Bangkok: The INTANIA Forum, a significant event organized by the Chulalongkorn University Engineering Alumni Association in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The event aimed to empower Thailand to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world by promoting the concept of 'Political Engineers.'
According to Thai News Agency, the forum gathered influential figures from the government, financial, and business sectors to discuss strategies for enhancing Thailand's competitiveness amidst global challenges. Anutin Charnvirakul, in his keynote address titled "Overcoming Crisis, Embracing the New World Order," highlighted the transition to a "New World Disorder," emphasizing the need for systematic, engineering-oriented governance to turn uncertainty into opportunity.
Prime Minister Charnvirakul introduced himself as a "political engineer" who applies engineering principles to resource management and strategic planning. He referenced the Critical Path Method (CPM) to explain prioritizing investments and optimizing resource use. He advocated for decentralizing development to distribute economic opportunities across regions, leveraging transportation networks to bolster Thailand as a regional manufacturing and distribution hub.
The forum identified three key focus areas for Thailand: human resource development, research and innovation, and civil service reform. These areas aim to empower the Thai workforce, foster innovation commercialization, and enhance public-private sector collaboration, aligning with the concept of "Empowering Thai People, Empowering Thailand."
In line with the royal initiative of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Prime Minister reiterated a Self-Reliance framework, supporting Thai products and innovations. He also outlined a framework for AI usage under the 4P principles: Prevention, Prosperity, Potential, and Protection.
Mr. Witai Rattanaporn, Governor of the Bank of Thailand, addressed the need for long-term planning and efficient resource allocation in response to global economic volatility. He highlighted challenges in capital flow, advocating for a financial credit assessment system to facilitate funding access for SMEs and entrepreneurs.
Mr. Thammasak Sethaudom, President and CEO of SCG, emphasized the urgency of restructuring Thailand's economy to align with the new global order. He suggested ASEAN partnerships to create shared value chains and proposed regional financial mechanisms to boost competitiveness.
Ms. Khattiya Indravichai, CEO of Kasikornbank, stressed the importance of productivity enhancement for SMEs under the New World Order. She identified seven key industries for development to elevate Thailand to a high-income economy within 12 years.
Mr. Atthapol Rerkpiboon, an advisor to the Prime Minister, discussed the interplay between geopolitics and geoeconomics, emphasizing energy security and sustainability. He advocated for investments in solar power and infrastructure development to enhance energy efficiency.
The consensus at the forum was that human capital is vital for national development. The forum emphasized lifelong learning, educational reform, and skill development to prepare Thailand for future challenges and opportunities. The INTANIA Forum serves as a crucial platform for uniting government, financial, and business sector visions to drive sustainable national development.