Rationales

A prosperous, inclusive, and resilient nation is what every country strives for. Central to this is trade and development dynamics as it plays a key role in shaping the contours of sustainable development. Recent global challenges, such as, swift changes in trade and investment regulations, particularly in labor and environmental standards, rapid technological changes, and prolonged geopolitical contestation, all of these affecting trade relations among countries, and Thailand is no exception.

These developments have changed the production patterns, and have consequently complicated export policy to a greater extent. Besides these, Thailand has been facing multi-generational issues that need to be addressed. These are rising costs of living, persistent poverty and inequality, labor shortages and aging society, and outdated trade and investment rules, making the country stuck in a Middle-Income Trap status, where Thai exports have not contributed to the economy as much as expected.

The International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD), a leading regional knowledge management organization established by the shared vision of the Royal Thai Government and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), aims to enhance international trade potential and narrow development disparities for countries in the region. To achieve these goals, ITD aspires to incubate visionary executives equipped to analyze trade and development trends, ultimately preparing them to reinvigorate development paradigms and effectively address future challenges.

The Leadership Program on Trade and Development Strategy is curated to address the abovementioned challenges. The program integrates cross-disciplines for the next generation of aspiring trade and development executives with an in-depth emphasis on government-business nexus modules. The linchpin of the leadership program is to analyze priority industries which underpin the country’s competitiveness and in line with “IGNITE THAILAND” a vision preparing the kingdom to become a premier global industrial hub for sustainable and resilient growth.

Additionally, the course incorporates strategic management and leadership development modules that can be applied in various fields. The combination of a policy-oriented and management curriculum would effectively empower executives who are preparing to navigate the trade and development strategy of the country to compete successfully on the global stage.

Program Objectives

To equip participants with a profound understanding of global, regional, and domestic trade and development issues, as well as in-depth knowledge of critical Thai industries that are inextricably linked to economic growth. This understanding will empower participants to formulate impactful, future-proof policy recommendations that enhance Thailand’s competitiveness, foster sustainable development, and propel the nation toward achieving developed country status.
To cultivate a comprehensive understanding of leadership and strategic management in participants, equipping them with the skills to navigate today’s rapidly changing and unpredictable global landscape effectively across both public and private sectors.
By enhancing the network of public and private executives and facilitating the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experiences, this program fosters robust partnerships with the potential to drive significant and lasting impact on trade and development.

Program Description

To equip new-generation leaders with the knowledge and skills to enhance Thailand’s economic competitiveness in an increasingly volatile global economic and political landscape, the program integrates knowledge from various disciplines in an interdisciplinary manner. This approach is crucial for the formulation of current policies, ensuring that leaders can adapt to and navigate complex, multifaceted challenges.

This innovative program is a collaboration between the International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD), a leading organization in trade and development strategy and public policy formulation, and the Sasin School of Management, Chulalongkorn University, a renowned institution in business management and strategic planning. By combining their expertise from both the public and private spheres, this partnership offers participants a comprehensive and unique educational experience.

The program adopts an action-learning approach, emphasizing practical application and real-world impact. By leveraging foresight methodology, participants will focus on developing actionable policy recommendations to unlock the full potential of key industries aligned with the “IGNITE THAILAND” vision. This approach ensures that participants not only grasp theoretical concepts but also directly address concrete industry challenges.

Furthermore, the program’s learning methods are diverse and dynamic, including lectures, panel discussions, TED-Style Talk, and working groups led by experts from both domestic and international backgrounds. This variety fosters a rich learning environment that encourages collaboration and critical thinking. The involvement of experts from various fields ensures that participants are exposed to a wide range of perspectives and insights, further enhancing their learning experience.

Target Groups:

The program seeks to incubate executives either in or transitioning into top leadership positions in their respective organizations, with the goal of driving meaningful and impactful change.

This cohort’s total number of participants ranges from 64 to 72, drawn from the leading public and corporate sectors. Participants in the listed target groups shall meet one of the following qualifications prior to admission to the program.

Civil Service Officers, who hold the position of Permanent Secretary or Deputy Permanent Secretary; Secretary-General or Deputy Secretary-General; Director-General or Deputy Director-General or equivalents. Government Employees, including State-owned Enterprises, Public Organizations, or government entities, who hold the position of Executive Director or Deputy Executive Director.
University, and Research Institutes’ Employees, who hold the position of President,
Vice-President, or an equivalent or higher position.
The Juristic Person of revolving fund, who holds an executive-level position.
High-Level Executives and Entrepreneurs from the Private Sector, whose entities must be certified by an accredited association and publicly acknowledged.

Eligibility Requirements:

Participants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, certified by the Office of the Higher Education Commission or the Office of the Civil Service Commission.
Participants must not be enrolled in any other training program that overlaps with
the Leadership Program on Trade and Development Strategy.
The International Institute for Trade and Development reserves the right to make the final decision on the eligibility of candidates prior to official admission.

Language Competency:

The program is conducted intensively in a bilingual setting – both in Thai and English. Eligible candidates must possess a high level of English proficiency to ensure a seamless and immersive learning experience.

Duration, Class Hours, Venue:

The program is set to commence on September 5 and conclude on November 29, 2024.
The program covers a total of 96 hours.
The program is scheduled twice a week as follows:
- Friday from 12:00 – 18:00 hrs.
- Saturday from 09:00 – 16:30 hrs.
Venues: Hotel in Bangkok’s Central Business District (CBD), and Sasin School of Management, Chulalongkorn University.

Remarks:

Upon successful completion of the program, candidates are required to attend at least 80% of the overall program, participate actively in classes, and contribute constructively in working groups and workshops to qualify for graduation. Participants who complete the program will be awarded a co-certificate from the International Institute for Trade and Development and Sasin School of Management, Chulalongkorn University.

Inquiries: Please contact the International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD).