Entrepreneurs in the field of sustainability gathered to share their successful upcycling ideas, igniting the passion of young minds during the third panel discussion at the Sustainability Expo (SX) Talk Series, themed “Sustainability for Better Me, Better Living, and Better Community.” Held on 23 September 2023, at C asean SAMYAN CO-OP, Samyan Mitrtown, this event served as a prelude to the upcoming Sustainability Expo 2023, one of the largest sustainability events in ASEAN, taking place from 29 September to 8 October 2023, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). More than 80 students from various universities across the nation joined this insightful green talk series.
Wisan Wanasaksrisakul, CEO of Warrix Sport Plc., emphasised his company’s commitment to creating a positive societal impact by promoting health and happiness. Warrix Sport is firmly oriented towards achieving net-positive sustainability, with a focus on future generations and global socio-ecological systems. He stated, “Our products, including sport shirts, streetwear, and more, are smart-fitted and tailored from 100% polyester fabric to enhance agility, elasticity, and comfort. Thai consumers can rest assured that all sportswear and sporting goods produced by Warrix for the Thai national teams meet the latest technology standards and offer quality on par with international products.”
Speaking about sustainability, Mr. Wisan highlighted the need for genuine passion and concrete action, particularly in addressing the waste problem that poses a significant concern to humanity. He emphasised that building sustainable wealth and transparent businesses require discipline, thorough research, and patience, cautioning against falling for get-rich-quick schemes and excessive greed.
Mr. Wisan further noted, “While most people recognise us as a football sportswear brand supporting the national team, we aim to expand into the active lifestyle segment, encompassing various stages of people’s lives, from health to fitness.”
Kitiya Santaveesuk, Head of Sustainability at Thai Beverage Can Ltd., a company specialising in sustainable aluminium cans, discussed the concept of upcycling, which involves transforming by-products, waste materials, or unwanted products into new materials or higher-quality products. Ms. Kitiya expressed her company’s commitment to creating a closed-loop recycling system, ensuring continuous material use while reducing the carbon footprint. She stressed that circular economy practices are key to long-term sustainable business.
“We want our customers to understand that when they choose our upcycled aluminium cans, they are not only purchasing goods but also investing in a greener future,” Ms. Kitiya added. She also shared ongoing collaborations with both public and private sectors to enhance recycling-based databases, highlighting the potential for sustainable practitioners to expand their efforts and networks at SX 2023.
Adisak Guntamueanglee, Assistant Director at the Urban Design and Development Center (UDDC), emphasised the importance of creating better cities for a better quality of life. He called for collaboration among students, businesspeople, and researchers with a strong commitment to sustainability. Mr. Adisak also stressed the significance of walkable cities, as increased walkability can boost local businesses by 30-40%.
“Bangkok currently faces a scarcity of green spaces, and we must work towards creating more in the future. Improving the city’s liveability depends on a robust ecosystem, demanding concerted efforts from all stakeholders,” Mr. Adisak concluded.
These are just a few examples of companies dedicated to making a positive environmental impact. To learn more about sustainable entrepreneurship, the SDGs, and practical sustainable business solutions, attend the Sustainability Expo 2023 (SX 2023), one of the largest sustainability events in Southeast Asia, taking place from 29 September to 8 October 2023, at the QSNCC in Bangkok.
Under the theme “Good Balance, Better World,” SX 2023 is 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). Spanning over 70,000 sqm. across the G and LG floors of the QSNCC, the event will feature over 100 organisations, 250 speakers, and 500 regional and global sustainable business networks, sharing their sustainable development practices, climate change initiatives, smart city development programmes, and efforts to promote community well-being.
WHAT’S ON SHOW
Anticipating an audience of around 320,000 attendees, SX 2023 will present eight major zones:
SEP Inspiration: Showcasing organisations embracing the sufficiency economy philosophy for sustainable development goals, along with global sustainable development initiatives.
Better Me: Presenting innovations in healthcare, future food, agricultural technology, and lifelong learning opportunities.
Better Living: Promoting the circular economy, clean energy, responsible production and consumption, and net-zero emissions efforts by leading corporations.
Better Community: Focusing on green and digital solutions, sustainable urban development, and creating a better future for communities.
Better World: Featuring outstanding works from the ASEAN SX Photo Contest and the Trash to Treasure contest, highlighting creative transformations of waste into art.
Live talks, interactive programmes, forums, panel discussions, workshops, and career advice in sustainability will be featured in the Grand Plenary Hall, Talk Stage, and Youth Stage.
SX Food Festival: Showcasing over 120 food booths with a “Thai Street Food Museum” theme, offering delectable dishes from renowned chefs emphasising Zero-Waste Cooking.
SX Kids Zone: Providing opportunities for children to have fun, enhance analytical skills, and explore the world of insects in the Bug Wonder booth.
SX Marketplace: Offering a delightful shopping experience with craft products to support local communities and society.
Additional highlights this year include the “Blind Experience” activity, allowing participants to empathise with the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals, promoting human equality. There’s also the “rePartment store zone,” where you can contribute your belongings to designated areas on the G and LG floors of QSNCC and the Benjakitti Forest Park Museum Building (Tobacco Factory 5) in Benjakitti Park. These items can be reduced, reused, and recycled to contribute to a more environmentally friendly and waste-free society.
Be sure not to miss the “Park and Nature Walk” activities zone, situated in a forest park adjacent to the SX Kids Zone, offering a breath of fresh air, a chance to rejuvenate your mind, and opportunities to engage in additional activities.
For a hands-on experience, participants can join the “papier-mache” activity with the 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 the LG floor on 8 October 2023, 11:00-12:00 hrs. and 15:00-16:00 hrs.
For more information and updates,
please visit www.sustainabilityexpo.com or