BC4C Networking Event 2025 Reinforces Banpu and ChangeFusion’s Role as Companions to Social Entrepreneurs, Strengthening Capabilities and Building a Sustainable SE Network
Even as individuals, everyone possesses the power to drive a sustainable society. Transformative change does not always require substantial capital; rather, it arises from the dedication and potential of people committed to benefiting their communities, reducing inequality, and creating opportunities. This conviction underpins Banpu Public Company Limited’s (Banpu) steadfast commitment, spanning over a decade, to seriously and consistently enhance human potential through the Banpu Champions for Change (BC4C) program.
Now in its 14th year, BC4C operates under the theme “Igniting & Grow Together” Its mission is to cultivate SEs and a new generation of passionate individuals driving change, while simultaneously strengthening community economies from the ground up. Beyond nurturing emerging entrepreneurs, this year Banpu hosted a special “Reignite and Go Forward” BC4C Networking Event for the first time. The event aimed to forge stronger relationships among BC4C alumni, Banpu, and ChangeFusion, thereby reinforcing the overall strength of the social entrepreneur network.
A Nurturing Environment for Thai SEs: From Generation to Generation, Igniting the Path Forward
This event provided a supportive environment for over 38 social enterprises, comprising 54 BC4C alumni, to reconnect, exchange insights, and enhance their skills together. Senior and junior Alumni engaged in candid experience-sharing, fostering a collaborative atmosphere that encouraged social enterprises to explore new partnership opportunities. Several enterprises that have grown alongside BC4C also returned to share their perspectives, including: a-chieve (BC4C Batch 1), a social enterprise dedicated to developing an educational guidance ecosystem in Thailand; Buddy HomeCare (Acceleration Program Batch 1), which offers elderly care services and income generation for ethnic youth in Chiang Mai province; insKru (BC4C Batch 10), an online platform assisting teachers in creating quality classrooms and sharing teaching ideas; and JAIKLA (BC4C Batch 9), a social enterprise that converts organic waste into new nutritional resources through food science.
Real-Life Insights from Crisis Survivors: “When We Work for Society, Society Won’t Abandon Us.”
Sunit Shrestha, , Director of ChangeFusion Institute, a non-profit organization under the Thai Rural Reconstruction Movement Foundation under Royal Patronage, highlighted the unique nature of this year’s event: “Bringing together SEs from the inaugural batch to the present day facilitated profound mutual learning. The gathering of SE alumni, each a leader in their respective fields, is a rare opportunity that truly creates momentum for future development. A significant reflection came from moreloop (BC4C Batch 8), a business committed to creating a circular economy by adding value to high-quality textile waste from the industry, upcycling it into new products that address long-term environmental issues. This year, moreloop nearly faced closure due to tax impacts but was saved by the continuous support of its customers, who wished to preserve a business beneficial to society. This experience truly underscores that if we work for society, society will not abandon us.”
Given the economic challenges that have made this a difficult year for many small entrepreneurs, providing a platform for discussion and exchange remains critically important. Today, the true potential of community entrepreneurs no longer rests solely on their individual teams but increasingly on their expanding “network” of fellow entrepreneurs. Crucially, we believe everyone possesses inherent strength, and a primary objective of this event was to help each individual “recognize and believe in their individual power” to “Reignite and Go Forward.”
Diverse Leaders Join to Inspire and Elevate Thai SE Capabilities
Beyond uniting a wide array of social enterprises, the event also convened leaders and practitioners from diverse sectors to share their expertise through Inspiration Talks. Speakers included Pilan Thaisuang, Founder and CEO of “Bhukram” (BC4C Batch 11), an enterprise that elevates local indigo fabric into contemporary products, generating income and a new identity for the community. Also speaking was Kenneth Rimdahl, Founder and CEO of Monsoon Tea, who champions the “Forest-Friendly Tea” concept, utilizing natural forest-grown tea to create sustainable income for local communities.
The event additionally featured Business Clinic activities led by Naphat Nutsati, General Manager of Raya Collection, a Thai brand that elevates Southern handicrafts to the global market; Zcongklod Bangyikhan, Founder and CEO of The Cloud, an inspiring storyteller proficient in business-social communication; and Patai Padungtin, Founder and CEO of BUILK, a leading Thai construction technology startup. Furthermore, self-discovery and mental wellness workshops, incorporating painting and flower arranging, were offered to help entrepreneurs nurture their well-being and find the emotional resilience to continue their journey.
Banpu Alumni SE Network Collaborates to Reignite and Go Forward
Kanpassorn Suriyasangpetch, Founder of Ooca, SE from Acceleration Program Batch 11, hailed the event as a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the SE entrepreneur network. She noted that rejoining provided new perspectives and inspiration, particularly concerning sustainability concepts from within the social entrepreneur network. Rosaree Sanjuan, Founder of Go Mamma (BC4C Batch 10), views the BC4C program as possessing immense charm and a high degree of human touch, which has significantly deepened her understanding of social business. She highlighted that while it is a complex endeavor not solely measured by revenue, it is a valuable work that brings happiness to those involved. She extended her gratitude to Banpu for providing a space for collective learning and growth among SE entrepreneurs.
Banpu: Evolving from Supporter to ‘Companion,’ Fostering Shared Growth and Impact
Rattapon Sukhunthee, Head of Corporate Communications at Banpu Public Company Limited, stated: “Banpu’s role in BC4C transcends mere support; it is about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with social entrepreneurs as friends. We firmly believe that social impact flourishes when all stakeholders engage in mutual assistance and support. As long as there are individuals committed to creating change, Banpu is prepared to fuel their journey forward – serving as a like-minded companion sharing the common goal of doing good for society, a trusted partner ready to offer business consultation and assistance, and a fellow traveler prepared to step forward and grow together for the long term.”
Stay updated on news and activities of the Banpu Champions for Change (BC4C) project via its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/banpuchampions, phone: 087-075-4815, and email: banpuchampions@gmail.com.
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About Banpu: Banpu Public Company Limited is a versatile energy company, operating across four business pillars under its Energy Symphonics Strategy: Next-Gen Mining, U.S. Closed-Loop Gas, Power+, and Future Tech – with operations in Thailand, Indonesia, China, Australia, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Japan, the United States of America, and Vietnam. The Company leads a responsible and sustainable energy transition by balancing reliable, affordable, and eco-friendly energy.
