BANGKOK, Thailand – UOB Thailand is bringing young innovators together to tackle real communication challenges posed by DHL Express, DKSH and Häfele Thailand in the second year of UOB Wonder Lab. Launched in 2025, UOB Wonder Lab gives young people the space, guidance and resources to turn their ideas into action. In its second year, the programme has expanded to connect young talent directly with businesses seeking fresh ways to make their environmental and social commitments relevant to their customers.
At the centre of this year’s programme is the UOB Wonder Lab Impact Academy, where 15 teams selected from171 teams comprising 688 young people across Thailand, work on live briefs set by the three partner companies. Each corporate partner presented a communication challenge drawn from its business priorities and audience needs. Supported by business leaders and mentors, participants developed creative approaches meant to strengthen understanding, encourage participation and make responsible choices more relevant to everyday life.
Ms Dhornratana Olanhankij, Country Head of Brand, Media and Communications, UOB Thailand, said “In its first year, UOB Wonder Lab gave young people the space and support to turn ideas for greener communities into projects they could put into practices. The second year takes the programme a step further, giving them the opportunity to work directly with established companies on real communication challenges.
A corporate commitment only begins to matter outside the organisation when people can see how it relates to their lives and how they can be involved. Through this collaboration, the young participants gained practical business experience, while our partners gained perspectives they may not encounter within their own organisations. It is a valuable exchange that helps turn understanding into action.”
At the Impact Academy, participants learnt about each corporate partner’s sustainability priorities and communication objectives. They also took part in workshops on audience insight, storytelling and creative thinking, working with business leaders and mentors to shape their responses to the given brief. Although DHL, DKSH and Häfele Thailand operate in different industries, they face common communication challenges: making complex corporate priorities clear, relevant and meaningful to different audiences.
Ms Bootsaraporn Kittinuntavorakul, Vice President, Commercial, DHL Express Thailand, “Sustainability is most impactful when people understand why it matters. We are pleased to partner with UOB Wonder Lab and look forward to seeing fresh perspectives that help make sustainability more engaging and relevant for different audiences.”
Mr Vorrapong Surachaikulwattana, Vice President, Supply Chain Management, DKSH Thailand, said, “As a partner committed to supporting business growth, DKSH believes that sustainability goes beyond reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas. It also means creating value for people and society, which is closely aligned with our ‘Enriching People’s Lives’ purpose. We are pleased to be part of the UOB Wonder Lab, which gives young people the opportunity to bring fresh perspectives and creativity to sustainability challenges. We hope this programme will inspire the next generation to drive meaningful changes that create lasting value for businesses, people and society.”
Mr John Clare, Managing Director, South and Southeast Asia, Häfele Thailand, said “One of Häfele’s key commitments is ‘Smarter solutions, sustainable results,’ reflecting our dedication to creating innovative solutions for sustainable living, aligned with our purpose, ‘Maximising the Value of Space. Together.’ Participating in the UOB Wonder Lab project gives us an opportunity to learn from the younger generation and highlight that sustainability is a shared responsibility across all sectors, not just business. We believe this initiative will help inspire sustainable thinking and contribute to a more sustainable future for Thai society.”
Following the Impact Academy, the 15 shortlisted teams will continue refining their ideas through mentoring sessions with UOB and partner organisations. Nine finalist teams will present their communication approaches at the UOB Wonder Lab Final Pitch on 3 October 2026 at UOB Plaza Bangkok. The nine finalist teams will be awarded a total prize fund of THB120,000 and certificates of achievement in recognition of their creativity, commitment and contributions throughout the programme.
UOB Wonder Lab reflects UOB’s long-term commitment to investing in youth capability and creating opportunities for collaboration across generations and industries. By working on live briefs rather than hypothetical exercises, participants gain the experience of solving genuine business problems, while companies hear new perspectives on how their commitments can connect more meaningfully with the people they hope to reach. (NNT)
