Fostering "Shared Value" by advancing scientific research and local resource utilization, translating academic insights into practical applications for sustainable growth.
NEO Corporate Public Company Limited (NEO), Thailand's leading innovative FMCG company, is driving innovation from "Thai local resources" across the entire value chain to create sustainable impact through a strategic partnership with Mae Fah Luang University. The collaboration, part of a project to elevate high-quality Arabica "Geisha" coffee to international standards, empowers highland communities with advanced agricultural knowledge. This initiative increases product value, strengthens local economies sustainably, and extends the Circular Economy concept. By developing innovative processes to convert coffee husks into activated carbon for water filtration systems, NEO tangibly improves the well-being of communities in Chiang Rai Province's highland areas.
Mr. Suthidej Thakolsri, Chief Executive Officer of NEO Corporate Public Company Limited, stated, "Proprietary innovation is critical for sustainable growth in today's world. As Thailand's leading innovative FMCG company, NEO is committed to continuously supporting the research and development of Thai local resources. We collaborate with academic institutions, government agencies, and community networks to deliver tangible results. We believe that sustainable business growth must align with social, community, and environmental responsibility, thereby creating shared value through economic opportunity, educational advancement, improved quality of life, and environmental stewardship to build a strong foundation."
Suthidej highlighted the successful integration of the private sector's market understanding with the academic sector's research and expertise, particularly with Mae Fah Luang University. NEO has maintained continuous joint research and development projects with the university since 2021, including:
- The Project on Studying and Developing High-Quality Arabica Coffee Production: Focusing on researching and developing optimal cultivation areas for "Geisha" coffee, managing plots, and ensuring ideal yields. It also serves as a learning hub for communities, modeling the development and promotion of Geisha coffee cultivation in Mae Chan Tai Village, Tha Ko Sub-district, Mae Suai District, Chiang Rai Province. This research equips highland communities with knowledge for producing high-quality raw materials, boosting product value, and stimulating sustainable local economies.
- The Project on Utilizing Activated Carbon from Coffee Husks in Water Filtration Systems: Operating under the Circular Economy concept, this project reduces waste from coffee production while ensuring consistently high-quality water for processing and minimizing the need for chemical filters. It transforms "waste" into a valuable resource, significantly benefiting community hygiene and quality of life. As a result, residents of Doi Chang Village, Mae Suai District, Chiang Rai Province, gain access to clean water for consumption and daily use, reducing the financial burden of water and filter procurement, and mitigating long-term contamination risks, leading to lasting well-being.
"This project embodies the Circular Economy concept NEO champions, transforming resources once considered waste into new economic and social value. We believe Thai local resources possess immense potential with dedicated development. The benefits of supporting local R&D not only improve the quality of life for residents but also transfer high-value agricultural knowledge and create stable community incomes," Suthidej elaborated.
Suthidej further added, "Amidst global economic challenges that demand adaptation from all sectors, supporting domestic research is crucial for NEO in consistently offer innovative products that meet consumer needs. Furthermore, investing in research and development to enhance the quality of local resources significantly strengthens supply chain security, enabling NEO to develop more quality products in the future."
In the long term, NEO aims to expand research into innovative FMCG products that address all dimensions of sustainability. The company remains committed to partnering with academic institutions to nurture new generations of researchers and experts vital for national development. This commitment seeks to achieve a symbiotic ecosystem among communities, educational institutions, and businesses, with research acting as the link. This approach lays a knowledge-driven economic foundation, ensuring a secure future for both the business sector and Thai society.
"Our collaboration with Mae Fah Luang University is a testament to NEO's vision, extending beyond short-term profits. We seek to build sustainable knowledge for the Thai industry by elevating the quality of domestic resources to international standards. The results not only improve quality of life but also foster pride among local farmers," Suthidej concluded.