To respond to challenges of globalisation, the 6th Asian Academic Society International Conference (AASIC) was held at Mae Fah Luang University by the Indonesian Students Association in Thailand, Indonesian team in MFU, and the Embassy of Indonesia in Bangkok on 8-10 November 2018.
The AASIC was initiated by PERMITHA (Overseas Indonesian Student Association in Thailand), supported by the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok. The purpose of this annual conference is to serve as stage for academics in ASEAN countries to share experiences and knowledge in the field of science, technology, hospitality industry, health, and humanities. This year, the 6th AASIC was held under a central theme “A Transformative Community: Asia in Dynamism, Innovation, and Globalization” aiming to understand the pattern of transformation which has occurred in Thailand, ASEAN and the world.
In the opening ceremony, there was an opening speech by Mr. Lingga SETIAWAN, Minister Counsellor from Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok. Additionally, there were a keynote speech “A Transformative Community: Asia in Dynamism, Innovation and Globalisation” by Emeritus Professor Alberto Gomes from La-Trobe University, Australia and Director of Dialogue, Empathic Engagement, and Peacebuilding (DEEP) Network, followed by a plenary session on “A Transformative Community: Asia in Dynamism, Innovation and Globalization.” Speakers for the plenary session included Director of Thai Studies, Chulalongkorn University, Asst. Prof. Dr. Wasana Wongsurawat; former Attaché of Education and Culture, Embassy of Indonesia in Thailand and a professor of Engineering, Syiah Kuala University, Dr. Yunardi Yusuf; Dean of School of Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Lt. Gen Emeritus Prof. Nopadol Wora-Urai, MD.; and a lecturer from the School of Management, Mae Fah Luang University Dr. Chachaya Yodsuwan.
Additionally, there was a series of oral presentations in four sub-themes which were Advancing Health and Eradicating Diseases; Re-Emerging Power and Empowering Society; Technology and Science on the Move; and Boosting Quality and Assuring Effectivity.
Furthermore, as part of the conference, the Cultural Night was organized by Indonesian students on 8 November. The main objective of the event was to promote Indonesian culture and traditions through cultural performances and food.
All in all, MFU President, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vanchai Sirichana stated that this conference provided a great opportunity for participants to share and exchange their knowledge. It also offered insights into the current conditions around the world as well as raised people’s awareness of sustainable society and healthy life.
