This edition of Passage to ASEAN (P2A) is focused on sustainability; one of the programs carried out is a hands-on initiative in the coastal area of Hat Chao Mai National Park, Trang Province, Thailand. The initiative, held on August 15, 2026, brought together dozens of delegates from IPC UII, SCIMPA UUM, and SDU.
Through this beach cleanup CSR initiative, the delegates not only collected coastal trash but were also guided to understand the local ecological reality, where they observed firsthand the challenges posed by marine debris to the sustainability of coastal ecosystems within the national park. Furthermore, the event served as a medium for sustainable learning through concrete activities.
One of the facilitators accompanying the delegates from the three countries was Billy, a former biologist and scientist at the Trang Marine National Park in Thailand. He has researched the region’s marine ecosystems, including reef sharks, dugongs, and seagrass beds, which serve as vital habitats.
P2A ICE CREAM COCONUT 2026: Sustainable CSR by the Younger Generation at Hat Chao Mai
Billy shared fundamental insights about nature, humans, and the environment. He noted that nature does not need humans, but humans need nature.
“You need to know that, actually, the environment doesn’t really need humans, but the opposite is true—humans need it to benefit us. So, we need to understand what we’re using and how we’re living. We must understand the costs and consequences, such as microplastics, which can later lead to many diseases for humans,” explained Billy.
This CSR initiative is not merely a social activity but serves as an open-air laboratory for the delegates to observe firsthand. Key points to highlight include the condition of the coastal ecosystem—including plastic waste that threatens marine life—the cycle of land-based waste that ultimately ends up in the ocean, and, finally, the role of humans as part of the solution, not merely as consumers of natural resources.
This beach cleanup serves as a symbol that sustainability doesn’t have to start with grand policies, but rather with simple actions: picking up trash, sorting it, and understanding that every piece of plastic collected is a small step toward maintaining the balance of nature.
Hakimi, one of the delegates from UUM, noted that this CSR initiative is a concrete action that allows him to contribute to sustainability.
“I found the beach cleanup program very beneficial and meaningful. It gave me the opportunity to contribute to protecting our environment while learning the importance of taking responsibility for keeping our surroundings clean. What made the program even more meaningful was that we worked together regardless of our different races and cultures, united by the same responsibility to care for our environment,” said Hakimi.
Meanwhile, Aliya Salsabila, a delegate from IPC UII, shared a deeply personal message. She noted that what we do today shapes the future.
“Participating in the beach cleanup CSR program made me realize that nature isn’t something we can continue to take for granted. Through something as simple as picking up trash, I’ve come to understand that what we do today will become part of the environmental conditions we leave behind for future generations,” she said.
Meanwhile, Billy, who has worked in the field of conservation for many years, noted that programs like this are urgent for young people. They provide a valuable space to meet, discuss, and collaborate—especially regarding the realities of the environment and sustainability, as well as the roles we should play.
“This is the best program I’ve ever heard of, because in this current generation, people are starting to connect online but have forgotten the importance of face-to-face communication and storytelling. And since we’re all part of ASEAN and are neighbors, I think this is a great initiative because it allows us to connect with one another,” he added.
