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RIYAZ International and Jin Jiang Hotels China Region Sign Strategic Partnership to Expand Cross-Border Hospitality Across Southeast Asia

Launch of RJJ Hotels and multiple agreements position Malaysia as the hub for regional tourism and investment growth


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 September 2025 – Malaysian-owned hospitality group, RIYAZ International Sdn. Bhd., has formalised a strategic partnership with Jin Jiang Hotels China Region to launch RJJ Hotels Sdn. Bhd. and expand its footprint across Southeast Asia and the wider Asia Pacific region.

The launch of the RJJ Hotels where RIYAZ International has partnered with Jin Jiang Hotels China Region to expand its presence across Southeast Asia and Asia Pacific. The launch was witnessed by YBhg Dato’ Hairil Yahri Yaacob, Secretary General, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (representing YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry) From left to right: Zhang Zhong Hao, Senior Vice President of Jinjiang Hotels (China Region); Zhou Wei, Vice President of Jinjiang International (Group); Zhao Qi, Party Secretary and Chairman of Jinjiang International (Group); YBhg Dato’ Hairil Yahri Yaacob, Secretary General, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry; Dato’ Sri Shaheen, Group Managing Director, RIYAZ International and RJJ Hotels; Dato’ Muthukumar Ayarpadde, Board of Directors, RIYAZ International and Founder and Executive Chairman of MK Tron Group; He Yijun, General Manager of the Overseas Business Department of Jinjiang Hotels (China Region)
The launch of the RJJ Hotels where RIYAZ International has partnered with Jin Jiang Hotels China Region to expand its presence across Southeast Asia and Asia Pacific. The launch was witnessed by YBhg Dato’ Hairil Yahri Yaacob, Secretary General, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (representing YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry) From left to right: Zhang Zhong Hao, Senior Vice President of Jinjiang Hotels (China Region); Zhou Wei, Vice President of Jinjiang International (Group); Zhao Qi, Party Secretary and Chairman of Jinjiang International (Group); YBhg Dato’ Hairil Yahri Yaacob, Secretary General, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry; Dato’ Sri Shaheen, Group Managing Director, RIYAZ International and RJJ Hotels; Dato’ Muthukumar Ayarpadde, Board of Directors, RIYAZ International and Founder and Executive Chairman of MK Tron Group; He Yijun, General Manager of the Overseas Business Department of Jinjiang Hotels (China Region)

The milestone was celebrated at a signing and launch ceremony at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), officiated by YBhg. Dato’ Hairil Yahri Yaacob, Secretary General, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry on behalf of YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia, who also delivered the keynote address. The event brought together more than 400 industry stakeholders, underscoring confidence in Malaysia as a hub for tourism, hospitality, and cross-border investment.

Group Photo for Launch

The programme opened with remarks by Dato’ Sri Shaheen, Group Managing Director RIYAZ International and RJJ Hotels, followed by Zhou Wei, Vice President of Jin Jiang International.

Agreements included:

  • A Management License Agreement (MLA) between RJJ Hotels and Jin Jiang Hotels China Region.
  • A Joint Venture Agreement between RIYAZ International and Permodalan Satok Berhad (PSB) for the Metropolo Jinjiang Hotels Sarawak project.
  • 11 Hotel Management Agreements and MoUs across Malaysia.

The MLA was signed by Dato’ Sri Shaheen and Zhang Zhonghao, Senior Vice President of Jin Jiang Hotels China Region, and witnessed by Zhao Qi, Party Committee Secretary and Chairman of Jin Jiang International, with senior representatives from RIYAZ and Jin Jiang International.

These signings mark the launch of RJJ Hotels as a platform to accelerate regional growth and investment, strengthening hospitality flows beyond Malaysia and China.

Founded in 2008, RIYAZ International has built a reputation through its award-winning portfolio including The RIYAZ, Dash, The Pure and AQVA.

Jin Jiang Hotels China Region is part of Shanghai Jin Jiang International Hotels Co., Ltd., one of the world’s leading hotel groups. With more than 17,000 hotels and 1.6 million rooms across 55 countries, its portfolio spans premium, midscale and economy brands. Through RJJ Hotels, five of its established brands — Metropolo Jinjiang Hotels, Lavande Hotels, Jinjiang Inn, Ginco Hotel and Renjoy Hotel — will be introduced to Southeast Asia, catering to diverse travel needs across business and leisure segments.

Metropolo Jinjiang Hotels

Quotes

  • In his keynote speech on behalf of YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia at the launch ceremony, YBhg Dato’ Hairil Yahri Yaacob, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia, stated, “The partnership between RIYAZ Group and Jinjiang Hotels (China) demonstrates investors’ strong confidence in Malaysia’s economic resilience. It also underscores the importance of global collaboration in solidifying Malaysia’s position as a regional hub for trade, tourism, and sustainable development. Ultimately, the value of a partnership like this will be measured not just by rooms opened, but by the quality of opportunities it creates for Malaysians: by how many SMEs join the value chain; by how many young people receive world-class training, and by how effectively we embed sustainability—from energy efficiency to waste reduction—into daily operations.”
  • Dato’ Sri Shaheen, Group Managing Director RIYAZ International and RJJ Hotels, said: “RJJ Hotels is more than a launch — it is Malaysia’s chance to lead a new era of cross-border hospitality. With RIYAZ’s local strength and Jin Jiang’s reach, we are shaping growth that puts Malaysia at the centre of Southeast Asia’s tourism story.”
  • Zhou Wei, Vice President of Jin Jiang International, said: “Southeast Asia is central to our growth strategy, and Malaysia’s resilience makes it the natural hub. Working with RIYAZ gives us the local insight to bring global resources into the region and deliver hospitality that creates long-term value.”

RIYAZ International and Jin Jiang Hotels China Region reaffirm their commitment to sustainable hospitality growth, with Malaysia as the anchor and Southeast Asia as the next frontier.

Hashtag: #RIYAZInternational #JinJiangHotels

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

FABTECH 2025 Preview: HSG Laser to Reveal Advanced Flat and Tube Laser Automation Solutions

CHICAGO, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HSG Laser, a global provider of metal shaping equipment and solutions, will present its integrated advanced flat and tube laser automation solutions at FABTECH 2025, North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event. From September 8–11 at McCormick Place in Chicago, visitors to Booth A3592 will see HSG’s latest innovations in cutting, welding, bending, and automation, developed to enhance productivity, flexibility, and cost efficiency for manufacturers worldwide.

HSG Laser’s booth will feature several new highlights:

  • Store Pro Automation – A compact 3-in-1 system that cuts floor space needs by over 70% while scaling with production demands.
  • GH Fiber Laser – Incorporating Lightning Perforation Technology for faster cuts and a new Alpha T Plus Bus System designed to simplify operations.
  • TS2 Tube Laser – Featuring 3D cutting capabilities and a 25-second automatic loading function to expand throughput.
  • HC1703 Press Brake – Equipped with servo-driven back gauges and an automatic deflection compensation system for precision bending.
  • HLGW Laser Welder – Aimed at reducing welding time and simplifying operation, with seven integrated safety features.

About HSG LASER

HSG LASER is internationally recognized for its advanced metal-shaping equipments and solutions, supporting industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, and heavy equipment. With a strong emphasis on precision, reliability, and innovation, the company delivers world-class machinery designed to enhance manufacturing productivity and performance. Founded in 2006, HSG has swiftly risen to prominence. With an installed base of over 35,000 machines worldwide and a workforce exceeding 1800, HSG has rapidly become a trusted partner across numerous industries.

ABeam Consulting, BearingPoint Establish New Company in the Americas, Strengthening transformation services and support framework for global companies

TOKYO, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ABeam Consulting Ltd. (Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Takahiro Yamada, President and CEO) and BearingPoint (Amsterdam, Netherlands; Matthias Loebich, Managing Partner) have agreed to establish a new company with the aim of strengthening our consulting services in the Americas market.

The new company will combine both partners’ long-cultivated expertise in the fields of management and technology with the digital capabilities of its Global Capability Center (GCC) operations across Asia/Japan and Europe, as well as India. It will provide advanced integrated consulting services to global companies that aim for growth and transformation in the Americas, the world’s largest economic and consumer market.


Company Overview

Company name: BearingPoint NA LLC
Date established: September 2, 2025 (Tuesday)
(The company is scheduled to be established upon completion of closing procedures in the United States.)
Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Representative: Ralf Dillmann

By accurately grasping the dynamic business environment unique to the Americas market, including its complex tax systems, labor environments, and rapidly evolving digital technologies, the new company will provide consistent support ranging from formulating transformation agendas to enhancing management and executing digital transformation. In particular, it will expand our digital-first transformation support framework by developing and providing industry-specific technology assets and solutions for companies aiming to become AI-native, in addition to the enterprise app implementation and managed services in which both companies excel. Beyond that, it will establish a support system that enables seamless collaboration with businesses in various countries, aligning with our global growth strategy beyond the Americas.

ABeam Consulting and BearingPoint aim to respond to the changing business environment that transcends national and regional boundaries as we continue to provide consulting services with a truly seamless structure. By integrating the diverse expertise and capabilities of both companies, we will help companies grow globally and create new value.

Comment from Matthias Loebich, Managing Partner, BearingPoint

This joint venture marks a new chapter in the partnership that both of our companies have built on trust and shared values cultivated over many years, as well as our long-term commitment to client success. Through our collaboration with ABeam, we will integrate each region’s strengths, cultural harmony, and proven capabilities to build a collaborative platform that accelerates digital transformation in corporate management, including SAP.

This initiative will enable the expansion of our consulting business in the United States market and establish a framework to provide high-value-added services to clients worldwide. The strength of our strategic approach lies in steadily guiding transformation starting from the conceptual stage, and staying with companies and organizations until they achieve concrete results.

We are currently advancing our growth strategy, “Strategy 2030.” Grounded in our “People First” philosophy, this strategy combines industry expertise with technological leadership to help clients achieve sustainable business impact. Through our business expansion in the Americas, we will accelerate our global growth and contribute to realizing our clients’ future-oriented growth strategies.

Comment from Takahiro Yamada, President and CEO, ABeam Consulting Ltd.

We are establishing this joint venture in order to further deepen the relationship of trust that we have built with BearingPoint under our shared values of “Client First, People First,” and to advance that relationship to a new stage. This will further strengthen our support system for global companies in the Americas, in addition to Asia and Europe.

The Americas, where sustained economic growth is expected to continue, not only represent one of the most important markets for Japanese and Asian companies, but also serve as a hub of innovation where leading-edge technologies are constantly emerging. We will anticipate the dynamics of this market and provide consulting services that directly enhance value for our clients. In particular, by making use of cutting-edge solutions, including generative AI, a pillar of our growth strategy toward 2030, we will provide strong support to client companies as they evolve into AI-native organizations. This will drive sustainable transformation and foster new value creation.

We will continue to support sustained growth and transformation as a Creative Partner that delivers tangible results while creating economic and social value through customer transformation.

About ABeam Consulting Ltd.

ABeam Consulting is an integrated management consulting firm that provides global services tailored to each country and region through its worldwide network centered in Asia. The wide range of consulting services it provides include strategy, BPR, IT, organization/personnel, outsourcing and other domains of specialized expertise. Roughly 9,000 richly experienced professional ABeam consultants advise companies and other organizations in areas that include finance, manufacturing, distribution, energy, information communications, and organizations in the public sector. ABeam Consulting creates the future together with corporations and other organizations. As a creative partner leading the way reliably to solid results, we contribute to industrial and societal change.
Website: https://www.abeam.com/jp/en/

 

Kenanga Futures Launches “Futures Awaken” to Help Traders Navigate Market Volatility


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 September 2025 – Kenanga Futures Sdn Bhd (“Kenanga Futures“) has announced the launch of its latest nationwide campaign, “Futures Awaken”. Running until 30 November 2025, the campaign is dedicated to shaping a new generation of traders by enhancing their financial strategies and redefining Futures as a vital hedging and risk management tool amidst ongoing global economic uncertainties.

Azila Abdul Aziz, Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director & Head of Listed Derivatives, Kenanga Futures Sdn Bhd
Azila Abdul Aziz, Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director & Head of Listed Derivatives, Kenanga Futures Sdn Bhd

Building on the spirit of Malaysia Day, Futures Awaken highlights Malaysia’s growing prominence in the global derivatives space by showcasing the vibrant and dynamic product landscape of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives (“BMD”) as a gateway to new opportunities. Reflecting Kenanga Futures’ commitment to Building a Smart Derivatives Trading Community, the campaign offers a curated digital learning journey featuring interactive e-modules and seminars – all designed to foster financial literacy and empower Malaysia’s New-Gen, which makes up 25% of the population, to take charge of their financial future in the ever-evolving derivatives landscape.

“At Kenanga Futures, we are building tomorrow, today. By staying true to our values, we strive to inspire and empower the next generation of traders through innovation and enhanced education to thrive in this dynamic derivatives industry. The Futures Awaken campaign is a timely initiative that celebrates the spirit of Malaysia Day by equipping Malaysians with a strong foundation in futures trading and advancing them to the next level. As the Gen-Alpha of today embraces disruptive technology and adopts AI-machine learning in trading strategy, the derivatives landscape is being redefined – unlocking new opportunities in this new era of trading,” said Azila Abdul Aziz, Chief Executive Officer/ Executive Director & Head of Listed Derivatives of Kenanga Futures.

Throughout the campaign period, account opening fees are reduced to a nominal RM10, lowering the barrier of entry for newcomers to capitalise on the current market landscape. Additionally, new clients who successfully register and open a futures trading account with Kenanga Futures during the campaign period, and trade a minimum of 10 BMD contracts, will be eligible to receive a RM100 e-shopping voucher, while the top 20 traders must fulfil the minimum requirement of trading more than 500 BMD contracts during the campaign period in order to qualify for the RM300 e-shopping voucher.

Looking ahead, Kenanga Futures plans to expand the campaign with advanced learning modules, collaborative initiatives, and partnerships with industry experts – reinforcing its commitment to Building a Smart Derivatives Trading Community.

Visit https://www.kenangafutures.com.my to start your futures trading journey today.

-Terms and conditions apply.

Hashtag: #Kenanga

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Kenanga Futures Sdn Bhd 199501024398 (353603-X)

Kenanga Futures Sdn Bhd is an award-winning Malaysian listed derivatives broker regulated under the Securities Commission Malaysia and Bursa Malaysia Berhad. The company offers clients electronic market access to trade listed products on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives, CME Group and Hong Kong Exchange. Apart from being a direct member of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad and the clearinghouse, the company is also a registered broker with the U.S. CFTC and was granted exemption relief pursuant to Commission Regulation 30.10 which enables the company to paper directly with entities in the U.S. On the domestic front, the company has an extensive network with 24 branches nationwide licensed to trade listed derivatives.

Clients can access both U.S. and Malaysian listed derivatives on a single trading platform via the company’s trademarked real-time customised online trading solution, KDF TradeActive™. KDF TradeActive™ is available on both desktop and mobile devices, giving clients easy access to real-time market data and flexibility to trade on-the-go.

Dachser expands wine and spirits logistics services in Asia Pacific


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 September 2025Dachser, a global logistics provider with over 90 years of experience and more than two decades of specialized expertise in wine and spirits logistics, has expanded its service portfolio across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. Through the expansion, Dachser Air & Sea Logistics (ASL) APAC, further strengthens its position to better support the region’s growing market demands.

Dascher Photo

Leveraging its deep industry expertise and robust multimodal network, Dachser offers an integrated end-to-end supply chain solution for wine and spirits businesses operating between Europe and APAC. The offering combines air and sea freight services with the well-established European network of Dachser Road Logistics, delivering efficiency, reliability, and product integrity from origin to destination.

The APAC wine and spirits market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5-6% until 2030, driven by rising consumer demand and expanding trade. “The region presents significant opportunities for Dachser to apply our established expertise in wine and spirits logistics,” said Roman Mueller, Managing Director for Air & Sea Logistics Asia Pacific. “At Dachser, we understand the unique needs of our customers and are committed to delivering wine and spirits with excellence, ensuring customers experience a first-class journey from European wineries to markets across APAC.”

Dachser’s participation at ProWine Hong Kong 2025 marked a key milestone in the regional expansion of its wine and spirits logistics portfolio. Held from May 14-16, 2025, the event provided a platform for the company to showcase its capabilities under the motto: “Wine and spirits, delivered with excellence.” Dachser engaged with trading companies, importers, distributors, and hospitality professionals to highlight how its solutions support business growth and supply chain resilience across the fast-changing beverage markets.

From European vineyard to Asia Pacific: built on global strength

Dachser’s integrated wine and spirits logistics offering includes multimodal transport services—air, sea (FCL and LCL), and European road freight—along with buyers’ consolidation, customs clearance, warehousing, temperature-controlled handling, and in-house insurance. All services are supported by Dachser’s proprietary digital systems, providing real-time tracking and ETA visibility.

“We consolidate shipments from multiple European suppliers to a single consignee and act as a one-stop logistics partner,” said Sébastien Ferrandiz, Business Development Manager Food and Beverage Logistics Asia Pacific. “By managing the entire European journey of wine and spirits products through our own European trucking network, own container freight stations and dedicated teams, we enable our customers to focus on growing their businesses, while we take care of the logistics with reliability and efficiency.”

Operating in the APAC region for more than 45 years, Dachser continues to expand with presence in currently more than 40 locations, including Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Seoul, Shanghai, and Singapore. In 2023, Dachser expanded its footprint to Australia and New Zealand through acquisition and opened a new office in Japan, along with sales offices in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Da Nang, Vietnam. With a solid regional presence and a strong European logistics backbone, Dachser is well-positioned to deliver a wide spectrum of logistics services tailored to the diverse needs of its customers.

Hashtag: #Dachser

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Dachser

Dachser, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines: Dachser European Logistics and Dachser Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s range. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 37,300 employees at 433 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 8 billion in 2024. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 83.2 million shipments with a tonnage of 44.1 million metric tons. Country organizations represent Dachser in 43 countries. For more information about Dachser, please visit In the DACHSER magazine, you will regularly find up-to-date reports, articles, and interviews on topics that concern us today and tomorrow:

Peak Energy breaks ground in the Philippines with 65 MWp solar project

Solar project to deliver clean energy for decades, supporting decarbonization and energy security in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Peak Energy, Asia’s leading clean renewable energy developer and Independent Power Producer (IPP), is advancing its growth in the Philippines with a 65 MWp greenfield solar development.

Peak Energy breaks ground in the Philippines with 65 MWp solar project
Peak Energy breaks ground in the Philippines with 65 MWp solar project

Located in the province of Isabela, Cagayan Valley region occupying the northeastern section of Luzon, the project will generate more than 68,000 MWh (68 GWh) of clean electricity each year — enough to power around 23,000 homes in the Philippines — while avoiding approximately 37,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, equivalent to removing about 8,000 cars from the road.

The project is planned for commercial operation in 1st half of 2027. Peak Energy will be engaging directly with key corporates ready to lock in stable, long-term clean power which will accelerate Philippines’ pathway to the green transition and help Filipino businesses decarbonize at scale.

The Philippines offers one of the most favorable environments for renewables in Southeast Asia. In recent years, the government has enhanced incentives and regulatory clarity, creating conditions that actively encourage private investment and the deployment of clean energy.

With this project, Peak Energy reinforces its position as a trusted partner in the Philippine energy transition. The project reflects Peak’s ability to bring to market high-quality developments that support businesses in securing reliable, affordable clean power. It also reinforces Peak Energy’s role as a long-term contributor to a market where large-scale, high-voltage solar opportunities of this standard are increasingly rare.

“This project illustrates how we approach our regional development: focusing on high-quality sites, securing the fundamentals fast, and ensuring projects meet the expectations of our customers. The Philippines offers a rare combination in Southeast Asia: strong solar potential and a regulatory environment that actively supports renewable energy deployment. These conditions give us confidence that we are delivering meaningful solutions for businesses looking to decarbonize at scale, and that we are well positioned to continue doing so as demand for reliable clean energy grows.”

 — Gavin Adda, CEO of Peak Energy

Across Asia-Pacific, Peak Energy now owns about 300 MW of operating assets and 1 GW of projects in development. In the Philippines, alongside utility scale solar projects, the company operates a growing portfolio of rooftop solar solutions for commercial and industrial customers. Our strength lies in delivering flexible, high-quality solutions that can be adapted to the needs of businesses of all sizes, whatever their decarbonization ambition — from initial steps to advanced sustainability strategies. This agility, combined with our engineering excellence and execution capability, positions Peak Energy as a trusted partner for corporates looking to secure reliable, affordable clean power.

About Peak Energy

Headquartered in Singapore, Peak Energy develops, owns, and operates renewable assets across Asia Pacific (APAC). With 300 MW of operating assets and 1 GW worth of projects in development, our portfolio spans countries and regions including Japan, Korea, Australia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. and activities encompassing the full range of renewable energy business models—including utility-scale development, off-site PPAs, onsite PPAs, and energy storage applications—Peak Energy is a one-stop partner for corporates seeking to decarbonize their operations in APAC. We believe in establishing long-term partnerships with our corporate customers, to accompany them in their decarbonization journey, through cleaner, cheaper energy.

An experienced team handles the complete life cycle of our energy assets from origination and development through to operations and decommissioning, employing state-of-the art technology and the industry best practices, respectful of the environment and following world-class HSE standards.

Our business practices, technological and HSE standards are standardized across APAC, but we are implemented and operate locally, with teams in seven countries, and lasting partnerships with local customers, EPCs, vendors, channel partners.

Peak Energy is wholly owned by Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets with more than USD 76 billion of assets under management. Our financial and technical strength coupled with our relationships in local markets allows us to optimize our capital deployment in high quality assets.

For more information, please visit https://www.peakenergy.asia.

Media Contact
Peak Energy
media@peakenergy.asia
www.peakenergy.asia

Lao Court Sentences Man to Death for Meth Trafficking

Lao Court Sentences Man to Death for Meth Trafficking

On 27 August, the Xayabouly Provincial People’s Court sentenced a 29-year-old man to death after convicting him of trafficking methamphetamine and crystal meth. The ruling became public on 30 August.

Chulalongkorn University’s Dance Programs: Bridging Conservation, Tradition, Innovation, and Research

BANGKOK, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Performing arts are a powerful expression of human communication, emotion, and cultural identity. The Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, producing both artists and academics equipped to preserve tradition, drive innovation, and strengthen Thailand’s creative economy and soft power.

Chulalongkorn University’s Dance Programs: Bridging Conservation, Tradition, Innovation, and Research
Chulalongkorn University’s Dance Programs: Bridging Conservation, Tradition, Innovation, and Research

Professor Emeritus Dr. Surapone Virulrak, a Royal Academician and Thai dance master, highlights how dance is embedded in human DNA—from primitive rituals to modern branding. He views the word ‘drama’ as the most appropriate term that encompasses storytelling, dance, music, role-playing, and everyday interactions like public speaking or modeling. “Therefore, dance is not simply a form of art for entertainment, but is one of the most important forms of human communication evolution. It is a tool for recording stories, conveying emotions, and reflecting the values of society in each era,” Dr. Surapone adds.

At Chulalongkorn University, performance is a cross-disciplinary language. Architecture students stage Lakorn Thapat, law students conduct mock trials, and medical students practice empathy through dramatized patient dialogues. Literature, business, and communication students all engage with drama as a tool to enhance comprehension, critical thinking, and expression. It’s an education of life through performance.

In becoming expert artists (practitioners) and deep scholars (thinkers), students must complete a three-part graduation requirement: conservation (classical performance demonstrating mastery of traditional roles, creative performance (designing and directing original pieces), and academic research (producing a thesis linking theory to their stage work). This rigorous process ensures graduates are skilled performers, thoughtful scholars, and cultural storytellers.

Graduates pursue diverse paths: dancers, choreographers, cultural consultants, teachers, makeup artists, fashion designers, and creative entrepreneurs. Many use skills in staging, costume, and movement to work in television, film, advertising, or brand design. Some even launch their own fashion or event businesses. With AI, digital media, and animation now part of the curriculum, students are equipped to lead in both traditional and emerging creative industries.

Dr. Surapone clarifies that soft power is not a surface-level display. Real influence comes from meaning, discipline, and storytelling. Chula’s Performing Arts graduates are trained to embody those values—performing not only with grace, but with intellect, heart, and cultural depth. Learn more at facebook.com/dancechula.

Read the full article at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/256789/ 

Media Contact:          
Chula Communication Center         
Email: Pataraporn.r@chula.ac.th