Three Student Teams from Humanities School Win Awards at Sustainable Design Hackathon
Congratulations to three student teams from the Tourism and MICE Management, School of Humanities and Tourism Management, who received awards from the Hackathon project "Enhancing Community Potential through Sustainable Design" under the theme "Sustainable Design, Community Revival." This was a collaboration between the Mekong Basin Art and Civilization Institute at Mae Fah Luang University and UNESCO's Creative Cities Network for Design. The event provided opportunities for creative and development-minded individuals to present ideas that blend local wisdom with modern design to generate sustainable income for communities. The award-winning designs were honored with an exhibition at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.
Team Core Sync - First Prize Award with 20,000 Baht
Team Members:
- Miss Nattanicha Faitajak, 3rd year Tourism and MICE Management
- Mr. Chonlathan Ruenkeson, 3rd year Tourism and MICE Management
- Mr. Warantorn Maksawi, 2nd year Tourism and MICE Management
- Mr. Nutbordin Senthong, 2nd year Tourism and MICE Management
"Khong Wadi": From Local Woven Fabric to Fashion Bags
Team Core Sync drew inspiration from the "Ta Kong" woven bag from Nan Province, which is a handicraft created with continuous thread weaving techniques resulting in a thick checkerboard pattern with a soft texture. "We believe it's time for Ta Kong fabric to become well-known. We transformed the traditional shoulder bag into a trendy Hobo Bag style, integrating leather patterns and adding functionality to meet modern lifestyles, under the brand name 'Khong Wadi,' which sounds similar to 'Kong' and 'Wadi,' meaning prosperity."
AR Innovation Elevating Shopping Experiences
Beyond product design, Team Core Sync also applied AR technology to present products in a modern way. "We integrated technology with product presentation through QR codes that display 360-degree and 3D images of products to meet the needs of online shopping customers. This product development aims not only to increase community income but also to ensure profits can be reinvested to develop the community sustainably in the long term."
Team Neighbor Goods - Creative Award with 5,000 Baht
Team Members:
- Miss Araya Rodjanasereechok, 2nd year Tourism and MICE Management
- Mr. Rapeepat Pumsiriwan, 2nd year Tourism and MICE Management
- Mr. Nateepat Chatmatasit, 2nd year Tourism and MICE Management
One Day Trip Exclusive Tourism Package
Chiang Rai province is abundant with diverse cultural attractions. Team Neighbor Goods created One Day Trip packages that compile special experiences in formats appealing to the new generation. "The team designed two special tour packages: 'Wiang Ma Moo,' catering to spiritual enthusiasts with a complete tour of famous temples, hands-on crafting of Bencha offerings and Sapao Kham Na Suk for good fortune; and 'Teenage Art,' perfect for young art lovers, offering experiences in carving natural material stamps amidst the beautiful scenery of the Mekong River."
Inspiration from Ban Hom Phaya
"After deciding to join the project and researching further, we found that Wiang Subdistrict in Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai, has interesting tourist attractions with high potential to accommodate tourists. We were inspired by Ms. Namwan's Gift Set from Ban Hom Phaya, which includes hats, stamps, bags, and cups. This sparked the idea to bring tourists, especially the new generation, to experience something novel and learn about local wisdom."
Team Culture Dev - Outstanding Local Identity Award with 5,000 Baht
Team Members:
- Mr. Sorasak Klabwila, 3rd year Tourism and MICE Management
- Ms. Phromphatsorn Thongdang, 3rd year Tourism and MICE Management
- Miss Jiraprapa Jumkham, 2nd year Tourism and MICE Management
Podcast on the Legend of White Sieo Flowers and Jewelry Art from Nan
Team Culture Dev chose to develop creative media to preserve local culture through podcasts, a modern medium that is easily accessible, allowing listeners to tune in anywhere, anytime, free of charge. "Our team chose to present the story of White Sieo flower jewelry, a valuable community craft that is beautiful and embedded with long-standing beliefs. We created a podcast that conveys the storytelling of the White Sieo flower, the provincial flower of Nan, by gathering knowledge about its history, legends, and mysteries through entertaining, easy-to-understand storytelling that leaves an impression on listeners."
The Power of Storytelling in Cultural Preservation
"Storytelling is a powerful marketing tool that can evoke emotions, share experiences, convey ideas, and create connections between products and consumers. We emphasize the importance of using storytelling to attract customers, making them impressed with the story, simplifying complex cultural knowledge, and encouraging consumers to take interest in community products, which will help promote sustainable economy and tourism."
