2026 “New ASEAN: A Paradigm Shift”
Bangkok Bank hosted the AEC Business Forum 2026, under the theme “New ASEAN: A Paradigm Shift.” on January 14, 2026, at Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre, Central World. The forum explored five key megatrends shaping the future of a new ASEAN era: geopolitical tensions, shifting trade flows, technological transformation, climate change impacts, and demographic shifts, with the aim of helping businesses prepare for emerging challenges, discover new opportunities in the region’s evolving industries, and build strong, sustainable growth.
The Bank was honored to welcome Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the Board of Investment (BOI), who delivered a keynote speech titled “The New ASEAN Economy: Future-Focused Thailand, Opportunities in Emerging Industries. This was followed by a panel discussion on the topic of “ASEAN’s Next Wave: New Sector Opportunities to Capture Global FDI.” The panel comprised Ms. Somruedee Chaimongkol, Senior Executive Officer and Former CEO, Banpu; Mr. Lim Hua Tiong, CEO, Frasers Property (Thailand), and CEO, Emerging Markets, Asia, Frasers Property Limited; Mr. Yeap Swee Chuan, President and CEO, AAPICO Hitech; and Mr. Teddy Nuryanto Oetomo, President Director, PT Merdeka Battery Materials.
In the afternoon, the discussions continued with the session “Navigating Trade Fragmentation in a Geopolitical Era,” featuring: Mr. Vasit Taepaisitphongse, CEO, Betagro; Mr. Abhijit Datta, Former Managing Director & Head of International Business, SCG International; Advisor, SCG Distribution & Retail and Director SAMEA, SCG International; and Dr. Kobsak Pootrakool, Director and Senior Executive Vice President, Bangkok Bank. This was followed by another panel on “Strategies for Success in the Age of Tech Fragmentation,” with insights from Mr. Dipen Mehta, Managing Director, Asia Financial Services, Microsoft; Dr. Chawapol Jariyawiroj, President, Huawei Technologies Thailand; and Dr. Buranin Rattanasombat, Chief New Business and Sustainability Officer, PTT. Together, the speakers shared perspectives, experiences, and strategic approaches to achieving business success in an increasingly complex regional environment.