Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) is actively engaging in various policy initiatives at local, regional, national, and global levels to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for local communities. Through innovative projects such as the Quadruple Network Development and Local Database Project, the U2T for BCG Product Expo, and the implementation of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, BSRU aims to enhance economic opportunities, foster local entrepreneurship, and align its efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By facilitating collaboration among government sectors, educational institutions, and local communities, BSRU is committed to creating sustainable solutions that empower individuals and promote inclusive growth, ultimately contributing to the broader goals of poverty alleviation and sustainable urban development.
1) Local Level Policy Initiatives
Revamping Community Tourism and Products for Sustainable Development
Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University has established a significant policy aimed at fostering local community development. Through the Quadruple Network Development and Local Database Project, the university seeks to enhance the economic conditions and quality of life for local residents, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. This initiative focuses on improving tourism, a leading income-generating sector for Thailand.
On June 12, 2023, the university organized a creative tourism and community product development workshop in Lak Sam Subdistrict, Bang Phai District, Samut Sakhon. The event took place at the Lak Sam Subdistrict Administrative Organization meeting room, with Ms. Pluempit Lapudomlert, Deputy Secretary of the Lak Sam Subdistrict Administrative Organization, officiating the opening ceremony. This workshop is part of the first activity aimed at building community innovators and a quadruple network to support local economic enhancement.
Led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Nusanee Meekaewkunjar, Dean of the Faculty of Management Science, the workshop featured presentations by experts, including Asst. Prof. Dr. Darut Praditsong and Instructor Phanphichaya Anchana-Pathi. They provided valuable insights on “How to Develop Attractive Tourism Routes” and “How to Design Logos and Packaging that Captivate Consumers.” Faculty members from various disciplines collaborated to facilitate the event, attracting a large audience of community members and local enterprises interested in enhancing their tourism offerings.
During the workshop, participants engaged in knowledge exchange, discussing strategies to develop tourism routes and modernize logos and packaging for the area to attract more tourists. This initiative aims to increase community income and bolster local businesses while fostering sustainable urban growth. As the project progresses, BSRU and interested community enterprises will collaborate to enhance products and packaging while promoting tourism routes in Lak Sam. The goal is to elevate local attractions’ visibility and accessibility, ensuring they are better recognized and appreciated by visitors.
Enhancing Community Product Design for Sustainable Urban Development
On June 23, 2023, a collaborative initiative between the Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) and local entrepreneurs from Moo 3, Lak Sam Subdistrict, Bang Phai District, Samut Sakhon, took place as part of the Quadruple Network Development and Local Database Project. This initiative aims to enhance the economic conditions and quality of life for local communities.
The event, held at Ban Suan Phisit, focused on developing creative tourism and community products, emphasizing the importance of sustainable urban growth. The workshop aimed to enhance local product competitiveness through the integration of research and innovation. Led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Nusanee Meekaewkunjar, the Dean of the Faculty of Management Science, the workshop centered on “Developing Packaging for Lak Sam Products.”
Local entrepreneurs, particularly those involved in chiffon cake production, participated in the training to enhance their signature product, Chiffon Melon Cake with Lava Coconut Filling. The workshop emphasized modern design concepts for logos and packaging to attract tourists, thereby increasing income for local producers and strengthening the community’s economic resilience—an essential component of sustainable urban development.
Moving forward, BSRU plans to leverage academic expertise alongside local community input to further develop sustainable product packaging. The overarching goal of this initiative is to strengthen the community and enhance local economic development for the people of Lak Sam, thereby fostering an inclusive and sustainable urban environment that benefits all community members.
2) Regional Level Policy Initiatives
U2T for BCG Product Expo 2023
In support of SDG 1 and SDG 8, the U2T for BCG Product Expo was successfully held, showcasing the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, alongside local educational institutions and community stakeholders.BSRU’s President, Asst. Prof. Dr. Linda Gainma, was also present and delivered a speech highlighting the university’s dedication to these principles.
The expo, which featured over 40 booths showcasing locally-produced goods, aimed to support producers, entrepreneurs, and participants in the U2T for BCG program by providing opportunities to develop their products and packaging with the assistance of knowledge, technology, and innovation from university experts.
The U2T for BCG program, focused on post-COVID economic and social recovery, encourages universities to collaborate with local communities and public-private partnerships. Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) is implementing this program in seven targeted provinces and 118 districts, integrating scientific and technological knowledge with community development efforts. As a result, participants have been able to produce products and services that meet market demands, generating income through both primary and supplementary occupations.
During the expo, attendees had the opportunity to discover a diverse range of community products. They explored natural tie-dye fabrics crafted by the Mangrove Community Enterprise in Samut Songkhram, as well as organic pandan powder from the Bang Waek community, which is free from harmful chemicals. The marketplace also showcased herb-infused fish seasoning and organic coconut sugar in powdered form, alongside traditional Pad Thai sauce that delivers authentic flavors reminiscent of popular restaurants. Beyond the marketplace experience, the event offered engaging activities, including demonstrations of local agricultural processing and food preparation. It served as a platform to promote U2T for BCG products and support OTOP (One Tambon One Product) development, along with presentations that highlighted the successful outcomes of the U2T for BCG initiative and introduced standout products to attendees.
This expo is a significant step in enhancing the market access of local products and increasing their competitiveness, which is crucial for fostering economic growth in the region. With participation from 93 entrepreneurs under the U2T for BCG program, the event not only showcased the diversity and potential of community-based products but also reinforced the importance of sustainable development in the local economy.
BSRU Faculty of Management Science Elevates Local Communities Through OTOP Product Exhibition and Sale
BSRU continues its efforts toward promoting sustainable development and local entrepreneurship with two key events held by the Faculty of Management Science in 2023. These initiatives are part of the university’s strategy to empower local communities and contribute to Thailand’s progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The first milestone in this journey took place on Monday, April 10, 2023, when the Faculty of Management Science officially launched the Innovation Center for Entrepreneurship towards Sustainable Development Goals. This center serves as both a platform to showcase locally-produced OTOP (One Tambon One Product) products from Samut Sakhon Province and a training ground for students. The center’s main objectives are to promote local innovations and product development, while also providing practical experience for students, helping them prepare for the digital economy and future careers.
Building on the success of the Innovation Center, the Faculty of Management Science organized the University as a Marketplace Project from October 26-29, 2023, in collaboration with The Bright Community Mall, Rama 2. This event brought local wisdom and the vibrant culture of Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram Provinces to a wider audience by offering a wide range of local products. Visitors were able to explore and purchase various products, including shrimp paste, seasoned mussels, aloe vera juice, and an array of products crafted from scraps of cloth bags. These products exemplify the region’s sustainable practices, focusing on reducing waste and utilizing locally available resources.
The marketplace event was not only a commercial success but also a cultural exchange platform, with over 20 booths from community enterprises, and BSRU’s own entrepreneurship students showcasing their talents. This event highlighted the university’s role in facilitating sustainable economic growth for local communities by connecting traditional products with modern markets.
By expanding BSRU’s outreach through the marketplace event, local producers could directly engage with consumers, thus elevating local products onto a larger stage. These initiatives underscore BSRU’s dedication to promoting local economic growth while preserving cultural heritage and contributing to the achievement of SDG 1: No Poverty.
Baan Hed Khwanwan Farm Learning Center: A Model of Sufficiency Economy Philosophy
On March 25, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU)’s Faculty of Management Science inaugurated the “Baan Hed Khwanwan Farm Learning Center” in Tha Sao Subdistrict, Krathum Baen District, Samut Sakhon Province, based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy.
This project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1: No Poverty by promoting local economic growth and skills development through various career-enhancing activities, including demonstrations in mushroom spawn production and food processing. A key focus of the initiative is the development of standardized OTOP (One Tambon One Product) food products, which aim to enhance local products and create income-generating opportunities for community members.
The learning center serves as an educational hub for the public, students, and those interested in safe agricultural practices (GAP) and food product development. This initiative is a collaboration between BSRU, the local Baan Hed Khwanwan Farm Community Enterprise, government agencies, and local communities, empowering individuals by enhancing their skills and supporting the overall development of the local economy, thus contributing to the goal of eradicating poverty.
3) National Level Policy Initiatives
BSRU Launches the “Reinventing University” Project to Build Quadruple Networks and Local Databases for Community Development
On Wednesday, March 22, 2023, Asst. Prof. Dr. Linda Gainma, President of Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU), chaired a meeting to introduce the Quadruple Network Development and Local Database Project aimed at enhancing the economic conditions and quality of life for local residents. This initiative falls under the “Reinventing University” project, which aims to transform the traditional economic system of Thailand into an innovation-driven economy, aligning with the nation’s vision of becoming a high-income country.
Figure 1 : https://reinventing.mhesi.go.th/uclas/
This initiative emphasizes a collaborative approach that involves government sectors, private entities, local communities, educational institutions, and research organizations working together towards common goals. Recognizing the critical role of higher education in developing high-level human resources, BSRU contributes to the reform of the higher education system through the concepts of re-orientation, re-profiling, re-structuring, and re-organization. Being classified as an “Area-Based & Community University”, BSRU aims to enhance its institutional management and align its educational offerings with the evolving needs of the economy, thereby supporting sustainable national development and improving the competitiveness of the country.
The meeting was attended by key figures including Asst. Prof. Dr. Phaet Kham, Vice President, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supranee Sirisawadchai, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suriyapan Pankosol, Asst. Prof. Dr. Nungrit Ekkathamsath, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Kiatkorn Soponaporn, Director of the Research and Development Institute. The collaboration adheres to a memorandum of understanding within the 25 Programs for Developing Research Systems in higher education to facilitate the university’s transformation.
Through this initiative, participants will engage in activities within targeted communities in Bang Phai District, Samut Sakhon. By focusing on local development, the project aims to uplift community members and foster sustainable urban growth. This collaborative effort underscores BSRU’s commitment to empowering local communities and improving living conditions through innovative education and participatory approaches.
4) Global Policy Making Initiatives
3LoCo Network Model and the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy at BSRU
Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) is dedicated to fostering partnerships that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 17, which emphasizes collaboration in achieving these global objectives. A key initiative that supports this goal is the 3LoCo network model, or “Three Localities Collaborative,” developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and several partner institutions, including Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Chandrakasem Rajabhat University, Nakhonpathom Rajabhat University, and National University of Laos (NUOL). This collaborative effort aims to apply the principles of the sufficiency economy in practical settings, demonstrating real outcomes from effective practices in model sufficiency economy communities both domestically and internationally.
The project emphasizes the application of knowledge derived from the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) into practical implementations. This approach leads to tangible results, showcasing successful practices in model sufficiency economy communities, both in Thailand and abroad. Furthermore, the initiative focuses on disseminating knowledge for community development according to the principles of the sufficiency economy. This dissemination enhances the capacity of local communities to achieve sustainable development, ensuring that the benefits of the project reach a wider audience.
Figure 2 : https://mhesi.bsru.ac.th/tassha/
From March 25 to 27, 2023, BSRU, along with Chandrakasem Rajabhat University and Nakhonpathom Rajabhat University, organized community outreach activities to disseminate research findings from the project “Developing a Collaborative Network Model from the Practices of Model Sufficiency Economy Communities for Learning Towards Sustainable Development.” These activities were part of the research and development initiative for social sciences, humanities, and arts personnel, funded by the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, under the TASSHA (THASSHA) program. The project is financially supported by a budget of 2.8 million Thai baht, which enables the implementation of various activities and projects that promote the sufficiency economy philosophy.
Additionally, the 3LoCo project extends its reach beyond Thailand by collaborating with the National University of Laos (NUOL), a leading institution located in Vientiane, Laos, where the event took place. This partnership allows BSRU to apply the principles of the 3LoCo model in international contexts, thereby promoting regional development and cross-border collaborations.
The research team presented findings to an audience that included the Rector of the National University of Laos, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, and community leaders from the Vientiane area, with a total of 56 participants. The activities included lectures on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, community collaboration strategies, and discussions about cooperative networks, illustrating the significance of shared knowledge and partnerships.
Through these collaborative initiatives, BSRU recognizes that partnerships are crucial for sustainable development in order to uplift both national and international economies. By embracing the sufficiency economy philosophy, BSRU contributes to creating a sustainable future that empowers local communities and promotes inclusive growth.
For more information about the TASSHA initiative and its alignment with the sufficiency economy philosophy, you can explore further here and learn more about BSRU’s commitment to sustainable development initiatives.
