KASIKORNBANK (KBank) has launched an AFTERKLASS workshop at this year-end, inviting the new generation to join the online course entitled, "Learn How to Prevent and Mitigate Climate Change with AFTERKLASS". The workshop aims to promote greater understanding of extreme weather conditions among the new generation so that they will learn how to adapt to and mitigate the climate crisis with practicality in order to save the world in a sustainable manner.
Mr. Rawee Angthong, KBank Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications and Relations Department, said that the world is now faced with the impacts of "climate change" caused by global warming. The phenomenon has led to extreme weather conditions which are devastating the economy, society and environment. The issue is now high on the global agenda. International efforts aim to limit global warming to 1.5-2 degrees Celcius and achieve net zero emissions within 2050 in alignment with the Paris Agreement. Meanwhile, Thailand has set the goals of achieving carbon neutrality within 2050 and net zero emissions within 2065.
As a CSR program organized by KBank, AFTERKLASS is a platform that focuses on promoting financial literacy among Thai youth aged 15-20. Recognizing the importance of fighting climate change which requires collective action from all of us, especially the new generation, KBank has organized the "Learn How to Prevent and Mitigate Climate Change with AFTERKLASS" online workshop. The activity is aimed at promoting awareness among youths of the numerous problems related to natural resources, and offering them related knowledge and understanding so that they can practically address such issues for a sustainable world.
Young people participating in the online workshop have learned various environmental issues through experience and knowledge sharing with two speakers who are well-known in the field of environmental conservation, namely Mr. Boripat Siriaroonrat, DVM, Ph.D. Researcher, Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University & President of Green World Foundation; and Mr. Alexander Simon Rendell, actor, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) EEC HQ Co., Ltd., and the UN Environment Programme's first National Goodwill Ambassador for Thailand. Throughout the online workshop, the two gurus have offered the participants their in-depth knowledge on the root causes and relations of environmental problems. They have also promoted awareness and provide guidelines on how to address environmental problems through sharing their experiences and exchanging views while also encouraging participating youths to build a joint commitment towards addressing problems related to climate change, which is in line with the environmental operations that KBank has always attached importance to.
The one-day online workshop comprises: 1) The Climate Change 101 session on "Is climate change real?", covering the definition and causes of climate change, plus environmentally-friendly ways to cope with climate change; 2) The Climate Change 102 session on "Severe weather conditions from north to south", covering an analysis on climate change issues at home and abroad, plus related experience-sharing and brainstorming on "How to weather the climate change crisis"; and 3) The Climate Change 103 session on "Methods of addressing climate change via lifestyle adjustments". Additionally, participants will be invited to share their reflections on the AFTERKLASS workshop, while pledging their commitment to cope with and take action to mitigate the impacts of erratic global weather conditions via the creation of a circular economy that adheres to the principle of '8Rs", which are achievable and can be easily incorporated into daily life. Through the use of an online whiteboard, at www.webwhiteboard.com, participants can share course details and lend their voices to promoting environmental awareness and social engagement.
Mr. Rawee added that the climate change workshop garnered overwhelming interest from the new generation and was very well-received. This success resonates with AFTERKLASS mission of setting up a community which combines a wide range of teenage interests, whether in terms of financial knowledge, education, entertainment, lifestyle, gaming or various workshops, and provides skills and knowledge to participants year-round free of charge. AFTERKLASS has continually organized annual camps that focus on honing participants' business, financial and investment skills. Presently, there are more than 33,000 members on the website, and over 50,000 on other social media platforms. In 2022, KBank will press ahead with its AFTERKLASS program to build upon the financial knowledge of Thai youths, while arming them with new skills that will enable them to face the challenges and rapid changes of the new era, economically, socially and environmentally - as they will go on to become a major driving force for sustainable growth of Thailand.