2024 LKYSPP – in – Asia Program in Thailand
Thammasat University’s School of Global Studies (SGS) hosted the program to develop cross-cultural collaboration skills and promote learning in sustainable development for international students from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP), National University of Singapore. The program welcomed 162 master’s students from 20 countries, studying Public Policy, International Relations, and Public Administration, accompanied by two faculty members and three program staff. They were divided into two groups.
This program aimed to educate participants on Thailand’s sustainable development efforts, especially the role of civil society and community empowerment, while also enhancing students’ teamwork, complex problem analysis, cultural exchange, and adaptation skills to new environments, ultimately fostering professional competence and leadership. SGS’s Dean, Asst. Prof. Dr. Prapaporn T. Mongkhonvanit, mentioned in her program opening speech that “the program’s role as a bridge between academic theory and real-world problem-solving, highlighting the importance of collaboration and exchange.”
To fulfil its objectives, the program employed various methods and tools to provide well-rounded, immersive learning experiences for participants such as presentations, simulation games and collective activities, field observation and interactive engagement with executives, officers, leaders of local organizations and communities to enhance empathy and deep learning on practical applications in sustainable development. In addition, reflection sessions were conducted from time to time.
Participants received comprehensive insights into Thailand’s economic, social, cultural, administration systems and government policies and strategies through presentations by SGS expert. They visited the UN-ESCAP to learn the organization’s mission and operations in promoting sustainable development across Asia and Pacific. Half of the group visited the Community Organizations Development Institute (CODI) to explore community development initiatives and pro-poor, self and mutual help housing projects, focusing on empowering local communities. The other half visited the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) to study health promotion strategies and community health initiatives.
SGS coordinated with CODI, provincial government organizations, local government organizations, and community organizations’ networks in Chai Nat Province, organizing field visits to three sub-districts:
- Hat Asa Sub-district, Sapphaya District: Known for effective flood management along the Chao Phraya River. Multi-dimensional interventions were made to ensure sufficient quality of life during pre-post and during flooding periods. The proactive roles of people organizations and the collaborations among those organization leaders and the local government were key success factors.
- Khao Tha Phra Sub-district, Mueang District: Addressed land ownership and proper shelter issues for the poor and integrated environmental, social, and economic solutions through community power and youth engagement.
- Huai Ngoo Sub-district, Hankha District: A new form of public-private and community collaborative efforts know as “Huai Ngoo Happiness Company” was established to launch innovations (both modern technology and local wisdom) in elderly care and community supported systems, making it a WHO-recognized model for age-friendly community.
Participants were impressed by the community’s use of social capital and the cooperation between public and private sectors, academia, and civil society.
The program also enhanced the experience for over 20 SGS students, who supported the international students by creating introductory videos, preparing documents, and acting as liaisons and interpreters.
Building on the success of this initiative, a follow-up program has been designed to deepen the partnership between the two institutions and the communities in Chai Nat Province. LKYSPP and SGS cooperation will start from teaching and innovation exchange to tackle global issues. Meanwhile SGS plans to make Chai Nat a “social laboratory” for sustainable development through further collaborative research with CODI and local organizations, incorporated field teaching, academic services and capacity building programs through faculty members’ consultation and students’ senior projects, and an expanded field program, turning it into a regional hub for sustainability education and innovation for international academic and practitioners.
Assigned to lead this initiative were Asst. Prof. Dr. Jitti Mongkolchai-aranya and Asst. Prof. Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Altafur Rahman, whose expertise and relationships with various organizations contributed significantly to the program’s success.
