The Faculty of Science and Technology at Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University promotes community vocations through a practical training workshop on banana fiber weaving, aiming to elevate quality of life and sustainable income.
Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University's Faculty of Science and Technology Conducts Community Development Workshop in Samut Songkhram From May 20–21, 2025, the Faculty of Science and Technology at Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University carried out activities as part of the fiscal year 2025 project to enhance quality of life and elevate income for grassroots communities through science, technology, and innovation.
Spearheaded by Lecturer Pongpisit Liang-yu, Head of the Digital Innovation and Content Management program, in his capacity as project leader for the basketry group, the initiative involved faculty members, staff, and student social engineers. They conducted a workshop on "Banana Fiber Basketry" at the Bang Konthi Subdistrict Administrative Organization in Bang Konthi District, Samut Songkhram Province.
The workshop featured Khun Payao Sangthong, a professional expert from the Nang Takian Community Enterprise in Samut Songkhram Province, who shared her knowledge and demonstrated various techniques for weaving banana fibers into products such as handheld baskets and baskets with handles.
The event was honored by the presence of Assistant Professor Dr. Sopit Sawangjit, Associate Dean for Research and Academic Services, who reported on the objectives and significance of the project. The project primarily focuses on enhancing the community's potential to maximize the utility of local natural resources, specifically the abundant banana plant materials available in the area. These materials are transformed into marketable woven products, thereby increasing their value and reducing production costs. Furthermore, the initiative genuinely creates sustainable supplementary occupations for community members. Ms. Renu Leknimit, President of the Bang Khonthi Sub-district Administrative Organization, presided over the opening ceremony and extended a welcome to the university team, who were present to impart knowledge to the local populace.
The aforementioned activity clearly aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 1: No Poverty and Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. The project plays a crucial role in promoting occupations, generating supplementary income, reducing economic disparity, and empowering the community to achieve self-reliance through scientific knowledge and innovation tailored to the local context. Additionally, it addresses Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by optimizing the utilization of local resources, minimizing waste of natural materials, and establishing novel approaches to environmental conservation alongside grassroots economic development.
This project, therefore, serves as a model for integrating university knowledge into the community to sustainably enhance the quality of life. It also underscores the significant role of Rajabhat University as a key mechanism in local development, consistent with the philosophy of the Sufficiency Economy and sustainable development.