NSTDA, on behalf of Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), recently hosted two ASEAN BCG sessions as part of ASEAN BCG Network activities. The ASEAN BCG sessions which was held during ‘the 4th ASEAN Innovation Roadmap Forum’ taking place from 23 to 24 August 2023 at the Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao, Bangkok exemplified ASEAN’s pursuit of a dynamic future.

Session 1: ASEAN BCG Competition Awards on 23 August 2023

This dynamic session, designed to foster workforce development and fortify ASEAN’s prowess in BCG Economy collaboration, was a resounding success. Ten outstanding researchers and innovators representing a spectrum of academic institutions and the private sector from across ASEAN vied for the top spot. These participants were the standout contenders who triumphed in the preliminary “The Call for Applications and VDO Pitching” round conducted in June 2023.

Mr. Apichat Poomee, representing PAC Corporation (Thailand) Co., Ltd., emerged as the ultimate winner of the ASEAN BCG Competition Awards. His creative idea of “Well-Being Energy Saving Solutions” captured the attention of the ASEAN BCG judging committee. PAC Corporation (Thailand) Co., Ltd. clinched the award by pioneering energy-efficient and environmentally friendly products, particularly focusing on advancing water heating and air conditioning systems with circular concepts and energy saving.

Meanwhile, Dr. Watumesa Agustina Tan from Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia was chosen by the audience as the popular vote winner. Dr. Tan’s captivating notion of “How to reduce plastic waste pollution?” struck a chord, emphasizing the acceleration of bioplastics degradation to combat plastic waste.

Session 2: Seminar on BCG Economy Model on 24 August 2023

The second day of the forum unfolded with the seminar on “BCG Economy Model: Circular Economy for Green Recovery in ASEAN”, echoing the harmony of circular economy principles and technological advancement. This enlightening session sought to elevate awareness and discourse on the circular paradigm within the ASEAN-Japan axis. Collaborative aspirations infused the atmosphere, igniting discussions about research alliances aimed at catalyzing the transition toward a circular economy.

This symposium’s resounding success was fueled by trailblazing insights from distinguished representatives from forefront organizations that presented an array of illuminating perspectives on the circular economy and sustainable development. The program included the following presentations:

1. Circular Economy in ASEAN by ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD)
2. Japan’s Green Growth Strategy by the Embassy of Japan in Thailand
3. Bio-Circular Economy Green Technology on Natural Conservation to Support SDGs Village in Indonesia by Research, Innovation and Community Development of Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia
4. Accelerating Net Zero Transition with the Green Economy Paradigm by Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR)
5. Sustainable Innovations in Waste Management and Value-Added Products for Myanmar’s Green Economy by the Department of Biotechnology Research, Myanmar
6. Real Time Natural and Cultivated Fields Monitoring for Agroecology Development and Environmental Conservation Enhancing by Mounoy Development Sole Co., Ltd, Lao PDR
7. Brunei ‘s Carbon Capture Strategy by the Centre for Advanced Material and Energy Sciences and Research Lead, Catalysis Research Group, Universiti Brunei Darussalam
8. Singapore’s Approach to Decarbonization through Fostering a Circular Economy by A*STAR SIMTech and ARTC, Singapore
9. Roles of Material Technology in Driving the Transition toward Plastic Circular Economy by MTEC-NSTDA, Thailand

In a harmonious crescendo, the 4th ASEAN Innovation Roadmap Forum epitomized innovation and collaboration, showcasing the promising future that awaits ASEAN’s innovators and change-makers. It also established a precedent for ASEAN’s path towards sustainable innovation and collaboration.