Siam University
LiviLiving Craft: Reviving Benjarong Heritage in the New Generation
Finalist, Benefitting Society
About
Benjarong — Thailand’s 300-year-old five-colour ceramic art, renowned for its intricate craftsmanship — is a cultural heritage on the verge of extinction.
Practised today by only a handful of communities nationwide, Don Kai Dee village in Samut Sakhon is one of the last remaining sites of authentic Benjarong production, yet its master artisans had never shared their knowledge with the three small schools in the same area. Siam University addressed this gap by creating a cultural transmission programme that gives Benjarong a living presence in contemporary society — not merely preserved in ceremonies, but actively practised and adapted by the next generation as part of their everyday identity. Activities are co-designed with artisans, teachers, and students; embedded directly into the school curriculum; and built for replication without permanent funding. Phase 1 results showed that 95% of students developed pride in local wisdom, and two of three schools independently incorporated the activities into their teaching plans.
Top 3 learnings
- We learned universities create lasting impact by facilitating communities, not instructing them.
- We learned universities create lasting impact by facilitating communities, not instructing them.
- We discovered artisans rediscover purpose when youth genuinely seek their knowledge.
Sustainable Development Goals
| 2026 | |
| Benefitting Society | |
| Finalist, International |
