On 8 January 2026, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HUSO), Khon Kaen University (KKU), hosted The 20th International Conference on Humanities and Social Sciences (IC-HUSO 2026).
Associate Professor Orathai Piayura, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, delivered the opening remarks. Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of Khon Kaen University Council, presided over the opening ceremony, which was attended by Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., KKU President, representatives from the Consulates-General of the People’s Republic of China, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Khon Kaen, and scholars from nine countries at the Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid Hotel.
The IC-HUSO conference was organised to commemorate the 20th anniversary of building and strengthening international academic networks in the fields of humanities and social sciences. Its objectives included fostering the creation and exchange of knowledge centred on humanity, society, and cultural diversity; strengthening global academic cooperation; and elevating research quality to international standards. These goals align with Khon Kaen University’s vision of becoming a world-leading research and development university.
Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of Khon Kaen University Council, stated, “On behalf of Khon Kaen University, I would like to congratulate and welcome all academics from around the world to this important conference. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of IC-HUSO marks a significant milestone, demonstrating our commitment and continuity in building international academic networks over the past two decades. Khon Kaen University is proud to host a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience among leading scholars, researchers, and educational institutions from diverse countries.”
The conference was held under the theme: ‘Asian Civilization: Unifying Forces in an Era of Global Fragmentation’, which reflects the crucial role of Asian civilisation in fostering cooperation and cross-cultural understanding amid global fragmentation and inequality. Dr. Narongchai asserted his belief that the role of educational institutions extends beyond teaching; they are essential institutions that promote societal prosperity, guide society towards global trends, and play a vital part in Thailand’s development and Khon Kaen University’s international advancement.
“The world today is becoming more fragmented. I personally believe that fragmentation does not preclude global prosperity. Instead, it is civilisation that helps people in all regions of the world achieve greater unity, replacing conflict with collaboration. Conversely, everyone lives with the goal of human progress in mind. Therefore, research in the social sciences and humanities, specifically research focused on peace and democracy, can today contribute to reconciling humanity, fostering unity, and helping reduce conflicts,” the Chairman of Khon Kaen University Council concluded.
Associate Professor Orathai Piayura, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, added, “The IC-HUSO 2026 programme design is comprehensive, integrating special lectures, academic panel discussions, and research presentations, totalling 148 articles from scholars across nine countries. The topics cover diverse issues such as sociology, language and culture, gender and environment, information technology and artificial intelligence, as well as Asian civilisation and cooperation. This ensures participants gain new knowledge, perspectives, and build strong cooperative professional networks.”
She further stressed that IC-HUSO serves as a key mechanism in driving the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences towards its aspiration of becoming “a world-leading faculty of humanities and social sciences.” This vision prioritises research that meaningfully serves society rather than remaining purely theoretical, ensuring that academic outputs contribute to community development and reinforce Khon Kaen University’s role as a global hub of knowledge.
Professor Dr. Martin Seeger from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom, who participated and served as a panellist, remarked, “Participating in the IC-HUSO 2026 conference has been a superb experience. I had the opportunity to meet scholars from various fields and countries, exchange views on student-centred learning management, and witness the progress of the strong academic network in the Asian region. My research in religion and culture provides knowledge that I integrate into teaching students in the UK, helping them open their perspectives, study the cultures of others, and better understand their own and other histories. This process equips students with systematic analytical and critical thinking skills, which will lead to academic cooperation between my institution and Khon Kaen University in the future.”
The programme was held from 7–8 January 2026 at the Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid Hotel. Activities included cultural performances, the opening ceremony celebrating the 20th anniversary, a special lecture on “Asian Civilization: Unifying Forces in an Era of Global Fragmentation” by Dr. Narongchai Akrasanee, an academic panel discussion on “Student-Centred Learning: Policy, Practice, and Possibilities” by Professor Dr. Martin Seeger, an awards ceremony for outstanding theses of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for the academic year 2025, parallel research presentation sessions, and a dinner reception to strengthen relationships and foster academic collaboration.
