On 14 September 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its partnership with ‘Thailand NOW’, joined hands with the National Innovation Agency (Public Organisation) (NIA) and the British Council Thailand to co-host “Impact NOW: Sustainable Enterprise Showcase and Multi-chamber Networking” at the Montien Hotel Surawong, Bangkok.  The event enjoyed the strong support of 14 foreign chamber and trade associations, led by the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Swiss-Thai Chamber of Commerce as well as other notable corporate and sustainable enterprise sponsors.

Dr. Vilawan Mangklatanakul, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, opened the brand new initiative with a compelling call for collaboration from the private sector to help drive impact investment.  Keynote Speeches were delivered by Dr. Pun-Arj Chairatana, Executive Director of the NIA, and Ms. Helga Stellmacher, Country Director, British Council Thailand.  All speakers highlighted the importance of Sustainable Enterprises to Thailand’s economic and social development, noting that innovative start-ups like these advance major policies such as the BCG Economy Model and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).  The event itself advanced SDG Goal 17 in particular, which speaks to partnerships that drive attainment of the goals.  Pitches were made by four Sustainable Enterprises, namely; ‘Find Folk’ (sustainable tourism business platform), ‘Vulcan Coalition’ (AI technology driven by persons with disabilities), ‘Happy Grocers’ (sustainable agriculture and food waste reduction platform), and ‘Moreloop’ (surplus textile management and waste reduction business) – all previously involved in or selected for NIA awards and programs.  Voting commenced with participants comprising representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, International Organisations and government agencies, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Thai Startup Trade Association, and many Thai and foreign business leaders, with ‘Find Folk’ taking home the “Impact Now: Best-in-Show Award 2022”.

The evening concluded after active networking between Sustainable Enterprises, both those pitching and others invited as sponsors and guests, with Thai and foreign businesses as well as public sector representatives.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its partners look forward to organising future showcases of Thailand’s sustainable enterprise ecosystem.