Walailak University, through its Center for Academic Services, in collaboration with four academic schools, has delivered knowledge and technology transfer to coastal communities and local entrepreneurs in Nakhon Si Thammarat through the training course “Skills and Communication for the Preparation of Signature Seafood Cuisine from Coastal Nakhon Si Thammarat.” The initiative aims to enhance product standards, strengthen vocational skills, improve marketing capabilities, and increase the value of local marine resources, thereby supporting sustainable grassroots economic development.
The Center for Academic Services, together with the School of Agricultural Technology and Food Industry, School of Languages and General Education, School of Liberal Arts, and School of Management, organized a technology transfer and advisory service programme under the University’s Social Engagement Project in the dimensions of Career Development and Education. The programme provided participants with integrated knowledge in food science, communication, marketing, and product development to strengthen the capacity of local communities and seafood entrepreneurs.
The programme adopted a multidisciplinary approach to community development. Asst. Prof. Dr. Tanong Aewsiri from the School of Agricultural Technology and Food Industry delivered training on seafood food product freezing technology, enabling participants to improve product quality and food safety standards while increasing consumer confidence and market competitiveness.
To enhance communication skills, Asst. Prof. Dr. Wararat Whanchit from the School of Liberal Arts conducted a session on English for Professional Communication, equipping participants with practical language skills for communicating with customers and tourists, expanding business opportunities, and increasing income. Meanwhile, Mr. Songpan Janthong, lecturer from the School of Languages and General Education, provided hands-on training in food product photography for marketing and promotion, enabling participants to produce high-quality promotional materials and effectively utilize digital marketing platforms.
Another highlight of the programme was a practical workshop on coastal seafood processing, led by Mr. Pavit Tansakul, lecturer from the School of Management. Participants learned the complete process, from selecting raw materials and processing seafood to preparing value-added dishes using local marine resources. The workshop featured signature menu items including fish burgers and shrimp wontons Soup, demonstrating how local ingredients can be transformed into commercially viable products that generate additional income and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The programme was attended by 41 participants, including members of the Pak Phaya community group, residents of Ban Nai Thung, local restaurant entrepreneurs, as well as teachers and students from Chumchon Mai School. Participants received both theoretical knowledge and practical training covering product quality improvement, English for business communication, promotional photography, and seafood product development. The acquired knowledge and skills can be directly applied to improve local products, generate income, and strengthen community enterprises.
At the closing ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onanong Cheablam, Acting Deputy Dean of the School of Management, presented certificates to participants who successfully completed the training programme. The certificates recognized the competencies gained during the programme while encouraging participants to further develop local products, enhance entrepreneurial capacity, and contribute to sustainable community development.
This initiative reflects Walailak University’s commitment to its mission of academic service for society by integrating multidisciplinary expertise to transfer technology and innovation to local communities. The programme promotes the creative utilization of local resources, strengthens the competitiveness of community entrepreneurs, and contributes to sustainable grassroots economic development. It also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, while aligning with the University’s WU HAPPY TREE framework in the dimensions of Education and Career Development.
News by Mr. Kittipong Bunlear, The Center for Academic Services, Walailak University https://cas.wu.ac.th