Chula partners with five leading firms to reform higher education through the Chula LGO initiative to cultivate future leaders
In a significant milestone for Thailand's educational system, Chulalongkorn University recently signed an MOU with five pioneering founding partners, namely Bangkok Bank, SCG, Indorama Ventures, Banpu, and True Corporation, to drive the Chula Leaders for Global Operations (Chula LGO) Program, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Leaders for Global Operations. The aim is to cultivate innovative future leaders who will drive industry and develop a sustainable economy. Anyone interested in the program is invited to visit chulalgo.com for details, with enrollment open from now until 28 February 2026.
Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President, Chulalongkorn University, revealed that this is the first time that the MBA Program of Chulalongkorn Business School and the university's Faculty of Engineering have partnered with MIT LGO to initiate the Chula LGO program, which is designed to develop a community of visionary innovative leaders capable of integrating deep learning in engineering, operations, and a business mindset with a commitment to driving industry solutions that tackle global challenges.
Chula Leaders for Global Operations (Chula LGO) is a dual master's degree program (Master of Science in Innovative Engineering for Sustainability and Master of Business Administration, as well as the MIT-LGO Certificate) designed to accelerate the development of new-generation leaders with full skills and capabilities on par with international standards. It is another key driving force for industry development to meet future demands and create a sustainable economy for the country.
"However, Chula cannot start this initiative alone. Through our partnership with five leading founding partners, we are embarking on a shared commitment to shape the next generation of leaders with knowledge and skills in engineering, business, and innovation. We intend to continue our partnership over the long term."
Chartsiri Sophonpanich, President, Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, said: "I am managing the business today thanks to a good education, which is a crucial foundation. It is therefore imperative that Thailand has a strong education system as a basis for better country development. This collaboration will help cultivate a new generation of business leaders with the capacity to create innovation and enhance competitiveness on the global stage."
In today's world of multiple challenges and high uncertainty, leaders must always be prepared. They must be able to look ahead, anticipate what may happen, and know how to prepare. Thus, the development of education, skills, and human resources is key to enhancing effective problem-solving processes and creating new opportunities. For this reason, Bangkok Bank is proud to be a founding co?partner of the Chula?LGO program.
Chartsiri explained that the program focuses on working closely with the private sector to provide action?based learning, an important component in preparing students to face real?world challenges, solve complex problems, and drive innovation for the stability of future generations.
In addition to joining the Governing Board as a founding partner of the program, Bangkok Bank also supports Chula LGO students who receive scholarships or are conducting specialized research (Fellowship Program) by providing hands?on learning opportunities at the bank, similar to an internship.
Chartsiri added that the close relationship with universities brings mutual benefit, as they have professors, thinkers, and academics who can view each situation from multiple perspectives. On the other side of the coin, universities can learn about the challenges companies face, as well as future trends, enabling them to better develop thinking processes, theories, and methodologies.
Aloke Lohia, Group CEO, Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, confirmed the company's strong commitment to education, noting that the Chula LGO emphasizes organizational priorities and, in particular, the development of future talent. This approach is of strategic importance, with the long?term impacts of the program benefiting both Thailand and Indorama.
He said the six?month training at Indorama will allow students to learn the whole value chain of business because Indorama is a global manufacturing company with many functions, including AI, digital technology, supply chain systems, as well as robust sustainability practices. This training is thus highly beneficial, enabling such individuals to enjoy international exposure through action learning. After graduating, the students have the option of joining the company.
"Having more Thai talent working in senior positions has a major impact on this program, as otherwise I have to recruit foreign executives, which does not develop local personnel. We can achieve better cultural integration by building Thai talent to take up international executive positions. I think the combination of Thainess, including empathy and cultural strengths, gives us an advantage over the West," Lohia commented.
Sundaram Iyer, Vice President, Banpu Academy, said that Banpu has been working with Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation (CSII) and Sasin Action Learning Lab. Banpu has expanded the collaboration as a strategic partner of Chula LGO with a mutual goal of developing individuals who are ready to work in the real world.
Banpu has consistently supported knowledge and experiences at Chulalongkorn University in terms of curriculum development and student skills, which allow them to apply for work immediately following graduation. Today, Banpu is playing a greater role as a co?founder of Chula LGO.
"For the Chula LGO Program, we set a goal to create long?term qualitative and sustainable impacts. We will jointly develop individuals who have competence in engineering, science, and technology to elevate the industry in Asia Pacific for exponential and sustainable growth," said Iyer.
Thammasak Sethaudom, President and CEO of SCG, noted that the LGO program is a golden opportunity for Thai students because it is a flagship initiative that integrates the rigor of technology and innovation with excellence in business management. New?generation leaders must possess knowledge and skills in both areas, but will no longer need to study at MIT in the United States, where the costs are extremely high. The Chula LGO program applies MIT?LGO's standards integrated with the Thai context.
"This program represents the future of learning. Students will study theories of both engineering and business management and then apply their knowledge through action learning internships. We are shifting from knowledge to understanding, and from understanding to skills. SCG operates a wide range of businesses and allows students to choose fields that match their strengths and interests."
At MIT's Sloan School of Management, the MBA emphasizes developing skills to harness potential. When a team consists of individuals with diverse skill sets and draws upon each person's capabilities, it will be able to address more complex work. Moreover, soft skills such as communication are essential for business management. Outstanding new?generation leaders will therefore be those with strong communication abilities, curiosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Thammasak noted that in the world of intense competition and uncertainty, human resources are the most important asset in driving Thailand toward a new economy (the New S?Curve). The Chula?LGO program thus represents another initiative to build new?generation leaders for the future world.
Sigve Brekke, Group CEO of True Corporation Public Company Limited, the technology enabler for CP Group, said that this initiative is a strategic opportunity to co?create high?impact projects that can be applied across CP's diverse businesses and deliver measurable results.
This collaboration will cultivate future leaders with strong technical depth, strategic thinking, and responsible leadership, all of which are essential for Thailand's digital future.
"We are committed to building world?class AI and digital capabilities to strengthen Thailand's competitiveness on the global stage. Active learning through an internship program is key to developing leaders in the field of AI and digital technology that Thailand urgently needs."
Thailand must accelerate the shift from education 2.0 to Education 5.0, which emphasizes analytical thinking, creativity, problem?solving, and experiential learning. Therefore, academia and industry need to become true co?creators of knowledge, jointly designing curricula that address real?world challenges in AI, digital transformation, sustainability, and ethical leadership.
In addition to the right of True/CP employees to join the Chula LGO program, True also provides industry fellowships and scholarships, and offers active learning in key technologies such as AI, digital platforms, cloud, and network innovations.
Sigve recommends industry partners focus on providing real working environments, including capstone projects, innovation labs, problem?based learning, internships, and access to data, thus allowing students to learn from practical, high?impact challenges.