Join us for keynote speech by Youssef Nassef, Director of the Adaptation Division at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). As he shares his vision on “Shaping the Future of Resilience: A Vision for a Thriving Planet”.
Youssef Nassef has led the adaptation workstreams under the UNFCCC since their inception. He possesses over 30 years of experience in diplomacy and international environmental policy.
He led UNFCCC support for several initiatives on adaptation. These include the inception and support for National Adaptation Programmes of Action and National Adaptation Plans; the Nairobi Work Programme – an international knowledge hub for impacts, vulnerability and adaptation; and the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage. He recently created the Resilience Frontiers initiative which applies foresight for attaining post-2030 resilience.
📅 Date: Friday, 3 October 2025
🕑 Time: 10.00 – 12.00
📍 Venue: SX Grand Plenary Hall, Level G, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok
In a buzzing, fast-paced city like Bangkok, travellers are increasingly seeking a space that feels like home. Shama, the serviced apartment brand from ONYX Hospitality Group — a leading hospitality management company with a portfolio spanning hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences — offers the perfect solution. Centrally located, Shama residences combine modern convenience with tranquillity, allowing guests to work, relax, and unwind in a peaceful, thoughtfully designed, home-like environment tucked away from the city’s usual hustle.
Shama creates an environment that balances the dynamism of urban life with the warmth of home, allowing guests to embrace each moment harmoniously. Every apartment is designed as a genuinely liveable space—spacious, light-filled, and comfortable—with well-proportioned layouts and a full suite of amenities, including a kitchen, living room, housekeeping service, concierge, fitness centre, and swimming pool. These features ensure that residents feel truly at home, whether staying for a short visit or a long-term stay.
All Shama properties occupy prime locations, offering seamless access to both business hubs and lifestyle destinations. Through initiatives such as the Shama Social Club and Shama Friends, residents are invited to join a diverse range of activities designed to foster community connections, enhance lifestyles, and enrich day-to-day living. For example, Shama Yen-Akat Bangkok lies between the bustling commercial districts of Silom and Sathorn; Shama Ekamai Bangkok is set in the vibrant Ekkamai–Thonglor neighbourhood with its array of shopping and dining options; while Shama Lakeview Asoke Bangkok provides a peaceful retreat near Benjakitti Park, with effortless access to the city’s conveniences.
ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading hotel management company in Southeast Asia with a diverse portfolio of hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences, is honoured to have been voted “Best Local Hotel Brand – Thailand” at the 34th Annual TTG Travel Awards 2025. This prestigious accolade was determined by readers of TTG Travel Trade Publishing’s print and online titles, including TTG Asia, TTG China, TTG India, TTGmice, TTG-BTmice China, TTGassociations, and TTG Asia Luxury.
The award was formally presented and accepted by Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta, Chief Executive Officer of ONYX Hospitality Group, during the TTG Travel Awards 2025 Ceremony & Gala Dinner on 25th September 2025 at the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld.
Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta, Chief Executive Officer of ONYX Hospitality Group, said:
“We are deeply honoured to be recognised as “Best Local Hotel Brand – Thailand” at the TTG Travel Awards 2025. This award is a reflection of the trust and support of our guests, partners, and the travel community. It is also a testament to the dedication of our team members, whose passion for service brings our Tailored Approach to Hospitality to life every day. We remain committed to elevating our brand experiences, expanding our footprint, and shaping the future of hospitality in the region.”
FILE - A "Danger Mines" sign marks an area as Cambodia Mine Action Center, CMAC, staff members work at a minefield in Preytotoeung village, Battambang province, Cambodia, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith, File)
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — The United States will grant $675,000 for crucial demining programs in Cambodia, the U.S. Embassy said Monday, after a freeze on foreign assistance raised doubts about the future support for mine clearance in the Southeast Asian nation.
An estimated 4 million to 6 million land mines and other unexploded munitions littered Cambodia’s countryside during decades of conflict that began in 1970 and ended in 1998. Since the end of the fighting, nearly 20,000 people have been killed and about 45,000 injured by leftover war explosives, even though Cambodia has a worldwide reputation for an effective demining program.
Washington has contributed over $220 million since 1993 for demining operations and has partnered with the Norwegian People’s Aid and the Cambodian Mine Action Center, the U.S. Embassy said.
FILE – Cambodia Mine Action Center, CMAC, staff members work to demine a minefield in Preytotoeung village, Battambang province, Cambodia, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith, File)
Heng Ratana, director-general of the Cambodian Mine Action Center, said that soon after February’s aid freeze announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump, Washington had issued a waiver allowing $6.36 million in scheduled aid to continue until November 2025.
He said the new funding was for mine clearing operations from November through April 2026. He expressed hope that a recent congressional visit and the signing of the funding agreement demonstrated Washington’s commitment to continued assistance for demining.
Cambodian deminers are among the world’s most experienced, and several thousand have been sent in the past decade under U.N. auspices to work in Africa and the Middle East.
However, neighboring Thailand has accused Cambodia of planting new antipersonnel mines along their border as part of a territorial dispute that led to five days of armed clashes in late July. Cambodia has denied the allegations.
LED screen signs on Walking Street Pattaya are in Chinese.
BANGKOK — Thailand’s tourism sector is facing a double blow as currency appreciation and weakening demand from its largest market converge during what should be peak season.
The country expects just 200,000 Chinese visitors during this year’s Golden Week holiday—down 24% from 262,000 in 2024—with projected revenues falling 17% to 9.1 billion baht ($282.5 million), according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
The decline marks an intensifying challenge for an industry already grappling with a 7% drop in overall international arrivals between January and September 2025.
Currency Pressure Mounting
The Thai baht’s persistent strength has emerged as a critical factor driving tourists toward competing destinations. The appreciation has hit hardest in key long-haul markets where exchange rates directly influence travel decisions.
U.S. arrivals dropped 6% to 36,800 in early September as the baht strengthened 7% against the dollar since May. The currency shift has made Thailand significantly more expensive for American travelers—a crucial “super long-haul” segment known for high spending per trip.
Chinese arrivals fell even more sharply, plunging 33% to 205,200 during the same period. While the strong baht contributed to the decline, TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool pointed to safety perception issues and fierce regional competition as primary drivers.
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool
Competitors Capitalize on Currency Shifts
Japan has become the biggest beneficiary, with the yen’s 15% depreciation slashing travel costs and making it the top destination for Chinese Golden Week travelers. South Korea has added competitive pressure by waiving visas for Chinese tour groups of three or more traveling through approved agencies—a policy running through June 2026.
“Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam are all aggressively competing for Chinese tourists with both pricing and visa strategies,” Thapanee said.
European markets present a contrasting picture. UK arrivals rose 1% to 33,800, Germany climbed 5%, and France gained 3% as the euro and pound strengthened against the baht—making Thailand more affordable for European travelers.
Japanese visitor numbers dropped 6% in early September despite only 1% baht appreciation against the yen, though full-year arrivals are still projected to grow 15-18%.
FILE – Koh Samui remains full of tourists during the first quarter of 2025.
Market Fundamentals Under Strain
Beyond currency pressures, Thailand’s tourism sector is contending with economic headwinds in key source markets, U.S. retaliatory trade tariffs, the Thai-Cambodian border situation, and lingering safety concerns.
China remains Thailand’s top source market despite the decline. Chinese tourists spend an average 6,600 baht per person daily during 6-8 night stays. Some positive signals are emerging: advance flight bookings are up 5% compared to 2024, with 30 additional weekly flights added for Golden Week from cities including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Kunming.
“Despite current challenges, if Thailand can maintain confidence in safety and travel convenience while promoting diverse tourism offerings, there’s opportunity for recovery,” Thapanee said, pointing to Chinese New Year 2026 as a potential rebound period.
The Golden Week period runs from September 26 to October 8—a 13-day holiday coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival. For Thailand’s tourism industry, it’s becoming a test of resilience amid mounting headwinds.
DRAGONFLY SUMMIT 2025 – ASIA’S MOST TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AND WELLNESS SUMMIT RETURNS WITH “FLOW” THEME” A TWO-DAY TRANSFORMATIONAL EVENT BRINGS WORLD-REKNOWNED SPEAKERS AND HOSLISTIC WELLNESS EXPERIENCES TO BANGKOK
BANGKOK– Dragonfly Summit 2025, Asia’s largest leadership development and holistic wellness summit, took place during September 27-28, 2025, at Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon, Bangkok.
This year’s summit embraced the theme “FLOW,” designed to cultivate balanced positive energy while developing comprehensive leadership potential across physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions. Operating under the foundational concept “LEAD WELL” – leading with deep understanding and sustainability.
Dragonfly featured world-class speakers in leadership and well-being. The Summit also showcased unique experiential zones, including The Well-nest, presented in partnership with Chiva-Som – our exclusive wellness resort partner and the Bazaar powered by Tri Vananda.
Driving Positive Social Change Through Leadership Development
“Dragonfly Summit 2025” represents Asia’s most comprehensive platform for leadership development and holistic health advancement,” said Pranapada Pornprapha, Founder of Dragonfly360. “Now in its third consecutive year, the summit continued to receive exceptional response from participants, with a 15% increase in total attendance reaching over 3,000 participants. Our mission extends beyond individual transformation – we aim to drive Thailand’s holistic health tourism market, attracting high-quality tourists, business leaders, and executives throughout Asia who contribute significantly to Thailand’s economic growth.”
The organization plans to expand the summit to additional countries while developing specialized leadership training curricula for corporate organizations.
Holistic Leadership Philosophy
“Exceptional leadership requires more than knowledge alone,” explained Woody-Vuthithorn Milintachinda, Co-founder of Dragonfly360. “True leadership emerges from inner strength encompassing understanding, empathy, and compassion. Dragonfly Summit provides a transformative space for participants to release limitations while absorbing positive energy and mutual learning, ultimately leading to meaningful life transformation.
” The summit’s primary objective focuses on empowering attendees to share valuable insights with their families, colleagues, and communities, creating widespread awareness that begins with positive mindset development and builds confidence in personal worth.
A Transformational Experience for Next-Generation Leaders
“Dragonfly Summit transcends traditional conferences – it represents a transformational phenomenon for emerging leaders and a celebration of humanity’s potential for exceptional leadership,” added Cindy-Sirinya Bishop, Co-founder of Dragonfly360. “This unique platform enables participants to discover their authentic selves while developing practical applications for enhanced physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, ultimately leading to successful goal achievement.”
World-Renowned Speaker Lineup
Dragonfly Summit 2025 features distinguished international speakers and thought leaders sharing insights, experiences, and inspiration for personal development:
Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche: Renowned Tibetan meditation master that helps leaders in “Unlocking Inner Happiness Through Mindful Power”.
Nick Santonastasso: Global inspirational speaker and mindset coach who was born with Hanhart Syndrome.
Maejor: Grammy-winning R&B sound healing and frequency producer, inspired by his personal battle with leukemia and the therapeutic power of music.
Gabrielle Bernstein: Celebrated spiritual teacher and #1 New York Times bestselling author discussing “The Art of Letting Go”.
Matthew Walker: New York Times bestselling author of “Why We Sleep”.
Mo Gawdat: Former Chief Business Officer at Google [X] and AI innovation pioneer.
Ancient Pranayama yoga practices for energy enhancement and mind-body balance.
Ayurvedic sound therapy for deep relaxation, combining breathwork and sound healing for emotional regulation and life energy restoration.
Vision-posture and Chi energy movements for brain stimulation, postural improvement, and physical stability.
WELL-NEST Zone features:
Blueprint of the Soul Human Design Readings: Personalized 1:1 sessions for understanding inner energy and confident life direction.
Ayurveda Dosha Test & Consulting: Personalized lifestyle design for optimal mind-body health balance.
Destiny Matrix: Comprehensive life analysis through Tarot, Chakras, astrology, numerology, and psychology for spiritual code revelation.
Nick Santonastasso
BAZAAR POWERED BY TRI VANANDA presents:
Bee Maze exhibition exploring trust frequencies and unique leadership styles through an interactive journey across eight hexagonal chambers combining games, art, technology, and play.
‘Secrets to Longevity’ and sustainable nature-restoration community visions at Jampa Bar.
Philosophy and values exploration of Tri Vananda’s sustainable wellness community in Phuket, designed for intergenerational living.
Sustainability and Innovation Workshops
Indorama Ventures DIY Workshop transforms PET waste into creative memorabilia, converting recycled water bottles into eco-friendly photo frames. A highlight installation features a large artistic tree constructed from PET bottles and recycled fabric, illustrating the journey of bottle transformation into valuable resources. This reflects Indorama Ventures’ commitment to demonstrating how proper waste separation enables continuous PET bottle recycling, reducing environmental impact while creating concrete business opportunities and employment.
Before and after: Spanish artist Carolina Adan Caro's mural on Charoen Krung Soi 30 was defaced by vandals on September 27, 2025, just one week after its unveiling.
BANGKOK — Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has vowed to prosecute vandals who defaced a mural by Spanish artist Carolina Adan Caro, with police already apprehending one of three suspects involved in the deliberate destruction.
The governor inspected the damaged artwork on Charoen Krung Soi 30 in Bang Rak district on September 29, expressing outrage over the incident that saw the freshly completed street art spray-painted over in a pre-dawn attack two days earlier.
“This Is Unacceptable”
“This is something we cannot accept,” Chadchart said during his site visit. “There’s no respect for other people’s work. Even though graffiti can be considered an art form, you must still respect others’ work, respect the city, and respect the place.”
CCTV footage revealed that three individuals on motorcycles entered the area in the early hours of September 27 and spent 17 minutes spray-painting over the mural, which had only been officially unveiled the previous week.
“We want Bangkok to be beautiful through art. We have projects like this throughout the city, trying to create street art to add color to our urban landscape,” the governor continued. “But the malicious actions of a few people have damaged these good intentions.”
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and officials inspect the vandalized mural by Spanish artist Carolina Adan Caro on Charoen Krung Soi 30, Bang Rak district, on September 29, 2025.
Part of City’s Creative Streets Initiative
Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon explained that the vandalized artwork was part of the “Krung Thep Creative Streets” project, an initiative by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to create more creative spaces for residents.
The program, developed in partnership with the French Embassy and several European diplomatic missions, brought together 15 international artists to create murals at 15 locations across the city. The goal was to connect three to four creative districts through public art.
Carolina Adan Caro’s mural, painted with the wall owner’s permission, took approximately 7-10 days to complete. It had been officially inaugurated just one week before the vandalism occurred.
A street artist, Carolina Adan Caro from Spain, creates artwork on walls and building facades along Charoen Krung Road, Bang Rak District, on September 16. (Photo: Bang Rak District Office)
Serious Charges Sought
Police General Adit Ngamjitsuksri, advisor to the Bangkok Governor, said authorities are pursuing charges of property destruction, which carries penalties of up to three years imprisonment, a fine of up to 60,000 baht ($1,860), or both.
One suspect has already been arrested and has confessed to the crime. Police are continuing their search for the two remaining individuals.
Governor Issues Warning
Governor Chadchart emphasized that this incident goes beyond simple vandalism. “This isn’t just making a mess. This artwork has an owner—an artist who entrusted it to Bangkok to care for. This is property. When you destroy property, the penalty is more severe than general defacement.”
He issue
CCTV footage shows three suspects (circled in red) spray-painting over the mural on Charoen Krung Soi 30 in the early hours of September 27, 2025.
d a stern warning to potential copycat vandals: “I want to tell anyone thinking of doing this: don’t do it. What you’re doing has no dignity or pride whatsoever. In fact, you should be ashamed.”
The governor also urged the public to report any similar incidents to police immediately, noting that CCTV cameras are monitoring street art locations throughout the city.
“We will prosecute to the fullest extent,” Chadchart pledged, making clear that Bangkok’s commitment to public art will be protected with serious consequences for those who vandalize it.
BANGKOK — A dramatic shareholder showdown at Dusit Thani Public Company Limited has exposed deep tensions over the future of one of Thailand’s most iconic hotel brands, with CEO Chanin Donavanik successfully fighting off an attempt to remove him from the board.
The September 26, 2025 extraordinary general meeting ended with minority shareholders decisively rejecting a motion to oust Chanin, raising questions about corporate governance and potential monopolistic practices in Thailand’s competitive hospitality sector.
A Battle for Control
The push to remove Chanin didn’t come from Dusit Thani’s existing board. Instead, the company’s largest shareholder, Chanat and Children Company Limited, invoked its legal right under Thailand’s Public Limited Companies Act to force an extraordinary meeting. The agenda was ambitious: remove the current CEO from the board, increase the number of directors, appoint new board members, and restructure board authority.
When votes were tallied on Chanin’s removal, the results told a revealing story. While 425.4 million shares voted for his ouster, an overwhelming 422.8 million of those belonged to Chanat and Children Co, Ltd itself. Only 2.5 million shares from other investors supported the motion—a striking indication that minority shareholders stood firmly behind current management.
Dusit Thani CEO Chanin Donavanik
In the end, nearly 87% of the 420 shareholders present voted against the removal. With Dusit Thani’s total share capital at 850 million shares, the verdict was clear: most investors want the current leadership to stay.
“I must take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to all minority shareholders who joined together to protect and support Dusit Thani, allowing it to continue operating under the management of the current board, for the honor and dignity of this Thai brand,” Chanin said in his statement on September 29.
Antitrust Concerns Take Center Stage
The meeting’s remaining agenda items have been postponed until December 4, 2025, following complaints filed by minority shareholders with both the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Trade Competition Commission. The concerns center on whether the proposed changes could facilitate monopolistic control or require regulatory approval for business consolidation.
At the heart of the controversy lies the relationship between Dusit Thani and the Central Group, one of Thailand’s largest conglomerates with extensive retail and hospitality interests. Chanin didn’t mince words about the potential implications.
“Many of Dusit Thani’s businesses directly compete with Central Group businesses—we have competed in the marketplace all along,” he explained to shareholders. “If Dusit Thani were to have directors or senior executives from Central Group, the company’s strategic direction would effectively fall under the control of a trade competitor.”
Dusit Central Park project aims to enhance urban wellness and strengthen Bangkok’s potential for sustainable growth.
The CEO warned that such an arrangement could give Central Group access to Dusit Thani’s most valuable assets—not physical properties, but proprietary information including customer databases, operational strategies, and business intelligence accumulated over decades. “These have tremendous business value, but could be used to benefit our competitor, potentially causing irreparable damage to Dusit Thani,” he cautioned.
The stakes extend beyond corporate interests, Chanin argued. Consumers could lose competitive choice in Thailand’s hospitality market if the Dusit Thani brand were to weaken or disappear entirely.
A Turnaround Story
Chanin’s defense of his leadership rested heavily on the company’s recent transformation, particularly the ambitious Dusit Central Park project that reimagined the original Dusit Thani Bangkok property.
“The critical turning point came when we had to demolish the original Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel,” he recalled. “If we had simply done nothing, Dusit Thani might not have been able to compete in the modern market.”
The decision to proceed with the massive redevelopment required finding partners and carefully structuring finances to avoid burdening shareholders—a strategy that would be tested during the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The pandemic devastated hotel businesses worldwide, but we never stopped or gave up,” Chanin said. “We kept moving forward with determination to ensure the project continued without requiring capital increases or disturbing shareholders. That decision came from our intention to protect existing shareholders’ interests as best as possible.”
The gamble appears to have paid off. The reimagined Dusit Thani Bangkok has reopened to critical acclaim, collecting numerous prestigious awards. Dusit Arun Park, a seven-rai elevated garden at the project’s heart, has become a beloved public space and the development’s signature feature—reflecting what Chanin described as the company’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
The residential component, Dusit Residences, has achieved over 90% sales, generating substantial revenue for the company. The office tower and shopping center are already operational and contributing to the company’s recovery.
Dusit Central Park sits at the crossroads of Bangkok’s financial and commercial districts.
What Happens Next
With Dusit Thani’s current management team secured—at least for now—attention turns to the December 4 meeting, where shareholders will revisit the proposed board changes. The outcome may hinge on regulatory investigations into the competition concerns raised by minority investors.
For Chanin, the fight represents more than corporate politics. “Dusit Thani is a symbol of Thai identity and cultural heritage that we all take pride in together,” he told shareholders.
“I promise to continue performing my duties with honesty, transparency, and adherence to good governance principles, so that Dusit Thani can move forward steadily and become a sustainable legacy for future generations, in accordance with the founder’s intentions.”
The postponement gives regulators time to examine whether the proposed changes would violate competition laws—and gives Dusit Thani’s minority shareholders time to organize their defense of the company’s independence. In Thailand’s competitive hospitality landscape, the battle for Dusit Thani’s future is far from over.
Five-star resort emerges from a series of enhancements, with a stunning seafront pool, private pools in every villa, reimagined restaurants & bars, an expanded spa and more, to immerse all guests in luxury and serenity
Phuket, Thailand – The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket, the five-star sanctuary nestled on a secluded island in the Andaman Sea, has unveiled a series of transformative enhancements that promise to elevate the guest experience. With a renewed focus on luxury, relaxation, and rejuvenation, these upgrades will allow guests to fully immerse in the island’s natural beauty while enjoying unparalleled comfort and world-class service.
The signature Beachside Infinity Pool now unveiled after a transformational renovation. Set against the mesmerizing backdrop of the turquoise sea, this stunning pool has become the resort’s centerpiece —a true icon of luxury and leisure. Guests can bask in the mirror-like waters, which reflect the ever-changing rhythms of the day, from the golden hues of sunrise to the vibrant oranges and reds of sunset. The pool’s shape, inspired by Naka Yai Island and the resort’s logo, invites guests to both swim and soak in the tranquil beachside atmosphere. With newly upgraded tiles and advanced safety features, the pool now includes a dedicated Kids’ Zone, ensuring that guests of all ages can make a splash.
Saint Mary’s University celebrates winning the 2025 Enactus World Cup. Photo credit: Tyler Maddigan
The Canadian team won the competition from a field of 29 challengers comprised of National Champions from the Enactus country network around the world.
BANGKOK, Thailand — The Enactus World Cup 2025 Presented by ThaiBev marked a historic milestone as both the 25th edition of this world-class competition and Enactus’ dynamic return to Southeast Asia after Thailand’s reintegration into the global network.
The competition brought together over 1,800 students, educators, and staff from 35 countries at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), Bangkok, from September 26-28, 2025, held alongside Sustainability Expo 2025 (SX2025).
Square Roots & Alaagi address two major Canadian challenges through separate but complementary projects, with Square Roots operating a franchise model rescuing surplus produce from farms and Alaagi developing seaweed-based bioplastic alternatives through extensive biodegradable materials research. The innovative dual approach embodies the circular economy principles that were central to many competing projects.
Second place went to Bindura University of Science and Education of Zimbabwe for their projects Biodermagent & VoltStep – addressing agricultural productivity and energy access through cutting-edge technology development by working with farming communities and students in energy-poor areas while developing seed treatment solutions and wearable energy generation devices.
Germany – University of Münster received the ThaiBev SEP Award (Sufficiency Economy Philosophy Award) for their Seads project, presented by Khun Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, Group CEO of Thai Beverage, recognizing their embodiment of Thailand’s sustainable development principles through marine ecosystem restoration.
Generation:Re Theme and Thailand’s Triumphant Return
This year’s competition was themed “Generation:Re,” celebrating the power of young people to reimagine, restore, and regenerate the world. Many participating students drew inspiration from Thailand’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) framework, built on moderation, resilience, and sustainable development—values that closely align with Enactus’ mission.
In a momentous homecoming, Thailand returned to the Enactus World Cup stage after nearly a decade, with Chulalongkorn University representing the nation on home soil. Their groundbreaking project transforms waste from cacao processing into high-quality cattle feed, simultaneously cutting agricultural waste, boosting value for local producers, and helping reduce methane emissions.
The project exemplifies the regenerative spirit of the competition and demonstrates Thailand’s leadership in sustainable innovation—a fitting tribute to the country’s role as host and its rich legacy in the Enactus network.
A Golden Anniversary and Strategic Partnership
The 2025 event marked the 50th anniversary of Enactus, which began in 1975 as Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) and rebranded in 2012 to reflect its broader mission: Entrepreneurial Action for Us All.
“We were deeply impressed with the Rakkaew Foundation’s vision and proposal,” said George Tsiatis, CEO of Resolution Project and Enactus Global. “The Thai team demonstrated remarkable dedication—even while out of the network since 2016, they maintained a strong local program and never stopped training students. Their commitment to youth empowerment made them the perfect partners to bring the World Cup back to Southeast Asia. We’re thrilled to elevate these incredible youth voices and give them a platform in the global sustainability conversation.”
The event was hosted in partnership with the Rakkaew Foundation and presented by Thai Beverage Public Company Limited (ThaiBev), demonstrating strong private sector commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable development across the ASEAN region.
Khun Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, Group CEO of Thai Beverage, speaks at the Enactus World Cup in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo credit: Tyler Maddigan
Honoring Outstanding Leadership and Alumni Impact
The Enactus World Cup 2025 also celebrated exceptional leaders who have championed the organization’s mission. Geraldine Acuña Sunshine and Gabriel Sunshine were honored with the Global Champion Award in recognition of their extraordinary dedication and transformative support of Resolution Project and Enactus.
In recognition of decades of unwavering partnership, KPMG received the 2025 Enactus Legacy Award. KPMG’s commitment spans seven Enactus network countries—Brazil, France, Germany, Ghana, Italy, Mexico, and Thailand—as well as the Global Enactus program. As a steadfast force for good, KPMG has amplified student voices and prioritized impact for young people around the world, making them an invaluable partner in advancing Enactus’ mission worldwide.
The 2025 Enactus Alumni Award was presented to Song Min-pyo, CEO of Coactus, a pioneering South Korean social venture. Song’s innovative “Goyohan Taxi” service connects deaf drivers with passengers who communicate via in-vehicle tablets, demonstrating how entrepreneurial thinking can drive both economic opportunity and social change—embodying the lasting impact of Enactus education.
Global Impact and Future Vision
Students competed across diverse sustainability categories, showcasing entrepreneurial projects that address real-world challenges while gaining valuable strategic insights to transform initiatives into viable enterprises or meaningful careers. The competition serves not only as a learning platform but as a launchpad for long-term impact, with continued support from Enactus and the Resolution Project through mentorship, leadership development, and funding connections.
During the event, Edson Matsuoka, President & CEO of Enactus Brazil, and Márcio França, Minister of State for the Ministry of Entrepreneurship of the Federative Republic of Brazil, announced that São Paulo, Brazil will host the 2026 Enactus World Cup from November 16-19, 2026. “It is with great joy that we announce the Enactus World Cup will be coming to Brazil in 2026,” said the Minister. “See you in Brazil!”
Students celebrate the announcement of São Paolo, Brazil as the next host of the Enactus World Cup. Photo credit: David Gabus
Expanding Global Network
The organization’s integration with Resolution Project has strengthened support for student-led ventures, with combined impact engaging over 50,000 young social entrepreneurs annually across nearly 100 countries.
The event would not have been possible without the Rakkaew Foundation, presenting sponsor ThaiBev, impact sponsor The Sunshine Charitable Foundation, innovation sponsors Bentley Systems, Harmony Gold, KPMG, and Kasikornbank Public Company Limited, and the support of Sustainability Expo 2025 (SX2025).
With its successful return to Southeast Asia and a new generation of changemakers taking center stage, Enactus World Cup 2025 has inspired bold action, sparked global collaboration, and reinforced the organization’s mission to shape a more sustainable future through youth-led entrepreneurial leadership.
“Having students from 35 countries, learning from one another, is what makes this event unique,” said Tsiatis. “The true success lies in how they carry these lessons forward—to create lasting impact in whatever path they choose.”
