As artificial intelligence reshapes the way people work and makes knowledge more accessible than ever, professional growth is no longer just about becoming more proficient with technology. It also depends on the ability to adapt, think creatively, and collaborate with others to add value into their works and lives.
These ideas were reflected in two sessions at CP Innovation Exposition 2026. The first, “6+6: The Secret to Becoming Innovators,” was presented by Dr. Teerapon Tanomsakyut, Chief Sustainability and Strategy Development Officer of Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group). The second, “Lifelong Learning: CP-CoEX Sustainable Business Accelerator,” explored how continuous learning can serve as a foundation for developing people and strengthening organizational capabilities.
Dr. Teerapon explained that innovation does not necessarily have to be something entirely new to the world. It can also be something new to a team or an organization, provided that it creates tangible value, whether by generating revenue, reducing costs, or improving the customer experience.
While AI can boost productivity and accelerate many work processes, organizations should not focus solely on using technology to deliver results. Excessive reliance on AI to perform tasks traditionally assigned to entry-level employees could limit opportunities for junior workers to gain experience through hands-on practice, experimentation, and learning from mistakes.
“We may get results by using AI, but if we take the time to talk to or coach our team members, we will develop leaders,” Dr. Teerapon said, underscoring the importance of investing time in people, building trust, and transferring knowledge through human interaction.
This philosophy is reflected in CP’s “6+6” framework, which combines six leadership attributes with six corporate values.
The six leadership attributes are Selflessness, Generosity, Forgiveness, Empathy, Perseverance, and Gratitude. Together, they encourage leaders to put collective interests first, share knowledge, create room for experimentation, understand others’ perspectives, remain committed to their goals, and appreciate the people and organizations that support their growth.
These qualities are complemented by six corporate values: Accept Change, Innovate, Simplification, Speed & Quality, Integrity & Honesty, and Three Benefits — creating value for the country, the people, and the organization.
Together, these 12 principles provide a foundation for employees to think creatively, experiment with new approaches, and turn ideas into innovations that deliver results.
Developing these qualities requires an environment where learning is continuous rather than confined to formal training sessions. This is where CP-CoEX’s Lifelong Learning approach plays a key role.
Assoc. Prof. Witaya Wannasuphoprasit, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Chulalongkorn University, said education must move beyond preparing people to be problem solvers toward developing individuals who can frame problems, create innovations, and shape the future.
Meanwhile, Orakarn Jivakiet, CP-CoEX Program Director at CP Group, emphasized the importance of creating a learning culture that enables employees to continuously acquire new skills, develop their capabilities, and apply their knowledge to real-world challenges.
CP-CoEX supports this approach through a combination of internal training programs, partnerships with universities and international institutions, coaching, on-the-job training, and digital learning platforms that employees can access anytime and anywhere. AI and other technologies are also being used to make learning more accessible and effective.
Another key approach is Action-Based Learning, which allows employees to start with actual business challenges, exchange ideas, and use technology to explore potential solutions. They can then test their ideas in practice and develop them into tangible business value.
The program focuses on three key areas: AI, Sustainability, and Tech, Food & Longevity, helping employees identify new opportunities at the intersection of technological advancement, sustainable development, and evolving business needs.
Ultimately, developing innovators cannot be achieved through a single training session. It requires a continuous process of building knowledge, strengthening skills, and cultivating the right mindset.
By combining the Lifelong Learning Program with the principles of its 6+6 framework, CP aims to ensure that employee development goes beyond improving individual capabilities. It becomes a strategic foundation for fostering innovation, strengthening competitiveness, and driving sustainable long-term growth as CP Group continues its journey into the future with innovation and Thai people.
