Assumption University faculty members delivered keynote addresses at an international cultural gathering in China, showcasing Thai academic expertise in arts, design and communication.
Assumption University of Thailand (AU) made its mark on the international academic stage as two faculty leaders delivered keynote addresses at the Lancang-Mekong Culture Camp, held September 24–28, 2026, in Gusheng Village beside the scenic Erhai Lake in Dali, Yunnan Province, China.
Dr. Apichart Intravisit, Program Director of the Master of Arts in Arts and Design, and Assistant Professor Dr. Nutthaphut Panjad, Dean of AU’s School of Communication Arts, represented the University during the September 27 academic exchange. They joined scholars from leading Asian universities to explore how art, creativity and cultural heritage can bring communities closer together.
A Village Becomes a Living Classroom
Forget the conventional conference hall. This international gathering turned a traditional Chinese village into a living classroom, where academics, students and local residents shared traditions, stories and experiences.
Under the theme “Using the ‘Self’ as Method: From Nostalgia to River Basins,” the camp explored the cultural connections linking communities across the Lancang-Mekong region.
Participants experienced traditional tea preparation, flower arrangement, incense, cooking and lantern launching. International teams also interviewed local Bai families, recording stories and cultural practices through photography, sketches, writing and sound.
A highlight was the Lancang-Mekong reunion banquet, where participants shared Mid-Autumn Festival traditions and discovered how familiar celebrations can build understanding across cultures.
AU Faculty Join Leading Asian Scholars
The participation of Dr. Apichart and Dr. Nutthaphut placed AU’s academic expertise alongside scholars from Peking University, Chulalongkorn University, Yunnan University and the University of Brawijaya.
The event also brought together distinguished representatives from the local government and academic community, including Mr. Huang Shun, Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Dali Bai Autonomous Prefectural Committee, and Prof. Wang Tianxiang of the Sichuan Academy of Fine Arts. Their presence further highlighted the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and local authorities in promoting cultural exchange and heritage preservation.
Bringing together participants from China, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, the gathering encouraged conversations about cultural identity, artistic expression and the importance of preserving traditions for future generations.
Their keynote participation highlighted the international relevance of AU’s expertise in arts, design and communication while reinforcing the University’s commitment to academic exchange beyond national borders.
Building Connections Beyond Borders
Organized by the Artistic Agri-Tech Courtyard of the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, the camp demonstrated how universities and local communities can work together to celebrate and document cultural heritage.
For Assumption University, participation in the event offered another opportunity to strengthen international academic relationships, share Thai perspectives and engage with creative approaches to education and cultural preservation.
Through their contributions in Yunnan, AU’s faculty leaders helped extend the University’s international academic presence while demonstrating how creativity, communication and cultural understanding can connect people across the region.
WRITER: APICHART INTRAVISIT
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