Dr Chana Poomee, Chairman of the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA), has been elected as President of the ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM) for the 2025–2027 term. In his two-year tenure, he aims to strengthen collaboration among the eight ASEAN cement-producing member countries, drive the regional cement industry forward, accelerate the development of the AFCM Decarbonisation Roadmap, and foster partnerships with global organisations to support carbon reduction initiatives.
The AFCM Special Council meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, saw the unanimous election of Dr Chana, reaffirming TCMA’s leadership in sustainability. TCMA’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 has been widely recognised as a regional model. Key initiatives include the Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap, the successful promotion of low-carbon hydraulic cement, and the SARABURI SANDBOX LOW CARBON CITY, an innovative Public-Private-People Partnership (PPP) model. Additionally, TCMA’s collaborations with local cement manufacturers and prestigious international organisations have set a benchmark for sustainable industry practices.
“I am deeply honoured by the trust placed in me by all AFCM member countries, who have unanimously chosen Thailand, through TCMA, to assume this leadership role,” said Dr Chana. “During my tenure, Mr Montri Nithikul will serve as AFCM Secretary-General, with TCMA acting as the AFCM Secretariat, ensuring close coordination among member nations and advancing the region’s transition towards a low-carbon cement industry.”
Four Key Strategies for AFCM’s Decarbonisation Efforts
Dr Chana outlined four strategic priorities for the next two years, requiring coordination from all eight AFCM member countries, represented by their respective industry associations:
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Accelerating the AFCM Decarbonisation Roadmap – Establishing a structured framework to enable AFCM member countries to collaborate with their respective governments in reducing carbon emissions within the cement industry.
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Regional Integration for Collective Action – Leveraging the unique strengths and capabilities of each AFCM member country to ensure a unified and dynamic approach to sustainable industry practices while aligning with global trends.
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Strengthening Government Cooperation within ASEAN – Enhancing collaboration with policymakers to create effective mechanisms for decarbonisation progress.
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Engaging with Global Organisations – Partnering with world-class institutions such as the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, and the World Economic Forum to facilitate technology transfer, innovation, and access to green funding for decarbonisation projects in ASEAN.
Dr Chana emphasised that his tenure as AFCM President presents a pivotal opportunity for Thailand to lead the regional cement industry towards a shared decarbonisation goal through the co-created AFCM Decarbonisation Roadmap. Achieving tangible progress will require comprehensive policy support, cross-sector collaboration, and joint efforts from cement manufacturers in all AFCM member countries. By aligning with global best practices, ASEAN’s cement industry can ensure long-term competitiveness and sustainability.
