T-AB March 2024

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

THAI-AMERICAN BUSINESS

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP IN FOCUS: EMPOWERING FEMALE LEADERS IN HOSPITALITY

U.S. EMBASSY & AMCHAM: PUBLIC DIPLOMACY COLLABORATIONS

BUSINESS LEADERS EXPLORE THAI PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM

AMCHAM WOMEN COMMITTEE: INSPIRE INCLUSION

since 1967.

it’s only human to power a brighter future

We believe that the future of energy lies in reducing carbon emissions and mitigating greenhouse gases, thereby ensuring a sustainable and resilient world in all aspects.

Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production Limited is committed to advancing technology in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from operations while enhancing the utilization of renewable energy in our production processes to support Thailand's carbon neutrality target by 2050 and net-zero emissions by 2065.

AMCHAM BOARD OF GOVERNORS 2024

PRESIDENT

Ornkanya (Mook) Pibuldham, Bank of America N.A.

VICE PRESIDENTS

Wiyada Srinaganand, 3M Thailand

Chatit Huayhongtong, Chevron

Peerasak Gamonsugosol, Honeywell Systems

Charles Blocker, IC Partners

TREASURER

Simon Denye, Harmless Harvest

SECRETARY

Eliot Delunas, Nitro Labs

GOVERNORS

Lena Ng, Amata Corporation PCL

Narumon Chivangkur, Citibank

Ravi Bordia, Kenvue

Jonathan Wood, Mastercard

Asama (Prae) Dumrongmongcolgul, Meta

Ririnda Tangtatswas, Minor International

John Evans, Tractus

BOARD ADVISORS

David Lyman, Tilleke & Gibbins

AMCHAM President in 1975, 1986

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Heidi Gallant

T-AB Magazine is a publication by The American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand.

101 True Digital Park, Griffin Building, Level 12A, Unit No.12A-06, Sukhumvit Road, Bangchak, Phra Khanong, Bangkok 10260

Tel: +66 (0)2 119 3350 www.amchamthailand.com

Editorial Advisory Board: Heidi Gallant

Editorial Team: Varsha Wadhwani, Gawinnart Phupianlert, Aphirak Klayna, Nutcha Sangthai

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T-AB Magazine

Letter from the Excutive Director

Dear Members, I hope this message finds you all in good health and high spirits.

As we finish up the first quarter, our AMCHAM community has continued to demonstrate

passion, resilience, and unity. Together, we’ve seized opportunities and made significant strides in promoting bilateral trade, fostering business connections, and driving economic growth between Thailand and the United States.

I want to extend my sincerest appreciation to Ambassador Robert Godec and Minister Counsellor for Commercial Affairs, Catherine Spillman, for the amazing collaborations we’ve had already this year with the Embassy in raising awareness and cooperation on the Embassy’s public diplomacy initiatives, during the visit to Thailand of U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, who was accompanied by President Biden’s Export Council, at our 2024 AMCHAM Governor’s Gala, and at our upcoming USThailand Healthcare Workshop with the USTDA.

The AMCHAM Government Affairs team, in cooperation with so many of you, have organized meetings and speaker presentations with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the World Bank, the Bank of Thailand, The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), the Revenue Department, the Customs Department, and a visit to the Thai Parliament. I am very excited about our advocacy momentum and the opportunities that lie ahead. With your continued support and engagement, I am confident that we will continue to strengthen our position as a leading advocate for foreign business interests in Thailand.

2024 has already seen almost 50 new AMCHAM member companies join us, and you can meet them at the New Member Orientation and Annual General Meeting where we also have the honor of hearing from the Secretary General to the Prime Minister, Dr. Prommin. I hope to see you very soon!

Sincerely,

Heidi Gallant

Executive Director

Women’s Leadership in Focus: Empowering Female Leaders in Hospitality

By Gavin Tiffin, Asian Institute of Hospitality Management

While things are finally starting to change, and organizations are helping to make a difference in Thailand and beyond, the lack of female leaders in hospitality is still a crucial problem. As you read this article, you might be asking yourself, why is a man writing about the lack of female leaders in hospitality?

For equality and diversity to work, it must come from everyone, and as a male, we must play our part in this conversation as well.

Why? There are a multitude of reasons, but one main factor is the stereotype of females in the kitchen. For women, kitchen work is stereotypically a chore, a daily routine, unpaid labor to provide for the family. For men, it is a career, an enjoyment, a passion.

The sheer number of women in the kitchen in Thailand is impressive. It is refreshing to see the significant role women play in the culinary industry. However, the world’s executive chefs still tend to be male. This is slowly changing. Some noteworthy examples include rising stars such as Anne-Sophie Pic, who currently holds 10 Michelin Stars, and Claire Smyth, a prodigy of

Women Leaders in the Business World

When examining the hospitality industry, the statistics are eye-opening. According to multiple reports, a slight to significant majority of the hospitality workforce is female. A Working Paper by the ILO’s Bureau of Gender Equality, authored by Professor Thomas Baum, puts the number of women in the hotels, catering and tourism industry at 55.5% globally and up to 70% in some world regions. If you look at hotels, you find substantial female representation in areas such as housekeeping, front office, and food and beverage.

The situation is very different, though, when you look specifically at leadership positions. In the United Kingdom, only 25.5% of senior management places are held by women. In the United States, that number drops to 22%. If we consider seats on Boards of Directors, females hold 28% of the leadership in the UK and 23% in the US. Reviewing these numbers, we can see that only about a quarter of leadership positions are

Gordon Ramsay, holding 3 Michelin stars in her own right with her restaurant Core in London.

held by females, even though they represent most of the workforce.

Fortunately, Thailand is a global frontrunner in the push for female leadership in the private sector. Grant Thornton’s 2022 Women in Business report notes that 29% of Thailand’s CEOs are female, compared to the global average of 26%. While we should be happy to see that women in Thailand enjoy greater opportunities to rise to the ranks of senior leadership, we cannot ignore the low overall numbers. The situation is becoming more equitable, but progress is slow, and there is significant room for improvement.

What Drives the Gender Disparity in Leadership Positions?

Based on the gender imbalance in hospitality leadership there are four major factors:

1. The hospitality sector’s focus on operations, with the ensuing high demands on employee time.

This factor highlights the important issue of work-life balance and how expectations are often different for men and women. There are unspoken (and sometimes spoken) assumptions about the time commitments and priorities of women compared to those of men. If a woman can raise a family and juggle work, why are there are still questions about her abilities? Having navigated the Covid pandemic, we are finally starting to see more of a shift in the mindset of work-life balance.

2. Conscious and unconscious bias in the hiring of like-minded masculine leaders.

When the board is controlled by men, there tends to be a tendency to hire similar males, with the same leadership styles. This is a circle that needs to be broken.

3. Lack of equality in the talent pipeline, leading to females getting “stuck”.

Women tend to be directed more to senior roles in HR and similar “people skills” sectors, whereas men lead in sectors such as finance, which are often deemed to be more essential or prestigious business area, leading to more opportunities for career success and advancement to a company’s highest leadership levels.

4. Lack of celebrated female role models

We come full circle back to the example of celebrity chefs. We need more senior females shouting out from the roofs, leading the next generation. We need more men to help showcase these females.

A Call to Action

It is up to all of us to empower women to step forward and lead. We all need to encourage and nurture talent and recognize the potential of what lies inside everyone. No matter what our gender is, we must take an active role in shifting the industry towards a more just and equitable leadership dynamic. Only by doing this can we break the ceiling and work towards true equality. AS a closing thought, in business, to be successful you need to know your customer:

• 80-85% of travel decisions are made by women.

• Women make up 2/3 of all travewlers.

Why on earth are there not more females in leadership, when the buying power is clearly managed and controlled by women?

Gavin Tiffin, is a Culinary Arts lecturer. He previously held senior roles in UK hospitality. Inspired by successful female leaders, he is passionate about addressing the lack of women in hospitality leadership.

Women Mentors: Breaking the Stereotype

By Shabnam Mehta, Aditya Birla Group

In the professional landscape, there are very few women leaders recognized or identified as “mentors”. However, there are prevalent stereotypes associated with women working in senior positions, often casting them in unflattering roles, a narrative frequently alluded to in various professional spheres.

It starts early. Kelly Valen’s 2010 “The Twisted Sisterhood: Unraveling the Dark Legacy of Female Friendships.”, revealed that almost 90% of the 3,000-plus women who participated in her survey often felt “currents of meanness and negativity emanating from other females”. Among men, there is a belief that women are highly emotional and that organizations do not need them, or they are unwilling to make the personal sacrifices that men are routinely expected to make to rise in their jobs. That part of the workload usually falls onto their male colleagues, creating a feeling of injustice.

The feeling that female bosses can be “difficult” is widespread both among men and women. Even in functions considered woman dominated, there

is a prevalence of high-potential candidates seeking out male mentors. Even young women are seen as preferring to work for male managers. There are still fewer situations where the mentor is female, and the mentee is male, but this belief is most prominent in woman - to -woman relationships.

So how can women change these stereotypes? What can women in leadership positions specifically do to help change this belief which blights potentially beneficial connections and relationships for young leaders at the workplace? Women in senior roles must actively engage in mentorship. Gender blindness should be employed in creating the mentor pool. Focusing on ways that change the way people think in the talent pipeline is as important as filling requirements and succession planning. For young employees just entering the work force or someone joining a new job, having a trusted mentor can be career- defining.

Young women face a double challenge as the number of women in leadership positions is

still low globally. As of 2023, women hold only 10.4% of leadership positions in Fortune 500 companies. Industry wide, women in the US held 35% of senior leadership positions (2022) and just 24% in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and Latin America (2023). The numbers are lower in industries like construction, mining, transport, manufacturing, and technology. Women leaders, especially in these traditionally male-dominated industries, have a key role to play. Not only can they help create awareness of the options and opportunities for young women in these industries, but they can also make these industries more welcoming for women by mentoring men.

Historically in Thailand women make up 58.7% (World Bank 2022), and as per the UN’s report on Women Empowerment for Thailand, 35.1% of women were in management in 2020. Compared to Asia-Pacific region and the global average, Thailand also has a greater percentage of women in senior leadership positions. In Thailand’s midmarket companies, women hold 32% of senior leadership positions, which is higher than the global average. Thailand also has quite a few women in the highest positions of power: 24% of CEOs / Managing Directors in Thailand are women, compared to 20% worldwide and only 13% in Asia-Pacific. Thailand has the world’s highest percentage of female CFOs at 43% and the third-highest percentage of female CEOs. This availability and visibility of women leaders in Thailand needs to translate into a pool of female mentors.

Leaders bear the responsibility of nurturing talent. Women are hardwired to be protective of their young and find immense joy in watching them grow into happy, successful adults. HR systems must tap into and take advantage of this innate biology in women, especially those in leadership positions, to “take care” of their young mentees. It is only then that the stereotypes will start to break.

Shabnam Mehta (Sam) is S.V.P – Admin & Ext. Affairs for the Aditya Birla Group in Thailand. She is a qualified PMP, MBA-HR, BA (Hon), Dip Hotel Mgt. She has worked in India, Australia and now Thailand. She is the recipient of the Group Chairman’s Distinguished Achiever Award and recognized as Woman Leader of Thailand at the World Women Leadership Congress held in 2024.

Addressing Harassment in the Workplace

By Nam-Ake Lekfuangfu and Theeranit Pongpanarat, Baker McKenzie

In recent years, the #MeToo movement and the growing recognition of the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) have subjected employers to heightened security and pressure to address workplace discrimination and harassment, particularly of a sexual nature. In Thailand, increased media attention on such issues has led to an increase in high-profile harassment cases coming to public attention, and victims are now more inclined to file complaints or express their frustrations on social media platforms. These issues, therefore, have become crucial for employers to handle appropriately, as mishandling can lead to damaging impacts on business and operations, ranging from litigation risks to reputational damage and the potential for blacklisting by customers or investors.

It is worth noting that harassment can take many forms, from sexual harassment, power harassment, a toxic workplace, bullying, and discrimination. While Thailand lacks a legal definition of harassment, it is prohibited and criminally punishable under several laws. Under the Labor Protection Act, it is clearly stated that “an employer, a person in charge, a supervisor, or a work inspector is prohibited from committing

sexual abuse, harassment, or nuisance against an employee.” Actions considered harassment may also be punishable offences under the Penal Code, with more penalties if the offender exploits their superior power, such as a supervisor, employer, or someone with authority, to engage in sexual harassment or public harassment.

Sexual harassment can encompass various behaviors, including unwanted physical contact, derogatory comments on appearances, inappropriate jokes, and the sending of unwanted suggestive or lewd emails, as well as sexually abusive commenting or posting on internet or social media. When addressing sexual harassment, it is crucial to remember that it is not always about the intention of the perpetrator but more about how the victim feels. Power harassment may involve intimidation, physical and mental aggression, and other non-obvious behaviors such as unjustifiably isolating someone from colleagues or imposing an excessive workload, based on one’s superior position. As power harassment can occur even with well-intended motives such as for the sake of business, it is essential to evaluate the necessity and justification of action in terms of

work, considering alternative approaches that achieve the same result. Such behaviors may also constitute discrimination, contributing to toxic workplace.

Employers must adopt the mindset and tools necessary to navigate and address harassment complaints. Cultivating a culture of compliance that empowers workers and their colleagues to speak up is one of the important factors for success. Simultaneously, establishing effective reporting channels and implementing robust policies and procedures to manage and respond to allegations promptly will make companies less vulnerable to risks such as reputational damage and legal claims.

In the event of harassment allegations, a thorough investigation and fact-finding process is the initial

Nam-Ake is an Employment partner. He assists clients on employment and immigration works, from day-to-day advice to complex matters such as employment trends impacting employers globally, global mobility, modern workforce, and gender pay gap.

crucial step to determine if the complaint is made in good faith, with careful protection of witnesses against retaliation. If the alleged harassment is proven, employers can follow the disciplinary actions outlined in the company’s work regulations. In cases where regulations do not specify steps for disciplinary actions against such offenses, the company can determine appropriate disciplinary actions. If serious instances, which is usually the case of harassment, immediate termination of employment without severance could be implemented.

Given the increasing importance of ESG values and heightened public awareness, employers cannot ignore workplace harassment issues. Instead, they must promptly act to prevent and address these issues effectively in their workplace.

Theeranit Pongpanarat is an Employment partner with experience advising on business restructuring, hiring and terminating senior executives and directors, industrial disputes, posttermination restrictions enforcements, work permit and immigration complexities, and employee’s benefits and welfare planning.

Business Leaders Explore Thai Parliamentary System

Bangkok, February 29 – In a landmark visit, business leaders from the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM) visited the Parliament Complex for a deeper understanding of Thailand’s parliamentary system and legislative procedures.

During the event, the delegation received a comprehensive briefing on parliamentary history, providing attendees with insights into the evolution and functioning of Thailand’s parliamentary framework, followed by a guided tour of the House of Representatives, the museum highlighting pivotal moments in Thai legislative history, and the iconic Parliament building itself.

The highlight of the visit was the firsthand observation of a working session in the Assembly Hall, where delegates had the unique opportunity to witness the democratic processes and deliberations firsthand, further enriching their understanding of Thailand’s political landscape.

Representing diverse industries such as healthcare, automotive, manufacturing, banking, travel, and hospitality, the attendees showcased AMCHAM’s footprint within the Thai business landscape. AMCHAM Executive Director Heidi Gallant emphasized the pivotal role of collaboration between the private sector and the government in fostering sustainable economic growth. She said, “Through initiatives like these, AMCHAM remains a key player in promoting constructive dialogue and collaboration between the private sector and the Thai government. The visit to the Parliament Complex underscores AMCHAM’s commitment to actively participating in Thailand’s economic development”.

Leading Economists Offer Insights on 2024 Thailand Business Outlook at AMCHAM Luncheon

At a recent member luncheon hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM), prominent economists and policymakers from Thailand provided valuable insights into Thailand’s 2024 business outlook. Dr. Kiatipong Ariyapruchya of the World Bank, Dr. Arnunchanog Sakondhavat of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), and Dr. Phurichai Rungcharoenkitkul of the Bank of Thailand shared their perspectives on the country’s economic landscape.

Dr. Kiatipong explored regional megatrends for 2024 and Dr. Arnunchanog provided insights on Thailand’s economic outlook. Dr. Phurichai discussed the role of monetary policy in ensuring sustainable growth.

During the panel, speakers explored policies that support Thailand’s resilience and encouraged engagement from the public and private sectors for input on these policies. They also discussed infrastructure projects and the region’s investment potential.

AMCHAM Executive Director Heidi Gallant, said, “this AMCHAM luncheon facilitated insightful discussions among industry leaders, policymakers, and economists, offering a deeper understanding of Thailand’s economic landscape and opportunities for collaboration”.

AMCHAM Trade and Investment Committee Co-Chair, Nirut Kunnawat of Novegion Consulting, moderated the engaging panel discussion. Over 100 business executives from AMCHAM’s private sector member community, representing industries such as banking, FMCG, energy, healthcare, technology, hospitality, manufacturing, and various business services attended the event.

Roundtable Meeting with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)

On February 13, AMCHAM met with Torsak Chotemongkol, the Chief Advisor to the Bangkok Governor, Sanon Wangsrangboon, the Deputy Governor, and their team. The meeting was led by AMCHAM President Ornkanya (Mook) Pibuldham of Bank of America and included AMCHAM Manufacturing, HR, and Hotel and Hospitality Committees’ Co-Chairs along with AMCHAM Platinum members.

The BMA sought AMCHAM’s feedback on their Summer Career Experience Initiatives for high school and vocational school students. The BMA plans to launch these initiatives by the end of February 2024. Once it is finalized, AMCHAM will circulate more information to its members and provide an update in the next Government Affairs Council Meeting.

U.S. Embassy & AMCHAM: Public Diplomacy Collaborations

On February 23, U.S. Ambassador Robert Godec hosted AMCHAM Board Governors, Committee and Council Co-Chairs at his residence. The purpose of the meeting was to identify potential collaborations between AMCHAM member companies and Embassy partners.

The meeting began with the Office of Public Affairs presenting the key mandates for U.S. Public Diplomacy in 2024. Afterwards, each AMCHAM Committee and Council Co-Chair presented their mission and upcoming activities.

This presentation was followed by a networking session where leaders could exchange ideas and synergize with Embassy staff to align and discuss future collaborations.

The Veggie Big Breakfast

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Meet Wildan (Win) Muna

“The AMCHAM Thailand scholarship provides more than just financial assistance. It connects me to a network of accomplished individuals who share similar visions and aspirations.”

My name is Wildan Muna, or “Win” for short. I am pursuing my bachelor’s degree at Thaksin University in the faculty of Education, majoring in English. I was born and raised in Narathiwat, in the south of Thailand. I come from a family of five, including myself. My father is a full-time electrician and a part-time farmer, collecting rubber from rubber trees, while my mother takes care of the household. As the eldest brother in the family, I aspire to be a role model for my younger sister and brother. My younger sister is a freshman at Thaksin University, and my younger brother is still a high school student. Despite our family’s financial struggles, my parents always prioritized education, just like everyone else. Although they were not able to pursue their own education, they wanted us all to be well-educated and successful, and their sacrifices deeply motivate and inspire us.

My dream is to become a journalist, inspired by an American journalist with whom I co-wrote an article

during my second year of university. It started during the semester break resource when my free time was a valuable resource, and my skills were qualified enough to contribute something positive to society. I volunteered to assist the journalist with his article that focused on domestic violence in the deep south of Thailand, aiming to raise the voice of the victims who often remain silent and powerless. This experience allowed me to believe in the power of writing. Since then, my dream is to become a journalist capable of bringing positive changes to society.

To make my parents proud and ease their burden, I sought a scholarship. The one that particularly caught my attention was the AMCHAM scholarship as it provides financial assistance and career camp that will help prepare me for the professional world smoothly. This comprehensive support provided by AMCHAM means that they want to ensure that their scholarship recipients become successful in their academic life and beyond. This

deeply inspired my dream, and it became clearer as I was granted this scholarship.

Soon after applying for AMCHAM, I also applied for the Global UGRAD Program, a scholarship that brought me far beyond my expectations and brought me a step closer to my dream. The moment they announced that I was a finalist for this program, my mother shed tears of joy upon hearing the good news, and my father unexpectedly became sentimental as well. Receiving the scholarship enabled me to study at Mercyhurst University for a semester with financial support from AMCHAM. My semester at Mercyhurst began in January, shortly after Christmas, introducing me to the beauty of snow and a new culture. Although my parents and I were far away, I shared the white snow-covered sky with them through video calls. The semester at Mercyhurst proved that every dream is possible, even the dream of studying in the US.

Today, I am a fourth-year student waiting for opportunities beyond university. Thanks to the AMCHAM Career Camp for helping me develop essential skills such as preparing for interviews and writing an effective resume, important for a

graduating college student like me. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to meet successful professionals, who shared their vision and their journey that led them to where they are today. Surrounded by such successful individuals, my dreams, ambitions, and motivation to achieve my goals expanded, and I learned that success is the result of hard work.

Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the AMCHAM scholarship for financial and academic support. Your generosity allowed me to pursue my journalism dream as a college student without any worries.

How did you get involved in AMCHAM leadership?

As the chief representative for Amata Corporation in AMCHAM, I am honored to have had numerous networking opportunities to interact with AMCHAM members, AMCHAM working team, and Governors. I consider AMCHAM to be like a big family to me, with many international professionals supporting each other. Having received top-notch executive education from both Havard and Stanford universities, I have always wanted an opportunity to give back to the American community when the opportunity arises. I was nominated by the AMCHAM Nomination Committee to run for the election of the AMCHAM Board of Governors (2024/2025). I gave it a shot and won the election in November 2023. I am thankful for the opportunity to contribute.

Describe your goals for 2024 as one of AMCHAM Board of Governors.

During the election period, I outlined my key goals to contribute to enhancing bilateral trade and investment between America and Thailand and Women’s Empowerment. I am very glad to be appointed as the Board Liaison for two exciting committees: the AMCHAM Trade & Investment Committee and the AMCHAM Women Committee.

What is one crucial career tip and one essential personal advice you’d offer to the upcoming generation of women leaders?

“Follow your heart”. Life is a journey and not a destination. My advice for the next generation of women leaders is to be authentic, follow your heart and practice self-love. I have seen many successful women leaders who sacrificed a lot for their career and family but neglected self-love. I think it is crucial for all leaders, whether male or female, to practice self-love. I believe the greatest irony for humankind is to “suffer” as a result of our own success. Love life and join the AMCHAM Women Committee, there are very cool and fun-loving women leaders in the committee who rock and inspire!

Your favorite AMCHAM event…

It is very challenging to just name one single event as many of the AMCHAM events are carefully curated and well organized. To name one, I will pick our annual Governors’ Gala!

Lena Ng is the Chief Business Officer at AMATA Corporation PCL and serves as the AMCHAM Board of Governors.

Bumrungrad CEO Named Best Woman CEO in Corporate Transformation – Healthcare

Bumrungrad’s Chief Executive Officer, Artirat Charukitpipat, recently received the Best Woman CEO in Corporate Transformation – Healthcare, Thailand award in the Women Leadership Award category at the Women’s Tabloid Awards 2023. Artirat is the only Thai nationality woman this year to receive an award among the recipients, who came from 16 countries around the world.

Award recipients were selected by a committee of qualified experts. This special event was organized to pay homage to professional women from various organizations in different industries. The Women Leadership Awards were given to those who demonstrate leadership skills and creativity and have played an important role in economic, technological, and social development within their industries in this highly competitive era. Women’s Tabloid is a publication that aims to encourage and inspire women from around the world to develop their potential and become leaders.

In addition to showing the excellence of Artirat’s vision and leadership, the award reinforces the Bumrungrad’s position and values regarding inclusion.

Give your child a World of Oppor tunit y

AMCHAM HIGHLIGHT

AMCHAM Women Commitee Inspire Inclusion - Mar 5

Speakers: Prae Piromya of Id8; Narisa Chauvidal-Aw of KogoPAY Group; Simon Denye of Harmless Harvest, Alicja Cybulska of Havas Group APAC, and Uracha R. Ruktanonchai of National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA)

Moderator: AMCHAM Women Committee Co-Chair Lena NG of AMATA

Organized by: AMCHAM Women Commitee

Event Highlights:

For International Women’s Day 2024, AMCHAM Women hosted a panel event on embracing inclusion, diversity, and equity within corporations. Panelists discussed breaking gender and cultural barriers in corporate leadership, fostering fair workplaces, and enhancing intercultural relationships.

Speakers from various industries, including energy, fintech, sustainability, investment, STEM, and advertising, discussed Thailand’s advancements in women’s representation in the workforce and leadership roles. They emphasized the importance of addressing ongoing challenges in recruitment, promotion, equal pay, and the necessity for flexible work arrangements.

Uracha emphasized the importance of encouragement and role models for women in STEM. Prae Piromya, Sustainability Transformation Advisor at Id8, shared insights on promoting gender equality in the energy sector.

Alicja talked about incorporating cultural subtleties into brand marketing to promote inclusivity and advocated for embracing neurodiversity in organizations. The conversation also addressed cultural obstacles, parental impact, and societal norms influencing career decisions. Alicja emphasized the significance of promoting education for both children and parents to overcome these barriers.

Simon shared examples on promoting equal opportunities and reducing bias in hiring. He raised awareness about male privilege and the importance of understanding and supporting female leadership, education, and mental health.

Narisa discussed financial challenges in promoting inclusivity and emphasized compassion as a catalyst for inclusion. Prae emphasized that inclusion fosters innovation and should be championed through top-down and bottom-up approaches within organizations.

Speakers advocated for inclusivity through mentorship, role modeling, and fostering open cultures, while also discussing leveraging technology like AI to combat bias in recruitment.

The event was moderated by AMCHAM Board Governor Lena Ng, who shared examples

from her personal and organizational experiences promoting inclusivity. Audience members also contributed success stories and identified gaps for improvement. Overall, the panel stressed the need for concerted efforts at all levels to champion diversity and inclusion, acknowledging the pivotal roles of individuals and technology.

EVENTS

Digital Economy Committee Grow Your Business in the AI Era – Feb 8

Speakers: Aditip Panupong (Term) and Nuttee Jirattivongvibul of Google Thailand

Moderator: AMCHAM Digital Economy Committee Co-Chair Lyn Kok of MULA-X

Organized by: Digital Economy Committee

Event Highlights:

Speakers at the event did a deep dive into the evolution of AI, its impact, and significance for adoption, as well as how AI is driving Google’s strategies in consumer and product offerings.

The event was followed by a demonstration of Google’s AI offerings and an interactive question-andanswer session, during which attendees posed crucial questions related to the use of AI to transform their businesses.

Manufacturing Commitee

Global Energy and Supply Chain Risks - Feb 15

Organized by: Manufacturing Committee

Speaker: Matthew Garda of Hill & Associates Thailand

Moderator: Frank Timmons of Tractus Thailand

Event Highlights:

AMCHAM Manufacturing Committee Co-Chairs hosted an event highlighting the new challenges and risks expected in 2024 for supply chains and manufacturers. Guest Speaker Matthew did a dive into topics such as supply chains between Europe and Asia threatened by hostilities impacting maritime trade and discussed frameworks for business preparedness for global uncertainties.

Speakers emphasized the need for businesses to become more risk-aware, anticipatory, and resilient to the emerging risks globally and within Southeast Asia.

Organized by: DEI Committee

Event Highlights:

The AMCHAM Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee Co-Chairs hosted their first meeting of 2024. They initiated the meeting with an introduction to the committee co-chairs and presented a recap of all the events organized by the committee in the past year. Attendees, including both DEI practitioners and non-DEI practitioners, shared their challenges related to DEI from different perspectives. During the meeting, survey polls were conducted to gain ideas and new insights, exploring ways in which the community can help their business or organizations become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

JUSMAG & AMCHAM Super Bowl 2024

AMCHAM Thailand partnered with JUSMAG for an unforgettable Super Bowl 2024 experience. Members and non-members enjoyed the electric atmosphere at the Golden Teak House canteen, watching the game on a jumbo projector surrounded by the vibrant AMCHAM and US community. It was a morning filled with camaraderie and cherished sportsmanship.

HR Committee

Future-Proofing Your Talent Acquisition: Strategy & ExecutionMar 6

Speakers: Machar Smith of True Corporation; Kamolwan Charuthas of Nestlé; and James Cox of Global Management Consulting Firm

Moderator: AMCHAM HR Committee Co-Chair Richard Jackson of JacksonGrant

Organized by: HR Committee

Event Highlights:

AMCHAM’s HR Committee hosted a panel of regional Talent Acquisition leads from the technology management consultancy, and manufacturing sectors, sharing their real-world case studies for futureproofing talent acquisition strategies. Topics of discussion included AI disruptions to the workforce landscapes; tailoring the candidate selection process to the meet the current generation’s expectations; managing employer branding, and targeting future skills gaps and upskilling and retaining through strong learning and development programs. The presentations were followed by an active question and -answer session, which led to further discussions in the post-event networking.

Digital Economy Commitee

Digital Transformation 2024 and Beyond – Insights from the C-Suite– Feb 22

Speakers: Dr. Narain Chutijirawong of Deloitte Thailand; Wayne Williams of the Minor Hotel Group; and Clay Miller of Ecosystm

Moderator: AMCHAM Digital Economy Committee Co-Chair Nitin Modi of Deloitte

Organized by: Digital Economy Committee

Event Highlights:

The AMCHAM Digital Economy Committee hosted an event on digital transformation in 2024. Drawing on findings from Deloitte Thailand’s Digital Transformation Survey, speakers shared their own experiences guiding transformations in their organizations as well as client companies. Topics covered trends in digital disruption, strategies for achieving success, industry insight, and the CEO leadership role in navigating these transformations.

They also discussed Thailand’s digital transformation. Attendees gained perspectives and strategies, followed by networking at Wine Connection.

Welcome New Members

CORPORATE MEMBERS

CIMB Thai Bank Public Company Limited, formerly known as Bank Thai Public Company Limited, was established in 1998 with the Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF) as its primary shareholder. On November 5, 2008, CIMB Bank Berhad became the largest shareholder in Bank Thai and on May 4, 2009, the Bank completed the registration of its new name: “CIMB Thai Bank Public Company Limited”.

Cisco was founded in 1984 by a small group of computer scientists from Stanford University. Since the company’s inception, Cisco engineers have been leaders in the development of Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking technologies. Today, with more than 71,000 employees worldwide, this tradition of innovation continues with industryleading products and solutions in the company’s core development domains.

DDX is an international team based in Bangkok, driven by the idea that digital consulting in Southeast Asia needs to evolve. DDX’s aim is to create transformative experiences for their clients and a more significant impact for their customers.

Inception Technology is the leading ASEAN fintech firm that empowers users with its remittance and payment services. Their Lightremit App allows customers to send and receive money instantly through their extensive partner network spanning over 80 countries world-wide. They aim to provide a customer-centric approach to individuals and corporate clients, ensuring that remittance needs are effectively addressed.

INTO is an education and recruitment partner that connects international students with top universities in the US, UK, and Australia. Since 2006, they have helped over 150,000 students from 188 countries in achieving their desired degrees. Operating globally, INTO has 1,500 staff and 2,500 recruitment partners.

Established in 1993, Microsoft (Thailand) Limited aims to Make 70 Million Lives Better by enabling Thai people and businesses to realize their full potential through technology that transforms the way people work, play, and communicate. Microsoft offers software, services, and devices that deliver new opportunities, greater convenience, and enhanced value to people’s lives.

February 2024

Lucta supplies flavors, fragrances, and feed additives. The company offers various flavors for snacks, meat, dairy, bakery, and confectionery products. It offers fragrances for air fresheners, laundry detergent products, all-purpose cleaning products, rim blocks, bleaches, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, and peroxide.

Paradigm Education provides a professional and nurturing learning environment where students of all ages receive top-notch tuition to help them in their academic studies, professional endeavors, or just in generally using English for communicating better every day.

Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH) facilitates the international expansion of Polish businesses, attracts foreign direct investment into Poland; it also aims at boosting Polish exports. With a strategic focus on facilitating business growth, PAIH provides comprehensive support, expert advice, and a wealth of resources to both Polish and international companies.

SC Johnson is a family-owned and led company with 13,000 employees and operations in 70 countries. Founded in 1886 and headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin, it is a leading manufacturer of household cleaning products, home storage solutions, air care products, pest control items, shoe care products, and professional-grade solutions.

Join the world’s most successful, purpose-led business. Work with brands that are well-loved around the world, that improve the lives of consumers and the communities around them. Unilever promotes innovation, big and small, to make their business win and grow; and believes in business as a force for good. happen.

XCL American School of Bangkok provides an exceptional American curriculum-based education with a global perspective to students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. The school is renowned for integrating project-based learning activities into its curriculum, offering students authentic and real-world learning experiences.