The Wisdom of KASIKORNBANK held a seminar to monitor global situations affecting finance and investment, titled "THE WISDOM Wealth Decoded: Tech Trend Talk." Mr. Ruangroj Poonpol, Chairman of KASIKORNBANK Business-Technology Group (KBTG), presented insights on mega technology trends that create growth opportunities for various industries and businesses worldwide. He emphasized that the year 2030 and beyond will witness significant changes across multiple dimensions, recommending funds that align with global growth trends.

The World is Undergoing a Major Shift

Mr. Ruangroj Poonpol stated that the years 2024-2025 will mark the first turning point, showcasing which countries can adapt to global changes. As we approach 2028-2030, the second turning point will occur, where some may struggle to keep up, necessitating changes and reskilling to keep pace with incoming transformations. By the end of this decade, from 2030-2035, the world will gradually begin to see exponentially enhancing technologies that are becoming feasible and practical.

"I believe that the key for the next generation is education utilizing the potential of AI to transform learning. There is a vast amount of knowledge that will be more accessible to children. As Bill Gates has supported Khan Academy, a global online learning platform, Microsoft has recently partnered with Khan Academy to develop an AI-powered teaching assistant, Khanmigo AI, available for free to K-12 educators in the United States, saving teaching time and allowing teachers to spend more time planning learning with students."

AI: A Technology Disrupting Human Life

In recent years, many businesses have recognized that AI (Artificial Intelligence) plays a crucial role in various sectors, particularly Generative AI, raising concerns that AI might replace human jobs entirely. However, the most effective and sustainable use of AI is through collaboration between "humans" and "AI," enhancing human work and capabilities.

Regarding the rapid development of AI, Mr. Ruangroj commented, "AI is set to become a General Purpose Technology, similar to computers or mobile phones. AI will become smarter and develop exponentially, with AI robots improving their cognitive and processing capabilities, closely resembling human intelligence. Certainly, the advent of AI will enhance employee productivity. Numerous new startups are integrating AI into their business strategies, enabling even a single individual to become a unicorn startup, as AI will drive the economy and add value to the global economy."

5 Technologies that Will Drive the World

As our world faces challenges from multiple dimensions, there is an urgent need to develop new innovations that can be implemented quickly. With the significant milestone of the year 2030, Mr. Ruangroj identified five technologies that will play crucial roles and create business opportunities:

  1. Augmented Reality (AR): The evolution of AI with chips allows for faster and more extensive data processing.
  2. Quantum Computing: Enables faster processing of vast amounts of data, transforming various industries.
  3. BioTech: Extends human lifespan and enhances medical efficiency, such as 3D printing of prosthetic organs.
  4. Autonomous Mobility: Self-driving vehicle technology, including driverless cars.
  5. ClimateTech: Addresses global warming through clean energy production, waste management, and increasing forest areas.

Opportunities from The 5Ds Driving the Global Landscape

Mr. Ruangroj provided insights on monitoring global situations that drive mega trends, highlighting five global movements that will impact the economy, finance, and investment worldwide:

  1. Demographics: The global population is living longer with lower birth rates, leading to a silver economy.
  2. Decarbonization: Global warming is a significant issue, with many countries entering a low-carbon economy, requiring businesses to adapt to new laws and regulations.
  3. Digitalization: Every business process utilizes technology to enhance competitive capabilities.
  4. Decoupling: Geopolitical conflicts are causing economic polarization, particularly between the U.S. and China, affecting global dynamics and leading to shifts in production bases for security and economic interests.
  5. Deleveraging: High levels of debt necessitate a reduction in debt levels.

Recommended Global Growth Trend Funds by K WEALTH

To respond to the mega trends of emerging technologies, investors can choose funds that have the potential to benefit from these trends:

  1. K-GHEALTH Fund: Invests in the core fund JPMorgan Funds- Global Healthcare Fund-Class A (acc) USD, which KASIKORNBANK Asset Management has partnered with J.P. Morgan Asset Management to manage. The K-GHEALTH fund focuses on high-growth stocks, such as those in the Biotech and MedTech sectors, emphasizing stocks with fundamentals less affected by global economic fluctuations.
  2. K-GTECH Fund: Invests in leading global technology stocks, focusing on high-growth stocks through the core fund Threadneedle (Lux) Global Technology, Class IU USD. The K-GTECH fund has growth potential from various factors:
  1. Interest rates and inflation are entering the late cycle, positively impacting technology stocks.
  2. Technology remains a key driver of economic growth, including technologies like 5G, EV vehicles, and AI.
  3. Technology companies have been focusing on cost control recently, enhancing their long-term strength.

* Investors should understand the product characteristics, return conditions, and risks before making investment decisions.