Meet the Candidates for the AMCHAM Board of Governors
AMCHAM Thailand is honored to present our distinguished candidates for the 2026-2027 term for the Board of Governors. The men and women listed below are leaders in the Thai and international business community, representing diverse industries including manufacturing, healthcare, FMCG, hospitality, technology and professional services.
Sasathorn Phaspinyo
Managing Director
FedEx Thailand
Professional Background & Experience
Sasathorn Phaspinyo is the Managing Director of the Thailand Operations at FedEx Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies. He leads more than 1,300 team members and is responsible for planning and implementing corporate strategies and operations in Thailand.
Sasathorn started his career at FedEx in 2004 as an engineer. He brings over two decades of invaluable experience in driving local and regional business operational efficiencies and growth within the business. He rose through the ranks through several roles in First/Last Mile and Customs
Clearance Operations Management, and Planning and Engineering in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Prior to his current role, Sasathorn served as Manager of Planning & Engineering, where he oversaw ground network planning and infrastructure development for Thailand, Vietnam, and Indochina.
Sasathorn was instrumental in the successful integration of FedEx and TNT operations in Thailand and Vietnam. He was also honored with the Five-Star Award twice, the most prestigious award within FedEx, in recognition of his achievements in enhancing customer experience and driving efficiency improvement programs in 2011 and for leading regional cross-functional projects in 2021.
Sasathorn holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Chulalongkorn University and a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah.
AMCHAM & Association Experience
FedEx has partnered with AMCHAM Thailand by actively supporting the AMCHAM/FedEx Career Camp, a hallmark education initiative. Through this program, FedEx helps empower disadvantaged Thai university students with four days of career development workshops, mentoring, mock interviews, and exposure to U.S.-style corporate culture – designed jointly by FedEx and AMCHAM Thailand Foundation.
FedEx’s leadership in these forums extends beyond sponsorship. At events such as the AMCHAM Member Luncheon, Sasathorn personally joined AMCHAM leaders to present certificates and personally engage with scholarship recipients. His involvement underscores a long-term commitment to youth empowerment, strengthening public-private collaboration, and elevates the role of AMCHAM’s business community in shaping Thailand’s next generation of future leaders.
Board Governor Goals
Sasathorn aims to strengthen AMCHAM’s role in trade facilitation, youth development, and public-private partnerships. He will leverage his logistics expertise to support SME competitiveness, promote sustainable growth, and expand AMCHAM-led initiatives that empower future talent and enhance U.S.-Thai business collaboration.
Anothai Wettayakorn
Managing Director
IBM Thailand
Professional Background & Experience
• 2024 – Present: Managing Director, IBM Thailand
• 2004 – 2023: Dell Technologies (from most recent to past: Vice President, Asia Emerging Markets; Managing Director, Thailand and Indochina; Managing Director, Thailand)
• Before 2004: Ten years with Compaq and Hewlett-Packard Apart from his professional roles and extensive experience with leading IT and technology multinational companies, Anothai Wettayakorn serves on several boards, including the Raks Thai Foundation, the Association of Thai ICT Industry, and as an advisor to the St. Gabriel Foundation. He also serves as a public figure in technology thought leadership, actively participating in and speaking at numerous industry events. Additionally, he engages in various academic and non-profit programs to elevate future digital skills for Thais, including initiatives with DEPA, BUU, CMU, and KMITL.
AMCHAM & Association Experience
Anothai has participated in many AMCHAM events since his time with Dell Technology. One of his key contributions was to drive change in Thai government policy, encouraging a reconsideration of the “Made in Thailand” policy for buying computers and technology products for government agencies. He has also engaged with AMCHAM across the region, including in contexts involving the U.S., Asia, Myanmar, and Cambodia on many occasions. Most recently, Anothai led the IBM team to win the AMCHAM Corporate Impact Award last year.
Board Governor Goals
With Anothai’s professional background and experiences, as well as his community service mind, he will play a critical role in supporting AMCHAM’s mission. Having worked with American companies for 30 years, he has an intuitive understanding of the dynamics of commercial trade and government policy in Thailand and emerging markets. He also specializes in AI and digital technologies, which will play a critical role in influencing policy and promoting U.S. intellectual property in Thailand.
Charles Blocker
CEO
IC Partners
Professional Background & Experience
A leader with broad based knowledge of real estate development and project finance in ASEAN, and online start-ups, Charles brings more than two decades of experience in capital raising, corporate finance, and commercial real estate to IC Partners Limited. Established in January 2011, and based in Bangkok, Thailand, IC Partners serves as a financial advisor and investor for a number of hospitality and industrial-related joint venture investments, and a handful of tech start-ups. IC Partners also serves as asset and investment manager for five family offices in Southeast Asia. IC Partners works with various capital partners, venture funds, and international hotel operators to advise investors on development planning, capital raising, deal structuring, and contractual matters.
Charles earned an MBA with honors from the Kenan‐Flagler Business School, University of North Carolina‐Chapel Hill. He currently serves as a Trustee of The Kenan Foundation Asia and is a member of its Executive Committee. Charles served as a Governor and Vice President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand from 2004 through 2007, held numerous co-chair committee positions over the years, and served as a Governor, Secretary, and Vice President from 2021 through 2024. He is currently a Co-Chair of the Aerospace Council and remains active within the Tourism & Hospitality Council.
AMCHAM & Association Experience
AMCHAM – Vietnam
• Trade & Investment Committee Co-Chair (1999–2000)
AMCHAM – Thailand
• Co-Chair, Business Economics Committee (2002–2004) • Board of Governors (2004–2007); served as Secretary and Vice President • Chairman, Tourism & Hospitality Committee (2008–2020) • Office Relocations & Contributions Administration/Negotiations (to GPF Witthayu and then to TRUE Digital Park) • “USA Fair” (2006–2010) • Thailand Tourism Forum (TTF) – Organizer and Supporter (2015–2025) • Impact Awards Judge (2018 and 2019) • Co-organizer/leader, Inaugural Thailand–U.S. Trade & Investment Summit (2024) • Board liaison for Tourism & Hospitality Council, Food & Agribusiness Council, Aerospace Council, and Tax Council, including preparation of white papers, position papers, and meetings with ministers and departments within the Royal Thai Government (RTG) • Chair, Nominating Committee on four occasions since 2007 (most recently 2023 and 2024) • Currently Co-Chair, Aerospace Council • Defense Industry commercial liaison between AMCHAM and JUSMAGTHAI (2021–present)
AMCHAM – Cambodia • Contributing member, Real Estate & Construction Committee (2023–present) • Contributing member, Education Committee (2023–present)
Board Governor Goals
If elected, I have three goals for AMCHAM Thailand:
1. Continued advancement and evolution of the Thailand – U.S. Trade and Investment Summit with greater inclusion of U.S. SMEs, particularly to promote two-way trade and investment.
2. Ensure smooth and fair integration of the August 1 Trade & Tariff Agreement for all member companies trading with the U.S., with emphasis on SMEs.
3. Continue to attract and advocate for U.S. in bound FDI in high-tech and dual-use technologies, aerospace (including MRO), pharma, and high value-added tourism including wellness and medical sectors.
Dilip Kumar Agarwal
Deputy Group CEO
Indorama Ventures
Professional Background & Experience
With over 30 years at Indorama Ventures (IVL), he is the Deputy Group CEO and also an Executive Director on IVL’s Board. The nominee has been instrumental in transforming the company from a million-dollar enterprise into Global petrochemical leader with ~16.5 billion U.S. dollar revenue. A graduate in Science from the University of Udaipur, he is also a qualified Indian Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant, and Company Secretary.
He has led numerous successful acquisitions, asset turnarounds, and greenfield investments worldwide. His strategic foresight has shaped IVL’s global growth while fostering a strong leadership pipeline within the organization, making him a respected and influential figure in international business and investment circles.
AMCHAM & Association Experience
The nominee has been a key leader at Indorama Ventures (IVL) for over 30 years, helping transform the company from a local enterprise into a global petrochemical leader, with over 6.5–7 U.S. billion dollar invested in the Americas. His leadership has directly contributed to job creation, sustainability, and innovation across IVL’s U.S. operations. Today more than 70% of IVL’s earnings are generated from Americas (50% in the U.S. and over 20% in LATAM).
While not currently serving on the AMCHAM Thailand Board, he has actively supported the Chamber’s mission through advocacy for strong U.S.-Thailand trade relations, participation in bilateral business dialogues, and collaboration with U.S. companies in areas such as manufacturing, ESG, and supply chain sustainability.
He brings extensive Board-level experience within IVL and industry associations, consistently championing U.S.-Thai partnership and sustainable investment. His candidacy reflects a deep, long-term commitment to fostering American business interests in Thailand and globally.
Board Governor Goals
As an AMCHAM Governor, the nominee aims to strengthen U.S.-Thailand business ties by leveraging his global industry experience to advocate for sustainable investment, enhance trade collaboration, and support policy dialogue. He is committed to fostering innovation, advancing ESG leadership, and promoting inclusive growth across AMCHAM’s diverse member base.
Raymond Deidrick
Vice President and General Manager – ASEAN,
Texture Solutions Food Lead – APAC
Ingredion
Professional Background & Experience
Ray holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Trine University and a master’s degree in supply chain management from Penn State University. He worked at Ingredion from 2001-2019, holding operations leadership roles in the U.S. and Asia, before leaving to lead AgriProtein, a start-up business utilizing insects to recycle food waste, with operations in the U.S., Europe, and Africa.
Ray rejoined Ingredion in 2023 to lead their ASEAN business as Vice President and General Manager, Texture & Healthful Solutions, based in Bangkok.
Ray is passionate about driving sustainable solutions that result in positive environmental, commercial, and social outcomes for business and the community
AMCHAM & Association Experience
Previously served as Co-Chair of the AMCHAM Food & Agribusiness Council and currently serves as AMCHAM Board Governor.
Board Governor Goals
I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Food & Agribusiness Council, as well as exploring more opportunities to identify how our member companies can work collaboratively to drive sustainability initiatives, especially in the agriculture space.
Jonathan Powell
General Manager and Managing Director of APAC
Jelly Belly Candy Company
Professional Background & Experience
• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
• 15 years of experience in the CPG sector, focused on food and beverage for multinational Fortune 500 organizations. My international experience includes work in Haiti, Japan, and Thailand. I am currently responsible for the new APAC sector at Ferrara Candy Company, leading growth and expansion into Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Vietnam, China, and the Philippines.
• Chair of the Board of Directors, Drum Corps International
• Board of Directors, Blue Stars Youth in Performing Arts
• Member, Texas Association of Minority Engineers
• Board Advisor, Drum Corps Europe
AMCHAM & Association Experience
• AMCHAM Japan: Manufacturing Council – Participated during my time in Tokyo.
• AMCHAM Thailand (2024– Present): As a new resident in Thailand, my first year has been focused on getting both connected and plugged into our network. With my role now expanded to include APAC, I am seeking a more involved role within AMCHAM Thailand.
AMCHAM Board Governor Goals
Thank you for the opportunity to be considered for the AMCHAM Board of Governors. If selected, my goal is to continue to promote the development of commerce between the U.S. and Thailand, grow the manufacturing sector with emphasis on manufacturing excellence, and provide thoughtful support on food policy regulation, particularly as it affects the consumer packaged goods (CPG) community.
Ferrara is committed to making Thailand as its APAC manufacturing hub. Since the acquisition of Jelly Belly Candy Company (Thailand), it has invested more than 20 million U.S. dollars in investment and shows no signs of slowing down. We will continue to expand investment in new technology, new products, and new building infrastructure as we partner with Thailand to grow in the Asia and the Pacific region.
In addition to my company’s commitment to Thailand, I am personally committed to serving as a liaison to the Food and Agribusiness & the Manufacturing Committees and working with other CPG organizations to address the most pressing concerns for our collective businesses.
Naambo Shivute De Cock
Business Development Director
LawtonAsia Insurance Brokers
Professional Background & Experience
Naambo Shivute De Cock is a seasoned business leader with over 15 years of experience in insurance, risk management, and client strategy. As Executive Director at LawtonAsia, she supports SMEs and multinational clients with tailored insurance solutions. Her career spans multiple countries, blending deep knowledge of international business with a people-centered approach. She is known for bridging cultural and operational gaps, leading with integrity and mentoring emerging leaders. Naambo is also an advocate for diversity, equity, and well-being in the workplace, drawing on her cross-sector experience to influence both commercial success and inclusive professional growth.
AMCHAM & Association Experience
As Co-Chair of the Human Capital Committee, I have led initiatives to deepen member engagement and address emerging workforce trends. I have curated meaningful programming focused on talent development, inclusive leadership, and the impact of AI on the workforce. My active participation in AMCHAM’s broader ecosystem — from mentoring emerging leaders to representing AMCHAM at cross-chamber events — reflects my commitment to building a stronger, more connected business community. I have championed non-transactional networking and have leveraged my platform to amplify underrepresented voices while supporting others navigating personal and professional transitions. My journey at AMCHAM reflects the transformative power of advocacy, values-based leadership, and community.
AMCHAM Board Governor Goals
I aim to foster inclusive leadership, empower next-generation professionals, and ensure that AMCHAM remains a platform where diverse voices are heard. I bring a collaborative, human-centered approach and will advocate for strategies that strengthen membership value, deepen engagement, and address the evolving needs of businesses and their people.
Prae Dumrongmongcolgul
Country Director
Meta
Professional Background & Experience
Prae is the Country Director of Facebook Thailand from Meta. Her focus is on driving economic impact for the country by empowering businesses of all sizes in Thailand to better connect with their consumers and communities through digital and commerce solutions.
Prior to joining Meta, Prae was a Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group in Thailand. She advised clients across a wide range of industries on topics related to digital transformation and growth. With more than 15 years of industry experience, she has worked extensively across SEA.
Prae earned her B.S. in Systems Engineering from University of Virginia and her MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Prae is a strong believer in social impact and passionate about bringing positive change in local communities.
AMCHAM & Association Experience
From 2024 to 2025, I served on the AMCHAM Board of Governors, where I acted as Board Liaison for the Digital Economy and Creative Economy Councils. During this time, I also spoke on panels covering topics such as leadership, AI, and inclusion.
AMCHAM Board Governor Goals
Provide insights from the tech sector on our role in advancing business in Thailand, and how we can better collaborate with relevant business and government stakeholders to improve our impact.
Ririnda Tangtatswas
VP – Strategic Planning
Minor International
Professional Background & Experience
Since joining Minor International in 2009, I have taken on increasingly senior roles spanning long-term strategy and external stakeholder engagement. As Vice President, I currently lead strategic planning, investor relations and external affairs for the Group. I work closely with regulators, investors and business partners to support Minor’s global hospitality and restaurant expansion. Before joining Minor, I was an investment banker at Trinity Securities, advising on M&A, IPOs, and structured finance in the hospitality and healthcare sectors.
AMCHAM & Association Experience
Over the past two years, I have actively helped drive structural improvements in Thailand’s tourism and F&B sectors through targeted policy advocacy and public-private collaboration. Representing both Minor International and AMCHAM, I have engaged with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to modernize outdated regulations, promote infrastructure investment, and advocate for a level playing field that enables fair competition and sustainable long-term sectoral development.
I also serve on the boards of the Thai Retailers Association and the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association, collaborating with top-tier hotels and retailers. These roles have enabled me to actively contribute to shaping policies that address structural challenges, which directly impact the competitiveness and long-term viability of the tourism and retail sectors.
AMCHAM Board Governor Goals
If re-elected, I will continue working to modernize Thailand’s policy landscape in ways that unlock growth across tourism, retail, and F&B sectors. This includes advocating for regulatory reforms, talent and resource development as well as infrastructure investments that support business operators of all sizes. I aim to strengthen Thailand’s positioning as a world-class destination for travel, business, and investment by aligning private sector needs with national development goals. I also hope to broaden engagement across the hospitality and tourism ecosystem, by connecting more relevant stakeholders, to create opportunities for all AMCHAM members through cross-industry collaboration.
Idara Huang
Managing Director
Mondelez International
Professional Background & Experience
I bring over two decades of FMCG leadership experience, including 19 transformative years with Unilever and my current role as Country Managing Director at Mondelēz International Thailand. Known for strategic vision and results-driven leadership, I have spearheaded high-impact initiatives in omnichannel growth, innovation, and data-led organizational change. My passion lies in shaping purpose-driven business models and nurturing cross-sector partnerships that unlock shared value. Committed to fostering a more connected FMCG community, I believe in the power of collaboration to create a stronger, more inclusive voice for the industry.
AMCHAM & Association Experience
While I have not held formal roles within business associations, Mondelez has actively engaged with key stakeholders through corporate and government affairs in both local and regional contexts. With over two decades in the FMCG industry, I understand the importance of cross-industry collaboration and public-private partnerships. I am passionate about bringing the FMCG community together to amplify our collective impact — and I see AMCHAM as a powerful platform to foster dialogue and collaboration. I am eager to contribute fresh energy and industry insights to support AMCHAM’s mission and strengthen the voice of the business community in Thailand.
AMCHAM Board Governor Goals
As a passionate advocate for the FMCG sector, my goal is to strengthen AMCHAM’s voice in shaping fair and forward-thinking- food-related policies in Thailand. I aim to represent and support American FMCG companies in navigating regulatory challenges — ensuring competitive, science-based, and balanced treatment in areas such as marketing to children, sugar and sodium taxation, and trade transparency. With my experience in the sector, I am committed to fostering constructive dialogue with regulators and driving collaborative action that protects consumer choice while promoting industry responsibility.
Jacob Holder
CEO and Managing Director
The Möbius Agency (TMA)
Professional Background & Experience
Jacob is a seasoned marketing communications professional with over 20 years of experience spanning four continents and six countries. He has worked with leading agencies and global clients, including Google, Dell, Nissan, Meta, Ford, Spotify, and Thai Union. Before moving to Thailand 15 years ago, Jacob served as Head of External Relations for the UN World Food Programme. He is a lead trainer in C-suite advisory, running crisis, spokesperson, and communications workshops. Jacob is also a member of Toastmasters International and a regular judge at global award shows, helping raise the bar in the communications industry.
AMCHAM & Association Experience
Jacob has been an active contributor to AMCHAM Thailand since 2019, organizing large-scale webinars with the Marketing and Communications Committee, and since 2023, serving as Co-Chair of the Corporate Impact Council. He has led panel discussions, participated in advocacy dialogues, and supported AMCHAM’s Career Camp initiative. Jacob is a firm believer in the power of the Chamber, leveraging the Chambers global connectivity [for AMCHAM Dubai and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia] to create opportunities for Chamber members.
Beyond AMCHAM, he works with associations such as PRCA to support industry collaboration and shared learning. Most recently, Jacob launched “The Learning Club” – a monthly meeting for business leaders to explore personal and business growth collectively. His approach blends strategy with empathy, valuing both member engagement and meaningful impact.
AMCHAM Board Governor Goals
Jacob believes that regardless of our industries, services, or products, we are all in the relationship business. As Governor, Jacob hopes to strengthen AMCHAM’s ability to create meaningful relationships by providing connections and counsel to our programming and content, facilitating deeper cross-sector collaboration, and expanding member engagement.
Frank Timmons
Senior Manager
Tractus Thailand
Professional Background & Experience
Frank Timmons is a Senior Manager in the Tractus Thailand office, bringing more than two decades of leadership experience in industrial manufacturing and corporate finance. Prior to joining Tractus, Frank has had full P&L responsibility for several Thailand based manufacturing and industrial service companies. He has direct leadership and technical experience in petrochemicals, chemicals, upstream / offshore oil and gas, aerospace, steel, and automotive industries.
Frank has prepared numerous business plans and financial models in support of industrial investment projects in Thailand, Myanmar, India, and China. He has successfully presented projects to the Board of Directors of both listed and non-listed companies, securing project approvals.
Education: Frank holds a BS in Aerospace Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University, an EMBA from the Sasin Graduate Institute of Chulalongkorn University (in partnership with the Kellogg and Wharton Business Schools), and directorship qualifications from the Thailand Institute of Directors (Thai IOD). He is fluent in the Thai and holds dual Thai-U.S. nationality.
AMCHAM & Association Experience
Frank has been actively involved in AMCHAM events as well as numerous committees and council meetings. He has been a committee leader for the Manufacturing Committee and has been a key driver of its success.
AMCHAM Board Governor Goals
As AMCHAM prepares to celebrate its 70th year in Thailand, my goals as a Board Governor include continuing AMCHAM’s proud history of creating a positive impact in the Kingdom of Thailand. I look forward to continuing my active support of AMCHAM’s advocacy activities, having consistently participated in AMCHAM councils including Government Affairs, Customs & Excise, and Aerospace, and committees including Manufacturing, Legal, Human Capital, and Economics & Trade. I will continue to promote and participate in AMCHAM’s networking activities, with special focus on outreach and engagement with organizations active in the Eastern Seaboard region. I am always eager to share my professional and personal experience as a full-time resident and business leader in Thailand for nearly 30 years, mentoring executives who are younger and/or more recently arrived in Thailand.
Paul Uthaichalanond
Cluster General Manager
Vantive Healthcare
Professional Background & Experience
Paul is the Cluster General Manager for Vantive Healthcare, a company focused on vital organ support therapies. He brings over 20 years of experience in pharmaceuticals and medical devices across Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region, including leadership roles in China, Japan, Hong Kong and Indonesia. His expertise spans P&L ownership, strategy, and global and regional marketing roles.
Paul has also worked closely with the ministries of healthcare policy initiatives to expand access to innovative treatments. He is passionate about driving sustainable healthcare improvements and fostering collaboration between the private sector and government to enhance patient outcomes.
In his personal time, he enjoys CrossFit trainings and football.
AMCHAM & Association Experience
I have been an active supporter of AMCHAM’s mission, particularly in advancing corporate social responsibility and sustainable development. Under my leadership, Vantive has been recognized with the AMCHAM Corporate Impact Award at the Platinum level for 12 consecutive years, reflecting our deep commitment to meaningful, long-term impact. I have proudly hosted CSR charity runs in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy, the Govenor of Bangkok, and the Ministry of Health along with other NGOs, strengthening ties between the American business community and local government. Additionally, I have served on the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) advisory group, where I advocated for policies that promote U.S. investment and advanced manufacturing in Thailand.
AMCHAM Board Governor Goals
As a governor, I will promote U.S.-Thai collaboration in healthcare, manufacturing, and investment. Leveraging my regional leadership and policy experience, I aim to strengthen public-private partnerships, support innovation-friendly policies, and help AMCHAM drive sustainable growth, expand market access, and create opportunities that benefit both members and the broader business community.
Philip Bernard
Senior Vice President, Global HDD Operations
Western Digital
Professional Background & Experience
Philip Bernard is the Senior Vice President of Global HDD Operations, with over 30 years of experience in the hard drive industry. He has held executive positions in engineering and operations at Western Digital Corporation in both Asia and the United States. In his current role, based in Thailand, he leads Western Digital’s main operations in Thailand, oversees pilot factories overseas, and manages engineering support ranging from tools and test equipment design to sustaining engineering in many countries.
Philip holds multiple patents in storage engineering and is a strong advocate for Industry 4.0 technologies, sustainability (renewable energy, circularity), and contributing to both industry and academic advancements. He was recently a featured speaker at the McKinsey Operations Conference in Bangkok and the 52nd ARTDO International Conference, where he shared insights on the digitalization journey.
AMCHAM & Association Experience
Philip Bernard currently serves as a Governor on the AMCHAM Thailand Board. Over the past six months, he has played an active role in AMCHAM events as an attendee, panel discussion member, as well as event host. He has also contributed his insights and advice to the AMCHAM-U.S. Trade Advisory Ad-hoc group.
Through Western Digital’s membership in Malaysia, he has been an active participant and strong supporter of AMCHAM Malaysia activities during his tenure in Kuala Lumpur prior to 2024. During Covid-19, he partnered closely with AMCHAM Malaysia CEO Datuk Siobhan Das on initiatives supporting relevant Malaysian authorities/agencies that were grappling with the pandemic. Their efforts focused on allowing a significant number of electrical and electronics manufacturing companies to continue operating as critical industries despite the country’s total lockdown. This was crucial in alleviating the severe shortages of electronic components affecting the global supply chain at that time.
On the academic front, Philip Bernard served as a member of the Industrial Advisory Panel for the School of Engineering and Computer Engineering at Monash University’s Malaysian campus from 2012 to 2015. In March 2021, he was appointed as the Industrial Advisor for the Physics Department at Xiamen University Malaysia.
AMCHAM Board Governor Goals
Philip Bernard remains committed to contributing meaningfully as a governor, with a focus on advancing industrial sustainability and promoting the broader adoption of 4IR, 5IR, and AI technologies across industry and community sectors in Thailand.
In the area of sustainability, renewable energy (RE) has become a critical topic in Thailand as well as globally, especially in the manufacturing sector, where increasingly stringent regulatory frameworks mandate the use of green energy. As the pricing and availability of RE emerge as key challenges for manufacturers, it is imperative for organizations such as AMCHAM to take a leadership role in advocating for competitiveness and constructive engagement with relevant government agencies and energy providers.
With respect to 4IR, 5IR, and AI technologies, there remains a pressing need to accelerate adoption among member companies and within the supporting SMEs ecosystem. Philip has extensive experience in implementing 4IR technologies and early adoption of AI within Western Digital’s manufacturing operations. This expertise positions him to provide valuable support to AMCHAM in raising awareness of the transformative potential of these technologies, particularly in terms of operational productivity and efficiency. Furthermore, as technological integration advances, there is a parallel need to upskill the workforce—a domain in which Philip’s expertise can play a significant role in shaping capacity-building initiatives.
Most recently, Philip has focused on fostering enhanced collaboration between industry in Thailand and academia (universities), with the objective of expanding R&D partnerships that drive innovation and sustainable growth.

















