At the Thailand–Ireland Forum 2025, hosted by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok, Kingspan Insulation Asia’s General Manager, Chris Johnston, joined a high-level panel to discuss “Designing Tech Ecosystems and Building the Digital Workforce: Lessons from Dublin to Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).”
Energy-Efficient Infrastructure as the Backbone of Digital Ecosystems
In his remarks, Chris highlighted that while conversations on digital ecosystems often focus on talent and technology, success also depends on the physical infrastructure that underpins innovation.
“Every digital economy runs on buildings — data centres, factories, logistics hubs, and workplaces,” he said. “Without energy-efficient, low carbon infrastructure, the digital workforce cannot thrive.”
Kingspan’s investments across Southeast Asia demonstrate this commitment:
- A new XPS insulation factory in Malaysia.
- A plastic recycling facility in Singapore.
- Acquisition in Thailand, manufacturing cold store panels and pre-insulated duct boards.
- A new insulated panel facility in Vietnam.
These projects expand Kingspan’s ability to deliver high-performance insulation for roofs, pipes, ducts, and cold store floors, directly supporting the EEC’s ambition to become a hub for advanced industry and digital innovation.
People, Planet, Profit – The Triple Bottom Line
Chris framed Kingspan’s approach through the three Ps:
- People – Energy-efficient buildings create stable indoor environments, improving thermal comfort, wellbeing, and workforce productivity.
- Planet – Reducing energy demand can contribute to lower carbon emissions. Kingspan’s XPS recovery initiatives in Southeast Asia is an example of how circularity principles are being embedded into local operations.
- Profit – Lower energy costs mean greater competitiveness, helping attract and retain global investment.
“This is the triple bottom line in action,” Chris noted. “When we balance People, Planet, and Profit, digital ecosystems become more resilient, sustainable, and productive.”
Investing in Thailand: Skills and Opportunities
Reflecting on Kingspan’s investment in Thailand, Chris emphasized the strength of the local workforce in manufacturing, fabrication, and technical delivery.
At the same time, he pointed to an opportunity:
- Expanding local expertise in building science, energy-efficient design, and digital construction methods such as BIM.
- Developing specialist skills in thermal performance and sustainable building integration.
“Thailand has excellent industrial skills,” he said. “The next step is scaling expertise in designing and delivering energy-efficient buildings designed for long-term operational efficiency — the kind of infrastructure that underpins the EEC’s digital and industrial ambitions.”
From Dublin to Thailand’s EEC
Ireland’s experience shows how innovation ecosystems are built: strong policy, skilled people, and energy-efficient infrastructure. For Thailand’s EEC, the same formula applies.
Chris concluded:
“From Dublin to Thailand, the message is clear: if we want to attract global industries and talent, we must design ecosystems where digital capability, energy-efficient infrastructure, and skilled people come together. Kingspan is committed to investing in that future here in Asia.”
