Chiang mai: Chiang Mai University is taking a pioneering role in harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to propel local development efforts, aiming to shape the future of cities through education and collaboration.
According to Thai News Agency, Chiang Mai University (CMU) has launched an initiative through its College of Lifelong Learning to support the Young Public and Private Collaboration (YPC) project in Tak Province. This project seeks to cultivate the potential of young leaders by equipping them with AI technology and empirical data analysis skills. The initiative focuses on designing strategic plans and development approaches that are applicable within the provincial context while involving all relevant sectors. The project encourages collaboration among government bodies, the private sector, educational institutions, and youth networks in Tak Province to analyze the region's potential and challenges. Key areas of focus include border trade, high-value agriculture, tourism, local products, resources, and long-term urban development.
The College of Lifelong Learning at CMU has crafted a learning process that incorporates AI to facilitate the discovery, analysis, and synthesis of information crucial for strategic planning. The aim is to empower participants to utilize technology for improved decision-making, supplemented by human oversight for data accuracy. This ensures that policy recommendations are both contextually relevant and practically feasible.
Participants of the project have collaboratively developed strategies to enhance Tak province in multiple areas. These include boosting agricultural and Geographical Indication (GI) products, developing potential tourist attractions, enhancing border trade and logistics systems, and fostering collaboration between young leaders, government, private sector, and educational institutions. The initiative has not only advanced AI knowledge and skills but also established a collaborative network among young civil servants, entrepreneurs, and partner organizations in Tak province. This network serves as a platform for sharing experiences and information, crucial for designing policies and projects that align with local needs and promote economic development.
Assistant Professor Dr. Pichayalak Pichayakun, Deputy Director of the College of Lifelong Education, emphasized the importance of AI as a tool for rapid and comprehensive data analysis. However, she highlighted that human insight is essential for validating data to ensure the recommendations are accurate and applicable to the local context. The project's significance lies in not only enhancing participant capabilities but also in creating a development model that integrates knowledge, technology, and multi-sector collaboration. This approach ensures urban development is data-driven and inclusive of stakeholder input, reinforcing local capacity and contributing to sustainable national development.
Building on its success in Tak province, CMU is expanding its efforts to Lampang province, in collaboration with the College of Lifelong Education and the Lampang Chamber of Commerce. They are launching the 4th Lampang Young Leaders Development Program, focusing on "Young Leaders Year 4: The Future of Lampang." This program employs the CMU Lifelong Education platform and AI technology to research and develop a comprehensive city development plan for Lampang. Proposed policies will be presented to the governor and expert panel for integration into the provincial development plan.
The expansion of this initiative from Tak to Lampang underscores CMU's commitment to fostering a lifelong learning model that marries knowledge, technology, and sector-wide participation. This approach empowers emerging leaders to leverage data and innovation to systematically guide regional development, strengthen collaborative networks, and lay a foundation for national progress driven by data, innovation, and skilled human resources, preparing for future challenges.