular activities and competitions, and its team has won awards in International Robot Challenge Championship.
03 | Cultural Ambassadors
Open the "ICH Aesthetic Education Box" and experience ten traditional handicrafts with Thai teachers and students, including embroidery, bamboo weaving, tie-dyeing, paper cutting, shadow puppetry, and cloisonné. Present the unique charm of Chinese culture through practice and become a youth ambassador for China-Thailand cultural exchange through communication with Thai counterparts.
04 | Dialogue with a Top University and an International Agency
The project includes a visit to Chulalongkorn University, one of the top universities in Thailand, to experience the academic and research environment. Volunteers will also visit a UN agency in Thailand to understand the operation of international organizations, expand global perspectives, and deepen your understanding of cooperation in international development.
05 | Official Certification and Personal Growth
·Global Vision and Leadership: Develop teamwork and communication skills in cross-cultural contexts.
·Deep Self-Discovery: Step out of your daily environment and discover your potential through new challenges.
·Exclusive International Volunteer Certificate: Upon conclusion of the exchange project, participants will receive an International Volunteer Certificate jointly awarded by the SFIEC and the project partners in Thailand. Outstanding participants may also receive a reference letter from the SFIEC.
06 | Building up International Friendship
With technology and cross-cultural communication as the medium, volunteers will engage in sports and cultural interactive activities. Language barriers fade when genuine friendships are formed in fun sports, performances, and interactive games.
07 | Immersive Cultural Experience
From the bustling morning markets to the historical depth of ancient ruins, volunteers will touch the pulse of Thai society from multiple dimensions, telling the story of China-Thailand friendship through the fusion of classical aesthetics and modern creativity.
Recruitment Details
We are looking for you:
•Are passionate about green technology, environmental protection, and cross-cultural exchange;
•Possess excellent skills in teamwork, hands-on practice, or language expression;
•Are a student in the GBA, hoping to contribute to public welfare in Southeast Asia as a "Gen Z".
Category A: University Students (6 members)
•Role: Lead Teacher
•Expectations: passionate about public welfare, excellent expression skills, good at teaching and classroom organization. Responsible for on-site teaching, designing interactions, and guiding teaching assistants.
•Interview required after successful registration. College students successfully selected as volunteers for VAMOS Youth will receive a special subsidy covering 30% of the program fees, provided by VAMOS & Shenzhen DETD Co., Ltd.
Category B: Middle or Senior High School Students (10-15 members)
•Role: Teaching Assistant
•Expectations: Team player, passionate about international exchange, strong hands-on and communication skills. Responsible for material preparation, classroom order, and assisting lead teachers.
Registration Information
•Deadline: May 31, 2026
•How to Apply: Please scan the QR code below to fill in the application form.
•Participation Notice: Volunteers are responsible for covering their own travel and personal expenses
QR Code for University Students
QR Code for Middle or High School Students
Apply now! For more details, please contact our assistant
SFIEC reserves the right of final interpretation for this project
Join us, let’s work together to contribute to international public welfare this summer!
Project Background
Thailand is a close and friendly partner of China. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the sentiment of "China and Thailand Are One Family" has become deeply rooted. To respond to the BRI and implement the consensus on deepening cultural and technological cooperation, SFIEC, in collaboration with partners including the Thailand International Investment Promotion Association, VAMOS, Shenzhen DETDCo., Ltd., Topak Power Technology Co., Ltd. and EEKA Fashion Foundation will implement the international public welfare project, "APEC·VAMOS Space ✕ Green Tech Box" in August in Thailand. The project will donate a "APEC·VAMOS Space ✕ Green Tech Box", with lighting, airconditioner, and photovoltaic energy storage integrated to Nawamintharachinuthit Triamudomsuksanomklao School, along with STEM education equipment and other donated goods of education. Additionally, STEM education equipment, youth legal education toolboxes, and ICH course packages will be provided to Chonprathanwittaya School.This initiative aims to build a platform for GBA youth to participate in the international public welfare project and cultivate youth ambassadors with global vision and social responsibility.
Country Profile of Thailand
Located at the central part of Indochina Peninsula, and playing an important role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Thailand (with area of about 513,000 square kilometers and around 67.9 million population) is a vibrant, multi-ethnic nation. With Buddhism as the national religion of Thailand, its society is renowned for being gentle, inclusive, and friendly. As ASEAN's second-largest economy, Thailand thrives on a blend of agriculture, manufacturing, and a booming digital economy. Its rich cultural heritage integrates seamlessly with modern urban life. Under the BRI and the sentiment of "China and Thailand Are One Family", bilateral cooperation is flourishing in trade, green development, and education. Thailand remains a key strategic partner for China, fostering deep-rooted people-to-people and public welfare ties.
About Us
Founded in December 2014, SFIEC is the first non-public foundation in China committed to promoting international exchange and cooperation and facilitating the city’s internationalization. The mission of SFIEC is to establish platforms for international exchange and cooperation, facilitate the innovation and internationalization of Shenzhen, and engage different social entities in global governance.
Since its establishment, the foundation has focused on civil international exchange and cooperation, creating a number of creative and influential independent brand sections such as the "Shenzhen x Lancang-Mekong +", the "CityPlus" platform, the “Value Plus” Platform, the "Shentlemen" Series, Empower Global Enterprises, and Engagement in Partners Public Projects. It has facilitated more than 1000 international exchange and cooperation activities, covering 8 major fields including Economy, Technology, Education, Culture, Arts, Environmental Protection, Sister Cities, Health and Wellness. Its external exchange footprint covers 6 continents, 38 countries, and more than 100 cities.
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