Chulalongkorn University Triumphs in the ‘BASF Young Voices for a Sustainable Future’ Project with Groundbreaking Cacao Sustainability Initiative 

Bangkok, Thailand – November 6, 2024: Chulalongkorn University has emerged as the proud winner of the prestigious “BASF Young Voices for a Sustainable Future” award, a global initiative launched by BASF in partnership with Junior Achievement Worldwide (JA). This marks the program’s debut in Thailand, with an inspiring focus on empowering young voices to tackle climate change through sustainable projects rooted in local impact and climate resilience. 

The student team from Chulalongkorn University, recognized for their innovative project “Value Chain Enhancement of Cacao Based on the BCG Economic Model in Agricultural Communities of Nan Province,” has won first place in the Young Voices for a Sustainable Future project. The team members are as follows: 

A group of students from various faculties at the university, including Krirkkanok Terawanich, Chetthaphon Liangthanom, Danuphon Thepprhakhun, Pornkamon Soyai, Sermphon Limkijcharoen, Supitcha Weerawong, Siriyagon Chumkhun, Chakkrinaret Suksaikaew, Phanawat Pleebat, Wish Tanawattanacharoen from the School of Agricultural Resources, Nontapan Sitthichotlertpakdee from Faculty of Engineering and Hathaitanit Tongthong from Faculty of Communication Arts. 

The project is supervised by Assist. Prof. Dr. Tansiphorn Na Nan and Dr. Sudlop Ratanakuakangwan , with research assistance provided by Supanida Thongpun, Apichaya Feepakpro and Thofan Kakham 

The program saw enthusiastic participation from over 117 students across 8 universities in Thailand, each submitting innovative solutions to address pressing environmental challenges. Among the 13 visionary proposals, three emerged as finalists:  

• Chulalongkorn University’s “Going Green Cacao” project. 
• King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang’s “From Sea to Sustainability” initiative centered on red seaweed. 
• Khon Kaen University’s “Banana Shield” project, which proposed air filters made from banana fibers. 

The finalists gathered at BASF’s Bangpakong site in Chonburi for a day of hands-on learning in sustainable practices within the chemical industry. During an intense pitch session, each team presented their ideas, showcasing unique approaches to sustainability that address challenges in distinct regions across Thailand. Chulalongkorn’s project stood out for its inventive value chain management approach for sustainable cacao production in Nan province, integrating the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model. The project combines creative solutions to sustainable farming with waste valorization by turning cacao by-products into nutritious animal feed. 

As winners, Chulalongkorn University will receive funding and a six-month mentorship from BASF to further develop their project, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and promoting value-added uses of cacao waste. Their project will also be showcased on the JA Worldwide website, introducing Thailand’s innovative sustainability efforts to a global audience. Moreover, they will represent Thailand in an international competition alongside participants from seven other countries. 

This achievement highlights BASF’s dedication to nurturing young talent and advancing sustainable development through impactful, youth-driven innovations that address Thailand’s environmental challenges. 

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