The Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy, Khon Kaen University (KKBS), in collaboration with CP Axtra Public Company Limited, operator of Makro stores, organized the “Mitrmart NEW GEN CHALLENGE 2026” business plan competition. This competition was part of the “16th Traditional Grocery Store Fair,” held from February 26 to March 1, 2026, at the Khon Kaen International Convention and Exhibition Center (KICE). The objective was to provide a platform for the new generation (NEW GEN) to present creative business ideas (NEW IDEA) for developing novel “traditional grocery store” formats (locally known as “sho-huay” stores). The challenge, ” MITR MART NEW GEN” aimed for concepts that are feasible for implementation, encompassing sales, management, and profitability generation.
(Student representatives from the “Heng Heng Heng” team presented their work to the chairman and organizers of the 16th Traditional Grocery Store Fair.)
(Mitr Mart Heng Heng Heng store by the “Heng Heng Heng” student team.)
(Asst. Prof. Pongsutti Phuensane, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy, along with faculty executives, and Mr. Jetsadang Singkhum, Chairman of the Traditional Grocery Store Fair, visited the students’ Mitr Mart store.)
This competition aimed to promote experiential learning, requiring participants to present comprehensive business plans that included both Marketing Strategy and Retail Strategy for managing “Mitr Mart” stores. These prototype traditional grocery stores were centrally located within the event area. Uniquely, these stores were the only ones permitted to sell all brands and categories of products, allowing competitors to simulate planning and managing a business in a context closely resembling real-world conditions. Furthermore, the initiative sought to raise awareness and enhance the image of traditional grocery businesses, making them more appealing to the new generation.
For this competition, over 60 teams of students from KKBS participated. Five teams were selected as finalists. Asst. Prof. Pongsutti Phuensane, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy, along with Narissara Palusuk, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Administration and Corporate Image, Chichaya Leruksa, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for International Affairs, and Mr.Jetsadang Singkhum, Chairman of the Traditional Grocery Store Fair, had the honor of presenting awards to the participants. The competition results are as follows:
(Student team “Heng Heng Heng”)
First Prize was awarded to “Heng Heng Heng,” a team of third-year students from the Bachelor of Business Administration program, Digital Entrepreneurship and Marketing Technology major, with a specialization in Marketing Technology. They received a cash prize of 30,000 Thai Baht, 10,000 Makro Pro Points, and exclusive access to a Private Workshop on retail business knowledge and ecosystems with the “Mitr Tae Sho-huay” team. Additionally, they were awarded initial capital exceeding 500,000 Thai Baht to establish a Mitr Mart store at the Khon Kaen International Convention and Exhibition Center (KICE). All profits generated from sales at this store will be allocated as an academic scholarship for the winning team. The team members include:
Ms.Chanyyakorn Jumpee
Ms.Thamonwan Songwichien
Ms.Nongnapat Seekieow
Ms.Jeeranun Peephong
Ms.Vimolsiri Boonhuad
Ms.Vilasinee Rattantam
(Student team “Por Krub, Pom Yak Pen Miss Grand”)
Second Prize was awarded to “Por Krub, Pom Yak Pen Miss Grand (Daddy, I Want to Be Miss Grand)” a team of third-year students from the Bachelor of Business Administration program, Digital Entrepreneurship and Marketing Technology major, with a specialization in Marketing Technology. They received a cash prize of 20,000 Thai Baht and 5,000 Makro Pro Points. The team members include:
Ms.Kritiya Kampila
Mr.Pisittipong Narongchai
Mr.Yuttakarn Wongsuwan
Ms.Jetasirin Kaeokam
Mr.Tepparat Singsutham
Ms.Laura Kutanee
Three Consolation Prizes were awarded, each team receiving a cash prize of 10,000 Thai Baht and 5,000 Makro Pro Points.
(Student team “MITR AND GREED!”)
Team “MITR AND GREED!” members include:
Third-year students from the Bachelor of Business Administration program, Digital Entrepreneurship and Marketing Technology major, with a specialization in Marketing Technology:
Ms.Thanyarat Patarapankul
Ms.Apinnyaporn Ruddho
Mr.Akkarachai Chatchawarn
Ms.Tarntip Nakham
Third-year student from the Bachelor of Accountancy program:
Mr.Chayanon Akho
First-year student from the Bachelor of Accountancy program:
Ms.Punyanuch Bangviset
(Student team “Makro Pro Max 2TB”)
Team “Makro Pro Max 2TB” members include:
Third-year students from the Bachelor of Business Administration program, Digital Entrepreneurship and Marketing Technology major, with a specialization in Digital Entrepreneurship:
Ms.Tassanee Manomai
Ms.Nantiya Salard
Ms.Rattanakorn Khetpimon
Ms.Thitiworada Kinra
Mr.Nipitapon Pimchan
Third-year student from the Bachelor of Accountancy program:
Mr.Kittivich Chadeedorn
(Student team “Deal Dee Pro Mak”)
Team “Deal Dee Pro Mak” members include:
Third-year students from the Bachelor of Business Administration program, Digital Entrepreneurship and Marketing Technology major, with a specialization in Marketing Technology:
Ms.Kulsatree Pilakoon
Ms.Yasumin Ruangnuch
Ms.Ratchadaporn Nabklang
Ms.Patcharee Pimwan
Third-year student from the Bachelor of Business Administration program, Innovative Tourism Management major:
Ms.Amornwong Chaichana
Third-year student from the Bachelor of Accountancy program:
Ms.Pannawadee Saensuk
(ICE BAR BY Event Station store by students from the Bachelor of Business Administration program, Hospitality and Event Management major.)
Additionally, at the 16th Traditional Grocery Store Fair, the innovative “ICE BAR BY Event Station” was showcased by students from the Bachelor of Business Administration program, Hospitality and Event Management major. This booth, located in the Snow Ville zone, offered beverages with a distinctive ice-themed design and modern, creative drink menus. It consistently attracted significant interest from attendees, earning considerable acclaim from participants.
Participating in the 16th Traditional Grocery Store Fair served as a crucial platform, providing students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge of business administration, marketing, and retail in a real-world setting. This was achieved through both presenting business plans and creating exhibition activities. Such engagement reflects the integration of knowledge in service, event organization, and consumer experience creation, while simultaneously developing strategic thinking, teamwork, and the ability to present business concepts to the industry. This aligns with the mission of the Faculty of Business Administration and Accountancy, Khon Kaen University, to produce capable graduates who can drive innovation and national business development in the future.
Banphod Philaphan: News/Photos
