KMUTNB collaborates with Singapore Polytechnic to continue their partnership in advancing innovation and developing new innovators through hands-on learning in real communities.
On 9 Apr 2024 GMT+7, reporters reported that King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), through its International Cooperation Center (ICC), teamed up with Singapore Polytechnic from the Republic of Singapore to launch the "Learning Express (LeX) KMUTNB-SP Collaboration Program 2026." The program provides a platform for Thai and international students to learn together through practical experience and develop innovations addressing community challenges on a global scale. Associate Professor Dr. Pichet Sriyanrung, Vice President for International Relations, delivered the welcome address, while Dr. Piya Pitutecha, President of the Rayong Provincial Administrative Organization, honored the event as the chairperson, highlighting activities throughout the project. University executives, faculty members, and community representatives also attended the event held at the multipurpose meeting room, KMUTNB Rayong Campus, on 8 Apr 2024 GMT+7.
The project focuses on learning through the five-step Design Thinking process, from understanding problems to prototype testing. Students conducted field studies on community lifestyles, analyzed issues, and designed practical solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to improve community quality of life. Throughout the project, students developed essential 21st-century skills including creativity, cross-cultural teamwork, English communication, and innovative problem-solving.
Sixty Thai and Singaporean students engaged in three real community sites to create three community-focused innovations: 1. At Ban Khai Hospital, students developed a hybrid online appointment and consultation system to reduce paperwork and designed a smart herbal compress steamer with automatic temperature and water-level controls to enhance treatment efficiency. 2. At Ban Saphan Hin Community Enterprise, they created insect traps from recycled cardboard following Zero Waste principles and proposed collaboration with the university to involve youth in sustainable agricultural and environmental development. 3. For Ban Thap Ma stingless bee farmers, they designed compact vertical gardens to increase food sources in limited spaces and developed portable harvesting tools using recycled and natural materials to reduce costs and improve mobility. All projects received positive community feedback with recommendations for further development toward practical application. Students presented their innovations enthusiastically, supported by community mentors who attended the event. This project marks a significant step for KMUTNB in driving international cooperation and elevating Thai education onto the global stage through sustainable university-community-innovation linkages.