In recent years, economic and trade exchanges between China and Thailand have grown increasingly frequent and robust. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, a historic milestone that offers unprecedented opportunities to strengthen partnerships, enhance mutual understanding, and lay a foundation for a shared future of prosperity.

To commemorate this historic moment and further promote cooperation in culture, education, and business, the China-Thailand Business Development Forum was successfully held in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 29, 2025. Jointly organized by the Antai College of Economics and Management (ACEM) at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the Sasin School of Management at Chulalongkorn University, the forum, themed "Deepening China-Thailand Economic and Trade Cooperation, Empowering Cross-Border Win-Win Future," attracted scholars, business leaders, and alumni from both countries to explore innovative pathways and sustainable development opportunities for corporate collaboration amidst complex international dynamics.

The forum featured two keynote speeches, the Dialogue with Chinese and Thai business leaders, and the Ceremony of Recognition of Thai Alumni Ambassadors. Key Attendees included Professor Xi Qu, Associate Dean of Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Professor Ian Fenwick, Dean of Sasin School of Management, Chulalongkorn University, Dr. Guoxiong Zhang, Managing Director of Deloitte China Economic Advisory, Dr. Piyachart Phiromswad, Deputy Director of Learning Solutions at Sasin School of Management, Chulalongkorn University, Mr. Chusak Vongkusolkit, Vice Chairman of China Business Group, Mitr Phol Sugar Corp, International Advisory Board Member of Antai College, Mr. Joe Horn-Phathanothai, Founder and CEO, Strategy613 China Affairs Advisor to Honorary Chairman, KASIKORNBANK Advisor, China Desk of The Federation of Thai Industries, Mr. Eason Li, General Manager of the Thai Factory of Midea Group. The event was moderated by Mr. Phil Wang, Director of International Office of Antai College.

In the opening remarks, Professor Xi Qu highlighted participants' resilience despite the impact of a 7.9-magnitude earthquake in the neighbouring Myanmar. She emphasized the forum’s focus on “cross-border industry-academia dialogue" and "alumni network engagement," targeting innovation in trade, green transformation, and regional sustainability. Prof. Qu called for redefining transformation through open collaboration to invigorate regional economies. She also expressed gratitude to Sasin School of Management, Chulalongkorn University, Chinese and Thai business leaders, and our alumni for their support, underscoring collective efforts as vital to addressing global challenges. 

Keynote Speeches:

Bridging China-Thailand Collaboration for a Prosperous Future

The forum began with two keynote speeches. Dr. Guoxiong Zhang analyzed China’s 2025 economic outlook, stressing resilient supply-side innovation and policy support to achieve 5% GDP growth despite demand-side pressures. He outlined China’s six-dimensional transformation—spanning tech innovation, green development, and high-level openness—highlighting MNCs’ strategic shifts, such as localized R&D and sustainability. Citing Charoen Pokphand Group’s success in digital supply chains and low-carbon investments, he urged Thai firms to leverage China’s outward investments in Thailand by integrating into global value chains, particularly in renewables and smart manufacturing. “Collaboration between Chinese capital and Thai agility can drive regional competitiveness,” he noted, advocating long-term partnerships to address shared challenges like green finance. His insights underscored cross-border innovation as vital to sustaining China-Thailand economic synergy amid evolving global dynamics.

Dr. Piyachart Phiromswad elucidates the Thailand-China collaboration through three key perspectives: Regions, Technologies, and Trends. In terms of regions, he highlights Southeast Asia's economic growth and the impact of the RCEP on supply chains. Regarding technologies, he talked about how AI and VR are redefining productivity. As for trends, he points to depopulation necessitating the empowerment of seniors, environmental "nudges" to encourage action, and geopolitical resilience through crisis simulations. Dr. Phiromswad underscores the importance of proactive adaptation, advocating for the design of active aging solutions, the application of behavioral economics to promote sustainability, and the anticipation of trade disruptions. He calls for collaborative innovation to thrive in an era marked by demographic, environmental, and geopolitical shifts.

Summit Dialogue

Cross-border Business Collaboration

In the summit dialogue moderated by Professor Xi Qu, executives from leading Chinese and Thai companies shared practical cases of cross-border collaboration. Mr. Chusak Vongkusolkit, Mr. Joe Horn-Phathanothai, and Mr. Eason Li discussed new opportunities and challenges in China-Thailand cooperation, noting that China’s industrial upgrading and digital economy are reshaping collaboration models. They advised Thai entrepreneurs to learn from Chinese companies’ long-term strategies and social responsibility while leveraging local flexibility. During the Q&A session, participants engaged with the speakers on topics such as green finance and SME globalization. Dr. Zhang Guoxiong shared insights from early multinational investments in China, encouraging Thai enterprises to integrate into Chinese companies’ global supply chains. Professor Qu concluded by emphasizing that China-Thailand cooperation is not just a business endeavor but a bridge for young talents to create value together, urging alumni to drive regional economic integration through innovation and inclusivity.

Alumni Connecting the Future:

Ceremony of Recognition of Thai Alumni Ambassadors

To strengthen collaboration among young talents and enhance alumni organization, the forum held the " Ceremony of Recognition of Thai Alumni Ambassadors," honoring two outstanding alumni: Ploy Tellan (MIB Class of 2015) and Rujichon Iamphattanatam (IMBA Class of 2018). They will serve as bridges for China-Thailand business and cultural exchanges, fostering deep collaboration among ACEM alumni in academia, industry, and innovation.

Gathering of Distinguished Guests:

Sharing a Vision for Cooperation

The forum attracted prominent figures from politics, business, and academia, including Mr. Weiwei Huang, Senior Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Strategic Development and China Cooperation; Mr. Weicai Cai, Vice President of Kasikorn Bank; Prof. Junwei Wang, Ph.D. Executive Director of Chinese Academy of Sciences Innovation Cooperation Center (Bangkok) (CASICCB); and Ms. Rui Guo, Vice President of the Thai Alumni Association of China’s Universities, and Mr. Yong Luo. In her closing remarks, Professor Xi Qu stated, "The 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations is not just a milestone but also a new starting point. Educational cooperation and youth exchanges will inject lasting vitality into bilateral economic and trade relations."

Building International Alumni Networks:

A New Chapter in Globalization

As Antai’s first overseas alumni forum, the event attracted nearly 160 scholars, business leaders, and alumni from both countries, significantly expanding the overseas alumni network. The forum laid the groundwork for establishing the Thailand Alumni Association, creating a "connection-support-empowerment" system to enhance interaction among international students and promote collaboration among alumni enterprises. To date, Antai’s international alumni database includes over 900 members. The event received strong support from Thammasat Business School, PBIC Thammasat University, Rangsit University, the Thai Alumni Association of China’s Universities, and the Thai Chamber of Commerce in China.