2. Daily Postings Chiangmai Study Trip 2015/16 General Heritage Sites

University Scholars Programme

1/4.0: What is Heritage?

For our first full day in Chiang Mai, we kicked our research off with a series of back-to-back lectures at the Fine Arts Division of Chiang Mai University. At the entrance of the University stood a gigantic sculpture of the Elephant, considered a sacred animal in thai culture. I wondered how much of current art has…

Day 5: Taking That First Step

Like many other leadership workshops I have attended, this morning amazing race was a great platform for me to learn more about leadership and myself. Before we embarked on the race, Prof Zachary introduced to us the objective of this leadership training session and led us to a brief discussion on our perception of an…

Day 4: Job Well Done!

Uncertainty troubled me this morning. I did not know what to expect of today’s research. The possibilities are limitless and the outcome is eminently beyond our control. Lined up today is a focus group discussion and numerous interviews. The findings could either better our research or pose more challenges. Deep down, I cried out for…

Day 3: Chilling With My Thai Iced Tea

Featured Photo Credit: Crystal Hong Living in Singapore’s fast-paced society, we are often caught up with the hustle and bustle of life. As students, we have to juggle between studies, family and numerous school commitments. I find myself constantly on the rush and leading a very hectic lifestyle. Work is never ending. Each day, I…

Day 2: A Warm Society

Wat Chedi Luang temple is the location for our monk chat today – the second interview scheduled for us on this fieldtrip. Prior to our departure from Singapore, Prof Natalie had kindly introduced us to one of her Thai PhD student – Chirabodee, who was once ordained a monk. Chirabodee shared with us his experiences…

Day 1: Hello, Mae Fah Luang University

Featured Photo Credit: Natalia Chioang It was only yesterday that we arrived at Chiang Mai yet the next morning we were immediately whisked away to our next destination – Chiang Rai. Our aim of the day? To conduct our very first interview with a sociology professor at Mae Fah Luang University. Man, I hardly even…

Day 5 (8th Jan)

Unknowingly, it is the second last day of the trip. The morning was spent doing the Amazing Race which the Leadership Team has planned for us. Though there were some problems we faced during the race itself, I am glad that we were able to work as a sub-group to achieve our objectives and to…

Day 4 (7th Jan)

We went to Chiang Mai University for the school visit and a lecture there. We were also privileged to have the chance to meet the dean of the Political Science division and she speaks such fluent English, which was something that was unexpected for me. Maybe it is due to the preconceived notion of Thai’s…

Day 3 (6th Jan)

We went to Doi Suthep for a visit and the temple was amazing, though the location is up on the hill itself and the trip itself is a bit torturous. But the view at the observation deck is nothing short of amazing. Did the people decide to build such an observation deck because of the…

Day 2 (5th Jan)

We went to the White Temple today. The White Temple itself was stunning itself with the sun rays reflecting on the temple, making it glow and enhancing its beauty. It looks like a dazzling diamond on the ground. I envy the Thais that they are able to have such a majestic structure in their country,…