SCBX Group, through SCB, empowers youth to drive community and enterprise development through science, technology, and innovation in the 20th SCB Challenge

The SCBX Group, through Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), recognizes the importance of youth development and lifelong learning. The bank organized the final round of the 20^th “SCB Challenge” Project for secondary and vocational students, aiming to enhance 21^th ‑century skills and potential through projects that sustainably benefit communities and businesses, aligned with ESG principles and driven by science, technology, and innovation.

This year’s competition was held under the theme “Green Innovation for Sustainability in the AI Era” at the SCB Head Office. The opening ceremony and award presentation were presided over by Mr. Sutirapan Sakkawatra, Chief Customer Officer, SCBX Public Company Limited, alongside a distinguished panel of judges: Dr. Kalaya Udomvitid, Executive Vice President, Organization Management, National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Mr. Saksit Pitipongsoonthorn, First Senior Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, SCB, Mr. Chatchawal Sangkeettrakarn, Senior Research Engineer, National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), Acting Sub Lt. Piyaphong Yongphet, Lecturer, Faculty of Science and Technology, Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University under the Royal Patronage, and Mr. Nares Hanphanpong, Production Program Manager, Amarin Television Co., Ltd.

Mr. Saksit Pitipongsoonthorn, First Senior Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility, SCB, said:

“The SCB Challenge is one of the bank’s most important youth development initiatives, continuously organized for 20 years. This year, the program emphasizes cultivating essential 21^th ‑century attributes through the development of four key competencies (the 4Cs): Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communication, and Collaboration.

At the secondary and vocational levels, many educational institutions submitted projects, all showcasing innovative and creative ideas. Beyond competition, participating youth gain valuable life skills, strengthen their knowledge in science and technology, and enrich their out‑of‑classroom experiences. They learn to apply classroom knowledge in practical ways, develop creative solutions through project work, and address real needs of communities and enterprises.

The program also fosters public‑mindedness and good citizenship, nurturing youth to be both capable and ethical individuals. With these qualities, they are well‑prepared to achieve success, grow into vital human resources, and serve as a foundation for the nation’s sustainable development.”

Dr. Kalaya Udomvitid, Executive Vice President, Organization Management, NSTDA, Chair of the Judging Committee, said:

“The principle of community development projects is that young people must truly understand the needs and problems of the community and find solutions through science—not merely beliefs. The uniqueness of this program lies in its ability to design a learning process that both addresses community challenges and continuously develops youth skills.

Over the past years, the program has spanned about six months, beginning with a knowledge‑enhancement camp, followed by progress monitoring, and consistent mentorship from experts at the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC). This culminates in the final competition, where we clearly see the growth of participants.

The youth are able to think critically, analyze, and strengthen both scientific and social science skills. I believe they will carry these experiences forward for further self-development, applying what they have learned to achieve meaningful impact in the future.”

This year, a total of 473 projects from 224 educational institutions were submitted to the competition. From these, the judging committee selected 20 projects to participate in a youth skill‑enhancement workshop. During the workshop, researchers and experts from NECTEC, provided close guidance to each team in developing their projects.

Eight outstanding projects were chosen (4 from secondary schools and 4 from vocational institutions) to present in the final round. The students delivered impressive presentations, clearly explaining the principles behind their work, confidently answering questions from the judges, and effectively demonstrating how their projects connect to the needs of communities and enterprises.

Competition Results

Secondary School Level

• Winner: Flood forecast and warning using deep learning by Municipal School 6, Chiang Rai
• First Runner‑Up: AI‑WIDRS: real‑time wildlife detection and alert system for vulnerable community zones by Sriyanusorn School, Chanthaburi
• Honorable Mention: Cricket Home: smart cricket farming with electronic nose technology to minimize production losses and promote environmental sustainability by Princess Chulabhorn Science High School, Phitsanulok
• Honorable Mention: Wolffia Cleaner System: intelligent solution for managing dead Wolffia by Triam Udom Suksa Pattanakarn Pathum Thani School

Vocational Level

• Winner: HKA: semi‑automatic CPM rehabilitation device for hips, knees, and ankle joints by Amnat Charoen Technical College
• First Runner‑Up: KUD KUT QUEEN: AI‑powered mangosteen size and ripeness sorting machine by Phatthalung Technical College
• Honorable Mention: Fish fry size sorting and counting machine by Kumphawapi Vocational College, Udon Thani
• Honorable Mention: Wheelchair attachment device for patient mobility at Mae Ai Hospital by Fang Vocational College, Chiang Mai

The achievements of these eight youth projects mark an important beginning, inspiring young people to pursue self‑development and representing another milestone in learning that creates beneficial innovations for communities.

Over the past 20 years, the SCB Challenge has provided opportunities for learning, experiences, and inspiration to youth nationwide. The program continues to serve as a platform for growth, nurturing Thai youth for the future.

For more details, follow updates on Facebook: SCB Challenge.