Figure: (From left to right) Panel discussion by Dr. Supakorn Siddhichai, Ms. Jeslin Bay, Mr. Koo Ping Shung, and Mr. Ramesh Raju.
June 17, 2025: BlackStorm Group, in collaboration with Kaizen Thailand, Project Asia Data, and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), successfully hosted the event “AI for Leaders: Building Strategies from the Top” in Bangkok. The session brought together business leaders, digital transformation teams, and policy advocates for a dynamic conversation on how leadership at the executive level can shape and accelerate successful AI integration across organisations.
Figure: Opening remarks by Dr. Warin Ratchananusorn
The event opened with a welcome address by Dr. Warin Ratchananusorn, Vice President and Director of the Digital Startup Institute at depa. In his remarks, Dr. Warin highlighted several key initiatives currently being spearheaded by depa to support innovation within Thailand’s digital ecosystem.
Figure: An interactive session at the event.
Figure: An interactive session at the event.
Following the opening, the core of the session unfolded through a lively and interactive panel discussion featuring distinguished voices from across industries. Dr. Supakorn Siddhichai, Executive Vice President of depa’s Digital Technology and Innovation Development Unit, shared insights into the national AI initiatives currently in place and spoke passionately about the need for leaders to lead innovation themselves. According to Dr. Supakorn, when executives actively engage in innovation efforts, it sets the tone for the entire organisation and legitimises the urgency for change.
Ms. Jeslin Bay, Group CEO of BlackStorm Group, offered practical guidance on how to evaluate and select AI solution providers, especially those based overseas. She pointed out that while foreign vendors might offer cutting-edge technology or strong brand positioning, decision-makers should apply clear criteria such as financial robustness, availability of local support, data storage compliance, and proven use cases in their home markets. These criteria, she noted, reflect a provider’s long-term commitment and relevance to local operational needs.
Mr. Koo Ping Shung, Co-Founder of Project Asia Data, took the conversation into the realm of people development. He argued that digital and computer literacy must form the foundation before organisations can even begin to tackle AI literacy. Koo emphasised that true AI transformation happens only when leaders themselves are involved in the data journey—aligning digital strategies with day-to-day operational realities and ensuring that teams are equipped to use data meaningfully.
Figure: Mr. Ramesh Raju sharing a case study in AI in Manufacturing.
Mr. Ramesh Raju, Managing Director of Kaizen Institute Thailand, highlighted the importance of aligning AI adoption with organisational processes. He explained that technology, no matter how advanced, should be implemented with purpose and be directed toward achieving tangible business goals. He later shared a compelling case study on the application of Kaizen business systems in manufacturing, demonstrating how structured processes and disciplined execution can serve as a solid foundation for AI-driven excellence.
Figure: Mr. Paddy Tan highlighted some case studies on AI in Retail.
The session continued with another real-world application shared by Mr. Paddy Tan, Managing Partner of BlackStorm Group, who presented a case study focused on the retail sector. Paddy discussed how visual AI technologies—such as intelligent cameras and customer analytics – are transforming shopping malls and retail stores. These solutions not only enhance customer experiences but also significantly improve inventory management and operational efficiency, resulting in a stronger bottom line.
Figure: MOU signing ceremony between Kaizen Institute Thailand and BlackStorm Group.
The event concluded on a high note with the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Kaizen Thailand and BlackStorm Group. This strategic partnership aims to integrate Kaizen principles with AI adoption strategies, combining process excellence with cutting-edge technology to drive scalable transformation across industries. More details about this exciting collaboration can be found here.
With thought-provoking dialogue and actionable insights, “AI for Leaders: Building Strategies from the Top” successfully highlighted the indispensable role of leadership in shaping AI strategy. From vision-setting and vendor selection to people development and process alignment, the session reinforced that AI transformation is not merely a technical shift – it’s a strategic journey that must be led from the top.
Figure: Teams of the co-organisers who made the event happened.
About Kaizen Institute Thailand
Kaizen Institute Thailand (https://kaizen.com/th/) is sole provider of authentic, holistic and practical KAIZEN™ consulting and training in Thailand. Choose the Original for your continuous improvement transformation.
Our expertise, from helping the world’s leading organizations, can be applied to any situation.
About BlackStorm Consulting
BlackStorm Consulting (https://blackstormco.asia/), a trailblazing force in business consultancy, stands at the forefront of empowering businesses across Southeast Asia, with a stronghold in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Our expertise lies in corporate strategy and market entry, closing strategic gaps that impede companies from reaching their full potential. We elevate businesses by applying a multi-faceted approach across three crucial layers: people, product, and process.
About Project Asia Data
Project Asia Data (https://projectasiadata.com/ ) specialises in delivering AI-driven solutions to enable businesses to thrive in a rapidly changing world. By focusing on people, product, process, and positioning, Project Asia Data helps organisations harness the power of AI to innovate, optimise, and excel.
About depa
Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa, https://www.depa.or.th/en/) takes on the role of a government agency, aims to support the development of digital industry and innovation. We work smart every day to build a world-class digital economy and to help people perform better, think faster and live better.
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