On September 5, 2024, the Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), organized a workshop on plastic waste surveys in water sources. The event was opened with speeches by Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed Memon, a representative of UNEP, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Krissada Asavaskulkeit, Deputy Dean for Academic Services and Policy Advocacy, Faculty of Engineering, at the Kalanan Riverside Resort Hotel, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province.

The workshop featured lectures by Asst. Prof. Dr. Achara Ussawarujikulchai and Dr. Narin Boontanon, who shared their expertise on methods for surveying plastic waste in water sources. The training covered techniques for collecting plastic waste and microplastics, tools and equipment used for this purpose, and data recording and analysis. Participants also learned how to analyze microplastics from water sources. A highlight of the event was a boat trip on the Chao Phraya River, where participants observed a demonstration of plastic waste collection using a Tow Net.

On September 6, 2024, the Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, through its Engineering for Social Responsibility Department, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Krissada Asavaskulkeit, Deputy Dean for Academic Services and Policy Advocacy, inaugurated the project “Development of Educational System Innovation with Information Technology.” Dr. Ratanachai Aeimpitakporn, Director of Banbanglen School, also spoke, highlighting the benefits the school has gained from the project. The event, held at Banbanglen School, Nakhon Pathom Province, featured a training session on using the school’s cooperative information system, led by Dr. Rossukon Thappra, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Digital Technology, Rajapruk University.

This project has provided significant benefits to both the school and the community, including:

1.Enhancement of IT life experience subjects in the school curriculum.

2.Improvement of knowledge and skills for teachers and students in using the IT system to support the cooperative system.

3.Implementation of an efficient cooperative system within the school.

4.Empowerment of the community with knowledge to develop IT systems for selling OTOP (One Tambon One Product) products online.

5.Recognition of the community as having a modern educational institution.

6.Raising the standard of IT education quality within the school.

The Engineering for Social Responsibility Department, in collaboration with Rajapruk University has provided much-needed support for activities that are essential to further developing teaching and learning for both teachers and students. Together with all departments of the Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, this collaboration aims for effective and sustainable development.