Bangkok, Thailand, May 5, 2022: The Olympic Council of Asia Culture Committee met online on Thursday evening under the leadership of the IOC Member from Thailand, Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul.
The members reviewed the work of the Culture Committee and noted that this meeting was the fifth to be held online due to the pandemic.
Mrs Khunying Patama said she longed for the return of face-to-face meetings and exchanges after two years of virtual meetings and said there were positive signs with Bangkok hosting three big badminton events this month – the Badminton World Federation Annual General Meeting on May 7, the Thomas & Uber Cup team championships from May 8-15 and the Thailand Open.
Committee member Francis Wanandi of Indonesia also noted that the 31st South East Asian Games were due to take place in Hanoi, Vietnam from May 12-23, so the sports movement was definitely moving forward again.
The theme of the Culture Committee meeting was “Adapting to the New Normal” and focused on how to create the “One Asia” concept through sport and culture in both physical and online formats.
Committee member Eric Fok of Hong Kong, China said digital platforms and social media could be used effectively to connect people through sport and culture, especially when it comes to the younger generations.
The Committee Chair thanked the members for their participation and ideas and said the digital connection was an important tool moving forward and was something to be discussed in greater detail.