CHIANG MAI — Nestlé Thailand has partnered with Chiang Mai University to launch a new sustainability course aimed at preparing university students to address environmental challenges and understand how businesses integrate sustainability into their operations, the company announced this week.
The program, titled “Sustainability Beyond Business: Insight-Action-Solution,” is being introduced for the first time in Thailand under a memorandum of understanding signed between Nestlé and the university.
Victor Seah, chairman and CEO of Nestlé Indochina, said the initiative is part of the company’s efforts to support its net-zero 2050 commitment and to empower young people to become “future changemakers.” The course will allow students to learn from practitioners and explore how sustainability can be applied in business settings, he said.
Chiang Mai University President Prof. Pongruk Sribanditmongkol said the collaboration supports the school’s goal of becoming a carbon-neutral campus and contributes to national climate targets. He added that students will gain practical exposure to how organizations implement sustainability practices and may have opportunities for internships.
The course is part of Nestlé Needs YOUth, a global program that aims to provide 10 million young people with economic opportunities by 2030. In Thailand, Nestlé says it supports more than 8,000 youths annually through training, entrepreneurship programs, and internships.
Open to third- and fourth-year students from all faculties, the new sustainability program covers topics such as national sustainability challenges, supply-chain practices, brand communication, and innovation. It will conclude with a hackathon, and top participants will be eligible for scholarships and internships with the company.
Nestlé Thailand announced its local roadmap toward net-zero emissions in 2021, focusing on sustainable sourcing, water stewardship, packaging development, and carbon reduction.
University and company officials said the partnership highlights a broader model of cooperation between the private sector and academia to advance sustainability education in Thailand.
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