Thai companies wishing to be tops in leadership in Southeast Asia should focus on talent development and encourage staff to enhance their capabilities and work as a team, executives say.
The board and top management must lead the organisation by setting a far-sighted vision for talent development and implement it at all levels.
In this way, Thai companies can prove they are second to none in the region in terms of leadership and human resource development.
Yesterday, seven Thai companies were recognised for their leadership in Southeast Asia by Aon Hewitt, a global human resource (HR) consultancy.
CP All Plc, Kasikonbank (KBank) and McThai Co were winners in the Southeast Asian category, while DHL Express International (Thailand) and Merck Ltd won in the category of top multinationals in Southeast Asia.
Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Plc (BDMS) and PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP) received special recognition.
Krit Jitjang, an executive vice-president and head of HR at KBank, said it was important for Thai companies to prepare themselves, particularly in terms of HR, to cope with changes and challenges arising from formation of the Asean Economic Community late next year.
Once the single market kicks off, companies from other Asean members will be allowed to enter Thailand, so local firms must make an effort to go out and become a greater part of the Asean community, he said.
"This means the business environment will change, and we'll have to adjust ourselves to cope with new challenges and opportunities alike," Mr Krit said.
He said KBank had been actively building new leaders for years, while chief executive Banthoon Lamsam was a strong role model for staff.
BDMS chief operating officer Dr Chatree Duangnet said his hospital chain set a goal 10 years ago of breaking into the top three in Thailand and then the top three in Asean.
At that time, it was the fourth-largest hospital operator in Bangkok.
Thiti Mekavicha, PTTEP's executive vice-president for human resources, said companies should start with the belief that a good leader would lead the company to prosperity.
Good leaders must be hard-working and skilled at implementing the right policies.
They must be responsible, accountable and disciplined.
Pittaya Jearavisitkul, an executive vice-chairman of CP All, said top management must be committed to enhancing staff skills and developing employees' career paths.