Kulthirath Pakawachkrilers

Could you share something unexpected or a fun fact about yourself?

One fun fact about me is that I have an undeniable sweet tooth! I absolutely love desserts and pastries—I could easily skip lunch and dinner, but I can't miss my sweets. Dark chocolate is my all-time favourite, and I enjoy it in many forms, whether it’s in cakes, ice creams, tarts, pies, puddings, croissants, soufflés, or any other indulgent dark chocolate treat. 

I’m particularly excited about my upcoming trip to France, where I’ll indulge in all the delicious French pastries and desserts. Honestly, I could talk about this for an hour, but I’ll spare you the details!

Tell us about yourself and how you got to where you are today, both professionally and personally.

Both personally and professionally, I’ve arrived at where I am today thanks to hard work, empathy, responsibility, and resilience. These qualities have played key roles in my career success. Had I not been curious and adventurous, I would never have taken the chance to join relatively unknown companies at the time. My experiences with Lazada Thailand (acquired by Alibaba) and Luxola (acquired by Sephora) laid the foundation for my successful career in the e-commerce space.

Empathy has also been central to my success, helping me develop strong interpersonal skills. Networking played a big part in my career journey, and empathy has allowed me to understand each person's uniqueness and tailor my approach to fit their needs. This has been invaluable in working with teams and clients alike.

In addition, my sense of responsibility has transformed my adventurous mindset into that of a relentless entrepreneur. I’ve become resilient and driven, channelling my curiosity and willingness to explore new ideas into the ventures I’ve launched. My commitment to excellence and ownership of my work motivates me to keep pushing forward.

Currently, I run Thailand e-Business Center (TeC), a leading China-Southeast Asia expansion consulting firm based in Bangkok. We provide professional services in three main areas:

• Talent development and a global training academy
• China-Southeast Asia e-business expansion, market strategies, and live commerce solutions
• Acting as an official incubator for startups appointed by the TED fund under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation 

In the digital community, I made history as the first elected female president of the Thai E-Commerce Association (THECA), an organisation instrumental in shaping Thailand's e-commerce, live-commerce, and cross-border e-commerce industry for over 20 years. 

This milestone signifies progress for gender equality in the tech industry. Additionally, I serve as a National Expert Judge on the UN Women Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards (2022-2024), which honour businesses championing gender equality in the workplace, marketplace, and community.

What led you to pursue an Executive MBA, and why did you choose INSEAD in particular?

I reached a point where it felt like the right time to pursue an Executive MBA. It was the perfect opportunity to enhance my career growth, expand my network, and keep up with global business trends.

With a solid base of personal and professional experience, I was ready to challenge myself with a programme like the TIEMBA. I was eager to learn from distinguished professors and my fellow students, and the combination of Tsinghua University and INSEAD Business School offered a unique and enriching learning experience.

Additionally, I look forward to contributing to both schools’ alumni networks, helping us support each other in our personal and professional lives.  

How would you describe your experience so far? What is your impression of the faculty, the curriculum, and your fellow participants?

So far, my experience in the TIEMBA programme has been exceptional. I’m consistently impressed by the faculty’s expertise and ability to challenge us meaningfully. The curriculum is well-structured, providing cutting-edge knowledge that prepares us to tackle real-world business challenges.

One of the most rewarding aspects has been the diversity of my fellow participants. Collaborating with such a talented and experienced group of individuals, each bringing unique perspectives to the table, has been inspiring. This programme truly offers a transformative learning environment, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing an INSEAD programme?

What are you waiting for? It’s right here! Believe in yourself and take the leap! An INSEAD programme offers unparalleled opportunities for growth, learning, and connection. If you’re ready to challenge yourself and broaden your horizons, then go for it!