The integrative sub-district economic and social development project (University to Tambon) – U2T by Chiang Mai University operates in 50 sub-districts by Societal Engagement CMU and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jiraporn Kulsarin, the project’s consultant, along with CMU faculty staff, researchers and the supporting team.
CMU approved the first round of the U2T project which has been set to last for 11 months, from February 1 to December 30, 2021. Covering 50 sub-districts in six provinces, namely Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Mae Hong Son and Phitsanulok, the project aims to recruit locals, new graduates and students and involve them in the economic recovery mission for their community, as well as enhance professional skills in the community. It is divided into four main aspects:
1. Professional development and job creation
2. Creation and development of creative economy
3. Knowledge application to community development (health care)
4. Circular economy promotion
With these four missions in mind, CMU has gathered a total of 32 faculty staff and researchers from 18 faculties/sections to use their knowledge, expertise and experience to help the locals on various issues, from product development, standard creation, agricultural processing, and marketing development to platforms to be used in the future.
The implementation of CMU’s U2T project, aiming to create jobs in the local community, is divided into four aspects: promoting professional development and job creation, creating and developing a creative economy, applying the university’s academic expertise to community development (health care), and promoting circular economy promotion that focuses on area-based environmental quality promotion.
During the implementation of the project, we have recognised the importance of real, concrete changes and we do not want the operation to end once the deadline has passed. Therefore, CMU has come up with policies and guidelines to support the local areas that would still require consistent academic support. We believe that it is important to create a learning process among the locals for continuous progress and a budget has already been allocated to support the implementation and further extend the results, thereby fulfilling the project’s goals and objectives.
You can watch the video summarising the U2T project at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cyOM-LQX7U.