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Tag: Thailand

Chulalongkorn University presents ‘Mud Sang’ documentary to globally revive the spirit of Muay Thai

Posted on by Editorial Team

Muay Thai, Thailand’s iconic martial art, has been gaining international recognition and generating significant income as a form of “soft power.” Foreign tourists are flocking to boxing stadiums and training camps to experience this cultural gem. However, the globalization of Muay Thai has introduced standardized rules and regulations that may make traditional techniques and unique identities disappear.

Professor Dr. Sunait Chutintaranond, Director of the Center for Multicultural Studies and Social Innovation, Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University (MSSIC), warns that Muay Thai’s deep-rooted cultural essence may be lost if not carefully preserved. To address this, Mud Sang (“Knockout Punch”), an in-depth 45-minute documentary exploring Muay Thai’s “Power & Spirit,” was produced based on the research “Muay Sang: Revitalizing the History of Muay Thai on the World Stage”. The film, with subtitles in seven languages, has received international interest and is set to be screened in several countries and at film festivals.

Mud Sang delves beyond boxing, exploring Muay Thai’s history, cultural values, and traditional rituals and practices that enhance Muay Thai’s cultural appeal, for example, the Wai Khru ceremony that honors teachers, accompanied by Thai music and symbolic items like the Mongkhon (headband) and Pha Pra Chian (armband).  According to Dr. Sunait, while adapting Muay Thai for modern audiences, it’s essential to retain its core identity, especially unique regional styles like Muay Chaiya, Muay Thung Yang, Muay Korat, and Muay Lopburi, which have distinct styles and techniques.

Dr. Sunait’s team is also working on Becoming Buakaw, a documentary inspired by famed Muay Thai fighter Buakaw Banchamek, aimed at decoding his success. This project will serve as a guide for cultivating top-level fighters while preserving Muay Thai’s heritage.

Dr. Sunait stresses that understanding and conserving Muay Thai’s roots involves cooperation from educational institutions, the government, and the Ministry of Culture to support research and public knowledge. He envisions Muay Thai not only as a sport but also as a means of cultural pride and self-defense, emphasizing that accurate, culturally respectful knowledge is crucial for future generations. Through such initiatives, Thailand aims to protect and elevate Muay Thai’s status globally, ensuring that its spirit endures.

Chulalongkorn University and Department of Industrial Promotion announce success in boosting cocoa value with technology and innovation

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with the Innovative Agriculture-Industry, Department of Industrial Promotion, held a closing ceremony for the development of targeted processed agricultural products “Cocoa” and a press conference to announce the success of this activity on September 20, 2024, at the 1st-floor hall of Mahamakut Building, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University.

The event included a ceremony to present certificates to 17 businesses that participated in the project, and a ceremony to award outstanding product plaques to 3 businesses. Additionally, there were booths displaying beverages, food, and cosmetic products from 17 participating SMEs and community enterprises that took part in this project.

The efficient reform of Thailand’s agricultural sector is a crucial issue requiring collaboration from all sectors to elevate agricultural business operations. The key strategy relies on creating and developing agriculture towards a new era of agro-industry with business concepts, knowledge in product processing, product standards, financial and cost management, and efficient crop planning. “Cocoa” is one of the crops of the future, capable of being processed into various products such as Super Food and cosmetic products. As a result, cocoa cultivation areas have been continuously increasing. Thailand has a geographical advantage in that cacao can be grown in every region. Currently, the government has implemented a policy to rapidly enhance the potential of the cocoa industry nationwide towards becoming the ASEAN Cocoa Hub (THAI COCOA HUB) in the future.

The Innovative Agriculture-Industry, Department of Industrial Promotion, has conducted the “Target Processed Agricultural Product Development Activity (Cocoa)” under the project to elevate agricultural products to agro-industry. Faculty members from the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, provide consultation on technology and innovation, safe and standardized packaging, marketing, and finance. This is to enhance and create added value for cocoa products, promote the development and processing of agricultural products to have high value, meet standards, and align with market demands that can lead to commercial production.

In this event, Prof. Dr. Voravee Hoven, Acting Deputy Dean for Research Affairs and Head of the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, delivered a welcome speech which was followed by a report by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jirarat Anuntagool from the Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Science, and Head of the Elevation of Agricultural Products to Agro-Industry Project, and a remark on the success of the project and a closing remark by Dr. Kittichote Supakumnerd, Director of Innovative Agriculture-Industry.

Thammasat University promotes adolescent well-being, easing the teenage burden

Posted on by Editorial Team

Universities have a responsibility beyond academics to support the overall well-being of their students. By creating supportive environments and mechanisms that foster well-being, institutions can help address the challenges and anxieties faced by young generations.

To address the growing mental health concerns among students, Thammasat University has launched the “Thammasat Well Being Center.” This initiative includes monitoring student well-being, with data revealing that one in three students experience stress and are at risk of depression during exams, particularly first-year students. The center offers proactive support through the ‘TU Future Wellness’ app, integrated into the university’s Super App, TU GREATS, providing convenient access to physical and mental health services. Additionally, a Health Profile database will be created to track the overall well-being of the Thammasat community.

Thammasat Well Being Center is the central hub for comprehensive health services, divided into the following areas:

1. Physical health care, which includes the presence of nursing staff at the center, as well as the support of physicians for specific cases. Additionally, a Virtual Clinic service is provided in collaboration with Thammasat University Hospital, enabling students and staff to consult with doctors online. This service is available to all students and personnel at Tha Prachan, Rangsit, Lampang, and Pattaya campuses.

2. Mental health care, with the assessment and screening through the TU Future Wellness application, as well as having a psychologist stationed at the center. Students can make appointments from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. During off-hours, an outsourced team will be available to provide telephone support. All staff members will be part of a network of Thammasat University alumni, and in urgent cases, there will be a rapid response unit ready to provide immediate assistance.

As the working world demands skills that extend beyond classroom knowledge, the Thammasat University Cooperative Education and Employment Center, or TUCEEC, has been established to prepare and enhance students’ real-world work capabilities, as well as to develop new skills for alumni.

Thammasat University aims to support its graduates in securing employment at a rate of 100%. Consequently, the university has established the TUCEEC to connect Thammasat with the business and industrial sectors. This initiative will oversee job matching, up-skilling, and re-skilling, and importantly, it will create a “Data Center” through an application that will compile students’ information and competencies in a portfolio format for employers to review. Simultaneously, it will also include data from various companies that are hiring, offering internships, and outlining other requirements for students to consider.

Chulalongkorn’s CSII enhances AI literacy for senior executives to drive organizational growth with AI

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

The Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation (CSII) recently hosted an executive training program titled “AI Literacy for C-Suite Executives” on August 22, 2024, at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai, Bangkok. The program was inaugurated by Prof. Pharm. Lt. Col. Dr. Suchada Sukrong, Director of the Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation. The closing ceremony was presided over by Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, Acting President of Chulalongkorn University, who also awarded certificates to the participants.

In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat emphasized that this training course was specifically designed for senior executives, providing them with strategic knowledge and tools that can be applied within their organizations. The course aims to foster innovation, drive sustainable growth, and lead organizations confidently through the digital transformation era by harnessing the potential of AI to revolutionize industries and create new opportunities.

The “AI Literacy for C-Suite Executives” course was organized to elevate the strategic understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) among senior executives and to prepare organizations to navigate technological changes. The program was developed with the support of international experts, offering a comprehensive curriculum that covers both fundamental theories and practical applications of AI to help organizations thrive in the face of technological disruption.

Additionally, a “Post-Course Clinic” was held on August 23, 2024, providing participants with the opportunity for one-on-one consultations with AI experts to strategize and implement AI within their organizations.

The Second Health Care Service for the Elderly in Nursing Homes in Samut Prakan

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, in collaboration with Wai Watthana Niwat Foundation and Thai Ban Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital, Samut Prakan, organized the 2nd Health Care Services Project for Elderlies in Nursing Homes between March 8-29, 2024, at Wai Watthana Niwat Foundation Nursing Home, Samut Prakan, and Thai Ban Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital, Samut Prakan. The project was organized in continuation to the project in the previous year.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wanida Laiwattanapaisal, Deputy Dean for Research, Innovation, International Affairs and Corporate Communications, Head of the 2nd Health Care Services Project for Elderlies in Nursing Homes, explained that this elderly health care project focuses on providing comprehensive and inclusive health check-ups for the elderly in care facilities. The project expands its services by adding blood tests alongside more detailed urine tests, emphasizing the examination of microalbumin in urine. This approach applies research findings from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences at Chulalongkorn University to enhance the efficiency of elderly health care.

The 2nd Health Care Services Project for Elderlies in Nursing Homes at Wai Watthana Niwat Foundation Nursing Home, Samut Prakan, and Thai Ban Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital, Samut Prakan, receives cooperation from various organizations, such as Wai Watthana Niwat Foundation and Thai Ban Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital. 20 students from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, participated in the project, performing health checkups and collecting data for research. 52 elderly people received a blood test, and 40 received a urine test. After conducting urine and blood tests on the elderly, the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences at Chulalongkorn University ran an analysis on the urine and blood samples in the faculty’s laboratory using advanced equipment. The test results will then be reported back to the elderly care facilities.

This project is an ongoing academic service activity for society and the community, which is an important mission of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences at Chulalongkorn University. In nursing homes and elderly care facilities, the elderly may not always receive comprehensive health care. Having blood and urine tests for the elderly can help diagnose potential diseases that may occur in older adults, allowing for the prevention and treatment of these conditions. Furthermore, this project is beneficial for the students who participate, as it provides the opportunity for them to gain real-world experience in their profession.

This project has received positive feedback from the elderly participants. The satisfaction survey results show that the level of satisfaction is in the good to very good range, with a score of 97.8%. The participation rate in the project was 89.5%. This project aligns with the vision of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, in being a leader in health and innovation development for sustainable social development. It also corresponds to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.

“This project not only helps screen the health of the elderly for preventive care before treatment is needed but also integrates teaching and research. It allows students to learn about community problems firsthand, fostering a sense of social responsibility and promoting sustainable development in health and well-being for Thai society,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wanida.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/183798/

Thammasat Students Win ‘World Champion’ on Business Plans and Strategy Competition 2024

Posted on by Thammasat University

The championship or ‘World Champion’ title, along with another ‘2 major awards’, from Sauder Summit Global Case Competition 2024, held at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada, is the proudest achievement of Thailand as the team from Business School of Thammasat University has performed their utmost capability.

In the realm of educational institutions regarding Business School, it is well known that the Sauder Summit Global Case Competition is considered a prestigious arena and a platform for showcasing the potential of students, educational institutions, and countries.

In the recent competition, the ‘4 students’ representing Thailand from the Thammasat Business School, namely Manassaya Ploynumpol, Suchada Charoengkittitum, Bunburit Kittirattanakhun, and Sansnae Muneeganont, fourth-year students of Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program, have proudly announced Thailand’s success by ranking first among 16 business university teams from around the world that were invited to compete.

Moreover, the Thammasat students team also won the People’s Choice Award from the voting results, which was the consensus of the participants in the competition, and Dr. Worapong Janyangyuen, the academic and student affairs advisor of the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) international program, was able to successfully win the Best Faculty Advisor award.

For the Sauder Summit Global Case Competition, it is a business strategy competition that lasts for 5 days. Each team is given various industry challenges to plan, including increasing revenue, reducing costs, and expanding the business. The judges are high-level executives from leading organizations in that industry. In 2024, there were 16 participating top universities, such as Copenhagen Business School, CUHK Business School, University of Glasgow, Adam Smith Business School, etc.

The competition is divided into 4 groups, with 3 rounds each. The first and second rounds are a duration of 5 hours each. Competitors receive approximately 20 pages of paper as data. During the competition, the internet cannot be used. Once the time is up, the committee will rank the teams based on their scores, from highest to lowest. The ranking has an impact on the final round of the competition.

There is a total of 24 hours in the final round and the internet is allowed. This round is similar to the first two rounds but will increase the intensity of the details to be presented. The competition is divided into 2 sub-rounds to find the winning team to compete.

Thammasat debate team awarded championship in “Udom Debate”

Posted on by Thammasat University

“Thammasat Debate Team” has been awarded the Royal Trophy, the first-place award, by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for the academic year 2023 in the 26th Freshy Debate for Higher Education Institutes by the Higher Education Rhetoric Group (Udom Vatasil) at Thammasat University, Rangsit Center.

Students participated are:

1. Natchalida Nakngam, 4th year, Faculty of Liberal Arts
2. Sueksa Sahunalu, 4th year, Faculty of Liberal Arts
3. Nanthasawat Wongrianniyom, 4th year, Faculty of Law
4. Thanaporn Kamnerdkarn, 3rd year, Faculty of Pharmacy
5. Pinpak Jotikabukkhana, 2nd year, Faculty of Political Science
6. Nannapat Phongwitoon, 2nd year, Faculty of Liberal Arts
7. Napat Kongmuang, 2nd year, Faculty of Science and Technology
8. Kantha Duang-in, 2nd year, Thammasat Business School

Sueksa Sahunalu, a 4th year student of the Faculty of Liberal Arts, one of the debate team members awarded as an ‘Outstanding Debater’, shares thoughts and experiences gained from participating in this competition.

As a winner

We felt immense joy because ‘Udom Debate’ is a dream for many debaters, and it is also a stage with a memorable history. We, as debaters, hope to be on this stage at least once in our lifetime. Initially, we thought there would be no chance after being separated for years during the COVID. Some of us are in our last year of study. However, in the end, the Udom Debate Group managed to organize and succeed.

We are also proud of ourselves, our teammates, and everyone behind the scenes who helped make the team successful. Because we are the ‘Thammasat University Debate Team,’ the success that occurred did not solely result from the four of us standing on stage. Instead, it is a success that, if any one of us were missing, we might not have achieved our goal.

What is the technique for winning the championship?

Before the competition, we would spend our weeks preparing. We had to practice speaking and gather information to compete every Saturday. The competition period was a time when we had to devote ourselves to it fully, feeling like we spent a lot of energy. The competition spanned over several months, and when combined with practice time, it was quite a long period of working together.

The technique that led us to victory, I believe, is teamwork. As mentioned, our victory didn’t come solely from the four debaters. Before we could present our stance, it required going through various team processes and stages. Everyone had equal responsibilities, and ultimately, the success belonged to the team as a whole.

What is the key to debating?

I believe the key to debating lies in rational thinking and listening attentively. In each debate, we must begin by considering what questions our opponents are posing and how we can respond. This involves planning how to present our arguments logically, supported by evidence, and persuading the audience that what we are saying is ‘the truth’ through our presentation of all the points. Subsequently, we must also be good listeners.

Therefore, the art of debating helps us in learning and navigating life. It prompts us to think before acting and to choose our words carefully during classroom presentations or reports preparations that require critical thinking and conveying content. Additionally, it also enhances public speaking skills. We become more confident in expressing our thoughts, unafraid of being judged or criticized. Wherever we go, we’re assuredly not afraid to speak up, I guarantee you there won’t be any ‘dead air’.

Chula hosts special lecture by influential AI expert

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

Chulalongkorn University together with the Technopreneurship and Innovation Program (CUTIP), Graduate School Chula presented “The Second Chulalongkorn University President’s Distinguished Speakers” on July 19, 2024, from 5:30pm – 9:00pm at the 20th floor of Chaloem Rajakumari 60 Building (Chamchuri 10) Building with Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwant, acting President of Chulalongkorn University delivering the opening remarks. The guest lecturer was Dr. Andrew Ng, Adjunct professor from Stanford University and a globally recognized leader in AI (Artificial Intelligence) founder of DeepLearning.Ai and General Partner at AI Fund and Co-Founder of Coursera. The topic of his speech was “Revolutionizing the Future: An Exclusive Talk with “Andrew Ng” on Opportunities and Business Preparedness.”

Serving as moderator was Asst. Prof. Dr. Kavin Asavanant, Director of the Techonopreneurship and Innovation Program (CUTIP) who is also an alumnus of Stanford University.

Dr. Andrew Ng’s talk covered AI advancements in the past decade, particularly during the years between 2010-2020 considered as the golden age of Large-Scale Supervised Learning while working at Google Brain, increasing the size of data and models that significantly improve performance. These models have been used in various applications that have altered the lives of many people from Spam Filtering to the development of Self-Driving Cars.

Dr. Andrew Ng also addressed the entering of a new era of “Generative AI” from 2020 onwards where these models can create a variety of new content such as language, images, sound, video and coding AI of this type has changed the way we work with humans, with the use of “Prompts” in natural language being essential.

Dr. Ng expressed his belief that AI can help reduce costs and create growth at the same time by knowledgeable workers will be the group most affected by Generative AI but AI will only replace some of the jobs. Examples of using Generative AI include asking and answering questions, helping to write articles and summarizing various tasks. Writing prompts with clear steps significantly increases the efficiency of GPT. In addition, AI plays an important role in upgrading various industries in Thailand, such as healthcare, tourism and agriculture, which can use AI to develop the country sustainably.

Chulalongkorn University has organized “Chulalongkorn University President’s Distinguished Speakers” event in order to disseminate knowledge as well as to inspire with world-class experts, promote the internationalization of Chulalongkorn University by creating a network of national and international cooperation as well as exchanging knowledge and expertise with speakers and attendees. This will help strengthen knowledge and skills in various areas and is therefore an important step for the University in becoming a center of learning and innovation while aiming to be an AI University.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/175281/

Chula Medicine joins forces with Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine to determine “curcumin” as effective Treatment for dyspepsia as modern antacids

Posted on by Editorial Team

Chula Medicine in collaboration with the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine and Gastroenterologists from local medical schools proves that Thai curcumin can help treat dyspepsia as effectively as antacids, and is poised to push Thai curcumin to the global marketplace.

Many people may have experienced bloating, pain, tightness, nausea, and heartburn from dyspepsia, which is very common nowadays. To relieve the symptoms, many people adjust their lifestyle and habits, while taking antacids continuously. Others turn to Thai herbs such as “curcumin”. But the important questions are, “Can curcumin replace antacids in treating dyspepsia? How to use it? Should it be used in combination with modern drugs? Are there any side effects?”

To address these questions, a team of experts led by Associate Professor Dr. Krit Pongpirul, M.D., Director and Founder of the Center of Excellence in Preventive and Integrative Medicine (CE-PIM), Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University designed a study to test the effectiveness of Thai curcumin capsules subsidized by the Government Pharmaceutical Organization compared to modern antacids.

“Curcuminoids” are effective as a pain reliever, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory drug, but not the same as “curcumin as in Turmeric”. The dried and ground herb contains curcuminoids and other substances, including volatile oil.”

The clinical study was carried out from June 2019 until April 2020 on 151 volunteers who were dyspepsia (early stage) patients but tested negative for H. pylori. “The findings conclude that curcumin and omeprazole have no discernable differences in their effects in treating dyspepsia and that the combination of the two drugs has no increased therapeutic benefit. Also, no serious side effects have been reported from continuous intake of curcumin.”
With proven results, the team is preparing to push the “curcumin pill” to the global market under the ThaiCureMin brand name. In the future, the team plans to find farmers and organic sources of turmeric that can be traced from upstream to downstream to increase consumer value and confidence. Moreover, the team will measure the essential oils in curcumin to see what substances they contain and in what quantities.

Read the full article at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/159854/

Thammasat, in collaboration with NSTDA and OR, to promote renewable energy technology

Posted on by Thammasat University

Thammasat University and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, represented by the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), have signed a memorandum of understanding with PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation to collaborate on research and development of renewable energy technologies and sustainable innovations in the fields of biotechnology, food technology, computer and electronics technology, metal and material technology, energy, and nanotechnology. Mr. Permsuk Sutchaphiwat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, attended the signing ceremony, together with Asso. Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart, Rector of Thammasat University, Mr. Somboon Sahasithiwat (Ph.D.), Deputy Director of Research and Development Division, NSTDA, Ms. Kanchanee Udomkulwanich, Senior Executive Vice President for Petroleum Operations, OR, and the project’s management team and researchers.

Assoc. Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart, the Rector of Thammasat University, stated that Thammasat University aims to produce graduates in all degrees with knowledge and abilities in both theoretical and practical aspects in every dimension. The university has a team of professors and researchers who are experts with diverse experiences in various fields. Each one has the ability to cultivate and create innovations that align with the needs of the industrial sector.

“Thammasat University has participated in the Reinventing University project, a cutting-edge global research development initiative since the beginning of 2023, driven by IJC-FOODSEC. Thammasat University anticipates that the collaboration between IJC-FOODSEC and the food industry, both domestic and international, will be a game changer in developing high-level human resources as a key force in national development. This will promote Thammasat University’s excellence and establish its excellence on the global stage in the future.” – Assoc. Prof. Gasinee, stated.

Mr. Somboon Sahasithiwat (Ph.D.), Deputy Director of Research and Development Division, NSTDA, also stated that there has been an elevation in research, development, and personnel collaboration exchange to promote fairness and inclusiveness across all specialized fields of the national research centers under NSTDA. These three organizations are working together to drive and support sustainable research and innovation. Currently, the collaborations are as follows:

1. Development of a measurement system for analyzing ethanol in fuel oil at desired locations is a project collaboration between NSTDA, MTECH, NECTEC, and IJC-FOODSEC under the BioTech-TU-QUB program, funded by OR and led by Dr. Thanasas Suksrimuang, a senior researcher in material transformation innovation at MTECH.

2. The Industrial Postdoc program, supported by PMU-B, is led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Awanwee Petchkongkaew, a lecturer of the Food Science and Technology Faculty at Thammasat University. This program is conducted as part of the research collaboration between OR, MTECH, and NECTEC.

3. The collaborative research project on increasing the value of coffee production waste materials is a collaboration between NSTDA, BioTech, and a research team from OR, led by Dr. Verawat Champreda, the head of the Bio-refinery and Bioproduct Technology Research Group.

All three organizations are interested in collaborating on research and development in various fields, such as research and development related to food waste management from restaurants within the PTT gas station service area. Research and development in the coffee varieties for Amazon Cafe, which is a business within OR group and biotech research team.