Circular Living Symposium 2019

Based on the experience for many centuries of thai petrochemical conglomerates in global teir, he is ready to drive GC to be the organization that bring 'Circular Living' concept to adapt to use for sustainability of business, society and environment

Dr. Wijarn Simachaya, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, is an expert in environmental law, pollution control, natural resources, and environment management. He previously worked in many key positions including as Director General of the Pollution Control Department, Secretary-General of the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, and Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Khunying Thongtip is one of the founders of and an expert in Thailand's petroleum and petrochemical industry. She spearheaded the development of Thailand's petroleum and petrochemical database. Khunying Thongtip also developed human resources for the industry in Thailand.

Known as the man who believes "trash is sexy", Arthur is a structural engineer, architect, and Circular Economy innovator. He has spent over a decade turning post-consumer waste into innovative products for businesses and consumers through his company, MINIWIZ. As founder and CEO of MINIWIZ, Arthur is focused on accelerating the shift to a closed-loop Circular Economy where all products are made from recycled materials and eventually, even those products will be recycled. Today, MINIWIZ is a global leader in transforming post-consumer products into retail store interiors, architectural structures, and consumer goods. Under Arthur's leadership, MINIWIZ has received the World Economic Forum's Technology Pioneer Award, The Financial Times's Earth Award, and The Wall Street Journal's Asian Innovation Award. Arthur has been a National Geographic Explorer since 2016 and the World Economic Forum recognized him as the Runner up for The Circular Leadership Award 2019 Davos. In February 2019, the World Economic Forum named MINIWIZ as one of the top 11 companies leading the way to a Circular Economy.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation was launched in the United Kingdom in 2010, where it was the first to introduce the concept of the Circular Economy. Since then, this charity foundation has emerged as a global thought leader, putting the Circular Economy on the agenda of decision makers across business, government, and academia worldwide.

Lillygol Sedaghat is a National Geographic Explorer and multimedia storyteller at the intersection of science, systems, and people. She has worked in Taiwan as a Fulbright - National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellow documenting Taiwan's waste management system, plastics recycling, and Circular Economy initiatives, tracing the human narrative using infographics, videography, and photojournalism. Lillygol is a 2019 National Geographic Sea to Source Plastics Expedition Team Member responsible for storytelling and land-based waste management and infrastructure research along the Ganga River from Bangladesh to India. She runs the expedition's digital field journal and is creating a database of Circular Living case studies. A spokesperson for National Geographic's global "Planet or Plastic?" Campaign, Lillygol has launched the campaign in China, Nat Geo Asia's #PlasticFreeResolutions, and spoken at United Nations World Environment Day India, Nat Geo on Campus, and the National Geographic Live series, among other events. She has been named one of the "5 Under 25: Leaders in U.S.-China Relations" by China Hands magazine. Lillygol received her Bachelor of Arts in political economy from the University of California, Berkeley, and will pursue her MPhil in Nature, Society, and Environmental Governance at the University of Oxford in Fall 2019.

Irene is a member of the ECOALF team that handles the "Upcycling the Oceans" (UTO) project. The project involves collecting the trash that is destroying our oceans and turning it into top-quality yarn to produce fabrics and products. ECOALF's vision is to stop using natural resources in a careless way, and its mission is to create the first generation of recycled products with the same quality and design as the best non-recycled products.

Stuart leads Coca-Cola's sustainability and social impact strategy, programs and partnerships across Southeast Asia. He has been with Coca-Cola in Asia for over 20 years and has been based in Thailand for over a decade. He has helped to design, launch and scale some of Coca-Cola's flagship sustainability initiatives in the region including its water replenishment and women economic empowerment programs and is actively involved in the company's ambitious World Without Waste initiative.

As Chief Operating Officer of GC's Downstream Petrochemical Business, Mr. Patiparn works with stakeholders in various industries along the entire value chain from upstream to downstream to build partnerships based on a foundation of long-term sustainability. His focus is on scaling impacts by applying innovation and technology to integrate the principles of the Circular Economy throughout GC and the entire petrochemical industry. Mr. Patiparn believes this can be accomplished through value-based collaboration among related stakeholders. He will share his insights on how a company can improve well-being, for both Thai and international communities, while operating its business in an efficient and environmentally-responsible manner.

CEO & Founder of Reciclapp, the Uber of Recycling. Social Entrepreneur and Base Innovator. Named in the 100 Young Leaders of Chile in 2017 by El Mercurio, being the youngest of his generation (24 years). Winner of "Premios Latinoamérica Verde" 2018 (The principal awards of sustainability in LatinAmerica) and with Reciclapp has received several awards at national and international level, which include being named as the entrepreneurship of the year, Smart City category, award given by Corfo and the Goverment of Chile in December 2018, and being one of the 2 Chilean applications awarded by Apple, to be recognized as the App of the month, in April 2018 and will have a new recognition as the "application of the moment" by Apple, and the app of the Month, in April 2018.

Jaime Ruiz-Cabrero leads the Asia-Pacific Energy practice for Boston Consulting Group, a global management consulting firm that helps clients to rethink strategies for gaining a competitive advantage. He also works with clients in the oil and gas sector in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. His many years of experience have given Jaime deep expertise in all stages of the oil and gas value chain in both transformations and strategy development work, for which sustainability is now at the core. At the Symposium, Jaime will offer insights into how international companies in the energy sector are embracing the principles of the Circular Economy for the benefit of society.

Since 2014, EEG has become Thailand's leading company in implementing a "Zero Waste, Zero Landfill" model designed specifically for the country. Mr. Anupong is adopting best practices for waste management combined with advanced technologies from other countries for projects such as Thailand's first full-scale Zero-Waste piloting plant. He will share the learnings gained from operating three full-scale waste management sites in Thailand, on how to increase the Thai people's understanding of the important role they play in effective waste management, and what we need to do to move towards a waste-free tomorrow.

Dr. Somthai is founder and president of Wongpanit, a full-loop recycling company that handles a wide range of waste materials generated by households, businesses, and the government sector. In 1999, he saw the opportunity to engage the community by teaching disadvantaged people how to run their own small franchise recycling business. As a result of Dr. Somthai's initiative, there are now 1,160 franchise branches of small-to-large Material Recovery Facilities and recycling centers where Thais improve their quality of life while making a major contribution to recycling. Learn how Dr. Somthai made a company based on the Circular Economy a resounding success.

A global leader in packaging solutions, ALPLA stands for a responsible, sustainable, and future-oriented mindset. Dr. Heyde, a specialist in recycling and the Circular Economy, is expanding the company's capacities by developing new applications for post-consumer recycled plastics. He leads ALPLA's center of expertise for recycling technology with a goal to have a decisive impact on the global development of recycling capacities, expanding from a focus on PET to include HDPE and closures. Dr. Heyde will share his perspectives on the future of the Circular Economy.

Angtai has been in the plastic recycling business since 2007. The company upcycles waste plastic bottles into affordable synthetic polyester fibers for the textile, bedding, and automobile industries. At the heart of the Circular Economy movement, Ms. Patcharapha will share how Angtai's 100% recycled fiber product is sustainable and environmentally-friendly. She will demonstrate how Angtai serves as an important example to other companies in Thailand that want to implement viable environmental business models to make a positive contribution to the country's development.

McKinsey & Company, an American worldwide management consulting firm, is at the forefront of developing strategies that balance competing needs of feeding the global population, meeting growing demands for bioenergy, reducing and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting biodiversity, which is a complex challenge. Dr. Somers, a partner in the company's Chemicals Practice, will share her expertise on the dynamics shaping the global petrochemical and bio-based chemical sectors as they increasingly adopt the principles of the Circular Economy into their business models.

Ian Toh manages NatureWorks' commercial operations and business development activities in the Asia-Pacific. NatureWorks, jointly owned by GC and Cargill, is a world-leading biopolymers innovator in advanced materials made from renewable, abundant feedstocks. Biopolymers are derived entirely from plant resources and present an alternative to traditional plastic. Ian will explain how bioplastics made from renewable resources that are biodegradable will play a key role in helping businesses and brands in every sector become part of the Circular Economy.

Miss Somsri Phanichrungruang is President of PTT MCC Biochem Company Limited (PTTMCC), a company that aims to be a leader in Bioplastic PBS as both a manufacturer and exporter to major markets including the US, Europe and the Asia-Pacific. She is well-versed in the plastics industry having previously worked as Deputy Division Manager, PE bag export division at Sun Flower (Public) Co., Ltd. overseeing the manufacturing of plastic bags and their export to Europe and North America. She subsequently moved to Bangkok Polyethylene Co., Ltd. as a Division Manager in charge of export sales and customer service worldwide using Mitsui Technology's High Density Polyethylene resin manufacturing. In 2018, she became a Senior Vice President for International Sales at GC Marketing Solutions, previously known as PTT Polymer Marketing Co., Ltd. Her focus markets currently include Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania and Africa.

In 1988, the Petroleum and Petrochemical College was established to produce graduates of high international standards through collaborations with internationally-recognized universities. Today, its graduates are in key executive positions throughout Thailand's petrochemical sector. Prof. Dr. Suwabun, dean of and lecturer at the College, is an expert in chemicals, especially biopolymers, supramoleculars, synthetic polymers, biodegradable plastics, polymer membrane cells, and fuel. He will offer an academic perspective on how the Circular Economy can be integrated into Thai industry and society for the benefit of all.

With her solid background in accounting, strategic planning, and the oil business, Jiraphon Kawswat was appointed as President & CEO of PTTOR . The first woman to handle this position, it is very challenging for Ms. Jiraporn to manage a large corp Sampan Thoration with many businesses both in Thailand and overseas. Taking a transdisciplinary approach based on honesty, fairness, sincerity, and understanding, combined with a holistic view of management, has led Ms. Jiraporn to gain trust from the company's dealers, colleagues, and other stakeholders. Since being appointed to this position, she has directed the company to overcome many problems and obstacles. With her strength and positive attitude, Ms. Jiraporn envisions enhancing PTTOR's growth and building its Cafe Amazon foodservice outlets into a global brand.

Based on her belief that "living green doesn't have to be difficult," Ms. Varinthorn (Jenny) is the General Director of Bio-Eco, a start-up that's helping create a world without plastic waste. Bio-Eco is an environmentally-friendly company that offers 100% compostable single-use packaging made from cassava, corn, and sugarcane to the FMCG and foodservice industries. Jenny will share stories about the company's quest to offer an "earth-conscious" alternative to current plastic consumption, and how small changes in consumption can have a massive impact on the environment and future generations.

Ms. Jarupatcha designs textiles and fabrics from alternative materials under the Ausara Surface brand. She loves finding the inherent potential of waste materials and the best ways to reuse them. Having collaborated with a number of organizations and foundations, she brings considerable knowledge on developing products with communities to create jobs and incomes, and to contribute to better living for communities improving their quality of life.

Lukas brings considerable experience in developing Circular Economy strategies for business to his position at DSM Niaga. The company is a joint venture that combines two technology and science-driven enterprises with big dreams and a strong shared belief to make a real difference in our world - to keep materials alive, again and again. Lukas will explain how DSM Niaga's materials scientists use drastic simplification to redesign products from the ground up to be healthier and fully recyclable - principles that form the foundation of the Circular Economy.

An upcycling leader, Best Polymer is a major producer of specialty compounds that take advantage of creative recycling. The company's unique "artificial wooden pallet" transforms waste materials such as sawdust and plastic into strong, splinter-free, and insct-proof shipping pallets. Mr. Tawee will share his ideas on how the Circular Economy leads to new products that have a reduced impact on the planet.

Singh Intrachooto is Associate Professor of Building Innovation, architect and design principal of OSISU, Thailand’s leading eco-design venture. He is the founder of Scrap Lab and Head of Creative Center for Eco-design, a design & research center focusing on upcycling at Kasetsart University Architecture (Bangkok).

Known as the "prince of recycling," James designed the "Trash to Treasure" t-shirt for GC's popular line of upcycled fashion items. A representative of the new generation, he believes that the plastic waste issue is relevant to everyone, so we all need to work together to solve the problem by recycling plastic. James offers a young and trendy viewpoint on the benefits of the Circular Living lifestyle.

Bringing a philosophical approach to thinking about the Circular Economy, Phra Maha Pranom Dhamma Langkaro applies Buddha's teachings to waste management and environmental conservation. After establishing an integrated waste management center, the temple and the community are now collaborating to transform plastic waste into upcycled saffron robes, which perfectly reflects the combination of dharma and community support.

A former television program producer, Mr. Sampan now operates "Eiamdee Recycle," a successful 24-hour waste management motorized tricycle. He is improving lives in the community by helping youth and underprivileged people generate incomes, which reflects his belief that "Garbage is not just for buying and selling, but an opportunity for others." Mr. Sampan brings a unique and valuable grassroots perspective to the Symposium.

Successful partners in both their careers and lives, in 2009, Siripun and Pipat started a retail shop in Bangkok called the ECOSHOP to sell eco-friendly products. It later became a design center for eco-friendly products and led to the formation of KidKid, a social enterprise that uses creativity to solve today's problems sustainably by designing and marketing eco-friendly products. Siripun and Pipat bring a great sense of style and aesthetics to the concept of Circular Living, but firmly rooted in the practicalities of sustainability.

Ms. Pornpimol, a noted architect and designer, leads Design Solution, Sansiri's new product innovation division. She is at the forefront of studying living behaviors and addressing lifestyle trends to create happy living beyond housing. Closely in touch with the changing preferences of Thai consumers, Ms. Pornpimol has positive ideas about how the concept of Circular Living can be integrated in our homes and daily lives.

One of Thailand's most renowned marine ecologists, Dr. Thon builds public support for environmental issues such as marine conservation, sea creatures, and addressing the issue of ocean waste. Despite his university lecturer role, his career also encompasses the roles of policymaker and public communicator who always rallies people's attention. With thousands of published books and news articles, Dr. Thon is a Thai influencer who triggers the public to think about the balance of consumption, tourism, and environmental conservation. He is always ready to share his opinions about what we all can do to preserve the seas around Thailand.

Mrs. Pranee Poopair, Chairwoman, Pracharath Rak Samakkee (Social Enterprise) Co., Ltd., is an expert in information technology and sustainability management. She has 25 years of work experience in information technology with PTT Group and the banking industry and has been involved in sustainability management with PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited for three years.

Mr. Worakit Muangthai, Managing Director, Farm D Service Co., Ltd., is an expert in the development of information technology systems for use in various fields. He is currently developing an agricultural management system including database collection for farmers groups, farm mapping, plant planning and cost setting, a cultivation and reporting system, a system to connect measurement devices, and a digital marketing system for the agricultural sector. He also develops network management systems for community waste collection such as online waste bank books, online community waste network systems, business matching systems for waste transport and support for waste operators/entrepreneurs.

GC and OUR Khung BangKachao are organizing a waste management competition in Thailand that will be piloted in the Khung Bangkachao community. The competition is open to anyone interested in tackling the waste issue by brainstorming their ideas while developing their skills through the "Waste Runner 100 Day Challenge" in the hopes of creating a pilot waste management business.

GC and OUR Khung BangKachao are organizing a waste management competition in Thailand that will be piloted in the Khung Bangkachao community. The competition is open to anyone interested in tackling the waste issue by brainstorming their ideas while developing their skills through the "Waste Runner 100 Day Challenge" in the hopes of creating a pilot waste management business.

GC and OUR Khung BangKachao are organizing a waste management competition in Thailand that will be piloted in the Khung Bangkachao community. The competition is open to anyone interested in tackling the waste issue by brainstorming their ideas while developing their skills through the "Waste Runner 100 Day Challenge" in the hopes of creating a pilot waste management business.