Personnel from School of Engineering University of Phayao, participated in the “Level 3 Area-Based Competency Development Program for University Support Staff Fiscal Year 2026” held from 27 May to 16 June 2026. The program was organized by the Personnel Development and Promotion Division Personnel Office University of Phayao, in collaboration with the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI).
The initiative aimed to enhance the area-based competencies of University of Phayao personnel through hands-on engagement with local communities. Participants were trained to utilize digital tools for project design, data collection, data analysis, and information presentation, while also developing the capacity to assess social impacts through the Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework. The knowledge and skills acquired are expected to support the development and refinement of future area-based initiatives and community engagement strategies.
The program emphasized experiential learning through practical fieldwork. Participants were divided into ten groups to explore local contexts, identify community challenges, and collaboratively design development approaches that align with the specific needs and potentials of each community.
The group that included personnel from the School of Engineering conducted field studies in several communities and organizations across Phayao Province, including the Dong Ched Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital in Mae Ka Subdistrict, the Mae Ka Rai Diao Community Group in Mae Ka Subdistrict, the San Pulei Community Enterprise in San Pa Muang Subdistrict, and the Ban Mae Tam Boonyong Community in Mae Ka Subdistrict. Throughout the fieldwork, participants engaged in knowledge exchange with community stakeholders, assessed local resources and development needs, and analyzed opportunities for sustainable community advancement.
The field studies also focused on identifying development pathways that could contribute to income generation, value creation for local products and services, and the strengthening of community resilience. These efforts are expected to support long-term community sustainability and improve the quality of life of local residents through evidence-based and context-sensitive development approaches.