Technology 'can help address uncertainty'

Leapfrogging technologies, economic uncertainties and ever-changing consumer behaviour are forcing corporate leaders to face multifaceted challenges that are entirely different from the past.

Hitoshi Nara, who was previously head of Yokogawa Thailand and is now director, executive chair and representative executive officer of Yokogawa Electric Corporation, is steering the company through a global landscape of uncertainty that is difficult to predict and control.

He said it was a challenge for him to leverage his experience, expertise and leadership, demanding precise and swift decision-making to match the situation, driving the organisation while fostering a mindset among employees to be ready to learn new things and quickly adapt to changes without fear of failure.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Mr Nara said an overarching system framework was established in his company alongside technological development.

Previously, each department operated independently and in silos, but this was transformed into a globally integrated system across the entire organisation to ensure business continuity, even amidst employee retirements or transitions.

Japanese companies traditionally tend to lack the creation of large-scale, standardised systems, focusing instead on smaller components first and trying to integrate them later, which makes connectivity difficult, he said.

In contrast, Western companies lay out a complete overarching system architecture first, such as global HR, ERP or CRM systems, so that all branches worldwide operate on the same standard.

"We are actively building these centralised systems to enable all units to connect seamlessly," Mr Nara told the Bangkok Post during Gastech 2026.

This strategic adjustment aims to drive business growth across the entire value chain, from upstream to downstream, in order to achieve future goals.

Yokogawa, an expert in industrial automation technology and digital solutions, is driving the transition from basic automated systems to fully autonomous operations, which the company calls IA2IA (Industrial Automation to Industrial Autonomy).

By deploying advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twins, the company aims to optimise critical stages across the value chain.

This spans from upstream extraction and midstream transport, such as pipelines and liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, to downstream refining and chemical processes.

"In addition to our traditional strengths in the energy industry, in recent years the company has emphasised materials industries outside Japan," Mr Nara said.

For Thailand, Yokogawa sees opportunities across various materials industries, such as cement, pulp and paper, speciality chemicals, fibres and even materials for mobility.

"Each industry faces unique challenges, and we are working closely with customers to co-develop solutions," said Mr Nara.

Amid global economic volatility, supply chain complexity, geopolitical tensions and stringent sustainability regulations, Yokogawa stands ready to support clients in navigating these challenges with stability, where constant change and unpredictability pose ongoing challenges.

To address these issues, Yokogawa promotes stable operations that balance safety and security with efficiency and quality, while supporting customers' business continuity plans, he noted.

DEVELOPING PERSONAL SKILLS

Mr Nara said a company's personnel are its most important asset.

If employees are talented, specialised, flexible, quick to adapt and highly agile, it will help to strengthen the organisation, enabling it to grow stably and sustainably.

Yokogawa places great importance on developing personnel at all levels, offering a broad range of programmes to enhance knowledge and capabilities for employees in each country.

"Economic and political conditions change very rapidly nowadays, unlike normal circumstances. What I expect from our people is swift execution, high agility and a persistent spirit of embracing new challenges," said Mr Nara.

"If we keep doing things the same way, we will only get the same results. That is why we must emphasise speed and new challenges."

In addition, people sometimes become too reactive, simply waiting for orders from management.

Therefore, he wants to encourage everyone to think and propose ideas on their own to help drive the company together, even though changing such behaviours might be difficult for many.

ENERGY INDUSTRY TRENDS

Customers, including those at Gastech and other Yokogawa exhibitions, are interested in new technologies that can boost their business operations and improve the environment, said Preechai Trannitad, managing director of Yokogawa (Thailand) Ltd.

They are keen to adopt new technologies to increase energy efficiency and ensure it is used effectively and can reduce carbon emissions to reach a net-zero target, he said.

Many businesses are transitioning to cleaner energy, such as LNG.

"You can see many booths showcasing LNG solutions. Additionally, there is hydrogen as a cleaner energy source, as well as new compressor technologies that may utilise solar energy to operate turbines or solar-related systems," Mr Preechai said.

What Yokogawa can do to help industries is to integrate automation and digital solutions to enhance operational efficiency and production performance for each individual client, while helping to reduce the carbon released into the environment, he said.

Mr Nara said Yokogawa helps customers accelerate digital transformation and decarbonisation through intelligent automation, data integration, asset optimisation and information technology and operational technology convergence.

"We are showcasing solutions that enable organisations to unlock the full value of their operational data, improve asset reliability, optimise energy efficiency and reduce carbon intensity," he said.

THE THAILAND INFLUENCE

Mr Nara has developed the ability to work seamlessly with Thai customers amid fast-evolving technologies.

Thai customers, especially within the industrial sector, stand out for being remarkably open to new technologies, willing to experiment, and quick to respond, he said.

While some Japanese companies might wait for others to succeed before daring to follow, Thais possess a strong spirit of challenge.

"The key things I have learned from Thai customers are commitment and trust, which are the heart of long-term business partnerships," said Mr Nara.

"My experience in Thailand is one of the most valuable assets in my leadership journey. When I was assigned to manage Yokogawa Thailand about 20 years ago, I learned much more than how to manage an overseas business."

In Thailand, Yokogawa evolved beyond selling instruments and control systems.

The company expanded into solution businesses focused on addressing customers' operational and management challenges, such as improving reliability, productivity, energy efficiency and sustainability.

Many customer-centric solution businesses grew in the country because Thai customers were willing to explore new approaches and work to solve increasingly complex challenges.

Mr Nara applied this both as the head of Yokogawa Japan and the global Yokogawa Group.

"Thailand really helped me transform Yokogawa from a product company into a solution company," he said. "This collaborative approach is reflected in our corporate tagline 'Co-innovating tomorrow'. "

Mr Nara, second right, Mr Preechai, left, and Yokogawa executives at the 2026 Gastech in Bangkok.