Opportunities & future forged: FWD Insurance and Pimali Foundation transform youth lives
Opportunities & future forged: FWD Insurance and Pimali Foundation transform youth lives
In the serene natural landscape of Nong Khai province, there’s a place creating job opportunities for youth in Northeast Thailand: The Pimali Resort and Hospitality Training Center. More than just a school, it’s a beacon of hope and promise. Established by the Pimali Foundation in 2015, the center has been helping orphans and underprivileged youth across the Isan region and other provinces nationwide. The center’s curriculum is designed to build skills in hotel work, kitchen operations, and hospitality services, emphasizing both theoretical learning and practical training. Behind this social mobility development initiative stands FWD Insurance, a continuous supporter.
For FWD Insurance, supporting the Pimali Foundation represents a commitment to creating educational opportunities and equality that has lasted over 5 years. This year, the company has provided seven scholarships and comprehensive life and medical insurance coverage for all students and staff at the training center. “We wish to empower these young people to learn, grow, and use their knowledge as a foundation for a stable and meaningful future,” says Mr. David Korunić, Chief Executive Officer for Thailand & Cambodia, FWD Life Insurance Plc.
The 6-11 month training program covers skills related to housekeeping, kitchen work, and food and beverage services. The training facility is on-site with standard kitchen facilities and a four-bedroom hotel to accommodate guests, serving as a practical learning environment for students. Recognizing that workforce preparation extends beyond technical skills, previous student surveys revealed financial management as a significant challenge for those entering the workforce. Consequently, FWD Insurance has developed targeted financial literacy modules and interactive workshops this year. Weerapong Lamlertkij, Lead of Wealth Training at FWD Insurance, explains, “We intentionally designed workshops to be fun, easy to understand, and immediately applicable, using a Money Board Game that helps students apply financial knowledge to their daily life”
Since the center was established, 191 Pimali alumni have graduated, with 120 finding employment in hotels and resorts nationwide. These graduates not only build their futures but also help improve the quality of life for their families and communities. By continuously providing meaningful knowledge, the center empowers youth to stand confidently and independently. Sanititta Saijamrus (I-Din), an Food and Beverages student, shares, “Learning about money management helps us plan expenses and save money efficiently. It’s crucial knowledge for us as first jobber.” Somchai Namkhuenpaet (Pae), a Housekeeping student, adds, “The content is easy to understand, the instructors provide excellent advice, and we’re confident this knowledge will help us manage our lives better in the future.”
The training center focuses not just on creating youth employability but also on sustainability. This includes using solar energy as a backup power source, collecting rainwater for center use, and practicing organic farming. Every student maintains their vegetable plots, promoting learning, responsibility, and self-reliance. With consistent intention and support, FWD Insurance and the Pimali Foundation are creating stable futures for underprivileged youth and driving community-level change.
“Investing in education transcends individual support—it builds an equitable and resilient society, empowering individuals to dream boldly, live courageously, and shape their own futures,” Mr. David concludes.
