Academic Seminar on “Food, Faith, and Family Development”

On 27 August 2024, the School of Human Ecology of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) organized the academic seminar on “Food, Faith, and Family Development” at
the Conference Hall (Aneknitat Building) in celebration of the 46^th year Anniversary of STOU
on 5 September 2024. The purposes of this seminar were:

to provide the knowledge and skills needed to develop their family food businesses;
to integrate science and technology knowledge in food, nutrition, human development, and family studies into the development of family food businesses;
to contribute to the sustainable development of the local economy while preserving
the community’s identity;
to contribute to the continuation of the royal initiative in distance education.

Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, started the morning session with his Opening Remarks and Keynote Speech. This was followed by a special speech
on “Soft Power and Its Role in Driving Thailand’s Food Industry” from the 2-Star Michelin Chef and Sustainable Food Ambassador to FeedUp@UN, Chef Chumpol Jangprai.

A panel discussion on “Food, Faith, and Family Development” featured experts from various fields, covering topics on the roles of families, local communities, and the industry in promoting food businesses and family and community development. Panelists included Mr. Piya Dankum, Chief Executive Officer at Green Food Factory Company, Ms. Jaruwan Ngampisutpaisan, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Central Restaurants Group, and Ms. Prateep Ungsongtham Hata, Founder and Secretary-General of the Duang Prateep Foundation. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Apirak Hanpichitwanich, Thai PBS news anchor.

Panelists discussing “Food, Faith, and Family Development”

In the afternoon session, Ms. Wattanee Jantaramitree, Food Stylist as special speaker ran
the “Plate Decoration for Value Addition” Workshop session and “Plate Decoration Competition” of students from 7 educational institutions. The participated institutions included:

Potinimitwittayakom School – won 1^st prize
Rajavinit Nonthaburi School – won 2^nd prize
Nawamintharachinuthid Horwang Nonthaburi School – won 3^rd prize
Sainoi Secondary School
Bodindecha (Sing Singhaseni) Nonthaburi School
Triamudomsuksa Pattanakarn Nonthaburi School
Thammasat University

The students who won the prizes received plaques and souvenirs from H.E. Ham Jeong-han, Chargé d’Affaires of the Korean Embassy in Thailand.

The closing ceremony was graced by Mr. Jirawat Arunyakanon, Advisor to Minister of Tourism and Sports, who gave the Closing Remarks.

The STOU School of Human Ecology will continue its mission of providing distance education
to enhance human quality of life. This is achieved through a curriculum that emphasizes
the application of knowledge in food, nutrition, and family development, enabling students
to apply their knowledge effectively in their daily lives.