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Piyajit Ruckariyapong, Chief Executive Officer of Sappe Public Company Limited (SAPPE), has been named one of 12 Thai women executives and entrepreneurs selected to receive the Outstanding ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Award 2026 at the 2026 ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network (AWEN) Forum & Awards. The award was presented by Malaithong Kommasith, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Lao PDR, at Amari Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The recognition highlights the role of Thai women leaders in driving organizational and business growth while advancing women’s empowerment, diversity, equality and shared value for society.

In 2026, the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network Thailand (AWEN Thailand) selected 12 outstanding Thai women entrepreneurs from 12 fields to represent Thailand at the awards, alongside representatives from all 11 ASEAN Member States: Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Timor-Leste and Viet Nam. The Outstanding ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Award recognizes women entrepreneurs for their outstanding business achievements and their contributions to the economic and social development of the region.

For Piyajit Ruckariyapong, this recognition marks another milestone in her journey of leading SAPPE from a Thai beverage company to a global business. Today, SAPPE products are exported to more than 100 countries worldwide, with international markets serving as a key growth driver and ASEAN playing an important role in connecting the company’s growth from Thailand to the global market.

Behind this growth is a management philosophy that places “people” alongside “innovation.” Piyajit has fostered an organizational culture that encourages people to think boldly, experiment and create meaningful differences, while enabling people of all genders, generations and diverse backgrounds to reach their full potential. As of the end of 2025, women accounted for 51% of SAPPE’s workforce and 60% of management, reflecting the company’s commitment to creating opportunities for women to take active roles in driving the business and participating in organizational decision-making.

SAPPE extends its commitment to equality beyond the organization to consumers and society through brands that connect with younger generations on diversity, embracing differences and self-worth. The company also collaborates with national and international networks. SAPPE is a member of the United Nations Global Compact Network Thailand and has continuously engaged with UN Women in advancing Gender Equality and Women Empowerment. SAPPE has also been recognized by the UN Women WEPs Awards in the categories of Gender-Responsive Marketplace and Leadership Commitment and Action.

At the same time, SAPPE leverages its business capabilities to create value for society and local communities, particularly those surrounding its factory, through knowledge sharing, skills development and the use of local resources to support livelihoods and income generation. This reflects SAPPE’s approach to growth, which looks beyond business success to creating opportunities for people and society to grow together with the company.

The Outstanding ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Award is presented under the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network (AWEN), a regional network dedicated to strengthening the potential and role of women entrepreneurs across ASEAN. First presented in 2015, the award has continued through 2026, marking its 12th year, recognizing outstanding women entrepreneurs who contribute to the region’s economic and social development.

“I am proud to receive this recognition on the ASEAN stage and even more pleased that SAPPE’s success can contribute to building recognition for Thailand. We have always believed that Thai brands have the potential to compete globally. Today, SAPPE products are available in more than 100 countries, and we will continue to build Thai Pride by bringing Thai innovation and creativity to the global stage,” Piyajit said.