Bangkok, Thailand, October 2, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The ASEAN Legal Alliance (ALA) and Warwick Legal Network (WLN) opened their Annual Business Forum last week under the theme “Riding Global Trends”, bringing together legal experts, business leaders, and policymakers from across the ASEAN region and beyond for discussions centered around the intersection of law, business, and sustainability. The conference, held in Bangkok from September 26-27, 2024 was hosted at Pullman Bangkok King Power, providing an engaging space for exchange and collaboration.

The first day featured The 2030 SDGs Game, facilitated by Dr. Scott Smith of Assumption University, Thailand. This immersive, game-based workshop simulated a future world in 2030 and encouraged participants to explore the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “The 2030 SDGs Game provided an engaging and thought-provoking start to the Annual Business Forum, challenging participants to think critically about the interconnected nature of the Sustainable Development Goals and their implications across industries and borders,” said Dr. Scott Smith, “By immersing themselves in this dynamic experience, participants were able to explore global challenges firsthand while developing vital skills in collaboration, strategic thinking, and adaptability—skills essential for navigating the complexities of our evolving world.”

The September 27 conference was notable for being a carbon neutral event, with the sponsorship for carbon credits provided by Uwork999 Co., Ltd., a Bangkok-based construction services company with a team of experienced engineers and technical experts. This effort underscores the commitment of the ASEAN Legal Alliance and its partners to reducing their environmental impact and supporting sustainable initiatives throughout the region.

His Excellency Chuan Leekpai, former Prime Minister of Thailand, graced the forum as the guest of honor. In his keynote address, Chuan emphasized the critical role of a strong rule of law in enabling businesses to thrive, especially during periods of rapid transformation. He highlighted the need for consistent and reliable legal frameworks as a foundation for economic and environmental security, innovation, stability and sustainability.

The event featured a mix of panel discussions, networking opportunities, and workshops aimed at navigating the complexities of global economic shifts. Notable sessions included “Thailand Investment Opportunities”, which explored Thailand’s competitive positioning in the global market, moderated by Khun Siriporn Chaiyasuta, and featured panelists such as Mr. Danucha Pichayanan from the National Economic and Social Development Council and Ms. Jareeporn Jarukirnsakul from WHA Corporation Pcl. Discussions revolved around investment incentives and Thailand’s advancement in technology and infrastructure​.

ASEAN Legal Alliance: Supporting Regional Integration
The ASEAN Legal Alliance, established in 2014, represents a coalition of law firms spanning all ASEAN nations, working collectively to provide seamless legal services across the region. This network has grown to include partners beyond ASEAN, collaborating with businesses and professional service firms to offer comprehensive cross-border legal support. During the forum, ALA reaffirmed its mission to support regional integration in the context of a fast-evolving ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). The partnership with Warwick Legal Network, encompassing  law firms across Europe and the Americas, further strengthens ALA’s ability to assist clients globally​.

The Role of Sustainability and Technology in Law
The conference also put a spotlight on emerging topics like Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, AI, and digital transformation. The panel on “Business Under the ESG Era”, moderated by Khun Kittinut Supsoontornkul, featured insights from industry leaders like Dr. Virat Somsri, an environmentalist with the Department of Climate Change & Environment, and Mr. Alex Wan, CEO of Star Century Group. Discussions emphasized how ESG considerations are reshaping corporate governance and legal compliance, highlighting the role of carbon credits and sustainable enterprise initiatives​.

Shaping the Future of Law and Business
Aloysius Wee, Managing Partner of AQUINAS Law Alliance and Chairman of the ASEAN Legal Alliance, remarked on the timeliness of the forum: “This forum comes at a crucial time when we are navigating through the complexities of rapid technological advancements and a shifting economic landscape. The collaboration between ALA and Warwick Legal Network is designed to equip legal professionals and business leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to embrace global trends like ESG, digital transformation, and AI.”

As the forum continued, participant’s discussions focused on actionable topics, including intellectual property in the digital age, cross-border corporate law, and sustainable real estate investment. These conversations are expected to pave the way for strategic collaborations and policy recommendations that will shape the future of law and business within ASEAN and beyond.

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