Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) reaffirmed its commitment to fostering strong relationships and supporting economic growth in Thailand with its SMBC CEO Client Appreciation Evening. Held at The Athenee Hotel in the heart of Bangkok on Monday, November 18, 2024, this prestigious event brought together a distinguished audience of clients, industry leaders, and government officials to celebrate shared successes and explore future growth opportunities in Thailand and the broader ASEAN region.
Strengthening Ties and Celebrating Successes
The evening was a platform for expressing SMBC’s gratitude to its clients while showcasing its role as a key financial partner in the region. Attendees enjoyed a night of fine dining and networking, set against the backdrop of SMBC’s legacy of partnership-driven growth and its strategic focus on innovation and sustainability.
Honorary attendees included:
- Akanat Promphan, Minister of Industry
- His Excellency, Masato Otaka, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand
- Kalin Sarasin, President of the Thai-Japanese Association and Honorary Chairman of The Thai Chamber of Commerce
- Arsa Sarasin, Honorary President of the Thai-Japanese Association
- Narongchai Akrasanee, Former Minister of Commerce, Thai Government
- Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of The Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand
- Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Honorary President of the Thai-Japanese Association, former Minister of Tourism and Sports
Commitment to Collaboration
Minister of Industry Akanat Promphan emphasised SMBC’s significant role in Thailand’s economic development, particularly in the manufacturing sector, which remains central to the nation’s growth despite global challenges.
“It is a great honour to join you at the SMBC CEO Client Appreciation Evening,” said Mr Promphan. “Since its establishment in Thailand in 1952, SMBC has driven economic growth, innovation, and employment. The bank’s global network has facilitated Japanese investment in Thailand, strengthening our economic bonds. I look forward to continued collaboration with SMBC in fostering mutual growth and supporting Thailand’s industrial reforms aligned with national and international goals.”
Vision for the Future
Akihiro Fukutome, President and CEO of SMBC, highlighted Thailand’s vital role in SMBC’s regional success and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting its clients’ financial and strategic ambitions.
“Thailand has been an essential market for SMBC, and we are immensely grateful for the trust our clients have placed in us,” said Mr Fukutome. “Having spent much of my career in global markets, I’ve developed a ‘Genchi Genbutsu’ mindset—prioritising hands-on, face-to-face engagement beyond office theories. SMBC’s success over 72 years in Thailand is a testament to the support and collaboration of our clients and partners. Together, we will navigate challenges and embrace opportunities, leveraging our global expertise to support your businesses for years to come.”
The evening included remarks from SMBC executives, who outlined the bank’s strategic focus areas, including the integration of digital financial solutions and a commitment to sustainability. With a comprehensive portfolio of services and a robust regional presence, SMBC is poised to meet the evolving needs of its clients in Thailand’s rapidly changing financial landscape.
A Trusted Partner in Thailand
The SMBC CEO Client Appreciation Evening 2024 highlighted the bank’s role as a trusted financial partner in Thailand, underscoring its dedication to building lasting relationships that drive immediate successes and long-term prosperity. SMBC’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and partnership-driven growth ensures it remains at the forefront of financial services in the ASEAN region.
By celebrating its clients and reaffirming its commitment to Thailand’s dynamic economic future, SMBC once again demonstrated its unwavering support for the nation’s growth and its ambition to create shared value for clients, communities, and stakeholders alike.