Dr. Kessara Thanyalakpark is paving the way for sustainable change in Thai real estate

As the Managing Director of Sena Development, she leads the charge in eco-friendly development and empowers women in the industry

Asst. Prof. Dr. Kessara Thanyalakpark has been a key figure in the evolution of Thailand’s real estate sector. As the Managing Director of Sena Development Public Company Limited, she has worked tirelessly to guide the company’s direction towards creating sustainable, forward-thinking developments. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Kessara has shaped the company’s approach, ensuring that the homes and communities it builds are not only innovative but also environmentally responsible. 

Commitment to sustainability 

At the heart of Dr. Kessara’s leadership is her strong commitment to sustainability. Under her guidance, Sena Development became the first real estate company in Thailand to install solar panels in every home it built, a step that has set a new standard in the industry. This early adoption of eco-friendly technology reflects her forward-thinking vision and determination to make a meaningful contribution to the environment. 

In addition to this initiative, Sena Development launched the SENA Low Carbon programme, which focuses on integrating energy-efficient designs and solutions into every project. The goal of this initiative is to reduce the carbon footprint of its developments and promote sustainable living for homeowners. Through this, Dr. Kessara has shown that it is possible to achieve both business success and environmental responsibility.  

Beyond energy efficiency, Sena Development also advocates for a Decarbonised Lifestyle, encouraging residents and communities to adopt environmentally conscious practices. This aligns with her broader vision of fostering an industry that prioritises long-term sustainability over short-term gains. 

Supporting women in the industry 

Dr. Kessara’s leadership extends beyond her company’s projects. She has also been an active supporter of women’s advancement in the real estate industry. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, she understands the importance of empowering other women to step into leadership roles. 

When asked how she champions women in the industry, Dr. Kessara shared: “It is important for all of us to try and help each other, to raise the bar for all women to see that there is no limitation on what women can do or achieve, even in an industry like ours.” 

Her words reflect her genuine belief that there should be no boundaries to what women can accomplish. For Dr. Kessara, it is about creating opportunities for women to succeed and helping them gain confidence in their abilities. Her approach involves both mentorship and providing a platform for women to showcase their talents and leadership skills. She believes that by encouraging more women to lead projects and take on significant responsibilities, the real estate industry will become more inclusive and diverse. 

Academic and professional foundation 

Dr. Kessara’s academic background and experience have been central to her success. Holding a Ph.D. in Economics from Claremont Graduate University in the USA, she combines a deep understanding of business principles with a commitment to thoughtful, sustainable development. Her experience as a professor at Chulalongkorn University provided her with the tools to analyse complex problems and develop strategies for tackling them—skills that she has applied effectively at Sena Development. 

When Dr. Kessara joined her family’s real estate business, she brought with her a vision of using sustainable practices as a foundation for future growth. This was not just about building properties; it was about creating long-lasting communities where people can thrive in environmentally conscious spaces. 

Recognition and industry impact 

Dr. Kessara’s leadership and vision have earned her significant recognition in the real estate and business sectors. In 2022, she was named “Real Estate Personality of the Year” at the PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards, a testament to her contributions to the industry. Her dedication to sustainability and her efforts to drive change in the real estate sector also earned her the title of “Business Icon of the Year 2023 in the Real Estate Sector” from the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA). 

These recognitions reflect the growing impact of her work in shaping an industry that increasingly values sustainability, social responsibility, and forward-thinking leadership. 

Looking ahead: A legacy of sustainable development 

Looking forward, Dr. Kessara is focused on expanding Sena Development’s portfolio of sustainable developments and continuing to integrate new technologies and practices that will shape the future of real estate in Thailand. Her vision for the future involves creating more eco-friendly homes, fostering stronger communities, and ensuring that sustainability remains a central part of the company’s mission. 

Dr. Kessara’s leadership serves as an example of how business success and environmental responsibility can coexist. Her contributions to the real estate sector are not just about the buildings she helps create; they are about setting a standard for future generations of leaders in the industry. She is proving that the real estate sector can grow sustainably and inclusively, and she continues to inspire the next generation of leaders—especially women—to carry forward her vision of a greener, more inclusive future. 

This article was originally published on asiarealestatesummit.com. Write to our editors at [email protected]. 

Watch her interview, alongside other Power Women 2024, here: