In today's interconnected world, culture is no longer confined to local communities—it has become an important part of global academic conversations. Recognizing the significance of preserving intangible cultural heritage, the Batak Literature Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara, proudly presents another World Class University program. Carrying the theme "Preserving Intangible Cultural Heritage through the Documentation of Southeast Asian Oral Traditions," this international academic event features Asst. Prof. Jirayudh Sinthuphan, Ph.D., Vice Director of the Institute of Asian Studies at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, who will share his expertise on documenting and preserving Southeast Asia's rich oral traditions.
Taking place on August 13–15, 2025, the program will guide participants through three key topics: Parameters of Local Wisdom, Research Methods in Local Wisdom – Data Collection, and Research Methods in Local Wisdom – Data Analysis. Through interactive lectures and research-oriented discussions, students will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical research skills while exploring effective approaches to documenting local traditions and ensuring their relevance in an ever-evolving world.
This program reflects the Batak Literature Study Program's continued commitment to expanding international academic collaboration while promoting the richness of local cultural heritage on the global stage. By connecting students with distinguished international scholars, the World Class University initiative is expected to inspire a new generation of researchers who are critical, innovative, and deeply committed to preserving cultural heritage. Ultimately, well-documented traditions do more than safeguard the past—they create knowledge, foster cross-cultural understanding, and inspire future generations around the world.