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Thammasat students win Thailand Championship in writing program to control a ‘NASA robot’

Posted on by Thammasat University

“Galactic4”, a team of 4 second-year students in Computer Engineering, Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT), Thammasat University won the first prize in the Astrobee Robot Programming Competition of the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) operating on the International Space Station (ISS) to perform the assigned mission under the “The 4th Kibo Robot Programming Challenge” project.

The project is a collaboration between the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and partner agencies in organizing a competition to search for “Thailand Youth Representative Team” to participate in the international championship round at the Tsukuba Space Center, Japan.

For the competition under “The 4th Kibo Robot Programming Challenge” project, there were a total of 182 teams participating. The contestants had to write a robot controller program using JAVA to control the Astrobee robot. In which the “Galactic4” team from SIIT Thammasat, consisting of Natthawin Yamprasert, Dechatorn Dasri, Kasidit Sanrak and Chiwanon Chulikorn, was able to successfully win the championship and received a prize worth 20,000 Thai baht with a certificate and will represent the Thailand youth team to participate in the international championship round with teams from Kibo-ABC member countries such as USA, Japan, Singapore, Australia, etc.

Natthawin Yamprasert, second-year computer engineering student, SIIT, as the leader of the Galactic4 team revealed that the challenge of the competition is a computer programming mission in a simulation system to control the Astrobee astronaut assistant robot to solve the simulated chemical leak incident inside the space station which is written using an essential language like JAVA that is taught in SIIT during the first year.

Natthawin said that for such a competition, he heard the news about the recruitment from his parents. Therefore, he joined a group with his second year classmates at SIIT, Thammasat University to try adopting and applying what he learned in real life by starting from roughly planning the workflow and using the free time during the semester break to split work. Each person will start with writing their own program and later being put together for testing in the simulation system until the results are obtained, then continue to be improved and developed.

“In fact, our work was completed and operational within the first two weeks of the competition and although the result was quite good we thought that it could still be better, so we continued to make improvements until the final stage of submitting the work, ”Natthawin stated.

Natthawin said that the Galactic4 team intends to move forward as robustly as possible as a representative of Thailand. From now on it is necessary to manage the training schedule along with studying and adapting to the new rules which, of course, may have to be more tiring. However, it is a positive encouragement that I believe will be a good opportunity to open up new experiences.

Natthawin also said that in terms of programming with JAVA, even though he had studied and had basic knowledge of this subject in the beginning but received more skill enhancement from attending classes in the Faculty. Another key factor is unity in working together as a team. Within the fence of SIIT is an opportunity that allows me to get to know a group of teammates that all share similar learning habits and that each person has different skills and hidden abilities awaiting to be brought out for real use exactly like with this competition.

“This achievement would not be successful with just one of us but the talent and energy of each and every member. At the same time, we do not underestimate ourselves, the game and the rules. If we stop after the first time we finish and think it’s completely fine. But when we think we can do better and we want to be ahead of others, we then keep doing and continue to develop further until the best version is achieved,” Nattawin said.

Thammasat hosts National Academic Seminar on Persons with Disabilities 2023

Posted on by Thammasat University

Thammasat University in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security hosted the 15th National Conference on Persons with Disabilities for the year 2023 (NCPD2023) on the 4th floor of the SC3 Building, Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus, with the objective of exchanging knowledge in research, academic, innovation and technology development in promoting and developing the quality of life for the people with disabilities. This provides opportunities for disability organizations and related agencies to share experiences between each other, including communicating the knowledge of the organization to the public through academic seminars in more diverse dimensions.

Thammasat University has been driving the goal of equality to create an educational space for all groups of people both at the policy level, and in the development of projects and innovations for people with disabilities. Physically, the university uses the concept of “Universal Design” to create access to environments and resources that provide full participation for everyone to use conveniently and equally within all university programs and activities. There is also support for educational welfare for students with disabilities with a quota for students with disabilities to study in each faculty, including the Disabled Student Services Center (DSS Center) that is modern and equipped with full-service facilities.

Assoc. Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart, Rector of Thammasat University, said that Thammasat University is ready to move forward with determination to be the leader of an educational institution for all people through creating a learning space that responds to various lifestyles so that all communities can live together equally and sustainably without leaving anyone behind. This is in line with the drive towards sustainable development goals, SDG10: Reduce Inequality.

In addition to policies and guidelines at the university level, Thammasat as well always develop new projects and innovations for people with disabilities to ensure equality and happiness of everyone in Thammasat, such as the production of handicapped care aids and the innovation of the Rangsit Model of the Research Unit in Social Design, etc.

“From the great commitment and determination of Thammasat University as a result, we are the first university to receive the Friendly Design Award. It is also the only university in Thailand that has received this award for five years in a row, which is more than half a decade since the university has been advancing society as the leader of an educational institution for all people. From now on, Thammasat University will continue to develop society according to the aspiration that strives to promote equality for all groups of people, both nationally and globally, “Assoc. Prof. Gasinee said.

For the 15th National Symposium on Persons with Disabilities under the theme of “Promoting the Well-being of Persons with Disabilities through Innovation and Sustainable Development”, there were many interesting lectures and Ted Talks on social issues and development in disability research and innovation, such as a special talk on “Well-being Promotion for Persons with Disabilities through Innovation and Sustainable Development” from UNDP Resident Representative to Thailand and a special lecture on “The Social Movement of Disability in the Disruptive World” by Ms. Yukiko Nakanishi from the Deputy Chairperson of DPI Japan.

In addition, the event also featured academic and research articles, exchange of experiences and good lessons on persons with disabilities, demonstration of skills and competences with underlying disabilities, including having an exhibition of work and selling products which are works from various groups of people with disabilities as well.

For the year 2024, Thammasat University handed over the flag to Udon Thani Rajabhat University in hosting the 16th National Academic Seminar on Persons with Disabilities.

Thailand’s Silver Workforce: Tapping into Untapped Potential

Posted on by Editorial Team

In recent years, the labor market in Thailand has experienced a major “demographic disruption” that has affected the employment dynamics among the senior population (we will focus on individuals aged 55 and above in this article as this reflects the typical “early retirement age” in the country). Data from the National Statistical Office (NSO) spanning from 2011 to 2021 reveals a significant increase in the senior population, a rise from 12 million to 18 million people.1 This shift is not only significant in numerical terms but also has far-reaching implications for various aspects of the country’s social and economic structure.

1. However, it is important to note that the data from the National Statistical Office (NSO) that we used does not cover informal workers and sectors and this omission highlights the complexity of the situation, as many seniors might engage in informal work that is not reflected in these statistics. Moreover, it’s worth noting that the NSO data is collected during the fourth quarter of each year, mirroring the data collection practice of the Department of Employment. As such, the analysis may not comprehensively capture seasonal fluctuations or shifts that transpire over the course of the year, which could conceivably impact the employment statistics concerning senior citizens.

Despite these limitations, the employment rate within the senior age group has not shown a corresponding upward trend. According to the data from the National Statistical Office, from 2011 to 2021, the number of senior employment (individuals aged 55 and above that have a job) had increased by only 600,000 while the number of senior populations in this age range had increased by 6 million people. In other words, only 10 percent of the senior population had participated in the labor market. This disparity between the growth of the senior population and the employment of senior individuals indicates a substantial “untapped” potential within this demographic group that demands attention from policymakers, businesses, and society as a whole.

Furthermore, our analysis also reveals that the impact of demographic disruption on the labor market was unevenly distributed across various occupations. Some occupations such as sales workers and agricultural workers experienced a significant drop in the employment of senior individuals (decrease by 20 percent and 30 percent respectively). Potentially these are occupations in which senior individuals have lost their attractiveness (or being perceived to have lost their attractiveness) as productive workers when competing against younger individuals.

Still, some occupations saw a significant increase in senior workers. For example, senior refuse workers (i.e., people who collect garbage for work) increased by 230 percent while senior cleaners and helpers increased by 120 percent. Why did we see an increase in senior employment in these occupations? A potential hypothesis is that these are occupations that younger individuals are not interested and thus lead to reduced competition for senior individuals.

Another interesting insight is that our research highlights a significant difference in employment growth between senior individuals working in routine jobs and those in non-routine jobs. Senior individuals engaged in routine jobs, such as machine operators and laborers, experienced slower employment growth than those in non-routine jobs, like healthcare professionals and legal experts. Potentially, routine jobs often require physical abilities that deteriorate with age. Additionally, these jobs are more susceptible to replacement by automation technologies. This illustrates another potential channel through which technological disruption can impact senior employment.

Over the past three years (2018-2021), there were approximately 1 million individuals who became senior citizens per year. If we use the above information that we can absorb only 10 percent of senior citizens into the labor market, this implies that we are losing an “untapped” potential of at least 900,000 individuals per year. Five years from now, we will lose around 4.5 million individuals cumulatively. Ten years from now, we could lose up to 9 million individuals cumulatively. And the longer these senior individuals have left the labor market, the harder it is to bring them back into the labor market.

So, what should we do? We think it is critical to rethink how we value the so-called “silver workforce”. Commonly, many people and organizations do not recognize the great potential from this group of people. This suggests the enormous opportunity to leverage the potential of this expanding group. Policymakers and businesses should respond proactively by implementing strategies such as offering incentives for hiring older workers, investing in customized skill development programs, and recognizing the substantial economic contributions these individuals can bring. These actions can be crucial for unlocking the benefits of this demographic shift and boosting the performance of Thai economy.

With the substantial increase in the senior population and the relatively modest growth in the number of seniors employed, it becomes evident that a reservoir of untapped potential exists. This potential, if strategically harnessed, holds the promise of bolstering the nation’s economic growth, amplifying productivity, and ensuring the continued engagement of older individuals in meaningful and fulfilling roles. Moreover, by nurturing the well-being of senior workers and providing opportunities for skill enhancement, they can excel in specific vocations such as teaching, legal practice, and managerial roles that people become more productive by age. Furthermore, with the assistance of technology, senior workers can be augmented through innovative tools like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) or even physical augmentation, enabling them to perform tasks with enhanced efficiency and adaptability.

To unlock this untapped potential, a multi-faceted approach is essential. This approach should encompass tailored skill development programs that align with emerging technologies and allow for flexible work arrangements that cater to the unique needs and preferences of senior workers. Furthermore, fostering an age-inclusive work environment and championing age-diverse teams can further optimize the utilization of this underutilized labor force. In addition to their contributions to the workforce, senior workers can play a pivotal role in addressing various social issues, including environmental concerns or volunteering to help in various areas. Their wealth of experience and expertise can be valuable in tackling complex challenges and finding sustainable solutions for the betterment of society as a whole.

In summary, by embracing this untapped potential, Thailand can better position itself to navigate the evolving dynamics of its labor market, creating a win-win scenario that benefits individuals, businesses, and society at large.

This article is written by

1. Assoc.Prof. Piyachart Phiromswad, Ph.D., Deputy Director, Sasin School of Management

2. Asst.Prof. Pattarake Sarajoti, Ph.D., Assistant Director, Sasin School of Management

3. Prof. Kua Wongboonsin, Ph.D., Demographer and Advisor to the National Innovation Board of Thailand

4. Mr. Pitichai Rajatawipat, Research Assistant

Daraphirom Palace Museum Receives Silver Award for Historical & Culture Attraction in Thailand Tourism Awards 2023

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

Daraphirom Palace Museum, Chulalongkorn University, has been awarded the Silver Award in the Historical and Culture Attraction category by the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Thailand Tourism Awards 2023. The award ceremony was held on Wednesday September 27, 2023.

Dara Phirom Palace was the residence of Her Highness Princess Dara Rasmi, the royal consort of His Majesty King Chulalongkorn. The Palace is a two-story building. The ground floor is an open space, with reinforced concrete structures to support the upper floor and the wooden roof. The style was that of a Western house, which was popular at the time. There is an area called “Suan Chao Sabai” in front where Her Highness Princess Dara Rasmi’s Monument is situated. Every year, Chulalongkorn University, along with other organizations, holds a ceremony on “Her Highness Princess Dara Rasmi Day” to commemorate her countless contributions to the land of Lanna.

Later in 1999, Chulalongkorn University renovated Daraphirom Palace and opened it as a museum, exhibiting history, items related to Princess Dara Rasmi, and Lanna arts and culture with the aim to preserve the original architecture and culture. Daraphirom Palace Museum received the award for Outstanding Conservation Building from the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage in 2000.

Daraphirom Palace, located in Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, opens on Wednesday to Sunday, from 9.00-17.00 hrs (including holidays). The Museum closes on Monday and Tuesday. For more information, call 0-5329-9175.

For the full release and more images, please visit: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/137946/

Thammasat researchers create smart sensors to measure accumulated sugar levels

Posted on by Thammasat University

A smart sensor to measure blood glucose levels (MyA1c) was developed by Prof. Dr. Kesara Na Bangchang, professor at Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University and the research team. This innovation was initiated to diagnose diabetes, and to assess and control treatment in patients with diabetes (Point-of-Care test).

Measurement of blood sugar levels, which is glucose that binds to the red blood cells (Hemoglobin A1c: HbA1c), in that the measurement value is stable, showing the average amount of blood sugar over a period of 2 to 3 months without being affected by various factors, especially food. It is similar to measuring blood glucose levels. This is the standard method currently used to diagnose and control diabetes in which patients must refrain from food 8 to 12 hours before the examination.

Commonly, the standard methods for measuring HbA1c levels require analysis. only in the laboratory by complex tools, High Pressure Liquid Chromatography which is expensive and requires a large amount of blood, as well as takes a long time to analyze. Patients will need to be examined at a specific hospital or laboratory, and are needed to wait for the results for about 1 day, which is inconvenient in practice.

The developed test kit is designed to be easy to use, convenient, giving immediate results, accurate, precise and highly specific. It is capable of measuring hemoglobin levels in the blood together with HbA1c levels at a low price and cost-effectiveness. The kit uses only 20 microliters of blood drawn from a fingertip in which diabetic patients can regularly check their HbA1c levels at home to provide information to physicians for treatment, giving immediate test results within 30 seconds.

The examination was based on the principle of specific HbA1c conductivity measurements and high sensitivity with a sensor connected to an electrode made of carbon tube coated with gold nanoparticles prepared from the peel of passion fruit (Green chemistry), which is the part that are not needed and must be disposed of to replace the use of conventional chemical synthesis processes that require toxic chemicals.

The cost of the examination is very low compared to the same type of test kit that sells a whole unit specifically for detecting HbA1c, which costs from 5,000-12,000 Thai baht. It has been developed to be able to apply to various kinds of examinations using the same tool in the form of a smartphone used in the daily life of the user and only downloading a specific application for testing.

Users can purchase only an electrical signal detector that costs no more than 300 Thai baht which can be used at least 500 times, and an electrode (electrode: blue.o4kr) that is specific to measuring HbA1c, costing about 10 Thai baht, one-time use and a drop of blood from the fingertip to test. In addition, the advantage of smart sensors is that in the future, users will also be able to download applications for other tests developed by the researchers using the same mobile phone as a platform, for example: such as screening for kidney disease (Microalbumin), Tumor markers examination of various types of cancer, Dementia examination and the detection of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables, etc.

The smart sensor for measuring blood glucose levels (MyA1c) was awarded a gold medal and Honorary Gold Medal, Gold Medal Award with the Congratulations of the Jury from the 48th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva.

Faculty of Nursing, Thammasat University Developed an Automatic Turning Bed to Reduce Pressure Sores for Elderly and Bedridden Patients

Posted on by Editorial Team

Pressure sores are areas of damage to the skin and the underlying tissue caused by constant pressure or friction. This type of skin damage can develop quickly to anyone with reduced mobility, such as older people or those confined to a bed or chair. Relieve pressure through regular movement and position changes can help prevent and reduce the risk of pressure sores. However, turning an immobile patient by a single caregiver is quite a challenge. Turning a patient requires a heavy lifting, hence consequently creating some shoulder or back problem for the caregiver.

The Faculty of Nursing, Thammasat University recognizes the risk factors for pressure sores and the implications of a prolonged stay in bed, hence, undertakes the initiative to create a “bed turning” touch screen system equipped with the detection of skin condition and warning signs of infection for a proper treatment to be done to prevent skin damage and pressure sores.

The first key component of the bed is the mechanism to turn patients left and right, lifting the bedhead or bending the knees by using 4 linear actuators controlled via the touchscreen system of the mobile phone. The bed can support a weight up to 100 kilograms with structural strength calculations in accordance with all the prescribed standards and has been tested according to medical device standards IEC 60601-1 and IEC 60601-2.

The second component is “pressure sensing”, a skin condition warning system with the sensor installed in the mattress to detect and measure the level of pressure of the body onto the mattress. The caregiver can operate and control the turning functions, check the status of the pressure from the sensor, and access the data through an application on the mobile phone.

Bedridden can happen to the elderly or patients whose physical health is deteriorating and unable to control the bowel movement or urination. When the skin is exposed to urine and faeces, it is easier to be irritated and infected. The research team, therefore, further developed the sensor to detect the occurrence of dermatitis caused by the contact of urine and other body wastes. The sensor can measure the changes in skin pH and the moisture level, then, transmits the information through the same mobile application.

From this preliminary testing, it was found that the incidence rate of pressure sores among the sampled group of patients was lower than the group using the normal beds. The prevention of pressure sores, thus, economically reduce the cost of treatments and other implications of a prolonged stay in bed for the elderly and bedridden patients.

The automatic turning bed to prevent pressure sores (Petty Patent Application No. 2303000697) received the grand prize, PRIX EIFFEL 2022 Platinum Medal Award at The Prix Eiffel International Invention and Innovation Contest (PRIX EIFFEL 2022) in Paris, France, and a gold medal at the 25th International Idea Novelty Invention Exhibition and Fair (IDEA 2023) held in Hungary. The prototype has been further developed and improved to commercially produce for hospitals and day care facilities.

The Smart Suit that Saves Forest Fires Firefighters’ Lives, An Award-Winning Design by Chula Students

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

Students of the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University have been awarded an MGA Award in recognition of their innovative design for their fire-resistant Smart Suit which uses IoT technology for connections and online activations to store data therefore reducing the risks and increasing the safety for firefighters at work in real time.

Over the past few years, many countries in the world, Thailand included, have been faced with the perils of forest fires that have significantly intensified and occurred more frequently than ever. These fires have caused widespread damage to the environment as well as an adverse impact on the lives and the health of human beings and animals.

The swift control of forest fires is therefore most essential – though this is a danger that involves the most risk. Although aerial firefighting is widely used to combat wildfires, we still need to rely on professionals and volunteers who need to risk their lives both from the intense heat and toxic fumes and substances like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and PM 2.5 dust particles.

These are the problems that led a group of fourth-year students of the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, or team TAF to jointly develop the Smart Suit innovation as part of an international competition known as the “Rapid Prototype Development (RPD) Challenge – a multi GNSS Asia programme.” The event saw a gathering of as many as 40 teams of students from universities all over Asia and it was there that the Smart Suit innovation of CU Engineering students garnered the MGA Award.

The Smart Suit that Saves Forest Fires Firefighters’ Lives

Nithi Achalanan, one of the TAF team members told us that “the Smart Suit was developed based on the efforts rendered to put out forest fires in the north of Thailand as well as similar crises in many countries around the world which in many cases led to the tragic loss of emergency respondents. It is hoped that this innovation will be able to reduce the risks and loss involved and play an important part in the efforts to combat forest fires in the future.”

The TAF team comprises 5 young and dynamic students of Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Engineering. Aside from Nithi, there are also Narudom Mee-Im (Electrical Engineering), Nichanant Chunsaereechai (Environmental Engineering), Natapong Intarasuk, and Anuthida Ritthiphan (Survey Engineering), all of whom will be attending this year’s graduation ceremony in October.

Smart Suit Hi-Technology Innovation

Putting out a forest fire involves very high risks and dangers that have cost lives or led to injuries of emergency respondents caused by a lack of adequate communication among firefighting teams, disturbances in working signals, inefficient protection gear, and faulty management systems.

“The team was able to gain actual situational understanding in Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province. Through interviews with firefighting volunteers, we determined some serious obstacles in terms of management and safety, and eventually, the Smart Suit was designed in response to those problems.” Nithi explained.

The design of the Smart Suit innovation is an adaptation of the IoT (Internet of Things) technology, a network of connected devices, and a technology that facilitates communication among the devices and between the devices to the Cloud system by using computer chips and high bandwidth telecommunications. The team chose the Sony Spresense board (a computer board used for IoT) and many sensors for online connectivity, and retrofit them to the original firefighter’s suits.

Nithi explained the efficiency of the Smart Suit, “We made use of equipment that relied on modern technology that is easy to install and very affordable. Most importantly, the Smart Suit is equipped with a system of data as well as an interactive map that shows the information in near real-time. This provides us with spatial data which can measure the various parameters such as PM 2.5, carbon monoxide, Carbon dioxide, humidity, and temperature that can be used for accurate spatial management.”

Real-Time Warning: A Distinct Feature of the Smart Suit

Real-time warning helps ensure the safety of the firefighters while performing the task of putting out the fires.

“What earned us the most points from the judges was probably the heat measurement capabilities,” Narudom, an Electrical Engineering student told us on behalf of his team. “The Smart Suit can provide immediate warning in cases where the temperatures rise above normal levels. In cases where the temperatures rise to the level that could be hazardous, the sensors will give a warning immediately to prevent people from encountering heatstroke. The same thing also goes for carbon monoxide detection since it is a toxic gas resulting from combustion and inhaling or exposing the body to those fumes at levels that are over the limit can result in immediate death. The warnings enable the wearer of those suits to avoid the fumes before they encounter loss or fatality.”

With the features attached to the Smart Suit, one can detect the location of the firefighters, making it possible for the control center to communicate with them in real-time and help combat problems that might occur immediately, for example, winds changing direction, so that evacuation can take place or orders can be given to avoid certain directions more efficiently.

Narudom provided us with more information on the Smart Suit’s warning system saying that “the control center can monitor the situation and the data collected by far range sensors and sent via LoRa (a cordless connection for IoT) which also includes the position of the firefighter and the hotspot (the point where satellites detect unusually high levels of heat than the normal levels on the earth’s surface), satellite pictures used to measure the earth and its climate often used to follow forest fires like MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) or VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite). This makes it possible to send out warnings to the firefighters and in cases where the situation is exacerbated then EWS messages (Early warning system messages) can also be sent out.”

Collaborations for real-world rollout of more innovations

We take pride in the fact that the Smart Suit innovation recently won an international award. Yet, this is only the start. As members of the TAF team, the students will be branching off to their areas of interest and expertise. They fervently hope that the prototype they have created can lead to innovations that can be put to use in actual situations of forest fires that now plague us to help ensure the safety and preserve the lives of our emergency respondents.

Narudom ended with this thought, “The Smart Suit we have developed is still at the stage of a prototype. As students, we could only use the type of technology and equipment that was inexpensive. In the future, if this innovation can be developed for actual use, we might need to update the equipment and technology by increasing the functions that make it even more efficient.”

The TAF team welcomes companies and agencies that wish to further develop the “Smart Suit” to produce them for actual use to engage in discussions and academic exchange or collaboration to develop the innovation since it is essential to develop innovations to deal with the problem of forest fires at both the national and international levels.

Those interested may contact the team members directly or via the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University at telephone numbers +662 2186309-10.

New Korean Language Test Center launches at Thammasat-Rangsit

Posted on by Thammasat University

Thammasat and the Korean Education Center in Thailand (KEC) have agreed to launch a new “Korean Language Test Center” at the Institute of East Asian Studies, Thammasat-Rangsit. The inauguration ceremony for the new center was co-hosted by Thammasat and KEC .

The Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) is a standardized examination evaluating Korean language skills. The TOPIK test can be an accurate and useful choice for a variety of foreigners who want to work or study in South Korea but do not speak Korean as their mother tongue. It is an international exam designed to help non-natives certify their talents.

The new center will offer test services for those who wish to have a comfortable stay in South Korea in jobs requiring the Korean language and to boost scholarship opportunities, visas, and permanent residency or study in South Korea. TOPIK is an excellent value-add to one’s profile since many companies expect documentary evidence before interviews and nearly all organizations, public and private universities, and government bodies accept and trust TOPIK certification. Thammasat will organize the test and KEC will monitor and assist Thammasat to manage implementation.

Additionally, Thammasat and KEC will co-host a symposium, an international conference and conduct workshops and meetings to promote comprehensive Korean studies in Thailand. More information is available at: https://www.facebook.com/topikinthailand

Thammasat moves forward to become an organisation for ‘Gender Equality Promotion’

Posted on by Thammasat University

Thammasat University has been honored as an exemplary network organization to promote gender equality in the Network to Eliminate Unfair Gender Discrimination: Gender Fair 2023 by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, and the UN Women which is in line with Thammasat University’s vision of driving sustainable development, Goal 5 (SDG 5).

The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security together with the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development open a space for network partners to exchange knowledge and learn about social issues to eliminate unfair gender discrimination in “Events to join forces with networks to eliminate unfair discrimination between genders: Gender Fair 2023” at the courtyard in front of the Bangkok Art and Culture Center.

Thammasat University was selected as 1 of 17 organizations that have been honored as an exemplary network organization to promote gender equality which is relevant to the vision of Thammasat University in promoting equality and eliminating gender discrimination over the years.

Assoc. Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart, Rector of Thammasat University said that Thammasat University gives our priority to gender equality by starting from the Thammasat community to raise awareness and understanding, making our people to be prompt to go out as an important force in promoting and empowering gender equality according to international standards for a well-being, equal and sustainable Thai society.

Such activities are in line with the Sustainable Development Goal 5, “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls”. In 2022, Thammasat University has also been ranked 48th in the world in driving Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) by THE IMPACT RANKINGS 2022 with various policies that promote gender equality in universities such as encouraging women to have greater access to higher education, encouraging women to hold academic positions and take part in senior management. In addition, Thammasat joined UN Women in launching the project to end sexual harassment.

 

Chula Joins the Move for Economic Advancement with Thai Soft Power through Research, Innovations

Posted on by Editorial Team

Chula Marketing professor draws attention to Chula’s readiness to drive research and social innovation to create the leaders of the future and drive Thai soft power to the global society.

Thai soft power is trending at the moment. “Lisa BlackPink wore a traditional Thai skirt while visiting the temples in Ayutthaya, and sent the demand for Thai textiles to skyrocket around the world. This Thai soft power trend helped revive the Thai economy and tourism after the great slump of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022) during which the number of tourists declined by more than a hundredfold. Yet, in 2023, tourism has swung back to 80 percent growth, and more than 30 million foreign tourists are expected to visit Thailand.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Ake Pattaratanakun, Chula’s Chief Brand Officer, Head of the Marketing Department, at Chulalongkorn Business School, and Board member of the Office of Creative Economy Agency (CEA) (Public Organization), which is responsible for overseeing Thailand’s soft power promotion, discusses the strengths of Thai Soft Power and Chula’s stance to drive it.

Thai Soft Power has many dimensions. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) divides Thai Soft Power into 5Fs: 1) Food, 2) Festival, 3) Fighting – Martial Arts, 4) Fashion – Thai Fabric and Fashion Design, and 5) Film. Meanwhile, the study “Thai Soft Power” by the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University conducted among 50 worldwide corporate executives with previous interaction with Thai people and Thai organizations, revealed a perspective on Thai soft power in 5 attributes or 5Fs: 1) Fun, 2) Flavoring, 3) Fulfilling, 4) Flexibility, and 5) Friendliness.

As a leading educational institution in Thailand, Chulalongkorn University plays a crucial role in the development of leaders who will drive Thai soft power through programs of various faculties, such as the Faculties of Fine and Applied Arts, Education, Architecture, and Arts, to name a few. In addition, Chula also offers specific programs to build the soft power knowledge base, such as the long-standing Graduate School’s master’s degree program in Cultural Management.

Examples of Chula projects related to soft power in the areas of language, arts, culture, tourism, economy, and business, are as follows:

• Insight Wat Pho Application for tourism at Wat Pho
• Creative Luk Thung (Folk Music): Thai Soft Power Going Global Project
• Thai Language Courses for Foreigners
• TV Drama Innovation Project for the Promotion of Cultural Industry 4.0
• Model research to develop a full range of woven textile culture capital, from creating innovative textile fibers and designing fashion and lifestyle products to upgrading local brands to internationalization, promoting the creative economy and developing creative tourism, supporting sustainable communities.
• The Chula Art Park project
• The Top Corporate Brand Success Valuation Research

“These are what Chula has carried out to drive Thai soft power. We have created the future leaders for soft power and will continue to do so to grow the Thai economy sustainably,” Asst. Prof. Dr. Ake concluded.

Read more at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/133305/