Foreseeing the advent of the world’s first trillionaire of the green transition era, Jirayut Srupsrisopa, the founder and Group CEO of Bitkub Capital Group Holdings Co., Ltd., envisions 2024 as the commencement of ASEAN’s Golden Era. In his insightful CEO Talk at the Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation (CSII) on September 19, 2023, Jirayut highlighted that the future will witness a significant shift in investments, steering clear of the old economy. The triad of digital, green, and revolution emerges as the cornerstone of this transformative phase, representing unprecedented opportunities for our era.
Addressing the aspiring entrepreneurs of the new generation, Jirayut said “As you venture into uncharted territories of technology, I have some insights to offer.” He emphasized the paramount importance of AQ, or Adaptability Quotient, a critical attribute for anyone embarking on a startup journey. Stressing the importance of courage in daily endeavors, he advised “Every day, attempt to do one thing that scares you; it’s a valuable exercise, for the higher the climb, the more solitary it becomes.” He further added, “Cherish your close friends; they are your strength when challenges arise.” Underscoring common threads among successful entrepreneurs, Jirayut highlighted perseverance as an indispensable trait.
Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey requires a solid grasp of business fundamentals as well as a thorough understanding of back-office operations. Jirayut particularly emphasized the importance of mastering financial knowledge, including cash flow statements, as well as acquiring legal acumen and proficiency in human resources. Additionally, he advocated the adoption of healthy habits and lifestyle changes, underscoring the significance of mastering meditation techniques, prioritizing restful sleep, and maintaining a regular exercise routine.
Jirayut Srupsrisopa, who established Bitkub in 2018 and swiftly led it to unicorn status within a mere three years, shared personal anecdotes that shaped his journey to success. He revealed his commitment to his work, often sleeping only 4-5 hours a day and wearing the same suit to minimize distractions and maintain focus. Throughout various chapters of his life, Jirayut exhibited single-minded determination, often at the expense of other pursuits. For example, during his undergraduate studies, he was solely focused on securing admission to a Master’s program at Oxford University. He emphasized that key components of success encompass the ability to make sacrifices, a commitment to lifelong learning, and the capacity for self-teaching.
Fielding a multitude of questions from curious students of the Bachelor of Arts and Science in Integrated Innovation (BAScii) program, Jirayut addressed the topic of handling failure. He noted that many entrepreneurs struggle with this aspect but emphasized that experiencing failure is an intrinsic part of the entrepreneurial journey. He advised maintaining a daily list of reasons for gratitude, being thankful for the good things that happen, as well as a strategy for resilience and positivity to help tide one over bad days.
Jirayut was warmly received at the School by CSII Executive Director Professor Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai. The insights he shared struck a chord with the CSII students, particularly as the BAScii program is centered around fostering lifelong learning and is dedicated to shaping the global leaders of tomorrow.
