WU BCG Events for All: Driving Sustainable Community Development and Knowledge Transfer through Strategic Initiatives and Research Innovation

24Oct 2024 by Kittipong Bunlear

Sustainability and Stewardship

Achieving the goal of providing sustainable academic services and community development is one of the key strategies that WU has been driving to fulfill its founding mission of being a “pillar of the region.” Over the next five years (2023-2027), the university has set forth strategies and action plans to transfer and expand research outputs and knowledge-based technologies to local communities. This is combined with efforts to establish the university as a local learning hub, enabling communities to access and apply knowledge to support their livelihoods while maintaining a balance between natural resources and the environment. The focus is especially on knowledge and technology related to food security, sustainable agriculture, safe farming practices, and the efficient production and management of food resources.

With Walailak University’s role in promoting knowledge and innovation, which can be effectively transferred to local farmers and food producers, the university organized activities aimed at fostering knowledge exchange and shared experiences. These activities serve as a platform to connect local farmers and food producers with academic, technological, and local resources. The goal is to promote sustainable production and agricultural practices that utilize resources efficiently and in an environmentally friendly manner. The university encourages farmers to learn and adapt to sustainable agricultural methods, building a network of producers within the community. This network enables farmers and food producers to support one another in developing their professions and expanding their markets in the future, ultimately contributing to economic development and sustainability within the community.

Walailak University has organized several activities as platforms for knowledge exchange, connecting local farmers and food producers with academic, technological, and local resources. These activities promote sustainable production and agricultural practices that prioritize resource efficiency and environmental friendliness, ultimately contributing to long-term food security. Notable events include:

- - U2T to Market at Walailak University
  - The 12^th Regional Research Expo 2023 with the theme “Research and Innovation for Sustainable Quality of Life Development: The Southern Model”

U2T to Market at Walailak University

Walailak University, through the Center for Academic Services (CAS) and related schools, has actively participated in the “U2T for BCG and Regional Development” project, which aims to drive local economic and social recovery post-COVID by leveraging the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) economy model. This project builds on the foundation of the “University to Tambon” initiative, targeting economic foundation development in Subdistricts across Thailand.

The project seeks to harness the knowledge, technology, and innovation provided by higher education institutions and agencies under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI). By applying these resources to local production and service sectors, the initiative aims to motivate economic recovery, sustain employment, foster new business opportunities, and stimulate investment. Efforts include creating new businesses, expanding existing ones, increasing the value of products and services, and boosting consumption.

One key tool used in the project is the Thailand Community Big Data (TCD), which highlights the area’s resource potential, biodiversity, and cultural richness. This data serves as a roadmap for developing each sub-district using the BCG economic strategy. The initiative is supported by funding from the Office of the Permanent Secretary of MHESI.

The Post-COVID Economic and Social Foundation Revitalization Project using the BCG Economy (U2T for BCG), managed by WU, spans 85 Subdistricts in four provinces: Krabi, Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. The project collaborates with local communities and relevant sectors to develop products, enhance services, and promote BCG-related goods and services, pushing over 170 products/services into the market.

Additionally, the project involves Data Analytics and leverages Thailand Community Big Data (TCD), utilizing more than 40,000 community datasets to drive development. A network of over 269 public and private agencies was formed to facilitate academic engagement and social outreach activities, enhancing the collaboration for sustainable growth. The project has generated over 1,400 employment opportunities within the 85 Subdistricts, employing recent graduates and residents. The total employment investment is estimated at 21 million baht.

As part of the U2T for BCG Project, Walailak University, through the CAS, organized the U2T to Market Festival to promote and introduce U2T for BCG products. The event aimed to raise awareness, facilitate learning exchanges among stakeholders within the U2T product and service value chain, and transfer knowledge and technology resulting from the integration of academic, technological, and local resources free of charge. The festival targeted farmers, food producers, related public and private sectors, and interested individuals. It took place on March 11-12, 2023, at Central Plaza, Nakhon Si Thammarat.

The U2T to Market Festival at Walailak University featured exhibitions and booths showcasing products from the U2T for BCG Project. A total of 30 stalls from across four provinces, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi, Chumphon, and Surat Thani, participated, representing local businesses supported by technology transfer from Walailak University. Throughout the festival, various activities took place, including performances by Walailak University, and a panel discussion titled “U2T Project and Uplifting U2T Product Markets”, where academics, farmers, and entrepreneurs exchanged insights on the U2T product and service value chain. Also, there were demonstrations of local dishes like Southern Thai style stir-fried noodles (Mee Mueang Nang) and sugar production from local crops, transforming them into palm sugar powder. The festival also offered a market where all 30 community stalls sold their products at affordable prices, directly from local producers.

Additionally, Walailak University has organized activities to promote products and services under the U2T for BCG project. These activities include setting up booths for product sales and holding discussion forums where various stakeholders, such as local communities, farmers, entrepreneurs, academic institutions, private sector representatives, and government agencies, can exchange ideas. These events have been held in areas like Krabi Province and Koh Samui District, Surat Thani Province.

The 12^th Regional Research Expo 2023

In 2023, the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), in collaboration with Walailak University, hosted the 12^th Annual Regional Research Expo 2023 under the theme “Research and Innovation for Sustainable Quality of Life Development: The Southern Model.” Held from June 28-30, 2023, at Walailak University in Nakhon Si Thammarat, this event aimed to drive research and innovation to support the development of Southern Thailand. It focused on using research for regional development and building a self-sustaining economy, to expand the application of knowledge, technology, and innovation at the local level. The expo also sought to promote and disseminate research achievements, making them more widely recognized and advancing them to meet the needs of the country.

The southern region of Thailand, encompassing 14 provinces, is highly suitable for the application of the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green Economy) Model due to its rich natural resources, strong manufacturing and processing sectors, and favorable geological potential. Additionally, the development of the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) policy, which spans several provinces in the upper southern region, makes it an ideal setting for implementing the BCG Model. The 12^th Regional Research Expo incorporated the BCG Model, aligning with the goals of sustainable development and promoting regional growth through the utilization of research and innovation, which is a key vision of the NRCT.

To showcase the research and innovation relevant to this model, the expo featured four key themes:

- - Research and innovation in new agricultural and food technologies

- - Research and innovation in energy and materials

- - Research and innovation in tourism, services, and social developmen

- - Research and innovation in healthcare and medical sciences

The expo is open to personnel from educational institutions, and research organizations, both public and private, as well as students, youth, and the general public. They are welcome to register and participate in the event free of charge. This opportunity aims to engage a wide range of participants, allowing them to explore and benefit from the research and innovations shown at the event.

The event featured exhibitions showcasing research projects and knowledge-sharing activities, including the dissemination of academic knowledge, technology, and local resources related to food security, sustainable agriculture, and resource management for farmers, food producers, public and private sectors, and interested individuals. Highlights of the event included:

1. Conferences, Converses, and Lectures – A total of 13 sessions were hosted by 68 speakers from government agencies, private sectors, and independent organizations at the auditorium, Lecture Building.

- - Ethics in Human Research (Lecture Building 5, Room 5301)
  - U-School Mentoring: Enhancing Educational Quality and Local Development Mentoring by Higher Education Institution (Lecture Building 5, Room 5310)
  - AI in the Future World (Lecture Building 5, Room 5201)
  - “Native Chicken: Value of Food Security, Local Economy, and Culture” (Lecture Building 5, Room 5217)
  - High-Value Economic and Business Development Aspects of Sustainability in the Southern of Thailand (ST Building, Room ST213)
  - Commercial Herbal Cultivation and Herbal Product Registration (Lecture Building 5, Room 5301)
  - Turning Crisis into Opportunity Discussion: The Swallow Nest (Thai Edible Bird’s Nest) Industry on International Competition (Lecture Building 5, Room 5310)
  - The New Era of Technology and Innovation for Laboratory, Life Sciences, and Future Chemical Analysis (Lecture Building 5, Room 5201)
  - New Industry: Valuable Wood from Community Forest for Sustainability (Lecture Building 5, Room 5217)
  - Cattle Reproduction System Management: Improving Breeding Efficiency and Genetic Quality (ST Building, Room ST213)
  - Research Seminar on “Enhancing the Utilization of Biomass Residues from the Palm Oil Industry through Leading-edge Research” (ST Building, Room ST213)
  - Political Science and Public Administration: Social Challenges for Sustainability (Lecture Building 5, Room 5301)
  - ARSA Framework with Promoting Startups in the BCG Economy (Lecture Building 5, Room 5217)

2. Highlight Stage Activities (Academic Exhibition Area)

- - Panel Discussion on “Microwave Technology for Adding Value to Agricultural Products” by the Head of the Functional Materials & Nanotechnology Center of Excellence-funtech, Walailak University (CoE).
  - Panel Discussion on “Halal Certification Process” led by the Logistics Program, School of Management, Walailak University, in collaboration with the Islamic Council of Nakhon Si Thammarat.
  - Panel Discussion on “The Research Network in the Southern Region by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)” with the chair of the network, NRCT, in collaboration with the centers including Cha Lae Stingless Bee Community Research Center (Ung), Singhanakorn District, Songkhla of Hatyai University, Spotted catfish community research center of Taksin University, green caviar (Caulerpa lentillifera) community research center under the Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya of Trang Campus, and Ban Khao Rang Mixed Garden Community Research Center Following the Rama IX’s Philosophy, Hin Tok Subdistrict, Ron Phibun District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, organized by the Academic Service Center, Walailak University.
  - Lecture on “ARSA Framework in Metaverse: Robot and AI” by the Chairman of ARSA Productions Co., Ltd.
  - Panel Discussion on “Managing Regional Research for Sustainable Local Development” by Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University.
  - Panel Discussion on “Blue Swimming Crab Bank: Returning Blue Crabs to Thailand’s Seas” organized by the Center for Academic Services, Walailak University.

3. Exhibition under the theme “Research and Innovation for Sustainable Quality of Life Development: The Southern Model,” featuring 109 booths, including:

- - Royal Tribute Projects
  - Research and innovations supported by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)
  - Exhibitions from regional research network organizations
  - Regional Science Park South (RSP SOUTH) Exhibition
  - Community Research Centers
  - Research and innovation project exhibition of high school students
  - Highlight Exhibitions
  - Southern Identity

4. Innovation business concept competition for regional development: Southern Region by high school students

5. Research presentation activities at the Lecture Building, covering new agricultural and food innovations, energy and materials, tourism, services and social development, and medical and health innovations.

Additionally, there were community product booths, with some being part of a research collaboration network involving farmers, small entrepreneurs, and private sector partners.