Ministry of Education Joins with Starfish Education for Future Youth Thailand: Pitching Season 1 to Foster Sustainable Innovation

The Ministry of Education, through the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), together with Starfish Education Foundation, has launched the Future Youth Thailand project. This initiative aims to develop future-ready skills and 21st-century competencies among Thai youth through Pitching Season 1, a competition with the theme of "Creative Learning Innovation". The event promotes sustainable innovation, emphasizing the development of solutions aligned with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) to address sustainability challenges at both local and global levels.

The event was honored by the presence of Dr. Kasetip Supawanich, Deputy Secretary-General of OBEC, and Dr. Nanthaporn Seributra, President of Starfish Education Foundation, who delivered opening remarks and words of encouragement to participating students.

A Nationwide Stage for Young Innovators

The competition served as a national platform, attracting participation from over 200 teams across various regions of Thailand. After a rigorous selection process, the top 10 innovative projects advanced to the final round, where they pitched their ideas for a chance to win prestigious national awards.

Competition Results

Lower Secondary Level

• Gold Award – Champion: Team PLANET PATCHERS Innovation: “PLANET PATCHERS: The Eco Guardians” Tansum Phatthana School, Secondary Educational Service Area Office Ubon Ratchathani – Amnat Charoen

• Gold Award – 1st Runner-Up: Team Science Devil Innovation: “Smart Box Air Fresher” – Intelligent Air Purification Box Ban Khok Samran School, Primary Educational Service Area Office Khon Kaen 2

• Gold Award – 2nd Runner-Up: Team Klong Phalang Jai Innovation: “Klong Phalang Jai” Chumchon Ban Phop Phra School, Primary Educational Service Area Office Tak 2

• Silver Award: Team CHP Marketplace Innovation: “CHP Marketplace” Chumchon Ban Phop Phra School, Primary Educational Service Area Office Tak 2

• Bronze Award: Team Wit Kids Dee Innovation: “Pyrolysis Furnace through STEAM Design Process” Pa Chi Wang Daeng Wittaya School, Primary Educational Service Area Office Chiang Mai 2

Upper Secondary Level

• Gold Award – Champion: Team UT-Recycle Innovation: “Waste Materials to Lightweight Bricks” U-Thong School, Secondary Educational Service Area Office Suphan Buri

• Gold Award – 1st Runner-Up: Team KWIT-P101 Innovation: “Wireless Technology-Based Air Quality Analysis and Wildfire Warning System” Khun Yuam Wittaya School, Secondary Educational Service Area Office Mae Hong Son

• Gold Award – 2nd Runner-Up: Team Tech Nerd Innovation: “The Automatic Mask Wrapping Machine” Triam Udom Suksa Pattanakarn Ubon Ratchathani School, Secondary Educational Service Area Office Ubon Ratchathani – Amnat Charoen

• Silver Award: Team Delivery Innovation: “Green Tea Flavored Oat Cookies with Wolffia Protein” Phichit Pittayakom School, Secondary Educational Service Area Office Phichit

• Bronze Award: Team SSP Safespace Innovation: “Safe Space: A City for Everyone” Satri Samut Prakan School, Secondary Educational Service Area Office Samut Prakan

Popular Vote Award

The Popular Vote Award, based on the highest number of votes from the Facebook Starfish Labz competition, was won by Team That Thong Sound, EIS 2 with their "Solar-Powered Paper Mache Lamp" innovation.

Special Activities at the Event

Beyond the competition, the event also featured additional learning and skill-building activities, including:

• Panel Discussion: "Designing the Future: Innovations for a Sustainable World".

• Future Youth Ambassadors Workshop: A leadership development session for students and teachers, fostering creative and engaging learning experiences.

Recognizing Educational Excellence

The event also honored individuals who have played a pivotal role in promoting next-generation learning, awarding:

• Future Youth Leader (Outstanding Youth Leadership in Innovation)

• Digital Learning Facilitator (Advocate for Digital Learning)

• Digital School Leader (Champion of Educational Technology in Schools)

• Digital Superintendent Award (Leader in Digital Supervision & Innovation)

• Digital Leadership in Education Award (Pioneering Digital Transformation in Education)

Inspiring the Future of Learning

This competition highlights Thai youth’s potential in driving impactful innovation, marking a significant step forward in equipping them with future skills to thrive in the 21st-century world.

At its core, the Future Youth Thailand project is dedicated to empowering and inspiring learners across Thailand, fostering a culture of innovation and progressive education, and leading the way for positive transformation in learning experiences.