Thai Wah Public Company Limited has been elected as the new Co-Chair of the Grow Asia Business Council, joining Visa in guiding the Council’s efforts to drive sustainable growth and climate resilience across Southeast Asia’s agri-food sector. This appointment was confirmed following a ballot of members during the Grow Asia Annual General Meeting held on 16 October 2024 in Singapore. As a regional leader in the agri-food industry, Thai Wah brings its deeply rooted expertise to help shape and accelerate sustainable agriculture initiatives in the region. 

The Grow Asia Business Council complements the work of the Partners’ Advisory Council, which brings together government agencies, NGOs, philanthropies, and other stakeholders to tackle the agricultural and environmental challenges facing the region. Together, these twin advisory bodies aim to build a sustainable and inclusive agri-food system that benefits Southeast Asian communities. 

The Grow Asia Business Council is governed by two Co-Chairs, representing the private sector. Thai Wah joins the incumbent Co-Chair, Visa, which was appointed at the previous meeting, to jointly lead the council. Together, they will work alongside Grow Asia to guide and strengthen collaborations that address critical challenges, such as climate change adaptation, financial inclusion, and regenerative agricultural practices, impacting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and economic development in Southeast Asia. 

“We are delighted to welcome Thai Wah as the incoming Co-Chair of our Business Council,” said Beverley Postma, Executive Director of Grow Asia. “Thai Wah’s leadership in sustainable agriculture and its strong connections with farmers across Southeast Asia make it an invaluable partner at this critical juncture. As we face mounting challenges from climate change and the need for resilient, inclusive food systems, Thai Wah’s expertise will bolster our efforts to unlock investments, promote innovation, and drive market-led solutions for smallholder farmers. Together with Visa, Thai Wah will strengthen the council’s mission to create a sustainable and climate-resilient future for the region’s agri-food sector.” 

As a longstanding leader in the agri-food industry, Thai Wah brings decades of experience in developing sustainable agricultural solutions, working with farmers across the region. Its appointment as Co-Chair will enhance the council’s ability to advocate for market-driven policies and investments that empower smallholders and promote climate-resilient farming. With a footprint in multiple Southeast Asian countries, Thai Wah is uniquely positioned to support the council’s efforts to develop strategies tailored to local needs, fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth. 

“We are honored to join Grow Asia as Co-Chair of the Business Council,” said Ho Ren Hua, CEO of Thai Wah Public Company Ltd. “At Thai Wah, we believe that sustainable growth and innovation are key to building resilient food systems that empower smallholder farmers and rural communities. As Co-Chair, we look forward to collaborating with Grow Asia, Visa, and other diverse public-private partners to address the urgent challenges of climate change, financial inclusion, and food security. Together, we can advance impactful solutions that ensure long-term sustainability and inclusive growth for Southeast Asia’s agri-food sector.” 

Thai Wah’s commitment to sustainable growth in the agri-food sector extends beyond its co-chair responsibilities. The company is also a key partner in Grow Asia’s catalytic impact funds, supporting Grow Asia’s work in agri-food innovation through GrowVentures.