KHON KAEN – Khon Kaen University (KKU) hosted the “KKU SDGs Design Challenge” on April 1, an event designed to inspire student leaders to transform their ideas for sustainable development into actionable projects. The initiative took place at the university’s Science Park as part of the broader “EGGS Smart Leadership Forum.”
The event was a collaboration between the university’s Enterprise and Sustainable Society division and the Student Development and Alumni Relations division. Its primary goal was to provide a platform for student leaders to brainstorm, design, and drive sustainability concepts into concrete practice.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Associate Professor Pensri Charoenwanich, Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commerce. In her special lecture, she discussed the “KKU EGGS Students’ Identity” and the role of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in modern student development. Following her, Professor Thidarat Boonmars, Vice President for Enterprise and Sustainable Society, outlined the university’s direction, emphasizing the transition from policy to tangible action in achieving sustainability.
To equip students with practical skills, Suwit Chantarit, a business development manager at the Science Park, delivered a session on “Project Pitching Techniques.” This was followed by a hands-on workshop titled “Turning Ideas into Real, Sustainable Activities,” where 50 student leaders, including student presidents and club representatives, worked in teams to develop and present their project proposals to a panel of judges.
The workshop emphasized active learning, connecting SDG principles with real-world application and fostering a collaborative network among student clubs to advance university-wide sustainability initiatives.
The competition results were as follows:
- Winner: Team KKU Mind Space
- First Runner-up: Team Joy To The KKU Forest
- Second Runners-up: Five teams, including “Lonely Leopard,” “Fabulous Fish,” and “If No One Cares, We Do.”
Organizers anticipate that at least five of the proposed projects will be developed into real-world applications. The event is also expected to significantly raise SDG awareness among the student body and strengthen inter-club cooperation.
The university highlighted that the initiative reflects its role as an incubator for the ideas and energy of the new generation, instilling a sense of social responsibility alongside academic knowledge. The “KKU SDGs Design Challenge” serves not just as a competition, but as a space for learning, action, and collaboration, aligning with key SDGs such as Quality Education (SDG 4), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
