Khon Kaen University (KKU) showcased its potential and innovation at the “International Silk Festival, Pook Sieo Tradition, and Khon Kaen Provincial Red Cross Fair 2025,” held from 29 November to 10 December 2025, at the Provincial Hall grounds in Khon Kaen. The event, conceptualised under the theme “Interweaving Silk, Unifying Hearts, Honouring the Queen Mother” (Nhom Sadaeng Khwam Aalais Thawai Dae Phraphanpilaung – a specific reference to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother), featured exhibitions, research outcomes, and creative workshops linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring the public had broad access to academic knowledge.
The official opening ceremony took place on 29 November 2025. Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., KKU President, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Niyom Wongphongkham, Vice President for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, honoured the event by visiting the KKU exhibition booth. They were guided by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Panupon Hongpakdee, Deputy Dean for Research, Innovation and International Affairs, Faculty of Agriculture, who presented strategies for sustainable agriculture development and the connection between laboratory research outcomes and community application. Faculty members from the Faculty of Agriculture warmly welcomed the KKU administrators, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prakaijan Nimkingrat, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suphat Israngkool Na Ayutthaya and Asst. Prof. Dr. Chanon Labjit.
A highlight of the daily activities was the workshop “Growing Vegetables for HAO (Human, Agro, Opportunity) Towards Sustainable Development,” led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prakaichan Nimkingrat. This workshop disseminated the concept of elevating the grassroots economy through modern agricultural innovation, creating vocations, increasing income, and reducing social inequality. This initiative aligns directly with several SDGs: SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Furthermore, it proactively demonstrates the university’s tangible role in driving the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) Economy Model.
The Khon Kaen University booth hosted diverse knowledge transfer sessions and activities throughout the fair, including:
- Soil fertilizer making & vegetable planting workshop
- Quality products from KKU Enterprise
- Ban Phai EcoCraft & Eco Art handicrafts
- Knowledge from the Cannabis Institute
- Thai food demonstrations and dessert giveaways from the Faculty of Technology
- Health assessment services from the Faculty of Medical Technology
- Stone-dyed cloth bag decorating workshop from Wiang Kao District
- Science Park with the Herbal Compress Ball Making Activity
Participation in this important event in Khon Kaen Province reflects Khon Kaen University’s readiness to be a driving force for sustainable development across the economic, social, environmental, and cultural dimensions. This is achieved through the transfer of research and innovation knowledge, the development of technologies that meet community needs, and the continuous integration of cooperation with communities and partner agencies to create sustainable benefits for society and the nation over the long term.
