Nestlé Indochina has formalized a strategic partnership with Chiang Mai University to introduce a specialized academic course designed to equip Thai students with practical skills for navigating the green economy. The initiative, titled “Sustainability Beyond Business: Insight-Action-Solution,” aims to transform university students into future changemakers capable of addressing Thailand’s environmental challenges through actionable business solutions.
The collaboration was officially marked by a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony presided over by Professor Emeritus Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, President of the Chiang Mai University Council. The agreement was signed by Victor Seah, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Indochina, and Professor Dr. Pongruk Sribanditmongkol, President of Chiang Mai University.
As the world’s largest food and beverage company, Nestlé is positioning this initiative as a bridge between academic theory and real-world corporate practice. The course is designed to allow young people to learn directly from industry experts, turning theoretical insights into tangible actions. This aligns with Nestlé’s broader operational philosophy which emphasizes sustainability throughout the value chain, from farm to fork, in pursuit of its Net Zero 2050 goal.
Victor Seah, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Indochina, stated that the company prioritizes empowering the new generation to become future leaders. He expressed that this collaboration with Chiang Mai University serves as a gateway for youth to learn from experienced professionals and understand how to integrate sustainability into the business sector. He noted that the program aims to establish a community where knowledge and experience are exchanged, forming a solid foundation for the country’s sustainable future.
The partnership supports Chiang Mai University’s vision of becoming a Carbon Neutral University. Professor Dr. Pongruk Sribanditmongkol highlighted that the university is driven by the collective power of its community and reinforced the institution’s commitment to collaborating with leading businesses. He explained that working with Nestlé provides students with the opportunity to learn how to adapt sustainability practices within various organizations. The program is expected to inspire students to develop systematic solutions for carbon neutrality plans while offering valuable internship opportunities.
Curriculum and Practical Application
Open to third and fourth-year bachelor’s degree students from all faculties, the course draws upon Nestlé’s case studies and direct experiences. The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of the sustainability landscape. Students will examine national challenges and the role of business in delivering value aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
The coursework further explores how businesses embed sustainability across the supply chain, covering agriculture, production processes, packaging design, and renewable energy use. It also delves into brand communication strategies, analyzing consumer behavior and the importance of transparency in communicating sustainability progress. The final component focuses on innovation, encouraging students to apply creativity and progress tracking to build a sustainable future.
The program emphasizes practical application over theory. Students will collaborate to present their ideas and conclude the module with a Hackathon under the theme “My Sustainable Business Idea for Thailand.” Outstanding participants will be eligible for scholarships and internship placements at Nestlé upon completion.
Global Vision, Local Impact
This academic initiative is part of the “Nestlé Needs YOUth” global program, which aims to help 10 million young people worldwide access economic opportunities by 2030. In Thailand, the company has localized this approach to empower over 8,000 young individuals annually through knowledge sharing, entrepreneurial skill development, and internships.
The launch of this course also underscores Nestlé Thailand’s ongoing environmental commitments. Since announcing its local roadmap in 2021, the company has focused its sustainability efforts on sustainable sourcing, water stewardship, packaging sustainability, and carbon reduction. This educational partnership represents a collaborative model between the business sector and academia, designed to yield tangible outcomes for Thailand’s long-term environmental goals.
