Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd. a manufacturer and distributor of beverages under the Suntory and PepsiCo brands in Thailand join hands with partners "Klongwises", social and environmental development advocacy; along with honorary advisors from public sector such as the Department of Water Resources, and the Pollution Control Department, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; Office of Primary Education in the target areas under the Ministry of Education; and the Bangkok Education Office under Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, in further moving forward with the program “Mizuiku: Water Education” for the 4th year. The aim is to inspiring Thai youths to realize the importance of conserving water resources and encourage efficient water consumption as well as nourishing environmental caring practices among Thai youths via multiple water conservation activities that focus on youth participatory action throughout 2022

Miss Piengchit Sriprasart, Chief People & Culture and Corporate Affairs Officer at Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd. said, “The company is committed to operating the business along with upholding social and environmental caring responsibilities under the “Growing for Good'' vision for sustainable growth, especially on water resources conservation. This is because ‘water’ is essential to the survival of all of us and it is considered the heart of our business operations. The Company therefore brings the commitment of Suntory Group’s promise, 'Mizu to Ikiru', which means 'Living with Water', to implement into a concrete practice through the continuous implementation of the 'Mizuiku: Water Education' program since 2019. The program focuses on education on water resources and instilling awareness among youngsters about the roles and duties of water conservation which is easy to implement in their daily life. This year, we have further expanded the project to be more concentrated by transferring knowledge of water resources and the environment in fun ways in the style of Mizuiku to the students in the classroom, developing the potential of the target schools to develop into a water conversation model school and also providing opportunities for university students across the country to design & develop a water curriculum for teaching youths in creative ways.”

Mr. Teerachoon Boonsit, Deputy Director-General, Department of Water Resources, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is mentioned for collaboration in the program as an honorary advisor, “The Department of Water Resources is primarily responsible for driving policy on water resource management of the country as well as collaborating with other relevant sectors in taking care of water holistically. The 'Mizuiku: Water Education” Program is regarded as helping to drive the Department's mission in building a new generation of youths who see the value of water and are ready to make positive changes to the environment. Therefore, we are delighted to be a key partner of the program this year and look forward to working with Suntory PepsiCo Thailand and other partners in providing knowledge and encouraging Thai youth to start conserving water and the environment from a young age. They will be an important driving force for environmental sustainability for the long term.”

Mr. Chaiyo Juisiri, Director of Inland Water Section, Pollution Control Department, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, as an honorary advisor of the program said, “On behalf of the Pollution Control Department, I am delighted to be a part of the 'Mizuiku: Water Education’ Program, in which the Department recognizes the importance and benefits to both youths that participate in the program, schools, and quality water resources in the communities. I sincerely hope that the cooperation and support of the Pollution Control Department will be able to help the program to achieve the goals according to the objectives set. This includes the benefits in the development of the quality of youth through cultivating consciousness and joint collaboration to drive the process of prevention and resolution of local environmental problems and grow up to be a responsible adult who cares for society and the environment.”

The “Mizuiku: Water Education” program for the 2022 consists of 3 main activities:

1. Activities to promote knowledge on water conservation for primary schools in the 3 target provinces, namely Bangkok, Rayong and Saraburi; 15 schools in each province; totaling 45 schools. The activities include a Youth Conservation Camp, In-class teaching which integrates with science subjects and also supporting the essential equipment to improve water quality for the participating schools.
2. Water Model school, by selecting one school from each target province, totaling 3 schools, to integrate the school's water conservation in 4 important dimensions: policy aspects, participation of school personal, improving necessary infrastructure and expansion to the surround communities.
3. Creative water resource conservation, teaching curriculum design contest, providing university students from across the country, especially the Faculty of Education, Education Science, and other interested faculties, to have created a teaching curriculum for students in primary education on the conservation of water in a new way which is easy to understand, and fun. This activity also helps to create awareness about the importance of water resources among the contestants.

The “Mizuiku: Water Education” program also reflects constructive collaboration between the public and private sectors in transferring 'knowledge' and gradually foster a sense of agency to become an environment citizen in all the activities of the program. This is to enhance 'knowledge' towards 'action’, especially in conserving water resources conversation according to the program name 'Water Education'. It also aims to inspire all students participating in the project to grow up and become a responsible adult who cares about the environment,” added Miss. Piengchit