As you all know, this year I had the opportunity to attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2023 in Davos, Switzerland. This was the second time I have been invited as a representative of Thailand's private sector. I was also honoured to be a panellist and share my vision on a major stage in a session titled "Tokenized Economies, Coming Alive" with other distinguished experts in economics from around the world. In addition, I had the chance to meet and exchange ideas with leaders from both the private and public sectors from all over the world.
When we talk about the World Economic Forum, or WEF, it's impossible not to mention Professor Klaus Schwab, who is the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum. I had the chance to meet and discuss various topics with him along with other leading representatives from Thailand's private sector. So, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce everyone to Professor Schwab.
Professor Schwab is a highly capable and respectable thinker and economist. He earned two PhDs, one in Engineering and one in Economics, and one Master's degree in Public Administration. These three degrees show that he has a deep understanding of many vastly different fields.
Regarding his written work, there is a widely known book of his that I would like to recommend to everyone, whether you are an organisational leader, a policymaker, or anyone interested in the impact of modern technology. The book is called The Fourth Industrial Revolution. I understand that this book has been translated into Thai. The book talks about the various technologies that are causing changes today and are affecting every business model and every society without exception. Even though Professor Schwab was nearly 80 years old when he wrote this book, the work shows that he doesn't overlook technology and is aware of the changes that are happening.
Another book I would like to recommend is Shareholder Capitalism. In this book, he uses his diverse experience and knowledge to look at economics and capitalism, suggesting that we must consider all stakeholders first. He invites us to adjust our perspective on the role of the business sector to consider the environment alongside business operations.
From my opportunity to exchange ideas with Professor Schwab about his views on the economic development of the ASEAN region and the role of the Thai private sector, I can say that as a developing country, we cannot ignore the ideas and business directions being discussed at the WEF and by Professor Schwab. It will be of great benefit if we are aware of and move in step with the context of where the world is heading.
Topp Jirayut Srupsrisopa
Founder and Group CEO of Bitkub
