The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HUSO) at Khon Kaen University (KKU) has successfully hosted the 20th International Conference on Humanities and Social Sciences (IC-HUSO 2026). This anniversary edition marks a significant 20-year milestone in the advancement of international academic networks, underscoring the Faculty’s commitment to its vision of being a world-leading institution while supporting KKU’s strategic path toward becoming a World-Leading Research and Development University.

DAY 1 Cultural Exchange and Global Networking

The proceedings commenced on the evening of Wednesday, 7 January 2026, with a vibrant cultural showcase that highlighted the diversity of the Faculty. Performances were presented by students across the departments of Eastern Languages, Western Languages, and English, alongside representatives from the Faculty’s Student Union.

This celebratory display was enriched by international performances from the National Economics University (Hanoi, Vietnam) and universities from the Republic of Indonesia, graced by the presence of Dr Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of the Khon Kaen University Council.

Official Opening and Diplomatic Support

The 20th-anniversary celebration was inaugurated by Associate Professor Dr Orathai Piayura, Dean of HUSO, who reflected on two decades of collaborative growth. Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of KKU, delivered the welcoming address and officially presided over the opening, while Mr Yutthaporn Pirunsan, Vice Governor of Khon Kaen Province, also extended a warm welcome.

The conference was further distinguished by high-level diplomatic participation, reaffirming international ties: Mr Zhang Zheng, Vice Consul-General of the PRC in Khon Kaen, Mr Thinnakone Susady, Vice Consul-General of the Lao PDR in Khon Kaen, and Ms Dương Thị Thế, Representative of the Consulate-General of Vietnam in Khon Kaen.

DAY 2 Academic Vision and Global Discourse

The second day, Thursday, 8 January 2026, began with an inspiring atmosphere as the morning plenary session was opened with a magnificent Thai traditional cultural performance by HUSO students. This performance combined elegant Thai heritage with artistic expressions. The student showcase received high praise from international delegates, serving as a powerful reminder of the vital role cultural identity plays in the Humanities.

During the official opening ceremony, Associate Professor Dr Orathai Piayura, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, delivered the Reporting Speech. She emphasised the conference’s evolution over the past twenty years into a premier platform for scholarly exchange in the Mekong sub-region. Following the Dean's report, Dr Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of the Khon Kaen University Council, presided over the event and delivered the Opening Speech, officially declaring the 20th IC-HUSO open.

Keynote: Asian Civilisation

Following the opening ceremony, Dr Narongchai Akrasanee, Chairman of the Khon Kaen University Council, delivered a visionary keynote address on: “Asian Civilisation: Unifying Forces in an Era of Global Fragmentation.” Dr Narongchai analyzed how communal harmony and cultural resilience in Asia serve as stabilizing forces against global fractures, urging scholars to lead the way in interpreting these values for future policy.

Global Research Integration

The afternoon showcased 148 research papers presented by scholars and students representing seven countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Laos, India, and Papua New Guinea. This academic output reflects the conference's status as a premier regional platform for the exchange of ideas. The discourse spanned critical areas including social sciences, language and culture, gender studies, environmental issues, information technology, AI, and regional cooperation within Asia.

As IC-HUSO 2026 concludes, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences remains steadfast in its journey toward becoming “A World Leading Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences,” generating knowledge that yields tangible social, cultural, and policy impacts for the global community.