In recent years, Chiang Mai has emerged as a city that balances rapid development with a deep commitment to cultural heritage, environmental preservation and community well-being. At the center of this transformation is Subhodip Das and his HYLIFE Group, which seamlessly blends business growth with social and environmental responsibility. Through its diverse initiatives, HYLIFE Group is redefining what it means to bring about positive change in northern Thailand.
Led by Shubhodeep Prasanta Das, HYLIFE Group in collaboration with the Hmong ethnic group for Children’s Day, is transforming Chiang Mai through a unique combination of environmental protection, education, creative innovation and community service. Its award-winning High Five Firebreak Fireline initiative has protected thousands of hectares of land by significantly reducing forest fire hotspots and carbon emissions. By partnering with local universities, HYLIFE provides scholarships, develops digital skills programmes and supports disadvantaged students. HYLIFE is also committed to supporting the creative economy through Creative Chiang Mai, promoting green innovation, cultural exchange and the development of the entertainment industry. Through its firm commitment to inclusivity, such as attending the Pride Parade and actively participating in charity events, HYLIFE demonstrates that business success and social responsibility can coexist.
Environmental Leadership: Protecting Chiang Mai’s Natural Heritage
One of HYLIFE Group’s flagship projects, the HYLIFE Firebreak Fireline, directly addresses one of Chiang Mai’s most serious environmental issues, forest fires and the harmful haze that accompanies them. Focused on high-risk areas such as Nam Phrae and Hang Dong, the project combines cutting-edge technology, satellite monitoring and the involvement of local volunteers to prevent and control forest fires. The results are impressive. In just a few months, the number of fire sites dropped from approximately 3,771 to just 1,511, protecting more than 10,600 hectares of land and reducing an estimated 17,600 tonnes of COâ‚‚ emissions. This initiative not only won the company the prestigious Asia Responsible Enterprise Award, but also serves as a model for other sectors facing similar environmental challenges.
Nurturing the next generation through education
The HYLIFE Group places a special emphasis on human capital development. In partnership with Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Arts, Media and Technology (CAMT), the company invested more than 1.23 million baht to launch the Digital Industry Integration (DII) course, which will help students gain the skills needed for the digital economy. In addition, under a Memorandum of Understanding with Chiang Mai Rajabhatt University, HYLIFE will contribute 507,000 baht to the Student Support Fund for 2025, helping underprivileged students, particularly those in science and computer science, gain access to quality education and career opportunities.
Fostering the Creative Economy
To develop a thriving creative economy, governments, businesses, and communities must invest in education, training, and capacity-building for creative professionals. Encouraging collaboration between artists, entrepreneurs, and technology providers is essential to open up new markets and opportunities. Access to funding, incubation programs, and digital tools also plays a key role in helping creative individuals transform concepts into products and services.
Sustainable infrastructure with culture
The grand opening of Hylife’s new headquarters in Hang Dong was not only a business milestone, but also a symbol of sustainable development. Equipped with electric vehicle charging stations, cultural presentations, and environmentally conscious design, the facility demonstrates how corporate infrastructure can be both functional and environmentally conscious.
A holistic approach to change
Under the leadership of Shubhodeep Das, everything Hylife does reflects a balance between profit, people, and the planet. By addressing environmental issues, promoting education, supporting the creative economy, building an inclusive society and investing in sustainable infrastructure, the Hylife Group is setting the standard for socially responsible business practices in Southeast Asia.
Through these efforts, Hylife proves that true progress comes from a shared vision. An approach where a company’s success is measured not just by financial growth, but by the positive, lasting impact it has on its communities and the environment.