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Chulalongkorn University launches new mental wellness platforms for students

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

Chulalongkorn University has opened Mind Café and Mind Space, the latest mental wellness platforms for Chula students during the time of social distancing to help them cope with the stress of life, studies, and relationships.

During the past five years, stress about school, the future, relationships with others, and depression have topped the list of concerns when students came to receive counselling at Chula Student Wellness.  These problems seem to have increased proportionately as more enhanced social distancing is required during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Prof. Dr. Thanyawat Phothisiri, Head of Student Wellness

“There has been a steady rise in students’ mental health problems.  Topping the chart are issues relating to their studies — either they don’t understand their subjects or don’t like their subjects.  And now during COVID-19, with online classes, students find themselves even more stressed.” Professor Dr. Thanyawat Phothisiri, Head of Student Wellness, discussed the rationale behind increasing outreach channels for students while they are stuck at home through the online platforms: Mind Café and Mind Space.

“If students are feeling unhappy and cannot find a way out, they can answer a questionnaire at the Mind Space web application, then make an appointment with a psychologist; or come in for a quick chat with a psychologist on Mind Café for preliminary assessment,” said Professor Dr. Thanyawat.

Mind Café is now fully operational, while Mind Space is 50-percent complete and is expected to be fully functional sometime in August.  Students will be able to book appointments in advance. Moreover, Student Wellness plans to provide an after-hour consultation in a semi-hotline format that will allow students to be able to chat at night.

These online channels seem to have helped solve students’ problems successfully,” Professor Dr. Thanyawat said. “Since Chula launched Mind Space in November last year, over 1,700 students out of 40,000 have already used the apps and more are expected.

Noppasit Siricharoonchai, Acting Head of Student Wellness and Psychologist

Mind Café is designed to have a relaxing atmosphere in which students feel free to discuss various issues in their daily lives in either Mind Talk or Mind Exercise.

Mind Talk allows students to have a quick conversation with a psychologist for primary screening.  This channel is suitable for students who are unsure about how serious their problems are.  Sometimes the initial conversation may already make them feel better, if not, they can make an appointment for a full consultation session,” said Noppasit Siricharoonchai, Acting Head of Student Wellness and psychologist.

Mind Exercise is a space for students to exercise their mind, to build immunity against life problems.  Various speakers give talks about different issues of interest to students that are often encountered in their daily life.  For instance, recent topics include “How to Take a Mind Break”, “Study: Is it Wrong Not to Be Productive?”, or “Collaboration: When Team (Does Not) Work?”.

A web application that allows students to recognize their basic mental state, Mind Test is a psychological questionnaire to examine 4 areas: 1) depression, anxiety, and stress, 2) problem-solving, 3) general mental health, and 4) career readiness.

“After students have received the results, the system will recommend articles in Mind Support and activities in the section called Mind Workshop that are suitable for each student, or it may recommend an appointment that enables them to speak with a psychologist,” Noppasit explained.

Another outstanding feature of Mind Space is Mind Journey, which is like a mental health profile of each student.

“Students can record their daily mood to assess their emotional state through the Mind Tracking system.  The system keeps track of the data and shows the results in an overview. Additionally, records of students’ app usage history can also be accessed,” said Noppasit.

Whether students just want to get to know themselves or look for a way to heal, Mind Café and Mind Space are ready to be their confidants. Yet, it’s best if everyone has a strong Mind Immunity.

“Both platforms’ contents focus on self-development which will yield preventive effects for future problems.  For example, after students learned about self-management, personality, and positive thinking, their lives will brighten up, and this could reduce the need for therapy in the long run,” said Noppasit.

“Mental healthcare is important. Whenever we feel unbearable distress, it’s not only us who suffer from the mental conditions, but those near and dear to us may suffer because of our   mental state as well.” Noppasit concluded.

Thammasat’s innovation for society: an arm support device for physical therapy

Posted on by Thammasat University

CED2 Lab of the Faculty of Engineering, Thammasat University have innovated the Design and development of Arm Support Device used in Physical Therapy with the Mechanics Support System.

This innovation was submitted for “Thailand Research Expo 2020” held in Bangkok, and organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT). It won a silver medal for the development of artificial intelligence, smart devices, energy, and environment category.

The team behind the innovation includes Mr Chollakarn Manoyen and Ms Wanwalita Sathchang from Thammasat University, and Mr Sasiroj Thiptiphakorn and Mr Takdanai Thadaphirom from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) with Assistant Professor Dr Bunyong Rungroungdouyboon as the advisor.

Most ischemic stroke patients have one common symptom which is muscle weakness, including the weakness on one side of the body, weakness in the legs or arms. According to a survey in Thailand, many leg support devices used in physical therapy had already been developed but no arm support device existed yet. The arm muscles are a small muscle group that need physical therapy on a regular basis, and it also requires a caregiver or therapist to monitor during the session. Using this device at home will help solve this issue.

The arm support device used in physical therapy has never been previously produced or developed in Thailand. Most people cannot afford expensive devices. Hence, they need to go to the hospital or therapy centre which may be discouraging because they have to spend too much time on traffic as well as money. Moreover, a caregiver or physical therapist required at all times. With this device, the patient could perform physical therapy at home effectively by using the device at a reasonable price.

Since this device is still a prototype, the team will continue to work on the small improvements and add other functions, for example, developing the portable format to allow everyday use, increasing the visual impression. Once it’s successfully completed, it will be launched in the market as well.

Thammasat University hospital partners with NSTDA on digital healthcare

Posted on by Thammasat University

Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation by the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) in collaboration with Thammasat University Hospital have signed an MOU for the ” Research and Development Collaboration Project on Digital Healthcare to develop the Smart Hospital”.

The project promotes and encourages the production of smart healthcare and digital healthcare innovation, preparation and streamlining of hospital operations by applying digital technology integrated with information systems (digital transformation) for 5 years to improve service quality and management system for being the Smart Hospital.

Dr. Narong Sirilertworakul, Director of NSTDA, said, “NSTDA focuses on enhancing research, development, design and engineering as well as utilization. In addition, we are supporting the development of manpower and the necessary scientific and technological infrastructure in order to leverage competitiveness and develop the nation sustainably.”

NSTDA carried forward research and development of medical devices including joint testing of medical innovations of Assistive Technology and Medical Devices Research Center (A-MED), National Metal and Materials Technology Center and National Electronics and Computer Technology Center in collaboration with Thammasat University Hospital, which include DentiiScan, BodiiRay S, R&D collaboration of voice-controlled smart infusion device, and temperature screening efficiency test with Mutherm at the entrance to the hospital and patient screening point.

Currently “UNAI” system has been deployed for providing indoor positioning service in order to magnify the outcomes of the utilization of research results in terms of tracking medical devices inside the hospital along with the energy monitoring system and medical device management system.

“The collaboration with Thammasat University Hospital aims to develop, promote and encourage the production of research, innovation and medical products e.g., medical devices, software, accurate technology, supplies and products as well as expansion and encouragement of practical use, technology transfer and commercial and industrial use which will strengthen the advanced medical research and push forward innovation development and medical technology for new technology businesses of healthcare in Thailand,” explains Dr Narong Sirilertworakul.

“This also increases opportunities for the development of Thai entrepreneur and startup potential according to the BCG model policy that aims to carry forward research and development for medical economics in order to enhance the competitiveness of Thailand in the international trade,” said Dr. Narong Sirilertworakul.

Associate Professor Dr Paruhat Tor-udom, Director of Thammasat University Hospital, said, “TU Hospital is a high-level university hospital with the capacity to provide comprehensive healthcare in all areas. It accepts referrals from other hospitals and offers outpatient, inpatient and accident and emergency services.”

“In 2020, the hospital provided 741 beds and had an average 5,392 outpatient visits/day and 71% inpatient bed occupancy aiming to use technology and innovation to provide excellent medical car services, management and academic matter, and to support its staff, people and society with the vision of ‘TUH 4.0 Organization of the Future for All’.”

“In this MOU signing ceremony, TU Hospital aims for a collaborative research process to develop new medical innovations, including further development from the original projects and encouragement of practical or commercial use. It started with the project of prototype development to track the location of the medical device with the “UNAI” platform and record the hospital electricity consumption for the Utilization Management system of the medical devices,” said Associate Professor Dr Paruhat Tor-udom.

“This will enable efficient management of medical devices under limited resources. It is expected that the results will be expanded to UHOSNET that conducts the research with the joint cost. TU Hospital is available to support healthcare knowledge, budget, personnel, and to be a learning resource providing hand-on experiences in order to achieve the goals with the collaboration that will offer utmost benefits to people and the country,” concluded Associate Professor Dr Paruhat Tor-udom.

 

Thammasat University partners with EGAT on energy solutions

Posted on by Thammasat University

Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and Thammasat University worked on the ERC Sandbox: TU EGAT ENERGY project expansion to develop the new business on “Smart Energy Solutions”. It aims to develop innovative one-stop electricity service solutions which are beneficial for further collaboration and national development.

Dr. Somchai Chokmawiroj, Director of Research and Innovation Division at EGAT informed that a team from EGAT’s Research and Innovation Division and Business Development Division discussed with Dr. Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, Vice Rector of Thammasat University (TU) to update and discuss plans on the expansion of the project to the new business, Smart Energy Solutions.

Currently, the project implementation by Thammasat University has progressed more than 60%. EGAT had the Smart Meter set up and already collected the data at the centre. Furthermore, EGAT already prepared a report to study the new service fee structure such as Net Metering and Net Billing. The project is expected to be completed by March 2021.

After completing the testing phase of the ERC Sandbox: TU EGAT ENERGY project, EGAT will collaborate with Thammasat University to study the possibility of project expansion.

The overview of the ERC Sandbox project implementation will encourage an effective competition that is consistent with the world energy outlook, and energy-cost efficiency in the future.

Additionally, EGAT in collaboration with Thammasat University plans to expand new business in Smart Energy Solutions, such as building management system development, electric vehicle charging station development for electric boats and cars, including replacement with electric shuttle buses for university employees and electric boats for students, etc.

“Encouraging the ERC Sandbox project collaboration between EGAT and Thammasat University as well as approaches of promoting Smart Energy Solutions in the future is a good sign to progress with a new role in conducting energy industry business, energy-related business and other business, including exchanging knowledge and seeking mutual business opportunities for broader benefits for organizations, country and people in order to strengthen the energy security according to the government policy.” concluded EGAT Research and Innovation Division.

EEC–HDC promotes Thammasat Pattaya Medical Hub to be the ASEAN’s Medical Hub

Posted on by Thammasat University

Thammasat Pattaya Medical Hub will develop medical advancement and public health care system in Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, local hospitals or health centres in Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC area) and is expected to be a Digital Healthcare Solution provider.

Mr Apichart Thongyu, President of the Eastern Economic Corridor-Human Development Centre (EEC-HDC) says, “The area will be a crucial Sandbox that brings advancement to EEC.”

EEC-HDC supervises the development of education and personnel production to support investment in 12 target industrial groups. Medical Hub is one of the five new industries or New S-curve.

“The goal of Thammasat University Hospital, Pattaya centre, is to be a Smart Hospital that creates seamless service for everyone and everywhere. EEC will be an important agent supporting this medical system and making it to be a new advancement of the country. EEC will push it to be a new medical and public health centre of ASEAN. Today, Thailand is seen as a good public health system by the world due to the control of COVID-19 pandemic which is the credit of public health and medicine sector’s work.”, said Mr Apichart.

Mr Apichart also talks about the educational development in the EEC area, “EEC-HDC will collaborate with all sectors to create a “Demand-Driven” education system. The new education system will focus on the labour demand of the industrial sector instead of the old system.”

“The original education system focuses on the supply side, including institutions and professors, which is not supportive for the country’s advancement. It is guaranteed that people who study in this new education system will not be unemployed.”

In terms of the plan to improve education and personnel skills, an industrial economy forum called EEC Industrial Forum (EIF) will be established. The forum is a conglomeration between industrial sectors and educational institutions to set up education foundations and produce personnel to suit the real world’s demand.

Currently, there are 8 private and public universities in the EEC area and 18 partner universities outside the area, including 12 public vocational colleges and 6 private vocational colleges. There are also approximately 40 partner colleges outside the area working together.

“In fiscal 2021 year, we strive to develop 150,000 personnel, based on the EEC Model for 40,612 people, overall personnel development for 6,504 people, and basic personnel development for 103,939 people. The overall budget will be around 800 million baht. The EEC Model Type A will be 100% funded by the private sectors. It will be the development of personnel in higher education and vocational institutions. In 2021, the goal is to bring about development in 2,000 people or in total 10,000 people starting from 2019 until the end of 2021,” he added.

“EEC Model Type B will be a short courses training to re-skill, up-skill and implement new skills. The government will fund the project not more than 50% and the private sector will support the rest of the expenses in order to reach the industry’s demands.”

“Currently, companies and education institutions have collaborated and created 89 certified short courses, including 54 robotic courses, 25 future vehicle courses, 4 aviation courses, 3 logistics courses and 3 electronic courses. This will help reduce the company’s expenses and create a job for learners. According to the condition, the firms have to accept students to work in a company for 1 year,” he explained.

The new educational system in the EEC area for the future industrial investment transforms traditional education into lifelong education. It allows students to connect with the real working world and skill development.

“Newly graduated students will acquire the right expertise that meets the demand of the field. It also creates continual collaboration with the industrial sector which leads to “sustainable development”. More importantly, it also leads to a big personnel and resource development of the country to keep up with the technology and changes in this new era,” Mr Apichart concluded.

Thammasat University innovates award winning medical robot

Posted on by Thammasat University

TKK Corporation Co.Ltd., Suppliers of  Robotic Products and Factory Automation System, in collaboration with Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Innovation Center for Robotics and Automation System at Panyapiwat Institute of Management (PIM), and business partners have developed ‘Autonomous Mobile Robot for Hospital Care Services’.

The objective is to lighten the workload of healthcare workers in transporting equipment and medicine and to reduce COVID-19 infection risk. With its potential that supports medical staff, the innovation has won Innovation Best Award 2020 from International British Inventions, Innovation Exhibition (IBIX).

Creator team of this robot includes Associate Professor Md. Kammal Kummar Pawa, Former Dean of Chulabhorn International College of Medicine and Vice-Rector for Special Affairs, Thammasat University; Kanlayanee Kongsomjit, Committee Chairman at TKK Corporation Co.Ltd.; Dr.Tunyawat Somjaitaweeporn, Director at Innovation Center for Robotics and Automation System at Panyapiwat Institute of Management; Kanit Vallayapet, Former Assistant Minister to Prime Minister and Director at Baker & McKenzie Ltd., and Dr Budsara Wongraksak, Director of Executive Integrated Medical Management Program (EMMP).

The AGV robot has won the Best Innovation Award 2020 from International British Inventions, Innovation Exhibition (IBIX). There were more than 1,000 innovations nominated from 40 countries.

The AGV robot works in 2 systems. First, the robot works through a 5G network. Secondly, it works automatically. The robot is equipped with a real-time telecommunication system with doctors via the screen installed on the robot.   It helps reduce medical worker’s contact transmission risk during work.

Moreover, there is a patient’s identity detection system to unlock the drawer in order to prevent mistakes in transporting. The robot can do temperature check without contacting the patients and there is a germicidal disinfection system afterwards. T

This innovation can be produced on a low budget and the design is user-friendly as it contains separate medicine and food case. Moreover, the robot can automatically charge itself at the battery charger panel.

This AGV robot is expected to bring a positive change to the medical and public health industry. It will reduce the workload of nurses and increase their potential and capability in performing other jobs. Some medical workers will no longer need to do this job, but it doesn’t mean that these people will be unemployed. They just have to upskill to do more complex task and let robots perform the routine job.

Apart from Delivery Robot, TKK also has many other Digital Technology Platforms, including Vending Machine and Smart Kiosk. The smart kiosk is used to support patients who come to queue for treatment at the hospital. It will triage patients instead of the nurse because the kiosk will output all information about the patients such as the medical benefit that they have. The Smart Vending Machine will reduce disbursement time so the hospital can do inventory update promptly. It is easy to install, fast, and low price.

Chula signs MoU to develop cannabis for use in medicine

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BLOOM (Thailand) Co. Ltd. to develop cannabis for medical, health, and beauty uses.

The MOU was signed by Assistant Professor Dr. Rungpetch Sakulbumrungsil, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Professor Dr. Polkit Sangvanich, Dean of the Faculty of Science, and Dr. Vorachart Petnunthawong, Board of BLOOM (Thailand) Co. Ltd.

Professor Dr. Wanchai De-Eknamkul, from the Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, gave opening remarks for the MOU signing ceremony at the Community Pharmacy Laboratory (Osotsala), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University.

Thammasat University wins prize from OIC InsurTech Award 2020

Posted on by Thammasat University

The fourth-year students from the Actuarial Science program, the Faculty of Science and Technology of Thammasat University have won a consolation prize (Top 5) from OIC InsurTech Award 2020 presented by the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC).

The winning innovation is “SHOPSURE YOU SHOP WE SAVE”, a risk assessment platform for safe and secure online shopping experiences which will indicate to customers the store’s risk level through colour tabs.

The innovation aims to help customers feel comfortable when making online purchases. Customers can feel more confident by using the extra service, online shopping insurance.

Miss Pantira Techapornsin, Miss Napasorn Wantasing, Miss Pornchita Wayalun and Miss Patcharida Chongharn was part of the winning team. Assistant Professor Dr Sangdao Wongsai was the advisor of the team.

Thammasat University students win awards at “X Campus Advertising Idea Contest”

Posted on by Thammasat University

Journalism and Mass Communication students at Thammasat University have recently received awards from X Campus Advertising Idea Contest 2020 for the video they created.

Mr Puree Yanawat, Miss Wipawee Thienwongsathien, Mr Thanakorn Reungkrit and Miss Thunchanok Chanfak won the First Runner-up and the Best Creative Award, and the Second Runner-up Award was received by the team of Miss Pornkul Buranabundit, Miss Natsurang Supkasemchot, Miss Napasorn Narapan and Miss Pobporn Umboon.

X Campus Advertising Idea Contest 2020 is a project that encourages creativity and hands-on experience outside the classroom among students in the production of advertising video that meets the customers’ new normal expectations aligning with the Digital Economy strategy.

In this year, a total of 4,588 students from 63 educational institutions throughout the country participated in the contest and 1,147 teams submitted their works, representing a 37% increase from the previous year.

Chulalongkorn University signs MoU to promote book culture and system for Thailand

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

The Institute of Thai Studies, Chulalongkorn University, has signed an MoU with the Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture, and the Book Studies Foundation to support book culture and book system in Thailand.

“Chulalongkorn University will take the lead in creating knowledge and innovation for society towards sustainable development.  The university’s missions are to benefit the public by developing people and creating a lifelong learning culture for a sustainable economy and society,” stated Professor Dr Chakkaphan Sutthirat, Vice President for Research Affairs.

He added, “Creating a book culture would help Thai people be more competitive globally, since reading books will create knowledge that leads to further thoughts, evolutions and change.   Moreover, books build quality people and strengthen the nation’s foundation. Although books and publications may have lost their lustre to some, reading is still an essential skill for social development.”

“Chulalongkorn University is, therefore, delighted to support this collaboration and hopes that this is a point of beginning for the book culture and the book system to impact Thai society”, concluded Professor Dr Chakkaphan.

Present to sign the MOU were Professor Dr Chakkaphan Sutthirat, Vice President for Research Affairs, Chulalongkorn University; Mr Chai Nakhonchai, Director-General of Department of Cultural Promotion; and Mr Makut Onrudee, Founder of Book Studies Foundation.  Mr Itthiphol Kunplome, the Minister of Culture, presided over the signing ceremony.