RISC by MQDC has launched the "Well-Being Design & Engineering Program," a special course that is the first of its kind in Thailand, aimed at creating drivers of well-being, or the "New Army of Well-Being." This initiative gathers professionals to share new knowledge, in-depth insights from research, and experiences in applying various disciplines to address global changes across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

“Well-Being” in Thai can be expressed in several terms, such as “สุขภาวะ - ความเป็นอยู่ที่ดี - ความอยู่ดีมีสุข.” Overall, it refers to living a normal and happy life. However, in today's rapidly changing era, whether due to economic, social, or environmental shifts that can occur unexpectedly—such as the COVID-19 pandemic, technological advancements, or climate change leading to natural disasters and global imbalances, demographic changes, and the aging society—these factors significantly impact lifestyle, behavior, mental health, and stress levels.

Thus, “Well-Being” presents a significant challenge and is the foundation for establishing the "Well-Being Design & Engineering Program" by the Research and Innovation for Sustainability Center (RISC) to create a "New Army of Well-Being" that promotes sustainable well-being for all.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sing Intarachuto, Head of Advisory at the Research and Innovation for Sustainability Center (RISC), stated that the "Well-Being Design & Engineering Program" aims to cultivate a group of “New Army of Well-Being” or drivers of well-being. RISC possesses in-depth knowledge from research and practical experience in applying this knowledge to promote well-being in real projects, utilizing scientific knowledge across various disciplines and an integrated working process to guide collaborative efforts and learn from real project examples, enabling the application of knowledge to create good well-being and comprehensive happiness. This approach not only focuses on fostering a sense of “happiness” but also integrates applied engineering systems throughout the planning and management processes, linking all aspects of project development to achieve sustainable well-being.

“Another crucial aspect of this program is understanding and being able to solve anticipated problems and how to address them when they arise. RISC has developed a Resilience Framework for assessment and planning from the outset to address specific issues, such as flooding or drought. It has been found that there are numerous solutions available for problem-solving, some of which can be implemented immediately without development, while others may be costly or require new solutions to be developed. This deep dive into problems allows for both remedy and prevention strategies. Therefore, the approach of the “Resilience Framework” is essential for creating smart cities or developing various projects that can be practically applied. These elements are crucial.”

The course will feature lectures from “experts in fostering well-being” who have experience in developing real projects across various fields, accumulating knowledge and experience in every aspect of applying in-depth knowledge ready to share. This includes external experts who collaborate with RISC, bringing their expertise to real projects, such as Khun Kesha Theerakomen, Chairman of EEC Engineering Network Group, Dr. Sirawat Ittipoolpipat, Head of the Neuroscience Research and Innovation Center at King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, and RISC research team members with expertise in various fields, including Dr. Jitpat Charoenwiwat, Senior Director of Innovation Integration, Dr. Surakga Pongsuwan, Director of Research Integration for Dissemination, Head of the Happiness Science Hub, Khun Wasutha Chain, Senior Research Architect and LEED AP BD+C, Fitwel Ambassador, and WELL AP, and Khun Tipthapthim Phumphanit, Senior Research Architect for Sustainable Building Materials at RISC.

The Well-Being Design & Engineering Program will commence in February-March 2023 (the exact start date will be announced later). Applications are now open for those committed to becoming part of the “New Army of Well-Being” or drivers of well-being, from today until January 20, 2023, only!! The selection results will be announced based on suitability (free with conditions).

Register and read the application conditions at https://forms.gle/5y2XHeCS6PE4dNEL8