Chulalongkorn University, together with KHUN Foundation, unites with partners to continue the "Youth Environmental Guardians Project Year 2," fostering sustainable youth leaders committed to protecting the planet.
On 2 May 2026, reporters reported that KHUN Foundation, dedicated to raising environmental awareness—especially on proper waste management and sorting for youth and society—collaborated with Chulalongkorn University and private sector partners to continue the Youth Environmental Guardians Project Year 2. Activities included the second-year MOU signing between existing and new partners, notably STP&I Public Company Limited, a publicly listed company that values the project, held at the Petroleum and Petrochemical College conference room at Chulalongkorn University.
Ms. Prangtip Anantavipat, Chairperson of KHUN Foundation, stated that after one year of engaging and educational environmental activities accumulated monthly, KHUN Foundation, the Petroleum and Petrochemical College at Chulalongkorn University, the ASEAN Vinyl Council (AVC), and RICOH (Thailand) Co., Ltd. have cultivated many new young male and female heroes. She expressed gratitude to Assumption Primary School and Assumption Suksa School for helping nurture numerous young guardians. A total of 56 youths under 20 from Assumption Primary and 77 from Assumption Suksa participated. The event featured a lively ceremony awarding guardian pins and certificates, joyfully attended by the adorable giant poodle dog, Sky.
Actor and singer Saharat Sangkapreecha said he joined to support the cause because he admired Ms. Prangtip of KHUN Foundation’s dedication to environmental advocacy over many years. He agreed that promoting waste separation is a very simple, everyday matter that many adults neglect or fail to see as necessary. He emphasized that doing good for the planet should not be limited to Earth Day on 22 April each year but practiced daily in small ways. He believes that the small efforts of everyone, driven by passion and positive energy, will surely help move the world forward and bring about good outcomes for the planet.
Professor Dr. Pramot Rangsarnvichit, Dean of the Petroleum and Petrochemical College at Chulalongkorn University, said that after one year of collaboration under the MOU for developing young environmental guardians, they are now entering the second continuous year. The focus is on raising awareness about environmental issues, climate change (global warming), solutions to the climate crisis, environmental care skills in daily life, waste management, correct waste separation, and circular economy principles. Associate Professor Dr. Manit Nitithanakul, faculty member at the Petroleum and Petrochemical College, proposed new ideas: besides monthly student training, they will organize camps where students visit actual workplaces with waste and environmental management systems. These camps will teach waste separation, plastic recycling processes and types, climate change, global warming, and energy use in daily life. The target groups are students and staff from participating partner organizations.
Mr. Paisan Lophongpaiboon, representative of the ASEAN Vinyl Council, said they are ready to support knowledge and best practices related to sustainable vinyl material use and management, as well as provide information and resources to help the project achieve broader coverage and positive social impact.
Ms. Charinee Senanarong, executive representative from RICOH (Thailand) Co., Ltd., stated that the company supports sustainable environmental management policies aligned with its annual plans and facilitates project implementation. Last year, they opened their learning center for students and teachers to visit, offering an enjoyable experience combined with knowledge on resource management.
Ms. Arisara Chanweerakul, representative from STP&I Public Company Limited, said that STP&I continuously prioritizes environmental and sustainability issues. Currently, the company is transitioning from construction to more renewable energy businesses, such as solar and wind power, reflecting their commitment to sustainability not only in Thailand but across the region. She noted that signing the MOU is an important step toward a more systematic advancement of these efforts. She has known KHUN Foundation’s chairperson for some time and has collaborated with her several times, including as a legal and tax advisor to the company.
What impressed her most was seeing the project as a genuine example of consistent waste separation efforts. Another important aspect discussed was the plan to provide training for housekeeping and cleaning staff within organizations, which she considers very practical since these groups play a direct role in daily waste management. This ensures the project is not just a policy on paper but can be effectively applied in operations.