A cross-disciplinary student initiative successfully elevates local herbal enterprise in Ban Dong Klang through product innovation, digital marketing, and the Bio-Circular-Green Economy framework.
The Office of Academic Service at Khon Kaen University (KKU), in partnership with the Government Savings Bank (GSB), held the sub-project achievement presentation on 11 September 2026. The event fell under the “GSB Local Youth Development Project” (Aomsin Yuwaphat Rak Thin) for 2026. The presentation was held in Meeting Room 1, Fifth Floor, Pimon Kolkit Building, Office of Academic Service, Khon Kaen University, and broadcast simultaneously via Zoom.
The presentation highlighted the work of the “Khuen Khing” team, comprising nine students from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy at KKU. The team collaborated closely with the Ban Dong Klang Herbal Processing Community Enterprise in Ban Ton Sub-district, Phra Yuen District, Khon Kaen Province. Academic guidance was provided by Assoc. Prof. Porawan Senachai, Ph.D., Assoc. Prof. Suppachai Tiyaworanant, Ph.D., and Assoc. Prof. Natsajee Nualkaew, Ph.D.
Working in partnership with local producers, the students created an effervescent herbal drink under the brand name “Khuen Tua”, formulated from five local herbs: ginger, lemongrass, mulberry leaves, roselle, and turmeric. The new formulation upgrades the enterprise’s traditional single-herb teas into a modern, easily dissolvable, and convenient beverage format. Laboratory analyses confirmed that the formulation contains high concentrations of bioactive phenolic and flavonoid compounds, demonstrating superior antioxidant activity (DPPH assay model) compared to similar products currently on the market.
Beyond product reformulation, the student team transferred technical manufacturing knowledge to community members, designed modern packaging, and delivered practical instruction on revenue-expense accounting and production cost management. The students also expanded digital sales channels across Line OA, Shopee, TikTok, and Instagram, while revitalising the official Facebook page operated by Mrs. Nualsanga Naowawong, President of the Ban Dong Klang Herbal Processing Community Enterprise. The team also collaborated with the Khon Kaen Provincial Public Health Office to initiate the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) registration process, which is currently underway. Mrs. Naowawong said working with KKU students enabled community members to explore new product concepts, directly contributing to job creation, local revenue, and long-term grassroots economic stability.
Assoc. Prof. Chuchat Kamollerd, Ph.D., Director of the Office of Academic Service, said the project, now in its ninth consecutive year, aims to enhance student competencies while applying academic expertise to support community entrepreneurs. He said this collaborative model enhances product value in alignment with the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model.
During the event, an evaluation panel – comprising Mr. Natthawut Thammatanon, Director of the Micro Entrepreneur and Community Enterprise Development Department at GSB; Assoc. Prof. Chuchat Kamollerd, Ph.D.; Mr. Witsanu Chonhai, Assistant Regional Director for Region 11 (Social and Community Development Unit) at GSB; and Mr. Preecharak Apaiphan, Assistant Manager of the GSB Government Complex Branch – reviewed the presentations and provided strategic feedback to prepare the team for national competition. Mr. Thammatanon said GSB will organise the national final presentation and the “Best of the Best” award contest at the Sustainability Expo (SX 2026), to be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok from 11 to 13 November 2026, advancing student initiatives toward regional sustainability platforms.
This initiative shows experiential learning in practice, with students solving community challenges by integrating knowledge across pharmaceutical science and business administration. By combining product innovation with digital marketing, the project generates measurable economic and social value in alignment with Khon Kaen University’s Strategic Goal 10 (Societal Contribution) and the BCG Economy Model. The project also advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Khon Kaen University invites the university community and the public to support the “Khuen Khing” team as they advance to the national final.
