The College of Local Administration (COLA), Khon Kaen University, extends its congratulations to “Team Jerdjarat”, a group of COLA students who have brought distinction to the College by pitching their project and securing a place among the top 10 finalists at the “ISAN ZERO OV MEDIA HACKATHON.” The team was awarded a THB 20,000 prize for their innovative communication campaign aimed at raising awareness among the younger generation in Isan about liver fluke infection and cholangiocarcinoma.
Team Jerdjarat consists of:
- Mr. Thanawat Deeying (Team Leader)
- Miss Wanna Rabuennam
- Miss Pathira Wongprom
The team was advised by Ajarn Rasita Dasri.
The hackathon, titled “New Generation of Isan Free from Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma – ISAN ZERO OV MEDIA HACKATHON,” featured a rigorous evaluation process. Dr. Danai Hantabunachai, Manager of the Art and Media for Health Promotion Program under the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), explained the four key judging criteria:
- Design Thinking Process (30 points): The proposal must effectively address the project’s objectives by demonstrating innovative problem-solving approaches, creative ideas, and a systematic understanding of the issue. The project methodology—from conceptualisation to implementation—must reflect a logical and well-managed process. Importantly, the final work must communicate the public health challenges of liver fluke infection and cholangiocarcinoma within Health Region 7 (Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, and Roi Et) and Health Region 8 (Nong Bua Lamphu, Sakon Nakhon, Udon Thani, Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, and Nakhon Phanom).
Associate Professor Wacharin Loilom, Acting Director of the Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute at Khon Kaen University, remarked, “This represents an unprecedented and significant collaboration, bringing together various organisations to support media creation by Gen Z youth. Such an initiative would be challenging to undertake independently while effectively reaching this demographic. Addressing the issues of liver fluke and cholangiocarcinoma requires accurate communication and awareness-building from an early age, especially among children, to reduce future incidences of the disease.”
He continued, “The four media categories—1) Decorative Art/Board Games, 2) Theatre/Performing Arts, 3) Video Clips, and 4) Campaign Activities/Immersive Interactive Media—are particularly compelling. We eagerly await the results and extend our encouragement to all teams. We sincerely hope these projects will amplify their message to the broader society and create a significant impact, particularly in the northeastern region. The goal is to educate those who consume raw or undercooked dishes made from scaly freshwater fish of the carp family, such as Koi Pla, Som Pla, and Pla Jom, which may contain liver fluke metacercariae. The chronic accumulation of these parasites leads to inflammation and thickening of the bile duct walls, eventually developing into cholangiocarcinoma. We hope this initiative fosters a deeper understanding of this cycle and promotes long-term, sustainable freedom from liver fluke and cholangiocarcinoma.”
The participation of Team Jerdjarat highlights the ability of COLA KKU students to integrate knowledge of public affairs with creativity and social innovation to generate meaningful societal value. This achievement aligns with the College’s vision to become “a leading ASEAN institution in public affairs that creates value for society.”
