Bangkok Post

I’m honored to be featured for the third time in Thai news media, most recently in the Bangkok Post.

In Thailand, and across many of my Asian school and business client contexts, an East–West dichotomy operates just beneath the surface of international work. It’s not always named, but it is frequently felt: in assumptions about communication, hierarchy, feedback, conflict, and what counts as “professional.” Without foundational training in intercultural competency, people can default to shorthand explanations (“that’s just Western/Asian”), which flattens complexity and makes misunderstanding more likely.

Intercultural competency offers a more rigorous alternative. It is a learnable skill set that helps individuals and institutions interpret difference with greater accuracy and respond with dignity and respect, without stereotyping, and without avoiding accountability.

Beyond this context, the implications are broader than any one country or region. In any international organization, if intercultural competency is not intentionally developed, it can inadvertently undermine belonging and outcomes.

In schools: the learning conditions that drive engagement, participation, and learning outcomes.

In businesses: collaboration, execution, retention, and ultimately ROI.

I am grateful to the 120+ participants from both Thai international schools and businesses, an uncommon cross-sector learning community and a rare opportunity to learn across education and industry, who participated.

With sincere thanks ISAT and Khun Usa Somboon for the support and partnership.