On November 18-19, 2024, the Global Competence Development Centre (GCDC), Faculty of Liberal Arts, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) organized the “Eco-ASEAN Fest 2024: Brewing Connections” on the 1st floor of the School of Liberal Arts, focusing on raising awareness of multiculturalism and sustainability in ASEAN+3 countries (China, Korea, Japan).
The opening ceremony was honored by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chawin Chantharasenawong, Vice President for Internationalization, who gave an opening speech, Asst. Prof. Dr. Sasitorn Suwannathep, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts, who welcomed the participants, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Natjiree Jaturapitakkul, Associate Dean for Global Competency Development, who reported on the objectives of the event.
The event consisted of various activities to connect ASEAN culture with the concept of sustainability. The first day started with ASEAN cultural performances by KMUTT students and presentations of Soundscape Projects by SSC 222 students who conveyed various interesting aspects of natural sounds, along with a Coffee Talk activity on the topic of “People Brewing Stories” by Mr. Kantapat Channgam, the Winner Robusta Coffee Drip Competition from the Krabi Robusta Drip Coffee Competition 2024, who conveyed his unique coffee brewing experience.
In addition, there were activities that combined creativity and culinary arts such as the Tom Yam Mocktail activity led by Dr. Hathairat Kunakornsakul, an independent scholar, and the day ended with a Movie Talk on the topic of “Traveler’s Love Guide” presented by Dr. SURAT PETCHNIL, Dr. NAPAK CHOTSWASD and Lecturer SUTTHIPHONG RUANGCHANTE who exchanged views on tourism and cultural relations.
On the second day of the event, there was an academic seminar to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the School of Liberal Arts and the 65th anniversary of KMUTT under the topic of “Sustainable Heritage: The Legacy of King Rama IV”, which emphasized the role of King Mongkut in the development of liberal arts and cultural heritage in the ASEAN context.
Afternoon activities include a Mini Concert in the form of ASEAN Contemporary Music by the KMUTT Student Band and a discussion with famous artists such as Mr. Nor (Post Band), Mr. Wan (WANWANWAN) and Mr. Koh Mr. Saxman who exchanged views on music and cultural integration.
The event aims to promote international participation, focusing on the integration of art, music, food and sustainable practices to raise awareness of the diversity of ASEAN countries and support the conservation of the environment and cultural heritage.