Buddhism and the sacred “Burying Luk Nimit” ceremony are foundational to Thai cultural heritage, serving as spiritual anchors for communities. As globalisation distances the younger generation from their traditional roots, the Faculty of Science and Arts initiated this project to bridge the gap between modern education and ancient wisdom. The project uniquely brings together 40 students and 10 faculty members from four modern disciplines: Modern Agricultural Technology; Information Technology and Data Science; Business Administration and Logistics and Cross-Border Trade Management; and English for Business Communication. By uniting these diverse fields, the initiative demonstrates that technological and business advancements can seamlessly coexist with and actively support the preservation of invaluable local traditions, aligning with SDG 11.
Project Coordinator: Dr. Pavinee Suttiviriya
Objectives:
- To promote the participation of students and staff in sustaining and upholding significant Buddhist religious ceremonies.
- To encourage the study, preservation, and appreciation of local cultural heritage and traditional wisdom among the university community.
Program Activities:
On February 26, 2026, the multidisciplinary delegation travelled to Wat Santiwanaram in Chanthaburi for an immersive cultural outreach program. Participants actively engaged in the sacred gold-leaf application on the “Luk Nimit” stones and served as community volunteers. Each division applied its unique perspective: ITDS students digitally documented the rituals; BAL students observed the event’s logistics and local economic flows; Modern Agriculture students learned about integrating local crops into religious offerings; and English for Business Communication students practised translating specialised cultural vocabulary. This collaborative hands-on approach transformed a traditional temple fair into a dynamic outdoor laboratory, blending spiritual mindfulness with practical academic observation and community service.
Expected Outcomes (Impacts):
The project successfully nurtured holistic graduates who are technically proficient yet deeply proud of their national cultural identity. By collaborating across four diverse academic divisions, the university demonstrated an effective interdisciplinary approach to cultural preservation, fulfilling SDG 4’s goal of experiential education beyond the campus. Locally, the university’s active volunteerism provided tangible support to Wat Santiwanaram, strengthening the bond between academia and religious institutions. Most importantly, in alignment with SDG 11 (Target 11.4), the active engagement by a modern, tech-savvy generation ensured that the sacred knowledge of the “Burying Luk Nimit” ceremony is vibrantly preserved, safeguarded, and celebrated as a vital part of sustainable community development.
Date of Implementation: February 26, 2026
