Walailak University's School of Political Science and Public Administration played host to the Inter-Asia Cultural Studies Conference in the year 2025.
Inter-Asia Cultural Studies Conference 2025 Kicks Off in Thailand
The Inter-Asia Cultural Studies Conference (IACS) 2025, themed "Geo-Social Connection: The Continuing Journey of Critical Inquiry," is currently underway at Walailak University in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. The conference, which runs from July 23-25, 2025, aims to foster critical dialogue across disciplines, promote international academic collaboration, and explore the evolving cultural, political, and social dynamics across and beyond Asia.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surin Maisrikrod, Vice President of Walailak University, presided over the opening ceremony of the conference. The event is being organized in collaboration with the Center of Geosocial and Cultural Research for Sustainable Development, the Inter-Asia Cultural Studies Society, and the School of Political Science and Public Administration at Walailak University.
The conference has attracted over 500 scholars from 15 countries across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Australia. Participants include Asst. Prof. Surat Khompot (Acting Vice Dean), Asst. Prof. Dr. Siriporn Somboonboorana (Conference Chair), Dr. Andy Chih-Ming Wang (Chair of the IACS Society), Asst. Prof. Dr. Thiti Jamkajornkeiat (University of Victoria), and Dr. Tipaya Peungcharoenkun (Organizing Committee Member).
The conference is a regional event, with participants from multiple Asian countries. It is focused on cultural studies and aims to foster sustainable development through cultural research. The event is also expected to spark innovative research, promote collaborative intellectual inquiry, and build geo-social connections that go beyond geopolitical narratives.
The conference's focus on "inter-referencing" suggests ongoing collective critical inquiry into shared Asian social and political issues, aiming at both academic advancement and practical, collaborative solutions. Past related conferences have emphasized fostering intellectual exchange and community building around issues of Asian cultural and labor studies, indicating likely similar outputs in terms of research networking and publication opportunities.
The deadline for submission of proposals was November 1, 2024, with acceptances due by February 15, 2025, and cluster submissions due by April 30, 2025. The conference is being held at The Twin Lotus Hotel in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.
While concrete outcomes of the 2025 conference are not yet available, the goals include fostering innovative research, promoting collaborative intellectual inquiry, and building geo-social connections that go beyond geopolitical narratives. Updates on the conference's outcomes will be made available post-conference, and further information can be found on the official website iacs2025.com.
The conference, focused on cultural studies, also aims to promote international academic collaboration, fostering innovative research and intellectual exchange beyond geopolitical narratives, as seen in the business of education-and-self-development and learning. Politicians and policymakers might find insights in the discussions, as the conference covers various politics and general-news topics related to Asia. The international participation of scholars from various countries demonstrates the conference's commitment to fostering a better understanding of Asian cultural dynamics, contributing to the broader goal of sustainable development.
