Delivering the keynote address at the symposium on 8 May 2012, Prof.
Yunus stated that business in Thailand had expressed interest in the
idea of social business, and the Yunus Center at AIT was a hub which
could be utilized by everyone in Thailand and the region. “It is a good
start today, and I hope that this continues,” Prof. Yunus said, adding
that the Center could bring business leaders and youngsters together at
one platform.
He complimented the AIT President Prof. Said Irandoust, for
relentlessly pursuing him, despite being immersed in international
negotiations revolving around AIT’s intergovernmental status.
The AIT President, while welcoming Prof. Yunus, stated that the free
market mantra and liberalization had proved to be ineffective, and the
world required a radical new way to run its economic activities. Rising
inequities and occupy Wall Street are symbols of the new times, he
said. Prof. Irandoust added that AIT was well positioned to promote the
idea of social business.
Besides Prof. Irandoust, Dr. Krissada Raungarreerat, CEO, ThaiHealth;
Ms. Wanweera Rachdawong, CEO, Thai Management Association (TMA); and
Dr. Riaz Khan, Director, Yunus Center at AIT, also delivered welcome
remarks. This keynote address by Prof. Yunus was followed by a panel
discussion featuring Prof. Yunus; Mr. Vichien Phongsathorn, Chairman,
Premier Group; M.L.Dispanadda Diskul, Chief Development Officer, Doi
Tung Development Project; Dr. Krissada Raungarreerat; and Mr. Paradai
Theerathada, Executive Vice President, Head of Corporate Communications
Group, TMB. Ms. Veenarat Laohapakakul, Nation Broadcasting Corporation
TV anchor was the discussion moderator.
Four teams of youngsters pitched their idea of social enterprises to
the panelists. They included Ms. Panita Topathomwong with her project
“A-Chieve”; Mr. Phuttamon Phunpiam with his project “Freedom Solution”;
Mr. Sirachai Arunrugstichai with his project “New Heaven Reef
Conservation”; and Mr. Alan Archapiraj with “BE Magazine.”
