Chulalongkorn University
Published on 11 June 2026
Bangkok, Thailand — Chulalongkorn University has strengthened its internationalization agenda by hosting ICA Regional Hub Thailand 2026, the first official Regional Hub of the International Communication Association (ICA) ever held in Thailand.
Founded in 1950, the International Communication Association (ICA) is one of the world’s leading academic organizations in communication and media studies, bringing together thousands of scholars, researchers, and professionals from more than 80 countries. Held concurrently with the 76th ICA Annual Conference, which this year took place in Cape Town, South Africa, the Thailand Hub positions Bangkok as a key site for global scholarly exchange.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, described the event as a significant milestone in the university’s efforts to expand its global engagement.
“This event symbolically connects Cape Town and Bangkok—linking global conversations with regional realities and bringing Asian perspectives directly into the center of international communication scholarship.”
He emphasized that the conference reflects Chulalongkorn University’s vision of becoming a globally connected institution that not only participates in international conversations but also helps shape them.
“Universities are increasingly judged not only by rankings but also by their ability to create meaningful networks, advance impactful research, and build global partnerships that contribute to society.”
The event aligns closely with the university’s commitment to research excellence, international collaboration, and knowledge creation with global impact. This vision is further reflected in Professor Dr. Wilert’s recent appointment as President of the Asian Universities Alliance (AUA), a network of leading universities dedicated to advancing higher education cooperation across Asia.
Hosted by the Faculty of Communication Arts during its 61st anniversary year, ICA Regional Hub Thailand 2026 brings together scholars, researchers, media professionals, policymakers, and students from Thailand, the Mekong region, Asia, and beyond under the theme “Where Thailand, the Mekong Region, and Asia Bridge Divides and Amplify Voices.”
The conference addresses pressing contemporary issues, including artificial intelligence, journalism, platform governance, misinformation, communication inequalities, sustainability, public health communication, and democratic participation.
The President noted that the event serves not only as a venue for scholarly exchange but also as a catalyst for future collaboration. “The conversations that begin here may lead to future joint research projects, policy initiatives, international publications, and long-term scholarly networks.”
“This conference is more than an academic gathering. It is a platform that brings together scholars, media professionals, students, and policymakers from different countries to foster dialogue, mutual understanding, and new collaborations for the future of communication.”
The Dean added that hosting Thailand’s first ICA Regional Hub provides an important opportunity to enhance the visibility of Thai scholarship, strengthen international research networks, and connect scholars from Thailand, the Mekong region, and Asia more closely with the global communication community.
The conference reinforces Thailand’s growing role as a regional hub for communication and media studies while amplifying perspectives from Asia and the Global South within international academic discourse.
Professor Wilert expressed his hope for Bangkok’s future role in global scholarship, concluding that “May Bangkok become not just a host city for global conversations, but a permanent gateway connecting Asia to the world of communication scholarship.”
Chulalongkorn University Advances Global Engagement Through Thailand’s First ICA Regional Hub ICA Regional Hub Thailand 2026 was held from 5–7 June 2026 in Bangkok and organized by the Faculty of Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with the International Communication Association (ICA), the Asian Network for Public Opinion Research (ANPOR), the Thai Media Fund, and partner organizations.
Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/412152/
