Assumption University of Thailand (AU)’s Graduate School of Human Sciences was represented at the 21st Singapore Graduate Forum on Southeast Asian Studies, hosted by the Asia Research Institute at the National University of Singapore from 15–26 June 2026.
Michael Bistis, a Ph. D. student in Philosophy and Religion, presented his research paper, “Examining the Impacts of Rice-Merit Networks among the Karen Communities in Thailand,” as part of Panel 6 on Performance. His presentation took place on 24 June 2026 at NUS and was discussed by Dr Alvin Eng Hui Lim, a scholar specializing in theatre, religion, and digital media.
The Singapore Graduate Forum brought together selected Ph.D. candidates and new doctoral recipients from leading universities around the world for online academy sessions, in-person presentations, keynote addresses, scholarly feedback, and international networking. The forum focused on emerging research in Southeast Asian studies, with strong attention to community-based, interdisciplinary scholarship.
Bistis’ research explored rice-merit networks among Karen communities in Thailand, contributing to wider academic conversations on religion, culture, Indigenous studies, and Southeast Asian community life. His participation also provided opportunities to receive feedback from senior scholars, connect with international researchers, and access the NUS Libraries’ extensive academic collection.
The achievement reflected the growing international research presence of AU’s Graduate School of Human Sciences and highlighted the university’s commitment to doctoral education, regional scholarship, and meaningful research connected to communities in Thailand and Southeast Asia.
WRITER: MICHAEL BISTIS
More Information about Graduate School of Human Sciences, please visit:
Website: https://humansciences.au.edu/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abacgraduate/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbacGrad
Tel: (+66) -2783-2222 Ext. 3718, 3636
