Khon Kaen, Thailand – In a vibrant celebration of unity and progress, the Mekong Institute (MI) and the Khon Kaen University (KKU) Centre for ASEAN Studies (CAS) collaborated to mark the 57th ASEAN Day. Held at KKU’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences on August 6, 2024, the event brought together over 200 participants, including students, professors, members of the KKU Foreign Students Associations, and experts from the ASEAN diplomatic network.
This year’s theme, “From Vision to Reality: Remembering the Past, Shaping the Future,” resonated deeply with attendees, reflecting on ASEAN’s inspiring journey over the past 57 years. The theme highlighted how ASEAN’s founding dreams have prospered into significant achievements.
Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, MI’s Executive Director, welcomed all participants and emphasized that the ASEAN Day celebration is a key initiative for promoting the ASEAN way, including its framework, principles, and the motto “One Vision, One Identity, One Community.” He highlighted that the event is essential for regional community building, as it fosters solidarity and cultural understanding and inspires new regional aspirations.
In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, President of KKU, recalled Thailand’s historic role as a founding member of ASEAN, emphasizing the nation’s continued leadership in upholding the ASEAN framework. Dr. Charnchai also zeroed in on how both the CAS and MI are perfectly positioned to promote ASEAN’s principles and values across KKU, Northeastern Thailand, and the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).
Mr. Vongthep Arthakaivalvatee, in his keynote address, provided the attendees with historical insights and wisdom gained firsthand as the former Deputy Secretary-General of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. Mr. Vongthep emphasized the crucial role of quality education in development, advocating for student exchange programs and a unified qualification framework among ASEAN Member States (AMS). He also highlighted ASEAN’s commitment to disaster risk reduction and management, given the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters. He stressed the importance of consensus-building and collaboration despite differences, which are central to the ASEAN identity and community. He stated, “The ultimate goal is to achieve deep integration and unity, where all AMS take pride in each other’s achievements.”
The event was a lively blend of cultural celebration and academic engagement. It featured a series of thought-provoking conversations among experts, celebrating ASEAN’s past triumphs and envisioning its future.
Two panel discussions engaged the participants. The first, titled “Envisioning ASEAN in 2045: Community Building and Its Significance for Isan and the Mekong Subregion,” explored the future of ASEAN integration, focusing on regional development and collaboration. It featured distinguished experts and former officials who have played pivotal roles in ASEAN’s development, moderated by Mr. Suriyan.
The second panel, “ASEAN Perspective through Politics, Culture, the Arts, and Society,” delved into the socio-cultural dimensions of ASEAN. It highlighted the interplay between politics, cultural exchange, artistic expression, and societal development. This session brought together renowned academics and thought leaders from KKU and Kyoto University, moderated by Dr. Kantaphong Chitkla of KKU’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
During her closing remarks, Asst. Prof. Dr. Keeratiporn Jutaviriya, Acting Director of CAS, reiterated the importance of celebrating ASEAN’s shared identity. “We encourage everyone, especially the students, to take the first step by reaching out and getting to know your ASEAN classmates. Building these connections is essential to ASEAN’s vision of an inclusive and thriving community,” Dr. Keeratiporn said.
The event’s interactive networking activities fostered international collaboration among professors and students from AMS. Participants were encouraged to wear their country’s traditional attire, adding a fun and festive spirit to the event while showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The celebration was proudly sponsored by Fourthchem Trading Co., Ltd., Miss Lily Co., Ltd., and Bolliger & Company (Thailand) Ltd.
