TheReporterAsia – Ekaraj Panjavinin, a titan in Thailand’s tech industry, has spent nearly four decades witnessing technology’s transformation from a fringe player to the driving force of modern life. As Chief Digital Officer of True Corporation and President of True Digital Group (TDG), he’s not content with Thailand merely keeping pace – he’s determined to see it lead the charge. His mantra? “Empowering digital equity.” This isn’t just about access; it’s about igniting innovation and inclusivity in Thailand’s digital revolution.
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Ekaraj’s office, nestled in the heart of Bangkok’s vibrant True Digital Park, is a testament to his future-focused vision. The day we meet, a cutting-edge TrueX shop, showcasing smart home automation and autonomous drones, has just opened its doors. In the bustling hallways, Gen-Z tech prodigies collaborate with digital nomads from across the globe, a reflection of the dynamic work culture he’s fostered. “Transformation is a daily endeavor,” he declares, his eyes alight with passion. “It’s a journey, not a destination.”
This journey, as Ekaraj envisions it, is fueled by the engines of digital innovation: hyper-connectivity, AI, quantum computing, blockchain, Web3, green energy, climate technology, and the seamless integration of IoT. These, he believes, will form the bedrock of Thailand’s digital economy, revolutionizing industries from agriculture to transportation.
AI’s Dawn: A New Digital Era
The group Ekaraj leads is already a major force in Thailand’s digital landscape. TrueID, its content arm, captivates nearly 40 million people. TrueX is spearheading the smart automation of homes nationwide. And with a few taps on the Mordee app, a doctor can be beamed to any device. Behind the scenes, True Digital Group empowers countless Thai businesses with robust cybersecurity solutions, advanced data platforms, and even professional education programs.
This expansive network of services, coupled with the rise of artificial intelligence, has Ekaraj convinced that the next wave of innovation is upon us. “We’re in the age of AI, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle,” he emphasizes. “Hyper-connectivity, blockchain, and integrated IoT systems are equally crucial. These technologies will be the cornerstones of tomorrow’s digital framework.”
Ekaraj’s approach to digital transformation is comprehensive, aiming to weave technology into the very fabric of life. “This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about personalization and instantaneity. Today’s consumers demand immediacy,” he adds.
At the heart of Ekaraj’s vision lies a commitment to purposeful design. He believes innovation should begin with understanding real-world problems and then finding the right technological solutions. “We start with you, with the challenges you face,” he explains. “Then we develop the technology to address those needs. That’s how we empower your digital equity.”
Bridging the Digital Divide
“Empowering digital equity” might sound like a lofty ideal, but for Ekaraj and True Digital Group, it’s about tangible projects that uplift communities. One such initiative is helping farmers in Thailand’s Lopburi province leverage digital tools to reduce costs and increase productivity. “We’ve introduced solar-powered water pumps, sensors for water level monitoring, and drones for field analysis and targeted spraying,” he says. The results have been remarkable, with farmers seeing their daily income more than double.
Ekaraj also points to the life-saving impact of Mordee, the virtual doctor consultation app, in remote areas. And True Digital Group’s IoT solutions are driving climate action by optimizing energy efficiency for businesses. “These are the things that matter,” he insists. “Not just using technology, but creating positive change.”
Whether True Digital Group is developing robots for hospitals or training young professionals in essential AI skills, these projects are part of a broader effort to ensure that no one is left behind in Thailand’s digital transformation. Ekaraj understands that many technological solutions can be intimidating – too costly or too complex for everyday users.
He aims to simplify this through True Digital Group’s approach of making technology “easy to adopt and scalable.” It’s a strategy that reflects his core belief: “Technology should be accessible to everyone, on the right device, with the right amount of effort.”
Navigating the Challenges Ahead
Despite significant progress, challenges remain in Thailand’s quest to become a true digital economy. For Ekaraj, the most pressing issue is the digital skills gap. “We have a significant skills deficit. It’s not just about using technology, but innovating with it,” he stresses. Closing this gap is essential if Thailand is to maintain its competitive edge. While the country has made strides in e-commerce, digital payments, and mobile penetration, Ekaraj believes there’s room for improvement, particularly in cultivating a new generation of digital innovators.
To address this, True Digital Group is prioritizing collaboration between the private sector and the government. “We have numerous forums and organizations, but a more unified approach is needed,” Ekaraj asserts. He also highlights the importance of developing Thailand’s own technological capabilities rather than relying solely on foreign providers. “It’s not just about the platform; it’s about innovating solutions that we own, because we understand the country’s unique needs.”
Leading the Transformation
Ekaraj recognizes that human capital is the driving force behind this transformation. “Our greatest asset is our people,” he states emphatically. “We have insightful individuals, not just specialists, who can combine their skills to create real impact.”
This belief in people extends to his leadership philosophy. The days of top-down directives are over. Ekaraj champions an inclusive approach, fostering collaboration and open dialogue. “Today’s leaders need to be listeners,” he explains. “We need to learn from the younger generation, from our customers, and be open to new perspectives.”
This openness is reflected in his personal life. A self-proclaimed speed enthusiast, Ekaraj finds solace in the thrill of motorsports. “It’s an art,” he says, describing the meticulous process of tuning his car for different racetracks. “It demands focus, sharp decision-making, and control – qualities that translate to the business world.”
This sense of possibility permeates True Digital Group’s work culture. While acknowledging the need for structure as the company matures, Ekaraj strives to maintain the innovative spirit of a startup. “We still have that ‘fail forward’ mentality,” he assures. “But we’ve learned from our experiences and are more strategic in our approach.”
Balancing this dual approach is crucial to TDG’s continued success, allowing it to experiment while driving profitability. Ekaraj draws parallels to global tech giants, noting that even the biggest names must eventually find a path to sustainability. And he remains highly optimistic about the company’s prospects in 2025. “We’ve overcome limitations, found our path, and are ready to scale,” he declares. “Technology is no longer a barrier but an enabler. We can now think and do simultaneously.”
This balance of innovation and strategy, coupled with a strong focus on people and a commitment to empowering digital equity, defines Ekaraj Panjavinin’s leadership. As he navigates the ever-evolving landscape of technology, one thing is clear: Ekaraj is determined to ensure that Thailand’s digital future is one of inclusivity, innovation, and equitable access for all.
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