Khon Kaen University

SDG Alignment for Bachelor of Science Program in Food Technology

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Bachelor of Science Program in Food Technology (Revised Curriculum 2022) at Khon Kaen University stands as a critical pillar for global food security and industrial sustainability. It is most powerfully aligned with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by focusing on extending food shelf-life, reducing post-harvest losses, and ensuring food safety standards. The curriculum integrates advanced engineering and scientific principles, creating a strong link to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through courses on food engineering, plant design, and processing. Furthermore, the program directly contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by emphasizing food microbiology, sanitation, and nutritional quality. Through mandatory cooperative education and special projects, it fosters SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), preparing graduates to work seamlessly within the agro-industrial sector to drive the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy.

Best Practices

        Bachelor of Science Program in Food Technology Program at Khon Kaen University reaffirms its leadership in advancing sustainable development through food innovation for food security and grassroots economic empowerment. The university has implemented the "Food Security and Community Well-being Enhancement Project," which focuses on developing high-value food products from surplus agricultural resources in the Northeast. This initiative directly addresses the challenges of food loss and waste, as well as the need to enhance the nutritional value of affordable local food products.
        Students have fully integrated experiential learning from core courses, including TE 033 106: Food Processing Laboratory, which builds understanding of food preservation and processing; TE 034 405: Innovative Food Product Development Laboratory, which focuses on designing products that meet market needs; and TE 034 507: Special Project in Food Technology, which enables the systematic development and piloting of advanced processing technologies to transform agricultural by-products into high-value nutritional supplements.
        This process has yielded tangible results, including the development of three innovative food products, with technology transferred to ten local SMEs and community enterprises. In the pilot phase, the project achieved a reduction of two tons of food waste and generated an additional 150,000 baht in economic value within the local food supply chain.
        The most significant and lasting impact is the creation of a concrete circular economy model for the agri-food industry in Northeastern Thailand. This model reduces environmental pollution and improves regional well-being by ensuring equitable access to quality food. These achievements are powerfully aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by reducing food waste and promoting efficient resource use; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by upgrading local industries through value-added bio-based innovation; and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by enhancing nutritional security and promoting sustainable agriculture and food systems at the community level.