During a media interaction in Bangkok, Professor Rose stated that economies with strong international trust and stable regional relationships are increasingly well positioned as global investors reassess investment destinations, manufacturing bases, and expansion strategies.
“In a world where global alignments are shifting and supply chains are being redrawn, trust becomes a strategic asset,” Professor Rose said. He added that Thailand has spent decades developing strong relationships across Asia and beyond, and that this foundation gains greater value during periods of global uncertainty.
Professor Rose described the current moment as pivotal for Thailand, noting that the International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook released in April 2026 projects Thailand’s economic growth at 1.5 per cent for 2026.
He observed that rising energy costs, weaker long-haul tourism demand, and rapid adoption of artificial intelligence are placing near-term pressure on key sectors of the Thai economy. However, he emphasized that periods of disruption often create conditions for long-term repositioning and structural competitiveness.
According to Professor Rose, economies that adapt early are more likely to emerge stronger. He highlighted leadership capability, organisational agility, and the ability to manage transformation as decisive factors in capturing the next phase of growth.
The remarks come as businesses across Southeast Asia accelerate investments in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and workforce reskilling in response to increasing global economic fragmentation.
A 2026 Milieu Insight study covering 3,000 workers across six Southeast Asian markets, including Thailand, found that 53 per cent of respondents identified over-dependence on artificial intelligence as their top concern, ahead of privacy risks and job displacement. The findings indicate a growing need for organisations to guide technology adoption rather than solely deploy it.
Addressing these challenges, Professor Rose emphasised that both multinational corporations and small and medium enterprises must prioritise talent development and leadership capability as central pillars of their adaptation strategies.
Ms Usa Skulkerewatana, Senior Lecturer at NUS Business School, stated that Thai organisations should focus on strengthening workforce capability and practical artificial intelligence readiness instead of treating technology as a standalone solution.
“This is not a wait-and-see moment,” she said. She added that Thai businesses investing early in leadership development, digital capability, and workforce resilience will be better positioned for regional and global competitiveness.
Singapore’s role as a financial and educational hub in Asia continues to serve as a gateway for Thai professionals and organisations seeking regional leadership development. Thai executives have long participated in NUS Business School’s MBA, MSc, and executive education programmes, including the Stanford–NUS Executive Programme and other senior leadership initiatives developed with global academic and industry partners. Participation from Thailand has remained stable over the past five years as professionals pursue regional exposure and globally benchmarked leadership training.
NUS Business School, with 50,000 alumni and 60 global chapters, is recognised for delivering management thought leadership from an Asian perspective, enabling students and corporate partners to integrate global knowledge with regional insights. The institution has consistently been ranked first in Asia by international publications including The Financial Times and Quacquarelli Symonds, in recognition of programme quality, faculty research, and graduate outcomes. It is accredited by AACSB International and EQUIS, reflecting globally recognised standards in business education.
Professor Rose concluded that Thailand’s trust capital remains intact and that its position within a reorganising ASEAN region is strengthening. He indicated that Thai institutions and business leaders who treat trust as a strategic economic asset, while simultaneously building leadership depth, will shape the country’s next phase of growth.
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