The 19th “SCB Challenge” Initiative Instills Civic-Mindedness in Young People to Create Projects for Sustainable Development


              Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) is fostering civic-mindedness in young people by encouraging them to create projects for community and societal development. To further this goal, the bank recently organized a workshop aimed at enhancing project creation skills using science, technology, and innovation for high school and vocational students participating in the 19th “SCB Challenge” initiative. Mr. Saksit Pitipongsoonthorn, First Senior Vice President of the Corporate Social Responsibility Function at SCB, inaugurated the event at the SCB Training Center, Tawan Ron Beach, Chonburi Province.



           This year, 19 high school and vocational educational institutions presented their projects and were selected to join the workshop, totaling 20 teams and 20 projects, out of 432 projects submitted by 204 institutions. The camp’s purpose is to prepare youths to confidently express themselves and develop the 4C skills: Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity. These skills are crucial for learning and working, enabling students to apply scientific knowledge and technological processes to create and develop projects that address community and business needs, aligning with the ESG approach for sustainable development.


           Speakers from the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), academics, entrepreneurs, and SCB Academy provided insights and instilled good financial discipline in the participants.


           Training topics included “Innovation Towards Sustainability” by Dr. Wilas Chamlertwat, founder of No Bitter Co., Ltd.; Acting Sub Lt. Piyaphong Yongphet, lecturer at Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University, inventor of a solar dryer for community enterprises; and Mr. Somchai Ngamkitcharoenlap, Vice Chairman of the Executive Board of electronic parts manufacturer SNC Former Public Company Limited. Other sessions covered “Project Management” by Mr. Chatchawal Sangkeettrakarn, a researcher from NECTEC; “Design Thinking” and “Storytelling & Communication Skills” for project presentations; and “Financial Literacy Skill Development Activities” through a card game by the SCB Academy team.



          Specialized researchers from NECTEC, led by Dr. Kalaya Udomvitid, Executive Vice President of NSTDA’s Organization Management, provided advice and suggestions to participants on refining their projects. A “Reflection” session was also organized to enhance the skills of project advisors, enabling them to create an atmosphere that sparks new learning for the younger generation. Following the camp, participants will use the knowledge gained to improve and develop their projects, implement them in their communities, and return to present their progress in November, where eight teams will be selected for the final round.


         SCB invites the public to follow and support young people in the 19th SCB Challenge Secondary and Vocational Education Level on Facebook: SCB Challenge.