On 20 July 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mahidol University co-hosted the International Academic Forum and 5^th APEC Media Focus Group (AMF) on “APEC and Business Sustainability” at Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus. Over 130 participants attended the event both in person and online.

The Forum commenced with welcoming remarks from Professor Banchong Mahaisavariya, President of Mahidol University, who highlighted how the university has integrated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into strategic policy to foster sustainable long-term growth. Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and APEC 2022 SOM Chair, focused his keynote remarks on how BCG leverages science, technology and innovation through a whole-of-society approach to advance inclusive, sustainable, and long-term, post-pandemic growth. 

In the first session, Mr. Tanee Sangrat, Director-General of the Department of Information moderated the discussion on “BCG Economy in Thailand and Business Sustainability”. Here, Dr. Janekrishna Kanatharana, Vice President and Executive Director, Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi), National Science and Technology Development Agency, emphasized growth opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, medicine and biochemicals.  Professor Piyamitr Sritara, Dean of Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, focused on advancements in telemedicine and the “Nan Sandbox” as an example of medicinal value creation from local vegetation.

The session continued with Ms. Prinat Apirat, Deputy Director-General, Department of International Economic Affairs, who focused on Thailand’s role as APEC host economy in advancing BCG and business sustainability, which has resonated well both in Thailand and with member economies.  Mrs. Gloyta Nathalang, Executive Vice President, Corporate Branding, Communication and Sustainability Activation, Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited, underlined Bangchak’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2050 and carbon neutrality by 2030.

The second session on “Sufficiency Economy and Innovation for Sustainable Future” was moderated by Associate Prof. Dr. Nopraenue Sajjarax Dhirathiti, Vice President for International Relations and Corporate Communication, Mahidol University. Here, Ms. Jinanggoon Rojananan, Deputy Secretary General, Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, spoke to applications of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) which have optimized the environment, with projects such as the use of vetiver grass to prevent soil erosion.  Associate Professor Doctor Vichita Ractham, Dean, College of Management, Mahidol University, shared her views on the role of academia in promoting a “sustainability mindset” in students. Finally, Associate Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Director of the Institute for Technology and Innovation Management, Mahidol University, shared his work on adopting SEP as a pathway towards innovations in assistive technologies for people living with disabilities.