ANGKANANG “SHAKIRA” BUMRUNGSORN
CEO, REGEN SOLUTIONS & DISTRIBUTION CO LTD CO-FOUNDER, FK INTERNATIONAL
In the energy business and industry, Angkanang “Shakira” Bumrungsorn – or Dr. Kee – is widely known as the CEO of Regen Solutions & Distribution Co Ltd, a major importer of electrical explosion proof products, as well as one of the founders of FK International, a supplier of oilfield cast cable protectors. Now, this enterprising executive is about to make more waves with Regen Smart City, a management system for smart energy that aims to be the next technology elevating people’s lives to a higher standard. However, it hasn’t been an easy path for Shakira who, in her own words, didn’t grow up with a silver spoon in the mouth. Instead, it’s been the courage to seek new opportunities that has brought her to the success she enjoys today.
“I wasn’t born into a wealthy family, she admits. “When I chose to get a degree in Veterinary Science at Mahanakorn University of Technology, I had to get a student loan. After graduation, at the age of 25, I decided to get another loan to open an animal hospital in the Sattahip District. I then got appointed as the veterinarian for Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati’s pet dogs.”
A few years passed by before an opportunity in the energy business came her way. With her hospital located amidst the energy industry region, Shakira spotted her precious chance to venture into a whole different enterprise – importing a wide-range of equipment for the industry, such as heat-proof temperature and humidity sensors used in the oil patch and natural gas sources. This successful gamble pushed her into a fast-paced career path.
“The opportunity allowed me to connect with highpositioned people, which was a big deal for me,” she shares. “I had to prepare myself to be better and bolder than I was when working in my previous job. The first year into this new career was a blast. I had so much fun with the business in this field, which led me to go all in and eventually expand the entire business, with more products and more customers. Meanwhile, I hired competent personnel to take care of my animal hospital.”
With her endless thirst for challenges, Shakira never stopped striving for bigger things. Five years ago, the petroleum business was entering a stagnant state, which was worsened by the limited market for the business. On the lookout for more opportunities, the idea of safety in the workplace came to mind and that was when Shakira began shipping in electrical equipment for explosion proofing; ranging from power cords, lanterns, plugs and computers, to air conditioners, all of which are a must in most factories but there are very few manufacturers of these products around the world.
“I love to test my limits. I want to see myself grow continuously, like how I grew from being a vet to running a business in the energy industry, to becoming the importer of safety equipment for factories. I’m ultimately working towards bigger things, like securing the nation’s foundation.
“We’ve long been developing our new product, Regen Smart City, a system for smart energy,” she goes on to say. “We plan to sell this to both government and private sectors so they can use it to improve cities and people’s lives. Moreover, we would like to lend our helping hand to designing a system and create a platform for controlling CCTV, traffic lights, streetlights, billboards, and many other urban necessities. It’s a great ambition for us, but we’re more than ready to grow with all the opportunities we have received this far. The sky’s the limit and we have to aim the highest we can. Every time we achieve one goal, we need to set a new one, and keep on doing this.”
To “never stop improving” is, she points out, the quality that the new generation must have. “For me, money isn’t the motivation. If we keep thinking about money, it’s going to be hard for us to change because we will always be afraid to lose all our money. If you want to grow, always grab whatever chance comes to you and do your best.
“I have to admit that I had no one to give me any advice – no coaching whatsoever. I had to self-study and learn from the experts and observe what was going on around me. Sometimes I think I’m drawn to challenges like a moth to a flame, and I realise that the harder the challenge, the more I want to find out how much it’s going to hurt and how sweet the success will taste in return.”
“EVERY TIME WE ACHIEVE ONE GOAL, WE NEED TO SET A NEW ONE, AND KEEP ON DOING THIS”