01. No Poverty, 04. Quality Education, 08. Decent Work and Economic Growth, 09. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities, 12. Responsible Consumption and Production, 17. Partnerships for the Goals

AU Students and Faculty Empower Local Enterprises Through Community-Based Innovation

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As part of the Youth Volunteer Project 2025, supported by the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, a multidisciplinary team from Assumption University of Thailand (AU) conducted a field visit on 10–11 July 2025 to community enterprises in Pathum Thani Province and Lat Krabang District, Bangkok.

Faculty and students from the Martin de Tours School of Management and Economics, the Albert Laurence School of Communication Arts, and the Theophane Venard School of Biotechnology worked with three community enterprises on initiatives focused on sustainability and local innovation: recycled-bottle broom products, the development of Mon community dessert identity, and the transformation of Chan Krung sugarcane into creative value-added products.

The field visit focused on understanding community needs and providing practical support in product development, marketing, branding, and basic accounting. The collaboration aims to strengthen community enterprises, increase the value of local resources, generate income, and improve livelihoods while promoting sustainable practices.

For AU students, the experience provided an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges while developing skills in problem-solving, communication, planning, and interdisciplinary teamwork. Working directly with community members also deepened their understanding of local contexts and grassroots entrepreneurship.

The initiative reflects AU’s commitment to experiential learning, social responsibility, community empowerment, and sustainable development. By connecting academic knowledge with local expertise and community needs, AU continues to bridge education with real-world impact and contribute to stronger, more sustainable communities.

SDGs Alignment

  • SDG 1: No Poverty – Supports community enterprises in generating income and strengthening local livelihoods.
  • SDG 4: Quality Education – Provides students with hands-on learning and opportunities to apply academic knowledge to real community challenges.
  • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Promotes entrepreneurship, community-based businesses, income generation, and local economic development.
  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – Supports product innovation, value addition, branding, and the development of local enterprises.
  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Strengthens local communities, livelihoods, and community-based economic development.
  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Encourages the responsible use of local resources and the transformation of recycled materials into value-added products.
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Builds collaboration among AU, government agencies, academic units, and community enterprises to support sustainable local development.

 

The 17 Goals