"Molam Metaverse": An Innovation Leveraging Thai Cultural Heritage

    The Metaverse, or virtual world, is akin to shrinking the world to fit in our hands. It employs imaging and experiential technologies to create a universe where we can engage in activities and establish our own realm.

    In the same vein, cultural arts, traditions, and local performances can be represented through these technologies to create a virtual world. Khon Kaen University, in collaboration with the Metaverse development team from Khon Kaen Infinite Land, has unveiled a digital innovation leveraging Thai cultural heritage in a virtual space called the "Molam Metaverse." This platform is a novel learning space where anyone can explore the world of Molam (Thai northeastern-style singers).

    The "Molam Metaverse" serves as both an educational platform and a means of promoting business in the digital realm. It benefits the Molam industry, artists, and related businesses, potentially extending to other activities and channels as new technologies are introduced. It disseminates knowledge, narratives, and businesses associated with the Molam supply chain, promoting the use of digital tools in novel ways for the Molam business community. It can create new experiences for users and expand the customer base of Molam performances, both locally and internationally, especially among those previously unfamiliar with Molam.

The "Molam Metaverse" is designed with two interconnected zones:

Zone 1, "Open World Molam," is a central hub where people can experience the atmosphere of a Molam stage, with Avatars performing dance moves on stage. It's as if images are projected to stimulate the imagination of those unfamiliar with Molam before they dive deeper into its world. Additionally, it offers connections to various Molam groups via social networks and access to a cultural map database linking various supply chains originating from Molam. Finally, Avatars can teleport to visit Zone 2.

Zone 2, "Molam Gallery," is an exhibition space that imparts knowledge about Molam, divided into four parts:

• The first era, the origin of Molam groups, developed from local Molam.
• The second era, the evolution from local Molam to Molam groups.
• The third era, the development towards Molam concerts, continuing the narrative and parts.
• The final era showcases Molam Avatars, presenting the creation of Avatars representing key performers of Molam groups. This section illustrates digital innovations in the Metaverse, displaying Molam performances and designed Avatars, including the main male and female characters from the early and present eras, recognizable by their costumes. There are also Avatars representing various performers in a Molam group, such as comedians and dancers.

     Additionally, these presented Molam Avatars can move, showcasing entertaining dance routines, providing a realistic experience for visitors.

     Creating the "Molam Metaverse" constitutes a design experiment by the research team, laying the groundwork for further design enhancements in the future.

Interested individuals can explore the "Molam Metaverse" via two means:

1. Through a web browser at the link: MoLam Metaverse | Spatial.
2. Through the Spatial application, using the search term "Mo Lam" or scanning a QR Code.

Data updated on May 24, 2023

Source: มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น Khon Kaen University

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