TCMA and Chulalongkorn University Forge Strategic Partnership with Canadian Experts to Accelerate Low-Carbon Industry Initiatives for Net Zero 2050
BANGKOK, THAILAND – On May 25, 2026, the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) formalized a strategic alliance with Chulalongkorn University through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership aims to enhance knowledge and technology transfer, supported by international collaborators, to develop and pilot carbon capture technologies within the SARABURI SANDBOX. This initiative is a crucial step toward establishing a low-carbon industrial ecosystem in Thailand, aligning with the country’s Net Zero 2050 objectives.
Strategic Collaboration for Climate Action
The partnership between TCMA and Chulalongkorn University signifies a proactive approach by the industrial sector in addressing climate change. Surachai Nimla-or, Chairman of TCMA, highlighted that this collaboration embodies a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model, integrating efforts from industry, academia, government, and international organizations. Key partners include Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA). Together, they aim to expedite the transition to a low-carbon cement industry in accordance with Thailand’s 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap.
“This collaboration with Chulalongkorn University elevates our efforts into a long-term platform, from knowledge development and workforce readiness to pilot-scale technology deployment,” stated Surachai. He emphasized that the partnership will leverage Canadian expertise and real-world testing in the SARABURI SANDBOX, which is envisioned as a learning platform for scalable industrial applications.
Bridging Research and Implementation
Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, underscored the institution’s role as a Strategic Knowledge Partner. The university aims to bridge the gap between research and practical implementation while nurturing “Green Talent” to facilitate industrial transformation.
“Chulalongkorn University sees this collaboration as a strategic mechanism to strengthen the knowledge base in low-carbon technologies alongside human capital development,” remarked Professor Dr. Wilert. He noted that this initiative will enhance workforce capabilities, aligning with the transition to a sustainable economy in Thailand.
International Support for Climate Initiatives
H.E. Ping Kitnikone, Ambassador of Canada to Thailand, expressed strong support for the initiative, citing over 65 years of bilateral relations and a shared commitment to climate action.
“This collaboration encompasses knowledge transfer, technology, and expertise in greenhouse gas mitigation, particularly through technical experts and capacity building,” the ambassador stated. He emphasized that carbon capture technology will serve as a vital link between innovation and industrial application, facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Government Perspectives on Industrial Decarbonization
Dr. Pirun Saiyasitpanich, Director General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, highlighted the strategic importance of the cement industry in reducing national greenhouse gas emissions.
“This collaboration serves as a key policy mechanism linking project-level implementation to national-level action,” Dr. Pirun noted. He explained that the SARABURI SANDBOX will function as a testbed for learning and development, with outcomes that will inform policy design and enable effective scaling at the national level.
Teeratas Isarangkul Na Ayudhaya, Deputy Director General of the Department of Industrial Works at the Ministry of Industry, added that the initiative aligns with the “One MIND” policy, which integrates regulation with the promotion of green industry.
“The Department stands ready to support this collaboration in developing a scalable industrial model that enhances Thailand’s competitiveness in a sustainability-driven global economy,” Mr. Teeratas stated.
Positioning Thailand as a Regional Model
Dr. Chana Poomee, Honorary Chairman of TCMA and President of the ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM), emphasized the initiative’s potential to position Thailand as a “regional model” for industrial decarbonization.
“By integrating cross-sector collaboration through PPP, linking policy, technology, knowledge, and workforce development to real-world implementation, this initiative will establish the foundation of a Low-Carbon Industrial Ecosystem,” Dr. Chana explained. He noted that this model could be scaled across the region, fostering broader industrial transformation.
This collaboration represents a pivotal moment in Thailand’s journey toward a low-carbon industrial ecosystem. By connecting knowledge, technology, innovation, human capital, and policy, the initiative is poised to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. It aims to strengthen climate resilience and enhance the country’s competitiveness in an increasingly sustainability-driven global landscape.
For further details, refer to the original reporting source: Zawya.
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