Smogathon Addressing the Haze Challenge in Northern Thailand

May 26

U.S. Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Program Alumni held a Smogathon to Address Haze Challenge in Northern Thailand. Partners included the U.S. Embassy Bangkok, U.S. Consulate General Chiang Mai, U.S. Government Mentorship Series, Pollution Control Department, Energy and Environmental Consulting Group Co., Ltd. (EEG), Chiang Mai & Co, Chiang Mai Maker Club and Bigbear.io. U.S. exchange program alumni from the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) program organized a “Smogathon” to address air pollution challenges in Northern Thailand. Like a hackathon, the Smogathon brought together young students and professionals, technical experts from diverse backgrounds, and community influencers for an intensive 24-hour workshop. The objective of the workshop was for youth in the community to gather, express their ideas, and collaboratively work together to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to combat the ongoing air quality challenges of the region. At the end of the 24-hour workshop, the adhoc teams presented their ideas to representatives from the government and the private sectors. The winning team received a 20,000 THB award.