The Family Entrepreneurship Programme (FEP) on Navigating Wealth for Lasting Impact, hosted by the Business Families Institute (BFI), brought together a diverse group of family business leaders from Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan, representing industries such as manufacturing, food and beverage and real estate. Held in Bangkok under the leadership of Associate Professor Kenneth Goh, BFI’s Academic Director, this marked the second overseas FEP of the year and the first return to Bangkok in five years.
Wealth Management and Business Transformation
The programme began with a workshop led by Associate Professor Mandy Tham, who provided an in-depth analysis of family office trends in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Dubai. She emphasized key issues such as estate planning, highlighting the distinctions between movable and immovable assets, as well as the roles of legitimate and biological children. These insights were crucial for families navigating the complexities of wealth transfer and generational management, setting the stage for broader discussions on wealth preservation and the balance between legacy-building and financial growth.
A key highlight of the event was a panel discussion featuring Mr. Farn Sritrairatana, Executive Director of Chao Phraya Express Boat, and Mr. Panuwat Thongrompo, CTO and Acting CFO of SF Corporation. Both leaders shared their experiences in managing intergenerational transitions within traditional family businesses. Their insights sparked thoughtful dialogue and provided valuable lessons on driving business transformation across generations.
Company Visits Featuring Next-Gen Leaders
Participants had the opportunity to visit Thai President Foods’ Sriracha Factory, Thailand’s largest instant noodle producer. Ms. Kamolphan (May) Lerdprapapong, the Venture Partner and Global Business Development leader, passionately shared her family’s dedication to sustainability and innovation. She highlighted how Thai President Foods is making strides in expanding its market share through thoughtful product development and prioritising healthier and more sustainable food options.
At Thai Wah Group, a distinguished leader in Thailand’s agriculture and food industries with an exceptional 75-year legacy, CEO Mr. Ho Ren Hua inspired attendees with his journey from professional consultant to family business leader. He provided valuable insights on navigating the challenges of strategic pacing and business momentum while emphasising the vital role of self-assessment and leadership development for personal and organisational growth.
Insights on Investment, Taxation, and Digital Transformation
Mr. Kasem Kiatsayrikul, Tax Market Segment Leader at EY Thailand, led a session on the tax and regulatory landscape for businesses involved in foreign direct investment (FDI) and personal investments in Thailand at the Welcome Dinner. His session helped participants understand the nuances of investing and doing business in the country.
The programme concluded at the Sasin School of Management, where Sasin faculty members Dr. Pinnaree Pin Pin Tea-makorn and Dr. Pattarawan Prasarnphanich led discussions on AI and cyber resilience. This session gave participants essential knowledge to safeguard their operations and prepare for the digital future.
We thank all the speakers, hosts, and participants for their contributions to making this programme a success. Together, we continue to shape sustainable family legacies and drive innovation in managing family wealth.