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Chiang Mai University Launches MetaChef Project with Erasmus+ Fund, Revolutionizing Culinary Education through Metaverse Innovation

3 April 2025
International College of Digital Innovation
Chiang Mai University (CMU), through its International College of Digital Innovation (ICDI), officially launched the MetaChef Project, an innovative culinary training program using metaverse technology. The event took place on January 20, 2025, at Kantary Hills Hotel, Chiang Mai, with an opening speech by Asst. Prof. Thossaporn Pichaiya, CMU Vice President, who also signed the collaboration agreement with international partners.

The MetaChef Project, supported by the European Union (Erasmus+) with funding of over 2 million baht, involves partnerships with leading universities and organizations worldwide. These include Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (Portugal), Institut Paul Bocuse Ecole De Management (France), Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Hong Kong), International Hellenic University (Greece), and Chengdu University (China).

Asst. Prof. Dr. Rujira Ouncharoen, Dean of ICDI and project leader, explained that the main goal is to use metaverse technology in culinary education. The project will create a “virtual classroom” where students can practice diverse cooking techniques and explore culinary traditions from Europe and Asia.

By integrating culinary arts with digital technology, the project aims to develop a metaverse platform for culinary education, strengthen international collaborations, meet evolving demands in the culinary arts, and promote sustainability in education systems.

The MetaChef Project includes several exciting initiatives. One of the key activities is the development of a “virtual restaurant,” where project partners will showcase more than 20 signature dishes from their respective countries. From these, three main dishes will be selected and transformed into “virtual cooking class” to enhance the learning experience.

This project demonstrates CMU’s commitment to building strong international networks and promoting cross-cultural exchanges. It aligns with the university’s 13th Development Plan, focusing on becoming a leading institution dedicated to social responsibility, sustainability, and innovation.

The MetaChef Project not only revolutionizes culinary education but also highlights the potential of advanced technology to foster global collaboration and bring diverse cultures together in a virtual space.
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