About Dhanin Chearavanont
Dhanin Chearavanont, senior chairman of Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group, said in a December 2024 interview that he does not expect to fully retire, stating, "I think it's impossible. I contribute to areas where I can be beneficial and I don't think the human brain should stop learning." He expressed satisfaction with the group's succession plan, noting that his sons Suphachai and Soopakij Chearavanont are "working hard" and that the group is "innovating, adapting to this new era and cultivating talent." Chearavanont said he focuses on "reforming talent from the outside" and gives his sons "just advice" rather than guidance, adding that he sets an example for them.
In earlier appearances, Chearavanont discussed CP Group's investments in technology and innovation. In a 2021 interview, he said the group's digital park in Thailand helps incubate start-ups and that he believes Thailand can become a tech hub due to its geographic position in Asia. He also spoke about the group's "three benefits" principle, stating that business activities should benefit the country, the people, and the company. Regarding education, Chearavanont said in 2019 that he runs a for-profit education company and argued that underperforming teachers should be removed, stating, "Like any other profession, very poor performers should be removed so you can honor and retain those with real qualities."
Source: AI-verified profile updated from Dhanin Chearavanont's recent appearances.
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Transcript (23 segments)
U
Unknown0:11
Richard took a look at those companies.
R
Reporter0:16
When it was CFO, we listed it so it became a public company and, you know, we incorporated all the transparencies and the right members on the boards, the right governance, et cetera. And it became more of an investment company, more diversified and maybe a little deeper into each of the vertical industries.
U
Unknown0:40
Where always to —
D
Dhanin Chearavanont0:41
To a digital park.
U
Unknown0:43
Which is what?
D
Dhanin Chearavanont0:44
This is the place where we help incubate start-ups. We have the state agencies, the different venture caps, access to the venture caps and different technology partners including last firms, ecosystem.
U
Unknown1:11
But is it the significant bit?
D
Dhanin Chearavanont1:16
Well, you know, we are still transforming. I think True is basically an infrastructure place for telecom, right? And just recently, we transformed ourselves into more of a technology company, digital media, for example. So we have to work on the over-the-top, not only for the infrastructure, so the best way to innovate is to actually partner with start-ups.
U
Unknown1:41
Let's go ahead and have a look over here, because there's a good description of it over here. So this is really what it's about, isn't it?
D
Dhanin Chearavanont1:48
Well, you know, the thing is that we are not only doing this for the group, but we believe the digital part of innovation could also help Thailand as a whole.
U
Unknown2:11
You've got the money.
D
Dhanin Chearavanont2:14
Yeah.
R
Reporter2:16
You've got the start-ups, and got government licensing and advice. Correct?
D
Dhanin Chearavanont2:20
That's correct.
R
Reporter2:22
Some of these will never succeed. Are you prepared for that?
D
Dhanin Chearavanont2:27
Of course, of course. I mean, out of the hundreds, maybe one succeeds, it will be all worthwhile. And it doesn't mean the 99 do not deliver value. They actually train people and train entrepreneurship and will actually change the whole mindset of how we do business. Those people can join a traditional industry and change a traditional industry. Those people can also start a new start-up again. This is the place where you can actually develop people.
Our CP Group is, you know, derived 100 years ago from a small number of shops that sold individual seeds. You know, our idea, my father, it was always about growing things, and our vision is about growing values for health, for good health, and growing values for the mind.
R
Reporter3:35
Can Thailand become a tech hub? Has it got the policies, the infrastructure?
D
Dhanin Chearavanont3:43
I think we can. Yes.
R
Reporter3:47
Every country wants to do it.
D
Dhanin Chearavanont3:51
But Thailand is right in the middle of this 3 billion population in Asia, in the middle of, you know, up north, we connect to India. It's almost like Thailand could become a logistic path that enhances economy of Malaysia and Singapore because of all these connectivities.
D
Dhanin Chearavanont4:28
Certainly, the world is moving more to online and fulfillment over the air and over the seas. The traffic will only be increasing.
