With a career spanning nearly four decades, Ekaraj Panjavinin has witnessed the evolution of technology from the sidelines to the very core of our lives. The Chief Digital Officer of True Corporation and President of True Digital Group (TDG) is now determined to ensure Thailand not only keeps pace but leads the charge. His vision? “Empowering digital equity” – a concept that goes beyond mere access to technology and delves into fostering innovation and inclusivity in Thailand’s digital transformation.
Ekaraj’s office, nestled within the vibrant True Digital Park in Bangkok, is a testament to his forward-thinking approach. On the day we met, a new TrueX shop with smart home automation and autonomous drones had just opened. In the hallways, Gen-Z tech talents rub shoulders with digital nomads from London, Shanghai or San Francisco, a reflection of the dynamic work culture he has cultivated. “Transformation is an everyday job,” he asserts, his eyes gleaming with conviction. “It’s a journey, not a destination.”
This journey, as Ekaraj sees it, is propelled by digital technology: hyper-connectivity, AI, quantum computing, blockchain, Web3, green energy, climate technology and integrated IoT. These, he believes, will form the backbone of Thailand’s digital economy, revolutionizing everything from agriculture to transportation.
The Rise of AI: A New Digital Lifestyle
The group Ekaraj helms is already a critical player in Thailand’s digital economy. Its content arm, TrueID, reaches nearly 40 million people, TrueX is driving the smart automation of homes across the country, and the Mordee application can beam a doctor to any device in just a few taps. True Digital Group also works behind the scenes to empower thousands of Thai businesses with cybersecurity solutions, data platforms and even professional education.
Thanks to this far-reaching web of services, and the rise of artificial intelligence, Ekaraj believes the time is ripe for the next wave of innovation. “We are in the era of AI, but AI is just one part of it,” he emphasizes. “The trends we need to keep watching include hyper-connectivity, AI, blockchain, and integrated IoT systems. These will be the core of the technological framework in the future.”
Ekaraj’s approach to digital transformation is holistic, aiming to integrate technology into every aspect of life. “This shift goes beyond mere convenience; it’s about personalization and immediacy. Consumers today cannot wait too long. Everything needs to be instant,” he adds.
The heart of Ekaraj’s vision is not just about adopting new technology, it’s about designing it with purpose. He believes that innovation should start by understanding the specific problems people face, then finding the right technology to address those needs. As he puts it, “We start with you, with the problem you want to solve. And then we find the technology to develop in the background to serve you. That’s we empower your digital equity.”
Closing the Digital Gap
The idea of “empowering digital equity” may sound lofty, but for Ekaraj and True Digital Group, it’s grounded in real-world projects that aim to uplift communities. One such initiative is helping farmers in Thailand’s Lopburi province by using digital tools to cut costs and boost productivity. “We introduced solar water pumps to save on electricity, sensors to monitor water levels, and drones that can analyze and spray fields accordingly,” he explains. The impact has been tangible, with farmers seeing their daily income more than double.
When it comes to transforming society, Ekaraj also cites how the virtual doctor consultation app, Mordee, has saved lives for people in remote areas. And how True Digital Group’s internet of things solutions can drive climate action by improving energy efficiency for businesses. “These are the things we need, right? Not just using technology, but creating positive impact.”
Whether True Digital Group is developing robots for hospitals or training young professionals in critical AI skills, these projects are part of a broader effort to ensure that no one is left behind in Thailand’s digital transformation. Ekaraj understands that many technological solutions can be daunting—either too expensive or too complex for everyday users.
He aims to simplify this through True Digital Group’s approach of making technology “easy to adopt and scalable.” It’s a strategy that ties back to his core belief: “Technology should be something that people can access in the right way, on the right device, with the right effort.”
Yet, challenges remain in Thailand’s journey toward becoming a true digital economy. For Ekaraj, the most pressing issue is the digital skills gap. “We have a huge skill gap. It’s not just about using technology but innovating with it,” he stresses. This gap must be addressed if Thailand is to remain competitive with its regional peers. While the country has made strides in e-commerce, digital payments, and mobile penetration, Ekaraj believes more can be done, particularly in fostering a new generation of digital innovators.
To close this gap, True Digital Group is focusing on collaboration between the private sector and the government. “Right now, we have many forums and organizations, but it’s still piece by piece. We need a larger framework that brings the government and private sector together,” Ekaraj asserts. Additionally, he highlights the importance of developing Thailand’s own technological capabilities rather than relying solely on foreign providers. “It’s not about just the platform. It’s about innovating something that we own, because we understand exactly what the country needs.”
A Transformative Leadership
Ekaraj recognizes the crucial role of human capital in this transformation. “Our greatest asset is our people,” he states emphatically. “We have insightful people, not just specialists, who can blend their skills to create real impact.”
This belief in people extends to his leadership philosophy. Gone are the days of top-down directives. Ekaraj champions an inclusive approach, fostering collaboration and open dialogue. “Leaders today need to be listeners,” he explains. “We need to learn from the younger generation, from our customers, and be open to new perspectives.”
This openness is evident in his own life. A self-proclaimed enthusiast of speed, Ekaraj finds solace in the adrenaline rush of motorsports. “It’s an art,” he says, describing the meticulous process of tuning his car for different racetracks. “It requires focus, sharp decision-making, and control – qualities that translate to the business world as well.”
This sense of possibility permeates True Digital Group’s work culture. While acknowledging the need for structure as the company matures, Ekaraj strives to maintain the innovative spirit of a startup. “We still have that ‘fail forward’ mentality,” he assures. “But we’ve learned from our experiences and are more strategic in our approach.”
Balancing this dual approach is key to TDG’s ongoing success, allowing it to experiment while also driving profitability. Ekaraj draws comparisons to global tech companies, noting that even the biggest names must eventually find a path to sustainability. And he remains very optimistic for his prospects in 2025. “We’ve overcome limitations, found our path, and are ready to scale,” he declares. “Technology is no longer a barrier but an enabler. We can now think and do at the same time.”
This balance of innovation and strategy, coupled with a strong focus on people and a commitment to empowering digital equity, defines Ekaraj Panjavinin’s leadership. As he navigates the ever-changing landscape of technology, one thing remains clear: Ekaraj is determined to ensure that Thailand’s digital future is one of inclusivity, innovation, and equitable access for all.
