RMUTL and Singapore Polytechnic Collaborate in Learning Express 2024 to Promote Student Engagement and Develop Community-Based Innovations

On March 26, 2024, the Office of International Relations, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (RMUTL), held the opening ceremony of the Learning Express 2024 @Chiang Mai Campus project, in collaboration with Singapore Polytechnic (SP). The ceremony took place at the Innovation Room, 6th Floor of the 56th Anniversary Building, and was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Teerasak Urajananon, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs.

Marking its ninth edition since 2016, Learning Express 2024 is held from March 25 to April 5, 2024, and brings together 30 students from SP and 30 from RMUTL to form interdisciplinary teams working on real-world challenges faced by local communities. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, applying design thinking, problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication to develop innovative, sustainable solutions that respond directly to community needs.

This year, the program focuses on three target communities in Ban Kad Subdistrict, Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai Province:

1. Hua Fai Community – addressing issues in waste management

2. Kiew La Paow Community – supporting the development of local products

3. Pong Community – enhancing the wellbeing of the elderly

A total of 75 students, lecturers, and staff from both institutions participated in this initiative, which encourages students to engage directly with community members, understand local contexts, and co-create social innovations that are practical and impactful.

Through this collaboration, students not only develop academic and leadership skills, but also take part in the development of educational tools and community-based solutions, contributing meaningfully to long-term sustainable development. The program exemplifies how international partnerships in higher education can drive local impact while preparing students to become responsible global citizens.