OKMD and Thammasat University Launch Free Creative Design E-Learning Courses
OKMD and Thammasat University launched a free online creative design program with 22 lessons covering culture, sustainability, intellectual property, and marketing to strengthen Thailand's creative workforce and fashion industry talent.
On September 16, the Office for Knowledge Management and Development (OKMD) and Thammasat University unveiled a free online E-Learning curriculum in creative design as part of a project to develop personnel capacity and build networks in the fashion industry. The initiative aims to elevate Thai creative workers' skills to global standards through four curricula totaling 22 lessons covering culture, sustainability, law, and commercial marketing. All courses are free to access anywhere and anytime, with electronic certificates awarded upon completion and passing assessment criteria.
Dr. Tawarat Suttabut, OKMD director, stated that the curriculum development aims to widely distribute knowledge necessary for human and creative economic development through flexible learning formats emphasizing practical application. The learning pathway connects four pillars: understanding roots, creating responsibly, knowing rights, and understanding markets. "We want learning to go beyond mere knowledge acquisition to enable learners to apply their knowledge creatively, develop careers, and generate real income. This starts with understanding Thai cultural identity and heritage, applying it responsibly to creative work, understanding and managing intellectual property rights, and ultimately creating value, building brands, and seizing business opportunities," Dr. Tawarat said.
The curriculum aligns with Thailand's 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan to strengthen entrepreneur capacity, promote circular economy practices, and develop high-skilled workforce through lifelong learning.
The four E-Learning curricula are: 1) Understanding Roots: Thai cultural capital and responsible contemporary design (5 lessons) by Dr. Buskorn Huabchaem, exploring how to reinterpret Thai identity and wisdom for unique, market-responsive contemporary design; 2) Creating Responsibly: Design for sustainability and circular economy in creative industries (6 lessons) by Dr. Suthinee Tan Angsanakul, covering product life cycle assessment, material selection, waste reduction, ethics, and labor standards to balance business returns, environment, and society; 3) Knowing Rights: Intellectual property and basic law for creators (5 lessons) by Assoc. Prof. Thanachporn Fuengnuamproj, addressing copyright protection, design and craft protection, and traditional knowledge management; 4) From Creation to Market: Responsible marketing and value creation (6 lessons) by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Artpon Ponglowpunth, teaching how to convert creative ideas into viable businesses through market analysis, consumer behavior, pricing, branding, communication, and digital channels.
The program welcomes designers, entrepreneurs, craftspeople, community enterprises, students, and individuals seeking self-development. All can enroll free through OKMD's E-Learning platform at elearning.okmd.or.th and receive an electronic certificate upon course completion.
