Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, Pilots "BCG Model Monopoly Game" in Nong Khai, Empowering Youth with Sustainable Development and Local Wisdom
On July 23, 2026, lecturers from the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, brought their academic expertise to the field by organizing the "Issue-Based Integrated Model Community Development Project According to the Royal Initiative for Fiscal Year 2026: Creative Sirindhorn Valli" at Phra That Bang Phuan Wittaya School in Nong Khai Province. The project piloted the use of an innovative learning medium, the "BCG Model Monopoly Game," to impart sustainable development concepts and local food wisdom to local youths.
In today's educational landscape, particularly in remote areas, young people are often only superficially familiar with policy concepts and lack opportunities to practice decision-making in real-life situations. To address this, the project team, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Teerawut Teetranont, utilized the appeal of board games. By adapting the traditional Monopoly format, they successfully transformed complex theories into an accessible and tangible simulation.
The mechanics of the game integrate the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) Model, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), sustainable agriculture systems, and the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP). Players are confronted with investment choices, community missions, and various policy events. The gameplay demonstrates how unsustainable decisions lead to negative impacts, whereas sustainable investments offer long-term returns and reward players with "Social Points" as incentives.
Learning through this board game not only sharpens critical thinking, risk assessment, and resource planning skills but also fosters essential soft skills. These include communication, negotiation, teamwork, and accountability for collective decisions—traits that are vital for shaping a new generation of citizens with a strong public spirit.
Furthermore, this initiative was organized in response to the Plant Genetic Conservation Project Under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (RSPG - Activity 7). The ultimate objective is to raise awareness among youths to appreciate the value of natural resources, cherish them, and utilize them sustainably. Simultaneously, the project also passed on local food wisdom by introducing creative menus featuring "Sirindhorn Valli" leaves (Bauhinia sirindhorniae), encouraging the youth and interested individuals to carry forward the community's heritage.
This board game was carefully designed to be suitable for standard class times and sizes, allowing teachers to seamlessly integrate it into the regular curriculum and evaluate students based on both their knowledge and behavioral changes. This represents a significant milestone in the application of game-based learning in educational institutions. It not only provides entertainment and academic knowledge but also builds a solid foundation of positive attitudes, ultimately driving the long-term sustainable development of communities and the nation.
BY :AI Gemini