UOB FinLab, the innovation incubation unit under UOB Bank, has officially launched the Sustainability Innovation Programme (SIP) 2025 in collaboration with Techsauce at the Techsauce Global Summit 2025 held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The program aims to support Thai SMEs in driving their businesses towards sustainability through the application of innovations and ESG approaches designed to transform business perspectives and operations in line with sustainability principles.

During the Kick-off Day, a seminar was held to educate SME entrepreneurs on two main topics:

Sustainability Insight and Innovation Trends
The session began with a broad overview of global sustainability trends and the design of an ESG Framework presented by Mr. Chao Wong Yuan, Chief Sustainability Officer of UOB Thailand, and Ms. Ratchada Apiramdech, Founder and CEO of Think Next Asia. They emphasized the importance of having a “Purpose” in business today, which goes beyond profit to include a clear stance on sustainability. They suggested that sustainability should be systematically integrated into the business structure to serve as a “compass” for decision-making at every organizational level. They also presented consumer survey results regarding businesses and brands that follow sustainable practices, offering guidance for SMEs on how to embark on their sustainability journey, backed by the design principles of the ESG framework to create a competitive advantage.

Driving Sustainable Business Practices
A key highlight of the event was an in-depth discussion on “Driving Sustainable Business Practices,” focusing on the exchange of real experiences from various perspectives, including banks, entrepreneurs, and business platforms.

On stage, the moderator prompted panelists to address thought-provoking questions, such as the pain points faced by Thai SMEs in starting their ESG journey and the factors that enable innovation and sustainability to thrive in Thailand's current ecosystem.

Panelists included Mr. Ballang Wongthawatchai, Head of Digital Engagement & Ecosystem Partnerships at UOB Thailand, who discussed the Sustainability Innovation Programme 2025 and support for Thai SMEs. He emphasized the need for entrepreneurs to embrace sustainability as part of their business growth strategy and highlighted the importance of pushing SMEs forward with sustainable strategies to enhance long-term competitiveness, noting that ESG is not just for large corporations but a significant opportunity for businesses of all sizes.

Mr. Sathit Boonchoak, Head of Product Management, Customer Experience and Digital for SME Business at UOB Thailand, also shared insights on SMEs that are seriously adapting to ESG, with the banking sector playing a crucial role in providing financial products that meet sustainability needs.

Mr. Pramote Dechaboon Siripanich, Managing Director of Panpuri, spoke about creating “sustainable luxury,” while Ms. Oranuch Lertsuwankit, CEO and co-founder of Techsauce Media Co., Ltd., discussed the ecosystem and the creation of platforms for technology and startups to drive sustainability in collaboration with the private sector and government.

Additionally, the learning format within the Sustainability Innovation Programme 2025 was discussed, designed to enable Thai SMEs to “take action” effectively, featuring four main learning components:
1. Teaching about Business Models that integrate Sustainability Frameworks for SMEs to apply to their own businesses.
2. An Experimental Learning approach, not just listening to lectures but engaging in hands-on thinking and doing.
3. Mentoring Sessions with experts providing tailored advice for each business.
4. Learning alongside skills in Digital Tools to enhance competitive capabilities.

Selected SME entrepreneurs participating in the Sustainability Innovation Programme (SIP) 2025 will join workshops with experts on August 21 and September 3, 2025. For more details, visit: www.thefinlab.com/thailand