On September 6, 2024, Khon Kaen University marked another milestone in its ongoing mission to give back to society by hosting the “KKU Community Service Fair” under its renowned KKU CSV Project, “Creating Value for Society.” With a vibrant lineup of over 40 booths providing a wide array of free public services, the event drew more than 2,000 enthusiastic participants from Khon Kaen and neighboring provinces. Led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Panthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University, and supported by a strong team of faculty, staff, and students, the fair was held at Khon Kaen Railway Station, transforming the venue into a bustling hub of community engagement.
In her opening remarks, Ajarn Natsamol Tanakulrungsarit, Vice President for Legal and Communications, highlighted KKU’s deep-rooted commitment to societal sustainability. As the first university in Northeastern Thailand, KKU has consistently pursued initiatives that embody its mission of social devotion. “This is the fifth year of the KKU Community Service Fair, a true reflection of our dedication to bringing tangible benefits to society. Through collaboration with over 50 partners from both the public and private sectors, we’ve brought essential services to the community, ranging from healthcare to career promotion, education, and animal care.”
The event showcased services across four key areas:
1. Health Services, featuring the Royal Dental Unit, Srinagarind Hospital, the Queen Sirikit Heart Center, and more.
2. Career Promotion and Local Product Sales, with booths from the Royal Project Coordination Center and the Faculty of Technology.
3. Education and Skill Enhancement, including booths from the Faculties of Architecture, Law, and the College of Computing.
4. Animal Health Care, led by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
The past four years have seen a steady rise in attendance, thanks in part to satisfaction surveys that helped shape the event to better meet community needs. This year, participation surged even higher due to the outreach efforts of 95 local communities, ensuring that residents were well-informed and eager to benefit from the services on offer.
“We expect this year’s event to break previous records, as we’ve received strong support from local communities in spreading the word,” said Ajarn Natsamol. “Not only does this help reduce household expenses, but it also provides real value to the people.”
KKU President, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchai Panthongviriyakul, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the university’s unwavering dedication to societal development. “At KKU, we’ve always made it our mission to give back to society in every possible way. Today’s event is a prime example of how we’re strengthening the bond between the university and the community. By offering free, high-quality healthcare services, career guidance, education, and animal care, we’re ensuring that every citizen, regardless of background, has access to resources that can improve their lives.”
This year’s fair was bigger than ever, with 52 partner organizations delivering a comprehensive range of services. From free health check-ups to career advice, the fair provided equal opportunities for all to benefit. Participants were not only educated but also entertained by live performances, including a drum show by students from the Faculty of Architecture and a traditional “Ponglang Sinsai” performance by students from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts.
The event wasn’t just about services. It also included an awards ceremony honoring all 52 organizations for their contributions to the community. Students from Sribunruang Wittayakarn School, who learned about the event through social media, expressed excitement about joining the CPR training booth. “We came to earn certificates for our university applications and to gather information about admissions at Khon Kaen University,” one student shared. “It’s been a fun and educational day. We hope next year’s event will be even bigger!”
Meanwhile, RN. Surasit Polnikorn and RN. Lumyai Saebongban from the Anesthesiology booth noted the overwhelming response to their acupuncture pain relief services, which drew over 200 participants.
“Our goal is to provide real, tangible relief to the community, free of charge. We’re proud to be part of KKU’s ongoing mission of social devotion,” said Nurse Surasit.
For those who missed the fair, health services like acupuncture are available every Tuesday and Thursday at Srinagarind Hospital.
The KKU Community Service Fair continues to be a powerful demonstration of the university’s SMART values, particularly its commitment to social devotion and creating a lasting impact on society. With each passing year, the event grows in scale, reach, and impact, ensuring that Khon Kaen University remains a pillar of community support and innovation.
