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‘Token to Care’: CMU’s Food Emergency Support System Recognized at THE Awards Asia 2026

10 April 2026
Corporate Communication and Alumni Relations Center (CCARC)
Chiang Mai University has developed ‘Token to Care’ (T2C), a support system designed to assist students facing food insecurity. Through the CMU Mobile application, eligible students receive digital meal tokens worth 100 baht per day, redeemable at participating food vendors on campus. This initiative is one of three projects from Chiang Mai University shortlisted, meaning that it was recognized and given serious notice, at the THE Awards Asia 2026.
University life offers valuable learning opportunities and experiences; however, some students may encounter financial hardship or unexpected circumstances that affect their daily living and academic performance. In such situations, many may be forced or inclined to skip meals, leading to negative impacts on both their health and their studies. To address this issue, Chiang Mai University has introduced the T2C initiative with the purpose of alleviating food insecurity during emergencies, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Goal 2: Zero Hunger.
T2C provides 100 baht in daily digital tokens, which can be used at participating food and beverage vendors on campus. Students can access this support by submitting a request through the CMU Mobile App, after which they are contacted by an officer for a brief interview. Approval is typically granted within 10 minutes, ensuring a rapid response to urgent needs.
Beyond short-term assistance, T2C forms part of the university’s Smart University initiative, whereby the requested data is collected and analyzed to influence long-term support strategies. Students requiring ongoing assistance are connected to additional resources, such as scholarships, student accommodation, and part-time employment opportunities, helping to prevent temporary financial challenges from disrupting their education.
Over the past year, 3,398 students have submitted a total of 7,369 requests, of which 4,483 were approved. A total of 13,035 tokens were utilized, amounting to 1,213,873 baht. Feedback from recipients indicates that the program has enabled them to focus more effectively on their studies and participate in campus activities, while participating vendors have also benefited from increased sales.
The success of the Token to Care initiative has led to its recognition on the international stage at THE Awards Asia 2026, where it stands among the university’s three shortlisted, thus most recognized projects. This achievement reflects Chiang Mai University’s commitment to developing innovative solutions that enhance every student’s well-being and to create meaningful social impact at the regional level.



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