By AIT Public Affairs
24 April 2025, Bangkok – The AIT School of Management (SOM) hosted the “AI & The Future of Asia,” a high-impact event that brought together thought leaders from various sectors to explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in shaping the region’s future.
Designed as a forum for transformative dialogue, the event welcomed CEOs, industry experts, AIT alumni, and key stakeholders to discuss AI’s growing influence on business innovation, leadership, and sustainability in Asia. Prof. Yuosre Badir, Dean of SOM, opened the session by noting, “AI is no longer just a technological advancement; it is a transformative force redefining how we lead, innovate, and compete. With Asia at the centre of global growth and home to a digitally driven generation, the region is poised to shape the future of AI.”
AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li emphasized the need for responsible innovation, stating, “Asia is undergoing rapid AI transformation, but with it comes a wide gap across countries, sectors, and societies. Navigating this complexity requires deep integration of education, policy, and ethics. At AIT, we are aligning our efforts to ensure AI uplifts quality of life, strengthens dignity, and drives sustainable development.”
Dr. Suwit Khunkitti, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Former Minister of Education of Thailand, and Vice-Chairperson of the AIT Board of Trustees, Chief Guest of the event, delivered a compelling address, highlighting how AI is unlocking new opportunities across industries, from smart manufacturing to robotics, and reshaping regional competitiveness. He underscored the importance of ethical AI, future-ready leadership, and international collaboration. “Let’s not just adapt to the future—let’s define it,” he said, urging attendees to innovate responsibly and invest in talent development.
The Guest of Honour Dr. Jesús López, President of the European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies (EFFAS), touched upon the intersection of AI, finance, and sustainability. Citing the rapid uptake of data-driven tools in finance, he stressed the need to equip professionals with skills to translate sustainability challenges into strategy. He also announced a new partnership between EFFAS and AIT’s SOM, aimed at enhancing sustainable finance education in the region.
The keynote speaker, Assoc. Prof. Joon Nak Choi from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) talked about how AI can serve as a bridge from crisis to opportunity for Asia. He emphasized the region’s need to go beyond surface-level adoption and reimagine systems around AI capabilities. Highlighting both the transformative potential and risks of automation, regulatory hurdles, and AI hallucinations, he stressed the importance of innovating around real-world needs. His message called for empowering end users, avoiding hype-driven initiatives, and leveraging AI not only to enhance efficiency but also to drive long-term productivity and global leadership.
The event featured a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Assoc. Prof. Joon Nak Choi. The panel featured Prof. Pai-Chi Li, President of AIT; Dr. Neo Kok Beng, Group CEO of Neo Aeronautics; Dr. Naveed Anwar, Group CEO of CSI Bangkok; Dr. Tiranee Achalakul, Director at Government Big Data Institute – GBDi; and Dr. Savanit Boonyasuwat, Assistant Secretary to Climate Change Institute, The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Together, they offered deep insights into how AI is being integrated into business, policy, and education. The discussion covered a range of topics including AI-driven decision-making, ESG compliance, personalized learning, and emerging tech ecosystems. Emphasis was placed on cross-sector collaboration, ethical adoption, and building institutional readiness to harness AI for inclusive growth.
The event was emceed by Mr. Shawn Kelly, Executive Director of the Office of International and Public Affairs, who ensured a professional and engaging flow of the program throughout the evening.
Closing the event, Mr. Sam Hannah, Co-Director of AIT’s Executive MBA Program, spoke on the importance of character-driven leadership in an AI-driven era. He highlighted AIT’s commitment to preparing future leaders through new executive education and training initiatives.
The event concluded with a “Network Xperience” session, where participants engaged in informal exchange and collaboration. By bridging academia, industry, and policy, the event reaffirmed AIT’s role in driving forward-looking innovation and sustainable development across Asia.
The event was sponsored by the RCL Regional Container Lines, Presidential Global Medical, CSI Bangkok, ASC and VBIX.
