SFD Partners with Konkuk University and Burapha University to Advance Design Education

At the end of the first semester of the 2024-2025 academic year, the SFD embarked on a transformative journey, collaborating with Konkuk University (South Korea) and Burapha University (Thailand) to host the 2025 Global Future Innovation Talent Workshop. This initiative brought together students and faculty from three nations to explore cutting-edge design practices, foster cultural exchange, and build a foundation for future international partnerships. 

A Journey of Creativity and Connection

The workshop began in Seoul, South Korea, where participants engaged in a blend of team-building activities and sustainability-focused design challenges. Through a simulated architectural project, students identified team strengths and collaborated to create eco-friendly structures. The highlight was the “Green Exchange” initiative, where participants designed and exchanged eco-themed badges, merging environmental advocacy with creative expression. A keynote lecture by Samsung’s industrial design experts further deepened understanding of AI’s transformative role in modern design.

In Thailand, the program shifted to hands-on cultural immersion. Students crafted upcycled clock designs using local materials, blending functionality with artistic storytelling. Professor Gong Shuai’s interactive session challenged teams to capture cultural narratives through photo collages and abstract art inspired by Thai cuisine. The Vizcom-powered chair design project became a platform for cross-cultural innovation, with students merging traditional aesthetics with futuristic concepts. 

Outcomes and Forward Vision

The workshop culminated in presentations where teams showcased their collaborative processes and design philosophies. Participants emphasized how cultural diversity enriched their problem-solving approaches, sparking discussions on design’s role in addressing global challenges.

SFD and its international partners have solidified plans for ongoing academic exchanges, joint research, and student mobility programs. “This workshop reaffirmed that innovation thrives at the intersection of cultures,” said Professor Wang Yunfei, a SFD faculty lead.

Looking ahead, the SFD aims to expand its global network, integrating cross-cultural perspectives into its curriculum to empower the next generation of design leaders.