The Faculty of Arts, in collaboration with the Office of International Affairs at Chulalongkorn University and UNESCO, successfully organized a thought-provoking seminar titled “Cultivating Emotional Intelligence through the Humanities” held from September 7 to 9, 2023. This event marked a significant milestone in a joint effort to emphasize the pivotal role of arts and humanities in bolstering emotional resilience, particularly in today’s world, where individuals grapple with unprecedented levels of uncertainty and instability.
The seminar brought together esteemed experts and practitioners from various countries, fostering cross-cultural discussions and enhancing our comprehension of emotional intelligence and its profound impact on mental well-being. The program encompassed a one-day seminar and three engaging workshops.
On September 7, a wealth of knowledge and experience was shared by distinguished experts, including Phinith Chanthalangsy, Regional Advisor at UNESCO, Professor Pornrat Dhamrung from the Faculty of Arts at Chulalongkorn University, Professor Hanafi Hussin from the Faculty of Creative Arts at the University of Malaya, Professor Suwanna Satha-Anand from the Faculty of Arts at Chulalongkorn University, and Professor Rainier A. Ibana from Ateneo de Manila University. The event was enriched further by enlightening presentations from both graduate and undergraduate students.
The workshops conducted on September 7th and 8th were equally enriching, offering participants the opportunity to delve into Inner World Café, Writing Therapy, and Empathy Communication. These workshops were skillfully led by experts from Chula Wellness Center and a graduate student in Dramatic Arts, Pitchkrai Chaidej, respectively.
The primary aim of this seminar was to nurture a deeper understanding of the profound connection between the humanities and emotional intelligence. Participants were encouraged to gain invaluable insights into practical strategies and methodologies for integrating emotional intelligence into various educational, social, and professional contexts. Additionally, this collaborative project laid the foundation for potential future partnerships with other esteemed institutions.