KHON KAEN – Khon Kaen University (KKU) hosted the 7th special edition of its “Siri Market: The Market of Well-being” on Friday, April 3, reinforcing its role as a “University for Society.” The event provided a space for university staff and local community enterprise networks to sell quality goods on campus, aiming to increase market opportunities, generate income, and strengthen the local economy.
Held in front of the Central Administration Division at the Sirikunakorn Building, the market is a collaborative effort between several university departments, including the Enterprise and Sustainable Society division, the Office of the President, and the Human Resources division. The initiative is designed to create a “space of opportunity” that connects the university with the community economically and socially.
The market featured a lively atmosphere with a diverse range of vendors. Participants included community enterprise groups like Baan Photak, Chan Dao Salad Garden, and Mr. Dong Sausages, as well as sellers of local agricultural products. The Non Ku Smart City project, the KKU Senior Staff Club, and the Faculty of Science, which sold its “Sci Soil” compost and planting materials, were also present. Shoppers found a variety of fresh and processed foods, safe-produce vegetables, and agricultural products.
Beyond being a marketplace, the Siri Market serves as a platform for learning and knowledge transfer from the university to the community. It facilitates the practical application of university research and innovation at the local level, helping to improve product quality and add value to community goods. The market also promotes the principles of a circular economy, emphasizing the efficient and sustainable use of resources.
KKU has designated the first Friday of every month for this special market event for community entrepreneurs. A regular market for internal staff also operates on business days to provide continuous support for vendors and stimulate the internal economy.
The university notes that this activity aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), by promoting access to safe, quality food while creating economic opportunities for community-level entrepreneurs. The “Siri Market” is presented not just as a marketplace, but as a model of participatory development that connects people, knowledge, and the community.
