Building a UNESCO Route

Building a UNESCO Satun–Langkawi–Penang Route: Advancing Cross-Border Collaboration

In November 2024, the Social Design Institute (SDI) and the Center of Innovation for Society (CIS), KMUTT, led by Associate Professor Dr. Sakarindr Bhumiratana (KMUTT Advisor) and Professor Hikari Ishido (Chiba University), held key meetings to advance the UNESCO Global Geopark initiative linking Satun, Langkawi, and Penang.

The team met with Dr. Azmil Munif Bin Mohd Bukhari and the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) to discuss collaboration on a cross-border geopark route grounded in ESG principles. This builds on SDI x CIS’s five-year commitment in Satun, where over 200 people have benefited from reskilling and upskilling programs.

Further discussions with INTI International College Penang explored deeper academic cooperation. With ongoing exchanges and guest lecturer programs, both institutions aim to expand joint research and community engagement to strengthen the UNESCO route.

These steps mark meaningful progress in fostering regional partnerships and sustainable development through education and design.