Khon Kaen University Launches "SIRI Market" to Boost Community Economy and Sustainable Development

Khon Kaen University Launches “SIRI Market” to Boost Community Economy and Sustainable Development

7 October 2025
10:53

Khon Kaen University (KKU) has launched the “SIRI Market: The Market of Happiness,” an initiative aimed at strengthening the local community’s economy and promoting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The lively event, held at the Sirikunakorn Building, brought together university officials, students, government agencies, private-sector partners, and community enterprises.

The market, which opened on October 6, 2024, was organized by the university’s Center for Sustainable Enterprise and Society in collaboration with other internal departments. The event serves as a platform to foster cooperation and drive long-term sustainable community development.

Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D. , President of Khon Kaen University, presided over the opening ceremony. He emphasized the university’s “SDGs in All Policies” strategy, which aims to integrate sustainability into all aspects of its operations.

“Khon Kaen University is an institution dedicated to social devotion, a principle that aligns with the United Nations’ goals,” said Assoc. Prof. Charnchai. “We have integrated all 17 SDGs into our development strategy, focusing on sustainability in education, research, administration, and academic services. This market is a concrete example of linking knowledge with practical application to build economic strength for our communities.”

Prof. Thidarut Boonmars, D.V.M., Ph.D. Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability, explained that the event also features exhibitions showcasing the university’s work on all 17 SDGs. She noted that the market provides a sales platform for community enterprises, special education schools, disability support centers, and associations for parents of autistic individuals, directly supporting SDG 2: Zero Hunger.

The market featured a diverse range of products, including those from student groups. Students from Phisanpunnawittaya School, a network school, sold processed goods made from local plants, such as water meal cookies, mulberry daifuku, and herbal mosquito repellent spray.

“We are happy to showcase our products here because it allows more people to know about them,” said two high school students, Ms. Kanlayarat Phonpalat and Mr. Akkaradech Wiboonkul. They explained that their products were developed through a botanical garden project run by KKU, which provided training on processing local plants. “This experience has taught us about teamwork and helped us discover our interests, which will guide our future studies and career paths.”

Community enterprise leaders also praised the university’s support. Ms. Maliwan Termjai, president of the Ban Kho Community Enterprise group, thanked KKU for providing product development and marketing training, which has enhanced the popularity and market reach of their granola, puffed grain snacks, and chemical-free dried bananas, creating sustainable income for the community.

The “SIRI Market” will be held monthly at the Sirikunakorn Building, offering an ongoing platform for community enterprises to sell affordable consumer goods. The university aims for the market to stimulate the local circular economy and provide continuous support for sustainable community development.