TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Social entrepreneurs from around the globe outlined business solutions to global environmental challenges Wednesday (Oct. 29) at the Social Enterprise World Forum. The panel addressed deforestation, ocean plastic waste, and sustainable consumption strategies across regional markets. Speakers from Thailand, Indonesia, and Taiwan shared technology applications and community partnership approaches for environmental sustainability.
The Social Enterprise World Forum hosted its first-ever Taipei gathering, featuring over 1,000 business leaders from 50 countries. Panelists included Dispanadda Diskul, Secretary-General and CEO of Thailand's Mae Fah Luang Foundation, Wulan Trisya Lembonunu, education and empowerment director at Indonesia's Sikola Mombine Foundation, and Alice Yi Jou Hung, CEO of Taiwan's Micro PC. The discussion centered on integrating rural knowledge and fostering community partnerships for sustainable business development.
The organizations represented span multiple environmental sectors across Southeast Asia and Taiwan. Mae Fah Luang Foundation addresses poverty alleviation through sustainable development, while Sikola Mombine Foundation focuses on education and community empowerment. Micro PC specializes in microplastic detection and filtration technology for marine environments.
Diskul warned that humanity consumes resources as if "we have 1.8 Earths" while ecosystems lose regeneration capacity. The Mae Fah Luang Foundation leader emphasized the decline in ecosystem services, including the availability of clean water and fertile soil. Hung highlighted that plastic production rates far exceed the capabilities for collection and reuse, resulting in the accumulation of ocean waste.
Artificial intelligence applications emerge as potential solutions for plastic waste classification and ocean surface detection. Micro PC faces challenges collecting and sorting multiple plastic types through its microplastic detection and filtration machines. Hung identified the potential of AI for improving plastic classification systems and enhancing marine waste identification capabilities.
TVBS Good survey reveals widespread Taiwanese concern about microplastic pollution affecting local communities. Panelists identified unsustainable consumption patterns as primary barriers to achieving circular economy goals. Speakers recommended reducing resource-intensive purchases and considering environmental connections in consumer decision-making processes.
Research demonstrates the significant environmental impact of consumer goods production, including textile manufacturing and water consumption. Studies examine the influence of agricultural policy on product sustainability and resource utilization across various manufacturing sectors. Environmental footprint assessments reveal the hidden costs associated with everyday consumer purchases and production processes.
Rural communities require inclusion in environmental decision-making processes despite frequent exclusion from sustainability initiatives. Diskul emphasized that frontline communities must implement environmental changes while sustainability remains a collective responsibility. Close community collaboration and understanding are proven essential for the successful implementation of environmental programs.
Micro PC faces scaling challenges, including technology transfers while expanding ocean plastic waste solutions. The Taiwan enterprise collaborates with fishermen and factory owners to demonstrate plastic waste conversion capabilities. The recent expansion into Japanese markets targets the Okinawa region for the deployment of microplastic filtration technology.
TVBS's Good brand director, Andrew Lin, moderated the panel as the forum's official media partner. Lin stated that the role of TVBS Good is to help Taiwan take new solutions from here and overseas, allowing larger audiences to understand and take action. The TVBS sustainability platform focuses on environmental and social themes coverage.
The Social Enterprise World Forum concluded Friday (Oct. 31) after five days of expert discussions and networking activities. Opening ceremonies at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park attracted over 1,000 business leaders and policymakers from 50 countries. ◼