Continuing the success of Sustainability Expo 2022, which saw the participation of over 253,000 visitors, Sustainability Expo 2023 (SX 2023) returns for the fourth consecutive year. This unique sustainable event is dedicated to steering the world towards greater sustainability and eco-consciousness and aims to attract more than 320,000 participants, making it bigger than ever before.
SX 2023, renowned as one of the largest sustainability gatherings in the ASEAN region, is scheduled to take place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok from 29 September to 8 October 2023.
Hosted by Thai Beverage Public Company Limited (ThaiBev) in collaboration with four partners – Frasers Property (Thailand) Public Company Limited (FPT), PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC), The Siam Cement Public Company Limited (SCG), and Thai Union Group Public Company Limited (TU); SX 2023 adopts the theme “Sufficiency for Sustainability,” aligning with the sufficiency economy philosophy championed by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great. The event showcases sustainability trends, innovations, and pays tribute to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, who champions royal projects for the well-being and happiness of the people.
Ms. Tongjai Thanachanan, SX Director, stated, “Global warming has increased in severity, leading to the era of ‘Global Boiling,’ with the climate change crisis affecting the whole world. We are now in the ‘Decade of Action’ and must bring about significant changes to the world. SX 2023 is a collaborative platform that unites regional and global organisations, government, private sectors, and a network of partners both nationally and internationally. Together, we can create ripples and raise awareness about sustainability in various dimensions, ultimately achieving a ‘Good Balance, Better World’.”
The SX Director emphasised the event’s “Good Balance, Better World” philosophy, hosting over 100 organisations, 250 guest speakers, and 500 regional and global sustainable business networks. The 10-day expo expects to attract more than 320,000 attendees this year, aligning with the global mission to combat the climate crisis and promote environmental sustainability. The event covers an area of over 70,000 square metres at QSNCC, which is a larger space compared to the previous year’s 40,000 square metres.
“This year, SCG, one of the co-founders, will also host the ESG Symposium, while the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will organise the Thailand Climate Action Conference (TCAC), a significant initiative driving the country’s Net Zero plan. Additionally, the Thailand Supply Chain Network (TSCN) and various government agencies, private sector entities, civil society organisations, and more will collaborate to create a sustainable business model entitled ‘B2C2B’ (Business-to-Consumer-to-Business). This model places consumers at the centre of the connection between business organisations, facilitating collaboration across all sectors to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.”
In summary, Sustainability Expo 2023 is set to be a significant event promoting sustainability and eco-consciousness, with a substantial increase in participation and a broad range of activities and collaborations aimed at achieving a “Good Balance, Better World”.
Covering approximately 70,000 square metres across the G and LG floors at QSNCC, SX 2023 comprises eight major main zones – SEP Inspiration, Better Me, Better Living, Better Community, Better World, SX Food Festival, SX Kids Zone, and SX Marketplace. The SX Food Festival, SX Kids Zone, and SX Marketplace zones are scheduled to be open from 29 September onwards.
SEP Inspiration
This zone showcases the sufficiency economy philosophy through immersive multimedia and a virtual world. Visitors can explore cutting-edge multimedia innovations and parallel virtual worlds within the 360-degree Immersive Experience Pavilion. Here, you can witness the escalating severity of global environmental challenges and the quality of life we all aspire to, as depicted in a natural documentary from National Geographic on a giant 3D screen.
Better Me
Focusing on AI and medical innovation, this zone encourages intergenerational coexistence and lifelong learning. The concept is that “Everything can be better, and the journey to improvement begins within ourselves.” Explore the Good Health & Well-Being Indoor Park zone, organised under the “We can save the world” framework. Gain insights into leading a joyful life in an aging society where people of various ages coexist and proactively plan for your retirement. Explore “Lifelong Learning” and engage with ideas that foster youth development, benefit sports in nurturing a healthier body, and promote positive attitudes. Don’t miss the demonstration of “Dinsaw Robots” by medical experts and specialists who provide care for patients.
Better Living
This zone showcases projects and outcomes from leading sustainability organisations dedicated to environmental conservation and the establishment of a Circular Economy that enhances the quality of life. Here, you can learn how to promote a clean environment and embrace circular economy concepts through presentations centred around four main principles: Water Stewardship, Decarbonisation, Biodiversity, and Waste Management.
Better Community
Offering guidelines for promoting changes in individual behaviours and narrating the story of a united and equitable society, this zone forges connections among people and networks to nurture a sense of well-being within a diverse society. It advocates for equality and highlights the collective duty to sustain, preserve, and continue our cultural heritage while remaining responsive to climate change. Furthermore, the zone showcases models for sustainable community development that will pave the way for a sustainable future of communities, cities, and the region.
Better World
This zone exhibits sustainability-related arts, including works from Nat Geo, the Royal Photographic Society of Thailand, and international works from 10 ASEAN countries that have never been exhibited before. It particularly highlights the outstanding works stemming from the ASEAN SX Photo Contest and Trash to Treasure Contest, demonstrating the creative transformation of waste into valuable art.
The expo also hosts insightful talks at the SX Talk Stage, covering topics on green business, global green market trends, green lifestyles, and innovations, presented by sustainability experts. Attendees can explore eco-friendly products, sustainable foods, climate change initiatives, smart city development, and health and well-being advancements.
Special attractions for this year’s event include the “Blind Experience” zone, promoting social equality through a blindness simulation experience, and the “rePartmentStore” zone, offering sustainable products made from recycled materials. There’s also the Park & Nature Walk Activities zone, taking place in a forest park adjacent to the SX Kids Zone activity area, inviting everyone to partake in activities designed to rejuvenate and heal the mind, heart, and body.
In the rePartmentStore zone, you can learn about effective waste separation and discover drop-off points where you can transform garbage into valuable resources. Bring the items you want to share to designated areas on the G and LG floors of QSNCC and the Benjakitti Forest Park Museum Building (Tobacco Factory 5) Benjakitti Park. These items can be reduced, reused, and recycled to create a better environment and promote a sustainable, waste-free society.
SX FOOD FESTIVAL
Themed “Thai Street Food Museum,” SX Food Festival features celebrity chefs showcasing sustainable food concepts, including alternative proteins and functional food under a Zero-Waste Cooking concept.
SX KIDS ZONE
The SX Kids Zone offers educational activities on sustainability topics for pre-teen children, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, clean energy, recycling, and ocean preservation. This kids zone features exciting and creative learning
activities, including the Chess Kid Club, Bug Wonder, Magic of Nature, Fight Food Waste, and Garbage Guardian.
For a hands-on experience, participants can join the “papier-mâché” activity with Bangkok Post, aimed at promoting classic art techniques among children while fostering sustainability awareness. This enriching activity takes place in the SX Kids Zone on Sunday 8 October 2023, 11:00-15.00 hrs.
SX MARKETPLACE
The SX Marketplace showcases offerings from eco-designers, along with environmental innovation products, garden and farm products, as well as home décor and community products from over 200 shops by partner organisations. Don’t miss out on a relaxing corner with a cup of coffee from HARVKIND, a café in a sustainable furniture showroom.
Sustainability Expo 2023 will run from 29 September to 8 October 2023 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC).
For more information and updates, please visit www.sustainabilityexpo.com or www.facebook.com/SX.SustainabilityExpo.