Students from Khon Kaen University showcased their creativity and entrepreneurial potential by applying classroom knowledge to develop sustainable grassroots economic models. Team Hug Rice from the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy (KKBS) claimed the “The Best of KKU 2025” title for their outstanding work under the GSB Yuwaphat Rak Thin Project 2025. The project presentation event was organized by the Office of Academic Services, Khon Kaen University, in collaboration with the Government Savings Bank (GSB) on July 2, 2025, at Pimol Kolkitch Building, Khon Kaen University.
The event was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chuchart Kamonlert, Director of the Office of Academic Services. He was joined by GSB executives, including Mr. Sarawut Suklerttrakun, Director of Khon Kaen Region 1, and Mr. Witchayapat Yimthanom, Assistant Director for Entrepreneur Business Development, who provided encouragement and shared their vision with students and local enterprise participants.
The winning team, Hug Rice, collaborated with the “Organic Rice for Happiness” Community Enterprise Group in Kalasin Province. Their project featured the development of a product called “HUGRICE Crispy Puffed Rice” and addressed multiple business aspects—creating a clear brand identity, introducing a new flavor innovation “Mango with Coconut Cream,” expanding sales channels both online and offline, and implementing a functional accounting system. Their efforts led to an impressive 62.40% increase in revenue for the community group.
Ms. Piraya Voravechpreecha, team leader of Hug Rice, shared her experience: “Over the past four to five months, we’ve had the opportunity to apply what we’ve learned in real-world settings. Working directly with the community gave us valuable insights and experience that we could never gain solely from the classroom. This project has shown us how youth-led initiatives can genuinely uplift and create sustainability in local economies. We are excited to carry this experience forward into our future business endeavors.”
The Winner of The Best of KKU 2025 was awarded to Team Hug Rice from the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy (KKBS). The team is composed of six students: Ms. Piraya Voravechpreecha (Team Leader), Ms. Thanatcha Charusiriwatana, Mr. Khaninbodhi Jainen, Ms. Kwanchanok Thongkot, Ms. Sutasinee Sributrong, and Mr. Thanadon Narula. They were mentored by Asst. Prof. Dr. Prawan Senachai, a lecturer in Business Administration at KKBS, alongside two advisors from the Office of Academic Services — Ms. Niphapan Chaidetthayakul and Ms. Wannawisa Thanajintawit.
The Runner-Up Award went to Team CST from the Faculty of Technology, who presented a compelling project on transforming fish scraps — a byproduct from Baan Photak’s local fish processing enterprise — into value-added lickable cat treats. Their innovative approach to food waste utilization also impressed the judges.
Team CST consists of seven students: Ms. Pirida Wongchang (Team Leader), Ms. Yanisa Chantaka, Ms. Apatsara Pimphun, Ms. Deenarakorn Pradabsri, Ms. Pratayarath Thanasin, Mr. Kritphon Faiybun, and Mr. Watchirawit Laosuwan. They were guided by Dr. Pongpan Satthatip, Deputy Dean for Industrial Relations and Sustainability, as well as Mr. Prapaporn Khanchai and Mr. Chanachai Rittharongmuang from the Office of Academic Services.
As winners, Team Hug Rice will receive a 10,000 baht cash prize and will represent Khon Kaen University at the national-level competition of the GSB Yuwaphat Rak Thin Project, hosted by the Government Savings Bank later this year.
