Central Group led over 30 executives on an immersive learning trip under the Executive Development Program (EDP) Batch 6 to Shenzhen and Hong Kong, the world’s foremost centres of innovation and technology.
The executives were from Central Retail Corporation Plc, Central Pattana Plc and Central Plaza Hotel Plc.
The study programme covered multiple dimensions, ranging from retail technology and real estate innovation to robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), through visits to more than 10 leading global organisations including Huawei Technologies, DJI, Ubtech and Pudu.
The delegation also explored world-class mixed-use and retail developments including those developed by MixC, K11 Ecoast, Hongkong Land and Galaxy Group, all of which exemplify excellence in global real estate development.
Alisa Thasanon, head of executive development and compensation at Central Group, said the trip to Shenzhen and Hong Kong was not merely a study visit, but an opportunity for the executives to experience cutting-edge innovations and world-renowned business models firsthand.
The group believes the insights and inspiration gained from the experience will empower the leaders to leverage the strengths of each company within the group.
“This will help develop forward-looking strategies, deliver unique and memorable experiences for customers, reinforce the competitive edge and drive sustainable business growth,” she said.
The executives also joined a strategic workshop titled “Capturing Opportunities in the World of Twists and Turns”, designed and facilitated by Santitarn Sathirathai, a specialist in finance and economic development.
The session encouraged executives to reflect on key learnings, exchange perspectives and identify opportunities to apply new insights to the group’s businesses.
Topics included leveraging AI for personalised offerings through The 1’s robust database of over 22 million members, creating seamless online-to-offline (O2O) experiences and integrating robotics to enhance operational excellence.
All of these are aimed at elevating the customer journey and setting new standards for global retail and service experiences, Ms Alisa added.
She said Central Group is committed to investing in people development, fostering leaders who are agile, innovative and forward-thinking. This is a strategy to establish the group as an innovation-driven organisation equipped to compete on the global stage.