East Tech West 2025: Thailand Roadshow

For its sixth edition, CNBC – the world’s number one business and financial news network – presents East Tech West, its exclusive invite-only technology roadshow. For the first time ever, this global gathering of tech’s most influential leaders moves beyond China and lands in Thailand, a rising force in Asia’s digital transformation.

Set against the backdrop of Southeast Asia’s thriving innovation landscape, this year’s edition will feature immersive sessions led by CNBC’s award-winning journalist, Jon Fortt. This year’s carefully curated program includes topics such as ‘Democratization of AI’, ‘Chips, Code & Chaos: Innovation in the New Digital Order’,’Catalyzing AI’s Growth & Development Across Asia’ and ‘From Vision to Velocity: Thailand’s Road to AI Leadership’.

East Tech West 2025: Thailand Roadshow will be held in English.

www.cnbcevents.com/east-tech-west-2025

Speakers:

Agenda:

9.00am - 10.00am

Breakfast Networking and Registration

Kick off your day with our Networking Breakfast. An ideal opportunity to connect with fellow guests, spark conversations, and build valuable relationships over fresh coffee and a breakfast buffet, all before the main event begins.

10:00am - 10:15am

Opening Address

10:15am - 11:15am

Democratization of AI

There is a growing global divide in access to AI capabilities, with wealthier nations far outpacing emerging markets. However, the rise of open-source models offers a leapfrogging opportunity, enabling countries without vast resources to benefit from pre-trained AI. The energy demands of AI present another hurdle, as nations lacking robust power systems risk being left behind. Local innovation, particularly in native languages and culturally relevant contexts, is essential to ensuring inclusive progress.

Jeff Johnson, Managing Director, ASEAN, Amazon Web Services

Kasima Tharnpipitchai, Head of AI Strategy, SCB 10X

Prem Pavan, Vice President & General Manager, Southeast Asia & Korea, Red Hat

Cecily Ng, General Manager and Vice President for ASEAN and Greater China Region, Databricks

Moderator: Jon Fortt, “Closing Bell: Overtime” Co-Anchor, CNBC

12:15pm - 2:15pm

Networking Lunch

2:15pm - 2:20pm

Welcome Back

2:20pm - 3:15pm

Catalyzing AI's Growth & Development Across Asia

Programmed by CNBC Catalyst, the commercial arm of CNBC

Significant investments in AI infrastructure and the rapid expansion of AI applications are driving innovation and adoption across Southeast Asia. According to the e-Conomy SEA 2024 report, more than US$30 bn has been committed to AI infrastructure across the region in the first half of 2024 alone. This discussion will explore the trends that are shaping the region’s AI development, from technological advancements to regional policy shifts, and examine how they’re influencing the future of industries such as healthcare, finance and manufacturing.

Georg Zoeller, VP of Technology, NOVI Health

John Lombard, CEO, APAC, NTT Data

Tan Bin Ru, President, Enterprise (Digital), ST Engineering

Moderator: Oriel Morrison, Moderator, CNBC Catalyst

3:15pm - 4:15pm

Chips, Code & Chaos: Innovation in the New Digital Order

In an increasingly fragmented world with rising nationalism and the US-China decoupling on technology, Asia’s digital landscape is at a crossroads. The competition over chips, cloud sovereignty, 5G infrastructure and AI dominance is reshaping how countries build, regulate and invest in digital technologies creating new challenges and opportunities.

George Chen, Managing Director & Co-Chair, Digital Practice, The Asia Group


Julian Gorman, Head, APAC, GSMA


Nathan Hall, Vice President and General Manager of Asia Pacific & Japan, Pure Storage


Catherine Lian, General Manager and Technology Leader, IBM ASEAN

Moderator: Jon Fortt, “Closing Bell: Overtime” Co-Anchor, CNBC

4:15pm - 4:20pm

Closing

4:20pm - 5:00pm

Networking Reception

As the day wraps up, join us for an evening of connection at the Networking Reception. Mingle with fellow attendees in a casual, welcoming atmosphere while enjoying a delicious spread of canapés and beverages. Whether you’re revisiting earlier conversations or meeting someone new, it’s the perfect setting to end the day on a high note.