Yifan Zhang is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in the Arts and Philosophy Department of the University of Gent. His research project focuses on Jains in contemporary Southeast Asia, specifically Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. The experience of his cross-cultural investigations spans the Asia-Pacific region, encompassing diverse areas, where he has engaged with local communities and villages of different cultural and religious backgrounds.
His research focuses on diasporic Jain communities, Jain folk religious practices, and South and Southeast Asia ethnography. He also likes to explore local discourses of storytelling and narratives in South and Southeast Asia.
Educations:
2022-2025 PhD in Indian Culture and Language, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
2014-2016 MA in Southeast Asia Studies，Chulalongkorn University, Krungthep Mahanakhon, Thailand.
2010-2014 BA in Social Work，Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, China.
2021-2022 One year certificate in Hindi, Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Wardha, Maharastra, India.
2016-2017 Certificate in Yogic Studies, Mangrove Yoga Ashram, Gosford, New South Welsh, Australia.
2015-2016 Certificates in Thai Boxing,The Muaythai Institute,Pathumthani and Krungthep Mahanakhon,Thailand.
2015 Certificate in Yoga, Yoga Vidya Gurukul, Nashik, Maharastra, India.
2014-2016 Certificates in Traditional Thai Massage and Aroma Therapy,Watpo Massage School, Nakhon Patton and Krungthep Mahanakhon, Thailand.