The CrestHaus Brings Together Asia’s Leading Women at
EmpowerHER Asia Leadership Forum 2026: “Write Your Next Chapter”
The forum empowers women to strengthen leadership capabilities, unlock their full potential, and advance confidently toward impactful leadership roles across industries.
Bangkok, Thailand — EmpowerHER Asia Leadership Forum 2026 officially opened with the theme “Write Your Next Chapter,” bringing together influential women leaders, board directors and C-suite executives from leading national and regional organizations, executives, entrepreneurs, and investors to exchange ideas, inspire leadership, and explore the evolving role of women in shaping the future of business and society.
The forum is organized by The CrestHaus, is an integrated executive leadership program for women ready to accelerate into executive, entrepreneurial and professional C-suite and board roles.The organization is led by Suphanee Anuwongvoravet, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, alongside Shannon Kalayanamit, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer. The event is supported by distinguished partners including the Cartier Women’s Initiative, IBM Digital Talent for Business Co., Ltd., Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (Thailand) Ltd., StashAway Asset Management (Thailand) Co.,Ltd., Robert Walters (Thailand) Co., Ltd., and Minor Hotels — reflecting a collective commitment to advancing women’s leadership across industries.
The event featured panel discussions organized under three key themes: INSPIRE, which aims to ignite vision and empower individuals to think boldly, take action, and chart new chapters in pursuit of their life goals; EQUIP, which focuses on strengthening leadership capabilities to navigate the rapidly evolving AI-driven world; and UPLIFT, which emphasizes mentorship and collaboration to foster mutual growth through the power of networks.
These thematic sessions were designed to ensure the forum covered a comprehensive range of essential skills, drawing on insights and real-world experiences from accomplished female leaders at the board and C-suite levels. The event was also honored by the participation of leading executives from Thailand’s top organizations, who shared their knowledge and perspectives across various panel discussions.
The event also featured insights from prominent executives from leading organizations in Thailand, who shared their perspectives across a series of engaging panel discussions. The program opened with the session “The First Page: Claiming Your New Chapter.”
Opening the forum Khun Supanee Anuwongworavet, Founder of Novituz and EmpowerHER Asia, Co-Founder and CEO of The CrestHaus, and former executive at Microsoft Thailand shared the vision behind the event.
“As the organizer of the EmpowerHer Asia Leadership Forum, now in its second year, the event has been designed as a platform where women can learn and share experiences with one another. We believe that each of us is standing at the beginning of a new chapter in life, though in different ways.
This idea is reflected in this year’s theme, ‘Write Your Next Chapter,’ which emphasizes that the next chapter of our lives does not come from waiting until we are fully ready, but from giving ourselves the opportunity to move forward. Through this forum, we invite every woman to have the courage to rise, write her own next chapter, and step forward to become a leader of the future.”
Joining her on stage Khun Shannon Kalayanamitr, Co-Founder and CMO of The CrestHaus. emphasized the forum’s role as a collaborative platform.
“As the organizer, The CrestHaus aims to create a space where people can learn from one another without walking their growth journey alone. EmpowerHER Asia Leadership Forum is designed as a platform where women can learn, grow, and exchange experiences through conversations with national leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors — because the next chapter of our lives often begins with a single page and the stories shared by those around us.”
Reinventing Leadership with Purpose
In the session “The Power of the Rewrite: Reinventing Leadership with Purpose, Khun Sara D’Anzeo of UN Women Sustainable Finance Consultant, highlighted the global importance of women’s leadership.
“The gathering of women leaders at EmpowerHER Asia 2026 reflects not only individual success stories, but a collective movement of leaders committed to driving purposeful change. This aligns with UN Women’s work with the private sector to advance gender equality through the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs). Gender equality today is not only a human rights issue — it is also a critical economic strategy that could contribute up to $342 trillion to the global economy by 2050.”
Leading AI Through a Human-Centric Future
The panel “Chapters of Change: Rewriting Tomorrow — Leading AI Through a Human-Centric Future in a Geopolitical and Economic Shift” explored how artificial intelligence is transforming organizations.
Khun Ian Di Tullio, Chief Commercial Officer, Minor Hotels, noted that AI is reshaping organizational structures, ways of working, and workforce roles.
“This shift is not merely technological; it represents a transformation in leadership and management. Organizations must move from ‘Human in the Loop’ to ‘Human in the Lead,’ where leaders and people play a central role in shaping how technology is applied.”
Khun Oranuch Lerdsuwankij, Co-Founder & CEO, Techsauce, added that the real challenge for many organizations today lies in scaling AI beyond pilot projects.
“Many companies can build AI prototypes, but struggle to deliver measurable business outcomes. The transition to AI must begin with business strategy — integrating AI into core operations to unlock new ideas, collaboration, and innovation.”
Meanwhile, Khun Piyada Tansawai, Data and AI Portfolio Lead, emphasized the human factor.
“The greatest strategic risk in the AI era is not technology — it is whether people are ready to work with it. Organizations must cultivate a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning to unlock AI’s true value. Leadership today also requires ‘humble leadership’ — the ability to learn from teams and foster a culture of shared learning.”
Panelists agreed that successful organizations in the AI era will not simply be those adopting technology fastest, but those that develop human potential and create cultures where people and technology work together to generate new value.
Lessons from the C-Suite
In “Leading the Next Chapter: Lessons from the C-Suite,” Khun Mookda Pairatchavet, CEO, Osotspa Public Company Limited emphasized the importance of maintaining a growth mindset and adapting to change.
“In today’s dynamic business environment, it is essential to continuously cultivate a growth mindset in order to adapt to the changing currents around us — to truly flow with the wind. The rise of AI is also helping organizations reduce costs across both internal and external operations, ultimately strengthening business competitiveness. At the same time, two elements are becoming increasingly important in the workplace: trust and the ability to reconnect organizations with their businesses and stakeholders.
Ultimately, success in business comes down to performance with purpose — having a clear objective that drives resilience and determination to achieve meaningful outcomes, along with the belief that ‘I can do it,’ and the commitment to make it happen.”
Khun Kanyaratana Chokoonkit, Chief Strategic and Financial Officer, highlighted three key mindsets for executives:
1.Title doesn’t leave — your behavior does
2.Don’t be trapped in yesterday’s success playbook
3.You’re not always right
She also noted that “AI is transforming more than just data and technology — it is reshaping how people collaborate. In this new environment, trust and thoughtful decision-making are becoming increasingly important. When conflicts arise within organizations, leaders must focus on shared goals, listen actively, , adapt when necessary, and sometimes step back in order to move forward together toward a common objective.”
Purpose-Driven Business and Sustainable Impact
The Special Dialogue: “A Meaningful Path in Building a Sustainable Impact Business,” supported by Cartier Women’s Initiative, featured actress and environmental advocate Khun Khemupsorn “Cherry” Sirisukha.
She highlighted “For women who aspire to pursue entrepreneurship, there are three essential qualities. First, the ability to distinguish passion from purpose, by having a clear sense of direction and intention. Second, resilience — the courage to adapt and evolve in response to changing circumstances. And third, purpose-driven growth, where business growth is guided by a meaningful mission that creates long-term impact.
She also stressed the urgency of environmental sustainability and the importance of developing products that reduce harmful chemicals and promote long-term environmental health.
Women’s Voices on Boards
During the session “Our Voices, Our Power: Women Shaping Thailand’s Future Through Strategic Presence on Boards,” Khun Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Chairman of the Board, KASIKORNBANK & Toshiba Thailand, encouraged leaders to balance long-term and short-term perspect
“Effective collaboration requires leaders to remain mindful of both the long-term vision and immediate priorities in order to define clear objectives and goals, while also supporting their teams to grow and succeed together.
For those who wish to express their ideas in meetings, it is important to communicate right to the point — presenting thoughts clearly and concisely in your own voice. This helps build confidence and encourages people to think boldly and speak up more comfortably in discussions.”
Meanwhile, Khun Maneerat Anulomsombut, Independent Director, encouraged professionals to step forward and pursue board leadership roles while maintaining awareness of broader organizational contexts.
“I encourage more professionals to step forward with confidence and pursue board leadership roles. Board members play an important role in understanding the broader organizational context and guiding management toward achieving its goals and long-term success.”
Strategic Positioning for Future Leaders
In “Write It Bold: Strategic Positioning for the Next Chapter of Your Leadership,” Khun Supanee Anuwongworavet and Khun Shannon Kalayanamitr emphasized the importance of strategic positioning — defining a clear professional path and building a strong personal brand supported by trusted mentors
“Everyone should have a clear strategic positioning — defining a distinct path for yourself and allowing others to recognize you for who you truly are. Having mentors who can offer guidance and help navigate challenges is equally important, as it enables you to build expertise and prepare yourself for the path you aspire to pursue.”
Empowering Women Through Financial Independence
The session “My Wealth, My Decision, My Way: Empowering Women Through Personal Finance” featured Khun Stephanie Leung, Group Chief Investment Officer, StashAway Thailand,
“Everyone can prepare for their financial future through thoughtful and well-informed investing. It is important to carefully study and understand investment information from every perspective, remain consistent in your approach, allocate funds appropriately, and set clear investment goals. These principles help ensure that investments are managed effectively and can deliver the best possible outcomes over time.”
Meanwhile, financial journalist Khun Siratthaya Isarabhakdi, Economic and Financial News Anchor, The Standard Wealth
“One investment strategy worth considering is Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA), which is built on three key principles. The first is Pay Yourself First — prioritizing investment in your own financial future. The second is Perfect Compounding, which emphasizes consistent and disciplined investing over time. And the third is Peace of Mind, removing emotional bias from investment decisions.
For those pursuing success in business or investing, three additional principles are equally important. Self-love, which begins with understanding who you are, what you do, and what you truly want. Strong Strength, recognizing and leveraging your own strengths. And Sharing, the willingness to share knowledge and opportunities with those around you. Together, these elements create a strong foundation for sustainable investment success.”
Leadership Stories and Mindsets
In “Her Story: The Chapter that Changed Everything,” features Khun Kanokkamon Laohaburanakit, Managing Director of Fujitsu (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
“For leaders managing complex organizational structures, having the right mindset is essential. There are four key principles that help guide effective leadership. First is Alignment — establishing shared KPIs so that everyone works toward the same goals. Second is Beyond, which focuses on long-term sustainability and looking beyond short-term results. Third is Relationship Capital, building strong relationships that foster trust within the organization. And fourth is Empathy, the ability to understand and support one another. Together, these principles help create a true win-win situation for all stakeholders.
In maintaining strong relationships with customers, organizations should align on shared objectives to deliver meaningful value and present a consistent organizational vision. Likewise, when working with colleagues and business partners, trust must be built through transparency and open collaboration. Standing out professionally comes from producing impactful results and knowing when to speak up and communicate your ideas with confidence.”
“Leaders must be willing to step outside their comfort zones, adapt their mindset, and put in greater effort to move forward. It requires overcoming fear and staying committed to what you set out to achieve.
Building a distinctive professional presence also comes from creating opportunities for yourself, not being afraid to make mistakes, and empowering your team by giving them opportunities to gain new experiences and grow.”
Meanwhile, Khun Chonlakorn Apichattham, Business Growth Director & GM Pepspark - Indochina Foods, Pepsi-Cola (Thai) Trading Co.,Ltd.
“Leaders must be willing to step outside their comfort zones, adapt their mindset, and put in greater effort to move forward. It requires overcoming fear and staying committed to what you set out to achieve. Building a distinctive professional presence also comes from creating opportunities for yourself, not being afraid to make mistakes, and empowering your team by giving them opportunities to gain new experiences and grow.”
Resetting the Mind for Growth
The forum concluded with “Reset & Rise: A Guided Meditation for Goal Manifestation and Healing,” led by Khun Natalie Glebova, Miss Universe 2005, President at Natalie Glebova Inc.
“Achieving meaningful goals begins with inspiration, motivation, and mindfulness. Taking time to reconnect with yourself, find balance, and embrace your authentic self is essential to sustaining personal growth and fulfillment.”
