HCU SDG NEWS
HCU and Poh Teck Tung Foundation Forge Partnership to Advance Sustainable Development Goals in Thailand Bangkok, Thailand – September 24, 2023 –
In a major step towards advancing sustainable development, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University (HCU) and Poh Teck Tung Foundation, Thailand’s largest Chinese charitable NGO, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaboratively address critical Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At a formal ceremony attended by the Chairman of Poh Teck Tung Foundation and the President of HCU, both institutions pledged to work toward SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 16, and 17.
The collaboration begins with a focus on SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 5 (Gender Equality), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). As a key component of this partnership, HCU and Poh Teck Tung Foundation are jointly developing an innovative modular curriculum in disaster management and mitigation, aimed at equipping students and professionals with essential skills to effectively respond to and manage crises. This new curriculum will culminate in a Bachelor of Science in Disaster Mitigation and Management, preparing graduates to lead disaster response efforts in Thailand and the wider ASEAN region.
Significance of the New Modular Curriculum
The creation of the Bachelor of Science in Disaster Mitigation and Management is both timely and significant. Thailand, like many countries in Southeast Asia, faces increasing vulnerability to natural disasters due to climate change. Earthquakes, floods, and extreme weather events have heightened the need for trained professionals who can develop resilient infrastructure, implement rapid response strategies, and provide essential support to affected communities. This curriculum will address these needs, producing graduates with a deep understanding of disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, and recovery.
The modular curriculum will feature courses in areas such as hazard assessment, community-based disaster risk management, emergency logistics, crisis communication, and resilience planning. Students will gain hands-on experience through simulated emergency scenarios, fieldwork, and internships with relevant government and non-government organizations, including opportunities within the Poh Teck Tung Foundation’s well-established community network. Additionally, the program will incorporate knowledge of gender-sensitive and inclusive disaster response approaches, addressing the unique needs of vulnerable groups to align with SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
A Shared Vision for Sustainable Development
The partnership represents a shared commitment to creating sustainable and resilient communities in Thailand. By identifying problems and challenges, developing policies and strategies, modeling potential outcomes of interventions, and establishing methods for monitoring and reporting, both HCU and Poh Teck Tung Foundation aim to make meaningful progress towards the SDGs. The institutions will regularly assess their strategies and adapt as needed, ensuring that their efforts remain effective and relevant as challenges evolve.
HCU President emphasized the importance of this collaboration, noting that “through the establishment of the Disaster Mitigation and Management curriculum, we aim to not only build a skilled workforce but also foster a culture of resilience and preparedness across Thailand. This program is a testament to our commitment to community safety and sustainable development.”
By pooling their expertise, resources, and networks, HCU and Poh Teck Tung Foundation are poised to create long-term, impactful solutions for Thailand’s most pressing social and environmental challenges. The new curriculum will serve as a critical step forward, addressing the growing demand for disaster management professionals and supporting the broader goal of building a safer, more resilient Thailand.