Chula, PMU-A & TSRI Join Hands to Boost Social Enterprises for Thailand’s Sustainable Future 

Chulalongkorn University, together with the Program Management Unit for Area-Based Development (PMU-A) and the Thailand Science Research and Innovation Promotion Office (TSRI), officially launched the “Incubation Program and Establishment of the National Social Enterprise Support Fund” on August 15, 2025, at Room 201, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, during the MHESI Fair 2025. The signing ceremony was attended by Professor Dr. Pornanong Aramwit, Vice President of Chulalongkorn University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Poon Thiengburanathum, Deputy Director for Planning and Strategic Management, PMU-A; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nopbhorn Leeprechanon, Deputy Director of TSRI. 

As stressed by Prof. Dr. Pornanong Aramwit, successful businesses rely on three key elements: 

1. Knowledge – Universities are the most significant sources of knowledge, and Chulalongkorn has long been dedicated to creating and accumulating expertise. 

2. Integrity and Transparency – As a non-profit institution, Chulalongkorn is driven by a passion for education and research, committed to serving society. 

3. Investment Capital – The newly established fund, supported by both Chulalongkorn and PMU-A, will provide the necessary financial foundation to make projects tangible and ensure business success. 

“The Incubation Program and the National Social Enterprise Support Fund will benefit people at all levels. Innovations and development initiatives require research-based knowledge to enhance product value. Chulalongkorn has consistently promoted social enterprises, starting with the agricultural sector through cocoa production in Nan Province, which has already benefited farmers. Researchers gain opportunities to expand knowledge and collaborate with the private sector to achieve impactful results. We welcome participation from all sectors—whether through co-investment or funding applications for social enterprises—provided they align with our project framework. Chulalongkorn is ready to offer full support,” said Prof. Pornanong. 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Poon Thiengburanathum added that this collaboration reflects a shared commitment among the three organizations to make social enterprises a vital mechanism for long-term national development, with Chulalongkorn serving as the hub for systematically incubating and driving social innovation. He highlighted that social enterprises are not limited to agriculture—businesses in all sectors can engage with the program and draw on Chulalongkorn’s research-based knowledge framework to maximize project outcomes. 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nopbhorn Leeprechanon of TSRI noted that TSRI is focused on promoting the economy and reducing inequality. Agriculture is Thailand’s strength, but the sector lacks integrated resources and new knowledge. By working together, stronger development can be achieved. This initiative will drive the practical growth of social enterprises, leveraging Chulalongkorn’s extensive research and innovations to generate commercial applications and positive social impact. The project also seeks active involvement from private sector partners and investors to co-invest with Chulalongkorn, PMU-A, and TSRI, thereby enhancing social enterprise development. Ultimately, the goal is to raise incomes, break free from the middle-income trap, and move Thailand toward becoming a developed nation in the near future. 

The launch also featured a panel discussion titled “Catalyzing Change: University, Government, and Investors for Social Impact Growth.” Panelists included Assoc. Prof. Poon Thiengburanathum (PMU-A), Prof. Dr. Thansiphorn Na Nan, Director, Thai Cocoa Innovation and Sustainability Center, Faculty of Agricultural Resources, Chulalongkorn University, Mr. Pattana Sittisombat, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Border Economic Corridor Development and Urban Quality of Life under PMU-A, Mr. Apichat Karunkornsakul, Chairman, Social Innovation Foundation, and Mr. Theerapong Kammoon (Audiwa Thai Cacao Co., Ltd. / Farmer One). 

Asst. Prof. Dr. Thansiphorn Na Nan presented “The Border Economic Development Project through the Thai Cocoa Business Ecosystem towards International Standards,” initiated by Chulalongkorn’s Faculty of Agricultural Resources. The project serves as a pilot model to support farmers and stakeholders in the cocoa economy across 11 provinces, beginning in Nan, Thailand’s largest cocoa-growing area. The project integrates research knowledge into agricultural and business practices, analyzing profitability and growth directions, while fostering collaborations to create a research ecosystem that supports local communities. This model can be used to guide universities and other sectors to enhance product quality for global markets, generate local jobs, and establish sustainable community enterprises—an authentic example of a social enterprise. 

The Incubation Program and National Social Enterprise Support Fund aim to strengthen and promote social enterprises in Thailand by developing the capacity of social entrepreneurs to run sustainable businesses that effectively address social challenges. The initiative includes business incubation, consultancy, financial support, and network building to help social enterprises grow and deliver positive social impact. 

This collaboration between Chulalongkorn University, PMU-A, and TSRI represents a significant step toward building a new entrepreneurial ecosystem that prioritizes sustainable social impact over profit maximization. The initiative connects universities, government agencies, the private sector, and communities through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, with the ultimate goal of empowering social entrepreneurs to create continuous economic and social value. The fund focuses on supporting knowledge transfer, investment capital, incubation, networking, and cross-sector collaboration, emphasizing investments in businesses that generate measurable social impact and adhere to ESG principles. 

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