The 27th Anniversary Celebration of the College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Thammasat University
- International Affairs CISTU
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
As higher education institutions across Southeast Asia recalibrate to address demographic transition, sustainability imperatives, and cross-border policy complexity, interdisciplinary models are becoming central to regional competitiveness. Within this evolving landscape, the College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Thammasat University marked its 27th anniversary not merely as a commemorative milestone, but as a strategic reflection on its role in advancing Interdisciplinary Studies in Southeast Asia.
The anniversary brought together university leadership, faculty, students, alumni, and partner organizations in a program that integrated academic dialogue, student research, industry engagement, and institutional recognition. Rather than focusing solely on ceremonial celebration, the event highlighted CISTU’s capacity to connect education, research, and policy discourse in ways that respond to regional transformation.
Academic Forum: “The Role of Communities and Localities in Preparing for a Longevity Society”
At the core of the anniversary program was an academic forum titled “The Role of Communities and Local Governance in Preparing for a Longevity Society.” The forum addressed one of Southeast Asia’s most pressing structural challenges: rapid demographic aging.
Taweewat Luangwiriya, Ph.D., Director of the Bachelor of Science Program in Data Science and Innovation (DSI) at the College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Thammasat University, presented “Data-driven Longevity: Health Data Analytics to Enhance Employment Opportunities for Older Adults in Communities.” His session examined how health data analytics can support workforce participation among older adults and inform community-level policy design.
Mr. Charkhris Phomyoth, CEO and Co-Founder of YoungHappy Co., Ltd., delivered a session titled “Social Innovation and Social Enterprise for Older Adults: The YoungHappy Experience.” He shared practical insights into how social enterprise models can foster active aging, economic inclusion, and sustainable community engagement.
Asst. Prof. Duangjai Lortanavanit, Ph.D., Director of the Ageing Business & Care Development Centre at Thammasat Business School, presented “The Role of Local Governance and Communities in a Longevity Society: Lessons from Japan.” Her presentation provided comparative perspectives on local governance strategies and policy frameworks that support aging populations.
The discussion was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Rungnapa Thepparp, Ph.D., Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at the College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Thammasat University.
CISTU Undergraduate Research & Project Showcase
Complementing the policy dialogue, the CISTU Undergraduate Research & Project Showcase presented student-led research and applied innovation from all six academic programs. The showcase emphasized analytical depth, cross-disciplinary integration, and real-world application.
Beyond exhibition, the platform functioned as a capacity-building mechanism: enabling peer exchange, industry engagement, and research communication. In doing so, it reflected the College’s pedagogical model—one that integrates academic theory with regional problem-solving.
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