Thailand Honors Student Social Engineers Advancing Community Development

Deputy Minister Supchai Patumnakaul presented awards at the 21st National Research Festival under the theme "Research Synergy: Powering Research to Build Sustainable Thai Economy and Society." The event, organized by the National Research Council (NRC) with all 38 Rajabhat Universities, featured participants including NRC Director Dr. Viparat Deeong, faculty, researchers, and students from across the network.

Patumnakaul emphasized that "Social Engineers Next Gen: Student Power Toward Community Development" reflects the vital role of the younger generation in driving change, applying knowledge and innovation to improve people's quality of life and strengthen communities. Dr. Viparat noted that the NRC has long worked with the 38 Rajabhat Universities to support students in developing their potential while creating tangible benefits for communities and society.

The competition selected outstanding community development innovations from Rajabhat Universities nationwide. Top awards included the Excellence Award for "90% Fresh Sugar Products Mixed with Palmyra Palm" from Nakhon Sawan Rajabhat University; the Very Good Award for "Adding Value to Small Palm: Developing Brooches from Toddy Palm Leaves Through Social Engineering" from Songkhla Rajabhat University; and the Good Award for "Waste Bank Application Creating Happiness" from Kanchanaburi Rajabhat University.

Seven Commendation Awards were also presented to institutions including Yala, Phuket, Nakhon Pathom, Maha Sarakham, Phetchaburi, Valaya Alongkorn, and Chandrakasem Rajabhat Universities for innovations ranging from thermal energy boxes to herbal foot soaks and community enterprise development. An additional 28 Rajabhat Universities received certificates for participation, celebrating their contributions to community development through social engineering and knowledge application.