IST Loan Hub Wins First Runner-Up at Best Practice 2026 for Digital Student Service Innovation
The International School of Tourism (IST), Suratthani Rajabhat University, has achieved a significant milestone by winning First Runner-Up in the Technology Innovation category at Best Practice 2026, receiving a THB 50,000 prize. The award recognizes "IST Loan Hub," a digital innovation designed to enhance Student Loan Fund data management and improve student services through the Social Engineering Process.
On October 30, 2026, the International School of Tourism (IST), Suratthani Rajabhat University, received the First Runner-Up Award in the Technology Innovation category at the 4th Best Practice Competition: Innovations for Management and Service Excellence through the Social Engineering Process. The competition was held from October 29 to 30, 2026, at the Witthayaphat Meeting Room, Faculty of Science and Technology, Suratthani Rajabhat University.
IST Loan Hub: Advancing Digital Student Services
The award-winning project, "Innovation in Student Loan Fund Data Management and Monitoring for Digital Student Services through the Social Engineering Process," features a digital system named "IST Loan Hub." The project was presented by Ms. Srisuda Kaewamrat and Ms. Arisara Khunin on behalf of the International School of Tourism, Suratthani Rajabhat University.
IST Loan Hub is a digital innovation that focuses on improving the management and monitoring of Student Loan Fund (SLF) information. The system aims to support staff operations and enhance the quality of student services through more systematic, convenient, and efficient administrative processes.
The core concept of IST Loan Hub is to integrate digital technology into student service management. By supporting the organization and monitoring of information related to the Student Loan Fund, the innovation seeks to improve administrative coordination and facilitate more effective service delivery.
Integrating the Social Engineering Process into Innovation
The development of IST Loan Hub is aligned with the Social Engineering Process, which emphasizes systematic problem analysis, understanding user needs, and designing practical solutions to organizational challenges.
Applying this approach to digital system development demonstrates how innovation can emerge from improving routine operations. The project highlights the potential of technology to enhance administrative efficiency, improve student-centered services, and respond to the evolving needs of a digital society.
Strengthening IST's Commitment to Innovation and Excellence
Winning First Runner-Up represents another achievement for the International School of Tourism and reflects the capabilities of its personnel in developing innovative solutions that support institutional operations and create value for students.
The International School of Tourism remains committed to promoting innovation, strengthening best practices, and continuously improving administrative and student support services. These efforts contribute to the institution's digital transformation and its long-term development toward sustainable organizational excellence.
SDG Report & Relevant Goals
This achievement aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the following areas:
| SDG Goal | Target Description | Connection to Project |
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Goal 4: Quality Education | Supports access to educational support services through IST Loan Hub, a digital platform for managing and monitoring Student Loan Fund information. The innovation aims to improve the efficiency and accessibility of student support services. |
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Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure | Promotes digital innovation through the development of IST Loan Hub, which integrates technology into information management and monitoring processes. The system supports operational efficiency and the improvement of institutional service infrastructure. |
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Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | Supports effective institutional management through systematic digital information management and monitoring. IST Loan Hub contributes to improving administrative processes and strengthening the quality of student service delivery. |
The SDG alignment is based on the project's objectives and innovation characteristics. SDG 9 is identified as the primary goal, with SDG 4 and SDG 16 as supporting goals.