The Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, hosted “NextGen Product Show and Tell,” an exhibition featuring innovative products developed under the Next Generation Graduates Project. The event was honored by Prof. Dr. Kanok Wongtrangan, Vice Chairman of the Advisory Board to the Minister of Social Development and Human Security and former Parliamentarian, who presided over the opening ceremony and delivered a special lecture on “Creating Community Income from Local Biodiversity.” He also commended the outstanding work of participating students and entrepreneurs.
Assoc. Prof. Patareeya Lasunon, Project Leader, explained that the event aimed to provide a platform for participants to exchange knowledge and present outcomes from the training program “Extraction and Product Development from Local Plants to Business Creation (Batch 2).” The program focuses on enhancing human resource capacity by enabling participants to add value to agricultural products through the extraction of bioactive compounds from local plants.
The event attracted more than 400 participants from seven provinces—Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Loei, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, and Chiang Mai—who showcased over 50 innovative products developed from plant-based extracts. The program also included a product innovation competition, judged by a panel of experts from various fields.
The first prize was awarded to Phu Kradueng Wittayakom School for its product “NICOGUARD”, an anti-leech spray formulated with tobacco leaf extract. The first runner-up went to PLAPAKWITTAYA School for a heel care gel cream made from local Pak Tiew plant extracts and natural herbs. The second runner-up was Panporn Group for its rose-scented coconut oil balm. Two honorable mentions were presented to Anuwan Kindergarten for “HerbOra Shampoo” and the Phu Phrabat Bee Cooperative for “iHoney Care.”
Additionally, awards were given for Scientific Product Design from booth presentations and product demonstrations. Phorncharoenwittaya School won first place, followed by Nong Kung Sri Wittayakarn School as the first runner-up, with second to fourth places going to PLAPAKWITTAYA School, Phu Kradueng Wittayakom School, and Anuwan Kindergarten, respectively.
The event, held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Room 2217, Building 1, reflected the success of efforts to develop human resources capable of transforming local wisdom into high-value innovations. It also reinforced the role of KKU’s Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies in promoting sustainable economic growth through creativity and entrepreneurship.
News & Photos: Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University
