SUMA First Meet: Connecting Students to the Real World from Day One

The College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Thammasat University (CISTU), recently launched the SUMA First Meet, the first official engagement with students of the Bachelor of Science Program in Sustainability Management (SUMA). Designed as more than a traditional orientation, the two-day program introduced students to both the academic direction of the program and the real-world context in which sustainability operates.

Day 1: Setting the Direction

The first day focused on introducing students to the vision behind SUMA and the broader role of sustainability in today’s world.

Students had the opportunity to meet key university and program leaders, including:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Damrong Adulyayutthikul, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saifon Su-indramedhi, Program Director

• Dr. Netithorn Praditsarn, Member of the College Committee

These sessions were not simply welcoming remarks. They positioned SUMA within a larger institutional and global context—highlighting the need for graduates who can navigate the intersections of business, environment, society, and data.

In the afternoon, students visited the BCPG Visitor Center, where they were introduced to sustainability practices in the energy sector. Through discussions and site exposure, students began to see how abstract concepts such as energy transition and environmental responsibility are translated into operational systems.

Day 2: Entering the Sustainability Network

On the second day, students moved further into the ecosystem of sustainability through a visit to the Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) Research and Development Center in Ayutthaya.

The visit was conducted in collaboration with UN Global Compact Network Thailand (GCNT), a national network of organizations committed to advancing responsible and sustainable business practices. This partnership reflects a key strength of SUMA: its ability to connect students directly to industry networks from the beginning of their academic journey.

At CPF, students explored topics such as low-carbon product development and food security, gaining first-hand insight into how sustainability is embedded in research, innovation, and large-scale business operations. The experience demonstrated how sustainability is not a separate function, but a framework that shapes decision-making across the entire organization.

The visit also underscored the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in addressing complex global challenges.

Beyond Orientation: A Different Starting Point

What distinguishes SUMA First Meet is not the activities themselves, but the starting point it creates.

From the first week, students are not positioned as passive recipients of knowledge. Instead, they are introduced to:

• real organizations

• real systems

• real constraints

• and real opportunities

This reflects CISTU’s broader approach to interdisciplinary education—one that prioritizes connection, context, and application.

Positioning SUMA within CISTU’s Vision

As CISTU expands its academic portfolio, SUMA represents a significant step in aligning education with emerging global priorities. The program is designed to respond to the growing demand for professionals who can work across disciplines and operate within complex systems.

By integrating academic learning with partnerships such as GCNT and industry leaders like CPF and BCPG, SUMA reinforces CISTU’s role as a platform where:

• interdisciplinary knowledge is developed

• industry engagement is embedded

• and real-world impact is expected

Looking Ahead

For the first cohort of SUMA students, the First Meet was not simply an introduction—it was an early immersion into the world they are preparing to enter.

It also signals a broader direction for CISTU:moving beyond conventional program structures toward a model where education is closely tied to the networks, challenges, and realities that define the future of work.