Team SONAR, a group of talented sophomore students from the AI and Computer Engineering (AiCE) program at CMKL University, has won first prize at the Beyond Green: AI for a Thriving Future Pitch Competition 2025. The event was organized by UNESCO and the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) during the 3rd UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, held in Bangkok, Thailand, from June 24–27, 2025.
Developed by Phasit Thanitkul, Thanapol Wongtharua, Khant Phyo Wai, Thiri Htet Thwe, and Lalida Krairit, under the guidance of advisor Justin Paulsen, SONAR is a mobile application designed to improve accessibility for the visually impaired. The app enables users to access Thai books on smartphones with a reported accuracy rate of 95 percent. By integrating deep learning, optical character recognition (OCR), and natural-sounding speech technology, the team has created an inclusive solution that transforms reading access into an empowering experience.
Beyond its technical achievements, SONAR represents a vision of inclusivity and impact. With plans to expand reading access for individuals and institutions alike, the project demonstrates how artificial intelligence can serve as a tool for social good.
The success of Team SONAR is a proud moment for CMKL University and highlights the potential of young innovators to drive meaningful change. Their work exemplifies the mission of AI for Good, showcasing how technology can be leveraged to build a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Morning Focus Highlight morning program: keynote speakers + policy / industry panels
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Whether you’re a Builder or an Innovator, both programs immerse you in real-world projects, industry mentorship, and hands-on learning that lead to real impact.
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The 𝘼𝙄 𝙀𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙩𝙚 (𝘼𝙄𝙀𝙄) and 𝘾𝙈𝙆𝙇 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮 are bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, startups, and young innovators at 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐒𝐢𝐚𝐦 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡, 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐨𝐤 for a full day dedicated to Thailand’s AI transformation.
Read moreMorning Focus Highlight morning program: keynote speakers + policy / industry panels
Read moreWhether you’re a Builder or an Innovator, both programs immerse you in real-world projects, industry mentorship, and hands-on learning that lead to real impact.
Read moreThe 𝘼𝙄 𝙀𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙩𝙚 (𝘼𝙄𝙀𝙄) and 𝘾𝙈𝙆𝙇 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮 are bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, startups, and young innovators at 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐒𝐢𝐚𝐦 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡, 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐨𝐤 for a full day dedicated to Thailand’s AI transformation.
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