TBS, Thammasat University, Winner of International Award for Best Lifelong Learning Initiative
Thammasat Business School, Thammasat University has won the 2021 Silver Award in Best Lifelong Learning Initiatives for one of its recent ‘Thammasat Model’ community enterprise projects. UK-based international accreditation organizations, the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the Business Graduates Association (BGA), which certify the best graduate level programmes in the world, jointly selected TBS as the only institute in the country and ASEAN to be among the 6 finalist business schools. The ‘Silver Award’ demonstrates TBS has expanded its effectiveness beyond the classroom and has the capacity to strengthen necessary skills for lifelong learning and improve quality of life in target communities.
Prof. Dr. Ruth Banomyong, the Dean of Thammasat Business School, explained, ‘TBS helps students and graduates to adapt what they’ve learned in class to develop and encourage society. The aim is to nourish every field in business and improve community life in a sustainable way. TBS collaborated with the Government Saving Bank (GSB) and Rayong’s Community Partnership Association in creating the ‘Thammasat Model’ as a blueprint and guideline to upgrade community enterprises. The main idea of the model is to foster lifelong learning and sustainability in the community. Even after students’ projects finish, the community must be able to continue their business. We have sent students to help more than 170 communities so far.’
There are 3 main elements to the ‘Thammasat Model,’ students, communities, and corporate mentors. The winning project was completed by students in the innovative 5-year integrated business and accountancy programme (IMBP), although all TBS students take this course. 3rd year students were embedded in the community together with their advisor to deliver knowledge learned in classroom direct to the local enterprise. At the same time, the students had to adapt to the real life, specific needs of the community. The local enterprise, usually producing unique or traditional products, provide their own local knowledge and wisdom while updating their business skills to make their enterprise a success. Through all this, TBS works with experienced corporate partners, who share ideas to help develop the community enterprise.
“I am so proud that Thammasat Business School has been awarded the Silver Award for “Best Lifelong Learning Initiative 2021,” concluded the Dean. “Selecting us is a game changer for teaching and learning innovative as what it recognizes is that we are expanding opportunities not only for students and the faculty, but also community organizers and enterprises as well.”
Source: Thammasat Business School