Page 4 - ASEAN BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT SUMMIT 2019

4 ABIS 2019

Message from

Prime Minister of Thailand

At present, we are entering into a new world economic order often referred to as
“The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)”. In this era, digital technologies have contributed
significantly to the disruption of social and economic systems, especially in manufacturing
processes, trading, marketing, consumption, payment, business operations, work patterns,
and career paths. These changes have prompted all societies to make the necessary
adjustments to accommodate the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and in particular, draw from
advanced technologies and innovation to upgrade manufacturing process and services for
better competitiveness and to ensure long-term and more stable growth, including the
sustainability of our environment and natural resources.

In this context, the Royal Thai Government has advocated the “Thailand 4.0” agenda as
a national priority to transform Thailand’s economy for the 21 century through emphasising
st
the use of new technologies and innovation as the core aspects of our economic and social
development. Similarly, the push towards embracing fundamental changes for economic
and social development in the Fourth Industrial Revolution has also been undertaken by
the ASEAN Member States. As economic and social readiness for the Fourth Industrial
Revolution varies throughout the ASEAN region, Thailand as the Chair of ASEAN in 2019,
has introduced the theme of “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability” to enhance regional
cooperation for the ASEAN Member States and our global partners for the realisation of this
important agenda.

In this connection, I would like to commend the active role of ASEAN Business
Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) for supporting the work of the ASEAN Member States, and
for initiating the theme of “Empowering ASEAN 4.0” for 2019, which has involved several
events throughout the year on advancing the readiness of ASEAN for the digital era. I would