Skal International Bangkok raises the bar for excellence in leadership

Skal International Bangkok showcased its unwavering commitment to excellence at its most recent meeting at The Landmark Bangkok. 

The October meeting hosted at the iconic RR&B restaurant on the Landmark’s 31st floor was heralded as one of the finest in recent memory as it celebrated the club’s resurgence.

Likewise, the event also highlighted its ongoing journey to become the preeminent Skal Club in Southeast Asia under the dynamic leadership of current president James Thurlby.

According to Thurlby: “Skal International Bangkok is on a mission to establish itself as the finest Skal Club in the region. This goal is not just aspirational, it is driven by the club’s robust commitment to fostering strategic partnerships with [various] chambers of commerce, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and Skal Asia, nurturing young talent, and providing unparalleled experiences for its members.”

Currently the club is emerging from the challenges it faced throughout the pandemic. With the help of sponsors, it returns stronger than ever, along with an invigorated executive committee and a strategic focus on fostering collaboration both locally and globally.

As Skal International Bangkok continues to thrive, its vision remains clear: to create a platform that empowers the next generation of hospitality leaders, fosters meaningful business connections, and solidifies its standing as a pillar of the global Skal community.

With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and excellence, the club is poised to set new standards in the world of travel and tourism.

Exceptional leadership

The recently concluded Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) solidified the leadership that will guide Thurlby’s vision. 

The re-election of James Thurlby as club president, alongside Jennifer Ferris as club secretary and the appointment of Kanokros Sakdanares as vice-president for women in leadership underscores the club’s dedication to diversity, leadership, and continuity. 

These seasoned leaders, elected for the 2024-2026 term, are poised to steer the club with existing members of the current board, together they bring a wealth of experience and a commitment to driving Skal International Bangkok to new heights.

Likewise, this meeting was also a platform for thought leadership as guest speaker Jason Lu, a visionary in the leisure, travel, and hospitality sectors, delivered an insightful presentation on navigating the complexities of online distribution and business expansion in a rapidly evolving tourism landscape. 

Drawing on his 17 years of experience and his current role with Fliggy, Alibaba Group’s premier travel platform, Lu provided valuable perspectives that resonated with Skal members, offering them a roadmap for success in an increasingly digital world.

A full slate of events

Skal International Bangkok’s commitment to innovation extends beyond the meeting room. The club has continued to cultivate partnerships that provide members with exclusive access to premium products and experiences. 

This includes the introduction of new beverage offerings, such as Serenity Wines Asia’s fine selections and Prunk & Partners’ German Riesling, “In Love with Thai Food.” Such collaborations exemplify the club’s role as a leader in the food and beverage sector, offering its members the opportunity to be the first to explore emerging trends.

Looking ahead, Skal International Bangkok has an ambitious calendar, including the 12th November 2024 Cocktail Networking evening at the glorious Sukhothai Bangkok from 6:30pm onwards and the highly anticipated Christmas function at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel. 

This event, set to be the largest on the Skal calendar in partnership with PATA Thailand, promises an event of unparalleled networking, with a wealth of raffle and auction prizes and an opportunity to support charitable causes in Thailand. Vice President Marvin Bemand is gathering an extraordinary line-up of door prizes, ensuring this event will be a highlight of the year for members and guests alike on 12 December 2024.