AIRI Regional Forum II - Sustaining Rural Revitalisation: Innovation and Collaboration

Post-trip Reflections from Fellows and Associate Fellows

 

In January 2024, the AIRI Fellows participated in the AIRI Regional Forum II in Bangkok, titled “Sustaining Rural Revitalisation: Innovation and Collaboration”. The host, the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) arranged fieldtrips and a symposium for the Fellows to engage with local communities in Thailand, creating a fulfilling and memorable journey for the Fellows from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Taiwan. Below are the post-trip reflections submitted by some of the Fellows and Associate Fellows.

  

AU Wing Hay Kani (Hong Kong):

During my AIRI programme trip to Thailand, the visit to Suan Lom Sirin was particularly inspiring, resonating with my habitat management work and offering innovative community engagement techniques, such as using organic fertilisers from crop residues. Learning about the harmonious coexistence of rice cultivation and bird conservation in Jiusanping Village was enlightening. Mr. Bill Lin Kun-Cheng’s approach to community engagement at the symposium profoundly impacted me, illustrating the power of collective action in rural settings. Interacting with other participants expanded my views on rural revitalisation and highlighted the diverse challenges faced by communities globally, from labour shortages to developmental pressures.

    

 

CASTRO Luisa Tan (Hong Kong):

AIRI was very memorable as my first fellowship. The trip to Bangkok opened my eyes to possibilities, replicable to agricultural communities. Especially with cooperative organic farming that may have potential in Hong Kong and other countries.

I also benefited from interaction with other fellows aside from learning about community partnerships in Thailand. Especially Hua Ta Khe doing the recycle keychain, a hands-on workshop facilitated by children, truly empowering. Also Turtle Island, intriguing AR concept we need to explore for HK.

I also appreciated visiting the monkey infested area in Lopburi where we see firsthand clash of values and how to balance issues for a harmonious coexistence with nature.

During the 24 January symposium, I was really struck by how a common repository of initiatives could benefit all of us so we can see best practices worldwide, to see what is available and how we can collaborate locally and internationally.

 

CHAU Sze Man Gabrielle (Hong Kong):

The Asian Institute of Technology's programme on "Sustaining Rural Revitalization: Innovation and Collaboration" offered a kaleidoscope of both the rural and urban sustainability models in Bangkok.  The fieldtrips of the programme showcased a range of inspiring models from the local agricultural economy to the socio-cultural and heritage conservation.  Apart from being educational, the programme offered an immersive opportunity for fellows to witness the transition and revitalization of some ancient sites of Bangkok.  Particularly, there were workshops and activities held during the visit to the Old Chinese buildings and Market, where fellows could experience the local culture through Thai-dessert-making, Thai-sustainable-kite-making etc..  Towards the end of the programme, the Symposium served as a dynamic and insightful platform for fellows to learn from speakers with various backgrounds.  The social and business models with case examples such as the rice project in Jilin Province were particularly insightful, demonstrating how innovative ideas on rural sustainability can be realized in fostering resilient communities.

Overall, the programme deepened my understanding of how the concept of rural revitalization can be applied in real life through collaborations. It was a great opportunity for fellows with unique perspectives and knowledge to share this learning experience.

 

HUANG Chien-Tu (Taiwan):

The palpable positivity emanating from Thailand's rich cultural heritage, coupled with its proactive endeavors in conservation, serves as a profound source of inspiration. Furthermore, the commendable initiatives observed in the ecological sphere underscore the nation's steadfast commitment to sustainability. This renders Thailand an invaluable subject for scholarly inquiry, offering abundant avenues for exploration and discourse. Numerous facets beckon thorough examination, presenting promising prospects for collaborative endeavors.

 

KONG Anthony (Hong Kong):

Our visit to Thailand focused on "Sustaining Rural Revitalization," and it was a deeply insightful experience. We had the opportunity to visit various communities and learn about their efforts to promote organic farming, traditional weaving, and sustainable agriculture. The Community Sufficiency Agriculture Learning Centre in Saraburi Province particularly stood out, as we got to see how local farmers are practicing sustainable agriculture and reducing their reliance on chemical inputs. The Thai Berng Folk Museum was also a fascinating visit, as we learned about the cultural heritage of the region. The Regional Forum was an excellent platform for discussion on various themes such as food systems, rural economic development, and climate change. Overall, the trip was an enriching experience that has left a lasting impression on us. I am grateful for the opportunity to witness the dedication and resilience of the people working towards rural revitalization in Thailand.

 

LIU Mingjie (Mainland China):

The Monkey City of Thailand is abandoned by local residents due to the "invasion" of Monkeys overwhelming. While the monkeys were invited by locals as Monkey God and specially treated as representatives of God. The Tribute to the God is a way to ask a better life while the city was ruined by the Monkeys. The dilemma is triggered by the religion of locals which could also be treated as a cultural conflict. Should we improve the life of locals by scientific education to help them brethren out of their beliefs? Or should we respect their culture while keep our eyes closed?

 

LU Wei (Mainland China):

During this trip to Bangkok, we visited Suan Lom Sirin Organic Farm, Rai Sabaijit Farm established by the former bank white-collar workers in the countryside, Dam Wetland Nature Reserve, Abandoned Monkey city, Taiben River Estuary, and experienced the traditional Thai weaving craft. Thai traditional homestay, Aisa Tique Night Market cruise dinner, thank the host Asian Institute of Technology for the thoughtful arrangement. I am very happy to have the opportunity to participate in this form of ability improvement after work, broaden my horizons, and form friendships. I am grateful for the hard work of the professors and staff from the University of Hong Kong, Tsinghua University, Taiwan Chengchi University, and the Asian Institute of Technology, The companionship and growth of our friends is an unforgettable memory for a lifetime.

 

MAO Enhui (Mainland China):

It’s my great honor to participation in AIRI Regional Forum II in Thailand. This trip was particularly fulfilling, with both field research and theoretical learning. It was really great to exchange and learn from scholars from different countries and regions. What impressed me most was that the differentiated operational mechanisms of different villages fully utilized their comparative advantages. In this forum, we’re honoured to report our action proposal on behalf of the winning team in Chinese Mainland, and the experts and scholars put forward many constructive suggestions for the optimization of our action proposal. This trip has been fruitful, and we look forward to more opportunities for rural revitalization communities to gather together.

 

PU Xi (Mainland China):

It was a great privilege to visit Bangkok and attend the regional forum as an AIRI Fellow, where we had the chance to explored projects like sustainable farming and cultural revitalization projects around Bangkok. If only the stay could be longer!  

I believe that each region is unique, combined with its geographical features, and the people live on it. What we need to do is to earnestly and deeply explore and find our own uniqueness, utilizing it as the greatest resource for showcasing and leveraging, I think it is sufficient for the sustainable development of both the region and its people. 

Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand are so close to each other, yet each possesses distinct characteristics. More communication and observation will truly help us find the key to unlock the doors to new worlds. The more, the better.

 

SUN Yiyun (Mainland China):

It was a great honour to participate in the AIRI Regional Forum II and the field research around Bangkok, Thailand in the beginning of 2024. During the field trip, I was impressed by many rural revitalisation projects around Bangkok. For example, the enthusiasm and importance of local small farmers for ecological, green and organic agriculture, the pride and heritage of ethnic minorities living in remote areas, the space grabbing and the way to live with wildlife in the city, and the new ideas of post-disaster reconstruction and revitalisation of peri-urban communities through the development of tertiary industries.

The event not only provided us with a rare opportunity to understand and learn from the experiences of different country in sustainable urban and rural development, but also set up a platform for the academies from the mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Thailand to exchange and collide once again, and to discuss with experts and scholars from different countries on the issues and challenges of sustainable urban and rural development. These experiences and achievements have not only broadened my horizons, but also given me hope that schools, enterprises, social organisations and governments across regions will work together to create a better future for urban and rural areas in the future.

 

TSAI Ya-Hsaun (Taiwan):

The Thailand trip offered eye-opening insights into sustainable agriculture practices. I was deeply impressed by the organic farming methods used by the locals, which sustain soil health while respecting the environment.

The symposium enabled fruitful dialogue between researchers, policymakers, and community leaders on balancing economic growth and rural community needs. I learned the importance of participatory development approaches. And interacting with student participants also gave me hope - these youths are using research to create positive change in their communities. This experience has reaffirmed my commitment to participatory, grassroots-driven research that elevates marginalized voices. I look forward to future collaborations with like-minded researchers toward rural sustainability in Asia Pacific.

   

 

WONG Kit Man Agnes (Hong Kong):

The most memorable visit in this trip for me is the Abandoned Monkey City at Lopburi. Being grow up in Hong Kong, I can’t image why Thailand government and people tolerate the current situation there. I think it involves many complex issues, like historical reason, religion concern and different voices among the society etc. As an outsider, we may not understand, but if we would like to engage in particular rural revitalization, the first thing to do is to adjust our own judgement and past experience, and learn and accept related background to design specific program.

 

XING Wenwei Olivia (Hong Kong):

I am extremely grateful to AIT and HKU for organizing this trip to Thailand. Through multiple field trips with diverse themes and the chance to interact with experts, scholars, and NGO leaders, this trip has provided us with valuable insights into Thailand's challenges and innovations in rural sustainable development from various perspectives. In particular, the immersive investigation in the Hua Takhe Community has greatly inspired my Sheung Tsuen Rural Sustainable Development project in Hong Kong. The theme forum has deepened our understanding of various global topics related to rural sustainable development. This trip has brought together our AIRI Family, and I hope we will have more opportunities to gather again in the future.