Companies and societies that learn to navigate through technological changes can grasp potential opportunities, while those that are slower will be left behind.
Thailand is on the verge of transforming itself with a national policy that emphasises innovative, technology-based manufacturing and services.
"We have seen Thai conglomerates become global leaders in past generations," Steve Forbes, chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, told the Bangkok Post recently. "Thailand has an ancient history, but also a very vibrant future. This conference represents a good lesson for other countries in the region as well as Thailand, because we believe the best is yet to come."
Mr Forbes was referring to the 18th Forbes Global CEO Conference, taking place Oct 30-31 at the Plaza Athenee Hotel in Bangkok. Under the theme of "The World Reboots", the conference will focus on how leaders, companies and countries are confronting challenges and seizing opportunities arising from disruption.
The annual conference, to be chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, will gather 400 global CEOs, tycoons, entrepreneurs, up-and-comers, capitalists and thought leaders to explore, discuss and debate the ever-changing challenges and allow attendees to build new partnerships, Mr Forbes said.
"It's very fitting to hold the conference in Thailand this year," he said. "We are in a period of enormous change, and every business leader knows that changes have to be made."
Bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs, senior government officials and academicians to interact and ferment will help foster a more prosperous world, Mr Forbes said.
He urged attendees to recognise that change is inevitable. "You cannot make the mistake that China made 500 years ago, thinking that what you've done you can continue it forever," he said. "If you don't have an openness to make things happen, you will be left behind and this will have political, economic and societal consequences."
Mr Forbes said most people today understand that nothing is fixed and they are willing to look at things from a new perspective.
"Most people are taking a fresh look at where the opportunities are with much more openness, as no one has a fixed playbook any more," he said.
The conference will gather more than 50 speakers from around world to generate insights on topics surrounding the world economy, technology, innovation and investment opportunities in various sectors, with discussion panels covering strategies for leadership, entrepreneurship, family businesses, philanthropy and sustainable development.
The line-up of distinguished speakers includes Mr Forbes; Suphachai Chearavanont, chief executive of Charoen Pokphand Group and chairman of the executive committee of True Corporation; Panote Sirivadhanabhakdi, group chief executive of Frasers Property Ltd; Fan Gang, president of China Development Institute and director of National Economic Research Institute; Marjorie Yang, chairman of Esquel Group; Enrique K Razon Jr, chairman and president of International Container Terminal Services Inc; and H Roger Wang, chairman and CEO of Golden Eagle International Group and chairman of the committee of 100.