The initiative drives community engagement and sustainable development by discouraging single-use plastics and empowering local enterprises.
Khon Kaen University (KKU) has reaffirmed its commitment to the grassroots economy and environmental conservation by organising the 11th “Siri Market: Im-Suk Market”. Held on Friday, 3 July 2026, in front of the Central Administration Division at the Sirikunakorn Building, the event provided a dedicated commercial space for local entrepreneurs, community enterprises, and network partners to sell high-quality products directly to consumers, thereby generating income, expanding market opportunities, and driving sustainable economic growth.
The event brought together the Enterprise and Societal Sustainability Section of the Office of the President, the Education Quality Development Division, the Central Administration Division, and the Human Resources Division in a collaborative effort. Together, these departments aim to position the University as a strategic hub linking academic knowledge, research, and innovation with local entrepreneurs and consumers, fostering economic growth in tandem with social and environmental development.
The market featured a wide array of safe agricultural products, processed foods, and local community goods. CP Axtra Public Company Limited also participated by setting up a booth with special promotional offers, adding energy to the market and encouraging spending throughout the day. A major highlight of the event was the eco-campaign “Zero Plastic, Endless Happiness”, organised in observance of International Plastic Bag Free Day. The campaign encouraged attendees to reduce single-use plastics by bringing their own cloth bags or reusable containers, whilst organisers distributed complimentary cloth bags as tokens of appreciation to participants who completed a satisfaction survey.
Vendors also reduced plastic packaging by opting for banana leaves and other natural materials, with some offering special discounts to customers who declined plastic bags. This collective effort minimised waste at the source and reflected the shared commitment of the University, entrepreneurs, and consumers to building a low-carbon society. Beyond serving as a marketplace, Siri Market functions as an important platform for transferring knowledge, technology, and innovation from KKU to the community, enhancing the capabilities of local businesses and advancing the Circular Economy model.
KKU holds this special edition of Siri Market on the first Friday of every month to support small-scale entrepreneurs, with the next event slated for Friday, 7 August 2026, at the same venue. This initiative exemplifies KKU’s dedication to utilising its campus as a hub for economic opportunity and sustainable development, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—specifically SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
