In 2024, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) further strengthened its commitment to sustainable development through a series of collaborative projects that bridged academic expertise with regional policy development. Working closely with government agencies, local administrative organizations, and community networks, the university played an active role in co-developing evidence-based strategies for sustainable health systems, cultural revitalization, creative economy growth, and local innovation. These initiatives reflect BSRU’s expanding role in regional SDG policymaking—particularly through participatory processes that integrate research, local wisdom, and stakeholder engagement. By facilitating cross-sectoral collaboration and supporting adaptive management frameworks, BSRU continues to serve as a key academic partner in promoting inclusive, community-centered, and policy-driven approaches to sustainable development.
1. Strengthening Collaborative Policy Development for Community Health and Well-being
In 2024, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) strengthened its collaboration with the National Health Commission Office (NHCO) to promote participatory public policy development aimed at advancing sustainable health and well-being. A joint meeting was held on November 7, 2024, led by BSRU President Asst. Prof. Dr. Kanakorn Sawangcharoen, together with NHCO Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Apichat Rodsom and Mr. Techit Chaobangprom, Head of the Urban Health Promotion Center. The meeting focused on developing strategic plans to enhance community health across physical, mental, social, economic, and spiritual dimensions—particularly for women and the elderly in nearby communities.
Between 21–22 October 2024, BSRU representatives, led by Assistant Professor Dr. Kanakorn Sawangcharoen, President of BSRU, assigned Dr. Surasak Kruehong, Assistant to the President and Head of the Centre, to attend the coordination meeting in Pattaya. The discussions focused on strengthening mechanisms for sustainable urban health systems under the 2024–2026 operational plan. Supported by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, the Urban Well-being Academic Centre plays a key role in analyzing health-related data, synthesizing research findings, and formulating policy recommendations that promote inclusive and community-driven health governance. The centre also facilitates collaboration between academic institutions, local administrative bodies, and civil society to develop systematic frameworks for improving health and well-being in urban communities. In recognition of its effective contribution, the BSRU centre has been entrusted with expanding its responsibility to cover five additional districts in Bangkok, reinforcing its role as a vital partner in regional SDG policymaking and sustainable health development.
This collaboration represents BSRU’s active contribution to regional SDG policy processes, especially in identifying community health challenges, formulating responsive strategies, and supporting adaptive management through academic research, local wisdom, and shared resources. The partnership also extends to the development of a Community Health Charter, jointly managed by BSRU and five surrounding districts, aligning higher education with participatory governance for sustainable and inclusive community development.
2. Collaborative Local Development Planning through Engineering and Innovation for Sustainable Communities
In 2024, the Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology at Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) strengthened its partnership with the Ban Phaeo District Office and multiple regional government agencies to advance local sustainable development planning. From February 5–6, 2024, under the project “Enhancing Quality of Life and Uplifting the Local Economy through Engineering Innovation”, Asst. Prof. Dr. Krittharut Thongsin, Dean of the Faculty, led a team of faculty members and staff to engage in community-based discussions chaired by Mr. Phirunrot Nakdontri, District Chief of Ban Phaeo. Participating agencies included the Samut Sakhon Provincial Office of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Ratchaburi Agricultural Research and Development Center, the Samut Sakhon Provincial Commerce and Public Health Offices, and local administrative organizations.
The initiative focused on developing subdistrict-level strategic plans across three areas—Yokkrabat, Lak Song, and Lak Sam—emphasizing innovation-based solutions for rural sustainability. Projects such as transforming agricultural waste into briquette charcoal, biomass energy, and powdered coconut products for coffee demonstrate BSRU’s practical involvement in SDG-related policy development and local economic empowerment. This collaboration showcases the university’s role in connecting academic expertise with local governance and community enterprises to model sustainable, technology-driven local development.
3. BSRU’s Collaboration with Local Stakeholders to Develop Sustainable Cultural Policy through the Revitalization of the Mon Songkran Festival
On 8 November 2024, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU), through its Office of Arts and Culture, convened a policy meeting with representatives from government agencies, the private sector, and civil society to advance the Project for Enhancing Cultural Capital and Strengthening Collaborative Networks for the Revitalization of the Mon Songkran Festival in Hiranyaruji Subdistrict, Thonburi District. The meeting, chaired by Associate Professor Dr. Tayata Rattanapinyowanich and Assistant Professor Dr. Rangsarn Buathong, aimed to outline project directions, share implementation strategies, and gather stakeholder input for developing a sustainable and inclusive cultural festival under the theme “Visiting Mon Villages, Remembering Luang Pu Toh.”
Participants included representatives from Wat Pradittharam Temple, Wat Pradittharam School, the Thonburi District Office, Bang Yi Rue Police Station, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, ICONSIAM, Co van Kessel Bangkok Tours, and leaders from nine local communities. Together, they identified key challenges and proposed strategies to strengthen community-based cultural management, promote creative economy opportunities, and elevate the festival as a local soft power initiative. This collaboration exemplifies BSRU’s role in fostering regional partnerships for SDG-aligned policy development—particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)—by integrating local identity, participatory governance, and sustainable cultural development.
4. BSRU’s Partnership with Local Government and Ethnic Leaders to Advance Creative Economy Policy and Sustainable Community Development
On 21 October 2024, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 33 local government units and ethnic community leaders in U Thong District, Suphanburi Province, to collaboratively promote area-based economic development and community well-being. The initiative, under the Project for Excellence in Higher Education to Drive the Creative Economy for Area-Based Development, aims to enhance local income generation and quality of life through interdisciplinary collaboration, creative economy integration, and value-based economic growth.
Led by Associate Professor Dr. Kanakorn Sawangcharoen, President of BSRU, and Assistant Professor Dr. Panita Jaedanalaw, Assistant to the President and project leader, the partnership seeks to co-develop strategies and curricula with local stakeholders to strengthen entrepreneurship, tourism, and product innovation rooted in local wisdom and cultural diversity. The project involves five ethnic groups—Thai, Thai-Chinese, Lao Khrang, Lao Vieng, and Thai Song Dam communities—and focuses on transforming local resources into sustainable economic opportunities aligned with the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) model.
Through this collaboration, BSRU contributes to regional SDG policy development by fostering participatory planning, supporting creative economic policymaking, and promoting adaptive management for sustainable local economies. This initiative demonstrates BSRU’s practical engagement in SDG-aligned policy processes, strengthening partnerships across government, academia, and community sectors.
