The Third China–Southeast Asia Retail Digital Innovation Summit Convenes in Bangkok
From 3 to 4 December 2025, the third China–Southeast Asia Retail Digital Innovation Summit, or CDFIS, was held at ICONSIAM in Bangkok, Thailand. Under the theme “Envision the Future, Innovate Today,” the summit was hosted by JWB and JWD, co-hosted by Kweichow Moutai and Huawei Thailand, and organised by Horivision.
The summit brought together nearly 300 corporate executives, technology company representatives, and industry experts from China, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, and other markets. Participants gathered to discuss the digital transformation of the retail industry and explore opportunities for regional collaboration.
Exploring the Transformation of Retail Sector in the AI Era
Over two days, the summit examined the application of AI, big data, and digital technologies across retail, consumer brands, supply chains, healthcare, and smart hardware.
Through nearly 20 keynote speeches and panel discussions, speakers shared perspectives on industry trends, business practices, and the practical implementation of technology.
Representatives from Bain & Company, the China Chain Store & Franchise Association, Huawei, Lenovo, Metro, Siam Piwat, SPC, Jaya Grocer, Genki Forest, and other leading organisations exchanged views on retail growth, omni-channel operations, supply chain efficiency, brand innovation, and AI adoption.
The summit also welcomed senior executives from major regional retailers, including SM Group Philippines, Central Group, Charoen Pokphand Group, The Mall Group, and MR D.I.Y. Group Malaysia. Their participation created an important platform for experience sharing and business collaboration between companies from China and Southeast Asia.
Moving from Industry Dialogue to Practical Collaboration
During the summit, the Development Committee of the China Shopping Center Development Association signed a letter of intent for the Commercial Expansion Promotion Programme with JWB and JWD. The initiative aims to support Chinese commercial brands and supply chain capabilities in expanding into Southeast Asian markets.
The China International Brand Academy also joined JWB and JWD in announcing the Brand Ecosystem Conference, further connecting brand owners, retail channels, and technology service providers.
An innovation ecosystem exhibition was held alongside the summit, featuring more than 30 companies from China and Southeast Asia. Exhibitors presented products and solutions across consumer brands, food supply chains, smart hardware, loyalty operations, data services, logistics, and professional services.
The exhibition created additional opportunities for participating companies to exchange ideas, explore partnerships, and discuss potential cooperation on site.
Strengthening Connections Across the China–Southeast Asia Business Ecosystem
Since the first CDFIS was held in 2023, attendance has grown from approximately 50 participants to nearly 300. The summit has gradually developed into an important platform connecting the consumer industries of China and Southeast Asia.
JWD will continue to uphold the principles of connection, collaboration, and co-creation, supporting deeper regional cooperation across branding, supply chains, and digitalisation.
In 2026, CDFIS plans to hold the “CDFIS Food Bridge: China–Thailand Food Brand Matching” Event in the second quarter, followed by the fourth annual CDFIS summit in the fourth quarter. These initiatives will continue to provide Chinese and Southeast Asian companies with a platform for long-term cooperation.