TBS & World Bank Group Co-Host Youth AI Summit in Bangkok

The event, titled “Jobs, AI, and the Next Generation,” brought together senior World Bank Group officials, distinguished academics and approximately 80 students from Thammasat Business School and other educational institutions in the region. 

Held as part of one of the world’s most significant international economic gatherings, the event provided a platform for young people to engage directly with global development leaders on the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly AI-driven economy. 

The collaboration highlighted TBS’s growing international engagement and its commitment to connecting students with global expertise, influential decision-makers and real-world challenges that extend far beyond the classroom. 

From AI Users to AI Producers 

A central message of the event was the need to rethink how universities prepare graduates for an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. 

Associate Professor Dr Surat Teerakapibal, Dean of Thammasat Business School, emphasised that universities must move beyond teaching students how to use AI technologies and instead empower them to create new value through innovation. 

“Our graduates must not only know how to use AI; they must be able to create AI-powered solutions and become producers of AI-driven innovation. At Thammasat Business School, we are committed to developing future business leaders who do not simply adapt to technological change, but actively shape it,” said Dean Surat. 

This vision reflects a fundamental shift in business education. As AI tools become increasingly accessible, the competitive advantage of future graduates will depend not simply on their ability to use existing technologies, but on their capacity to develop innovative applications, solve complex business problems and create new economic opportunities. 

For TBS, becoming an AI producer does not necessarily mean that every graduate must become a programmer or technology specialist. Rather, it means developing the ability to combine business knowledge, creativity and technological understanding to design AI-enabled solutions, develop new business models and drive organisational transformation. 

The message underscores the importance of preparing graduates not only for the jobs of tomorrow, but also to become creators of entirely new opportunities. 

Connecting the Next Generation with Global Leaders 

The event featured a distinguished line-up of international development leaders and academics, reflecting the importance of collaboration between global institutions and higher education. 

Roya Rahmani, Director for Global Engagement at the World Bank Group, delivered the welcoming remarks, followed by an address from Dean Surat. 

The main discussion brought together Mahesh Uttamchandani, the World Bank Group’s Regional Practice Director for Digital and AI, and Professor Dr Pavida Pananond, Professor of International Business at Thammasat Business School. 

Moderated by Siratthaya “Fern” Isarabhakdi, founder of Wealth Me Up and anchor at The Standard Wealth, the conversation explored how AI is reshaping employment, business competitiveness and economic opportunities, particularly for young people in developing economies. 

The programme also provided opportunities for students to engage directly with the speakers through an interactive question-and-answer session.  

Stephen Ndegwa, World Bank Group Division Director for Thailand and Myanmar, delivered the closing remarks. 

The discussion took place against the backdrop of a major regional employment challenge. According to projections highlighted by the World Bank Group, approximately 320 million young people are expected to enter the workforce across East Asia and the Pacific by 2035, compared with an estimated 110 million new jobs. 

Against this backdrop, AI presents both challenges and opportunities. The discussion explored how practical, locally adapted applications of artificial intelligence, often referred to as “Small AI”, could help businesses improve productivity, foster entrepreneurship and expand access to economic opportunities. 

For the students in attendance, the event offered an opportunity to connect global economic developments with their own aspirations and the future competitiveness of Thailand and the wider region. 

Bringing the World into Business Education 

Beyond the discussion on AI and employment, the collaboration with the World Bank Group demonstrated TBS’s commitment to creating meaningful international learning experiences. 

As Thailand’s first business school to achieve Triple Crown Accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA, TBS has established a strong foundation of internationally recognised academic excellence. 

The school’s engagement with leading international organisations, global experts and industry leaders further strengthens its ability to provide students with perspectives and opportunities beyond national boundaries. 

For TBS, internationalisation is not simply about sending students overseas or increasing the number of international partnerships. It is about creating opportunities for students to interact directly with global leaders, understand international challenges and develop the competencies needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world. 

Co-hosting an event with the World Bank Group during the 2026 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings represents a significant example of this approach, bringing international expertise and global policy discussions directly to the next generation of Thai business leaders. 

The participation of Professor Pavida Pananond, a leading scholar in international business and global value chains, also highlighted the strength of TBS’s academic expertise and its ability to contribute meaningfully to discussions on global economic transformation. 

Shaping the Future of Business Leadership in Asia 

The collaboration with the World Bank Group reflects a broader evolution in the role of business schools. 

In an era defined by technological disruption, geopolitical uncertainty and rapidly changing labour markets, leading business schools are increasingly expected to do more than deliver academic knowledge. They must connect education with global developments, foster innovation and prepare graduates to create meaningful impact. 

For Thammasat Business School, the opportunity to co-host an event at the 2026 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings represents an important demonstration of its ability to engage with international institutions and contribute to conversations of global significance. 

It also reinforces the school’s ambition to develop future business leaders who possess not only academic knowledge and technical capabilities, but also the global perspectives, creativity and confidence to lead change. 

As artificial intelligence continues to redefine industries and employment, the distinction between those who merely use technology and those who create value through it will become increasingly important. 

The future of business education is not simply about preparing graduates to participate in an AI-driven economy. It is about empowering them to shape that economy. 

Through its collaboration with the World Bank Group and its commitment to developing the next generation of AI producers, Thammasat Business School continues to advance its role as a globally engaged institution dedicated to shaping the future of business leadership in Thailand and across Asia.