Advances in technology have given rise to a new global economy driven by data, knowledge, and innovation. Education in the 21st century must therefore prepare learners to meet these challenges. Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon (RMUTP) recognizes opportunities arising from its existing strengths and expertise across disciplines, with a focus on developing human resources to become “Integrated Innovators” or “Phra Nakhon Innovators”—individuals who are knowledgeable, adaptable, and capable of responding swiftly to challenges through experiential learning beyond the classroom.
In 2025, the Faculty of Business Administration, RMUTP, in collaboration with the Government Savings Bank (GSB), organized the “GSB Yuwaphat Rak Thin Project” to promote the integration of students’ knowledge into creative outputs that build upon local wisdom and strengthen community economies in a sustainable manner. One of the outstanding projects, “Agriculture Shares Its Heart to Develop Society,” developed by the Phra Nakhon Aom Jai Team, won the First Runner-Up Award (Best of the Best Category) at the national level on 26 November 2025.
Ms.Parama Sangsuman (Praew), a Marketing student at the Faculty of Business Administration, RMUTP, and leader of the Phra Nakhon Aom Jai Team, explained that the Urban Agricultural Community Enterprise is located in the Ngam Wong Wan area, surrounded by dense residential buildings. Community members joined together with the vision of producing high-quality agricultural products through Smart Farming innovation controlled via smartphones, suitable for limited urban spaces. Their main product is the “Golden Egg” melon variety, known for its sweet taste, firm texture, and distinctive aroma. Other products include kale and duckweed, both considered natural superfoods with high nutritional value.
Despite the high quality of the produce, the community lacked the application of knowledge in home economics and food science, nutritional communication, food management, as well as product and packaging design. Field studies revealed a key challenge: insufficient value addition through processing to suit urban lifestyles, such as ready-to-eat fruit and vegetable products that preserve nutritional value and can fully penetrate the premium market. This led to the development of the “Agriculture Shares Its Heart to Develop Society” project, supported by the Government Savings Bank under the GSB Yuwaphat Rak Thin Project 2025. The initiative aims to enhance the capacity of community organizations to develop products and services with added value, competitiveness, and sustainability. The project was advised by Assistant Professor Dr.Noppadol Dechprasert, Lecturer in Marketing, Faculty of Business Administration.
Ms.Prangthip Boonkaew (Cream), a Marketing student, added that the fieldwork inspired the development of three health-focused products through interdisciplinary integration with the Faculty of Home Economics Technology and the Faculty of Architecture and Design. The collaboration covered product processing, logo design, and packaging, applying classroom knowledge through teamwork. The three products include:
1.Instant Melon Beverage Powder – easy to prepare with hot or cold water, offering a refreshing sweetness from melon and stevia. Nutritional values include total fat 1.23 g, saturated fat 2 g, protein 44.24 g, and total carbohydrates 45.26 g.
2. Melon Soup Powder – a ready-to-eat powdered soup with a sweet aroma of melon and pumpkin. Simply add hot water, or mix with porridge, rice soup, or oatmeal. Nutritional values include protein 40.84 g, total fat 4.72 g, moisture 2.76 g, and total carbohydrates 46.52 g.
3. Melon Pancake Mix – a semi-finished pancake mix containing 10% dried melon powder, delivering a distinct melon aroma and easy preparation at home. Nutritional values include total fat 5.94 g, moisture 8.56 g, protein 9.47 g, and total carbohydrates 71.9 g. The product has been certified by the Industrial Development Foundation for the Institute of Food.
These products are suitable for health-conscious consumers. In addition, the project provided training on public relations and marketing, focusing on content marketing and storytelling through social media, brand narrative creation, live-streaming techniques to boost sales, cost calculation, accounting, and the use of digital platforms to improve operational efficiency. As a result, participating enterprises recorded a 53% increase in income. Interested consumers can follow the products on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok under the name Greenvana.th. Mr.Sittichai Unpun, President of the Urban Agricultural Community Enterprise, stated that Smart Farming innovation through melon and pesticide-free vegetable cultivation aims to provide safe, high-quality food that promotes long-term health. Collaboration with educational institutions has expanded product reach to a wider consumer base. He expressed gratitude to RMUTP students and faculty for transferring knowledge, developing community products, and exchanging experiences that opened new perspectives and broader market access. “This collaboration clearly demonstrates the enterprise’s growth in sales, driven by the creativity and dedication of the younger generation who are committed to adding value and sustainability to the community.”