Outline:
Overview of FutureEd Fest 2025
The FutureEd Fest 2025, a significant event in the education sector, took place on 6 September 2025 at the Grand Postal Building in Bangkok. This festival attracted a total of 2,447 participants, both onsite and online, marking a remarkable gathering of individuals from various educational backgrounds. The event brought together public, private, and international education networks, creating an unprecedented platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Key Themes and Pillars
This year’s festival was organized around four central pillars, each aimed at addressing critical aspects of modern education:
- AI and Human Potential: Transforming Education– Focusing on the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing learning experiences.
- Innovation and Maker Education for Future-Ready Learners– Emphasizing hands-on learning and creativity to prepare students for future challenges.
- Equity in Education: Local Solutions for Inclusive Learning– Highlighting the importance of inclusive practices that cater to diverse needs.
- Shaping Future-Ready Schools and Lifelong Learners– Encouraging continuous learning and adaptability in educational institutions.
Distinguished Speakers and Insights
Notable speakers at the festival included Dr Wit Sittivekin, known for his work on 8 Minutes History and Morning Wealth, and Ms Jarunee Sinchaijaroenkul, who serves as the Education Lead at Google for Education Thailand. Their presentations provided valuable insights and perspectives that inspired participants and expanded their understanding of contemporary educational issues.
Engaging Activities and Participation
The festival featured a wide range of activities that captivated attendees, including teachers, students, school leaders, and lifelong learners. Workshops were particularly popular, drawing 927 onsite and 1,041 online participants. These sessions offered practical ideas and strategies for modern teaching methods. Other highlights included keynote speeches, panel discussions, and the Meet Up Café, which facilitated informal interactions and networking opportunities. A dedicated Networking and Innovation Exchange attracted 479 participants eager to share their thoughts on educational innovation.
Pitching Competition and Recognition
One of the most anticipated events was the Pitching Competition, which showcased 15 finalist teams across five levels, ranging from primary school students to university students and teachers. The competition highlighted innovative projects from various schools and educational institutions, including:
- Primary School Students: TAMDAI Learning Center (Chiang Mai), The Prince Royal’s College (Chiang Mai), Pachi Wangdaeng Wittaya School (Chiang Mai)
- Lower Secondary Students: Princess Chulabhorn Science High School Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thepmongkol Rangsee School (Kanchanaburi), Nong Takaya Tangwiriya Ratbumrung School (Kanchanaburi)
- Upper Secondary Students: Kaengkhoi Wittaya School (Chaiyaphum), Darunsas Wittaya School (Pattani), Wisuttharangsi School (Kanchanaburi)
- University Students: Mae Fah Luang University (Chiang Rai), Kumphawapi Vocational College (Udon Thani), Kasetsart University Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Campus
- Teachers: Khlongyai Wittayakom School (Trat), Matthayom Wat That Thong School (Bangkok), Nareerut School (Phrae)
Awards were given in two main categories: Innovative Teacher Awards and Innovative School Awards, with a total of 10 prizes. Additionally, 17 schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) were recognized for their involvement in the Future Youth Thailand Project. Five schools received Maker Fest Best Practice Awards for integrating Makerspaces into their educational programs.
Exhibition and Maker Fest
Another major highlight of the festival was the Exhibition and Maker Fest, co-organized with 23 leading education partners and five schools. Key supporters included Google for Education and Starfish Labz, alongside major partners such as OBEC, the Office of the Education Council, OTEPC, BMA, EEF, TEP, Octava Foundation, NSM, Saturday School Foundation, I Am Kru, Teach For Thailand, TK Park, FutureSkill, Thai Astronomical Society, Canva Education, FIBO, Botnoi Group, Future Skills Foundation, and SEAMEO STEM-ED.
Educational Innovations and Projects
Five schools presented innovative projects that showcased best practices in education:
- Anuban Nong Pakhrang School – ‘Squid Game Math’ (learning mathematics through games)
- Wat Vimuttayaram School – AI Tutor Buddy for student competency development
- Wat Ruak School – Waste to Art project transforming waste into creative works
- Darunsikkhalai School – Studying and Comparing AI Learning Methods (RL vs. NEAT) through the Chrome Dino Game
- Chindamanee School – Chindamanee Global Students Forum: A platform to nurture soft skills for the next generation
Perspectives and Conclusions
Mr Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok and Chair of the Opening Ceremony, emphasized the importance of balance in education: “Education has two dimensions – imparting fundamental knowledge and nurturing the ability to think critically and creatively. What matters most is finding the balance between using technology and developing children’s thinking skills.”
Dr Nanthaporn Seributra, CEO of Starfish Education, the organizing initiative behind the event, added: “FutureEd Fest 2025 is not just a celebration of education, but a collaborative platform to co-create a future of learning that is equitable, sustainable, and ready for the changing world.”