Citi Thailand is advancing its commitment to developing the potential of young people through its partnership with the World Bank Group on the Thailand Young Economist Contest 2026. The initiative provides a platform for young people to propose ideas and practical solutions to create quality jobs, develop essential skills and expand career opportunities in industries of the future.
Participants receive guidance from Citi experts to help translate their ideas and business models into actionable proposals. Selected participants also have the opportunity to serve as youth volunteers at the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, gaining experience on a global stage while building skills relevant to today’s job market.
Alejandra Alcala Gerez, Operations Manager for Thailand and Myanmar, World Bank, said, “At the World Bank Group, we have made the creation of more and better jobs our North Star, recognizing that good jobs are fundamental to better lives, dignity and economic growth. The Thailand Young Economist Contest provides an important platform for young people to voice their ideas on the country’s key challenges and help shape the future of work and Thailand’s economy. I would also like to thank Citi Thailand and our partners, Young Good Governance, and Sidekick, for their partnership and support for the Thailand Young Economist Contest 2026. Their support has enabled us to expand opportunities for youth participation compared with last year, helping young people develop their potential and contribute to Thailand’s aspirations of becoming a high-income economy.”
Narumon Chivangkur, Citi Country Officer and Banking Head, Citi Thailand, said, “Citi is committed to strengthening the economic foundations of the communities where we operate by helping young people develop their skills. Our partnership with the World Bank Group on the Thailand Young Economist Contest 2026 builds on our commitment to empowering the younger generation to showcase their critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills. Today is yet another day that reflects the energy and potential of these young individuals, who are ready to actively participate in and drive the Thai economy over the long term.”
The Thailand Young Economist Contest 2026 invited young people aged 16–32 to submit ideas, projects and practical policy and investment proposals to expand career opportunities for their generation and support job creation in Thailand’s high-potential industries. These sectors, identified in the World Bank Group’s Building Thailand’s Future Today report, include advanced manufacturing, agrifood, digital services, sustainable and wellness tourism, and creative industries. This year, almost 200 participants submitted video entries.
The judging panel selected 30 entries to advance to the Future Skills Lab, where participants developed their ideas through training and expert guidance. Ten entries were then selected for the Final Showcase, where participants presented their proposals to Citi and World Bank experts. The participants behind the three entries selected by the judges will have the opportunity to serve as youth volunteers at the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings, taking place in Bangkok from October 12–18, 2026.
Nithit Tangpraphaphon, a participant, said, “My proposal focuses on expanding career opportunities in agriculture, which is an important source of livelihoods for many communities. A key challenge is that smallholder farmers have limited access to machinery and the information they need to plan production. I therefore proposed a platform that connects farmers with owners of agricultural machinery and brings together soil, water and weather data, helping farmers plan cultivation based on local conditions and production costs. One of the most important lessons I learned from this program is that developing a proposal that works in practice starts with a thorough understanding of the challenges and context of each area, before selecting and adapting solutions to meet the needs of local communities.”
Kornsiripatchara Damrongrat, another participant in the Thailand Young Economist Contest 2026, shared her business idea to support employment in the creative industries: “Classic products such as Polaroid cameras and vinyl records are becoming popular again. This inspired my idea to develop these products into souvenirs that share Thailand’s identity and culture with international audiences, while creating jobs and income. I am excited about the opportunity to attend the IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings and eager to learn from the ideas and perspectives of people from around the world, while contributing a young person’s perspective to discussions on different issues.”
