IDFC2026 Main Conference
- Event date / DATE
- March 26–29, 2026
- Venue / LOCATION
- Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok
- THEME
- Learning Across Border & Gaps
In March 2026, IDFC held its first overseas in-person main conference in six years in Bangkok, Thailand. Students from Japan and Myanmar came together again to exchange ideas and deepen their understanding under the theme “Learning Across Borders and Gaps.”
The same year also saw the establishment of IDFC’s first Myanmar-side organization, marking a new step toward students from both countries creating opportunities for exchange and sustaining their activities together.
Participants by country
Total 22 people
- Japan 10 people 45.5%
- Myanmar 12 people 54.5%
Organizing committee by country
Total 11 people
- Japan 6 people 54.5%
- Myanmar 5 people 45.5%
Keynote speeches
Keynote speeches by professors and senior students on educational pathways and policies in Thailand and Japan.
Cultural exchange
Cultural exchange and mutual learning between Japan and Myanmar to promote inclusiveness and diversity while preserving respected heritages.
Hybrid panel discussion
A hybrid panel discussion with in-person and online both for professors and participants, designed for interactive and engaging dialogue.
Field visit
Participants visited one of the migrant learning centres in Bangkok for a hands-on look at the core theme, featuring an interactive Q&A with students and bridge for sustainable network building.
IDFC2026 in photographs
Select a photograph to view it at a larger size.
IDFC2026 President / Honoka
The decision to hold the IDFC2026 main conference in Thailand began with our wish to rebuild opportunities for exchange between students—the original purpose of IDFC—at a time when we cannot travel to Myanmar for safety reasons.
The “main conference” gives students from Japan and Myanmar an opportunity to think about the relationship between their countries as equals. I believe that, beyond simply becoming friends, living together and exchanging ideas across cultural barriers can create lifelong bonds and new perspectives.
At IDFC, we repeatedly ask questions such as “Will this benefit students in both Japan and Myanmar?”, “Is this really the kind of exchange people want?”, and “Is this theme appropriate?” as we bring the main conference to life. You plan it and make it happen yourselves. In that process, you, too, should be able to have experiences that change your life.
Last Year’s Main Conference / Participant Voices
It was a valuable opportunity to experience the essence of “dialogue.” I am very proud to have been involved in this conference!
I think it was very meaningful that we were able not only to introduce our cultures to one another, but also to discuss how higher education for migrants should work in each of our countries. In particular, it was also very good that we could all deepen our knowledge through fieldwork and lectures.
It is a well-networking community to build further actions and the activities arrangement is so good, they so vary and give powerful insights.
Main conference program
Discussion
Students from Japan and Myanmar discuss the theme together. Discussions are in English, but everyone is kind and provides plenty of support, so it is fine even if you are worried about your language skills!
Meals and parties
As everyone eats and chats together, friendships develop naturally! It is also common to make lifelong friends ♡
Cultural presentations
This is one of the main conference's most popular programs, where we introduce the cultures of our countries to each other ✨. You might even get to wear Myanmar clothing or play musical instruments! Let's also think about which aspects of Japanese culture to introduce 🇯🇵
Guests and alumni
At the main conference, we invite a variety of guests for programs such as lectures and shared meals. You can also connect with people further along in many different careers and impressive people you would not ordinarily have the chance to meet!