Friday June 14, 2024, from 12:00 to 21:00 p.m. – Khon Kaen University joined Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy, Faculty of Architecture, Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, the International College, the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization): CEA, and Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce, to hold the ISAN Insight Economic Forum: “ISAN Soft Power, the treasure of new Isan”. The objective was to internationalize the northeastern creative industries through Isan Soft Power, 5F: FOOD, FASHION, FESTIVAL, FIGHTING, FILM. Another objective was to deploy the outstanding creative industries in Isan by experts of each industry. The occasion also celebrated the 60th anniversary of Khon Kaen University, the University of creativity and development for the society. The event was organized at Khon Kaen Hall, 5th Floor, Central Plaza Khon Kaen.
Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of Khon Kaen University Council said that at present the Northeast has changed a great deal, in communication routes, city plans that accommodate the growth of population and economy, and academic institutions being ranked higher internationally. There are various agricultural raw materials, art and culture that are considered top-grade soft power, including FOOD, FASHION, FESTIVAL, FIGHTING, and FILM. Regarding tourism, there are hotels; whereas for health, there is an excellent medical center, or “Medical Hub” that can provide service for the Mekong Sub-region. It can be said that Khon Kaen is well equipped in all aspects, and so people have flooded into the city, leading to economic growth.
“Just only increasing the productivity or indicators of success that emphasize noth quantity and quality from the 9 categories of knowledge and skills, namely: Productivity, Taxonomy of Knowledge+ Skills, Real Knowledge, that involves Knowwhat, Knowhow, Knowwhy, Knowwell, Know where, and Knowwhen. Today is the chance of the new Isan, so I hope all sectors will join closely to help creating the new Isan to be the treasure of intellect and driving forward Isan economy of Thailand.
Dr. Kesinee Srisongmuang, a lecturer of the Department of Design of Textile and Fashion, Khon Kaen University, revealed that the Faculty of Architecture has proposed FASHION as one of the 5F process, and is confident that this will be the soft power that will lead Isan towards the international level. There were 3 work outcomes presented today: “Design of Semi-Couture that was inspired by Siraporn set using the Iri Madmee weaving technique and gold covering” by Mr. Jessada Panthong (Ikkew); “Design of Wearable Attires, inspired by Lam Song: Matcha Hinoki, a marine animal that receives impact from garbage in the ocean, using Madmee technique interwoven with recycled plastics and printed fabric” by Mr. Tanawan Phumsaenkhot (Alek); and “Design of Semi-couture Attire using Madmee weaving technique and embroidery, inspired by the lantern decoration in Yuan Siaw Festival” by Miss Thitiya Sokaisri (Aey-aey). It can be seen that the 3 projects have been inspired by Isan fabric and Thai silk, applied with technique of modern fabric production from recycled plastics that is environmental freiendly, integrated with Asian culture such as Chinese and Japanese. The designs all add values to Madmee fabric, making it known at the international level through relation of culture of people in the world, leading to ease of access and common experience. Most importantly, the attires can be worn in daily life.
“The exhibition or the fashion show is the chance for students to learn about the work process of people in the profession. There has been group work to arrange set of clothes that match the others. Students also learn to prepare themselves, think about the presentation method to correspond to the reality. It can be said that students have learned through the real work process.”
Besides, Dr. Kesinee added about the trend in the field of textile and fashion in deploying Isan soft power towards the international level, that fashion is the international language that can reach people anywhere in the world. Fashion can upgrade Isan wisdom, integrating with the world trend in reduction of the production of plastic fibers and recycle of the used fiber. Storytelling of Isan culture and the technique in integrating ancient material with the new material. It is expected that Isan fabric and Thai fabric fashion will become the top soft power for Thai economy.”
The event was supported and cooperated by many sectors. For instance, Miss Praethongtharn Chiinawat, Chairperson of the National Soft Power Development, came to give a special talk on “Isan Soft Power: Chance and Challenge in Making Isan Economy Grow and Sustain”. At the opening session, Mr. Kraisorn Kongchalad, Khon Kaen Governor, welcomed the attendants and Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of Khon Kaen University Council, gave a special talk on “Deployment of the New Isan”. Another activity was a forum on 5F Model ISAN Soft Power Blueprint by representatives from the business sector and researcher team from ISAN Insight. Finally, there were shows by Isan Manornsilpa Mo Lam, Khun Yommanil Namwongsa (Boos Joe) and Khun Ratanaporn Udthum (Nong Ung-ing), Noi Phet Ban Phaeng Mo Lam, Khun Suchat Inprom, Director of Mo Lam Idol Program Director, Captaian Niran Yosapol, Owner of Sarakham Boxing Camp, Khun Pratchaya Pinkaew, a famous film director.
Thanks for the photos from TPBS lens /KKU Communications Division
News: Jiraporn Pratomchai
