At the Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation (CSII), innovation fuels the goal of shaping students into global leaders in technology, entrepreneurship, and social transformation. This vision was underscored by a landmark partnership signed with the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ) on November 13, 2023.
“We wish to create a new generation of fair-minded innovators, with our students emerging as leaders of change,” CSII Executive Director Professor Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai remarked while welcoming the delegation from TIJ. Lauding TIJ for offering CSII students a course on Rethinking Justice for Innovators, Prof. Worsak described it as a “cornerstone of our curriculum.” “The course empowers our students not only to challenge the status quo and understand the depths of fairness but also to act as leaders for change,” Prof. Worsak said.
“This illustrates a real-world impact in the making,” Prof. Worsak said, thanking TIJ for partnering with CSII in initiating a journey towards a just and equitable society. As Prof. Worsak emphasized, CSII regularly highlights the course on Rethinking Justice in its four-year Bachelor of Arts and Science in Integrated Innovation (BAScii) program. “In the minds of many, innovation is synonymous with making money and economic gain. However, innovation is equally critical for making a societal impact and achieving social gains,” he stressed.
“These are twelve remarkable ideas that testify to the pioneering joint effort by CSII and TIJ,” said Dr. Phiset Sa-ardyen, Executive Director of the Thailand Institute of Justice, highlighting the work showcased by BAScii students in the accompanying exhibition. Given how TIJ bridges international standards and practices with local realities, “Such work requires active participation from young people, celebrating what we began together,” he noted. Dr. Phiset also emphasized the importance of understanding social transformation, stating that, “We need to appreciate what it looks like and what is required to become a social transformer. This is a place where we understand and learn about different perspectives and beliefs in society.” Dr. Phiset particularly emphasized the importance of questioning, inquiring, and challenging existing notions in starting this journey.
Signing the MoU between CSII and TIJ, Professor Worsak remarked, “This agreement reaffirms our joint efforts to cultivate a new generation of fair-minded entrepreneurs and global citizens.” He emphasized that this collaboration extends beyond academic syllabi before concluding that, “It represents an impactful real-world engagement.”.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Phiset Sa-ardyen and Professor Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, with Dr. Anuwan Vongpichet, Deputy Executive Director of TIJ, and Dr. Pietro Borsano, Deputy Executive Director for Industrial and Global Alliance at CSII serving as witnesses. The agreement seeks to promote joint research and development in social transformation through innovation and entrepreneurial ventures. These ventures focus on social justice, sustainable development, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) guidelines, business and human rights, ethical technology, just transition, innovative justice education, and social change.
A parallel exhibition showcasing the social entrepreneurial projects of BAScii students taking the Rethinking Justice for Innovators course was organized on the CSII premises. Dr. Warinya Chemnasiri, CSII Director of Academic Affairs, presented the highlights of the school and illustrated its commitment to producing tomorrow’s leaders through its dynamic and agile approach, often referred to as the “speedboat story.” Daria Dmitrieva, International Affairs Officer at CSII was the event EmCee.
