Atsushi Sugiyama (MBA 2016): Sustainability at the Heart of Thailand’s Business Transformation

Stories Atsushi Sugiyama (MBA 2016): Sustainability at the Heart of Thailand’s Business Transformation

Name	Atsushi Sugiyama
Study Programme	MBA 2016
Current Location	Thailand
Current Job	CEO, Sun-up Corporation (Thailand) Limited

Q1. Could you briefly describe your current role?

I hold several positions within the Sun-up Corporation group, a company that specialises in providing comprehensive 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) solutions for clients in the manufacturing industry. I am a director at the company’s headquarters in Japan, as well as the executive CEO of the Hong Kong and Thailand branches. Additionally, I serve as a director for two other companies that Sun-up has established in Thailand.

Q2. Please describe Thailand in three words.

Diversity, Generosity, Mercy.

Thailand, also known as the “land of smiles,” is deeply rooted in Buddhism. The religion teaches people to treat everyone equally with mercy, including the diversified ethnic groups. Therefore, Thai people are generous to foreigners and provide opportunities for them to contribute to the economy and society. This is one of the reasons why I have chosen to base myself in Thailand.

Q3. Which industry do you see strong business potential in Thailand and why?

The Thai government is strongly promoting the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy model, which encourages investors to engage in SDGs and ESG-related businesses by providing various incentives. Our business is also blessed with the BCG model and try to contribute to the society through our 3Rs solutions.

Q4. What is the one thing you miss the most during your study at CUHK Business School, and that you look forward to doing again?

Professor Wilton Chau’s entrepreneurship course remains the most memorable experience of my MBA studies. Since I had already decided to start my own business during the programme, the opportunity to engage with him in discussions regarding various aspects of my business plan proved immensely valuable. His extensive expertise in the field provided me with insightful suggestions that I believe were instrumental in my subsequent success.

Atsushi presenting at the “APEC BCG Economy Thailand 2022: Tech to Biz” event

First published in the CUHK Business School Alumni Website on 10 August 2023, this article was republished with permission from the School’s Alumni Affairs and Development Office.