The 3rd International Conference on Burma/Myanmar Studies (ICBMS3)

29 March 2024


Chiang Mai University in collaboration with University of Mandalay organized the 3rd International Conference on Burma/Myanmar Studies (ICBMS3): Myanmar/Burma in the Changing Southeast Asian Context on 5-7 March 2021 at the Uniserv Green Nimman, Chiang Mai University, Thailand onsite and online via Livestreming and Zoom Meeting.

The ICBMS is organize every two years, starting from 2015, with Chiang Mai University and the University of Mandalay taking turns as conference host, and with the possibility of extending collaboration with other universities in both Myanmar, Thailand, and beyond. The conference aims to be a platform for regional/international scholars and practitioners interested in Burma/Myanmar society as it undergoes economic, political and social transformation to exchange ideas and research experiences on critical issues, as well as strengthen and expand their networks.

On Friday 5th March 2021. After Dr. Chayan Vaddhanaphuti, Chair of the ICBMS3 Academic Committee gave the introductory remarks, Clinical Professor Niwes Nantachit, M.D., President of Chiang Mai University, Professor Dr. Thein Win, Acting Rector of the University of Mandalay and Director General of the Department Higher Education, Ministry of Education, and H.E. Suphatra Srimaitreephithak, Ambassador of Thailand to Myanmar delivered the opening speeches to make the ICBMS3 officially started and welcome the total of 391 participants joining the conference onsite and through online channels. Participants of the ICBMS3 were varied in nationalities e.g. Burmese, Thai, American, British, Australian, French, Chinese, German, Canadian, Japanese, and etc., who were affiliated to academic institutes, government agents, NGOs / CBOs, Media, and others who were interested in Burma/Myanmar issues.

H.E. Prof. Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Former Deputy Prime Minister, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and Chairman of the Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council (APRC), Executive member of Chiang Mai University Council was presented as the Keynote Speaker to deliver his speech on “Economic Development and Myanmar in the New Geopolitical Landscape” on the first day the conference. Then, three distinguished scholars on Burma/Myanmar issues: (1) Dr. Khin Mar Mar Kyi from the International Gender Studies, the University of Oxford; (2) Naw May Oo Mutraw, Senior Policy Advisor, the Salween Institute for Public Policy; and (3) Dr. Ashley South, Research Fellow, Chiang Mai University were invited to deliver the presentations and discussion in the Plenary Session on “Reflections on the Military Coup and Civil Disobedience Movement in Myanmar” on the second day of the conference. At the end of the conference on 7 March 2021, Dr. Wolfram Schaffar, Senior Scholar from the Institute of Asian and Oriental Studies, Tübingen University gave an honor to give the impressed concluding remarks for the ICBMS3.

In the ICBMS3, there were 22 panels with 81 individual presentations and 4 Roundtable discussions. In each session, observers were allowed to raise questions, express opinions, and share experience with the presenters and the panelists. Beside paper presentations and roundtable discussions, special events, including 10 photo exhibitions, 4 book launches & talks, and 3 film screenings with the talk with film directors also received the high interest from the participants.

Although the ICBMS3 was held amid political crisis in Myanmar which somehow limited some paper presenters in Myanmar to participate in this conference. The ICBMS’s academic committee will therefore invite them to present their papers in small seminars later on. Updated news and events will be available at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/burmaconference or Website: www.burmaconference.com.


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