Congratulations to Team SONAR for Winning First Prize at UNESCO’s AI Pitch Competition
September 9, 2025
Chanbormei Suy

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.

No items found.

Related Articles

March 12, 2026
1 mins
3 Days Until Deadline! The Clock Is Ticking For Your Application

Finalize your submission today!

Read more
March 11, 2026
2 mins
Success Story: 100% Acceptance Rate to Carnegie Mellon - CMKL Dual Degree Programs for Fall 2026

We are thrilled to celebrate a 100% acceptance rate for this intake, a remarkable achievement that underscores the academic excellence and readiness of our community to thrive at the highest level of engineering education.

Read more
March 10, 2026
2 mins
CP Axtra x CMKL: Redefining Retail in the Age of AI

CMKL University was honored to welcome distinguished guests from CP Axtra PCL for a special session exploring the future of retail, digital transformation, and AI-driven innovation.

Read more
March 12, 2026
1 mins
3 Days Until Deadline! The Clock Is Ticking For Your Application

Finalize your submission today!

Read more
March 11, 2026
2 mins
Success Story: 100% Acceptance Rate to Carnegie Mellon - CMKL Dual Degree Programs for Fall 2026

We are thrilled to celebrate a 100% acceptance rate for this intake, a remarkable achievement that underscores the academic excellence and readiness of our community to thrive at the highest level of engineering education.

Read more
March 10, 2026
2 mins
CP Axtra x CMKL: Redefining Retail in the Age of AI

CMKL University was honored to welcome distinguished guests from CP Axtra PCL for a special session exploring the future of retail, digital transformation, and AI-driven innovation.

Read more