Chiang Mai University (CMU) demonstrates exceptional commitment to sustainable urbanization through systematic preservation of intangible cultural heritage, directly contributing to inclusive cities and resilient communities. The university’s multifaceted approach encompasses local folklore, traditional knowledge, language preservation, and community engagement, establishing CMU as a custodian of cultural identity in urban development.
CMU Creative Lanna
The CMU Creative Lanna initiative represents a groundbreaking digital infrastructure for cultural heritage preservation. This collaborative platform systematically aggregates academic research, traditional knowledge, and cultural data across eight dimensions of Lanna studies. Through accessible online repositories, the university ensures public access to cultural resources, enabling communities to maintain connections with traditional practices amid rapid urbanization. The platform facilitates knowledge sharing among educational institutions and local communities, preserving regional folklore and traditional wisdom that might otherwise be lost to urban development pressures. CMU Creative Lanna serves as a central hub and a leader in knowledge, arts, culture, and innovation creation dedicated to maintaining the regional spirit. It contains information related to Lanna Wisdom, Lanna Knowledge Repository, Creative Lanna, and Cultural Landscape. Furthermore, it hosts a variety of activities and exhibitions.
Visit website https://creativelanna.cmu.ac.th/th/home
Department of Lanna and Northern Thai Information, Chiang Mai University Library
The Lanna Information Center, established under the Office of the Library at Chiang Mai University, represents a pioneering institutional model for comprehensive cultural heritage preservation supporting sustainable cities. The center operates through four integrated strategic functions that establish CMU as an international leader in cultural stewardship for urban sustainability: (1) To select, collect, and provide information resources concerning Lanna across all disciplines within the geographical area of the upper eight northern provinces, namely Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Lamphun, Lampang, Phrae, Nan, and Uttaradit, and including “Tai Studies” related to Lanna. (2) To establish a system for accessing all forms of information resources and to build an information repository using electronic tools to facilitate the retrieval and dissemination of information via digital systems, certified according to relevant international standards. (3) To offer services and promote usage to support access to information resources and provide research support services. (4) To have specialized library personnel (librarians) dedicated to Lanna information resources.
This collaborative digital platform integrates knowledge from multiple university faculties, institutes, and departments, creating a comprehensive digital ecosystem for Lanna cultural heritage. The platform systematically organizes cultural information, which includes Lanna Food, Lanna Tradition, Lanna Picture, Lanna Lacquerware, Lanna Poetry, Lanna Pottery, Lanna Dance, Lanna Music, and Klongmangtrarop Chiangmai.
Visit website https://lannainfo.library.cmu.ac.th/
Lifelong Education
Lifelong education programs integrate cultural heritage into community development strategies. Educational initiatives focus on traditional crafts, performing arts, and local knowledge systems, ensuring intergenerational transmission of cultural practices. These programs strengthen social cohesion in urban areas while promoting inclusive cities where traditional culture coexists with modern development. Through accessible workshops and public performances, CMU facilitates cultural participation across diverse community groups, reinforcing heritage as a foundation for sustainable urban identity.
Visit website https://www.lifelong.cmu.ac.th/life-skills#content-mooc
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