Dr. Kandee Liewphairoj, Executive Director of FutureTales Lab, Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC), revealed that FutureTales Lab by MQDC is collaborating with the Faculty of Architecture, Arts, and Design at King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) to organize a workshop titled “Imagine Our Future Habitat: Greater City for the Next Generation” on July 1, 2022. This initiative aims to provide a platform for youth and students interested in future studies and urban design for diverse groups with varying needs, considering the future of both the real and virtual worlds over the next 10 years. Participants will gain insights from experts in residential design, futurism, and the Metaverse, with the goal of raising awareness about housing design suitable for all groups in future urban development, enhancing learning skills that integrate future studies and residential design, and disseminating ideas and knowledge for the benefit of the private sector, society, and education.

Associate Professor Dr. Anthika Sawadsri, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Arts, and Design at KMITL, discussed the workshop, stating, “This training is designed under the vision of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, and Thailand, to produce highly competent personnel and enhance competitiveness. This workshop also leads to an understanding of various necessary aspects and aims to raise awareness about well-being in the housing of Thai people in the future. It also demonstrates the potential of collaboration between the two organizations, focusing on future foresight designed by the new generation as a key force.”

This event marks a significant collaboration with educational partners, reinforcing the importance of preparedness in both social and economic aspects through information exchange and practical training. It aims to highlight the opportunities and challenges of housing design for all groups in both the real and virtual worlds, as well as prepare youth to be future leaders who understand trends that may impact their lives effectively. FutureTales Lab will enhance skills in future studies, enabling participants to understand the use of future forecasting tools essential for planning housing that will affect Thai society and the global community in the future.

“The intention behind this event is to serve as a platform to inspire new perspectives among the younger generation, who will be the future leaders. This collaboration between the private sector and education aims to share knowledge with participating youth. The diverse ideas from various experts will help participants recognize the importance of creating future housing from the perspective of the new generation, who will play a significant role in upcoming changes. Organizations and businesses, as well as the education sector, should prioritize and support this generation to acquire necessary skills and utilize them effectively, considering the future through foresight analysis tools to envision urban development. This will also extend to the development and design of cities in the Metaverse, bridging the gap between the real and virtual worlds to prevent disparities. The training will lead to a forum in August 2022, with a key highlight being the presentation of collaborative ideas for designing a better future city,” Dr. Kandee stated.