Sasin Action Learning: “Kung Bang Kachao: Developing Product and Pricing Strategies Concerning ESG and Circular Economy”

Sustainability has become a critical concern in many industries today. Entrepreneurs are increasingly incorporating sustainability into their business strategies to demonstrate environmental awareness and social responsibility. Implementing sustainable practices in business operations enhances a company’s brand reputation and recognition, leading to a long-term positive impact on the environment.

Sasin MBA students in the “Pricing Strategies in the Era of Sustainability and Digital Transformation” class, led by Assistant Professor Yupin Patarapongsant, had an excellent opportunity to immerse themselves in two fascinating eco-friendly experiences in Kung Bang Kachao, Samut Prakan. The students gained insightful knowledge of waste management and upcycling at Wat Chak Daeng, the village community center. Students were taught about the waste management process leading to the eventual transformation of all waste into valuable upcycled materials and products. Moreover, Wat Chak Daeng has also collaborated with the PPT Group on the “OUR Khung” project. This project embraces the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) approach, which encourages individuals, including entrepreneurs, to work towards creating a better environment in a sustainable world through efficient waste management.

Apart from the “OUR Khung” project, Wannapen Saepian, a Sasin alumna who led LearnDo, connected us with the PTT Group. Students learned about the developmental projects in Khung Bang Kachao and completed the tour around the 80th Anniversary Celebration Garden. In this section, the students, now enlightened and inspired by King Rama IX, initiated developmental projects in the area. Students were challenged to apply their knowledge of pricing strategies concerning ESG and the circular economy in developing sustainable products or services for “OUR Khung.” They presented various creative solutions and approaches that inspired the host agencies regarding potential plans.

This transformative field trip to Kung Bang Kachao, a social innovation in action component in our course, introduced Sasin MBA students to a sustainable journey involving ESG and the circular economy. By participating in a design challenge on upcycling sustainable products and tourism services, we can potentially benefit the community. Such experiences for MBA students contribute to building an entrepreneurial mindset. It is the next step for future business leaders to be concerned about the environment, resulting in a better and more sustainable world. This experience has given a newfound sense of hope and optimism regarding the future of sustainability in business.

Vararat.Vongprateep, Marketing and Communications Officer [email protected], 0-2218-4041

Praewthip Danwarawijitr, Marketing and Communications Coordinator – [email protected], 0-2218-4040, 06-5329-4193

www.sasin.edu, www.facebook.com/sasinbusinessschool, www.twitter.com/SasinThailand

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/172737/

Test kit for THC amount in Cannabis products — Chula innovation to reduce health risk, increase consumer safety

Chulalongkorn University Researchers have developed an electrochemical strip Test for the amount of THC which is the psychoactive agent in Cannabis. A highly sensitive, non-laboratory test kit yields fast, accurate results, helps ensure consumers’ safety and reduces the risk of ingesting harmful substances.

After the unlocking of cannabis from narcotic drugs to be a controlled medicinal plant, cannabis has now been widely used in various products, including cooking and mixing in beverages, citing the various health benefits of cannabis.

But anything that has benefits can also have drawbacks. Cannabis contains more than 400 different substances, with the two most important substances that are often mentioned being CBD (Cannabidiol) for medicinal purposes, and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), a substance that is harmful to the body, can affect the nervous system, cause intoxication, and hallucinations. What is most dangerous is that overconsumption and allergies to THC can be fatal. Therefore, the Announcement of the Ministry of Public Health stipulates that the amount of THC in food and beverages must not exceed 2%, otherwise it will be considered narcotics.

How will consumers know if cannabis products are free of harmful substances?

Dr. Sudkate Chaiyo, a researcher at the Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Research, Chulalongkorn University, has developed an innovative “Rapid electrochemical strip test for THC amount” by adding to the knowledge on ATK test kit development that works with electrochemistry for the diagnosis and screening of COVID-19 produced by Thai people.

“Currently, the measurement of THC must be done in the laboratory with large instruments and the process is quite complicated. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the main agency that is responsible for the screening of THC substances in cannabis products. Therefore, we have developed an electrochemical strip test to allow consumers to initially check for THC themselves for more confidence and safety in consuming foods or beverages containing cannabis, Dr. Sudkate said.

Portable, easy-to-use THC test for measuring hazardous substances at the nanoscale

Dr. Sudkate said that although the chemical structure of CBD and THC in cannabis is quite similar, each strain of cannabis has a different CBD and THC amount. However, the electrochemical strip test for assessing the amount of THC is sensitive enough to accurately measure the THC value and is similar to the assay using the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) technique, which is the standard method used to detect the amount of THC.

“This test serves as a sensor that quickly measures the amount of THC in a certain food or drink with a high detection sensitivity, even if only 1.3 ng/mL of THC is detected.”

Dr. Sudkhet revealed that the efficacy of the kit comes from the integration of two sciences: rapid measurement of the lateral flow immunoassay test strips and high sensitivity measurement of electrochemical techniques.

“The test kit uses the same principles as the COVID-19 ATK test, so it’s easy to use. Just mix the cannabis-infused food or drink with the solution specific to the test strip and drip 2 drops onto the test strip, then wait about 6 minutes to read the results from the smartphone connected to the device.”

Electrochemical test strip kits are portable, easy to use, and inexpensive (costing 20 baht each). Dr. Sudkate hopes for the test to be an alternative way to assess the amount of THC outside the laboratory. This will be suitable for users in the group that need to use cannabis products and staff who are responsible for monitoring and controlling the amount of THC in cannabis-infused products.

“This electrochemical strip test will help prevent people from accidentally consuming harmful substances, control the amount of cannabis to a safe level, and reduce the risk of accidents or harm to the body from THC,” Dr. Sudkate said.

This innovation received the Invention Award 2024 from the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT).

The Future of Strip Test — A Simple device to help with disease screening

Dr. Sudkate and the researchers from the Chula Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering continue to strive to develop a platform in the form of strip tests in conjunction with electrochemistry for medical use. Currently, the team is developing electrochemistry strip tests for venereal disease screening, a disease that Thai teenagers are at risk of developing and do not dare to consult a doctor. The team is also working on electrochemical strip test kits to screen for people at high risk of contracting Streptococcus Suis from eating raw pork, etc.

Entrepreneurs interested in co-developing electrochemical strip tests to screen THC content for commercial production can contact Dr. Sudkate Chaiyo, Chulalongkorn University Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Research Institute, Tel. 0-2218-8056 E-mail: [email protected].

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/173973/

SASIN kickstarts “Sasin IEW” highlighting competitions and Asia’s world-class summit debut

Sasin School of Management, Chulalongkorn University, held a press conference to launch the Sasin Impact Entrepreneurship Week 2024 (Sasin IEW) which took place June 19-23, 2024. The press conference featured a vision talk by 4 experts, highlighting the world-class activities in Sasin IEW, including student-level business competitions and Asia’s first GCEC “New Frontier: Bangkok Summit 2024” international academic conference hosted by Thailand.

At this press conference, Mr. Dibyendu Bose, Deputy Director for Strategy, Innovation, and Development of Sasin School of Management, informed us that “Sasin IEW is a gathering of entrepreneurs, investors, academics, policymakers, and the general public who wish to drive innovation and positive change for a sustainable future for everyone.” Mr. Lars Svensson, Director of the Sasin Sustainability & Entrepreneurship Center (SasinSEC), added, “The goal of Sasin IEW is to spark multilateral discussions on the role of entrepreneurs in driving positive impact. This is the first time that the three main activities in entrepreneurship have been integrated under the philosophy of sustainability.” In addition, the collaboration between Sasin, The Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC), and the Mechai Viravaidya Foundation was announced.

A warm-up discussion panel in preparation for Sasin IEW at the press conference on the topic of “Thailand Showcase” was joined by 4 experts, namely Mr. Lars Svensson from Sasin School of Management, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jittima Luckanagul, Acting Assistant to the President for International Affairs, Innovation and Global Engagement, Chulalongkorn University, Mr. Sukich Udindu, the first CEO of the Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Organization Regional Centre for Sufficiency Economy Philosophy for Sustainability (SEAMEO SEPS) and sustainability columnist at Daily News, and Mr. Vasu Srivibha, Chief Impact Officer at Sasin School of Management and Vice Chair of UN PRME Chapter ASEAN+ Chapter.

The main activities at Sasin Impact Entrepreneurship Week 2024: SasinIEW included:

1) The first GCEC conference in Asia under the theme “New Frontier: Bangkok Summit 2024” reflecting the concept of “Inclusive Entrepreneurship Driving Impact
2) Bangkok Business Challenge 2024 (BBC 2024), a global student startup competition organized by Sasin, which is the longest-running business project competition in Asia.
3) Family Enterprise Case Competition – Asia Pacific 2024 (FECC-AP 2024) with the purpose of finding student groups that excel in addressing family business challenges and analyzing strategies: The winners will participate in a global business plan competition in the United States next January. Sasin, the current world champion, has the honor of hosting this competition for the first time in Asia.

Three other forums will also be organized in the event:

– “Driving Inclusive Entrepreneurship Ecosystems for Impact: Journey to Success” is an exploration of the latest collaborative strategies and advancements related to the innovation ecosystem for startups and entrepreneurs in Thailand and the region. The panel includes representatives from Knowledge Exchange for Innovation (KX) of King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, CMU STeP of Chiang Mai University, and CU Innovation Hub of Chulalongkorn University, along with the Social Enterprise Thailand Association, the National Innovation Agency, and the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE).
– “Navigating the Startup Path to Success: Insights from Investors and Enablers for Impact Entrepreneurs” dives deep into the challenges and sparks fundraising ideas for startups and social enterprises, as well as creates a networking space for new startups. The panelists are from various sectors, including social and agricultural entrepreneurs, business coaches, the Thai Startup Association, Yunus Center AIT, angel investors, and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA).
– “Redefining Values for Impact Entrepreneurship with the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP)” is moderated by Mr. Vasu Srivibha, Chief Impact Officer at Sasin School of Management and Vice Chair of UN PRME Chapter ASEAN+ Chapter. The panelists include Mr. Sukich Udindu, former CEO of SEAMEO SEPS and sustainability columnist at Daily News, and Mr. Steve Young, honorary co-chair of Sasin Sustainability & Entrepreneurship Center. This forum will address the integration of the Sufficiency Economy philosophy to promote the balanced and inclusive growth of entrepreneurs, encouraging more positive impact.

For other interesting activities, please visit ww.facebook.com/sasinschoolofmanagement

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/174132/

Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Arts signs cooperation agreement with the Cervantes Institute

On July 10, 2024, the Embassy of Spain in Thailand hosted a ceremony to sign a cooperation agreement between the Cervantes Institute and the Faculty of Arts at Chulalongkorn University to establish Aula Cervantes, a subsidiary of the Cervantes Institute. The agreement was signed by Mr. Javier Galván, Director of the Cervantes Institute in Manila, Philippines, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suradech Chotiudompant, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University. The event was attended by numerous distinguished guests, including representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, delegates from Spanish-speaking countries in Thailand, and Spanish language faculty from both higher education and secondary levels. Additionally, on July 11, 2024, Mr. Javier Galván met with the Spanish language faculty to discuss the implementation plan.

The Cervantes Institute is a Spanish government agency dedicated to promoting the Spanish language and the culture of Spanish-speaking countries worldwide. Aula Cervantes is the first Institute and only branch of the Institute in Thailand. Negotiations to establish Aula Cervantes began more than five years ago, and it is expected to play a significant role in spreading the Spanish language and the culture of Spanish-speaking countries to a broader Thai audience.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/173667/

Thammasat University, Siam Commercial Bank design online courses on ‘Digital Economy’

Prof. Dr. Rattha-korn Vilaichone, the Assistant to the Rector for Academic Affairs at Thammasat University, revealed that Thammasat University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SCB Academy, Siam Commercial Bank PCL, to collaborate in creating online learning courses for university students and the general public. This collaboration aims to drive the development of digital human capacity skills in order to create a sustainable future of learning.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pipop Udon, the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at Thammasat University, stated that the agreement has enabled Thammasat to incorporate courses from SCB Academy and Google into the curriculum for students who can choose to enroll in these courses at any time through the online system. Upon completion of the courses, students will receive an E-Certification. There is a Credit Bank system where students can accumulate credits to further their current studies. It will help students avoid having to take certain courses and allow them to fasten upon their studies.

“In today’s learning, we refer to it as ‘Anywhere, Anytime, Any Devices,’ which means that we can learn whenever, wherever, and through any device. This allows students to not necessarily attend physical classrooms, but instead choose to learn online.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pipop further emphasized that Thammasat University’s direction focuses on lifelong learning and recognizes the increasing importance of online education. The university’s response is not limited to its own students but extends to various groups, including high school students who will become future university students, working adults, and especially in the future as we move towards an increasingly aging society. It becomes a crucial responsibility of the university to address lifelong education or Life Long Learning.

Assoc. Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart, the Rector of Thammasat University, reinforced that the signing of this agreement will further establish Thammasat University as one of the pioneering institutions to collaborate on curriculum development with leading national entities such as SCB Academy and globally recognized organizations like Google. Moreover, it will be among the first universities to implement a Credit Bank system, enabling online learning not just to conclude after completion but to allow E-Certificates received to be credited towards further education within the university. This is believed to set a precedent for other universities in Thailand to develop their teaching and learning systems to meet the demands of future learning worldwide.

As a university student, you can attend classes to earn credits or further enhance your knowledge and skills at https://learning.kaorag.com/. For those who are interested, you can also attend classes at https://pmdacademy.teachable.com/.

Thammasat students win championship in fashion design with ‘Let’s Call a Day’

“Let’s Call a Day” by Phanuwat Chansiri, Punyaporn Yanpanya, and Panwassa Wongcharoen, a team of fourth-year students in Textile and Fashion Design, majoring in Fashion Design, Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Thammasat University, has won the championship award in the fashion design competition with Yamaha motorcycles at the YAMAHA Best Automatic Fashion Festival 2024, under the theme of Fashion Ride On, inspired by Yamaha motorcycles, the Grand Filano Hybrid and Fazzio models, in designing real wearable fashion outfits. The event took place on February 4, 2024, at Siam Square.

Panwassa Wongcharoen speaks about her inspiration behind the design, which is derived from Camping Hangout. It is a lifestyle passionated by office workers who enjoy socializing together after work. The clothing design is interestingly minimalistic. Therefore, the design is collided with a leisurely ride on the YAMAHA Fazzio motorcycle. The clothing is made from Ripstop Nylon and Cotton fabrics, with additional backpack accessories. The color selection is based on the Mood Board, combining with the colors of the YAMAHA Fazzio motorcycle that draws inspiration from Touring Fashion. The result is the creation of “Let’s Call a Day”.

Phanuwat Chansiri emphasizes that in this competition, his team has applied and adapted the knowledge from fashion design class to design and customize the most suitable motorcycle riding suits. This includes selecting color tones that match the motorcycle, as well as choosing fabrics that are suitable for practical use.

“Our team encountered problems regarding the discrepancy between the colors of the fabrics we designed in the program and the colors of the fabrics from the store. We then solved the problem on a case-by-case basis by comparing the closest matching colors and matching them with other colors. Fortunately, we were able to manage this issue in a timely manner.” – Punyaporn Yanpanya.

Panwassa Wongcharoen ends her interview with a remark to all the new generation, “Opportunities are there for everyone, depending on whether you seize them and act. Once you take it, you must strive for the best.”

Kanokporn Thammawong, a first-year student majoring in Textile and Fashion Design, Fashion Design, has also won an honorable mention in the fashion design competition with Yamaha Automatic Motorcycles.

Egg-White Rice: An innovative alternative food rich in nutrients that appeals to the health conscious

Chula Faculty of Allied Health Sciences has launched a ready-to-eat flourless rice innovation made from egg whites, branded “eggyday”. This product is low in calories, filled with good-quality protein, high in calcium, complete with dietary fibers, and free of gluten. It is suitable for health-conscious people trying to control their weight, the elderly, and those suffering from diabetes.

Rice is a staple food for Thai people and is always present at every meal. However, consuming too much rice can negatively affect health, leading to weight gain and high blood sugar levels, particularly for diabetic patients who must control their consumption of starch and sugar. Therefore, a research team from the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University has developed “Egg White Rice” as a rice substitute product to provide an alternative for consumers.

“The research team has developed an alternative type of rice that can control the amount of nutrients by taking 100 % egg white protein through a production process that transforms the egg white protein structure into egg white rice that has the shape, taste, and texture of rice while still maintaining egg white complete nutritional value. It also must not have any negative impact on one’s health” Professor Dr. Sirichai Adisakwattana, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Head of the research project on egg white rice products, and Co-Founder of Thandee Innofood Co., Ltd. Startup, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University discusses the origin of this novel type of rice under the “eggyday” product name.

Becoming 100 % egg white rice

Prof. Dr. Sirichai explained that egg white rice is a product that imitates actual rice in terms of appearance texture and taste. Consumers will therefore not feel anything different from the rice they eat daily.

“We use Protein Transformation technology to transform egg whites into “egg white rice.” The important step is the gel-forming reaction between the gelling agent and the sodium solution encapsulating egg white protein, then shaped into long, slender, and rounded-end rice grains, imitating actual rice grains. The next process is where the rice grain shape is maintained and ready for sterilization at 121 degrees Celsius heat. The result is synthetic rice grains with a soft and chewy texture, no different from actual rice grains without starch or fat, with low calories but high in calcium and excellent in taste. Most importantly, the nutritional value of egg white protein is not diminished by the production process.” Prof. Dr. Sirichai described the production process.

With the use of this same technology, Prof. Dr. Sirichai is now planning to develop “100% Future Protein Rice” derived from soybeans and various types of beans to serve consumers looking for alternative proteins from plants.

Summary of the highlights of the egg white rice that has been awarded a gold medal

  • Starch-free
  • Low calories at only 20 kilocalories (Kcal): 100 grams/ pouch
  • High-quality protein, strengthens the muscles
  • High calcium, provides nourishment for the bones and teeth
  • Complete dietary fiber works well for the digestive system
  • Gluten-free, suitable for those who are allergic to gluten in food
  • Can be stored for up to 18 months without the need for refrigeration. It makes use of scientific technology that heats up to 121 degrees Celsius to kill bacteria.
  • Egg white rice products are packaged in packets and are convenient to eat and carry around. Just tear the packet open and eat it as steamed rice or cook it in your favorite way like fried rice or porridge.

“Based on these exceptional qualities, eggyday egg white rice is perfect for people with weight problems and those who have undergone stomach surgery due to obesity. It also works well for those health-conscious individuals and for the lifestyle of city dwellers who often do not have time to prepare their meals,” said Prof. Dr. Sirichai.

This is how eggyday – the 100% egg white rice came to be awarded the Bangkok International Intellectual Property Invention Innovation and Technology Exposition, an award that guarantees the quality of healthy alternative food products for consumers and patients alike who all want healthy options in their diet.

“eggyday” egg white rice is available at health food stores and leading department stores. It can also be ordered online via Facebook, Line@, TikTok, and Instagram: @eggyday.official or click link: https://lin.ee/8JN96sn

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/170052/

AristoScan Test Kit for DNA Detection of Herbs with Kidney Cancer-Causing Aristolochic Acid

“A Quick and field-deployable CRISPR-Cas12a diagnostic kit for the DNA detection of poisonous plants containing aristolochic acid, the compound that caused nephropathy,” an innovation from the Center of Excellence in DNA Barcoding of Thai Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Chulalongkorn University, won the silver medal at “The 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva” held on April 17-21, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland.

The developer team includes Prof. Pol. Capt. Dr. Suchada Sukrong, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Prof. Dr. Sunchai Payungporn, Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Patcharawalai Whongsiri, and Mr. Chayapol Tungphatthong, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Chulalongkorn University.

”A Quick and field-deployable CRISPR-Cas12a diagnostic kit for the DNA detection of poisonous plants containing aristolochic acid, the compound that caused nephropathy” stemmed from the World Health Organization’s declaration of aristolochic acid as a carcinogen in humans, especially kidney cancer, and the Thai government’s ban on the use of all herbs containing aristolochic acid, including Krai-Krue herbal plant (Aristolochia pierei), a popular ingredient found in many traditional Thai medicine formulations. The Center of Excellence in DNA Barcoding of Thai Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Chulalongkorn University, has conducted a survey and found Krai-Krue herbal plant still in the market and aristolochic acid in several Thai traditional medicine formulas, which may cause adverse effects on consumers and lead to kidney failure or kidney cancer. Therefore, a rapid and field-deployable DNA test kit using CRISPR-Cas12a technology, named “AristoScan,” was developed to detect herb contamination.

The AristoScan is the world’s first diagnostic kit that detects the DNA of herbal plants containing aristolochic acid using CRISPR-Cas12a technology. It requires no complex tools and was designed to detect all families of herbal plants that have been reported to contain aristolochic acid, namely, Aristolochia, Thottea, Asarum, and Saruma. It can reduce the period of detection from days to only 30 minutes.

Moreover, the results can be observed with the naked eye. The test is highly specific, accurate, and fast It can be used to detect toxic plants or herbal formulas containing aristolochic acid components, which is beneficial for agencies overseeing herbal medicines, entrepreneurs, and the general public. Additionally, the research on the AristoScan has led to the development of a platform that can be adapted to create other types of DNA test kits, such as for detecting narcotic plants, poisonous plants, meat contamination in halal food, as well as infectious diseases in humans, animals, and plants.

For more stories, read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/171945/

Special Public Talk on “Enlightened Leadership” by the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan

Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with the Government of Bhutan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Institute of Asian Studies, cordially invites you to a special public talk on “Enlightened Leadership” by His Excellency Dasho Tshering Tobgay, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The event will take place on Thursday, June 27, 2024, from 08:30 to 12:00 hrs. at the Chulalongkorn University Auditorium.

To register, please visit this link or scan the QR code on the event poster

The entire program will be conducted in English language and open to the public free of charge. Attendees are required to bring their national identification card or passport for registration.

Please note:

Temperature checks will be conducted before entering the auditorium.

Limited parking is available at the Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Building at the rate of 15 baht per hour.

For security reasons, Chulalongkorn University reserves the right to refuse admission.

We look forward to your participation in this forthcoming event.

Read more: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/169146/

Chulalongkorn University Hosts Forum on “Inclusive Society”

Chulalongkorn University, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and academic partners, organized the Inclusive Society Platform Network Meeting titled Roundtable: What is inclusive society platform? “The Unheard Voices” and an exhibition of research on inclusive society. The event was held on April 4, 2024, at TK Hall, Sasin School of Management, Chulalongkorn University. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pannee Cheewinsiriwat, Chulalongkorn’s Assistant Vice President for Research Affairs, chaired the meeting, which focused on sustainable social development through diverse solutions to social challenges, collaborative efforts to innovate, and promotion of equality. Towards this end, a platform is needed for exchanges of experiences and in-depth information, allowing the government and the private sector to work together efficiently and leading to the solution of society’s problems, which are practical and aligned with operations in all sectors.

The Roundtable: What is inclusive society platform? “The Unheard Voices” gathered experts in various fields, namely the United Nations, local organizations, and educational institutions. The participants engaged in dialogues in which the voice of “everyone” was prioritized to achieve policies and changes that contribute to a more inclusive society in several aspects as follows:

– “Creating opportunities and enhancing social protection for people of all ages: Towards becoming partners in sustainable social development.

Participants included Prof. Emeritus Dr. Soottiporn Chittmittrapap, Head of Chulalongkorn University’s Research and Innovation Policy Committee, Ms. Sattakamon Kiatpanich, Director of the Research and Innovation Fund Administration Division 2, National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), Ms. Sirilak Chiangwong, Head of the United Nations Population Fund Thailand Office, Asst. Prof. Dr. Vorapat Inkarojrit, Assistant President of Chulalongkorn University, and Ms. Nataorn Indeesri, Director of Division of Strategies and Plans Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.

– “Age, Gender, and Violence”: creating an Inclusive Society in terms of age, gender equality at the workplace, and violence in society

Participants included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piyachart Phiromswad, Deputy Director of Sasin School of Management, Ms. Sirilak Chiangwong, Head of UNFPA Thailand Office, Asst. Prof. Dr. Rukchanok Karcharnubarn, Associate Dean of College of Population Studies, Chulalongkorn University, and Thai ARi/Chula ARi Research Group, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sumonthip Jitsawang, Head of Research on Thai Society without Violence, Faculty of Political Sciences, Chulalongkorn University.

– “Labor, Migration, and Migrant Dependents”: Building understanding and awareness of diversity in migrants’ society

Participants included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sutee Anantsuksomsri, Associate Dean of Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University, Prof. Dr. Supang Chantavanich, Asian Research Center for Migration, Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ruttiya Bhula-Or, Associate Dean of College of Population Studies, Chulalongkorn University, and Collaborating Centre for Labour Research, Chulalongkorn University (CU-COLLAR), and Dr. Premjai Vungsiriphisal, researcher at Institute of Asian Studies.

– “Inclusive Education and Diverse Educational Needs”: Creating understanding of inclusive education, which considers diverse learners and allows all learners— general learners and learners with special needs—equal access to quality education

The participants included Dr. Chanakida Thummanond, lecturer at the Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University, and head of the project to develop a curriculum for training former drug offenders to prevent recidivism, and student counseling project in the context of promoting public consciousness among at-risk students, Ms. Rosalina Alexander McKay, President of The Rainbow Room Foundation, Prof. Dr. Weerasak Chonchaiya, Deputy Head of Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Asst. Prof. Dr. Chanisa Tantixalerm, Head of Special and Inclusive Education Curriculum, Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University, and Head of the High Vocational Innovation Scholarship Program for Learners with Special Needs.

– “Achieving Fairness and Leaving No One Behind”: Sharing experience of creating fairness in society while ensuring no one gets left behind

The participants included Mr. Pakorn Lertsatienchai, Deputy Director for Academics and Social Relations, Chulalongkorn Social Research Institute (CUSRI), Mr. Thanachai Sundaravej, Senior Manager, Social Partnership and Public Engagement and Head of the Restart Academy Project, Thailand Institute of Justice, Mr. Akkanut Wantanasombut, researcher at Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University, and Dr. Sayamol Charoenratana, The Human Security and Equity Research Unit, Chulalongkorn Social Research Institute (CUSRI).

In addition, the event featured an exhibition of the findings from research and projects related to inclusive society. These research projects included surveys of the landscapes regarding the creation of an indiscriminate or inclusive society, research trends in education, gender equality, and social justice, and directions of inclusive society research in the future, to name a few. There was also an exhibition of the DB Asok project from Don Bosco Technological College, led by Ms. Anupa Kongpramote, head of the project, and her team.

The Roundtable: What is inclusive society platform? “The Unheard Voices” was organized by Inclusive Society Platform, CU Innovation Hub, headed by Asst. Prof. Dr. Chanisa Tantixalerm. Inclusive Society Platform houses a network of Chulalongkorn University’s researchers with expertise in related fields, as well as collaborates with external organizations, to work towards developing various solutions to problems relating to social challenges. Collaboration, innovation, and integration are used to foster fair and sustainable equality.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Chanisa Tantixalerm, Head of Special and Inclusive Education Curriculum, Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University, and Head of the High Vocational Innovation Scholarship Program for Learners with Special Needs, revealed that Chulalongkorn University acted as a host of this Inclusive Society Platform Network Meeting, bringing together government agencies, the private sector, and relevant networks in a collaboration to solve problems in society. So far, Chulalongkorn has produced a significant amount of research on social issues, including those involving vulnerable groups, prisoners, children with people with special needs, and persons with disabilities. Hence, this event was organized to listen to and make known to the public “the unheard voices” of these groups who may have never spoken out before. In this regard, the media plays an invaluable role. This event marked the beginning of a network that brings together individuals working towards the same goal of creating an inclusive society. Future events will be organized featuring presentations of research by Chulalongkorn University’s faculty and by other sectors. The research will take the form of platforms, rather than individual research projects, and Chulalongkorn University is currently driving this effort.

Read more at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/160406/