The University of Phayao and Trang Municipality, in partnership with the Equitable Education Fund (EEF), organized a conference to assess the development of the "Learning City Prototype" project. The conference, which took place at the Trang Municipality Office on May 5-6, 2025, aimed to enhance sustainable learning systems and foster collaboration with both national and international partners through the Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) framework.
The conference brought together experts and stakeholders from various sectors, including:
- Associate Professor Dr. Phanintra Teeranon, Assistant to the President, University of Phayao
- Waritta Kaewket, Equitable Education Fund (EEF)
- Professor Dr. Chang Tou Chuang, National University of Singapore
- Associate Professor Dr. Pannee Cheewinsiriwat, Chulalongkorn University
- Waraporn Detsongkhram, Director of the Education Office, Trang Municipality
- Kanchana Nuurai, Director of Educational Administration
- Supasit Kanthasut, Director of Municipal School 6 Wat Tantayapirom
- Assistant Professor Dumrong Lohalaksanadech, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya
Participants exchanged ideas, provided constructive feedback, and jointly developed strategies to advance learning cities at both local and regional levels.
Trang Municipality showcased its learning activities for children and youth, such as public libraries, Big Book competitions, eco-print workshops, science shows, nature food activities, and the "Walking the City and Canals" initiative. This unique program allows youth to conduct interviews with local residents and explore the area's history and way of life. Plans are underway to embed these activities into local ordinances to ensure long-term continuity and sustainability.
During a panel discussion, Associate Professor Dr. Pannee Cheewinsiriwat emphasized strategies for cultivating a culture of learning among children and youth. She highlighted the significance of out-of-classroom learning experiences and fostering a continuous love for learning, in line with the Lifelong Learning approach. Meanwhile, Professor Dr. Chang Tou Chuang from Singapore shared his experiences and proposed innovative methods to diversify learning formats, including using QR code technology to create learning checkpoints in different locations and appointing local "Brand Ambassadors" to serve as knowledge transmitters within their communities.
On May 6, 2025, a special meeting was held between the two pilot areas, Phayao and Trang, to collaboratively design an RCE-based roadmap and explore the concept of "ESD from Andaman to the Lake." This initiative focuses on fostering interconnectedness between humans, animals, and nature. Associate Professor Dr. Phanintra Teeranon highlighted the natural symbols of each region, Phayao's peacocks and Trang's dugongs, as key learning themes. These themes could be expanded into local products or curricula, such as Phayao's "Rampan" rice brand or Trang's proposed Dugong Studies Program.
The operational framework was outlined in four phases:
- Preparation and shared understanding
- Network building
- Green learning processes
- Learn to Earn - aligning learning with local economic development, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Assistant Professor Dumrong Lohalaksanadech added that RCE Trang aims to extend its network to Malaysia, integrating cultural and community-based education. He proposed curricula rooted in real life contexts and environmental challenges such as tsunamis, landslides, and dugong habitat conservation, offering holistic learning opportunities.
Additionally, Municipal School 6 Wat Tantayapirom, a model RCE school in Trang, will represent Thailand at the International RCE Conference in South Korea on May 14, 2025. The school will showcase a traditional local dish, Mee Nam Liew, which reflects Trang's rich cultural identity.
The Learning City initiative in Trang, supported by the EEF since 2024, has generated over 1.4 million baht in economic value. It has also significantly reduced educational inequality, making quality learning accessible to children and youth. This marks another key step in developing Trang into a sustainable learning hub, poised to connect with the global stage.