Nestlé Announces the Success of the First Class of its Sustainability Course in Thailand, “Sustainability Beyond Business: Insight-Action-Solution” Program, in Partnership with Chiang Mai University, Turning Classroom Knowledge into Real-World Sustainability Solutions
Nestlé (Thai) Ltd. has announced the successful completion of the first class of its sustainability course, “Sustainability Beyond Business: Insight–Action–Solution,” held at Chiang Mai University. With 200 university students from 12 faculties participating, the specially designed course provided deep dives across four comprehensive modules, covering national sustainability challenges and exploring how to integrate sustainability into businesses strategy and brand communication. Students applied these insights and tools to develop practical, real-world solutions. To conclude the program, Nestlé and Chiang Mai University hosted a hackathon that empowered the new generation to apply their knowledge and hands-on experience to create solutions that drive meaningful change for a better world.
The hackathon challenged students to apply systematic thinking and teamwork to design solutions that connect business, society, and the environment. Each team was tasked with designing creative and credible ways to communicate Thailand’s sustainability challenges with Gen Z in engaging and inspiring ways that spark real action. The challenge focused on three key tracks: 1) Plastic and Packaging Waste; 2) Air Pollution (PM 2.5) and Climate Impact; and 3) Overconsumption and Lifestyle Choices.
The judging panel featured distinguished experts, including Dr. Veerathai Santiprabhob, Member of the Chiang Mai University Council; Dr. Kobkit Issarachevawat, President of the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pradthana Jaipong, Assistant to the President of Chiang Mai University; Ms. Salinla Seehaphan, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director, Nestlé (Thai) Ltd.; and Mr. Patiparn Pomthongkam, founder of the Chiangmaimeereuanglao Facebook Page. The winning team, Team “No More Waste, Just Taste,” consisting of Ms. Apinya Lapromma, a third-year student from the Faculty of Mass Communication; Ms. Pimpisa Sungcharoen, a third-year student from the Faculty of Economics; and Ms. Parissa Yuenyongkul, a third-year student from the Faculty of Mass Communication, was awarded a scholarship and a certificate in recognition of their potential and creativity. Furthermore, Nestlé is offering internship opportunities to students from this course, reflecting the company’s commitment to providing real-world work experience for Thai youth.
Ms. Salinla Seehaphan, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director, Nestlé (Thai) Ltd. stated, “Nestlé partnered with Chiang Mai University to develop the ‘Sustainability Beyond Business: Insight–Action–Solution’ course to give youth the opportunity to learn from our real-world experience as well as insights from experts across multiple sectors, paving the way for them to be future changemakers. We believe that empowering the new generation is not just about giving them knowledge, but about creating a space for them to think, act, and discover their potential to drive positive impacts for consumers, the planet, and our communities. This reinforces Nestlé’s role in supporting Thai youth under the Nestlé Needs YOUth program and our commitment to creating shared value for society, the environment, and Thailand’s economic growth in a sustainable way.”
A representative from the winning team shared their experience: “I am very excited and happy to be part of the winning team. I enjoyed the activities from the very first day of the workshop, especially the off-site sessions, presentations, and visiting a dairy farm to learn about all the processes required before a product reaches consumers. It helped me better understand sustainability across the entire value chain, from production and logistics to packaging. After joining this program, my lifestyle has changed significantly. I used to use plastic straws regularly, but I have decided to stop using them from now on. I also hope young people will help care for the environment, focus on development with sustainability in mind, and work together to make our future world a better place.”
