Turning Crisis into Opportunity: "Beta Young Entrepreneur" Decodes Adaptation for Sustainability

ASEAN's largest sustainability exposition, SUSTAINABILITY EXPO (SX2025), continues to inspire. The SX TALK STAGE recently featured a highly relevant and engaging topic: "Adaptation to Business by Beta Young Entrepreneur." The session was honored by dynamic new entrepreneurs from the Beta Young Entrepreneur program, who gathered to share their real-world experiences in building and scaling businesses for sustainable growth.

The two key speakers sharing their stories were Khun Warakorn Taengpat (P' Moss), an alumnus of Beta Young Batch 8 with over 10 years of business experience known for adapting to the trends of each era, and Khun Panawat Kitprasertkarn (P' Au), an alumnus of Beta Young Batch 9 and owner of PISAMAI Furniture, who is transforming traditional crafts to meet global market demands.

Khun Warakorn Taengpat: An Expert in Capturing Trends and Managing Risk

Khun Warakorn revealed his business journey began in high school, stemming from spotting opportunities in things close to him, whether it was selling "colored smoke," a popular trend in Surat Thani, or selling seafood from his family's business at school.

Today, Khun Warakorn owns multiple brands under a corporate entity and continues to emphasize constant adaptation. He stated that if an existing business becomes "saturated" or a trend fades, a new business must be found to replace it. An example is his clear expansion into international markets with the M&M brand, which offers handmade bags featuring Thai charms, such as elephant patterns. The brand focuses sales in markets with nearly 100% foreign customers, such as Jodd Fairs Ratchada.

Additionally, he launched a new brand, Top Mod, a DIY business aligned with the Art Toy trend, created as an add-on function for his main brand, Kome. Managing multiple brands has highlighted the importance of Data Analysis and using technologies like Line Official or POS systems to retain existing customers and stimulate sales during periods of slow spending.

Khun Panawat Kitprasertkarn: Leading Woven Crafts towards Sustainability

Khun Panawat spoke about the origin of PISAMAI Furniture as an extension of his family business. He started the brand while he was a Beta Young Entrepreneur scholarship recipient (the "100 scholarship") during Matthayom 5 (Grade 11). This timing allowed him to apply his knowledge of marketing and branding to the family business.

PISAMAI focuses on adaptation through innovation and partnerships. This includes working with the Department of Industrial Promotion (DIPROM) and KMUTT Thonburi (King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi), which resulted in the "Koom Chair" (เก้าอี้คุ้ม), made from local materials from Southern Thailand. The brand also collaborated with a design firm (Think Studio) to develop innovative rattan (หวาย) works, which are set to be exhibited at Bangkok Design Week early next year.

PISAMAI's business emphasizes traditional materials like rattan alongside Recycled/Upcycled materials to meet sustainability demands. Their target groups are diverse, including B2B (real estate, hotels, and resorts seeking sustainable materials) and B2C (customers interested in Thai or rattan styles). Khun Panawat sees high growth potential in the interior decoration market, especially growth tied to tourism. In the future, the brand will develop interior products beyond just chairs, such as flooring, walling, or ceiling applications.

Key Success Factors for Business Owners Seeking Sustainability:

1. Read the Room (Understand the Market Overview): Khun Panawat emphasized that good entrepreneurs must see the bigger picture—understanding the market situation and their own position within it—to plan and adapt to rapidly changing customer behavior.

2. Know the "Upturn" and "Downturn" Rhythms: Khun Warakorn pointed out that business owners must understand business timing. During an "upturn", you must "reap" (โกย) as much as possible to build a "lifeline" (สายป่าน) long enough for the downturn. During a "downturn", one should "stay still" (นิ่ง) to rest and prepare for the comeback.

3. Maintain Good Conduct and Relationships: Entrepreneurs must be likable and easy to work with. Khun Panawat advised, "Don't make enemies," as today's competitor might become tomorrow's partner or associate. Khun Warakorn emphasized the need to adapt negotiation tactics and manage employees with appropriate motivation.