On 7 August 2013, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chailerd Pichitpornchai, President of STOU, joined the Presidents of four other universities (Khon Kaen University, Mahasarakham University, Phranakhon Rajabhat University, and Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University) in presiding over the opening ceremony of the International Conference on Arts and Cultures in Creative Economy. Lasting two days, this conference was the third such seminar resulting from collaboration between these five institutions. This year’s event, which attracted over 150 participants, was hosted by Phranakhon Rajabhat University and featured a keynote lecture on the role of cultural funding in the creative economy, presentations from Thai and overseas researchers, cultural performances and demonstrations, and study visits to nearby cultural attractions.