In the vibrant locale of King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement during their 66th anniversary fiesta. The spotlight, however, was undeniably on Dr. Chana Poomee, who was accorded the esteemed honor of the “National Distinguished Person Award” for 2024 – a feat both celebrated and envied in professional circles. The walls of the prestigious university echoed these accolades as Privy Councillor Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukphasuk presented the award. This accolade is a nod to Dr. Chana’s relentless dedication to fostering collaboration, pioneering innovation, and inspiring sustainability — efforts that create ripples beyond industries to touch communities and the nation alike.
With a humble heart, Dr. Chana expressed his gratitude, stating, “This recognition is indeed an honor. I am profoundly thankful to Privy Councillor Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukphasuk and KMUTNB, as well as every individual who has supported me. This award invigorates my mission to positively influence our community, society, and nation. True progress lies in unified vision and teamwork.”
Boasting an impressive career spanning over three decades in the cement industry, Dr. Chana has been the harbinger of sustainable development. As the first Chief Sustainability Officer at SCG, he crucially integrated sustainable methodologies into industrial operations. His stewardship has flourished across an array of significant positions:
In his role as Chairman of the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) for six continuous years, Dr. Chana has steered Thailand’s cement industry towards an initiative as visionary as it is ambitious: net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This pledge has its home in the pioneering Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap — the first roadmap of this kind in Asia. Under his stewardship, TCMA earned the Ministry of Commerce’s top awards for Outstanding Leadership of a Trade Association and Excellence in Trade Association Management (2022-2023).
Serving as Vice-Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and Chair of the Water and Environment Institute for Sustainability, Dr. Chana has championed the cause of environmental accountability and “Go Green” industrial procedures. His impact reverberates on a global scale, especially in his role as a Board Member of the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) during 2023-2025. Here, he navigates the seas of global knowledge exchange, while securing international investments to elevate Thailand’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) intentions for climate change solidarity. As the incoming President of the ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM) for 2025-2027, he is set to guide the AFCM Decarbonisation Roadmap, thereby unifying the sustainability efforts of eight ASEAN cement-producing nations with global carbon alleviation missions.
His national contributions include significant involvement in the SARABURI SANDBOX LOW CARBON CITY initiative, a model of the Public-Private-People Partnership (PPP) drawn up by the Governor of Saraburi Province. This template propels cooperation among myriad stakeholders, ensuring Thailand transitions into a low-carbon economy with impressive alacrity.
Dr. Chana’s Collaborative Action Principle draws inspiration from the royal edicts of “Understanding, Accessing, and Developing,” propagated by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX. Through this lens, he has propelled effective communication, formidable partnerships, and ceaseless innovation. His mission is crystal clear: to elevate Thailand to the helm of sustainable industrial practices, forging a low-carbon, competitive future.
The National Distinguished Person accolade for 2024 is more than a trophy. It is a resounding recognition of Dr. Chana’s remarkable leadership, perceptive strategy, and steadfast commitment to sustainability and collective endeavor, qualities that carve the path forward for a sustainable world.
Dr. Chana Poomee truly deserves this recognition. His work towards net zero carbon emissions is phenomenal. Finally, someone is doing something substantial for the environment!
Absolutely, but shouldn’t we be questioning how achievable net zero by 2050 really is? It’s great in theory, but practically, is it possible?
I think it’s definitely challenging, but it’s better to aim high. Without ambition, how can we hope to make progress?
Agreed, sustainability is the need of the hour, and we need more leaders like Dr. Chana!
While Dr. Chana’s work in sustainability is commendable, let’s not forget that cement production is still a massive polluter. Is he doing enough to compensate for that?
That’s a valid concern, but his initiation of the Thailand 2050 Net Zero Roadmap is a step in the right direction, don’t you think?
Sure, it’s a step, but isn’t it just a smokescreen to continue unsustainable practices while claiming progress?
We have to start somewhere, perfect shouldn’t be the enemy of good. Dr. Chana is at least making strides in the right direction.
Such a prestigious award! Dr. Chana’s efforts to include local communities in sustainable practices is what makes his work so impactful — a true visionary.
Yes, involving local communities is essential! That’s how you bring real change. It’s about time others in this field follow his lead.
Call me old-fashioned, but isn’t some of this just playing into the latest ‘green’ trends for good PR?
Dr. Chana’s emphasis on collaboration is impressive but are these global partnerships actually making a difference locally in Thailand?
It’s tough to quantify immediately, but his leadership in pulling international investments can definitely boost the local economy.
I hope so. Otherwise, we’re just putting a bunch of funds into foreign hands while our local resources dwindle.
I’m optimistic about initiatives like the SARABURI SANDBOX. It shows real commitment to a low-carbon economy. Go, Dr. Chana!
It’s easy to be hopeful, but have they actually shown any significant results yet?
Dr. Chana is leading the way in sustainable cement manufacturing. We need more industrial leaders like him.
Agreed! Industrial sectors are often the biggest polluters, but they also have the capacity for the largest impact through change.
How many more years before we see actual global change resulting from initiatives like those led by Dr. Chana? The clock’s ticking on climate change!
As long as we have leaders committed to the cause, there’s hope for sooner than we think. It’s about sustained efforts!
Yet another award for a figure in the corporate world. Does it really mean significant change on the ground? Time will tell.
Adopting ‘Go Green’ procedures is not just beneficial but crucial! Dr. Chana’s initiative could inspire many others.
His leadership style reminds me of great historical figures. Visionaries committed to positive change always stand out.
Finally, someone taking actionable steps rather than just talking about sustainability—Dr. Chana is the epitome of doing over saying.
I learned about sustainability in school. It’s cool Dr. Chana’s making big changes but will they still be going when I’m older?
It’s refreshing to see a leader who actually walks the talk. Dr. Chana’s dedication to sustainability is beyond impressive.
Let’s hope Dr. Chana’s awards set a precedent for other countries, too. The world needs more like him in every corner.
While all this is promising, I can’t help but worry if these big corporations can stay committed to such lofty goals long term.