Bangkok--13 Feb--Aziam Burson-Marsteller The Honda Group of Companies in Thailand, under the supervision of Dr. Sumet Tantivejkul , and in conjunction with the Office of the Royal Development Projects Board and the Ministries of Education; Natural Resources and Environment; Energy; and Agriculture and Co-operatives, jointly organized the ceremony to announce the results of the “4th Honda School Environmental Challenge” competition for the H.M. the King’s Cup. An exhibition entitled “Follow the King’s Path With Honda” displaying the projects of the 12 outstanding regional schools’, was also held. The schools’ projects have created guidelines in solving environmental problems involving wastewater, garbage and energy. The exhibition will be held during February 13-17, 2008 at the Ground Floor, Forum Zone, Central World Plaza on Rama I Road, from 11.00-19:30. On this auspicious occasion, HRH Princess Somsawali will graciously preside over the ceremony and view the exhibition on February 14, 2008 at 15:00 hrs. Mr. Adisak Rohitasune, Senior Vice President, Asian Honda Motors Ltd., said “Honda has initiated the ‘Honda School Environmental Challenge project in collaboration with the Thai Environment and Community Development Association since 1999 and continued with the program, in response to H.M. the King’s concepts on environmental conservation. The program has focused on the process of raising awareness about environment conservation, beginning with activities in schools. Honda is confident that if we can train young people to understand the importance of nature and the environment, and learn the way to live in harmony with the nature. When they grow up they will serve as good stewards who will watch over the world. The program also reflects the commitment Honda has with future generations, in its determination to build up balance in the nature and environment for the sake of the present and future generations. Environmental problems have become a national agenda and the time has come for everybody to realize this and join together to restore our environment for the benefit of our world and for our descendants,” Adisak said. Since 1999 , the Honda School Environmental Challenge project has granted funds to 600 schools in 76 provinces nationwide to support the environmental conservation activities. Mr. Pongdej Sriwachirapradit, Director of the Program, said “The exhibition “Follow the King’s Path With Honda”, which will be held during February 13-17, 2008 at the Central World Plaza is the extension of the program “Honda School Environmental Challenge 4” in which top schools have applied H.M. King’s initiative on the waste water, garbage and energy management and then gone on to implement projects to solve these problems, in line with the situation in the schools and communities. The exhibition is aimed to showcase the works of the 12 outstanding regional schools at the national level. The 12 schools were selected by a judging panel composed of experts in the field from agencies participating in the program. The 12 outstanding regional schools, will display their work and exchange ideas learned during the program with the public and interested schools , so that they can apply them at their own schools. This would create a network of schools that share and skills and knowledge in environmental solutions among themselves.” Results of the 4th Honda School Environmental Challenge:AwardsI School with outstanding environmental program - Recipient of the H.M. the King’s Cup:The Sa School in Nan province, “Cooperation In Garbage Management And Community Development”II Award for best school in 3 areas:- Garbage management: the Sa School of Nan Province in the project “ Cooperation In Garbage Disposal And Community Development- Wastewater management: The Suksa Songkroh Amnajcharoen School, Amnat Charoen Province in the project “School Wastewater Management”- Energy: The Tessaban Kum Nong Ku School, Khon Kaen Province in the project “Energy and Environment Conservation - Follow the King’s Path” The book “Follow the King’s Path” has compiled knowledge gained by 12 outstanding regional schools from the project in solving environmental problems by using H.M. the King’s ideas. The program demonstrated that the cooperation and morale support from parents, teachers, community and local officials was a highly important part in solving the environmental problems. This knowledge can serve as a manual for other schools and those who are interested in the issue. The “Follow the King’s Path” book was written by Yuthana Warunpitikul, former editor of a leading magazine. The copies of the book will be provided to anybody who wants to have it. Interested individuals can contact www.hondagreenschool.com or the coordinating center of the Honda School Environmental Challenge Tel. 02-752-7697 ext 102. There were also interesting discussions, such as a discussion on the factors that have caused global warming by Dr. Art-ong Jumsai Na Ayudhaya, an auction for celebrity’s trees, such as Dr. Sumet Tantivejkul, Dr. Art-ong Jumsai Na Ayutthaya, Chewin Kosiyapong (Boyd), Assadavutt Luangsunthorn (Vut), Ravitch Therdwong (Pip) Methinee Kingpayome (Luke Ket) Zonya Cooling (Pim) etc. Highlights of informative and fun activities include:Date Time Activities13/02 10.00-12.00 Press Conference: Launching the book “Follow the King’s Path” & opening the exhibition for media14/02 15.00-17.00 HRH Princess Soamsavali Phravararajatinuddamatu presides over the King’s Cup awards ceremony for the 4th Honda School Environmental Challenge Project& launching the exhibition15/02 17.55-18.55 “Environmental Protection” game by Prof. P’Soop (Superjiew) and the Gang16/02 15.00-16.00 “Utility is more important than price” discussion with “Vutt — Assadavutt”, celebrity16.00-17.00 “Recycle-man & creations from disposable materials” by Prof. Singh Intrachooto— Faculty of Architecture, Kasetsart University17.00-18.00 “D.I.Y. — ideas can use” — art from recyclables & workshop from Mr. Ong — Kongpat, modern artist18.00-19.00 Buddhism & Environment by Pra Ajarn Amornmit17/02 15.00-16.00 Discussion on creativity with “Pip — Ravit, celebrity16.00-17.00 “Why the earth is getting hot?” seminar by Prof. Art-ong Jumsai Na Ayudhaya17.00-18.00 Buddhism & Environment by Pra Ajarn Phadej and Pra Ajarn Charti All interested young people and schools are cordially invited to explore the innovative ideas to help our environment in a easy way. Please visit www.hondagreenschool.com for further information. Media information, please contact: Ref: NR2008-008-130208 Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Chutimont Jaidee Tel. (0) 2236-0256 ext 1671 Email: [email protected] Media information, please contact: Aziam Burson-Marsteller Jaruwan Vorarakthananune Tel. (0) 2252 9871 Email: [email protected] Satida Srithunyatorn Tel. (0) 2252 9871 Email: [email protected]