The Sustainability Expo 2023 (SX 2023), one of Southeast Asia’s largest sustainability events, continues to uphold its status as Thailand’s premier sustainability gathering, having successfully welcomed more than 300,000 on-site visitors. Notably, of these attendees, approximately 164,000, representing over 60%, were young individuals aged between 18 and 35.
Spanning 10 days, this year’s SX 2023, themed “Good Balance, Better World,” was meticulously organised by five corporate sustainability leaders: Frasers Property (Thailand) Public Company Limited (FPT), PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited or GC, SCG, Thai Beverage Public Company Limited (ThaiBev), and
Thai Union Group Public Company Limited (TU). The expansive event occupied an impressive 70,000 square metres across the G and LG floors of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) from September 29 to October 8, 2023.
Eminent executives who graced the event included Mr. Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, ThaiBev President and CEO; Mr. Panote Sirivadhanabhakdi, FPT CEO; Mr. Kongkrapan Intarajang, GC CEO and President; Mr. Roongrote Rangsiyopash, SCG President and CEO; and Mr. Thiraphong Chansiri, TU President and CEO, among other luminaries from both domestic and international organisations.
Sustainability Expo delved into a wide spectrum of themes, covering innovative initiatives inspired by the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP), sustainable green business models, inclusive green collaborations, eco-conscious communities, and sustainable solutions to climate challenges, with a particular emphasis on youth involvement, food sustainability, and health and well-being.
This annual expo served as a significant milestone for environmentally conscious communities, especially those determined to drive behavioural changes aimed at reducing environmental impact. Over 100 organisations, 250 guest speakers, and 500 regional and global sustainable business networks from around the world converged to share their experiences and practices related to health, sustainability, environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, and initiatives promoting community well-being.
During his closing speech on the final day of the 10-day expo, which concluded on October 8, 2023, Mr. Thapana underscored Thailand’s commitment to long-term sustainability goals. These ambitious objectives include achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065. He expressed gratitude to all parties involved in making the event a reality and encouraged individuals to contribute to sustainability by assessing their annual carbon emissions, nurturing green spaces, practicing recycling, and managing plastic waste.
Mr. Thapana expressed hope that the Sustainability Expo would serve as a meeting point for all dedicated to sustainability. This year’s expo, spanning over 10 days and attracting more than 300,000 visitors has successfully raised public awareness of the significance of sustainable development.
He emphasised that the journey toward a better and more sustainable world is ongoing, with forthcoming collaborations expected across various sectors and organisations.
The expo’s showcases, presented by international and domestic organisations, were categorised into five main zones: SEP Inspiration, Better Me, Better Living, Better Community, and Better World. These exhibits featured diverse business models, including future food concepts, agricultural technology innovations, electric vehicles, smart city prototypes, circular economy principles, healthcare advancements, and much more.
Meanwhile, the SX Kids zone, offering exciting and creative learning activities such as the SX Chess Club, Bug Wonders, Magic of Nature, Fight Food Waste, and Garbage Guardian, garnered significant attention. Furthermore, the Bangkok Post Group organised the “Papier Marche” activity, aptly named “Turning Trash into Treasure” specially designed to encourage upcycling, and foster sustainability awareness among the younger generation.
The SX Marketplace showcased offerings from eco-designers and environmentally innovative products, garden and farm items, home décor, and community products from over 200 partnering shops.
The SX Food Festival, featuring the “Thai Street Food Museum,” hosted over 100 booths where celebrity chefs showcased sustainable food concepts, including alternative proteins and functional foods under a Zero-Waste Cooking concept.
SX 2023 also featured inspiring and insightful talks at the SX Talk Stage, covering topics related to green business, global green market trends, sustainable lifestyles, and innovations, presented by sustainability experts. Attendees had the opportunity to explore eco-friendly products, sustainable foods, climate change initiatives, smart city development, and advancements in health and well-being.
This year’s event featured several unique highlights, including the
“Blind Experience” zone, which promoted social equality through a simulation of blindness, and the “rePartment Store” zone, offering sustainable products crafted from recycled materials. Additionally, the Park & Nature Walk Activities zone, set in a forest park adjacent to the
SX Kids Zone, provided opportunities for rejuvenation and mental well-being.
Within the rePartment Store zone, visitors gained insights into effective waste separation and discovered drop-off points for transforming waste into valuable resources, aiming to create a cleaner environment and promote a sustainable, waste-free society.
Overall, the SX 2023 served as a significant event, offering a plethora of sustainable best practices to promote eco-consciousness and sustainability. It encouraged individuals to be part of the force that propels Thailand and the world toward a better and more sustainable future, both in terms of business practices and environmental awareness.
www.facebook.com/SX.SustainabilityExpo.
