The Regenerative Future (Tech for Good - Phase 2)

ภาพรวม

The Tech for Good project—Phase 2 of the design and technology skills development initiative—is a continuation of the 2024 pilot. It aims to equip young people with the ability to adapt to a world that is increasingly fast-paced, complex, and unpredictable. The project seeks to build a strong foundation in 21st-century learning skills, which include: 1) Learning and Innovation Skills – Creativity, problem-solving, innovation awareness, effective communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. 2) Information, Media, and Technology Skills – Media literacy, information fluency, technological proficiency, and smart communication. 3) Life and Career Skills – Flexibility, adaptability, leadership, initiative, self-awareness, cultural understanding, social skills, diligence, responsibility, and self-development. In Phase 1, the project used a problem-based learning approach, using Chiang Mai’s forest fire crisis as the central case study. Youth participants learned to define research scopes, collect data, and apply analytical thinking to develop tech-based solutions for environmental impact. The results showed improved understanding of both the forest fire issue and how to use technology to address it, with students creating their own tools through analytical and creative processes. However, because most participants were based in Bangkok, their understanding often came from an outsider’s perspective, which limited empathy. They also had limited access to key research units, most of which are located in Chiang Mai. Moreover, although students were at the center of the development process and encouraged to present and refine their ideas, many solutions lacked real-world applicability or follow-up beyond the program. To address these gaps, Phase 2 will shift its approach. The program will now recruit youth participants directly from Chiang Mai, the primary impact area. These students will work alongside leading research units (Lab Leaders) focused on two key areas: Wildfire Monitoring and Confrontation (Wildfire Monitoring/IoT) Data Collection and Monitoring of Forest Ecosystem Changes (Precision Forestry/Ecosystem Monitoring) In this model, students will serve as research assistants or co-developers, contributing to real-world, ongoing research efforts—ensuring immediate practical application of project outcomes. In addition, the program will include hands-on fieldwork for testing, experimentation, data collection, and impact evaluation. Details of the research units: Wildfire Monitoring/IoT – This unit focuses on forest fire surveillance and response through technology such as drones and thermal cameras. Chiang Mai University experts will help refine and adapt IoT tools to be compact and field-ready. These will be piloted in Doi Tung National Park, particularly in Ban Pong Nuea and Ban Pang Yang. Community training on forest fire management tools will also be conducted. This research unit is led by ChangeFusion, in partnership with Doi Tung National Park and Chiang Mai University faculty. Precision Forestry/Ecosystem Monitoring – This unit works on monitoring ecosystem changes and measuring ecosystem service outcomes, including biodiversity and carbon sequestration, using satellite imagery, drones, and 3D scanning. The pilot site is Ban Mae Sa Noi in Doi Tung National Park. It draws on successful models from FORRU and the Mae Fah Luang Foundation, aiming to expand impact while lowering implementation costs. This unit is led by The Next Forest.

ปัญหา

Young people in Thailand face several barriers to becoming effective changemakers in their communities: 1. Limited access to technology education – Many youths still lack access to foundational knowledge and skills in technology and digital innovation, leaving them unprepared for an increasingly tech-driven world. 2. Disconnection from social and environmental issues and application opportunities – Youths often have limited exposure to and knowledge of pressing local problems, such as the forest fires in Northern Thailand, and even fewer opportunities to apply their knowledge to real-world contexts, which limit their potential in developing solutions to drive changes. 3. Complexity for actual implementation of tech solutions – Even when youths generate innovative ideas, there are still barriers to bring these solutions to life. A key gap exists in connecting innovations with on-the-ground partners and support systems needed for implementation.

แนวทางแก้ปัญหา

The Tech for Good project empowers youth by combining technology education with real-world problem-solving. Through partnerships with local research units and community stakeholders, the program provides: • Practical tech training that builds foundational and advanced digital skills. • Immersive, issue-based learning focused on urgent local challenges - forest fires in Northern Thailand. • Community-based engagement, ensuring youth gain both technical experience and deeper empathy by working closely with affected communities. • On-Ground Implementation Support: These research units also coordinate directly with local communities to facilitate field testing and the actual implementation of tech solutions, ensuring community buy-in and capacity-building.