The 1 Central Group represents Thai business leadership at World Retail Lab Asia 2026

This post is sponsored by The 1 Central Group.

World Retail Lab Asia 2026, an international retail business forum, is set to take place from 12–14 October 2026 in Hong Kong, bringing together more than 300 senior leaders and executives from across the retail industry to exchange perspectives under the theme “BUILDING THE RETAIL ROADMAP TO 2030.”

The 1 Central Group, Thailand’s number-one digital lifestyle and loyalty platform and one of Asia’s Top 5, is among the organisations from Thailand invited to share perspectives on the event’s key stages. Its participation reflects the contribution of Thailand’s business sector to the exchange of knowledge and experience with leaders from markets across the region, at a time when evolving consumer behaviour, technology and economic conditions are reshaping the retail industry towards 2030.

Over three days, World Retail Lab Asia 2026 will feature a comprehensive programme of activities and knowledge-sharing sessions covering multiple dimensions of the retail industry. The programme begins with Retail Tours on the first day, including the Shenzhen Retail Tour, offering participants an opportunity to visit leading retail businesses and innovation hubs in Shenzhen. This will be followed by Hong Kong Store Tours on the morning of the second day, providing insights into retail concepts and formats through visits to flagship stores across Hong Kong.

The conference programme continues on the afternoon of the second day with the World Brand Partnership Forum – Asia’s Opportunities, building on discussions from the World Retail Congress in Berlin. The forum will explore business expansion, franchising and partnership opportunities across Asian and Chinese markets. On the third day, the Leadership Forum will bring together keynote addresses and panel discussions featuring industry leaders to explore the future direction of retail towards 2030, complemented by Business Networking sessions designed to foster connections and create opportunities for future collaboration.

The event will welcome senior executives and leaders from prominent retail organisations across Asia and globally, including Scott Price, group chief executive, DFI Retail Group; Jennifer Woo, chairman & CEO, The Lane Crawford Joyce Group; Annie Wong, chief operating officer, Chow Tai Fook; Ian Bailey, chairman, Anko Global; Jenny Lai, president & CEO, Bluebell Greater China; and Wesley Chu, president, Asia Pacific, Authentic Brands Group.

On this occasion, Kawin Tangudtaisak, president – The 1 Central Group, has been invited to participate as one of the business leaders from Thailand, sharing his perspectives and experience across two key panel discussions alongside senior executives and experts from leading international organisations.

In the first session, Tangudtaisak will share his perspectives on Asian consumer behaviour in “Winning the Asian consumer.” The discussion will explore the differences among consumers across Asian markets, from brand building and location strategy to selecting the right platforms and channels, as well as the role of local partners in effectively reaching and engaging consumers.

Tangudtaisak will join Lexie Morris, chief growth officer, Essence, and Neil Parker, international managing director, Barbour, in a discussion moderated by John Scott, managing director, Liminal Retail. The session will take place on 13 October 2026, from 14:45–15:15.

Another key session, “Mapping out Asia’s Retail Roadmap to 2030: How Economic and Consumer Trends will Help,” will open the Leadership Forum on the Main Stage. The discussion will explore Asia’s retail roadmap towards 2030 through the economic factors and evolving consumer trends that are increasingly shaping the direction of businesses across the region.

Tangudtaisak will join Karen Lai, managing director, LionRock Capital, with Juliana Liu, columnist, Bloomberg, moderating the discussion. The session will take place on 14 October 2026, from 09:25–10:05.

For more information about World Retail Lab Asia 2026, please visit the World Retail Lab Asia website.