A delegation comprising of the inaugural participants of AAIS’ Promising Entrepreneurs Programme (PEP) embarked on a study mission to Thailand from 30th June to 4th July 2024. This study mission to Thailand was developed by AAIS with the aim to foster collaboration, exchange knowledge, and identify potential business opportunities between Singaporean companies and Thai enterprises.
Before the official programme commenced, our participants arrived in Thailand on 30th June and enjoyed the evening together over a welcome dinner, held at a local Thai restaurant. The air buzzed with excitement and anticipation as everyone exchanged pleasantries and shared stories of their journeys. As the aroma of traditional Thai cuisine filled the room, the clinking of glasses and the sounds of laughter created a warm and inviting atmosphere, setting the perfect tone for the days ahead.
The study mission began with a series of meetings with representatives from the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), Mahanakorn Partners Group, and Siam Aero Repair. During the session, our attendees gained valuable insights on the aviation landscape in Thailand, the legal framework for doing business in Thailand, and potential avenues for strategic partnerships, marking a great start to the trip.
The next day, our attendees had a fruitful day that kicked off with a briefing and roundtable discussion in the morning, organised together with the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AmCham Thailand). The session featured speakers and representatives from Invision Capital, Qarbon Aerospace, Tractus, and Honeywell Systems (Thailand), which sparked exciting and meaningful conversations between the Singaporean companies and the Thai representatives.
Following the morning session, our participants enjoyed a delightful Japanese-Thai lunch at Hotel Nikko Amata City, before the delegation made their way to visit the factories located in Chon Buri. In the evening, our delegation attended the Aviation Roundtable Networking event hosted by the AmCham Thailand, where they connected with various aerospace professionals in Thailand. Participants also took this opportunity to strengthen their professional networks and discuss potential collaborations. As the night progressed, the atmosphere in the room remained lively, brimming with stimulating discussions and potential partnerships.
One of the highlights for participants during the trip was the facility visits in Thailand’s Chon Buri estate, located in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). In Chon Buri, the delegation toured several aerospace MRO facilities over the course of two days, including AAR Component Services (Thailand), TurbineAero, SAM Precision (Thailand) and Revima Asia Pacific.
Through the guided tours, participants visited the different MRO aerospace facilities and gained valuable insights into their operations. The PEP members were introduced to the structured workflow within the factory layouts and were exposed to a range of aircraft MRO procedures, ranging from engine to auxiliary power units (APU), landing gears, radome, and even aircraft tires. The customized tours around the factories allowed participants to develop a better understanding of the intricate aspects involved in maintenance, repair, and overhaul.
The study mission concluded with a dinner that gathered the PEP members and our AMCHAM hosts, Mr. Barry Crawford, and Mr. Frank Timmons. Over dinner, the delegation thanked their hosts with tokens of appreciation for the kind hospitality and the enriching experiences that they had gained throughout their stay.
The mission to Thailand was AAIS’ first step into engaging with the Thailand market. It not only opened doors to new business opportunities but also strengthened the bonds of friendship and cooperation between AAIS, our PEP members, and the Thai business community. As we move forward, the insights gained and relationships formed during this study mission will undoubtedly contribute to our shared goals of growth, innovation, and sustainable development.
From AAIS, a big thank you to all our Thailand hosts for your kind hospitality and support for the study mission.
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