15 June 2023
At the symposium, finance leaders explored the digital landscape in the new normal, discussing strategies to navigate uncertainty in Thailand’s recovering economy.
DigitalCFO Asia hosted the DigitalCFO Asia 2nd Thailand Symposium 2023 which gathered finance leaders to discuss navigating the digital landscape in this new normal. Thailand’s economy is slowly recovering in 2023 due to increased tourism and stronger private consumption, supported by infrastructure investments. However, risks such as geopolitical tensions, inflation, rising interest rates, and supply chain disruptions remain. The digital landscape in Thailand is growing alongside the economy, and businesses must embrace digital transformation to stay relevant.
The symposium kickstarted with opening remarks from Ryan Kwa, Group Publisher, DigitalCFO Asia. Following that, Keynote Speaker, Wayne Williams, Chief Financial Officer, Minor Hotels, took over to give his opening remarks which touched on the significant uncertainty the pandemic has brought to businesses worldwide, necessitating a reevaluation of strategies and operations. In this context, the role of CFO has become increasingly crucial for navigating this uncertainty. CFOs must adapt and adopt a proactive stance in managing risk, driving innovation, and utilizing technology to foster organizational growth.
Keynote speaker, Wayne Williams, eloquently highlighted the pivotal role of CFOs in effectively navigating uncertainty. In his captivating address, he emphasized that, “We’re forced to be agile in order to grow the business and stay relevant, but I think everyone agrees that was something good that came out of Covid.”
The event saw an equal mix of executive presentations, technology presentations and panel discussions.
The 2nd Thailand Symposium 2023 Witnessed 4 Panel Discussions:
The panel discussions included topics; Managing Costs in Today’s High-Interest, High-Inflation Climate, How the role of technology will further impact finance function in Thailand – What should CFOs be prepared for in 2023 and beyond?, How the role of CFOs and CIOs are converging today and lastly, How will AI change the role of CFOs in the coming years?.
The speakers included : Wuthivet Vetchabutsakorn, SVP, Group Head of Finance, ONYX Hospitality Group, Jessica Doehring, Chief Financial Officer, Siemens Mobility Limited Thailand, Siemens, Manish Maharaj, Business Head ASEAN, Apollo Tyres along with the moderator, Rajeev Chawla, Area Finance Director, Virbac Asia Pacific Co Ltd, Abhishek Sinha, Chief Financial Officer, Jardine Schindler Thai, Steven Siew, Group Chief Financial Officer, KWI Public Company Limited, Saowaluck Limsila, Head of Accounting and Finance, Digital Asset Company Limited, joined by moderator Athikom Kanchanavibhu, Executive Vice President – Digital & Technology Transformation, Mitr Phol Group, Alex Konnaris, Group CIO, RMA Group, Kritin Yaroojjanont, GM, Finance Accounting & IT/Finance Director at MSA, Ratiporn Ratcharoen, Chief Financial Officer, East-West Seed, International Limited and moderator, Máyra Gütschow, Chief Finance Officer, Daimler Commercial Vehicles Thailand, Alvin Liew Voon Siong, CFO, OCS Group UK, Geert Warlop, Chief Data Officer and Chief Technology Officer, BTS Group Thailand, Arindam Mukherjee, Founder & CEO, Talent Intellect along with moderator Sanpetch Tangsawapark, Finance Director, Executives Office, Siam Motor Group.
The 2nd Thailand Symposium 2023 Also Held 2 Technology Discussions & 6 Executive Presentations:
The topics covered in the technology discussions encompassed; Exploring the state of People, Process, and Technologies priorities in Finance and Using Digital Twins to supercharge your Mergers and Acquisitions.
The speakers include: Pat – Pacharawipa T., Country Sales Manager – CCH Tagetik Thailand, Wolters Kluwer and Jay Boyle, Managing Director, Decision Critical.
The executive presentations included a range of topics; Unlocking Future Productivity with Complete Finance Digitisation, From Growth to Profitability: A Finance Leader’s Perspective, Stakeholder Management – Addressing the Needs and Demands of other Company Leaders, Avoiding Setbacks on Digital Transformation Efforts by Bridging Digital Skills Gaps in Finance, Tying in Finance with The Future of Work: What can finance leaders expect in the new hybrid working model and Supporting the Company’s Long-Term Growth by Prioritising Sustainable Investment Strategies.
The speakers include: Giovanni Colella, Head of Finance Control, Outpost, Anat Alony, Regional Finance Director, Taboola, Ryuji Wolf, Chief Financial Officer, Sunday Ins, Narain Chutijirawong, Executive Director, Deloitte, Pathidta Asanasen, Country Lead, CEO Class and Dr. Zaw Win Thein, Chief Financial Officer, CB Life Insurance Company Ltd.
Giovanni Colella raised a thought-provoking notion that resonated with many: “Complete finance digitisation is the key to unlocking future productivity”.
Ryuji R. Wolf imparted invaluable wisdom on the collaborative prowess of CFOs in fostering financial success and enhancing overall business performance. He urged CFOs to – “Be a brave listener, listen to understand your stakeholders and shareholders to accelerate growth”.
The 2nd Thailand Symposium provided an enriching platform for engaging discussions and invaluable perspectives, delivering a holistic understanding of the continuously evolving finance function landscape. With a wide array of subjects covered, the event delved into critical areas that hold significance for finance professionals in Singapore and beyond.
The symposium proved to be an immersive experience, equipping finance professionals with valuable insights and knowledge to navigate the intricacies of their roles. As the symposium drew to a conclusion, attendees departed with an enhanced comprehension of the forthcoming challenges and opportunities, along with a strengthened network of peers, prepared to embrace the future of finance with unwavering confidence. DigitalCFO Asia is also expecting to host a Philippines Symposium on the 13th of July 2023.
