SKAL Bangkok president talks happiness

Assumption University’s Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management organised a special speaker’s series to Celebrate the International Day of Happiness

Assumption University’s Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management marked the United Nation International Day of Happiness with a special speaker’s session, 20 March, 2019 at Assumption University’s Suvarnabhumi campus. A lively panel discussion was held, focusing on Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness, led by Bangkok’s Skal  President Andrew Wood and Assumption University Alumni  and Skalleague Pichai Visutriratana. Bhutanese students studying at Assumption University shared their thoughts regarding sustainable tourism development in the kingdom of Bhutan.

The event was organized by Tourism Policy students and Dr Scott Michael Smith from Assumption University’s Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management and Skal Bangkok’s Director of Young Skal. The “International Day of Happiness” recognises happiness as the basic human goal and calls upon government and associated agencies to make policies towards improving peoples’ general well-being. The UN also acknowledges that social, environmental and economic well-being is mandatory for global happiness.

Bhutanese student Mr. Thrizong Dawa Gyaltshen provided a historical context of Gross Domestic Happiness of Bhutan. In Bhutan, they calculate GNH using indicators such as sustainable development, environmental protection, effective government, social justice and the preservation of traditions. Student leader, Ms. Anna Purna Sharwma, shares the importance of ‘mindfulness’ as a key to happiness and suggests meditation as being an important part of her daily routine.