Young Professionals Committee
Mission
The Young Professionals Committee (YPC) offers an outlet for young professionals in AMCHAM member companies to network in a casual and fun environment, with events, held on the last Thursday of each month, promoted to more than 3,000 people in the Bangkok community, including AMCHAM members and other interested individuals. Networking events are often hosted by newly opened establishments, so provide the added bonus of introducing attendees to restaurants and other social venues that they might not otherwise know about. The Committee also has a charitable mission, and donations accepted at each event are put towards an annual Adopt-a-School project of the AMCHAM Thailand Charitable Foundation.
2009 Accomplishments
In 2009, we organized monthly networking events hosted by popular social and entertainment venues including Zense Gourmet Deck – Zen World, Tetto Lounge – Anantara Baan Rajprasong, Bamboo Chic – Le Meridien and Panorama – the Pan Pacific. Averaging about 120 people per event, we catered to a diverse group of young (and young-at-heart) professionals who hailed from both the expat and Thai communities. Importantly, we feel that our events were enriched by our “open invite” policy, which allowed non-AMCHAM members to attend, and by our generous hosts who offered discounted drinks and complimentary food. The YPC events also played a key role as a recruiting tool for the Chamber, educating people about the Chamber’s activities and encouraging several new members to join.
In 2009, we also initiated a monthly lucky draw at our networking events. With prizes donated by Anantara, ItalAsia, Tour de Asia and Rajawongse, we were able to boost our fund raising efforts by more than 30%. This year, we raised over Baht 150,000 for the AMCHAM Adopt-a-School program.
In April, we held our 3rd annual YPC Adopt-a-School Dedication at Muang Samut Sakorn School in Samut Sakorn. With the Baht 100,000 donated, the school was able to purchase much needed playground equipment, library books and furniture and sports equipment.
More than 40 AMCHAM members attended the dedication, which was enhanced by a visit to the Siam Winery & Floating Vineyards, organized by the Food & Agri-Business Committee.
2010 Objectives
Main Deliverables for 2010
The Committee’s efforts to engage younger membership via monthly networking events has been successful. While continuing this model in 2010, we will achieve these objectives:
- Objective: Increase Average Attendance at Events
- Objective: Raise 200,000 Baht for Adopt-a-School Project
- Objective: Refine the YPC Brand to Differentiate and Expand Activities
- Plan: (1) Enlist support of “YPC Ambassadors” and (2) Promote events more actively through online media
- Plan: (1) Explore strategies for increasing donations at events and (2) Initiate annual fundraiser
- Plan: (1) Develop catchy name and unique logo for events and (2) Expand beyond networking events
In addition, the YPC plans to use the funds raised in 2009 to adopt a needy school in March 2010.
Advocacy
- To identify and engage young leaders in AMCHAM member companies.
- To engage Thais who are US university alums.
- To promote socially responsible activities by raising funds for AMCHAM Adopt-a-School.
Meetings
Young Professionals Committee Meeting
Date: 29 July 2010
Time: 7.00 pm
Place: Durty Nelly’s on Ekkamai soi 2 (BTS: Ekkamai)
Committee Leadership
Trinh Danh, Servcorp
Peter Moore, CoffeeWORKS
Michael Parham, East-West Logistics
Email: Young Professional Committee
Committee Coordinator: Khun Orn
Facebook: AMCHAM Young Professionals Committee