Biography
Kean’s research primarily focused on the perspectives of craft makers regarding the authenticity of their culturally-bound products, aiming to identify potential threats to the integrity of their cultural heritage. With expertise in research and the convergence of cultural resources and the cultural and creative industries he has developed survey methodologies to support evidence-based interventions and strategic planning for multiple United Nations agencies in Asia. Kean’s work has particularly focused on cultural sustainability and confidence building among marginalized and economically disadvantaged ethnic minorities in China and Bangladesh. Geographically, his professional experiences have taken him to West Asia (Iran), South Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan), Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam), and Northeast Asia (China, Mongolia, Tibet Autonomous Region).
