MSU Hosts “Creative Taksila” Showcasing Cultural Heritage, Education, and Local Economy

Mahasarakham University (MSU), in collaboration with the Alumni Association and partner networks, organized the event “MSU Creative & Cultural Park: Creative Takasila” on September 18 – 19, 2025, at the MSU Museum, Kham Riang Campus. The event aimed to position the university as a hub for driving the province’s creative economy by leveraging unique cultural heritage and its identity as the “Educational City of Takasila.”

The opening ceremony was presided over by Prof. Dr. Pairot Pramual, Vice President for Research and Innovation Development. He emphasized that this initiative reflects MSU’s philosophy “Public Devotion is a Virtue of the Learned” It highlights cultural heritage, innovations from research, student and alumni creations, and local community products. The long-term goal is to establish the MSU Creative and Cultural Park as a collaborative platform benefiting both the university and society. Maha Sarakham, with its strong identity as Takasila Nakhon (or the city of education) and its cultural capital, can generate added value through the creative economy when all sectors join forces.

Event activities featured creative product showcases by students, alumni, and local entrepreneurs; cultural performances such as Morlum Sin-Isan, Molum Puppet Dek-Thewada Troupe, and Maha Mai Mueng Kham Fashion Show; as well as a seminar on “Universities as Creative Spaces Connecting Society.” Workshops included crafting sticky rice basket puppets and straw figures, while exhibitions and activities showcased Isan-inspired photo props, innovative woven textiles, and cross-cultural exchanges with international participants.

Ms. Sumalee Suwannakon, President of the MSU Alumni Association, stated that the event was a meaningful opportunity for alumni—many of whom are entrepreneurs—to reconnect with faculty, classmates, and current students, strengthening networks and honoring shared values of MSU. She also noted the importance of alumni engagement in shaping the university’s future, recalling MSU’s legacy since its founding as a teacher’s college in 1968 and its upgrade to a university in 1994.

Mr. Thom Gatewongsa, Director of the Research Institute of Northeastern Arts and Culture (RINAC), added that the event was made possible by collaboration with MSU units, the Alumni Association, and external partners such as the Provincial Cultural Office, Provincial Commerce Office, Chamber of Commerce, and community enterprises. Together, they brought a wide range of activities under the concept “Creative Taksila,” translating cultural heritage into tangible contributions to the creative economy.

Source: Research Institute of Northeastern Arts and Culture, Mahasarakham University

# ด้านศิลปวัฒนธรรม (Art and Culture)

SDGs: 11 GOAL11-เมืองและชุมชนยั่งยืน (Sustainable cities and communities) 17 GOAL17-หุ้นส่วนเพื่อการพัฒนา (Partnership for the Goals)