On 14 October 2026, the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, Mahidol University (ICT Mahidol), in collaboration with THE MALL GROUP, organized the “MUICT & THE MALL Hackathon 2026: Smart Retail Solutions for a Sustainable Future.” The competition provided a platform for 15 finalist student teams to showcase their innovative ideas and solutions for sustainable smart retail. The event was held at the Grand Auditorium, 4th Floor, ICT Building, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus.
The opening ceremony was honored by the presence of Ms. Natsamon Vongkittipat, Vice President – CSR & Sponsorship at THE MALL GROUP, who shared insights into the collaboration and the development of sustainable retail innovations. Following the opening remarks, Dr. Petch Sajjacholapunt, Deputy Dean for Administration and Human Resource at ICT Mahidol, delivered a welcome address and officially opened the competition. The ceremony was attended by executives, faculty members, judges, and participating students.
The competition was jointly organized by ICT Mahidol and THE MALL GROUP to provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and digital technology skills to real-world challenges in the retail industry. It focused on enhancing customer experience, improving operational efficiency, and reducing environmental impact while encouraging students to integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and Net Zero goals into practical solutions that support sustainable business development.
In the final round, 15 student teams presented their projects across four challenge categories: Food Waste (5 teams), Smart Parking (4 teams), Crowd & Energy (4 teams), and Smart Checkout (2 teams). Their projects featured a wide range of technology-driven solutions, including energy management, food waste reduction, traffic and parking management, and improvements to retail operations and customer experience. The presentations highlighted the potential of digital technologies to drive sustainability in the retail industry.
The competition featured a panel of five distinguished judges who evaluated the student projects and provided valuable feedback to the participating teams. The judging panel comprised:
- Mr. Punnic Jotinujit, Vice President-Loyalty Cards / CRM / Martech & Data Intelligence, The Mall Group Company Limited
- Mr. Sanchai Chotinoppakun, Head of Producer, Spring News
- Mr. Ekarat Sathutham, Assistant Managing Editor, Krungthep Turakij
- Dr. Kanthanet Tharot, Instructor in the Computer Science Academic Group, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Mahidol University
- Dr. Abhisit Bhatsada, Instructor, Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University
The competition recognized outstanding student projects across several award categories, with the following results:
- First Prize – Urgent Sud Sud Team received prizes totaling THB 15,000, comprising THB 5,000 in cash and a THE MALL SHOPPING VOUCHER worth THB 10,000. The team presented its project “No Cap” and consisted of Mr. Chanachon Ruanpheng, a third-year student, along with Ms. Pitchayada Promma, Mr. Pattaraphon Ngamlertdanai, and Mr. Wattana Sangthong, all second-year students in the Bachelor of Science Program in Information and Communication Technology (ICT International Program), Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, Mahidol University.
- First Runner-up – The Appamada Team prizes totaling THB 10,000, comprising THB 3,000 in cash and a THE MALL SHOPPING VOUCHER worth THB 7,000. The team presented its project, “Eco-Choice, Eco-Points,” and consisted of Mr. Thanarat Phonboonyawat, Mr. Krittamette Muangdee, and Ms. Boonyanuch Phongphaew, all third-year students in the Bachelor of Science Program in Digital Science and Technology (DST Thai Program), Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, Mahidol University. The team also included Mr. Thanawat Kawngam and Ms. Aris Poonpeam from the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University.
- Second Runner-up – Kin Kai Bon Langkha Plus Team received prizes totaling THB 5,000, comprising THB 2,000 in cash and a THE MALL SHOPPING VOUCHER worth THB 3,000. The team presented its project, “Komi,” and consisted of five third-year students in the Bachelor of Science Program in Information and Communication Technology (ICT International Program), Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, Mahidol University: Mr. Leenawat Taechakampu, Mr. Tanyawat Pattanathaiyanon, Mr. Nopparat Puangpradab, Ms. Kamissara Chonglertchai, and Ms. Rossarin Wongsuwan.
- Honorable Mention Awards – Four teams received Honorable Mention awards, with each team receiving a THE MALL SHOPPING VOUCHER worth THB 2,000.
- Cboog Team: The team was recognized for its project, “M-Smart Flow.” Its members were Mr. Chatchanun Toungpornsup, Mr. Pisit Jirawoottiwat, and Mr. Supanut Khiewmeesuan, all fourth-year students in the Bachelor of Science Program in Information and Communication Technology (ICT International Program), Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, Mahidol University.
- Superstang Team: The team was recognized for its project, “SmartSeat AI.” Its members were Mr. Torntun Pookhaw, Mr. Thanapat Julakarn, Mr. Wish Nakthong, Mr. Gritsada Moeithaisong, and Mr. Apirak Panboonchu, all third-year students in the Bachelor of Science Program in Digital Science and Technology (DST Thai Program), Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, Mahidol University.
- Long Do Na Team: The team was recognized for its project, “CrowdWise.” Its members were Mr. Jaruphat Kowosouna, Ms. Banthawan Udomsap, and Mr. Siriwat Ittisompiboon from Mahidol University International College.
- ADHD Engineer Team: The team was recognized for its project, “Smart Checkout.” Its members were Mr. Natwarit Chuboonsub, Ms. Thitaree Punwichatkul, Mr. Teetath Prapasanon, and Mr. Thanawat Mekwattanawanit from the Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University.
- Popular Vote – Loopy & Greenman Team received the Popular Vote Award and a THE MALL SHOPPING VOUCHER worth THB 2,000 for its project, “AI Food Waste Rescue for Gourmet Market.” The team included Mr. Kaninnat Phuangla-or, Ms. Chatrudee Yodsala, and Mr. Jinnapat Jaiphoom, all fourth-year students in the Bachelor of Science Program in Information and Communication Technology (ICT International Program), Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, Mahidol University. The team also included Mr. Pattanan Wunvisut from Mahidol University International College and Mr. Slaton Sarapun from the Faculty of Science, Mahidol University.
On this occasion, THE MALL GROUP also presented gift vouchers worth THB 1,000 to each team that did not receive an award, as a gesture of encouragement and appreciation for their participation. The event also featured “The Mall Career Shop: Shop for Opportunities, Find the Right Career,” which provided students with opportunities to explore career pathways and learn about job openings and internship opportunities at THE MALL GROUP.
The MUICT & THE MALL Hackathon 2026 marked another significant collaboration between academia and the business sector, providing students with opportunities to tackle real-world challenges and strengthen their skills in technology, innovation, business thinking, and sustainability. The competition also served as a platform for transforming innovative ideas into practical solutions with the potential to benefit businesses, society, and the environment.
