Bitkub Online Company Limited, the provider of "Bitkub Exchange," Thailand's leading digital asset trading centre, and Bitkub Labs Company Limited, the provider of "Bitkub Academy," a learning centre for blockchain technology and digital assets, jointly organised the seminar "Digital Economy & Trends 2024" to share insights into the digital economy and emerging business trends that investors and entrepreneurs should prepare for. Jirayut Srupsrisopa, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bitkub Capital Group Holdings Company Limited, offered his perspective on the global digital economy and the blockchain industry in 2024. Atthakrit Chimplapibul, Chief Executive Officer of Bitkub Online, provided an overview of Bitkub Exchange's activities in 2023 and outlined the goals for the upcoming year. The seminar took place at True Digital Park 101, Bangkok, on December 26, 2023.
Mr. Jirayut stated, "Sustainability is a prominent business trend that demands immediate attention. It is an issue of global concern, with investors and leading companies worldwide recognising its significance. In various international meetings I attended throughout the past year, environmental issues and sustainable business practices were prominently discussed. Even at the World Economic Forum 2023 (WEF 2023), climate change was identified as a crucial problem that requires serious attention and concrete steps towards achieving net-zero emissions. The green business trend is evolving beyond awareness campaigns; it is now being integrated into governmental policies and business strategies. In the near future, we can expect regulations and sanctions that directly impact businesses that fail to adopt eco-friendly practices. Companies may face higher taxes if they do not achieve net-zero emissions, encounter challenges in securing financial institution loans, or be prevented from listing on stock exchanges without emissions gap reports.
Modern business concepts such as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) will play a pivotal role in the corporate world and investments. To ensure sustainability, businesses must consider their impact on the environment, society, and governance. ESG will become a guiding philosophy for sustainable corporate management, influencing both government policies and investor decisions. For instance, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange has recently mandated all companies to produce Emissions Gap Reports, and influential investment groups like the BlackRock Group may divest from companies that do not meet net-zero emissions criteria, which will significantly impact the global economy. Embracing sustainable practices is not only relevant for large corporations; smaller companies must also adapt. Export tariffs or import bans could be imposed, and regulations may compel medium and large businesses to choose eco-conscious partners. This is a transformative measure that pressures businesses to overhaul their entire supply chains.
In addition, the government has intensified its focus on sustainability regulations. Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has shown a strong commitment to promoting increased trade and investment in Thailand. This includes negotiations with the BlackRock Group and leading global corporations, as well as preparations to attend the World Economic Forum in January 2024. While the specific details of the forthcoming green business regulations remain uncertain, it is clear that next year will see an influx of global investment capital into ASEAN due to various factors. Thailand, in particular, is poised to attract more investment than ever before. Therefore, Thai entrepreneurs and investors should seize this opportunity and align themselves with the evolving priorities of the global business landscape."
Mr. Atthakrit elaborated, "Bitkub Exchange's operations over the past year have consistently revolved around product development and service enhancements to remain competitive in the digital asset market. We continuously expanded our list of supported coins, resulting in our platform now offering over 100 coins, with plans to exceed 200 in the future to provide our customers with a broader range of investment options. Simultaneously, we are committed to improving our customer experience. For instance, last year, we introduced the NDID identity verification system, providing a convenient method for customers to verify their identities. We also organised customer appreciation activities such as the Bitkub Rewards program.
For the upcoming year, we intend to upgrade our trading engine system in collaboration with global partners to accommodate the growing number of transactions. Additionally, we are working on new security features, including the internationally recognised Passkey system, and enhancing customer convenience with features like Auto DCA for those looking to make continuous monthly investments. We are also developing a subscription program that offers monthly fee reductions. Furthermore, we are collaborating with Mastercard and certified financial institutions in Thailand to launch the Bitkub Prepaid Card in both virtual and physical forms.
During the event, we hosted a special forum on the topic 'Transitioning from the Physical World to the Digital World & Trends in 2024,' featuring discussions with Pongsakorn Sutantayawalee, Chief Product Officer of Bitkub Online; Weeraphong Chutipat, Chief Executive Officer of Real Estate Exponential Company Limited; and Nat Jungwong, Owner of the Porbaancrypto Page and Co-Founder of Wagyu Lab. Bitkub Group is committed to contributing to Thailand's economic development through knowledge and technology, further solidifying our role as a digital economic infrastructure and a vital link for the people of Thailand.”
