Female Social Entrepreneurs
News Briefs

Cartier Thailand Celebrates Graduates of the Cartier Women’s Initiative Entrepreneurial Program

Cartier Thailand, in collaboration with Chulalongkorn University, hosted a celebration. This event honored social entrepreneurs who completed the Cartier Women’s Initiative (CWI) Entrepreneurial Program. This short-term course is for female entrepreneurs in Thailand. During the event, Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, presided. He then presented certificates to the program’s graduates. Following this, Pornpreya Vivadhnajat, Managing Director of Cartier Thailand, delivered the opening speech. Meanwhile, Yanina Novitskaya, CEO of Cartier Southeast Asia and Oceania, extended her congratulations. The event took place on May 8, 2025, at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok.

The Cartier Women’s Initiative (CWI) is a global program. It reflects Cartier’s long-standing commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs are driving social change through business solutions. In Thailand, this initiative developed into the CWI Entrepreneurial Program. This program, in turn, aims to equip social entrepreneurs with essential skills and knowledge. It covers fundamental business practices, leadership skills and various business tools and techniques. These elements enable participants to scale their ventures internationally. They may also potentially join the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards in the future. The ultimate goal is to help Thai entrepreneurs create a positive global impact through purpose-driven businesses.

Recognizing the impact of social entrepreneurship and female leadership

Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, remarked that the 26 graduates of the program are not only entrepreneurs but also changemakers. Over the six-week period, they stepped away from their business leadership roles to immerse themselves in this intensive course. The knowledge and experience they gained will prepare them to lead their ventures and discover innovative solutions to drive global change. This collaboration between Chulalongkorn University and Cartier reinforces a shared vision to support enterprises that go beyond profit and strive for social impact. He also invited interested parties to apply for the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards 2026, which will take place in 2026. 

Pornpreya Vivadhnajat, Managing Director of Cartier Thailand, stated that the CWI Entrepreneurial Program was designed to empower entrepreneurs. It also aimed to build the capabilities of those committed to running sustainable businesses with meaningful purposes. She expressed admiration and inspiration from witnessing the program participants’ growth. They demonstrated creativity, collaboration and a collective positive energy fostered within the community.

Yanina Novitskaya, CEO of Cartier Southeast Asia and Oceania, shared her appreciation. She noted the dedication and determination shown by all participants in the CWI Entrepreneurial Program. She also highlighted that Thailand is among the leading countries in terms of female leadership, with many women in executive roles. This underscores the strong potential of Thai women. As the Cartier Women’s Initiative approaches its 20th year, Thailand will host the awards ceremony in 2026. She encouraged program participants and other female social entrepreneurs to apply for this global initiative. It supports business and entrepreneurial growth within a vibrant community of social impact leaders.

About the Cartier Women’s Initiative (CWI) Entrepreneurial Program

The Cartier Women’s Initiative (CWI) Entrepreneurial Program is a six-week intensive course. It was co-developed and is managed by Cartier and Chulalongkorn University. The program includes comprehensive content and practical exercises. These span entrepreneurship fundamentals, business operations and pitching techniques. Furthermore, the program is led by Dr. Preechaya Sittipunt, Chief Global Learning Officer.

Female entrepreneurs running social enterprises are invited to apply for the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards 2026, even if they have not participated in the CWI Entrepreneurial Program. 

Applications are open now through June 24, 2025. Application forms and further information are available at: https://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/awards 

View the photo album of this article at https://www.chula.ac.th/en/news/238707/ 

About Chulalongkorn University

“Chulalongkorn University proudly retains its No. 1 position among Thai universities and ranks 132nd in Asia out of more than 2,000 institutions in the THE Asia University Rankings 2025—a testament to the excellence of Thai higher education on the regional stage.”

Check for errors 160x600 1

©Innovation Women LLC 2024

Innovation Women ® is a registered trademark of Innovation Women LLC