KKU Partners with Public and Private Sectors to Turn Sugarcane Waste into Value-Added Products, Advancing Grassroots Economy and SDGs

13 June 2025
17:09

Khon Kaen University (KKU) continues to strengthen proactive collaboration with public and private sector organizations, initiating discussions on transforming sugarcane residue into high-value products. The initiative aims to boost income for farmers and communities while reinforcing the university’s mission to serve society and advance tangible, sustainable development.

On June 12, 2025, the Office for Enterprise and Social Sustainability of Khon Kaen University, led by Prof. Dr. Thidarat Boonmars, Vice President for Enterprise and Social Sustainability, held a strategic meeting with key faculty members including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khanittha Kamwilaisak and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pornnapa Kasemsiri from the Faculty of Engineering, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Patcharin Songsri from the Faculty of Agriculture, and Ms. Waraporn Phiwphannngam, Deputy Director of the Center for the Promotion of Enterprise and Social Sustainability. The meeting focused on the utilization and value enhancement of sugarcane waste to support income-generating policy frameworks for both community and industrial levels. The discussion took place at the Office of the Northeast Economic and Social Development (NESDC).

The primary goal of the meeting was to integrate collaborative efforts among KKU and various government and private organizations, including the NESDC, Mitr Phol Sugarcane and Sugar Research and Development Center, Khon Kaen Provincial Agriculture Office, Khon Kaen Office of Natural Resources and Environment, Khon Kaen Provincial Land Development Office, Khon Kaen Provincial Industry Office, and the Strategy and Information Division of the Khon Kaen Governor’s Office. Together, these stakeholders aim to design a work plan to maximize the value of sugarcane residue.

“Khon Kaen University aims to serve as a central mechanism connecting knowledge, technology, and multi-sector collaboration to turn challenges into opportunities—transforming academic insight into economic value and promoting long-term community income,” said Prof. Dr. Thidarat.

This initiative reflects KKU’s commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), by increasing income for farmers and local communities. It also aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the application of university-generated knowledge in developing new sugarcane-based products. In addition, it supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting resource efficiency and circular economy practices, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by highlighting the power of collaboration between universities, government bodies, and the private sector for shared sustainable development.