Chula University and Chiang Mai Province Recognized with IFEA Asia Pinnacle Awards 2025 in South Korea

Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with Chiang Mai Province and various partners, has been awarded the IFEA Asia Pinnacle Awards 2025 during the IFEA ASIA International Festival Event held in Gyeongju, South Korea. This accolade acknowledges initiatives aimed at promoting the creative economy via festival management within the Northern Economic Corridor. The event celebrated the 70th anniversary of the International Festival and Events Association (IFEA), which includes over 23 member countries with a mission to enhance the quality and standards of festivals worldwide.

Award Acceptance

The awards were accepted by Associate Professor Saranya Siangarom, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Architecture at Chulalongkorn University, who led the research project entitled “Festival Management to Promote Creative Economy in the Northern Economic Corridor.”

Participation and International Standards

This year’s IFEA ASIA activities featured participation from representatives of 11 countries and 64 cities, emphasizing efforts to elevate the international standards of Thai festivals and maximize their economic impact through the Festival Economy concept. The event facilitated the exchange of best practices and future trends in festival management among global experts and attendees.

Chiang Mai’s Upcoming Conference and Awards

Chiang Mai, which is set to host the upcoming IFEA Asia Pinnacle Awards & ASIA Festival City Conference 2026, also garnered three significant accolades:

• The Asia Festival Award 2025 in the “Asia World Heritage City and Festival” category.
• Two awards for the Yi Peng Chiang Mai Festival, recognized for “Best Event Program” and “Best PR & Marketing.”

Acceptance by Local Authorities

Mr. Weerapong Ritrod, Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai, accepted the awards on behalf of the province, alongside representatives from partners involved in the Yi Peng Festival, including the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Northern Office of TCEB, and local academic and research institutions.

Collaborative Efforts for Community Impact

This collaborative effort aims to enhance the festival’s capacity to positively impact the community while promoting the cultural significance and soft power associated with the Yi Peng Festival, a major cultural event in the region.

Source: Chulalongkorn University News