Asian Journal of Humanities and Social Innovation

A Guideline for Developing Digital Skills of Personnel in Private Higher Education Institutions toward University Reform in Bangkok Metropolis

Ntapat Worapongpat — 2026-03-26

The digital skills of personnel in private higher education institutions (PHEIs) are a critical driver of university reform, particularly in Bangkok Metropolis, which serves as a national hub for higher education and faces intense competition in academic quality and innovation. This study aimed to: (1) examine the current state, desired state, and development needs of digital skills among PHEI personnel in Bangkok;
(2) investigate best practices for digital skill development; and (3) develop and validate a guideline for enhancing personnel digital skills to support university reform.A three-phase mixed-methods design was employed. Phase 1 assessed the current and desired states and priority needs using a questionnaire administered to PHEI personnel in Bangkok. Phase 2 explored best practices through structured interviews with administrators and personnel from successful institutions. Phase 3 involved the formulation and validation of the digital skill development guideline through focus group discussions and expert evaluation.The findings revealed that personnel digital skills were at a moderate level, while the overall need for development was high. Priority areas included the use of learning management systems (LMS), application of information technology for research, and the development of online instructional innovations. The proposed guideline consists of four components: (1) principles,
(2) objectives, (3) development process, and (4) success conditions. Expert evaluation indicated that the guideline demonstrated a high level of appropriateness, accuracy, and feasibility.The study concludes that systematic development of digital skills among PHEI personnel is essential for driving university reform, strengthening educational management quality, enhancing institutional competitiveness, and improving responsiveness to rapid digital transformation.

Exploring the economic viability and marketability of aeroponics systems: An urban agriculture study in Navotas City

Hanna Kye Pohanes — 2026-03-26

Aeroponics is an innovative soilless farming method increasingly recognized for its potential in urban agriculture. However, research on its economic and environmental viability remains limited, particularly in the Philippine context. This study explores the potential of aeroponics as a sustainable business model by focusing on its implementation in Navotas City. Using a qualitative approach, insights were gathered from individuals directly involved in operating aeroponics systems. Findings indicate that while aeroponics requires high initial investment, it offers notable benefits such as efficient resource use, scalability, and consistent high-yield production. These features suggest strong potential for profitability. Environmentally, the system reduces water usage and land requirements, supporting sustainable urban farming. Despite these advantages, challenges persist. Aeroponic produce, although marketable, often fails to meet specific weight standards required for sale. Additionally, energy consumption and high setup costs remain significant barriers to widespread adoption. In conclusion, aeroponics shows promise for increasing food production in space-constrained urban areas. However, for it to become a viable and scalable business model, further improvements in system efficiency and operational methods are needed. Future quantitative research is recommended to deepen the understanding of economic and environmental factors affecting its adoption in the Philippines.

Consumer Attitudes and Behaviors Influencing Perceived Benefits of “Tosakan Nakas” Herbal Balm: A Case Study of SCG Grand Martech Co., Ltd.

Ntapat Worapongpat — 2026-03-26

This study investigates the factors influencing consumers’ perceived benefits of the “Tosakan Nakas” herbal balm produced by SCG Grand Martech Co., Ltd. The research objectives are threefold: (1) to examine the effects of demographic differences on perceived benefits, (2) to analyze the influence of consumer attitudes toward herbal products on perceived benefits, and (3) to explore the impact of consumer purchasing and usage behaviors on perceived benefits.A quantitative research design was employed. Data were collected from 400 consumers who had previously purchased or used the product, using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, as well as inferential statistics through multiple regression analysis.The findings reveal that selected demographic factors significantly influence consumers’ perceived benefits of the herbal balm. In addition, consumer attitudes toward herbal products and consumer behaviors related to herbal product usage and purchasing were found to have a positive and statistically significant effect on perceived benefits. Among the examined factors, consumer attitudes and behaviors demonstrated a stronger influence than demographic characteristics.The results provide practical implications for herbal product manufacturers and marketers, particularly in developing strategies that emphasize positive consumer experiences, brand credibility, and attitude-building to enhance perceived product benefits.

Multicultural Leadership Models for Facilitating Participatory Administration in Local Government: Evidence from Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand

Ntapat Worapongpat — 2026-03-26

Local government administration in Mueang District, Maha Sarakham Province, faces increasing challenges arising from growing cultural diversity. Although previous studies suggest that multicultural leadership can enhance decision-making quality and reduce conflict, its application within the northeastern Thai local government context remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by developing and testing a multicultural leadership model designed to promote participatory administration among local administrators.The objectives of this research were to: (1) analyze the components of multicultural leadership among local administrators; (2) develop a leadership model that facilitates participatory administration; and (3) evaluate the suitability and effectiveness of the proposed model. A mixed-methods research design was employed. The study population consisted of 45 local governance stakeholders, including administrators, community leaders, and public representatives, selected through purposive sampling. Quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale, while qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews. Research instruments were validated for content validity and reliability by experts. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.The findings identified four key components of multicultural leadership: multicultural vision, cross-cultural communication, acceptance of diversity, and conflict resolution. Local administrators demonstrated high levels across all components. The developed leadership model was rated as highly effective in facilitating participatory administration, particularly in terms of trust-building, organizational commitment, shared goal setting, and administrative autonomy. The model also received high evaluations for feasibility and practical utility within the local context.The study concludes that multicultural leadership plays a critical role in promoting effective participatory administration in culturally diverse local governments such as Mueang District, Maha Sarakham Province. The proposed model offers a practical and empirically grounded framework with strong potential to enhance transparency, public trust, and citizen participation. The findings contribute to local administrator development and provide policy-relevant insights applicable to similar multicultural governance contexts.

The Kālāma Sutta and Its Reflections in Modern Buddhist Education: Authority, Critical Inquiry, and Pedagogical Transformation

Yuqiong Chen — 2026-03-26

Employing qualitative textual analysis of Pāli canonical sources combined with conceptual analysis of modern pedagogical frameworks, this paper examines the Kālāma Sutta (Aṅguttara Nikāya, 3.65), as well as modern pedagogy within Buddhism, to clarify what methods and means are taught in the Kālāma Sutta for learning about the Dharma. The analysis focuses on the sutta’s critique of uncritical deference to tradition and authority. The study also considers the moral and empirical standards that the Buddha recommends for decision-making and knowledge acquisition. These findings suggest that the sutta offers a pedagogical model that is grounded in critical inquiry, personal experience, ethics rather than dogma, and a willingness to make mistakes. This study shows how it is possible to break the rigidity of tradition by using this method, enabling a balanced integration of critical thinking, practice-based learning, and moral cultivation in response to the challenges of modernity.