The 21st 4-Job Leaders and Volunteer Development Camp unites agricultural students from 12 institutions nationwide to foster leadership, community engagement, and sustainable agricultural development.

The Faculty of Agriculture at Khon Kaen University recently hosted the 21st 4-Job Leaders and Volunteer Development Camp under the concept “Mor Din Daeng Agriculture: Weaving Volunteer Bonds to Develop the Leaders’ Camp (The Spirit of Volunteer)”. Held between 18 and 22 May 2026, the project aimed to strengthen relationships within the 4-Job Alliance network, whilst promoting leadership skills, volunteer spirit, and community engagement among agricultural undergraduate students from across the country. Member institutions participating in this event included the Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University; the Faculty of Agricultural Production, the Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, and the Faculty of Fisheries Technology and Aquatic Resources, Maejo University; the Faculty of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, Naresuan University; the Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University; the Faculty of Agriculture, Ubon Ratchathani University; the Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University; the Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus; the Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bang Khen Campus; the Faculty of Natural Resources and Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus; the Faculty of Science and Technology, Thammasat University, Rangsit Centre; the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang; the Faculty of Natural Resources, Prince of Songkla University; the Faculty of Animal Science and Agricultural Technology, Silpakorn University, Phetchaburi Information Technology Campus; and the Faculty of Technology and Community Development, Thaksin University, Phatthalung Campus.

The opening ceremony was held at the Chatumuk Building, Agricultural Technology Park, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, and was attended by faculty members, staff, undergraduate students, and representatives from the 12 institutions of the 4-Job Alliance. On this occasion, Associate Professor Darunee Jothityangkoon, Ph.D., delivered the welcoming address to the participants. Mr. Kittisak Khopraklang, Chairman of the Student Organising Committee, reported on the project’s objectives, and Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, officially presided over the opening ceremony.

During the opening ceremony, tokens of appreciation were presented by representatives from the 12 member institutions of the 4-Job Alliance. The event also featured the presentation of honorary plaques to project sponsors, a special performance titled “Welcoming the 4-Job Alliance: Weaving Volunteer Bonds to Develop the Leaders’ Camp”, and a musical showcase by AGGIE Music from the Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, which created an atmosphere of friendship, warmth, and solidarity among the agricultural student network.

Associate Professor Darunee Jothityangkoon, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, stated, “This gathering of the 4-Job Alliance serves as a vital platform for building collaborative networks among agricultural institutions nationwide. It encompasses academic cooperation, leadership capacity building, cultural exchange, and community-based volunteer activities. Key proceedings also included a summary presentation of the 40th National 4-Job Traditional Event by Thammasat University, a presentation on the readiness to host the 41st National 4-Job Traditional Event by Naresuan University, as well as discussions regarding agricultural skill and sports regulations. Furthermore, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding among member institutions of the National 4-Job Traditional Event represents an essential mechanism in driving the 4-Job network to grow strongly and sustainably.”

Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, remarked, “Khon Kaen University is immensely pleased and honoured to be chosen by the 12 alliance institutions to host the 21st 4-Job Leaders and Volunteer Development Camp. I would like to welcome all participants to Khon Kaen University, the ‘Wisdom of Isan’. Organising this camp offers an invaluable opportunity for students to learn about community ways of life, apply academic knowledge for the public benefit, and instil a spirit of volunteerism while strengthening the solidarity among the 4-Job Alliance network.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Kittisak Khopraklang, Chairman of the 21st 4-Job Leaders and Volunteer Development Camp, said, “This project aims to enhance good relationships within the 4-Job Alliance, offering students an opportunity to exchange viewpoints and experiences. It builds collaborative networks between institutions and communities, whilst fostering leadership, teamwork, responsibility, and volunteerism, which are essential characteristics for future student leaders.”

As part of the project’s activities, a 4-Job Alliance meeting was convened at Room 7011, AG 07 Building, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University. The meeting was attended by executives, lecturers, and staff from the 12 member institutions. Associate Professor Darunee Jothityangkoon, Ph.D., welcomed the alliance members and introduced the faculty and staff from each institution to strengthen relationships and collaborative networks among agricultural institutions across the country.

Regarding the key agendas of the meeting, Thammasat University presented the operational results of the 40th National 4-Job Traditional Event, followed by Naresuan University’s presentation on its readiness to host the 41st National 4-Job Traditional Event. The meeting also deliberated on the regulations for agricultural skill competitions and international sports, and jointly signed the Memorandum of Understanding of the National 4-Job Traditional Event Member Institutions (Revised Edition, C.E. 2024) to serve as a systematic framework for joint activities in alignment with the goals of the 4-Job Alliance network.

 

In addition, the “Smart AGGIE” student leader capacity-building project was held at Room 7013, AG 07 Building, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, which was officially opened by Associate Professor Khundej Suriharn, Ph.D. The event featured a lecture on the “KKU EGGS” student identity by the Director of the Student Development and Alumni Relations Division, Khon Kaen University, to cultivate an understanding of the university’s desirable student characteristics and to promote the concept of ethical, moral, and public-minded leadership.

The session benefited from the expertise of distinguished guest speakers from various organisations who shared their experiences and concepts on leadership development. The panel included Mr. Chaimanu Kunok, Human Resources Officer (Practitioner Level) and Recruitment and Selection Specialist (Level 3) from the Human Resources Division, Khon Kaen University; Mr. Worapong Thongphut, Head of the Student Development Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University; Mr. Wuttipong Pathumwan, Social Development Assistant from the Khon Kaen Children and Family Home; and Mr. Theerawut Lamsombat, Vice Chairman of the Khon Kaen Children and Youth Council under the Khon Kaen Provincial Office. The speakers exchanged insights on leadership cultivation, teamwork, youth networking, and social participation, which greatly inspired and broadened the perspectives of the participating students.

Subsequently, the project participants journeyed to the volunteer development camp site at Ban Phu Kham Bao School in Ubolratana District, Khon Kaen Province. They received a warm reception from Mr. Sudjai Kohhar, Sub-district Head (Kamnan) of Khuan Ubolratana, and Mrs. Piyawan Sriphuttha, Director of Ban Phu Kham Bao School, who delivered welcoming remarks and expressed their delight at being a part of hosting this volunteer development camp.

At the camp site, the undergraduate students joined forces with the community to develop the area and benefit the school through five key initiatives: the Livestock Housing Sanitation Project, the Fruit Tree Planting and Vegetable Plot Development Project, the Mushroom Cultivation Project for Career Promotion, the Educational Media Production Project, and the Community Analysis Project for Agricultural Development. This also included community relationship-building activities, reflecting the power of solidarity and volunteerism among the youth of the 4-Job Alliance network.

Furthermore, participants engaged in a traditional Baisi Su Khwan (welcoming) ceremony, a campfire activity, and shared meals with their adoptive parents (Phor Hak Mae Hak) at Ban Phu Kham Bao School. These activities fostered warmth, deep bonds, and a close cultural exchange between the students and the local community.

Towards the conclusion of the camp, participants took part in a lesson extraction and presented the performance outcomes from each activity station to exchange experiences, concepts, and results achieved from the community groundwork. A friendly sports activity was also organised with the community and school to promote enjoyment, unity, and good relationships between the students and local residents.

Following this, the delegation went on an educational study trip to the Regional Observatory for the Public, Khon Kaen (under the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary) to learn about astronomy, technology, and scientific learning promotion for youth and the general public. They also visited the Aromatic Coconut Growers Community Enterprise, supported by the Pid Thong Lang Phra Foundation, in Thung Pong Sub-district, Ubolratana District, Khon Kaen Province, to study community development guidelines, community enterprise management, and sustainable livelihood creation based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy.

Later, the closing ceremony of the 21st 4-Job Leaders and Volunteer Development Camp was held at Ban Phu Kham Bao School. The ceremony was attended by Mr. Krung Namsanga, Chief of Ubolratana District, along with the Director of the Khon Kaen Primary Educational Service Area Office 4, the Chief Executive of the Khuan Ubolratana Sub-district Administrative Organisation, the Director of Ban Phu Kham Bao School, community leaders, teachers, parents, adoptive parents, and local residents.

 On this occasion, Associate Professor Khundej Suriharn, Ph.D., on behalf of the Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, and the 4-Job Alliance network, expressed his deep gratitude to all sectors for their warm welcome, care, facilitation, and excellent cooperation throughout the project. He stated, “The warmth, smiles, kindness, and support from the Ban Phu Kham Bao community have allowed students, lecturers, and participants from various institutions to truly learn about the way of life, culture, and the value of harmonious coexistence within a community. This is deemed an invaluable and unforgettable experience.” He further thanked the school, community leaders, and local residents for providing a space for learning and being an exceptionally warm host, expressing hope that the good relationships established would mark the beginning of sustainable future cooperation and friendship.

 

 

Mr. Krung Namsanga, Chief of Ubolratana District, Khon Kaen Province, stated, “I am delighted and honoured to welcome the project participants to Ubolratana District.” He highly commended the power of the new generation for their dedication, sacrifice, and volunteer spirit in developing the community through social activities, learning local ways of life, exchanging cultures, and establishing excellent relationships between educational institutions and the community.

 

The event featured an official camp handover ceremony to the community, comprising the five key projects: the Livestock Housing Sanitation Project, the Fruit Tree Planting and Vegetable Plot Development Project, the Mushroom Cultivation Project for Career Promotion, the Educational Media Production Project, and the Community Analysis Project for Agricultural Development, ensuring long-term benefits and sustainable development for the community. The ceremony also included passing the host flag for the 22nd 4-Job Leaders and Volunteer Development Camp to Thaksin University to continue the legacy of volunteerism, cooperation, and community development across the nationwide 4-Job Alliance network.

Mr. Krung Namsanga, Chief of Ubolratana District, Khon Kaen Province, concluded by stating, “I sincerely hope that the experiences gained from this camp will inspire all participants to apply their knowledge, sacrifice, and volunteer spirit to further develop society and the agricultural sector of the country.” He then wished everyone a safe journey home before officially declaring the 21st 4-Job Leaders and Volunteer Development Camp closed, amidst an atmosphere of impression, attachment, and the warm friendship of the 4-Job Alliance network from across the nation.

 Additionally, Assistant Professor Prakasit Doungphapeng, Ph.D., Chairman of the Organising Committee, stated, “The 21st 4-Job Leaders and Volunteer Development Camp represents another major gathering of agricultural student representatives from 12 institutions across the four regions, which is the origin of the term ‘4-Job’. This initiative is not merely about joining a camp, but also encompasses leadership development activities, networking, cultural exchanges, and network meetings concerning student development.”

He added, “As the host, we collectively planned and prepared across all sub-committees, involving lecturers, staff, and students, designing activities that enabled every student representative to fully demonstrate their potential and gain new experiences. We organised projects covering all professions in the agricultural field, including crop production, animal production, media production, mushroom cultivation, and community analysis.”

 “The success of this event is measured not only by the positive impressions of the participating institutions, but by the learning outcomes achieved by the KKU agricultural students—both the Student Club team of the Faculty of Agriculture and the camp preparation team. They acquired various skills in planning, coordination, and ad-hoc problem solving concerning weather conditions and camp living conditions. This served as an important test of mental resilience at that moment. This activity will surely be a vital experience that allows our students to grow in academic knowledge, operational skills, and human relations.”

 At the same time, he extended his gratitude to all sectors supporting the project, stating, “I would like to express my profound gratitude to the executives of the Faculty of Agriculture, the Faculty of Agriculture Alumni Association, all KKU agricultural alumni, internal university departments, and the private sector for supporting the budget and supplies for the students’ camp, and providing conveniences in every aspect. Thank you to the team of lecturers, all staff, and every KKU agricultural student who worked to their full capacity in every role until this project achieved all its objectives, as well as our brothers and sisters in the 4-Job Alliance for their enduring friendship.”

 In conclusion, the 21st 4-Job Leaders and Volunteer Development Camp stands as another significant milestone in fostering leadership, volunteerism, and collaborative networking among agricultural students across Thailand. This initiative will contribute to the sustainable development of society, local communities, and the Thai agricultural sector, beautifully passing on the friendship, bonds, and shared determination of the “4-Job Alliance” from generation to generation.