About TECR
The Thai Entertainment Complex Roundtable (TECR) is a landmark event like no other. With opinions divided over Thailand’s Entertainment Complex Bill, which seeks to legalize casino gaming within large entertainment complexes featuring a vast array of attractions, TECR will see both sides of the debate come together to find common ground – or not – on many outstanding questions regarding this major proposed future development for Thailand.
This is about getting the real story out on the table by way of a genuine roundtable, allowing opposing voices to express their concerns in a professional and equal environment, and for high-level industry representatives from around the world to explain how they address these concerns at their existing entertainment complexes.
TECR aims to bring together leading voices from across the spectrum to debate, educate and inform.
Program
09:00-10:00
Registration and welcome coffee
CHAIRMAN’S EVENT AND ROUNDTABLE PARTICIPANT INTRODUCTIONS
Andrew W Scott
Vice Chairman and CEO
Inside Asian Gaming
Mr Andrew W Scott has been analysing and commentating on the global gaming industry – particularly in the Asia-Pacific region – for 39 years. For the past 20 years, he has been CEO of Inside Asian Gaming and its precursor publications. IAG is the leading publication analysing the good and the bad of the Asia-Pacific gaming industry. Mr Scott will introduce the roundtable participants and explain how the day will unfold.
CHAIRMAN’S EVENT AND ROUNDTABLE PARTICIPANT INTRODUCTIONS
Andrew W Scott
Vice Chairman and CEO
Inside Asian Gaming
Mr Andrew W Scott has been analysing and commentating on the global gaming industry – particularly in the Asia-Pacific region – for 39 years. For the past 20 years, he has been CEO of Inside Asian Gaming and its precursor publications. IAG is the leading publication analysing the good and the bad of the Asia-Pacific gaming industry. Mr Scott will introduce the roundtable participants and explain how the day will unfold.
10:10-10:35
Presentation 1:
THE VALUE OF ONGOING GOVERNMENT-OPERATOR ENGAGEMENT AND ALIGNMENT
George Tanasijevich
Former President and CEO, Marina Bay Sands
Former Managing Director Global Development, Las Vegas Sands
Mr George Tanasijevich was heavily involved in the discussions between Marina Bay Sands and the Singaporean government not only during the development of Marina Bay Sands, but he maintained the relationship between the Marina Bay Sands operator and the Singaporean government for 18 years. He is arguably the world’s leading authority on the relationship between the operator of a major multibillion dollar Asian Entertainment Complex and the government which regulates it. Mr Tanasijevich will explain world’s best practice in how the government and the operator can work harmoniously, both before and after the opening of such a large and complex property and business, in order to achieve the stated policy goals of the government in a sustainable manner.
10:10-10:35
Presentation 1:
THE VALUE OF ONGOING GOVERNMENT-OPERATOR ENGAGEMENT AND ALIGNMENT
George Tanasijevich
Former President and CEO, Marina Bay Sands
Former Managing Director Global Development, Las Vegas Sands
Mr George Tanasijevich was heavily involved in the discussions between Marina Bay Sands and the Singaporean government not only during the development of Marina Bay Sands, but he maintained the relationship between the Marina Bay Sands operator and the Singaporean government for 18 years. He is arguably the world’s leading authority on the relationship between the operator of a major multibillion dollar Asian Entertainment Complex and the government which regulates it. Mr Tanasijevich will explain world’s best practice in how the government and the operator can work harmoniously, both before and after the opening of such a large and complex property and business, in order to achieve the stated policy goals of the government in a sustainable manner.
10:35-10:45
Roundtable reacts
This session will provide an opportunity for members of the roundtable to ask questions of Mr Tanasijevich. Mr Tanasijevich will also remain at the event for the entire day to make himself available for further roundtable participant questions during the afternoon sessions.
10:45-11:10
George Choi
Head of Global Gaming Research
Citi Research
Mr George Choi is head of Global Gaming Research at leading Citi Research, the research division of leading global financial services provider Citigroup. For the past 19 years, Mr Choi has developed independent, in-depth analysis for the Asian gaming industry, offering insights and market commentary on Asian gaming markets and operators. His forecasts and deep understanding of the industry can assist institutional investors and governments in making informed decisions. Mr Choi will provide an analysis of not only the economic benefits of the introduction Entertainment Complexes to a jurisdiction but will also touch on the real-world non-economic benefits that have occurred as a result of the introduction of such businesses to Asian and other jurisdictions.
10:45-11:10
George Choi
Head of Global Gaming Research
Citi Research
Mr George Choi is head of Global Gaming Research at leading Citi Research, the research division of leading global financial services provider Citigroup. For the past 19 years, Mr Choi has developed independent, in-depth analysis for the Asian gaming industry, offering insights and market commentary on Asian gaming markets and operators. His forecasts and deep understanding of the industry can assist institutional investors and governments in making informed decisions. Mr Choi will provide an analysis of not only the economic benefits of the introduction Entertainment Complexes to a jurisdiction but will also touch on the real-world non-economic benefits that have occurred as a result of the introduction of such businesses to Asian and other jurisdictions.
11:10-11:20
Roundtable reacts
This session will provide an opportunity for members of the roundtable to ask questions of Mr Choi. Mr Choi will also remain at the event for the entire day to make himself available for further roundtable participant questions during the afternoon sessions.
11:20-11:45
Morning coffee
11:45-12:10
Presentation 3:
Fact from fiction: What is an EC?Â
George Tanasijevich
Former President and CEO, Marina Bay Sands
Former Managing Director Global Development, Las Vegas Sands
11:45-12:10
Presentation 3:
Fact from fiction: What is an EC?Â
George Tanasijevich
Former President and CEO, Marina Bay Sands
Former Managing Director Global Development, Las Vegas Sands
Mr George Tanasijevich was heavily involved in the discussions between Marina Bay Sands and the Singaporean government not only during the development of Marina Bay Sands, but he maintained the relationship between the Marina Bay Sands operator and the Singaporean government for 18 years. He is arguably the world’s leading authority on the relationship between the operator of a major multibillion dollar Asian Entertainment Complex and the government which regulates it. Mr Tanasijevich will explain world’s best practice in how the government and the operator can work harmoniously, both before and after the opening of such a large and complex property and business, in order to achieve the stated policy goals of the government in a sustainable manner.
12:10-12:20
Roundtable reacts
This session will provide an opportunity for members of the roundtable to ask questions of Mr Tanasijevich. Mr Tanasijevich will also remain at the event for the entire day to make himself available for further roundtable participant questions during the afternoon sessions.
12:20-12:45
Presentation 4:
Rule of law: what are the guardrails?
Lau Kok Keng
Head of Intellectual Property, Sports and Gaming
Rajah & Tann Singapore
Almost all human activity creates both positive and negative outcomes. Motor vehicles and planes lead to accidents that can cause loss of life, and alcohol can lead to health and behavioural problems, but governments don’t ban cars, planes or alcohol. Instead, a range of regulatory initiatives minimize possible harms while maximizing benefits and positive outcomes. In jurisdictions with Entertainment Complexes, gaming regulators take on this role, adopting a range of strategies to provide guardrails against harms. Such guardrails can be enshrined in legislation, adopted by regulations, or merely the result of various regulator policies or practices. Kok Keng Lau leads what is arguably the most experienced and extensive gambling law practice in southeast Asia. Kok Keng will explain the guard rails in place in Singapore, often held forth as an example of the gold standard of gaming regulation, and touch on other regulatory practices adopted to keep gaming as safe as possible.
12:20-12:45
Lau Kok Keng
Head of Intellectual Property, Sports and Gaming
Rajah & Tann Singapore
Almost all human activity creates both positive and negative outcomes. Motor vehicles and planes lead to accidents that can cause loss of life, and alcohol can lead to health and behavioural problems, but governments don’t ban cars, planes or alcohol. Instead, a range of regulatory initiatives minimize possible harms while maximizing benefits and positive outcomes. In jurisdictions with Entertainment Complexes, gaming regulators take on this role, adopting a range of strategies to provide guardrails against harms. Such guardrails can be enshrined in legislation, adopted by regulations, or merely the result of various regulator policies or practices. Kok Keng Lau leads what is arguably the most experienced and extensive gambling law practice in southeast Asia. Kok Keng will explain the guard rails in place in Singapore, often held forth as an example of the gold standard of gaming regulation, and touch on other regulatory practices adopted to keep gaming as safe as possible.
12:45-12:55
Roundtable reacts
This session will provide an opportunity for members of the roundtable to ask questions of Mr Lau. Mr Lau will also remain at the event for the entire day to make himself available for further roundtable participant questions during the afternoon sessions.
12:55-13:00
Chairman’s morning summary
Andrew W Scott
Vice Chairman and CEO
Inside Asian Gaming
Mr Scott will provide a brief wrap-up of the morning’s presentations, and explain how the afternoon sessions will unfold.
12:55-13:00
Chairman’s morning summary
Andrew W Scott
Vice Chairman and CEO
Inside Asian Gaming
Mr Scott will provide a brief wrap-up of the morning’s presentations, and explain how the afternoon sessions will unfold.
13:00-14:15
OFFICIAL LUNCH
14:15-15:00
Roundtable session 1
Chairmen:
Andrew W Scott
Vice Chairman and CEO
Inside Asian Gaming
Veenarat Laohapakakul
News program host
Kevin Clayton
Chief Brand Officer,
Thailand
Galaxy Entertainment Group
Geoffrey Stuart Davis Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited
Christopher M Gordon President Wynn Resorts Development
Thanakorn
Khomkrit
Secretary-General
Stop Gambling Foundation
Verapat Pariyawong
Lawyer
Advisor to the House
Committee on Finance and
Financial Institutions
Founder of VLA Law Office
Atawit Suwanpakdee
Chairman, Committee
for Industrial Reform
Legislation
United Thai Nation
Parit Wacharasindhu Member of Parliament (Party-list) Spokesperson, Prachachon Party
Narongchai Yaisawang University Lecturer Research Scholar in Economics
Having listened to the morning’s presentations explaining various facets of the EC industry, the eight members of the roundtable, guided by the two Chairmen, will have an open discussion about the development of ECs in Thailand. No topics will be off-limits, and any round table participant may provoke discussion about any aspect of the proposed EC industry. The chairmen will aim to keep the discussion balanced and constructive. All discussion will be open to media recording and subsequent reporting.
14:15-15:00
Chairmen:
Andrew W Scott
Vice Chairman and CEO
Inside Asian Gaming
Veenarat Laohapakakul
News program host
Kevin Clayton
Chief Brand Officer,
Thailand
Galaxy Entertainment Group
Geoffrey Stuart Davis
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Melco Resorts &
Entertainment Limited
Christopher M Gordon
President
Wynn Resorts Development
Thanakorn
Khomkrit
Secretary-General
Stop Gambling Foundation
Verapat Pariyawong
Lawyer
Advisor to the House
Committee on Finance and
Financial Institutions
Founder of VLA Law Office
Atawit Suwanpakdee
Chairman, Committee
for Industrial Reform
Legislation
United Thai Nation
Parit Wacharasindhu
Member of Parliament (Party-list) Spokesperson,
Prachachon Party
Narongchai Yaisawang
University Lecturer
Research Scholar in Economics
Having listened to the morning’s presentations explaining various facets of the EC industry, the eight members of the roundtable, guided by the two Chairmen, will have an open discussion about the development of ECs in Thailand. No topics will be off-limits, and any round table participant may provoke discussion about any aspect of the proposed EC industry. The chairmen will aim to keep the discussion balanced and constructive. All discussion will be open to media recording and subsequent reporting.
15:00-15:15
AUDIENCE QUESTIONS
This session will provide an opportunity for members of the audience to raise topics or ask questions relating to the proposed EC industry in Thailand. Members of the roundtable and even the Presenters from the day’s morning sessions can respond.
15:15-15:40
Afternoon coffee
15:40-16:25
Roundtable session 2
Chairmen:
Andrew W Scott
Vice Chairman and CEO
Inside Asian Gaming
Veenarat Laohapakakul
News program host
Kevin Clayton
Chief Brand Officer,
Thailand
Galaxy Entertainment Group
Geoffrey Stuart Davis Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited
Christopher M Gordon
President
Wynn Resorts Development
Thanakorn
Khomkrit
Secretary-General
Stop Gambling Foundation
Verapat Pariyawong
Lawyer
Advisor to the House
Committee on Finance and
Financial Institutions
Founder of VLA Law Office
Atawit Suwanpakdee
Chairman, Committee
for Industrial Reform
Legislation
United Thai Nation
Parit Wacharasindhu Member of Parliament (Party-list) Spokesperson, Prachachon Party
Narongchai Yaisawang University Lecturer Research Scholar in Economics
Having listened to the morning’s presentations explaining various facets of the EC industry, the eight members of the roundtable, guided by the two Chairmen, will have an open discussion about the development of ECs in Thailand. No topics will be off-limits, and any round table participant may provoke discussion about any aspect of the proposed EC industry. The chairmen will aim to keep the discussion balanced and constructive. All discussion will be open to media recording and subsequent reporting.
15:40-16:25
Roundtable session 2
Chairmen:
Andrew W Scott
Vice Chairman and CEO
Inside Asian Gaming
Veenarat Laohapakakul
News program host
Kevin Clayton
Chief Brand Officer,
Thailand
Galaxy Entertainment Group
Geoffrey Stuart Davis
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Melco Resorts &
Entertainment Limited
Christopher M Gordon
President
Wynn Resorts Development
Thanakorn
Khomkrit
Secretary-General
Stop Gambling Foundation
Verapat Pariyawong
Lawyer
Advisor to the House
Committee on Finance and
Financial Institutions
Founder of VLA Law Office
Atawit Suwanpakdee
Chairman, Committee
for Industrial Reform
Legislation
United Thai Nation
Parit Wacharasindhu
Member of Parliament (Party-list) Spokesperson,
Prachachon Party
Narongchai Yaisawang
University Lecturer
Research Scholar in Economics
Having listened to the morning’s presentations explaining various facets of the EC industry, the eight members of the roundtable, guided by the two Chairmen, will have an open discussion about the development of ECs in Thailand. No topics will be off-limits, and any round table participant may provoke discussion about any aspect of the proposed EC industry. The chairmen will aim to keep the discussion balanced and constructive. All discussion will be open to media recording and subsequent reporting.
16:25-16:40
AUDIENCE QUESTIONS
This session will provide an opportunity for members of the audience to raise topics or ask questions relating to the proposed EC industry in Thailand. Members of the roundtable and even the Presenters from the day’s morning sessions can respond.
16:40-16:45
CHAIRMEN’S WRAP: where to from here?
Chairmen:
Andrew W Scott
Vice Chairman and CEO
Inside Asian Gaming
Veenarat Laohapakakul
News program host
The two Chairmen will provide a final comment on the day’s proceedings and offer a brief summary of the outcomes of the day. They may also offer suggestions for future discussion to move the conversation about the introduction of ECs in Thailand forward.
16:40-16:45
Chairmen:
Andrew W Scott
Vice Chairman and CEO
Inside Asian Gaming
Veenarat Laohapakakul
News program host
The two Chairmen will provide a final comment on the day’s proceedings and offer a brief summary of the outcomes of the day. They may also offer suggestions for future discussion to move the conversation about the introduction of ECs in Thailand forward.
16:45-18:45
RECEPTION
Participants
George Choi
Head of Global Gaming Research
Citi Research
George Choi is the Head of Global Gaming Research at Citi Research. He has been covering the Gaming industry since 2006. George ranked Top 3 individually in Institutional Investor – Leisure & Gaming (weighted by AUM) in 2020 to 2024. George graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 2005 with an MBA degree and from the University of British Columbia in 1998 with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. George is also a CFA Charterholder.
Kevin Clayton
Chief Brand Officer, ThailandGalaxy Entertainment Group
Geoffrey Stuart Davis
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerMelco Resorts & Entertainment Limited
Mr Geoff Davis is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, a position he has held since April 2011. He previously served as Deputy Chief Financial Officer (August 2010 to March 2011) and Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance (2007 to 2010) when he joined the Company.
Mr Davis has also been Chief Financial Officer of Melco International since December 2017, and Chief Financial Officer and director of Studio City International since June 2019 and October 2018, respectively. He is a director of several subsidiaries.
Before joining Melco, Mr Davis was a research analyst with Citigroup Investment Research, covering the US gaming industry (2001 to 2007). He also held roles at Hilton Hotels Corporation and Park Place Entertainment (1996 to 2000).
Mr Davis is a CFA Charterholder since 2000 and earned his Bachelor of Arts from Brown University.
Christopher M Gordon
PresidentWynn Development
In his capacity as President of Wynn Development, Chris Gordon leads the worldwide real estate development efforts for Wynn Resorts, with a focus on identification of new projects and the master planning and approvals of those projects. He is also a lecturer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Center for Real Estate teaching courses on complex development issues.
Prior to Wynn, Chris served as President of the Dirigo Group advising and managing complex development projects worldwide, as the Chief Operating Officer for the Allston Development Group, the real estate development arm of Harvard University, and as the Director of Capital Programs for the Massachusetts Port Authority.
Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Maine where he played Division 1 NCAA Football, and a master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Thanakorn Khomkrit
Secretary-GeneralStop Gambling Foundation
Thanakorn Khomkrit is the Secretary-General of the Stop Gambling Foundation, playing a key role in advocating for the reduction of gambling related harm in Thai society, particularly among youth. He has taken a firm stance against the draft legislation on Entertainment Complexes and amendments to the Gambling Act of 1935, warning of potential risks such as money laundering, corruption and increased youth access to gambling. Thanakorn has also raised concerns about the vague definition of “online gambling” and the governance structure that may favor vested interests. He actively pushes for state-supported systems to assist individuals with gambling addiction and promotes public awareness through nationwide education campaigns and advocacy initiatives.
TECR co-CHAIRMAN
Veenarat Laohapakakul
News program hostVeenarat Laohapakakul has been a journalist for over 20 years. In the past she worked at Nation TV and Channel One. Currently, she hosts three weekly international affairs programs on online news platform The Standard and PPTV news station.
She graduated with a BA in Political Science from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand and earned an MA in International Relations from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University in the United States.
Lau Kok Keng
Partner, Head of Gaming Law PracticeRajah & Tann Singapore
Lau Kok Keng heads Rajah & Tann LLP’s Gaming Law practice and is recognized as a Tier 1 gaming lawyer by Chambers Asia-Pacific and as a Global Elite Thought Leader in Gaming by Who’s Who Legal. He is one of the few Asian lawyer members of the International Masters of Gaming Law. Since 2002, Kok Keng has been actively involved in representing and advising clients in the gaming industry. His practice is arguably the most experienced and extensive gambling law practice in Southeast Asia.
Kok Keng works with foreign and offshore private gaming operators, including casinos in Australia, Macau, Malaysia, Monte Carlo, Singapore and the UK, cruise ship casinos, remote gaming operators, bookmakers, lottery operators, slot machine clubs, gaming software developers and distributors, and state governments. He helped establish the legal framework governing legalized sports betting in Singapore for both football and F1 motor race betting.
Verapat Pariyawong
Lawyer
Advisor to the House Committee on Finance and Financial Institutions
Founder of VLA Law Office
TECR CHAIRMAN
Andrew W Scott
Vice Chairman and CEOInside Asian Gaming
Andrew is a gaming industry expert, media publisher, commentator and advisor. Entering the gaming industry 39 years ago, he has lived in Macau for 16 years. He is Vice Chairman and CEO of Inside Asian Gaming (IAG) and CEO of parent company COMPLETE MEDIA GROUP.
IAG publishes a monthly magazine and a daily email newsletter sent to around 28,000 industry recipients. Its website, asgam.com, is the highest ranked B2B gaming industry media website in the world. IAG has over 32,500 LinkedIn followers.
IAG produces numerous gaming industry business and social events, operates a consulting and advisory unit and publishes several trade show print newspapers.
Andrew completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Australia in 1992 and a Master of Science in International Integrated Resort Management (Honors) in Macau in 2019. He has established and operated a retail sports betting business, a professional casino training school and an IR poker room.
Atawit Suwanpakdee
Chairman, Committee for Industrial Reform LegislationUnited Thai Nation Party
Atavit Suwanpakdee, born on 26 March 1978, is a Thai politician and legal expert. He earned his LLB. from Thammasat University, an LLM, in Banking and Financial Law from Boston University, USA, and a Doctorate in Public Administration from Bangkokthonburi University. He served as a Member of Parliament for Bangkok under the Democrat Party for two terms and held positions as Secretary-General of the Kla Party and Deputy Leader of the Chart Pattana Kla Party. Currently, he is a member of the United Thai Nation Party and serves as Chairman of the Committee for Industrial Reform Legislation.
George Tanasijevich
Former President and CEO, Marina Bay Sands
Former Managing Director Global Development, Las Vegas Sands
George Tanasijevich currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of a 17 square kilometer mixed-use development project. He previously served as President and CEO of Marina Bay Sands and as Managing Director of Global Development for Las Vegas Sands. He managed Las Vegas Sands’ successful bid to develop Singapore’s Integrated Resort at Marina Bay and was responsible for the coordination of various commercial activities related to Las Vegas Sands’ Cotai Strip projects in Macau.
George also served as Senior Vice President, Equity Markets at CapitaLand Limited in Singapore and Corporate Vice President and Senior Attorney of General Growth Properties in Chicago.
He has degrees from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and the University of Michigan.
George was recently awarded Singapore’s 2023 “Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism”, the Singapore Tourism Board’s highest accolade.
Parit Wacharasindhu
Member of Parliament (Party-list) SpokespersonPrachachon Party
Parit Wacharasindhu, known as “Itim”, was born on 10 December 1992. A rising young Thai politician and a nephew of former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, he earned both his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) from the University of Oxford, where he also became the first Thai to serve as President of the Oxford Union. Parit began his political career with the Democrat Party, later joined the Move Forward Party and is currently the spokesperson for the Prachachon Party. He focuses on political reform and equal access to education in Thailand.
Narongchai Yaisawang, PhD
University Lecturer
Research Scholar in Economics
Narongchai Yaisawang is a Thai economist specializing in macroeconomic modeling, energy markets, and artificial intelligence, with a current research focus on Thailand’s potential legalization of integrated resorts (IRs). His flagship project employs a country-calibrated Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) model to assess the macroeconomic impacts of introducing IRs including effects on GDP, tourism multipliers, fiscal trade-offs and social outcomes. Drawing on comparative case studies from Singapore, Macau, Las Vegas and Seoul, his research provides evidence-based insights for policymakers. He also serves as a lecturer in economics and data science at various Thai universities and frequently appears in the media as a commentator on economic policy, energy and AI. He earned his PhD in Economics from Durham University in 2020, where he received the Best Research Award for his work in energy-macro modeling.
PARTICIPATING OPERATORS
Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) is one of the world’s leading resorts, hospitality, and gaming companies. The Group primarily develops and operates a large portfolio of entertainment complex, retail, dining, hotel, live entertainment, MICE and gaming facilities in Macau. GEG is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and is a constituent stock of the Hang Seng Index. GEG operates Galaxy Resorts Macau, one of the largest entertainment complexes in the world at over 2 million square meters, including Galaxy Arena, and Galaxy International Convention Centre.
Wynn Resorts was founded in 2002, based upon a singular formula which has yet to be replicated by others: to create and design resorts of unique beauty and artistry with an in-house team of the most accomplished architects, designers, and creators whose primary goal is excellence. Then staff those resorts with teams of like-minded, service-driven professionals whose obsession is to create one-of-a-kind guest experiences.
The results speak for themselves: no independent hotel company on the planet has more Forbes Travel Five Star Awards than Wynn Resorts. The Wynn Guest Experience has become the gold standard of the hospitality industry.
Wynn Resorts owns and operates Wynn Las Vegas and operates Encore Boston Harbor. It is the majority shareholder of Wynn Macau, Limited. The Company is constructing an Integrated Resort in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, set to open in early 2027.
Translation & Transcription
The Entertainment Complex industry, globally known as the Integrated Resort industry, is highly specialized. There are barely around a dozen companies in the world with the operational experience and financial capacity to development, construct and operate multibillion-dollar Entertainment Complexes. Most of these companies are based in either Las Vegas or Macau. Names such as Galaxy, Hard Rock, Melco, MGM, Sands and Wynn immediately come to mind.
These companies employ tens of thousands of team members worldwide. Their senior executive talent is drawn from countries across the planet. The industry’s lingua franca is English, because of this international nature, the high prevalence of English as at least a second language amongst senior business executives globally, and the fact that the industry was arguably born in Las Vegas.
Given that TECR is all about an Entertainment Complex industry in Thailand, of course TECR needs to be conducted in the Thai language. But given the nature of the industry as explained above, it also needs to be conducted in English in order to be of practical value.
We have therefore gone to extraordinary lengths to make the event as naturally and smoothly bilingual as possible. It is our goal that both Thai and English speakers will be able to follow the conversation clearly, irrespective of the language spoken throughout the day.
Firstly, TECR has employed a team of six simultaneous interpreters who will be interpreting the day’s events through earpieces for all participants. Members of this team of six simultaneous interpreters will also be available during event breaks and at the closing reception at the end of the day, to assist with on-the-spot in-person interpretation.
Secondly, TECR will employ the latest in AI transcription and translation capabilities. On the very large LED wall behind the stage, there will be an ongoing transcription of each speaker in their spoken language, as well as a translation into the other language. This will also be visible to roundtable participants and on-stage presenters on their laptops.
Some things to note:
- Every microphone at the event has a designated language, either Thai or English. If the wrong language is spoken into a microphone, the transcription and translation service will not work.
- Speak slowly and clearly, as if speaking to someone who understands your language as a second language.
- The AI transcription and translation service is good, but it is certainly not perfect. Errors are expected. However, the capability is constantly improving. If another similar event is held even in just a few months from now, the AI transcription and translation will be even better.
- Counter-intuitively, the more complicated a sentence is, the better the translation, due to the lack of ambiguity. Longer sentences with larger words are transcribed and translated better than short simple sentences.
Media
Only accredited media from Thailand will be given access. For enquiries, contact Andrew W Scott on ceo@asgam.com.
