Asia Envisions a "Future of Shared Growth" Through Culture the 5th International Cultural Diversity Forum Successfully Concludes

SUWON, Gyeonggi-do (November 11, 2025) – Under the theme "Cultural Diversity in Asia, a Future of Shared Growth," over 100 scholars and graduate students from five countries, including Korea, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, gathered in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. The forum focused on exploring sustainable international cooperation for "Education in the AI Era" and "Asian Cultural Exchange."

The "5th 2025 International Cultural Diversity Forum and 4th Asian Cultural Design Contest," jointly hosted by the International Cultural Foundation (ICF) and the Asian Academy of Culture (AAC), and sponsored by the Gyeonggi Provincial Council and the Gyeonggi Cultural Foundation, was held successfully at the Gyeonggi Arts Center Convention Hall on October 27th and 28th.

The forum, moderated by Professor Chen Xianjin from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (China), featured keynote and special lectures from esteemed figures. Participants shared deep insights into cultural cooperation in Asia. Notable speakers included:

Ban Junrong (Dean, College of Arts, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, China)

Dodi Wirawan Irawanto (Rector, Tribhuwana Tunggadewi University, Indonesia)

Erwin Ismu Wisnubroto (Vice Rector, Tribhuwana Tunggadewi University, Indonesia)

Ngo Viet Nam Son (General Planning Director, Da Nang City, Vietnam)

Nguyen Dac Thai (Vice Dean, Van Lang University, Vietnam)

Truong Thanh Hai (Vice Rector, Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture, Vietnam)

Li Wei (Professor, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, China)

Ray March Syahadat (Vice President, Asian Cultural Landscape Association)

Sam Richards (Professor, Pennsylvania State University, USA)

Additionally, special lectures were delivered by Jeong Eun-hye (Vice President of AAC, former National Assembly member), Son Soo-jo (Spokesperson, People Power Party), and Lee Dong-hak (CEO, Sseuregi Center).

In his welcoming address on the 27th, Chairman Jeon Hong-deok of the International Cultural Foundation stated, "In an era facing political and economic division, cultural dialogue is the most powerful bridge of empathy and hope we can build." He added, "I hope this forum becomes a venue for exchange where Asian nations can deeply understand one another and create a 'future of shared growth'."

Following him, Chairman Hwang Dae-ho of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee of the Gyeonggi Provincial Council said in his congratulatory speech, "Cultural diversity and international cultural exchange are no longer an option, but a necessity. I expect today's gathering will serve as a foundation for creating a mature cultural community that recognizes differences and respects diversity."

A highlight of the event was the special lecture by world-renowned sociologist Professor Sam Richards from Pennsylvania State University. He analyzed, "In the West, we must teach 'empathy' due to strong individualism, but in the East, especially Korea, it is already internalized as 'Jeong' (情) within the collectivist culture." He emphasized, "The global appeal of 'Hallyu (K-Culture)' stems from Westerners sensing and being drawn to the 'communitarianism' and 'respect' inherent in East Asian culture," drawing significant agreement from the audience.

Furthermore, the Deputy Mayor of Bau-Bau City, Indonesia (in a speech read by Professor Ray March Syahadat), presented the case of the 'Cia-Cia tribe' adopting Korea's 'Hangeul' as their official writing system due to the lack of a script for their indigenous language. He proposed the need for a sustainable cooperative relationship, including the establishment of a 'Korea Center'.

On the 28th, the "4th Asian Cultural Design Contest (ACDC)" was held, facilitating exchange among the next generation of leaders. Graduate students from four countries arrived four days prior to the forum to research "Local Cultural Revitalization Measures from the Perspective of Foreign Designers." Divided into five teams, the students conducted field research at various Suwon sites, including Haenggung-gil, Yeongheung Arboretum, Haenggung-dong Mural Village, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, and Wolhwawon. They received high praise for presenting analyses and alternatives based on their on-site inspiration.

The International Cultural Foundation (ICF), which hosts the event annually, was established in 1968. Guided by the belief that "culture is the most powerful diplomatic language," the foundation has been dedicated to international cultural exchange long before the global rise of K-Pop and K-dramas, notably by publishing 46 volumes of Korean studies research in multiple languages.

Others:

https://www.incheonilbo.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=1307710

https://www.joongboo.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=363707381

https://www.freezinenews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=19585

https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/215/0001229150?sid=102

News and Pictures: Faculty of Arts & Design