Dr. Chana Poomee, Chairman of the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA), has been awarded the prestigious "National Distinguished Person Award" for 2024 at King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB). His unwavering commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainability has driven impactful initiatives that benefit industries, communities, and the nation. The award was presented by Privy Councillor Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukphasuk during KMUTNB’s 66th anniversary celebration.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Chana stated, “It is a great honour to receive this recognition. I sincerely thank Privy Councillor Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukphasuk and KMUTNB for this award, as well as all those who have worked alongside me. This honour motivates me to continue contributing to our community, society, and nation. True progress is only possible through collaboration, shared vision, and collective effort.”
With over 30 years of experience in the cement industry, Dr. Chana has been a pioneer in sustainable development. As SCG’s first Chief Sustainability Officer, he played a key role in integrating sustainable practices into industrial operations. His leadership extends across multiple influential roles:
As Chairman of TCMA for six consecutive years, Dr. Chana has spearheaded Thailand’s cement industry’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, as outlined in the Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap—the first of its kind in Asia. Under his leadership, TCMA received two prestigious awards from the Ministry of Commerce for Outstanding Leadership of a Trade Association and Excellence in Trade Association Management (2022-2023).
In his role as Vice-Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and Chair of the Water and Environment Institute for Sustainability, Dr. Chana has been a key advocate for environmental responsibility and "Go Green" industrial practices.
His international influence is evident in his contributions to global and regional sustainability efforts. As a Board Member of the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) (2023-2025), he plays a crucial role in facilitating global knowledge exchange, securing international funding, and supporting Thailand’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) goals in combating climate change. Looking ahead, his appointment as President of the ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM) (2025-2027) will enable him to drive the AFCM Decarbonisation Roadmap, aligning the efforts of eight ASEAN cement-producing nations with global carbon reduction initiatives.
At the national level, Dr. Chana has been a key figure in the SARABURI SANDBOX LOW CARBON CITY initiative, a Public-Private-People Partnership (PPP) model led by the Governor of Saraburi Province. This innovative ecosystem fosters cooperation among government agencies, the private sector, and civil society to accelerate Thailand’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Dr. Chana’s Collaborative Action Principle is deeply inspired by the royal wisdom of “Understanding, Accessing, and Developing,” as advocated by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX. By promoting effective communication, strong partnerships, and continuous innovation, he has been instrumental in bridging the efforts of the public and private sectors with international organisations. His vision is to position Thailand as a leader in sustainable industry practices, ensuring a competitive, low-carbon future.
His recognition as National Distinguished Person 2024 is a testament to his exceptional leadership, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to sustainability and collaboration.
