BANGKOK, THAILAND -
Media OutReach Newswire - 7 July 2026 -
ASEAN and China in a Shared Growth Ecosystem
Thammasak Sethaudom, President and Chief Executive Officer of SCG,
emphasized that ASEAN industries are undergoing structural
transformation and must continuously strengthen capabilities,
resilience, and regional cooperation to support sustainable long-term
growth.
SCG views ASEAN as a key growth engine alongside China, supported by
strong fundamentals in population, trade connectivity, and investment
flows. With projected regional GDP growth of around 4.7% (Asian
Development Bank), ASEAN continues to strengthen its role in global
industrial networks.
Each ASEAN economy contributes complementary strengths in manufacturing
efficiency, innovation capability, talent, and policy support, creating
strong potential for deeper integration. SCG also recognizes China as an
important long-term strategic partner and sees opportunities to enhance
industrial cooperation and build more efficient, interconnected
regional value chains that support shared development.
Strengthening Competitiveness Through Transformation
SCG is executing a phased strategy to strengthen long-term competitiveness:
Short term: Enhancing operational resilience through energy
efficiency, clean energy adoption, and supply chain stability to
navigate global volatility.
Medium term (2026?2027): Expanding ASEAN operational capabilities
through Robotics, AI, and digital transformation. Key initiatives
include ethane flexibility development at Long Son Petrochemicals and
potential petrochemical value chain cooperation in Thailand. SCG is also
expanding Green Products, Smart Value Products (SVP), and High Value
Added Products (HVA).
Long term (from 2026 onward): Driving sustainable growth through
clean energy, circular economy development, and carbon reduction across
the value chain under the "Inclusive Green Growth" framework, led by
SCGC, SCGP, and SCG Cleanergy.
Technology and Human Capability
SCG views Robotics and AI as key enablers transforming industrial
operations, supply chains, and innovation systems. At the same time,
human capability remains central to value creation. SCG positions itself
as an "Organization of Opportunities," focusing on continuous
upskilling and enterprise-wide transformation.
SCG concludes that future industrial competitiveness will be
defined by collaboration and connectivity. ASEAN and its partners,
including China, have strong potential to deepen cooperation, strengthen
regional linkages, and jointly build a resilient and sustainable
industrial ecosystem in an evolving global economy.