KASIKORNBANK (KBank), in collaboration with Techsauce, a technology and business media platform, organized “KBank x Techsauce: EMPOWER THE FUTURE ECONOMY” as an affiliated program held in conjunction with the IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings 2026, hosted by Thailand. The event provided a platform for leaders from the public sector, financial industry, and leading global organizations to exchange perspectives on driving the future economy by connecting capital, technology, and human capital development. The event featured a special keynote address by Mrs. Suphajee Suthumpun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, alongside discussions with senior executives from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, Standard Chartered, Microsoft, and Accenture. The event took place at C asean Rama IV, ThaiBev Quarter.
Ms. Suphajee Suthumpun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, delivered a special keynote address titled “Reimagining Trade for the Future: Unlocking Growth in a Changing Global Economy,” stating that amid shifts in the global economy, Thailand must rethink its approach to trade and turn change into opportunities for growth. She outlined four key approaches, likening them to four essential keys: rethinking trade partnerships, redefining the value of goods and services, connecting trade with capital, technology, and people, and building trust and resilience. These approaches aim to open new markets, create greater value, and foster inclusive and sustainable growth, particularly by expanding opportunities for Thai businesses and SMEs to access global markets. She also invited Thai and international private-sector partners to work with Thailand as a trusted partner. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, she noted that no country holds all the keys on its own. Thailand holds some of them, including its strategic location, market, and ability to partner with all sides, while private-sector players and international partners hold many of the others, including capital, technology, and global networks. The door to growth can only be opened when we turn these keys together.
Ms. Kattiya Indaravijaya, Chief Executive Officer of KASIKORNBANK, said, “The global economic landscape is being reshaped by the reorganization of trade, AI’s transformation of how businesses create value, and sustainability’s growing role in investment decisions. We believe Thailand has the potential to be an integral part of the solution, with its manufacturing and services base, business networks, and strategic location connecting it to markets across ASEAN. The future economy is not something we simply wait for; it is something we can all help build. KBank is committed to being your partner throughout this journey, working together to turn opportunities into sustainable growth.”
At the panel discussion, “Powering the Future Economy – Growth, Technology, and Sustainability,” executives from four leading global organizations shared their perspectives. Mr. Sarvesh Suri Regional Vice President for Asia and the Pacific, IFC (World Bank) emphasized mobilizing private capital to support sustainable growth. Mr. Jan Metzger Global Head of Coverage Banking, Standard Chartered highlighted opportunities to connect businesses and capital with global markets. Mr. Azar Kouilbaly Regional Vice President and Associate General Counsel, Corporate, External and Legal Affairs, Microsoft Asia focused on expanding access to AI and developing digital skills. Mr. Anoop Sagoo CEO, Southeast Asia, Accenture discussed leveraging AI to enhance business efficiency and competitiveness.
This event aimed to bridge perspectives from the public sector, the financial sector, the business community, international organizations, and global technology leaders to collectively transform global challenges into growth opportunities for Thailand and build the future economy with sustainable competitiveness.
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