Suan Sunandha Showcases Research Potential on the Global Stage through Thai PBS’s “Wan Mai Variety,” Highlighting Community Innovation Success with an International Gold Medal

Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rosjana Chandhasa, Vice-President for Research and Development, and Asst. Prof. Nayot Kulpanich, Vice-Director for Research and Publication at the Institute for Research and Development, joined a live interview on Thai PBS’s “Wan Mai Variety” program on August 17, 2026. The interview highlighted the university’s success in applying research and innovation to community development, creating added value from local resources, and further developing them into sustainable income-generating opportunities.

During the interview, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rosjana Chandhasa presented the research project titled “Upcycling Banana Trunks into Fashion Enterprise: ITDO Model,” which received a Gold Medal at the 2026 Japan Design, Idea and Invention Expo (JDIE 2026) in Osaka, Japan.

The project is an innovation that transforms agricultural waste into added-value products through the concepts of upcycling and the circular economy. It has been developed into environmentally friendly fashion products while enhancing the grassroots economy and creating career opportunities for local communities.

Asst. Prof. Nayot Kulpanich also discussed the role of the Institute for Research and Development in driving the university’s research policy. He emphasized the development of area-based research that addresses local challenges through social innovation processes, aiming to improve the quality of life, economy, and society of communities in a tangible manner. This approach aligns with the university’s vision of being a “leader in producing professionals” while creating sustainable positive impacts on society.