The APEC BCG Award 2024 has recognized three individuals and their businesses for their outstanding contributions to sustainability and inclusive growth in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region, with the winners each receiving US$5,000 to further their sustainable innovations.
There are three award categories: Women, Youth, and MSMEs (micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises). The APEC BCG Award celebrates innovative and replicable Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy approaches that drive sustainable development.
Women: Passawee Tapasanan Kodaka of Folkcharm Co. Ltd.
Passawee Tapasanan Kodaka, founder and creative director of Folkcharm Co. Ltd., was recognized for her sustainable cotton apparel and accessories brand. Folkcharm focuses on design, heritage crafts, community empowerment, and environmental consciousness.
Using locally sourced, ‘slow-made’ cotton and traditional weaving techniques that are “kind and fair to nature, makers, and users,” Folkcharm achieved a zero-waste production model in 2024, highlighting transparency and collaboration with local communities.
Youth: Muh. Agung Saputra of Surplus Indonesia
Muh. Agung Saputra, CEO of Surplus Indonesia, pioneered Indonesia’s first ‘food rescue app’ to combat food waste. By offering discounted surplus food, Surplus Indonesia has rescued 350 tonnes of food, thereby preventing 5,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions (#savefood #savebudget #saveplanet).
The app serves over 500,000 users and empowers women entrepreneurs, who dominate the food rescue market at a 90% share. As a Certified B Corporation, it meets the highest standards for social and environmental impact.
MSME: Nippan Intercrop Co. Ltd. by Chirayuth Tiewsomboonkit
Nippan Intercrop Co. Ltd., led by Chirayuth Tiewsomboonkit, transforms agricultural waste, such as corn cobs, into eco-friendly products. This prevents the burning of farm waste on over 160,000 rai annually, reducing harmful emissions and achieving zero-waste production, benefiting local farmers in Thailand.
This innovative BCG business model provides commercial solutions for the seasonal issue of transboundary haze, which chokes the skies of Southeast Asia every year.
The APEC BCG Award was launched in November 2022 during Thailand’s chairmanship of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation to advance its pioneering concept of the Bio-Circular-Green Economy Model. The award is co-proposed by Canada, China, and Thailand; co-sponsored by Hong Kong SAR, New Zealand, Peru, and the United States; and funded through contributions from Canada, China, Hong Kong SAR, and Thailand.
Teerin Julsawad 
Paul Rujopakarn