Thai Credit and alliances join forces with Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University to empower communities through sustainable development projects, promoting self-reliance and environmental stewardship.
Thai Credit and alliances have launched CSR projects through the Thai Credit Foundation's "EMpower for Community" Initiatives. The aim is to create self-reliant communities and promote local wisdom for economic, social, and environmental sustainability. To bring these programs to life, the Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University. This partnership will focus on developing communities in Nakhon Pathom using the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model. Additionally, the partnership will provide knowledge and skills for career development opportunities through participatory training programs led by experienced agriculturalists for farmers in the communities.
As part of the "EMpower for Community" Initiatives, Thai Credit Retail Bank PLC has announced the launch of two social programs: the Self-Reliant Community Development Project and the Community-Driven Product Development Project. To implement these programs, the Foundation has signed an MoU with Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University. The collaboration aims to develop two self-reliant communities in Lam Hoei Sub District, Don Tum District of Nakhon Pathom.
The Self-Reliant Community Development Project is based on the BCG Economy Model, which integrates the concepts of bioeconomy, circular economy, and green economy. This model focuses on developing high-value products and services that are environmentally friendly and require fewer resources. It also emphasises the conservation of natural and biological resources. The adoption of this new economic model aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the commitment to sustainable growth.
Mr. Winyou Chaiyawan, Chairman of the Thai Credit Foundation, stated that the Foundation was established by Thai Credit Retail Bank to promote and support community development, social and cultural activities, as well as art and the environment. To achieve these goals, the Foundation has initiated two CSR programs as part of the Foundation's EMpower for Community Initiatives. These programs are developed based on Thai Credit's business philosophy: "Everyone Matters."
Under the Self-Reliant Community Development Project, the Foundation has collaborated with its partners to create a pilot project that involves establishing two self-reliant communities. One community is located at Moo 8 in the Baan Nikom Community, and the other is at Moo 14 in the Baan Suk-Sabai Community, both situated in Nakhon Pathom province. This program will serve as a pilot project that will later be expanded to other areas. It aims to ensure equal access to capital resources and formal financial services, promoting equality. Additionally, it provides financial literacy education and cultivates financial discipline among community members. Moreover, the Foundation intends to create educational opportunities for students in these communities and encourage farmers to adopt organic farming practices, which promote the health and safety of farmers themselves and consumers.
The Community-Driven Product Development is another significant project under the Foundation's initiatives. It is designed to create career development opportunities and generate income within the community by utilising local wisdom to produce value-added products, similar to OTOP products. OTOP community enterprises from 77 provinces are encouraged to submit their creative and environmentally friendly products as part of a competition. The selected winning product will be used as giveaways for customers who use the bank's services.
"As an active member of Thai society and local communities, Thai Credit has initiated these CSR programs through the Thai Credit Foundation as a way to give back to society. We aim to strengthen communities, enhance their self-reliance, and improve their quality of life," said Mr. Winyou.
Mr. Roy Agustinus Gunara, Vice Chairman of the Thai Credit Foundation, stated that improving the well-being of community members is one of the Foundation's objectives. The Foundation strives to provide financial knowledge and instil financial discipline among community members, helping small business owners make informed business decisions and grow their enterprises. This effort aims to improve the financial health of community members and, most importantly, address the long-standing issue of household debt, which has hindered Thailand's economic growth. Additionally, the Foundation plans to educate students and children in the community about good money habits, which are crucial for their well-being in the future.
"Money is an integral part of daily life, and developing lifelong financial skills is essential for financial stability. Financial literacy helps people overcome financial problems, manage money effectively, avoid financial pitfalls, and prevent excessive debt. Thai Credit has been committed to providing financial knowledge and building financial resilience through the Tang To Know-how program. Over the past six years, more than 150,000 participants, including small business owners, individuals, and youth, have taken part in the program," Mr. Gunara explained.
"Through the Self-Reliant Community Development project, we aim to provide financial knowledge to community members and farmers while teaching good money habits to students in four schools. We want to equip them with financial principles not typically taught in schools. I hope that participants will apply the skills they learn from the training program to improve their financial well-being, effectively manage personal finances, generate income within their community, and develop strong financial resilience. These aspects form the foundation for sustainable economic development and growth in our country," Mr. Gunara concluded.
