Suan Dusit University places strong importance on building sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) through the preservation and promotion of local arts and culture, particularly performing arts and cultural heritage, which form the core of Thai identity.
The university continuously organizes artistic and performance-based activities, including Thai classical music, folk music, and traditional Thai dance, to provide opportunities for students, staff, and the general public to participate in sustaining Thai cultural traditions. These activities create spaces of pride, joy, beauty, and social harmony within the community.
Such participation not only preserves artistic and cultural heritage, but also reflects the university’s role as a Creative Community Hub—a center for learning and cultural engagement that connects traditional values with the energy of new generations. Through this integration, Suan Dusit University contributes to building a vibrant and sustainable society.
History and Significance of the “Hong Thong” Performance
The “Hong Thong” performance is a signature cultural performance of Suan Dusit University, originating from the inspiration of M.L. Pin Malakul, a UNESCO-honored World Eminent Person recognized for his contributions to education and culture. He was the one who bestowed the name “Suan Dusit” upon the university and initiated the creation of the university’s signature performance, the “Hong Thong Dance,” as a symbol of grace, virtue, and leadership that characterizes Suan Dusit.
The performance draws inspiration from Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake, which was adapted into a form that reflects Thai elegance and artistic refinement, portraying the beauty of the swan as a symbol of wisdom, purity, and goodness. It also represents the qualities of Suan Dusit graduates who embody “knowledge and moral integrity.”
In 2024, the performance was presented during the new student orientation ceremony, serving as an important tradition to welcome new students. Its purpose is to instill a sense of belonging to the Suan Dusit community and to convey the university’s core values rooted in knowledge, virtue, and Thai cultural identity. https://www.dusit.ac.th/home/2024/1308577.html
Thai Dance and Cultural Performances at the Red Cross Fair 2024
The traditional dance performance by Suan Dusit University at the Red Cross Fair 2024 captivated audiences throughout Lumphini Park, showcasing graceful yet powerful choreography performed by students from the Performing Arts and Thai Classical Dance Skill Development Program, under the direction of instructors specializing in Thai cultural arts.
The performance included several pieces, such as Contemporary Archaeological Dance, Tari Kipah Dance, Manohra Dance, and Pong Lang Folk Dance, each reflecting the beauty and diversity of Thai performing arts from different regions of the country.
The atmosphere was filled with pride, joy, and applause from the audience. This performance served as a bridge between younger generations and the nation’s cultural heritage, demonstrating the university’s role in preserving and promoting Thai artistic traditions on a national stage.
Thai Classical Dance Activity for Cultural Learning
The Thai classical dance activity organized by the Faculty of Education serves as another platform where performing arts are used as a medium for learning. Students in the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) program learn both the dance movements and the cultural values embedded in the art of body expression.
The activity also provided opportunities for cross-cultural exchange between Thai students and exchange students from Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom. The shared laughter, dedication, and participation created an atmosphere filled with joy, understanding, and appreciation of cultural diversity.
This Thai classical dance activity therefore represents not only the continuation of Thai artistic heritage, but also a lesson in peaceful coexistence and mutual respect across cultures.
Suan Dusit Golden Voice 2024 – Thai Popular and Luk Thung Singing Contest
The Suan Dusit University singing contest serves as a stage of inspiration and pride in Thai musical arts. The “Suan Dusit Golden Voice” competition brings together voices of aspiration from students, faculty members, and university staff. The emotional resonance of Luk Thung songs and expressive Thai popular music filled the auditorium, supported by warm encouragement from the audience.
The presence of nationally recognized expert judges further reflects the credibility and significance of the competition. This stage is therefore not merely a contest, but also a means of passing on the value of Thai music in a contemporary form, allowing younger generations to learn, appreciate, and carry forward this cultural heritage.
These activities reflect the role of Suan Dusit University as a living center for the preservation and promotion of Thai arts and culture. Whether through national-level traditional dance performances, dance-based learning activities, or music contests that provide space for creative expression, each activity integrates the beauty of Thai art into everyday life for members of the university and the surrounding community.
Such endeavors sustain the cultural values of Thai heritage and ensure their continuity within society. This aligns directly with the essence of SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, affirming Suan Dusit University’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, culturally enriched, and sustainable social environment.