On August 7, 2024, Yunus Thailand proudly participated in the "Waste Hero Education Excellence Announcement" event, a significant milestone hosted in collaboration with Indorama Ventures, the SEAMEO Regional Centre for Sufficiency Economy Philosophy for Sustainability (SEAMEO SEPS), and the SEAMEO Secretariat at the Indorama Ventures headquarters. This event celebrated the successful partnership among Yunus Thailand, Indorama Ventures, and SEAMEO SEPS, underscoring our shared commitment to the 2024 Waste Hero Development Campaign and the 2024 Waste Hero School Competition.

The event was graced by distinguished representatives including Datuk Dr. Habibah Abdul Rahim, Director of SEAMEO Secretariat; Dr. Phichet Phophakdee, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Education at Thailand's Ministry of Education; and Ms. Suchitra Lohia, Indorama Ventures Deputy Group CEO and Chairperson of the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee.

Several notable speakers addressed the audience. The event was opened by Colm Jordan, Global Head of Advocacy and Education at Indorama Ventures, and Datuk Dr. Habibah Abdul Rahim. Mr. Callum Mackenzie, Managing Director of Yunus Thailand, delivered a speech on the development and partnership for the Waste Hero Education Programme. Ms. Duriya Amatavivat, SEAMEO SEPS Centre Director, highlighted the achievements of the Waste Hero Programme across Southeast Asia in 2023 and 2024, while Dr. Phichet Phophakdee provided valuable insights into the program's impact. We were particularly inspired by the messages shared by Dr. Leonor Magtolis Briones, Centre Director of SEAMEO INNOTECH and former Secretary General of the Department of Education, Philippines, along with principals from the five outstanding schools that excelled in the 2024 Waste Hero School Competition. The event concluded with words of appreciation for the impactful collaborations between partners, delivered by Ms. Naweensuda Krabuanrat, Head of Global CSR at Indorama Ventures PCL.

It is inspiring to see schools actively implementing Waste Hero Education in their classrooms. Students are engaging in waste segregation activities, reusing and recycling waste into decorations, establishing vegetable farms, and even developing their own waste management models within the schools. These initiatives are empowering the next generation to take an active role in responsible waste management and environmental protection, fostering a deeper awareness and commitment to sustainability.

It is inspiring to see schools actively implementing Waste Hero Education in their classrooms. Students are engaging in waste segregation activities, reusing and recycling waste into decorations, establishing vegetable farms, and even developing their own waste management models within the schools. These initiatives are empowering the next generation to take an active role in responsible waste management and environmental protection, fostering a deeper awareness and commitment to sustainability.