Khon Kaen University celebrated the region’s artistic heritage by hosting the first “KKU Dance Troupe: Contemporary Isan Dance” competition on October 10, 2025. The event, held at the outdoor stage of the university’s Art & Culture Center, aimed to preserve and modernize the traditional performing arts of Northeastern Thailand, known as Isan.

The competition’s grand prize was a royally bestowed trophy from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The event was presided over by Associate Professor Dr. Niyom Wongpongkham, the university’s Vice President for Art, Culture, and Creative Economy.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Niyom stated that the project serves as a bridge connecting the deep cultural roots of Isan with modern, creative choreography. “Our main goal is to sustain and develop Isan folk performing arts, ensuring they remain vibrant by creating new forms that are more accessible to the younger generation,” he said. He added that the participating students are the new generation of creators who will convey the Isan identity from a fresh perspective and drive the region’s creative economy in the future.

The competition was organized to encourage students to use performance art as a medium for cultural preservation and innovation. It also sought to develop students’ creative thinking and teamwork skills.

Worasak Worayot, Director of the Khon Kaen University Art & Culture Center, noted that the event reflects the center’s commitment to fostering youth potential through arts and culture. He highlighted that a panel of expert judges from various institutions evaluated the creative performances, each of which presented folk arts in a contemporary Isan style, conveying regional identity through movement, music, and storytelling.

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences emerged as the winner, receiving the royal trophy and a cash prize of 30,000 baht. The victory also earned them a performance slot at the 2025 International Sithan Festival.

The College of Local Administration was awarded first runner-up with a 20,000 baht prize, while the Faculty of Education secured the second runner-up position, receiving 10,000 baht. Honorable mention awards, each with a 5,000 baht prize, went to the Faculty of Agriculture and the Faculty of Law.