CISTU Joins Thammasat University in Partnering with GCNT to Launch Sustainability Management Program at GCNT Expo 2025

On 30 July 2025, the College of Interdisciplinary Studies (CISTU) joined Thammasat University in partnering with the Global Compact Network Thailand (GCNT) — the world’s largest corporate sustainability network — to launch the Bachelor of Science Program in Sustainability Management (SUMA).

The launch was marked at GCNT Expo 2025 at True Digital Park, an event that brought together leaders from the public, private, and academic sectors to accelerate the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The MoU signing was officiated by:

🤝 Mr. Suphachai Chearavanont, President of GCNT and CEO of Charoen Pokphand Group

🤝 Prof.Supasawad Chardchawarn, Ph.D., Rector of Thammasat University

with Minister Jiraporn Sinthuprai as witness.

University executives in attendance included:

🌟 Assoc. Prof. Damrong Adulyarittigun, Ph.D., Vice Rector for Academic Affairs

🌟 Assoc. Prof. Saifon Su-indramedhi, Dean, College of Interdisciplinary Studies (CISTU)together with senior leaders from across sectors committed to advancing sustainability.

Following the signing of the MoU between Thammasat University and the Global Compact Network Thailand (GCNT), the event continued at HR Corner, True Digital Park (West). with opening remarks from Prof. Supasawad Chardchawarn, Ph.D., Rector of Thammasat University.

He highlighted that the Bachelor of Science in Sustainability Management (SUMA) is an innovative program co-developed by five faculties within the university:

• The College of Interdisciplinary Studies

• The Faculty of Social Administration

• The Puey Ungphakorn School of Development Studies

• The Faculty of Science and Technology

• The Faculty of Engineering

In partnership with GCNT, the curriculum integrates knowledge from science, economics, management, and policy to cultivate sustainability professionals whose skills align with employer needs and emerging job market trends.

The event then transitioned into the official launch forum for the Bachelor of Science in Sustainability Management (SUMA) on 30 July 2025

The panel featured distinguished leaders and curriculum co-developers shaping Thailand’s sustainability agenda:

• Assoc. Prof. Damrong Adulyarittigun, Ph.D., Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Thammasat University

• Assoc. Prof. Saifon Su-indramedhi, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Interdisciplinary Studies (CISTU)

• Kuanruthai Siripatthanakosol, Ph.D., Deputy Secretary-General, Global Compact Network Thailand (GCNT)

• Viranon Futrakul, Vice President of Global Partnership for Sustainability and Communications at Charoen Pokphand Group and a member of the SUMA program committee.

  
  

  

The discussion underscored the urgency of preparing talent for the green economy amid rapidly growing demand for ESG professionals, carbon management experts, sustainable finance specialists, and data-driven sustainability strategists. Panelists highlighted the critical need for systems thinking, leadership skills, and real-world readiness as businesses navigate the transition to low-carbon and sustainable operations.

SUMA was designed to bridge this “talent gap” through an integrated, interdisciplinary curriculum co-created by five faculties of Thammasat University in partnership with GCNT’s business network. Students will complete over 1,000 hours of hands-on learning via internships, capstone projects, and live industry case studies—graduating with both deep domain expertise and adaptable soft skills to thrive in Thailand’s and the world’s fast-evolving green job market.