Joana Button is the Founder and Co-CEO of Simple Scalable Solutions (SSS), an Australian-owned, Thailand-based digital transformation and technology company dedicated to helping businesses simplify and scale by bringing their tools, tasks, people, and technology together.

With 20+ years of experience across the travel, digital, tech, and SME sectors, Joana is a multi-award-winning strategist, problem-solver, and business mentor. A proven leader in scaling businesses, she has helped startups and SMEs grow tenfold in just five years. Recognising the unique challenges SMEs face, she developed Scalify in 2024, an all-in-one platform that integrates front-end activities with back-office operations, including website management, sales, lead generation, marketing, CRM, people, and task management.

Since relocating from Sydney to Bangkok in 2019, Joana has been actively involved with the Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce, starting as a CSR sub-committee member, being elected to the board in 2023, and becoming Vice President in 2024. She continues to support the business community through ISR initiatives, chairs and leads NextGen and mentors the next generation of young professionals and entrepreneurs.

Passionate about business, leadership, innovation, and community impact, Joana is dedicated to empowering SMEs, future leaders, and entrepreneurs while making a meaningful contribution to the local and global community and business ecosystem.

Jon as many of you know, was working within hotel operations as General Manager of several properties in Thailand, but stepped back from his role in late December to embark on a new path. Jon’s new role takes in his 20+ years’ experience in the hospitality industry and the last 8 in Thailand and he is now employed in an advisory capacity, working for Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) as Senior Vice President – Hotel Asset Management, Thailand and Vietnam. 

Jon’s new role works in conjunction with Owners, Investors, and Hotel Operators to identify opportunities, manage overall performance, maximize returns on investment, improve cash flow and optimizing hotel assets across Thailand and Vietnam in key destinations and new emerging markets. This new role will add a deeper knowledge set to our Hospitality and Tourism sub-committee, and he will also support the Future Leaders sub-committee to ensure the next generation of leaders are introduced to the chamber to support the continual growth of our Chamber.

• It has been an honour to serve as the AustCham Treasurer and Board member for the last two years and I have the passion and drive to hopefully continue in this role if re-elected.

• During my tenure I have been a custodiam of the chambers finances and led the revival of AustCham’s now popular SME coffee mornings. Ensuring a great line of speakers to give back to our members. I believe I have been an active Board member who has put the interests of its members first especially in the first year when I spent allot of time with AustCham’s members in Phuket. Like many other Board members we also helped to keep the chamber together in 2024 when for long periods there was no executive director.

• With over 21 years’ professional services experience, I am an Australian citizen who works closely with Boards and c-suite professionals primarily helping them execute on strategy. I have done this across three continents, the United Kingdom, Australia and for the last six and a half years here in Thailand.

• AustCham is very much at the heart of my business relationships with BDO in Thailand also being an active member and we played a lead role in the Austcham led CSR programs especially the care packages in 2023.

I’ve been described as the consummate People person and have forged a career on connecting fellow professionals and creating “right time, right place” scenarios.

I’m currently the Regional Business Development Director (Thailand & Vietnam) for ASW Consulting, the Executive Search arm of AS White Global, where my mission to connect companies with top talent in the region, enabling business and career success.

With 25 years of experience working in Thailand, I’ve founded my own Corporate Training company (2006-2016), been Head of Recruitment Services for a Fortune 500 HR Services firm (2014-17) and recently spent six years as the Executive Director of AustCham Thailand (2017-2023), increasing our membership number from 330 – 410 (2017-2020) and maintaining that membership number through the Covid pandemic.

Prior to relocating to Southeast Asia in 2000, I graduated from the University of Tasmania with a Degree in Commerce (Marketing Major) and had an early background in Sales and Hospitality.

I would like to serve as a Director on the Board to (i) give back to the community I have gained so much from; and (ii) use my skillset to help businesses and individuals continue to thrive and grow.

Khun Chaiwat is a partner in Tilleke & Gibbins’ corporate and commercial group and head of the firm’s property practice. A seasoned attorney with over 15 years of post-qualification experience, he advises domestic and multinational companies on a wide range of legal matters related to doing business and real estate matters in Thailand. He graduated with an LL.B. from Thammasat University in 2002, and an LL.M. (with honor) in International Business Law from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, in 2006; and is a member of the Lawyers Council of Thailand and the Thai Bar Association. His professional experience and understanding of local laws will be of great benefit to the Board and to AustCham as a whole, and will use knowledge to keep members aware of the latest business and legal developments.

Khun Chokdee is an experienced business executive with proven records in incubating, developing, and managing multi-business units, in large organisations. He considers himself very fortunate having work in many disciplines namely accounting, operations, project development, business development, and most recently human resources, across various industries from banking, hotel, chain restaurant, consultancy, media, asset management, and real estate. ​

Currently, he is the proud Chief People Officer at Asset World Corp Public Company Limited, a holding company under TCC Group. The company has two main businesses consisting of Hospitality business managed by world-renowned hotel brands such as Marriott, The Luxury Collection, Okura, Banyan Tree, Hilton, Melia, Le Meridien, and Sheraton and Retail, Wholesale, and Commercial properties whose projects include ASIATIQUE the Riverfront, Gateway Malls, AEC Trade Center, Empire Tower and Athenee Tower.​

Having been given many opportunities in his career, he is at the stage where he can contribute back to the business community and particularly to the younger generation. AustCham has been his preferred Chamber of Commerce during the past years. He has professionally benefitted and enjoyed networking at Sundowners. Thus, it would be a true pleasure to return his service to AustCham members as a Director on the Board.​

Being a dedicated AustCham member since 2020 and leading AustCham’s Digital Marketing Subcommittee in early 2023, I’ve driven key digital initiatives, notably a strategic MOU with Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) and the organization of three major events, including a training focused on the latest in AI technology.

As the CEO and Founder of Marketing Bear since 2013, I have elevated our agency to a leading position in Bangkok’s digital marketing field, delivering substantial results for SMEs and enterprises like Michelin and PCS in Southeast Asia and Australia.

My educational foundation in International Management with Engineering and my commitment to fostering the next generation of marketers through my roles as a Senior Mentor and Guest Lecturer at the University of Newcastle, Australia, underlines my expertise and enthusiasm for sharing knowledge.

Aiming to further AustCham’s digital transformation, I aspire to join the Board of Directors to introduce more digitally focused events and initiatives and ensure that informative and training-based events provide tangible value to our members’ businesses.

I look forward to empowering the AustCham community with the latest in marketing and operational technologies, ensuring our collective advancement in the digital landscape!

My commitment to the Australian Chamber in the Eastern Seaboard has been marked by dedication to supporting of events, charities, and businesses associated with the Chamber. As a proud member, I have actively participated in and contributed to numerous initiatives, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Through the Chamber’s events, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with like-minded professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, creating valuable networks and partnerships. Looking ahead, I am excited about the continued journey of making meaningful contributions to the Chamber and the Eastern Seaboard community.

I am passionate about contributing to the success and growth of AustCham as a potential Director for the Eastern Seaboard. With a deep understanding of the regional business landscape and relationship and strong connections within the Australian business community, I believe that I will be able to bring valuable insights and strategic thinking to the Chamber incorporating the key foundations of the Eastern Seaboard.
My background in Hospitality and Tourism equips me with the knowledge and experience needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities specific to the region. I am dedicated to promoting collaboration and innovation within the business community, aiming to enhance AustCham of meaningful connections and valuable partnerships.
As an AustCham Director, I envision leveraging my skills in leadership, communication and partnerships to contribute to the Chamber’s initiatives and directions. Whether it’s promoting and advocating for business-friendly policies, or fostering networking opportunities I am confident that my passion for the region, coupled with my professional expertise, will continue to enhance the Chamber’s ability to serve its members. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with fellow Directors and stakeholders to drive AustCham’s mission forward and ensure its continued success as a leading force in promoting Australian business interests on the Eastern Seaboard.

Drew has been the Managing Director of BevChain since late 2022 after joining in 2018 as Executive General Manager of Operations. With over 15 years in the supply chain and logistics industry, Drew brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. He began his career at Linfox in their graduate program, then worked across their Retail, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), and Industrial business units managing operations throughout Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. Prior to joining BevChain Drew was the Head of Transport and Commercial Development for Metcash, Australia’s largest wholesale distribution company.

Drew holds a Master of Science from the University of Denver and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Wollongong.

BevChain being a Joint Venture between Boon Rawd (Singha) and Linfox is a great example of the Thai – Australian business partnership possibilities. BevChain has been a strong supporter of the chamber as a Gold Sponsor as well as being naming sponsor for the annual charity golf day. Drew is keen to work closely with the Board and Chamber to improve engagement, service offerings, benefits to its members as well as support the wider Thai-Aus business community.

I have over 15 years’ experience as a senior executive, represent various multinational companies.  Over the last seven years, I have held the country CEO role for BlueScope in Indonesia and Thailand and were actively involved with AustCham in both countries.  I would like to be nominated as director so that I can give back more to Aust/Thai business community and utilize my experience to help AustCham and its members.

Yvonne Foo is the Country Head of ANZ Thailand, bringing more than 20 years of banking experience with leading international banks across ASEAN and New Zealand. Prior to her current role, she was Acting Country Head of ANZ Malaysia and Head of Business Management overseeing strategic priorities across six markets.

Yvonne is a strong advocate of the Australia-ASEAN relations and leverages her international banking experience and past role as a chamber board member to drive strategic initiatives and promote connectivity between the two. As a board member of AustCham Thailand, she aims to strengthen the Australia-ASEAN ties even further and promote mutual opportunities.

Passionate about giving back, Yvonne has led CSR initiatives in fundraising and financial literacy programs for the under privileged communities in Singapore. As the lead of the AustCham CSR sub-committee, she hopes to rally members to make a positive impact in the community in line with the chamber’s charity and social missions. Over the years, AustCham has actively contributed to several worthy local charitable causes and with the unwavering support of our members and charity partners, the sub-committee remains dedicated to driving sustainable and meaningful change in the community.

If you are interested in supporting the CSR activities, please email [email protected]

Amelia is the Trade and Investment Commissioner based in Bangkok (previously Singapore), responsible for growing Australia’s trade, investment and education relationship. In addition, she has a regional Southeast Asia role to drive outcomes for agribusiness and food exporters. 

Within Austrade Amelia has worked on promoting Australian capability to global markets, attracting investment into sectors including resources, energy and technology and has been Austrade’s representative in the office of the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. 

Amelia has more than 10 years’ international business experience in public and private sector roles, including as an investment analyst in Chicago and in the communications and stakeholder engagement team for a large foreign headquartered mining company based in Brisbane. 

Amelia holds a Masters of Business Administration and is on the James Cook University Singapore Advisory Board.