Chiang Rai, 31 October 2025 – The Faculty of Business Administration and Liberal Arts, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (RMUTL), organized the “Pa O Loi Fest” Creative Festival Market Testing Activity at Pa O Don Chai Community, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai Province. The activity provided learning and skills development opportunities for members of the public, supporting lifelong learning, community capacity building, local entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
The activity was conducted as part of the Faculty’s strategic initiative on COE Soft Power. RMUTL worked with community leaders and local groups to provide opportunities for the public to participate in and test community-based cultural tourism activities. The initiative encouraged participants to gain practical experience, exchange knowledge, provide feedback, and develop a better understanding of cultural tourism, local products, creative activities, and community-based economic development.
A total of 14 participants from the public, including representatives from government agencies, private organizations, the education sector, and Thai and international visitors, took part in the activity. Six community-based activities were presented: Welcome Activity, Si Sin (Art), Si San (Colours), Si Fai (Lights), Si Tham (Culture and Values), and Loy Krathong Activity.
Through hands-on participation, the activity created an accessible learning opportunity beyond formal university education. Participants were able to engage directly with community practices and contribute ideas for improving the festival. This process supported practical skills development, knowledge exchange, community engagement, and lifelong learning for people from different sectors.
The activity also strengthened collaboration among the university, local community, public sector, private sector, education sector, and visitors. Participants expressed support for further cooperation to expand the festival’s market opportunities and develop the community festival for possible inclusion in Chiang Rai’s provincial tourism calendar.
The initiative contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education, particularly the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities and practical skills development for the wider public. By providing learning opportunities beyond its enrolled student population, RMUTL supports inclusive education, community-based learning, vocationally relevant skills, and public access to knowledge and learning opportunities.
In addition, the initiative contributes to sustainable development across cultural, social, economic, and environmental dimensions. It supports the preservation of local cultural heritage, strengthens community participation, promotes cultural tourism, and creates opportunities for local economic development and sustainable livelihoods.
The activity demonstrates RMUTL’s role in extending education beyond the university campus by connecting lifelong learning, practical skills, community engagement, cultural heritage, and sustainable development.
