Mahidol University International College (MUIC) served as a co-organizer, along with the Institute for Technology and Innovation Management (iNT), the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, and the Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, of the successful event entitled Mahidol Industry Partnership Forum: Empowering SMEs for a Sustainable Tomorrow.

Held on January 30, 2025 at the Grand Ballroom, Prince Mahidol Hall Conference Center, in Mahidol University’s Salaya campus, the forum brought together experts, SME entrepreneurs and academics in a productive day-long series of seminars.

The event was officially opened by Prof. Piyamitr Sritara, MD, FRCP, President of Mahidol University.  Assoc. Prof. Dr. Viriya Taecharungroj, Director of the Institute for Technology and Innovation Management, addressed the objectives of the forum, while Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thunnalin Winuprasith, Deputy Director of the institute, also participated in the event.

The forum featured insightful discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions, including a keynote speech on “Sustainability as a Game-Changer: Why Thai SMEs Must Act Now” delivered by Dr. Soraphol Tulayasathien, Senior Executive Vice President, Head of Corporate Strategy & Strategic Initiatives Division, Head of Sustainable Market Development Division, and Head of Strategy Group at the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

Additionally, the event hosted a series of expert panel discussions involving university leaders and industry specialists on the following key topics:

Collaborative Pathways to Sustainability: A Practical Guide for Thai SMEs and Government Partnership – Exploring strategies to foster sustainable collaborations between SMEs and the public sector.

From Concept to Action: Business Tools and Frameworks for SMEs’ Sustainable Growth Journey – Providing practical frameworks for SMEs to implement sustainability-driven business models.

From Compliance to Business Opportunities: Leveraging Environmental Innovation for SMEs’ Sustainable Growth – Highlighting how environmental regulations can be transformed into business advantages.

Riding the Social Wave: How Demographic Shifts and Stakeholder Engagement Create New Business Frontiers for SMEs – Addressing the role of demographic changes and stakeholder relations in shaping new business opportunities.

Green Finance for Growth: A Guide to Sustainable Funding Solutions for SMEs – Discussing financial resources and investment strategies for sustainable business development.

A significant highlight of the forum was the panel discussion on “Silver Economy Reimagined: Business Opportunities through the DEI Lens in an Aging Society,” which included Prof. Chulathida Chomchai, M.D., MUIC Dean,.  This session explored emerging business opportunities in response to an aging population and the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in shaping sustainable business models.

The Mahidol Industry Partnership Forum: Empowering SMEs for a Sustainable Tomorrow had the Mahidol Industry Connection Center (MICC) under the Institute for Technology and Innovation Management as the main organizer, in partnership with Mahidol University International College, the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, and the Institute for Population and Social Research. The forum aimed to promote and integrate research from Mahidol University’s faculty and researchers into the industrial sector while strengthening academic-industry networks. Additionally, the event provided valuable insights from experts, funding sources, and sustainable development opportunities, enabling SMEs to enhance their business strategies and contribute to the national economy through sustainability-focused initiatives.