‘Sustainability, strategy, and risk are three dimensions of the same thing – the longevity of business. Sustainability for us is not only about environmental protection; it’s really about the survival of the business together with our stakeholders,’ said Tongjai Thanachanan, Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability and Strategy Officer of ThaiBev, during the ‘Sustainability as an Engine for Growth’ forum at Sustainability Expo 2025 (SX2025) at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
Tongjai stressed that sustainability initiatives are not an additional cost but an integral part of operations – a way to manage risk while improving efficiency and cost competitiveness.
Her statement echoed Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt’s vision of positioning the capital as a marketable global brand. To this end, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) appointed Pornphrom Vikitsreth as its first Chief Sustainability Officer.
‘The governor sees that Bangkok must compete with other cities in Asia – not just to attract short-term visitors, but to make people want to live, work, and invest here. This is very much linked to sustainability,’ said Pornphrom.
Thai Union: From Cost to Competitive Edge
For Thai seafood giant Thai Union, sustainability began as an expense. ‘It has evolved since then – that was ten years ago. Today, we view sustainability as a competitive advantage and a key driver of our growth,’ said Adam Brennan, Thai Union’s Chief Sustainability and Communication Officer.
In 2023, the company launched its SeaChange® 2030 strategy, described by Brennan as ‘the most ambitious and holistic sustainability strategy the seafood sector has ever seen.’ The initiative not only addresses Thai Union’s environmental and social impacts but also creates new commercial opportunities while engaging diverse stakeholders, including NGOs.
‘Today, our sustainability programme opens doors – doors that were otherwise closed. It enables new connections with retailers, unlocks commercial opportunities, and helps close deals that had been pending for years. Sustainability has become a key differentiator that protects people, the planet, and our business,’ Brennan said.
What began as a reputation-enhancing effort has evolved into a value-creating force. Thai Union has since earned global trust as a responsible supplier while helping Thai fisheries and farms elevate their practices. ‘We’ve moved from viewing sustainability as brand protection to brand value,’ Brennan concluded.
AirAsia: Rethinking Carbon as Business Cost
In a sector often criticised for its environmental footprint, AirAsia is rethinking how sustainability fits within its operations. ‘We first had to accept that carbon cost is part of business cost,’ said Mun Ching Yap, AirAsia’s Chief Sustainability Officer. ‘Managing this means understanding various options for carbon abatement. The biggest one for us is efficiency – and as a low-cost airline, we’ve always been strict on that.’
Yap noted that airlines face regulatory limits on what they can achieve independently. ‘Regulators typically focus on safety, but safety and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. With international aviation regulation evolving, sustainability is now a key focus for regulators,’ she said.
This regulatory shift has opened new dialogue between airlines and authorities on improving airspace management to reduce fuel use. ‘You also have the option of adopting new innovations such as sustainable aviation fuels,’ Yap added. ‘It’s a promising concept, but the price remains prohibitive for most airlines.’
AirAsia continues to invest heavily in operational efficiency – upgrading its fleet, refining flight operations, and exploring new technologies to cut emissions.
Collaboration for a Low-Carbon Future
As Thailand moves toward a low-carbon economy, corporate sustainability leaders share a common vision: collaboration, innovation, accountability, and capacity building will drive the transition from ambition to action.
Sustainability, they agree, is no longer an optional initiative but a long-term commitment – the only path forward for businesses and communities to thrive in a changing world.