UWP-KRIRK University Thailand International Guest Lecture: Building the Future of the Creative Economy
In an effort to strengthen academic capacity and support the development of the creative economy internationally, Wijaya Putra University (UWP) has established a strategic collaboration with Krirk University Bangkok, Thailand. This collaboration will be realized through a Guest Lecture on the topic "Enhancing the Capacity and Branding of Fashion Products to Support Tourism and the Creative Economy," held in person at Krirk University Bangkok, Thailand, on December 16, 2025.
This event, which connects two ASEAN countries, is a concrete implementation of UWP's commitment to developing the global perspective of its academic community, particularly in the creative industries and tourism, which are the backbone of both countries' economies.
In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Jaran Maluleem, Vice President for International Affairs at Krirk University Thailand, emphasized the important role of fashion in the modern economic landscape. "The fashion industry is not just about clothing; it is also a powerful expression of culture, identity, and tourist attraction. This collaboration with Krirk University Thailand opens up new perspectives on how fashion products can strengthen destination branding and encourage the growth of the creative economy, both in Indonesia and Thailand," he said in his remarks.
This guest lecture featured the Dean and lecturer from the Faculty of Economics & Business (FEB) at UWP, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Woro Utari, who has extensive experience in fashion design, branding, and creative industry management. In her presentation, she outlined innovative strategies for developing the capacity of fashion products, from designs that highlight local wisdom, branding techniques that appeal to the global market, to integration with the tourism sector.
"Fashion is a universal language that can convey the richness of a region's culture. With the right branding strategy, a traditional fabric or local design can become a tourist magnet and a high-value creative economy commodity, creating a multiplier effect for the community," explained Woro Utari.
The event was enthusiastically attended by students and lecturers from Krirk University Thailand. The interactive discussion highlighted the opportunities and challenges of fashion development in the digital era, as well as how synergy between Indonesia and Thailand can create a more resilient ASEAN market and creative ecosystem.
This guest lecture collaboration is part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both universities, which covers knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and a mobility program for lecturers and students.
The Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at UWP, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Woro Utari, stated that this activity provides an important foundation for developing a more relevant and globally oriented curriculum. "Insight from international experts like this is invaluable in preparing our graduates to compete and collaborate in the global creative industry, particularly in facing the ASEAN economic market."
Going forward, UWP and KRIRK University Thailand plan to develop joint research on the potential of fashion and culture as drivers of sustainable tourism, as well as student exchange programs and joint workshops directly involving creative industry players from both countries.
With this guest lecture, UWP further affirms its position as a Leading University in the Development of Research-Based Sociopreneurship by 2030, particularly in developing leading sectors that directly impact society, such as the creative economy and tourism.
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