This year's SGCA received more than 2,600 entries from 37 countries, with over 600 projects shortlisted before narrowing to 74 finalists across 23 categories. In the category of Excellence in Communication for Sustainable Development (Partner Award), part of the Award for Outstanding Development & Cultural Communication under the Partner Awards, Asia House (London), an international think tank connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, nominated projects from Southeast Asia. Three projects reached the final round: "Fry to Fly" and "No Refry" by Bangchak Group (Thailand), the Free Nutritious Meal Programme by GoTo Group (Indonesia), and Talk It Out by Prudential Plc/Prudence Foundation (Malaysia & Vietnam). Bangchak Group was announced the winner, making it the first organization from Southeast Asia to receive recognition at SGCA, which is now in its 12th year and stands as one of the leading international platforms honoring excellence in communication for sustainability and quality of life.
Bangchak Group's "Fry to Fly" and "No Refry" campaigns advocate against reusing cooking oil and promote purchasing used cooking oil (UCO) to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The initiatives were recognized for their comprehensive and innovative communication strategies, combining traditional and modern media, leveraging technology to engage the public, inspiring behavioral change for environmental awareness, and fostering broad collaboration among communities, businesses, and government agencies. These efforts have delivered tangible, positive impacts on both society and quality of life.
This recognition underscores Bangchak Group's role as a leader in future energy, advancing sustainable development by making the circular economy one of its key drivers. In addition to collaborating with partners on used cooking oil (UCO) collection, the Group has also established UCO purchase points at all Bangchak service stations in Bangkok Metropolitan, along with more than 200 stations in other provinces, totaling over 700 nationwide. At the same time, the Bai Mai Pun Suk Foundation continues to expand the "Fry to Fly Stations" program in schools and other suitable locations across Bangkok and provincial areas, collectively increasing UCO purchasing channels for SAF production. These efforts not only help mitigate climate change but also provide additional income for collectors, promote systematic waste management, and create added value that benefits public health, the environment, and society as a whole.