ASEAN SEDP 4.0 Empowers Social Enterprises in Thailand to Drive Meaningful Change

Through seed grants, training, mentoring, and networking, ASEAN SEDP helps entrepreneurs expand their reach and strengthen their businesses. This year's cohort completed 16 virtual training sessions, received guidance from industry and SAP mentors, and secured USD 51,300 in seed grants for 27 enterprises. Since its launch, ASEAN SEDP has supported 100 social enterprises, empowered 401 entrepreneurs—over two-thirds of whom are women—and positively impacted more than 4.7 million lives.

Dr Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of ASEAN Foundation, commented, "ASEAN SEDP 4.0 is not just about funding, it's about equipping social entrepreneurs with the right skills, connections, and confidence to transform bold ideas into meaningful impact. Watching 30 enterprises from across Southeast Asia push boundaries and grow is a powerful reminder of why investing in young changemakers is essential to shaping the region's future."

The programme's success was underscored by its key partners, who shared their unified commitment to empowering social enterprises. "Our commitment is to provide a dynamic platform where social enterprises can connect to broader communities and amplify their mission to drive positive impacts across society," said Ara Yoo, Global Head of Social Impact, TikTok.

Adding to this, Kulwipa Piyawattanametha, Managing Director of SAP Indochina, stated, "At SAP, we believe technology achieves its greatest impact when combined with the passion of social entrepreneurs, and we are proud to provide the tools and mentorship to help turn bold ideas into sustainable impact."

During the event, Wittawat Lamsam, Chair of the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (ACCMSME), delivered a keynote speech underscoring the pivotal role of ASEAN SEDP in empowering MSMEs and social enterprises through mentorship, grants, and training to drive inclusive regional growth.

In 2025, ASEAN SEDP 4.0 received 371 applications and selected 30 social enterprises across the region, including Thailand's WISHULADA (Turn to Art Co., Ltd.). This one-stop design service creates artwork from upcycled materials. Guided by the belief that "nothing is worthless," WISHULADA transforms waste into high-quality industrial art that promotes sustainable design in Thailand.

SAP has supported ASEAN SEDP with 96 mentors over the past four years. The programme also connects social enterprises with impact investors; notably, Native Discovery, an ASEAN SEDP alumnus, secured funding from Imaginal Seeds (advised by Mana Impact) to help empower Indigenous entrepreneurs in Malaysia.

• ข่าวASEAN Foundation
• ข่าวthe programme
• ข่าวo:member
• ข่าวo:bus
• ข่าวo:loc