Silpakorn University Celebrates 81 Years: Navigating Innovation Through Arts, Forging the Future of Sustainability and Innovation with Science and Arts Integration
Silpakorn University proudly steps into its 81st year as “The Innovation Powered by Arts,” driving forward with a vision to integrate the creative arts and sciences. This integration aims to enhance the quality of life, foster profound community development, and build a sustainably civilized society—founded upon the university’s legacy of success.
Silpakorn is celebrating its 81st anniversary under the theme “The Innovation Powered by Arts.” This milestone is being marked with an exhibition showcasing Silpakorn’s journey from past to present, as well as presenting future-oriented research. The exhibition highlights Silpakorn’s commitment to improving lives and promoting sustainable community development. The celebration was formally announced by Prof. Dr. Tanasait Ngawhirunpat, President of Silpakorn University, alongside the university’s executive team during a press conference held on September 25, 2024, at Silpakorn University’s Wang Tha Phra campus in Bangkok
In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Tanasait Ngawhirunpat shared:
“Silpakorn University is committed to being a leading university of creativity, where we integrate the arts with science and technology to create innovative solutions for community and societal development in every dimension. Our goal is to become a driving force for improving quality of life and fostering a sustainable and civilized society under the concept of ‘The Innovation Powered by Arts’.”
The university blends art with various disciplines through teaching, research, and academic services, striving for sustainable development across communities, society, and the nation. Silpakorn University, renowned for over eight decades, operates 13 faculties and one international college, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in three main areas: Arts and Design, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Technology.
As it moves into 2024, Silpakorn focuses on developing graduates who meet the needs of future job markets. The university emphasizes experiential learning through partnerships with leading businesses and cultivates skills in digital technology and artificial intelligence. At the same time, it promotes sustainable development aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The university also places a high priority on lifelong learning through short courses, training programs, and degree programs, all of which offer credit accumulation via Silpakorn’s innovative credit bank system. These opportunities, provided through the SU4Life online education platform, cater to learners of all ages, helping develop skills, creativity, and adaptability to future challenges.
Silpakorn University supports research projects that merge the arts with science and innovation to create meaningful societal change. These projects aim to improve not only tangible aspects of life but also people’s thoughts, feelings, spirituality, and wisdom through artistic innovations.
Some key research initiatives include:
- Cultural Heritage Conservation – Managing knowledge in archaeology, history, and the arts to preserve priceless cultural heritage. A project by the Faculty of Archaeology, for instance, focuses on enhancing cultural assets to drive community-based economies. Silpakorn has also supported research at Si Thep and Phu Phra Bat, World Heritage sites, led by Prof. Dr. Sakchai Saising. Another notable project is the high-altitude archaeological research at Pang Mapha, led by Prof. Dr. Rasmi Shoocongdej.
- Innovation in Local Economies – The university applies scientific, technological, and artistic knowledge to local community development, creating innovative products and services that align with local culture and resources. Projects like the “Samut Songkhram Yudi” and “Phet Mee Dee” initiatives strengthen local economies and enhance the value of cultural tourism.
Silpakorn also encourages students to participate in international design competitions, providing them the opportunity to showcase their skills, push their limits, and gain insights from global experts. Some recent accolades include the Art Jewelry Commercial Value Award, Art Jewelry Professional Group Excellence Award, and the GIT Popular Design Award 2024.
The exhibition “The Innovation Powered by Arts” showcases the university’s outstanding works, such as the bronze door designs at Wat Pa Kesorn Silakhun (Wat Pa Ban Tat), created by the Chalermprakiat Institute of Thai Art and Architecture (CITAA), and innovative food products developed at the SU Food Innovation Hub (SUFIH). The Silpakorn University Research, Innovation, and Creativity Administration Office (SURIC) also supports entrepreneurs in various fields of innovation, as well as startups incubated during their studies. The exhibition highlights the integration of diverse knowledge areas, including works from Chofa Studio Co., Ltd., which produces jewelry from gemstones and metals; Apisek Studio Co., Ltd., known for contemporary jewelry made from broken Benjarong ceramics; and Nanoonions Co., Ltd., which specializes in biodegradable plastic products made from seaweed and bioplastics. These innovations, driven by the principle of sustainability through art, reflect the university’s vision and its forward-looking approach to improving the quality of life. They also showcase the institution’s domestic and international collaborations aimed at raising awareness and elevating standards globally.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for a New Era of Education
Prof. Dr. Tanasait concluded by noting that Silpakorn is entering a new educational era. The university aims not only to train experts but to create graduates with the interdisciplinary knowledge and innovation skills required to meet the challenges of the future. Enrollment for the 2024 academic year has increased by 121%, and the university is planning to expand its academic offerings, particularly in the health sciences, all while continuing to integrate arts into its curriculum in line with the “Powered by Arts for Sustainability” philosophy.
For more information about courses, activities, research projects, and updates from Silpakorn University, please visit https://www.su.ac.th
