The 1st Asian Association for Buddhist Studies Conference was successfully convened on August 30–31, 2025, at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. This prestigious conference was organised in honour of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the occasion of her 70th Birth Anniversary, with the support of Chulalongkorn University and the Thai Foundation.

Academic Engagement

The conference served as a vital platform for scholars across Asia to engage in academic exchange on the Buddha Dhamma, history, philosophy, art and literature, and architecture. Researchers and academics presented their papers covering a wide range of Buddhist traditions, comparative studies, and interdisciplinary perspectives.

Dr. Chandan Kumar, Consultant (Academic) at the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), actively participated in the proceedings and presented his research paper. His contribution highlighted the ongoing relevance of Buddhist heritage and philosophy in fostering inter-civilisational dialogue and academic collaboration.

International Participation

The conference witnessed the participation of distinguished Academicians and delegates from Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, UK, and Bhutan, who shared their research findings and perspectives on Buddhist studies. Prestigious Universities and institutions such as Chulalongkorn University, Mahamakut Buddhist University, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, Mahidol University, Thailand, Mae Fah Luang University, University of Oxford, UK Dongguk University, Korea Association for Architectural History, Foguang University, Taiwan Nahwa University, Taiwan Academia Sinica, Taiwan Hokkaido University, Japan, University of Commerce, Japan, Japanese Health Care University, Japan Tokyo National Museum, Japan University of Delhi, Central Institute of Himalayan Culture Studies, India University of Calcutta, India, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia. This gathering enriched the dialogue on Buddhist thought, historical development, and cultural transmission across Asia.

Cultural and Heritage Dimensions

Alongside the academic sessions, the organisers also arranged a cultural tour, which included a visit to a prominent Buddha Vihara. This provided participants with the opportunity to experience Thailand’s living Buddhist heritage and its role in community life.

An exhibition was also organised during the event, displaying Buddhist art, manuscripts, and cultural artifacts, thereby complementing the scholarly deliberations with a visual and experiential dimension of Buddhist traditions.

The 1st Asian Association for Buddhist Studies Conference proved to be a milestone in fostering academic collaboration, cultural understanding, and regional unity among Asian Buddhist scholars. Dr. Chandan Kumar’s participation and research presentation at this international platform further strengthened the role of the International Buddhist Confederation in promoting Buddhist studies and intercultural dialogue across Asia.