From its founding in 1934 to the present, Suan Dusit University has journeyed through a century of transformation and development, evolving into a center for lifelong learning that provides the public with free and inclusive access to knowledge resources.
Guided by the concept of “OWL – Open World Learning: Every area of Suan Dusit University is a learning space,” the university has expanded the boundaries of learning from traditional libraries to digital platforms and community spaces, creating an open and dynamic learning environment for all.
1. Physical Access to Learning Spaces
Suan Dusit University provides learning spaces under the OWL (Open World Learning) concept across all its locations — including Bangkok, Suphanburi Campus, and Learning Centers in Lampang, Nakhon Nayok, Hua Hin, and Trang — offering a wide range of learning services. https://www.dusit.ac.th/owl/get-to-know-owl/ The university’s management structure follows the guidelines outlined in the One World Library Administration Manual. https://www.dusit.ac.th/owl/guideowl/, which defines both on-site learning access and digital service systems available to all users.
Public visitors are welcome to access the learning areas and The Library Café, located within the campus. https://www.dusit.ac.th/owl/cafe-library/ The university has also established service regulations for public users to ensure accessibility, order, and inclusivity in all learning spaces. In addition, OWL (Open World Learning) offers group visit services, allowing organized groups to tour and explore the university’s learning spaces and facilities.
In 2024, several key activities related to the use of learning spaces were organized, including a study visit from the Faculty of Education, Higher Education Program, Department of Educational Policy, Management, and Leadership, Chulalongkorn University. https://www.dusit.ac.th/home/2024/1336616.html A visit by the Upper Central Region Higher Education Network Committee to observe the management of the One World Library learning space. https://www.dusit.ac.th/home/2024/1261015.html A reception for 157 participants from 42 institutions attending the ELIB, MATRIX, and Institutional Repository (IR) library systems user meeting hosted at Suan Dusit University. https://www.dusit.ac.th/home/2024/1383393.html
In 2024, the university enhanced its learning services to promote more effective learning, creativity, and research through the launch of the “AI Experience with the New SDU OWL XI Service” at the AI Station, One World Library. https://www.dusit.ac.th/home/2024/1313474.html
Moreover, OWL serves as a space for inclusive learning development, helping to reduce educational inequality by enabling users to access digital technologies and participate in a wide range of knowledge-building activities organized by the university. These include programs such as “Happy at OWL,” “What Day Is Today?” “Wisdom Academy,” as well as various out-of-class learning activities hosted by different faculties and departments.
2. Digital Access to Learning Resources
In addition, Suan Dusit University provides digital learning services that support public accessibility through the development of open online learning platforms, such as the Online Learning Resource system. https://www.dusit.ac.th/en/online-learning-resources/
the University’s Electronic Book System (e-Book) https://ebooks.dusit.ac.th/
the SDU Online Course system, which is open for external participants to enroll. https://onlinecourse.dusit.ac.th/
the SDU MOOC system. https://mooc.dusit.ac.th/
3. Building a Contemporary Learning Community Engagement
In 2024, the university enhanced the services of OWL through the project “SDU OWL XI – AI Station,” providing artificial intelligence learning experiences for both internal and external users. The initiative also included various skill-development activities such as “Happiness at OWL,” “What Day Is It Today?,” and “Wisdom Academy,” all of which were open to the public and local communities surrounding the university. In addition, the SDU e-Learning Center organized the international academic seminar “Living with AI” in collaboration with the Thailand e-Learning Association, featuring distinguished speakers from Indiana University (USA) and AIS Academy.
These initiatives reflect the university’s role as a “Hub of AI Learning for All,” offering equal opportunities for external participants, private sectors, and professional communities to learn and exchange knowledge in the field of technology.
4. Alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11.2.2)
The implementation of Suan Dusit University’s initiatives in 2024 is directly aligned with the sub-target of SDG 11.2.2 – Providing public access to libraries, with measurable outcomes observed at three levels:
|
Dimension |
Empirical Outcomes |
Social Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
|
Physical Access |
The public and external organizations have real access to OWL spaces and activities. |
Strengthens a culture of learning within surrounding communities. |
|
Digital Access |
Online Course, MOOC, and E-Book systems are open to all learners regardless of status. |
Reduces educational inequality and expands access to knowledge nationwide. |
|
Collaborative Engagement |
AI and e-Learning activities are jointly organized with external organizations. |
Extends the university’s impact to society, fostering participation from the private sector and the public. |
All these efforts demonstrate that Suan Dusit University is a higher education institution that truly embodies the concept of “Knowledge for All.” By transforming every square meter into a “living learning space” accessible to everyone—both physically and digitally—the university actively supports the creation of sustainable learning cities, fully in line with the principles of SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.