2025 "ASEAN in the Age of Disruption"
Bangkok Bank hosted the AEC Business Forum 2025 under the theme ‘ASEAN in the Age of Disruption’ on January 16, 2025, at Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre, Central World. The Forum aimed at supporting Thai businesses to manage risks and challenges in the midst of change, strengthening business relationships, as well as enhancing potential and competitiveness, leading to valuable trade and investment opportunities in ASEAN markets.
Mr. Mark Souza, Corporate Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Microsoft Asia, one of the world’s most influential technology companies, delivered the keynote speech on the topic “Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Businesses”. He addressed AI industry developments in Asia and ASEAN in 2025, as well as key trends and opportunities for businesses to thrive as the use of AI grows rapidly. This was followed by a panel discussion on the topic of “Perspectives on Thai Business Venture to Asia and Beyond” by leading regional speakers representing Thai businesses who shared their success in adapting to change and seizing opportunities amid Asia’s rapid growth. The panel comprised Ms. Jareeporn Jarukornsakul, Chairman of Executive Committee and Group CEO, WHA Corporation, representing the logistics and supply chain industry; Mr. Aloke Lohia, Founder and Group CEO, Indorama Ventures, representing the chemical industry; and Ms. Somruedee Chaimongkol, Senior Executive Committee and Former CEO, Banpu, representing the energy industry. This session was moderated by Ms. Veenarat Laohapakakul, news anchor of The Standard.
In the afternoon session, Mr. Mongkhon Tangsiriwit, Cluster President, Schneider Electric - Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, a global industrial technology leader that provides industrial IoT solutions, delivered the keynote speech on the topic “Adapting to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): A Strategic Business Approach”. This addressed the strategies and challenges businesses need in order to adjust to CBAM. This was followed by a panel discussion on the topic of “Navigating Geopolitical Risks in the New World Order” joined by distinguished speakers with experience and expertise in geopolitics. These comprised Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Former Vice Minister and Permanent Secretary, Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Dr. Aksornsri Phanishsarn, Associate Professor, Faculty of Economics, Thammasat University, and Dr. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Professor and Senior Fellow, Institute of Security and International Studies, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University. This session was moderated by Ms. Nattha Komolvadhin, news producer of The Standard.