Bangkok: The second edition of MISSION POSSIBLE, Thailand’s youth-focused social hackathon, came to a spirited close on Sunday, July 13, delivering not just solutions but a renewed vision of what young minds can achieve when guided by compassion, innovation, and a synodal spirit.
Hosted at the Baan Phu Waan Pastoral Training Center just outside Bangkok, the three-day event was organized by the Catholic Education Council of Thailand (CECT) in collaboration with LiCAS News. Over 70 students, aged 13 to 19, from 12 Catholic schools across Thailand participated, regardless of religious background most of them Buddhists showing how unity and shared purpose can transcend spiritual boundaries.
Framed by the Church’s call to walk together in faith and mission, the hackathon embraced the synodal approach emphasized by Pope Francis: one of deep listening, dialogue, and collaboration.
Throughout the weekend, students tackled urgent societal challenges such as climate change, labor migration, family fragmentation, and ethical technology use. Assisted by experienced mentors, social entrepreneurs, and public speaking coaches, they refined their ideas into pitches with real-world impact.
As the final day unfolded, teams delivered rapid-fire five-minute “mic-off” presentations, competing for a combined seed fund of nearly $10,000 USD. But unlike typical contests, these projects weren’t about business growth they were about social transformation.
Cardinal Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij, Archbishop Emeritus of Bangkok, opened the day with a spiritual reflection, urging students to “be light in a world often caught in darkness.” His homily echoed the theme of sacrifice and self-giving, a call for youth to lead by love, not ambition.
Among the standout teams was a group of girls from Regina Coeli College in Chiang Mai, who addressed the pain of family separation common among boarding students. Their solution “Bear Bridge”, a mobile app to foster parent-child connection earned heartfelt praise for its emotional depth and practical design.
The app features real-time communication, shared calendars, voice notes, and photo journals, offering a digital bridge between parents and children who live apart. “We rewrote our pitch after midnight,” said team member Thanyarat Thammikomin, “because we wanted to reflect the synodal way listening, adapting, and moving forward together.”
Participants described the event as a transformative experience. “I’ve joined competitions before, but this was different,” said Phattamaze Chanasita from Streemandapitak School. “This was about using our hearts, not just our heads.”
Another student, Pitchaorn Prakhamthai from Holy Redeemer Northeastern Region School, added, “This hackathon has made me realize that I can face bigger challenges not just academically, but in life.”
Dr. Thierry Bonaventura, communications director at the Vatican’s General Secretariat of the Synod, was visibly moved by the atmosphere. “What you’ve created here is not just a workshop it’s a sacred space. A place where young people are not merely heard, but trusted to shape the future.”
He underscored that every team was a winner not because of funding, but because of the bonds they formed, the empathy they nurtured, and the confidence they gained.
Following the remarkable success in Thailand, MISSION POSSIBLE is set to expand to the Philippines later this year, with future editions planned in Indonesia and other parts of Asia. The vision: to create a regional network of youth leaders committed to building just, inclusive, and creative societies.
Peter Monthienvichienchai, Executive Director of LiCAS News, reflected on the event’s wider meaning: “We usually ask youth to follow. Here, we invited them to lead. And they responded by offering a future filled with hope, justice, and unity.”
As the final candles dimmed and applause faded, one truth became clear:
When young people are empowered with purpose and faith, MISSION POSSIBLE isn’t a slogan it’s a reality in motion.