On September 16, 2025, Khon Kaen University International College (KKUIC), led by Ms. Rapeepan Phittayadilok, Associate Dean for Administration and Strategic Planning, Asst. Prof. Khwanjira Ponsree, Associate Dean for Marketing Communication and Student Empowerment, and Ajarn Kanokon Rattanapon, Program Committee Member (IRD) participated in the NextGen BHR: Youth Innovation Hackathon at the United Nations Conference Center.
KKUIC congratulates students for winning the Best Pitching Team award on the topic of “Indigenous Peoples’ Rights & Community Impact,” focusing on land rights, cultural heritage, rights-based equitable benefit sharing, and social license to operate.
The Business and Human Rights (BHR) Hackathon is an event that brings together youth from leading business schools in Thailand, ASEAN, and beyond to tackle pressing human rights and sustainability challenges facing businesses today. This event is part of the 2025 UN Responsible Business and Human Rights Forum (RBHRF) and includes guidance from BHR experts, academics, and industry mentors.
The event featured intensive mentoring sessions with experts from UNDP, academia, and the private sector, followed by student team pitches on the theme of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights & Community Impact. Participants also had opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange with international organizations and business leaders.
Participating in this event enhances KKUIC’s academic reputation in responsible business and human rights while providing students with real-world experience in pitching, collaboration, and problem-solving on global issues. It also fosters youth-driven solutions that support Indigenous communities and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
This event is organized by The Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), of which KKUIC has been a member since May 16, 2023. KKUIC has continuously participated in activities from the network college. In this instance, KKUIC brought students to participate in the NextGen BHR: Youth Innovation Hackathon to build networks and gain real-world experience in responsible business and human rights, while promoting collaboration on global issues. This aligns with SDG 17, which is “Partnerships for the Goals,” aimed at creating global partnerships through finance, technology, knowledge, and trade to support developing countries in achieving other sustainable development goals, focusing on collaboration among countries, governments, the private sector, and civil society.
KKUIC students who participated in the competition in five themes include:
1. Patpimon Pattala
2. Ketsiree Budsadee
3. Sutaphat Bualakhon
4. Apichaya Mahakan
5. Kunpariya Khonthong
6. Bunyawaree Aungkinun
7. Chalong Phumankhien
8. Phanthira Khemmagam
9. Peranat Malarat
KKUIC students received the Best Pitching Team award at the NextGen BHR: Youth Innovation Hackathon, comprising:1. Yollada Tongthong
2. Phooriphat Onoak
3. Tayawat Sornwongkaew
4. Ratchanon Saengthala
5. Atthapinya Butthayotee
KKUIC thanks everyone who participated and supported this event!
