In 2023, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) partnered with NGOs and foundations to enhance community health, support sustainability, and promote education. These collaborations included CPR training programs, environmental initiatives, and cultural preservation projects, highlighting BSRU’s commitment to using academic resources for social good and sustainable development.
1. Volunteer Collaboration with NGOs for Community Health and Safety: CPR Training and Environmental Initiatives in 2023
In January 2023, the Suriya Emergency Volunteer Club at Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) partnered with AIG Insurance (Thailand) and the “Don’t Drink and Drive Foundation” (มูลนิธิเมาไม่ขับ) to conduct a life-saving CPR training for primary school students in Bangkok’s Thapra district. The event was part of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s policy to teach CPR to students, and it aimed to equip children with the knowledge to potentially save lives in emergency situations. The collaboration with the foundation and the insurance company helped spread awareness about the importance of emergency medical skills, with the foundation also providing expertise during the session.
On August 11, 2023, BSRU representatives, including the Vice President, faculty members, and students, collaborated with the Bang Sai Kai community to organize a community clean-up event in honor of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s birthday. The event, led by local community leaders and monks from the Wat Bang Sai Kai Temple, also saw the participation of the “Sang Thian Foundation” (มูลนิธิกลุ่มแสงเทียน). This foundation works on community development and support, and their role in guiding the event highlighted the importance of grassroots involvement in sustaining community health and well-being. The clean-up initiative aimed to promote environmental sustainability within local communities and strengthen relationships between the university and the surrounding area.
In 2023, the Suriya Emergency Volunteer Club again teamed up with AIG Insurance (Thailand) and the Health Promotion Foundation (HPF) (สำนักงานกองทุนสนับสนุนการสร้างเสริมสุขภาพ) to provide CPR and AED training to the general public. The event, held at the Association of Thailand’s Public Benefit, involved a diverse group of participants, including local motorcycle riders and youth groups from the Thonburi area. The HPF, a key NGO in the project, focuses on health promotion and education, ensuring that participants were trained to respond to emergency situations effectively. The initiative emphasized the message that everyone can be a hero, stressing the importance of basic life-saving skills in everyday life, thereby contributing to the broader goal of improving public health and emergency readiness.
2.Enhancing SDG Impact through NGO Collaboration: Research and Cultural Development Initiatives at BSRU
Confucius Institute Collaboration with NGOs for Research and Development
In July 2023, the Confucius Institute at Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) participated in the annual meeting of Confucius Institutes and Confucius Classrooms in Southeast Asia, held at the Beijing International Convention Center in China. The event, organized by the International Chinese Language Education Foundation (国际汉语教育基金会), gathered over 400 participants, including representatives from Confucius Institutes and Confucius Classrooms across Southeast Asia. The focus was on “Collaborative Innovation, Steady Development,” with a particular emphasis on sharing best practices and experiences in managing and developing Confucius Institutes. Through this collaboration with the foundation, BSRU’s Confucius Institute engaged in research-driven dialogues on the enhancement of Chinese language education and the development of innovative teaching strategies. This partnership highlighted the role of NGOs in advancing educational goals through international cooperation, fostering academic research on cultural exchange and educational resource development.
Cultural Development and Sustainable Community Collaboration
On July 11, 2023, the Office of Arts and Culture at BSRU organized a meeting for the Cultural Fund Development and Creative Economy Project in the Kadi Jin community. This project aimed to enhance the local economy through cultural preservation and creative industries, focusing on the area’s three religious communities. The initiative is part of a broader research framework supported by the Rajabhat University Network, specifically under the Thatchphum Institute for Area Development. The meeting was attended by a variety of stakeholders, including local NGOs and foundations such as the Kadi Jin Community Foundation (มูลนิธิประชาคมย่านกะดีจีน – คลองสาน) and the Lek-Praiphai Viriya-Phan Foundation (มูลนิธิเล็ก-ประไพ วิริยะพันธุ์), which play pivotal roles in promoting community-driven cultural tourism and sustainable development. These foundations are integral to ensuring that the cultural heritage and local identity are preserved while simultaneously fostering economic growth through creative industries. Through collaboration with these NGOs, BSRU contributes to developing educational resources and research that link community cultural assets to sustainable tourism, creating a foundation for long-term economic and social benefits in the area.
3. Collaborative Educational Initiatives with NGOs for Sustainable Development and Language Advancement
Temasek Foundation – SCALE Program Collaboration
On March 5, 2023, the Office of International Affairs and the ASEAN (IAAN) Network hosted the opening ceremony of the Temasek Foundation – Specialists’ Community Action and Leadership Exchange (TF-SCALE Programme) at Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU). The program, which will run until March 17, 2023, is a collaborative exchange initiative designed to develop leadership, decision-making, and design-thinking skills among students, specifically focusing on addressing environmental challenges and sustainable development solutions. The program is organized by the Temasek Foundation (TF), a key NGO involved in fostering educational collaboration across international institutions. Through this partnership, BSRU and Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) have been working together for over five years. The TF-SCALE program supports educational development by empowering students with the tools and knowledge to lead sustainable change within their communities and beyond.
Confucius Institute Educational Resource Development
On November 11, 2023, the Confucius Institute at Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU) organized the YCT (Chinese Proficiency Test) for primary and secondary school students across various locations. The exam, which included levels YCT 1 to YCT 4, was conducted in ten exam centers, with participation from schools in diverse provinces. Notably, the Phumithawan Wittaya School Foundation in Pathum Thani was one of the exam venues, highlighting the involvement of local educational foundations in supporting this initiative. A total of 2,396 students took part in the examination, showcasing the broad reach and impact of the event across Thailand.
