Chonburi, Thailand – Kenan Foundation Asia (Kenan) hosted a celebratory event at Suankularb Wittayalai Chonburi School on August 1, 2025, marking the successful completion of “Project-Based Learning and AI Technologies to Promote Green Communities Program”. The program, sponsored by Amazon Web Services (AWS) is designed to transform education through technology and hands-on learning, culminating in a showcase of student-led innovation and a vision for sustainable expansion.
The event featured showcase from 11 participating schools, project exhibition booths, and closing ceremony. Attendees included school leaders, teachers, students, local government stakeholders, community leaders and key officials from AWS and Kenan.
This program has created a sustainable model that connects classroom learning directly to community development. The hyperlocal approach ensures that educational initiatives remain relevant and impactful, addressing real-world challenges while building future-ready skills. The program’s alignment with local needs and emphasis on practical innovation aimed to fostering educational ecosystems that prepare students for tomorrow’s workforce while contributing to community development.
Kenan Foundation Asia’s Executive Director, Mr. Richard Bernhard, delivered a message underscoring the program’s deeper purpose: empowering students to become problem-solvers and equipping teachers with innovative teaching approaches. He described the project as a catalyst for education that connects classrooms to communities through creativity and purpose. Looking ahead, Mr. Bernhard shared Kenan’s goal of expanding community collaboration and ensuring student work directly contributes to local sustainability and development efforts.
Over the past year, the “Project-Based Learning and AI Technologies to Promote Green Communities Program” has delivered notable results across schools in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor. A total of 24 teachers were trained to implement project-based learning (PBL) enhanced with AI tools, reaching over 2,100 students—well above the initial target of 1,800.
Teacher outcomes showed marked improvement, with nearly 89% expressing knowledge, attitude and confidence in using PBL approaches in the classroom. Students demonstrated over 80% proficiency in essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication.
Among the standout student-led innovations were:
- Smart Trash Bin – a tech-enabled waste management system using Arduino
- Solar Oven – a clean-energy cooker built from everyday materials
- Coffee Scrub Soap – a sustainable product made from recycled coffee grounds
- Electricity Usage Comparison – a school-wide audit to drive energy conservation
- Shoe Polish from Fruit Peels – a natural, upcycled product promoting waste reduction
Looking ahead, the program will focus on deepening community integration by aligning student projects more directly with local needs. Plans include expanding engagement with local leaders and scaling sustainable practices both within schools and throughout surrounding communities.
This initiative has set a clear example of how global expertise and local collaboration can drive forward scalable, innovative education. Kenan Foundation Asia remains committed to empowering teachers and students in both technology and sustainability.
