Cargill in Thailand

Guiding education initiatives to strengthen ties with the community  : Cargill Meats Thailand (CMT) was recognized by Thailand’s Ministry of Education for the business’s contribution to local education.  On the 120-year anniversary of the establishment of Thailand’s Ministry of Education, CMT was one of 81 recipients to receive the Semakunupakran Honorary Coin and Certificate of Honor from the Minister of Education, Dr. Suchart Thada-Thamrongvech. The award recognizes CMT’s exceptional contributions to the Ministry and its outstanding role in the community.
One of Thailand’s largest exporters of chicken, CMT runs integrated operating facilities in the Saraburi and Nakhon Rachasima regions in Thailand. CMT’s education efforts center on the local communities in which they operate.
Fostering education on different fronts
The Semakunupakran Honorary Coin and Certificate of Honor was awarded to CMT for its significant contributions to local education management and academic programs, as well as financial and product contributions.
To support local education management efforts, CMT employee volunteers regularly meet with schools in Saraburi and Nakhon Ratchasima  to discuss their needs and help plan for education development programs and joint activities that promote the unity of students, teachers, local communities and industries.
The volunteers are also strong supporters of academic programs. Employees with a sound knowledge of physics, English or mathematics volunteer to tutor high school students. Volunteers also help to improve school facilities in Saraburi and Nakhon Ratchasima.
Human resources coordinator Jaichanok Panyawong volunteered every Saturday for a semester at the Bah Moh school in Saraburi when the school required a full-time physics teacher.
“ I taught 98 grade 10 to12 students physics. While I declined the school’s offer to pay me, as I am happy to help, this shows that the school values the contribution we make to local education,” she said.

Focus on employees as well
CMT’s support for academic programs extends into its plant as well.  CMT runs the “school in plant” program, which enables employees to complete their primary, secondary and high school education while working for Cargill. Under this government-approved and monitored program, employees are required to engage in a certain number of classroom activities and to participate in community activities as well.
CMT also makes direct contributions to education by awarding annual scholarships to local schools, sponsoring product donations to breakfast and lunch programs and providing books and equipment. Most recently, 42 scholarships were awarded to 7th-grade students in the Saraburi province to help them obtain their bachelor’s degrees.
“We have been supporting local education in our communities and facilities for many years and it is an honor to receive the award from Thailand’s Ministry of Education,” said K. Chinathep Sangsuwon, human resources director of Cargill Meats Thailand.