The Asia Marketing Federation (AMF) has unveiled its new 2024–2026 leadership team following its Annual General Meeting, recently held in Manila and attended by representatives from 18 Asian countries and economic territories. Dr. Somchat Visitchaichan (Dr. Dan), Vice President and Chief of Learning Architect and Marketing Innovation at the Marketing Association of Thailand (MAT), has been appointed as the Second Vice President of AMF. This appointment highlights MAT’s pivotal role in advancing marketing excellence and thought leadership across the region.
Currently AMF comprises 18 regional marketing bodies from Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, SriLanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
At the meeting, appointments included Mr. Xin Yao of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Commercial Sub-council as President, Ms. Shanshan Li as General Secretary, and Mr. Roger Wang, President of the Marketing Institute of Singapore (MIS), as First Vice President for the 2024–2026 term.
Dr. Dan is a distinguished marketing professional and influential speaker, making notable contributions in areas such as branding, marketing innovation, organizational management, and communication. Hisextensive academic and professional expertise spans diverse fields, including corporate communication policies and the intricacies of bureaucratic organizational structures. Over the past several years, he has demonstrated solid practical experience in driving business success through innovative marketing strategies and practices within various organizations in Thailand.
Dr. Dan is a sought-after speaker, frequently engaging in forums and panels targeting international business practitioners and marketing professionals. His academic and professional impact extends globally, delivering keynote speeches, participating as a panelist, and giving lectures on branding and marketing innovation at professional forums as well as universities in regions including Singapore, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Australia, China, the Philippines, and Indonesia. He is also recognized for his research, including thought-provoking publications on Webertheory of bureaucracy, which explore its relevance and application to contemporary organizational challenges.
Dr. Dan’s appointment reflects MAT’s continued commitment to driving marketing innovation and knowledge-sharing throughout Asia. Having worked closely with immediate past AMF President Mr.Syed Ferhat Anwar, Dr. Dan played a crucial role as head of the editorial board for the AMF Journal.Under their stewardship, the journal evolved into a vital resource for marketing professionals, addressing critical topics such as digital transformation, sustainability, and consumer behavior.
The recent 4th AMF Journal, 2024 Edition, exemplifies the federation commitment to knowledge dissemination. Featuring contributions from experts across Asia, the journal underscores the region’s growing influence in global marketing, serving as a platform for showcasing innovative strategies and sustainable practices while strengthening networks among professionals and academics alike.
Dr. Dan has also spearheaded initiatives such as serving as the Head of Jury for the Asia Marketing Excellence Award (AMEA) and as a member of the judging panel for the Youth Women Netizen (YWN) Award, both flagship AMF programs that celebrate transformative marketing achievements. These awards not only honor trailblazers but also elevate industry standards by encouraging sustainable, consumer-centric strategies.
For example, the 2024 AMEA awards spotlighted groundbreaking marketing practices, recognizing the Phyathai-Paolo Hospital Group as the “Marketing Company of the Year” for its integration of advanced healthcare solutions with innovative marketing strategies to enhance patient care. Similarly, the Minor Food Group was recognized as the “Best Marketing 3.0 of the Year” for its expertise in human-centric marketing, which includes understanding customer needs, creating valuable content, building strong consumer and community relationships, and managing omnichannel marketing effectively. The YWN Award, on the other hand, celebrates leaders excelling in youth, women, and netizen categories, inspiring future generations and showcasing the best marketing talent across the Asia region.
Enhancing Recognition, Collaboration, and Talent Development
Recognition and networking opportunities provided by AMF are equally crucial. The organization celebrates marketing excellence through awards and hosts conferences and workshops that bring professionals together. These events encourage the exchange of ideas and motivate individuals and businesses to strive for higher standards in their work.
Beyond fostering collaboration, AMF invests heavily in talent development. Through training programs, certification initiatives, and thought leadership, the federation nurtures the next generation of marketing professionals. Its emphasis on skill-building equips marketers to tackle challenges in a rapidly evolving digital world, ensuring the industry remains resilient and forward-looking.
Importantly, AMF underscores Asia’s growing significance in global markets. As one of the largest and fastest-growing regions in the world, Asia plays a critical role in shaping global marketing strategies. AMF amplifies the region’s voice on the international stage, enhancing its influence and visibility in a competitive global marketplace.
Driving Marketing Innovation Across Asia
Dr. Dan’s leadership in various AMF flagship initiatives aligns seamlessly with AMF’s mission to elevate marketing standards and nurture talent across Asia. His efforts unite national marketing associations, promote best practices, bolster regional and international collaboration, and amplify Asia’s voice on the global stage. Dr. Dan’s work exemplifies this commitment, not only through award initiatives but also in
knowledge dissemination efforts such as the AMF Journal. His editorial leadership has strengthened networks among professionals and academics, bolstered discussions on sustainability, and showcased Asia’s growing influence in global marketing.
Driven by a profound passion for Thailand and the broader Asian marketing landscape, Dr. Dan is committed to elevating marketing practices and professionals across the continent to a global standard. His vision challenges traditional paradigms, asserting that “The world today should learn and unlearn best marketing practices and branding initiatives from Asia, not the other way around, as it was in the past.”
MAT President Dr. Buranin Rattanasombat emphasized, “With MAT’s strengthened position in the federation, Dr. Dan’s role as Second Vice President is a testament to Thailand’s commitment to amplifying regional marketing efforts and fostering innovation for years to come. As Asia continues to shape the future of marketing, AMF and MAT remain dedicated to advancing the industry through collaboration, recognition, and thought leadership.”
About Asia Marketing Federation (AMF)
The AMF is a leading organization dedicated to promoting marketing excellence across Asia. By acting as a hub for innovation, professional development, and collaboration, it empowers its members to adapt to the rapidly evolving global marketplace. With its focus on sustainable practices and ethical leadership, AMF continues to shape the future of marketing in Asia and beyond.
For more information, visit www.asiamarketingfederation.org.
About Marketing Association of Thailand (MAT)
Founded in 1966, the Marketing Association of Thailand (MAT) is dedicated to developing marketing professionals, including business leaders, marketers, entrepreneurs, marketing academics, and university students. MAT’s mission is to foster a society of “avid marketers” with a high degree of expertise and pride in the profession.
For more information about MAT, please visit www.marketingthai.or.th.
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For further details, please contact Marketing Association of Thailand (MAT)
Anchalee Chaichanavijit, Executive Director
Mobile: 085 155 2314; E-Mail: [email protected]
Jiraporn Phungsat, Deputy Director – Marketing and Communications
Mobile: 099 242 5244; E-Mail: [email protected]