ASSET-H&C 2024 Public Conference: Driving Holistic Sustainability in Hospitality
December 23, 2024

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On November 27, 2024, over 70 participants from 45 organizations gathered in Bangkok, Thailand, for ASSET-H&C’s annual public conference. Centered around the theme “Holistic Sustainability in Hospitality: From Action to Impact with Communities in Southeast Asia,” the event explored the intricate balance of environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic viability—concepts rooted in the principle of Integral Ecology.

CHEF AMERIGO SESTI: INNOVATING SUSTAINABILITY IN FINE DINING

Chef Amerigo Tito Sesti started the conference with an inspiring presentation on redefining sustainability and community empowerment through his Michelin Green Star restaurant. At Electric Sheep in Bangkok, Chef Sesti collaborates with rural producers to create a closed-loop system that reduces waste and supports local economies.

Chef Amerigo Tito Sesti (Electric Sheep)

He emphasized:

“When you work with your community, there are many chances for you to reduce waste on many levels. First, you have to choose to do it. Second, you need to train and expose the people you work with to these ideas. When they start seeing why they do it, they become more sensitive to it. And sensitivity to the subject of sustainability is the first factor to make change grow and become exponential.”

Chef Sesti also reflected on his mentorship of disadvantaged students from Mae Sot, showing how exposure to sustainable practices not only equips them with practical skills but also inspires them to dream bigger. By fostering an understanding of sustainability and encouraging creativity, he envisions a future where aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs contribute to reshaping the hospitality sector with purpose and responsibility.

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE THAILAND: COLLABORATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR REAL-WORLD SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES

Nattakorn Asunee Na Ayudhaya (Ton), General Manager of Social Enterprise Thailand

The conference continued with a workshop led by Nattakorn Asunee Na Ayudhaya (Ton), General Manager of Social Enterprise Thailand. Participants explored building inclusive ecosystems in hospitality by analyzing challenges and co-creating sustainable solutions.

The workshop also showcased Local Alike’s transformative community-based tourism (CBT) model, which has generated 120 million Baht in income and revitalized over 30 cultural traditions. Facilitated by Nattakorn, the group exercise focused on identifying and addressing specific business challenges using Local Alike’s case study as inspiration. Participants applied a structured Problem Analysis Tool to define problems, analyze root causes, and co-create cross-sector solutions for economic, environmental, and social challenges in their organizations and communities.

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION: INSIGHTS FROM SUSTAINABILITY LEADERS

Round Table Discussion Panelists:

  • Manadech Poljantuk (Learning & Development Manager Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok)
  • Jiraphat Briand (Sustainability Leader of EXO Travel Group)
  • Charlotte Mouginot (HCTC School Director and IECD Head of Operations, Southeast Asia)

Manadech Poljantuk highlighted three groups of core actions in sustainability practices including: stay, eat, and people. He showcased various efforts, from reducing electricity consumption to investing in a compost machine for waste reduction and recycling. He also openly shared about operational challenges such as supplier resistance to reducing plastic use, and how Mövenpick BDMS tackled this by setting clear expectations and creating compromise solutions with suppliers:

If you want to do business with us, it must be eco-conscious. It was a challenge, but we saw gradual progress with shared goals.

Besides green practices, the resort also supports young future leaders through the “School for Change” project, which poses a balanced approach to different angles of holistic sustainability.

Jiraphat Briand shared how EXO Travel engages local communities through the “Travel for Good” program, emphasizing three pillars: nature, culture, and community. The program sets out promising initiatives such as organizing biking or EV car tours to visit local communities in provinces, extracting $1,000 from each customer to support less well-known communities, and committing to plant 16,000 trees to offset 700,000 tons of carbon emissions over three years.

Collaboration with local communities is not just a responsibility—it’s an opportunity to align their needs with sustainable practices,” she noted.

Reflecting on HCTC’s impacts and challenges, Charlotte Mouginot explained the rationale behind prioritizing the link among students, villages, and the industry. By supporting Karen youths integrated in the hospitality industry, the program not only addresses the industry’s demand for quality workforces but also stimulates a mindset shift and future economic growth within Karen villages. To sustain the impacts, the school relies on family and school visits as the key approach to promote deep understanding between employers and students.

We must ensure they understand how their work impacts their community and the environment while showing them they can achieve more than they imagined,” she concluded.

Panelists discussed challenges such as resistance to sustainability practices and higher operational costs but provided actionable strategies like stakeholder education, gradual policy changes, and fostering collaboration. The importance of empowering local communities through vocational training and engagement emerged as a recurring theme.

Q&A Session: Building Bridges Between Communities and Businesses

The Q&A session emphasized the importance of immediate actions aligned with long-term sustainability goals, focusing on fostering community relationships and addressing challenges in balancing present needs with future impacts. Panelists discussed strategies for managing sustainability costs, staying competitive in the market, and educating customers about sustainable practices.

Key Takeaways from Speakers:

 

  • Jiraphat Briand: Begin with small actions, assess impacts, and prioritize collaborations.
  • Charlotte Mouginot: Strengthen ties between local communities and business priorities.
  • Manadech Poljantuk: Advocate for sustainable practices to secure a healthy environment for future generations.
  • Nattakorn Asunee Na Ayudhaya: Understand challenges, start simply, and act within your capacity.
  • Chef Amerigo Sesti: Question existing practices, focus on waste reduction, and take decisive action for sustainability.

PAVING THE WAY FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

ASSET-H&C’s 2024 conference showcased a comprehensive approach to sustainability, blending creativity, collaboration, and actionable strategies. Through presentations, discussions, and interactive exercises, the event fostered a deeper understanding of how hospitality can drive positive change for communities, the environment, and the economy in Southeast Asia.

Charlotte Mouginot, HCTC School Director and IECD Head of Operations, Southeast Asia

As Charlotte Mouginot emphasized:

“Building relationships with communities and industries is the bridge to a truly sustainable future.”

To continue this momentum, ASSET-H&C encourages participants and stakeholders to take small, actionable steps within their organizations and collaborate across sectors to create meaningful change.

Contact for Further Details or Resources:
Ha Phan (ASSET-H&C Project Manager): ha.phan@iecd.org

“Alone, we go faster. Together, we go further!”

Building on the success of the Eco-Guide V1, we are developing the Eco-Guide V2. It will offer actionable insights, real-life case studies, and tailored sustainability tips for Southeast Asia’s hospitality sector. As your “Eco-Compass,” it provides expert guidance and localized tools to drive impactful change.

Stay tuned for the Eco-Guide V2, and explore the groundwork in Eco-Guide V1.

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