Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna is actively driving policies through projects and activities that promote sustainable local products with a focus on grassroots economy. This initiative emphasizes the university’s commitment to contributing to the sustainable economic wealth of the country, which is essential for the well-being of communities and local areas. It aligns with the specific potential and expertise of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna.
We recognize the importance of promoting the use of products sourced from local producers, as sustainable production processes can lead to sustainability in terms of environmental preservation and other related dimensions. Furthermore, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna encourages capable staff and students to participate in developing and producing quality and sustainable products through various projects and activities, such as the development of OTOP (One Tambon One Product) products, creating “edible and usable” standard products, and developing Eco-print fabrics to generate income for communities.
The aim is to foster collaboration from all sectors in driving the grassroots economy through the use of local products, as well as to transform the organization into a distribution and promotion center for these products, working closely with other sectors. This not only distributes income to communities but also promotes sustainable production at the local level.
Throughout 2023, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna has demonstrated its commitment to being a model organization that promotes the use of local products while simultaneously developing product quality and standards. This has been achieved through the integration of academic knowledge, technology, and innovation in collaboration with government agencies, the private sector, and local communities to create an ecosystem that supports sustainable growth of the grassroots economy. Empirical examples of these efforts can be briefly summarized as follows:
Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Chiang Rai Participates in OTOP Product Development Contest
On July 27, 2023, faculty and staff from Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Chiang Rai, including Assistant Professor Chamaiporn Rattanajaroenchai, Dr. Nattharakarn Kamjaiwut, Lecturer Kulapornphat Praradhapiban, and Mr. Kwinwut Suthana, participated in an exhibition and contest for OTOP product development. This event was part of a project promoting the Knowledge-Based Organization (KBO) network to select one outstanding and innovative product to represent Chiang Rai Province in a national contest and to disseminate the results of the KBO network activities. The event was organized by the Chiang Rai Provincial Community Development Office at the Heritage Chiang Rai Hotel and Convention Center, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province.
University Public Relations Promotion Project with Products and Outputs of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (Edible and Usable) at Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Nan
On Monday, September 18, 2023, at 08:00 AM, Assistant Professor Dr. Jaturuth Thongporn, Acting President of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, along with the executive committee, attended a meeting to review the operations of teachers and researchers from Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Nan. The focus was on developing the capacity and ability to process products into goods or products that create value and can be marketed effectively. The project, led by Assistant Professor Dr. Wiroj Mongkoltep, Director of the Nan Administrative Office, included executives, teachers, and researchers who participated in presenting their work at the meeting room Chomphu Phu Kha 1, Resource Management Building, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Nan.
The President Visits Lampang to Select Products from Research for Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Branding
September 13, 2023, Assistant Professor Dr. Jaturat Thongprorn, acting president of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (RMUTL), along with executives and the project committee for promoting the university through RMUTL products (edible and usable), visited to select products at Meeting Room 1, Administration Building, RMUTL Lampang. They were welcomed by Assistant Professor Dr. Worawat Chainet, Director of RMUTL Lampang, along with executives, faculty, and staff, who presented various products.
Assistant Professor Dr. Jaturat Thongprorn stated that Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna is a leading institution in professional and technological education, producing research that creates and applies knowledge, fosters innovation, and develops intellectual property in line with national strategies. The university is committed to providing academic services focused on disseminating knowledge in science, technology, and innovation that align with the university’s vocational and technological context, responding to the needs of society, communities, government, private sectors, and the country. Currently, faculty and researchers at the university have developed capabilities and can transform products into goods or products that create value and are marketable. Therefore, the university has a concept for developing products from its research and academic services (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Tak, Phitsanulok, and Lampang) into standard RMUTL products.
Additionally, Assistant Professor Aksaja Duangsupsin, Deputy President, mentioned that the development of products from research is being conducted in three phases: the first phase is the product selection process, which involves surveying product information, selecting, and creating a product database. The second phase involves preparing the products, which includes product development, packaging, and distribution channels. The third phase focuses on sales and evaluating the products, with the main income after expenses donated to the RMUTL Learning and Career Development Fund for the year 2023.
For RMUTL Lampang, eight products were presented from research and academic services, including crispy pork rinds by Assistant Professor Orathai Boonthawong, ready-to-drink Makiang juice by Lecturer Watcharee Thepyothin, cookie berry by Lecturer Prasanee Kongwong, keychains by Lecturer Suphinan Janma, Khun Ni rice and Lanna black rice by Mr. Manoth Koomphanlaitis, sticky rice with Thanyasin by Assistant Professor Kulvich Panichkul, and authentic Arabica coffee by Assistant Professor Kanokwan Wechakama. A committee from the university and external agencies (Lampang Community Development Office) participated in selecting these products.
Technology Clinic of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Chiang Mai, in collaboration with GSB Bank Region 8, delivers products developed from Eco-print fabric, creating income for the community.
On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, the Technology Clinic of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Chiang Mai, together with the Community Development Unit of GSB Bank Region 8, delivered products developed from Eco-print fabric, which involves printing patterns on fabric using leaves. This creative work features natural color images and products made from natural materials by the cotton group from Ban Mae Mout, Mae Win Subdistrict, Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai. The development was based on the consulting service activities of the Technology Clinic, aligning with the concept of using natural capital to generate income for the community. The products were received by Mr. Peerasak Theerabodee, the Mae Wang District Chief, and Mrs. Ketsarin Toonkaew, the Chairwoman of the Mae Win Subdistrict Administrative Organization, during the “Outstanding GSB Community Development Champions 2023” event under the project “Community Kitchen – GSB Set” at the Mae Win Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai.
Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Collaborates with Government Savings Bank Region 8 to Monitor the Progress of the Lanna Product Project in Phrao District, Chiang Mai
On September 4, 2023, personnel from the Institute of Technology Transfer to Communities, who are members of the project committee for the Government Savings Bank’s Youth Development Program (Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna) for the year 2023, along with Mr. Niruth Puth, from the Social and Community Development Unit of the Government Savings Bank Region 8, visited the site to follow up on the activities aimed at enhancing local wisdom. This involved the development project of “Lanna Products Ready to Cook,” a sub-project under the Government Savings Bank’s Youth Development Program. The Fynn team presented the development approach for a community-produced shrimp paste product by narrating the background story and quality of the shrimp paste product in both Thai and English for communication and public relations. They also expanded the online platform to promote and market the shrimp paste product to both local and international markets. Representatives from the community enterprise processing mud crab welcomed them and demonstrated the production process of mud crab-based products.
The “Lanna Products Ready to Cook” development project is a sub-project under the Government Savings Bank’s Youth Development Program for the year 2023, with activities conducted from April to September 2023 by the Fynn team, which consists of 10 students from the English for International Communication program at the Faculty of Business and Liberal Arts, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna. They engaged in learning about the development of community products from the mud crab processing group in the Khuen Phak sub-district, Phrao District, Chiang Mai, to achieve standards that allow them to be sold in more internationally recognized markets. The project also promoted sales of the products and encouraged families to maintain financial records to learn financial management. The objective was to learn collaborative working, fostering good relationships between community groups and the Government Savings Bank, and working together with relevant partner agencies to enhance group work experience, develop local wisdom, and build personal capacity for when entering the labor market. This is aimed at creating a stable social standard based on the understanding of the new generation. Ms. Bunika Khunyothying, a lecturer from the Faculty of Business and Liberal Arts, served as the mentor for the group.
Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Participates in the Under the Royal Patronage Strategy Exhibition at Lanna Expo 2023
On July 6, 2023, Mr. Veerapong Ritharod, Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai, visited the Under the Royal Patronage Strategy Exhibition booth, where Assistant Professor Dr. Jaturut Thongpron, Acting President of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, along with the university’s executives and the Under the Royal Patronage project team, welcomed him and guided him through the exhibition following the opening ceremony of the “Creative Lanna: Re-inventing by Mission 4 @RMUTL” project, which focuses on promoting and preserving the arts and culture of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna.
The Under the Royal Patronage project team of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna organized a booth showcasing products such as cold-pressed black sesame oil, rice seasoning powder, and processed avocado products including herbal soap, shampoo, and conditioner from the agricultural cooperative group of the Khao Pong Yang Ma. These products are derived from agricultural products from the Royal Project Development Center Huai Siao, Ban Pong Sub-district, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai, and have been processed to add value and create additional income. The university has imparted knowledge by transferring innovations and technologies to enhance the production process using efficient technology, ensuring production standards and food safety, and marketing for sales, creating a community context that establishes a connection with the quality of materials, production processes, and consumer needs. This ultimately leads to the development and sustainability of self-reliance and creates market opportunities. The exhibition took place from July 4-9 at the 7th Cycle Anniversary International Convention and Exhibition Center, Chiang Mai, in the Lanna Arts and Culture Zone (Tha Pae Hall).
Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Lampang, Participates in the Eco Printing Exhibition at the KBC Market Event to Support SMEs
On June 29, 2023, the Research and Academic Services Department of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Lampang, presented Eco printing work, one of the research projects by Lecturer Nattamon Juangjem from the Faculty of Science and Agricultural Technology, at the KBC Market Event, which aimed to spread happiness and support SMEs at the main hall of the Lampang Provincial Hall. The event attracted significant interest from attendees.
Eco printing is an environmentally friendly printing process that uses leaves to transfer colors and structures onto fabric, creating beautiful colored products from natural materials. The booth displayed various colored fabrics, both sewn and unsewn, which can be processed into a variety of products and developed into a profession.
The KBC Market Event aimed to support SMEs by providing marketing channels for community enterprise operators and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as selling low-priced products to assist vendors and citizens affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and promote products from agencies and banks under the Ministry of Finance.
RMUTL Nan and the Thai Local Spirits Association Sign MOU for Agricultural Product Value Addition
On Friday, June 23, 2023, at 1:00 PM, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Nan and the Thai Local Spirits Association signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on “The Development of Value-Added Processing of Agricultural Products in Nan Province.” The signing ceremony was presided over by Mr. Niwat Namthura, the Deputy Governor of Nan Province, who also served as a witness to the signing. Attendees included Assistant Professor Dr. Wiroj Mongkolthep, Director of RMUTL Nan Administration Office; Associate Professor Dr. Kachaa Kooha, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Science and Agricultural Technology; and representatives from local spirits producers in Nan. The event took place at the Chomphupuka Conference Room, Resource Management Building, RMUTL Nan.
The MOU aims to enhance the value of agricultural products in Nan Province for the sustainable benefit of local livelihoods and income generation. It also focuses on developing a facility for collecting, preserving knowledge, and wisdom related to local spirits production to serve as a learning center for the community in Nan. Furthermore, it aims to foster opportunities for future project development.
RMUTL Participates in Selection of OTOP Products for National Competition
On June 15, 2023, Assistant Professor Nataichai Pusadee, Deputy Director of the Community Technology Transfer Institute, and Lieutenant Ratchapong Horchairat, General Administration Officer, were appointed by Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna to join the Chiang Mai Knowledge-Based OTOP Network Committee for the selection of OTOP products at the exhibition. The event featured a presentation of works and a competition for the development of OTOP products and packaging through the Chiang Mai KBO Knowledge Network. Mr. Sakchai Kunanuwatchaichai, the Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai, presided over the event, which was organized by the Chiang Mai Community Development Office under the Knowledge-Based OTOP Promotion Project, aiming to elevate product quality and value at the national level. The event took place at Green Lake Resort, Mueang District, Chiang Mai.
RMUTL Exhibits and Sells U2T Products at BCG Economic Recovery Event
Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna participated in an exhibition and sale of U2T products as part of the “U2T the Best” initiative under the BCG economic recovery project following COVID-19. The event took place on March 25-26, 2023, at the Central Chiang Mai Airport shopping center. The exhibition showcased 15 developed products and allowed for a competition for the U2T the Best award. Various promotional activities were conducted, including a popular vote for consumers. The event aimed to promote and market products to create income for local communities through knowledge, technology, and innovation, involving a total of 158 communities.
RMUTL Holds Workshop to Promote Market Entry for Products and Services
Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna organized a workshop on February 27-28, 2023, aimed at enhancing products and services for international standards under the BCG economic recovery project. The event focused on product and packaging design improvements, and business management. A total of 15 selected products/services participated in the workshop, culminating in a public presentation of project proposals and business models.
RMUTL Participates in MHESI Innovation Fair for Community Product Development
From February 17-19, 2023, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna participated in the “MHESI Innovation Fair @ Jing Jai Market” in Chiang Mai, showcasing developed community products and sharing innovative approaches for economic development and community product enhancement.
