HUAPBKK: Chula–Harvard Open a Forum for Student Exchange Toward the Future World

Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with Harvard University, organized the annual Open Session under the Harvard Undergraduates in Asia Program Bangkok (HUAP Bangkok) Spring Conference 2026 on March 19, 2026, at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. More than 150 students from various higher education institutions participated in the event themed “Six Degrees of Separation: Navigating an Increasingly Interconnected Future.” The conference explored the meaning of interconnectedness among people, societies, and the future world amid increasingly complex global relationships and connectivity. This year marks the 13th year of academic collaboration between Chulalongkorn University and Harvard University through the HUAP initiative. 

The Open Session was part of the HUAPBKK Spring Conference 2026 and welcomed students from all institutions. The event aimed to bridge academic knowledge and professional experience with the realities of young people’s lives. Topics ranged from human relationships and marine ecosystems to creative career paths, self-discovery, and finding meaning in modern life. 

The opening ceremony was presided over by Prof. Dr. Parichart Sthapitanonda, Vice President of Chulalongkorn University. Assistant Professor Dr. Narapong Srivisal, Assistant President for Student Affairs, and Assistant Professor Tawan Paphapote, faculty advisor, also attended the event. Napat Pipatpatama and Pakaporn Siksamarth, Co-Presidents of HUAP Bangkok, welcomed participants and introduced the 12 undergraduate representatives from Harvard University attending the conference. 

Shn Juay, CEO of Coffee Meets Worldwide, discussed the modern relationship between technology and human behavior. She highlighted the importance of self-understanding as the foundation of meaningful relationships, including clarity about one’s values, needs, and relationship expectations, while underscoring the role of purpose and sincerity in forming lasting connections. 

Assistant Professor Dr. Watcharapong Hongjamrassilp from the Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, presented the concept of interconnectedness through the lens of marine ecosystems. He explained how phenomena such as oil spills and coral bleaching can trigger chain reactions that affect marine life, ecosystems, human health, and people’s livelihoods, reflecting how every component of the world is interconnected. 

Nut Jirakit, an actor and architect from FMO Studio, shared his experiences working across multiple career paths in both architecture and the entertainment industry. He reflected on the importance of finding one’s own “personal formula” for life and work, emphasizing that diverse roles and experiences can combine into a unique and valuable identity. 

The Harvard Undergraduates in Asia Program (HUAP) is an exchange initiative between Harvard University and countries across Asia, designed to build academic and cultural bridges between Harvard and the region. HUAP Bangkok, operated by Chulalongkorn University, is one of eight HUAP networks in Asia and plays an important role in promoting academic and cultural exchange between Harvard students and educational institutions in Asia through annual conferences in Boston and Bangkok. 

This year’s event was supported by public and private sector partners, including Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, Coffee Meets Bagel, PLAY Furniture, and PTT Public Company Limited, along with other partner organizations committed to creating learning and knowledge-sharing opportunities for younger generations. 

The Open Session is held annually as part of the HUAP Bangkok Spring Conference. For more information, follow future activities through HUAP Bangkok’s social media channels: 

Instagram: @huapbkk 
Facebook: HUAP Bangkok 
TikTok: @huapbkk