Nestlé and Chiang Mai University Launch First-in-Thailand Sustainability Course for Young Changemakers
New “Sustainability Beyond Business” programme aims to equip Thai students with green skills to support national climate goals
Nestlé and Chiang Mai University have jointly launched a new university-level course in Thailand, titled “Sustainability Beyond Business: Insight-Action-Solution,” aimed at preparing students to address the country’s environmental and carbon-neutrality challenges.
The agreement was formalized in a memorandum of understanding signed this week, marking the programme’s first rollout in the country.
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The course is open to third- and fourth-year undergraduates from all faculties and combines academic learning with practical, real-world insight through case-studies, expert-led workshops and project-based work.
Students will examine sustainability across supply chains, corporate practices and environmental impact, equipping them with the tools to design actionable solutions for businesses and communities alike.
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According to Victor Seah, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Indochina, the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to its “Net Zero 2050” ambitions and its broader global youth-empowerment platform Nestlé Needs YOUth.
Seah said the course aims to give young people the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and embed sustainability into future business practices.
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For Chiang Mai University, the partnership reinforces its ambition to operate as a “Carbon Neutral University.” Its president, Pongruk Sribanditmongkol, noted the collaboration gives students direct exposure to corporate sustainability practices and enhances their ability to contribute to Thailand’s national net-zero and environmental targets.
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The new programme is part of a broader regional and global trend to build green-skilled workforces.
With growing demand for professionals versed in environmental management, climate risk, circular economy and sustainable supply-chain practices, initiatives like this are increasingly essential.
Observers view the course as a meaningful bridge between academic training and industry needs at a pivotal moment for climate action in Southeast Asia.
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The “Sustainability Beyond Business” course represents a concrete step towards aligning youth education with Thailand’s evolving climate commitments — and offers a model for how private-sector firms and universities can collaborate to foster sustainability talent and support long-term decarbonisation goals.
As launch events get underway and the first cohort begins its studies, attention will now turn to how students apply their learning — and whether the skills acquired can help accelerate Thailand’s journey toward a greener, more sustainable future.