WHEN: 29 October 2025 I TIME: 13:15–16:30 PM (GMT+7) I Register HERE
Background
Southeast Asia has committed to transition to Circular Economy (CE) to support a resilient economy, sustainable growth, and resource efficiency, through the regional 2021 ASEAN Circular Economy Framework and national Circular Economy and related policy, roadmaps, and action plans in its Member States, including e.g. the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy initiative in Thailand.
Leading businesses and other organizations in Thailand and the region have started to benefit from the implementation of Circular Economy practices in sectors as diverse as agri-food, textile and garments, tourism and hospitality, building and construction, and waste minimization and recovery.
The ASEAN Circular Economy Business Alliance (ACEBA) has been launched in 2024 to further facilitate business leadership and action on Circular Economy, to contribute to the aims and objectives of the 2021 ASEAN Circular Economy Framework and to support the advancement of the Thailand Bio-Circular-Green Economy initiative and the Thailand Sustainable Consumption and Production Roadmap. In collaboration with the Thailand Environment Institute and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council and with the support of the SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component (PSC), this ACEBA Launch workshop will showcase and discuss Thai Circular Economy business cases, and facilitate a dialogue on best practices and insights on business opportunities arising from the national and regional Circular Economy transition.
National ACEBA Launch Workshop: Business Leadership for Circular Economy
ACEBA, in partnership with the Thailand Environment Institute and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, and with support from the SWITCH-Asia Policy Support Component (PSC), will be hosting a national ACEBA launch workshop in Bangkok, with the theme Circular Economy: a responsible business and innovation opportunity for Thai businesses.
Specifically, this workshop is designed to:
- Present the ACEBA initiative to Thai businesses and associated partners;
- Showcase CE business cases from Thailand and other ASEAN member states; and
- Discuss best practices and potential pathways for Thai business to start CE implementation for their strategic and competitive advantage.
Agenda
*Hybrid setup (in-person and live streaming online)
|
Time |
Topic |
Lead |
|
11:45 |
Arrival and Registration |
|
|
12:00 – 13:15 |
Luncheon (for registered participants) |
|
|
13:15 – 13:20 |
Overview of the Agenda |
Ms. Loraine GATLABAYAN, Expert, SWITCH-Asia PSC |
|
Inauguration and ACEBA Thailand Launch |
||
|
13:20 – 13:30 |
Opening remarks and introduction to ACEBA and ARAIBA
|
Mr. Thomas THOMAS Co-convenor, ACEBA; Chairman, ARAIBA Sdn Bhd; and senior expert, SWITCH-Asia PSC |
|
13:30 – 13:45 |
Opening Remarks
|
Dr Wijarn Simachaya, President, Thailand Environment Institute
Mr. Saroj Srisai, Programme Manager (Cooperation Section), EU Delegation to Thailand |
|
13:45 – 13:55 |
Thailand Policy Environment for Circular Economy |
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) (TBC) |
|
13:55 – 14:00 |
ACEBA video - circular economy by ASEAN business |
|
|
14:00 – 14:10 |
MoU Signing for ACEBA Country Lead, between Thailand Environment Institute and ARAIBA Sdn Bhd |
|
|
SESSION 1: Circular Economy: a Responsible Business and Innovation Opportunity |
||
|
14:10 – 14:30 |
Circular Economy: from concept to responsible business and innovation opportunity |
Dr. Rene VAN BERKEL Co-convenor, ACEBA; senior expert, SWITCH-Asia PSC; and faculty, Thammasat University |
|
14:30 - 15:15 |
Experience Sharing: Circular Economy achievements of Thai Businesses
|
Moderated by Rene VAN BERKEL |
|
15:15 – 15:30 |
Coffee break |
|
|
SESSION 2: ACEBA: Supporting Circular Economy action by Thailand business |
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|
15:30 – 15:40 |
ACEBA: Mandate, modalities and priorities for Thailand |
Rene VAN BERKEL |
|
15:40 – 16:20 |
Advancing Circular Economy action in Thailand
|
Moderated by Thomas THOMAS |
|
16:20 – 16:25 |
Conclusions and Next Steps |
ACEBA and TEI |
|
16:25 – 16:30 |
Vote of thanks |
Dr. Zinaida FADEEVA, Team Leader, EU SWITCH-Asia PSC |
