UOB Thailand supports youth in creating green innovations
UOB Thailand continues to promote sustainability through projects Wonder Lab: Youth for a Greener Tomorrow Providing a platform for young people to transform society through creativity, innovation and hands-on experience, the Wonder Lab project, a breakthrough from UOB Waste to Wonder, is an internal activity that encourages employees to reduce waste, raise environmental awareness and change their daily behaviors before expanding the concept to the wider society through a new platform for youth.
The Wonder Lab program was launched at GCNT Expo 2025 in partnership with Mindventure, inviting students aged 17–25 from across the country to propose projects to address environmental issues in their communities. In just two weeks, 453 young people from 102 teams across the country submitted their projects, each reflecting creativity, determination and a deep understanding of the problem.
Ten finalist teams were selected to participate in a hands-on workshop and receive consultation and guidance from sustainability experts to help develop their ideas into practical implementation, including project design, communication, community engagement strategies, and operational plans.
missTharat OlarhankitUOB Thailand's Executive Vice President, Communications and Branding, said, "Wonder Lab demonstrates the power of change driven by young people who are not waiting for opportunities, but are ready to rise up and propose new solutions that create positive impact. We believe that true progress comes when we listen, support, and co-create the future together. This project goes beyond sustainability to provide a platform for young people to develop ideas that address community challenges and lay the foundation for a stronger, more inclusive future. Supporting youth ideas and leadership is an investment in Thailand's future."
Throughout August, 10 youth teams have been working on their own projects to turn classroom ideas into real-world sustainability projects. Their project ideas include:
- Produce eco-friendly cat litter
- Make an air purifier from electronic waste and cardboard boxes
- Recycled plastics are used to produce filament for 3D printers and fibers for weaving.
- Use AR and games to change everyday behaviors
- Solving the Mekong River waste problem through changing local people's behavior
- Turning agricultural waste into sports training equipment for youth
- Raising awareness to change behavior to reduce food waste on campus
Ms. Chanakan Khajornseri Co-founder and CEO of Mindventure, a Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia influencer and 2568 Asia Social Impact Leader. “Youth have the potential to create real change, given the right opportunities and space. Wonder Lab provides a platform for them to think, act, and take action to change the world in ways they believe in. We are honored to partner with UOB to make this opportunity a reality,” he said.
One of the top 10 teams Trashformers A team of designers who came up with the idea to create an air purifier out of electronic waste and cardboard boxes shared, “We saw a huge amount of cardboard boxes from online shopping, so we wanted to find a new way to repurpose them for environmental benefits. Our project combines upcycling with innovative electronic waste solutions to help reduce pollution. Through our participation in this project, we learned that environmental problems are all around us, and that change starts with caring for the environment. Taking action, even small actions, can truly create a meaningful and positive impact.”
Wonder Lab: Youth for a Greener Tomorrow Project The results of the 10 project teams will be presented at a presentation on September 13, 2568, at UOB Plaza Bangkok.
