News

2008 East-West Center Dinner Honors His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand

More than eight hundred people attended this year’s dinner, “An International Affair,” helping to raise over $200,000 for East-West Center students and programs.  The event took place on Friday, February 29^th at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom and was co-chaired by Jean M. Ariyoshi and Don K. Kim.

Hawaiian healer and chanter Kamaki Kanahele opened the program with an oli (Hawaiian chant).  The evening also included performances by The Royal Thai Dancers and Musicians from the Fine Arts Department of the Royal Thai Government and a hula performance dedicated to HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.  “The Queen’s Jubilee”, composed by Queen Lili’uokalani in 1887 when she was still a princess, was selected and performed by Aureana Tseu.

A video prepared by the Thai government illustrated how His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has helped to achieve impressive growth and better conditions for the people so that Thailand could serve as an anchor of peace and stability in a turbulent Southeast Asia region.  Representing His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn received the Asia Community Building Award from President Charles E. Morrison. 

The Asia Pacific Community Building Award recognizes individuals whose vision and accomplishments exemplify the mission of the East-West Center.  Past recipients include U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Mr. and Mrs. Houghton “Buck” Freeman of the Freeman Foundation, former Philippines President Corazon Aquino, influential Indian business leader Ratan Tata, and former Grand Master of the Urasenke Tea Tradition, Dr. Genshitsu (Soshitsu XV) Sen.

The visit of Her Royal Highness to Hawai‘i came as the U.S. and Thailand commemorated the 175^th anniversary of formal relations, one of the most longstanding friendships between America and any Asian nation.

Click here for more information and photos from this event.

Thai Alumni and Friends Raise $185,000 for Royal Sala Thai Scholarship Fund

Since the founding of the East-West Center in 1960, Thai citizens have received more than 3,000 East-West Center Awards, including Student Scholarships, Visiting Fellowships, and Professional Associate Awards.  These Thai nationals, side by side with other Asian nationals and Americans, have participated in the Center’s core educational programs and in collaborative projects throughout the region.

Recognizing the importance of leadership to the future of Thailand and the Asia Pacific region, a core group of Thai alumni and friends who cherish their memories of the EWC experience, decided to commemorate the visit of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and the dedication of the new Royal Sala Thai by forming a Committee to raise funds – primarily in Thailand – to create the Royal Sala Thai Scholarship Fund.   With the dedicated leadership of the five co-chairs, the committee has already raised more than $185,000 to make it possible for students from Thailand to participate in EWC educational programs.  Although fellowships offered through the EWC provide substantial financial assistance, many qualified Thai students do not have sufficient resources to cover the travel or living costs required beyond the basic fellowship award. 

THE ROYAL SALA THAI SCHOLARSHIP FUND COMMITTEE

CO-CHAIRS
Prof. Dr. Wichit Srisa-an
Prof. Dr. Thienchay Kiranandana
Khunying Supatra Masdit
Assoc. Prof. Nopamat Veohong
Pat Loui

MEMBERS
Dr. Chalintorn Burian
H.E. Ambassador Sarasin Viraphol
Khunying Sumonta Promboon
Dr. Naris Chaiyasoot
Dr. Chamnong Vibulsri
Prof. Dr. Surapone Virulrak
Assoc. Prof. Onchuma Yuthavong
Prof. Sukum Attavavutichai
Yongsrit Charuburana
Dr. Rawewan Prakobpol
Assoc. Prof. Malinee Wongsith
Maliwan Pattanachaisiri
Chatwut Wangwon