Kanlayanee Kongsomjit, the strong female CEO of TKK Corporation, who has given birth to a new definition of Thai robots.

When it comes to CEOs overseeing robotics and automation businesses, many people may only think of male executives. However, those familiar with the Thai technology and innovation company TKK Corporation will recognize the CEO of this tech organization as a strong woman. Kanlayanee Kongsomjit, Chairwoman of TKK Corporation Co., Ltd., not only has she redefined the aforementioned stereotypes, but she has also redefined the Thai robotics company, recognized by the Thai industrial sector.

From its initial steps as an SME distributor of products for automated production control systems in factories, importing technology, innovation, and modern equipment from technologically advanced nations like Japan, Korea, Singapore, the United States, Germany, and France, today we've developed into a stable company. Kalayanee Kongsomjit's work principles, which have won the hearts of customers, are a focus on product quality and service, from ordering to delivery.

TKK also has a team of highly skilled and experienced engineers who provide comprehensive engineering consultation and advice. Furthermore, we have expanded our services to include consulting, designing, and manufacturing automation systems and robots for use in manufacturing processes in industrial plants, businesses, and service businesses such as restaurants, department stores, and hospitals.

From the business's establishment and the recognition TKK Corporation has received, as mentioned, today we have the opportunity to speak with this strong female executive on a variety of issues. Not only is her vision for bringing the business to international recognition and acceptance, but Kanlayanee Kongsomjit will also share her perspective as an executive who will lead Thai robots to pioneer and build a reputation in both domestic and international industries that have set up production bases in Thailand.

This includes the idea of seizing the pandemic crisis to adapt organizations to take advantage of the expanding robotics and automation market, as many industries are increasingly reliant on modern technologies.

The beginning of TKK Corporation, a Thai technology company that is recognized globally.

As mentioned, TKK Corporation started as a business as a distributor of industrial products and large machinery equipment, doing business at the medium-sized SME level in 2004 until today. Ms. Kalyanee goes back in time to tell about the success of the initial business line, saying:

“TKK currently sells over 2,000 brands and has been appointed as the official distributor for 40 global brands, offering over 100,000 products. Its primary customers include large factories in Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, ranging from automobile and tire manufacturers to electrical appliances and consumer goods manufacturers, who have established production bases in Thailand.”

"Personally, I graduated from the Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, Thammasat University, majoring in accounting. My secondary field of study was management and computers. While studying, I developed a passion for and interest in IT. After graduating, I worked in accounting, but briefly as a programmer. I then continued my MBA studies at Melbourne Business School. After graduating, I returned to work for two years and received a scholarship to study at Wharton University in the United States, pursuing an executive degree. Upon returning, I had the opportunity to work at a Japanese company involved in sensors. It was then that I had the opportunity to work with people in the engineering field."

"After gaining experience working for a Japanese company, I decided to open a company. This was a major life decision. I looked at it positively. I had the business management knowledge and could secure the capital to start a company. I also had a passion for IT and technology, and I already had experience and connections working with Japanese companies. Starting a business as a distributor of industrial products and large machinery didn't seem too difficult. Once I thought about it this way, I went for it."

“At that time, I used registered capital of 1 million baht. In the beginning, I personally sought out clients, presented my work, made recommendations to clients, and closed sales. I enjoyed the work at the time, as I came from a sales background, so I didn't find it scary at all.”

Ms. Kalyanee added that after the company opened for 3-4 years, its growth graph has risen satisfactorily. However, what this strong female executive is thinking about is not stopping and being satisfied with just the success in front of her. She also thinks of expanding this business to be sustainable by increasing the value of the company, which she bought and sold, into a company that provides comprehensive technology and innovation services for the industrial sector by establishing an engineering department.

“In the period around 2007-2008, the salary required to hire one engineer could employ up to four salespeople. While some might think that if they're looking to increase sales, it's better to use that money to hire salespeople. Personally, I believe this is an investment in people, creating value for the organization and enhancing its capabilities beyond just a typical machinery trading company. Having an engineering team means we can provide support and advice to customers when they encounter problems, leaving them impressed, likely to return for more purchases and even to others.”

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The decision to establish an engineering department yielded satisfactory results, just as Ms. Kalyanee had anticipated. It increased TKK's ability to provide comprehensive customer service and expand beyond a simple machinery trading company, enabling it to offer solutions that directly address the needs of customers seeking to transform their production processes into Industry 4.0.

"After we established our organizational structure, TKK has been able to secure more projects, maintain a satisfactory market share or margin, and be able to select projects, select clients, and plan projects to deliver the most appropriate and optimal solutions. This has resulted in customer satisfaction and a sense of value for money."

In addition, TKK has also successfully become a distributor of over 2,000 machinery, technology and innovation brands worldwide. When asked about this proud achievement, the female CEO of TKK shared the secret to this success:

"Brands expanding into Thailand often face challenges with communication and internal management in Thailand. Therefore, appointing a local company like TKK as a distributor is a better option than setting up an office in Thailand. From our first brand to today, we are distributors for over 2,000 leading industrial brands worldwide."

“Our customer base is robust. Since we began our business, we've had very few bad debts. This is because the brands we sell are leading, globally recognized brands. We're an exclusive brand, or our main dealer in Thailand, so any customers who contact us must be genuinely interested. When we combine this with our company's solutions and offer them to customers, most are satisfied, leading to long-term customer retention.

Expanding businesses from the pandemic crisis has accelerated the demand for automation and robotics.

As we approach the past two years, with the pandemic crisis upon us, Ms. Kalyanee emphasized that the pandemic has provided a crucial lesson for all businesses: adapting quickly. For TKK, the COVID-19 outbreak presents a significant opportunity for business expansion, particularly in the area of robots and automation, which address the needs of today's pandemic-affected population.

“Back in the first wave of the pandemic, one of the first things TKK did to help society was donate supplies that the general public and medical personnel needed. This helped alleviate some of the suffering. But as the pandemic seemed to be dragging on, our organization realized that, as an organization involved in automation and robotics, we should be able to do more for society and the nation. The idea for an innovative design to ease the burden on medical personnel was born, and we are now moving forward to implement it.”

"Initially, we spent time meeting with all teams within the organization, including engineers, programmers, marketing, and others, as well as our network of partners from the public, private, and educational sectors, such as the Panyapiwat Institute of Technology, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, and Chulabhorn Hospital. We collaborated on designing a medical service robot to transport medicine, food, and medical supplies, effectively alleviating the burden and reducing risks for medical personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic."

"In addition, our medical service robot, designed in collaboration with the Panyapiwat Institute of Technology and Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, has won a global award: the 2020 Innovation Best Award at the UK Invention Expo (IBIX). This year, it also won the Prime Minister's Award from the National Innovation Agency."

"This innovative medical service robot not only proves that, amidst a crisis, if Thais work together, unite, and collaborate, we can create innovative inventions that truly help the nation alleviate the crisis, but also, on the business side, TKK and its subsidiary, KSI Solution Co., Ltd., have a new business model: a new sales unit, the service robot sales division."

Expanding the business to offer quality service robots to the Thai service sector.

The latest development in our service robot division is that we have been appointed as an official distributor of ORIONSTAR brand service robots, a manufacturer of high-quality service robots from China that is recognized worldwide. Ms. Kalyanee spoke of this pride, saying:

“The main reason ORIONSTAR chose TKK and its subsidiary, KSI Solution Co., Ltd., as its robot distributor is because of our team of skilled engineers, programmers, and software and program developers who provide comprehensive customer support both before and after the sale.”

ORIONSTAR also reflected on their satisfaction with and reasons for choosing TKK as their distributor and business partner. They noted that TKK prioritizes after-sales customer service. If a robot malfunctions, they'll offer repairs rather than complete replacement. Many companies they've negotiated with have offered to sell ORIONSTAR service robots, but none have offered a team of engineers ready to learn how to repair them. If there's a problem, TKK is the only one.

"This is because TKK believes that even if the robot's one- or two-year warranty has expired, customers should be offered repairs and replacement parts to restore it to usability. This isn't about simply discarding the item or buying a new one. TKK is able to do this because of its team of expert engineers. This approach will save customers money and reduce e-waste for the environment."

"And the fact that a leading Chinese service robot manufacturer has entrusted TKK as a business partner also provides a learning opportunity through the transfer of know-how from the Chinese engineering and programmer teams to the Thai team. This paves the way for Thailand to become a regional hub for service robot development."

"We're also seizing the opportunity now that 5G networks are being developed nationwide by offering services as a leading SI (System Integrator) connecting OT (Operational Technology) and IT (Information Technology). While one side operates on-site, the other works in the server room, making communication difficult. A central SI is needed to connect the two sides. Telecommunications companies like AIS, TRUE, and DTAC also need to develop 5G to complement the ecosystem."

"This 5G trend will facilitate remote working, a future trend in industrial factories. If implemented, it will also help reduce the risk of outbreak clusters in factories."

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“From working with companies in Japan, China or Korea, it is clear that Thai SI companies are more capable than many other ASEAN countries,” Ms. Kalyanee began, emphasizing her belief in the driving force behind Thailand’s technology industry.

"From now on, system integrators will become increasingly important, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic, which will be a turning point for every industry sector, including the food, machinery, textiles, petrochemicals, and automotive. Supply chains will become shorter, communications will become faster and easier, and investment decisions will be made without hesitation."

"Therefore, if we seize this crisis to develop the robotics and automation industry in Thailand, once the COVID-19 situation subsides, this industry will play a significant role in transforming Thailand's image. Personally, I believe Thailand could become a leader in the Asia-Pacific region."

"Because of the expertise and digital skills of Thai personnel, particularly in robotics and automation, from our experience working together, we've found that each of them possesses considerable knowledge and capabilities. They include professors, startup founders, and personnel working in both the public and private sectors. Therefore, if the public and private sectors work together to promote these talented individuals, it will undoubtedly be another way to develop Thailand's robotics and automation industry, a factor that will undoubtedly elevate Thailand's development."