KKU, CMU, and PSU Unite to Launch National SROI Platform, Elevating Social Value Assessment Standards for Sustainable Development

29 October 2025
09:37

Between 27 and 28 October 2568, Khon Kaen University (KKU), in collaboration with Chiang Mai University (CMU) and Prince of Songkla University (PSU), hosted the “SROI Practitioner Workshop under the ‘Three Powers for the Land’ Cooperation (3rd Edition)”. Khon Kaen University served as the host institution for the training, which took place at the Sirikunakorn Meeting Room 3, 2nd Floor, Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University.

The workshop welcomed over 150 participants from the three universities, all of whom engaged in knowledge exchange and learning sessions aimed at enhancing staff competencies in socio-economic impact assessment. The training specifically reinforced understanding of Social Return on Investment (SROI), enabling personnel to apply these evaluation techniques effectively within their respective organisations.

The opening ceremony was honoured by the presence of Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, who delivered the welcoming address. Dr. Panthongviriyakul emphasised the importance of the “Three Powers for the Land Cooperation,” an integration of knowledge from Thailand’s three leading universities—KKU, CMU, and PSU. The primary objective is to establish national standard criteria for socio-economic impact assessment, serving as a crucial mechanism for the standardised monitoring of project outcomes and driving social development in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A key highlight of the event was the official ‘Kick-off’ launch of the “SROI Platform for the 3 Universities,” a significant outcome of their joint collaboration. Executives from each institution were present at the launch ceremony held at the “Three Powers for the Land” presentation area:

Khon Kaen University was represented by Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., the President.
Chiang Mai University was represented by Assistant Professor Juthatip Chalermphol, Ph.D., Assistant to the President of Chiang Mai University.
Prince of Songkla University was represented by Assistant Professor Kittipong Riabroi, M.D., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University.

The launch of the SROI Platform marks a crucial step in upgrading the economic and social impact assessment processes within Thai higher education institutions for national expansion. This platform will serve as a centralised tool for systematic, transparent, and auditable data collection, analysis, and valuation of social impact. This is expected to significantly increase the efficiency and standardisation of measuring social value and outcomes derived from various development projects.

Throughout the two-day workshop, participants from the three universities engaged in both theoretical and practical components. They learned to grasp the core principles of SROI, identify stakeholders, analyse outcomes, define indicators and impact targets, and calculate social value. Expert impact assessment lecturers from each university delivered the knowledge, complemented by practical workshop activities, including hands-on experience with the SROI Platform, allowing participants to share experiences and case studies applicable to their work.

This alliance under the “Three Powers for the Land” reflects the integration of academic knowledge and resources to drive the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), transparent institutional practices (SDG 16), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). These elements form the foundation for sustainable national development.

The “3rd Edition SROI Practitioner Workshop” and the launch of the SROI Platform represent another significant achievement in developing nationally standardised mechanisms for social value assessment. This initiative reiterates the role of Thai universities as centres for learning and social innovation, paving the way for Thailand’s future growth to be sustainable and equitable.

More images: https://kku.world/ep4irl