Young Innovators Devise Social Media Campaigns to Secure a Sustainable Future: SEAMEO STEM-ED-Deloitte’s Changemaker in Sustainable Food Programme

Sustainability Programme, SEAMEO STEM-ED, Deloitte

March 11, 2023 ─ Eleven teams, each brimming with young adults infused with youthful innovation and determination from across Thailand, unveiled their visionary social media campaigns for fostering a sustainable society through the SEAMEO STEM-ED-Deloitte 'Changemaker in Sustainable Food' program.

In today's dynamic landscape of food security, the escalating challenges demand urgent attention from society. Current statistics highlight a stark reality: one-third of all food intended for human consumption is lost or wasted annually, resulting in an estimated financial loss of around US$1 trillion, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). This pressing issue profoundly impacts Thailand and Southeast Asia, affecting numerous industries. Recognising the gravity of the situation, SEAMEO STEM-ED and Deloitte Thailand have taken the initiative to lead the societal transformation towards greater awareness and education, addressing this critical issue through the programme "Changemaker in Sustainable Food."

On June 29, 2023, SEAMEO STEM-ED and Deloitte Thailand forged a partnership to launch a comprehensive six-month sustainable food initiative titled "Changemaker in Sustainable Food." This collaborative effort was tasked with inspiring youth and engaging the public in collective endeavors aimed at effecting meaningful societal change.

During the course of the programme, SEAMEO STEM-ED and Deloitte curated a series of four virtual workshops, providing 180 teams (comprising 755 students nationwide) with insights into sustainable food technology, strategic social media engagement, campaign management strategies, and ways to craft impactful social investment programmes.

Following the workshops, an extensive selection process (e.g., proposal review) took place, and eleven teams comprising students from various schools and universities emerged as finalists. These teams were chosen based on their demonstrated determination and forward-thinking vision for fostering sustainable communities. Furthermore, the chosen teams were granted funding to kickstart their social media campaigns, enabling them to navigate and innovate within the digital landscape.

Today (March 11, 2024), Deloitte Thailand hosted an onsite event featuring a welcoming introduction by Subhasakdi Krishnamr, Country Managing Partner of Deloitte Thailand. The event included talks on paths to careers in sustainability, an inspirational session led by Dr Kritsachai Somsaman, Director of SEAMEO STEM-ED, and concluded with insights from the youth during a social media campaign sharing session.

In his welcoming remarks, Subhasakdi Krishnamr, Country Managing Partner of Deloitte Thailand, emphasised Deloitte's vision of 'making an impact that matters,' illustrating how the organisation has effectively propelled successful management individuals and nurtured a new generation of talents.

Regarding the Changemaker programme, Mr Krishnamr stated that Deloitte has been a longstanding contributor to education and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting educational development. Furthermore, Deloitte aims to positively impact 100 million individuals by 2073. Mr Krishnamr underscored how this partnership has embodied the principles of 'transform', 'incorporate', and 'enhance' sustainability in the programme. He concluded by urging young adults to continue making an impact that truly matters.

Following Deloitte Thailand's Country Managing Partner, Dr Kritsachai Somsaman, Director of SEAMEO STEM-ED Centre, took the stage for an inspirational session. Dr Somsaman began by highlighting how SEAMEO STEM-ED is at the forefront of educational innovation, shaping the future generation of capable individuals in Southeast Asia.

During the event, the SEAMEO STEM-ED Centre Director shared insights on creating compelling social media content. Drawing upon his expertise as a digital and technology enthusiast, Dr Somsaman provided an example of his personal social media post that reached over 2.7 million users. He attributed its success to what he termed 'an element of surprise.' Specifically, he recounted a post about an injured nightjar his wife found at their home, using the opportunity to educate netizens about this rare, marvelous creature. The post garnered national attention, although Dr Somsaman's primary intention was to leverage social media to promote the preservation of endangered animals.

Furthermore, the SEAMEO STEM-ED Centre Director emphasised the importance of reproducing, reformatting, and disseminating content across various platforms, offering a valuable lesson to the audience.

The event also featured a sharing session on the topic of "A Path Toward Careers in Sustainability," showcasing professionals from Deloitte Thailand. Capturing significant attention from participants and youth alike, Ms Sinenart Jaruvarakul, Consultant in Audit & Assurance - Advisory, ESG; Dr Kwanmanas Meethavorn Ph.D, Consultant in Sustainability & Climate at the Center of Excellence; and Mr Rachanon Chaiuppala, Analyst in Sustainability & Climate at the Center of Excellence, shared their career journeys in the field of sustainability.

Moreover, these three accomplished professionals from Deloitte illuminated their pivotal roles in guiding globally and nationally acclaimed organisations toward embracing green ecosystems and evolving into more sustainable entities.

To conclude the event, the youth campaign sharing session illuminated the innovative methods utilised by the new generation of young adults in harnessing the power of social media. They showcased their expertise in crafting compelling visual graphics, curating content, fostering online engagement, and diligently monitoring data and campaign performance.

Moreover, they emphasised the importance of continuous reflection on their activities, extracting valuable lessons and insights from each experience, and leveraging newfound skills and knowledge to drive meaningful change.