Nurturing the Power of the New Generation Through the Power of Change: BU Professor Wins the Educator for Hope Award
Congratulations to Asst. Prof.Dr.Rittirong Chutapruttikorn, faculty member in educational research and innovation development, for receiving the Hope Crafter Award in the Educator for Hope category — an award honoring individuals who play a role in empowering youth and the new generation to become agents of change. The award was organized by the Thailand Institute of Justice (Public Organization) as part of the Hope Crafter Awards 2026 ceremony, held to mark the institute's 15th anniversary.
During the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Kittipong Kittayarak, Chairman of the Thailand Institute of Justice and Chairman of the Bangkok University, delivered a keynote speech on the topic "Community of Hope Crafters in Thailand" and congratulated the award-winning faculty member.
We invite you to read more about Asst. Prof.Dr.Rittirong, affectionately known as "Ajarn Norn," and his perspective on creating classroom learning experiences where students work on real-world problems:
"I always ask myself: 'If I were a student, what kind of design course would I want to take?' The answer is a classroom where I could work on real problems, collaborate with real people, and where the work created has a genuine chance of being used or built. When I was a student myself, I never had that kind of opportunity. So when I had the chance to design a course, I tried to create the kind of learning experience I once wished I had. Of course, this approach differs from familiar teaching methods, and the comment I hear most often is, 'This kind of brief is too difficult.' But on the other hand, I see students learning new skills that can't be found in an ordinary classroom, working alongside experts from many different fields. Sometimes the classroom is simply too small for the kind of learning that happens outside the university. And the most valuable part is seeing students receive genuine praise from real experts and practitioners in their respective fields. Even though the courses I design still have flaws and much room for improvement, and even though they differ from conventional teaching formats, they are classrooms that let students learn from the real world — and classrooms that always create value for someone."
Speaking about the heart of the award, Ajarn Norn shared:
"This award isn't just about the project itself, but about the 'learning process' that emerged from the collaboration between myself, the Faculty of Architecture, and the Thailand Institute of Justice, through several projects — such as the exhibition design project at the Phorn Thamrong House shelter in Chiang Mai; the design of the 'Tang Ton Dee' vocational training school for beauty and massage services; an exhibition design project featuring items made by inmates; a design project for post-release detention facilities; and a design project for the Mother and Child Center at the Central Women's Correctional Institution, Khlong Prem — along with other ongoing projects. Every project opens up space for students, faculty, researchers, and designers to take part in the work. At the same time, experts from various fields are invited to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and give feedback on key aspects of the design process. This working process also helps integrate knowledge across multiple disciplines, making problem-solving more comprehensive, and gives students the chance to see that design is not just about creating a finished product — it's a tool for understanding people, society, and the possibilities for change."
Passing the Torch on Social Projects, Ajarn Norn also spoke about promoting social impact projects:
"Projects connected to society are like a space that invites students to step outside their own world for a while — to see other people's lives, recognize social problems, and better understand the experiences of vulnerable groups. They get to see just how diverse the society around them really is. Getting to know others, listening to their struggles and their hopes, may give students a break from their own problems, or may help them see their own problems through fresh eyes. I never expect that students who go through these courses will necessarily become change leaders or accomplish something extraordinary. Simply having a moment where they step away from their own problems, meet people, talk, and come to understand those whose life experiences are far from their own — that alone is already an important lesson. If students can use design to help ease the problems faced by vulnerable groups, then I believe they will also learn to 'design' their own way of coping with the problems they face in their own lives."
Closing with words Ajarn Norn often repeats:
"I always tell my students in class — this sentence is a fundamental basis for living together with others in society. The first step is recognizing that our actions shouldn't create a burden or trouble for others. And once we've taken care of that, the next step is to ask ourselves how we can use our knowledge, abilities, and opportunities to create benefit for others or for society. I think this is a small starting point for learning to be both a good designer and a human being who lives responsibly alongside others."
