Dare to Change, Lead with Vision: A Senior Director’s Bold Journey in Delta Thailand’s Energy Transformation

By Delta Thailand - Published September 26, 2024

As Delta Thailand celebrates its 35th anniversary, few embody its legacy of innovation and resilience more than Mr. Kittisak Ngoenngokngam, Senior Director of Energy Infrastructure Business. Starting as a Design Engineer in 1991, he has not only witnessed Delta’s evolution but has also played a pivotal role in transforming its energy solutions to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. From pioneering original brand manufacturing to leading global operations, Mr. Kittisak’s journey reflects a relentless drive for growth, sustainability, and leadership. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the key moments that have defined his career and explore his vision for the future of energy infrastructure at Delta.

"My journey with Delta began in 1991 when I joined as a Design Engineer for Switching Power Supply (R&D), coinciding with the construction of Delta’s first factory in Thailand (DET1). I was entrusted with the crucial responsibility of helping transfer production and product processes from Taiwan to Thailand. This led to frequent travels between the two countries from 1991 to 1994."

Once the production transfer was complete, Mr. Kittisak shifted his focus globally, supporting Delta’s sales teams in key markets like Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, and the US. "By 1998, I took on a new challenge in Europe, where I supported Delta’s operations for five years."

In 2008, feeling the need for a more impactful role, Mr. Kittisak transitioned into business development, aligning with the establishment of Delta Green Industrial (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (DGiT), which focuses on Delta-branded products and solutions in Thailand. "After many years as a Design Engineer, I began to feel uninspired and sought a role where I could apply my skills in more meaningful ways. By becoming a specialist in business development, I believed I could drive the company’s growth and contribute to its success more effectively. It takes courage to embrace change, but with resilience, I knew I could overcome the challenges that come with new responsibilities."

This shift allowed Mr. Kittisak to become an integral part of Delta’s rise as a global leader in power electronics, EV mobility, telecom, and data center solutions, driven by a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Proudest Moments:
When asked about his proudest achievements, Mr. Kittisak reflects on Delta’s transition from ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) to OBM (Original Brand Manufacturing). "Initially, we faced challenges in developing our own product lines in a saturated market. However, through continuous R&D investments and close collaboration with clients, we designed solutions that exceeded market expectations, opening doors to new markets in Europe and North America."

Another key milestone was the successful implementation of cleaner energy solutions for a global telecom client. "This project was a testament to Delta’s ability to provide innovative and impactful solutions that align with the global push for sustainability."

Factors Behind Delta’s Growth:
Reflecting on Delta Thailand’s 35 years of success, Mr. Kittisak credits the company’s growth to a strong team culture, relentless innovation, and a customer-first approach. "Empowering employees to take ownership of their work fosters creativity and allows us to move quickly and confidently. Open communication ensures that everyone is aligned with our goals and can contribute effectively."

Staying ahead of market needs, particularly in energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions, has been another crucial factor. "Continuous investment in R&D enables us to develop products that are relevant today and meet future challenges."

At the forefront of this transformation is Delta’s role in developing cleaner, energy-efficient solutions and integrating technologies like smart grids, which has helped the company maintain its leadership position year after year.

Recharging and Staying Motivated:
Outside of work, Mr. Kittisak finds inspiration in traveling and exploring new places, both locally and internationally. "A new environment can spark creativity and refresh your thinking." Physical activities like running and biking also help clear his mind and recharge his energy levels.

Additionally, engaging in hobbies like painting and photography provides a creative outlet, while spending time outdoors—whether hiking or swimming—helps him reset mentally. "Music, particularly karaoke, is a way for me to relax and express myself. And spending quality time with family and friends gives me the emotional support and balance I need to stay motivated for the challenges ahead."

Balancing Leadership and Personal Life:
Balancing work and personal life are essential for long-term success. "I’ve learned to set clear boundaries between work and personal time, such as avoiding work emails or calls during designated family time. Delegating effectively allows me to focus on both work and personal activities without feeling overwhelmed."

Regular time off is also key to recharging. "Whether it’s a short vacation or just a weekend break, stepping away from work helps me return with fresh energy and perspective." Weekly planning also helps him maintain a balance between work goals and personal time for family, hobbies, and fitness.
Energy Infrastructure Transformation:
Reflecting on the transformation of the Energy Infrastructure Solutions business, Mr. Kittisak explains how his team has played a crucial role in developing energy-efficient solutions, integrating renewable energy into client operations, and reducing emissions.

"Delta has been at the forefront of implementing technologies like smart grids and AI-driven energy management systems. One project involved collaborating with a client to develop a smart energy solution that significantly improved their power usage efficiency. This forward-thinking approach has helped solidify Delta’s position as a leader in energy infrastructure."

Adapting to a rapidly changing regulatory environment has also been critical. "Our proactive approach—staying ahead of regulations and helping clients navigate complex compliance issues—has allowed us to build stronger, longer-lasting partnerships with our clients."
Advice to Future Leaders:
"My advice to the next generation of leaders is simple: Dare to Change and Challenge Yourself. Innovation is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process. Encourage brainstorming sessions, foster a culture of experimentation, and be willing to take calculated risks."

Mr. Kittisak also emphasizes the importance of a sustainability-first mindset. "In product development and decision-making, always consider the long-term impact on the environment and society. Prioritizing sustainability will drive Delta’s growth while making the world a better place."

Empowering teams is another key focus. "A strong team that feels valued and has a clear growth path will deliver exceptional results. Balancing long-term vision with short-term agility is crucial in today’s fast-paced industry."

Finally, Mr. Kittisak advises future leaders to stay true to Delta’s core values—innovation, sustainability, and customer-centricity. "These principles have been the foundation of our success, and they will continue to guide future leaders as they navigate new challenges."

Looking Ahead:
Looking forward, Mr. Kittisak believes the energy infrastructure landscape will continue to evolve rapidly, especially with the shift towards decentralized energy models. "We are already seeing more businesses and communities adopting Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) like solar power, wind turbines, and energy storage systems."

Delta is poised to lead in this space by developing smart grid technologies and advanced energy management systems that enable real-time monitoring and optimization of energy usage. "Our investments in AI and machine learning will further enhance these systems, allowing for greater efficiency and reduced waste."

Energy storage will also become a critical component of this new infrastructure, and Delta’s focus on developing scalable, high-efficiency storage solutions will play a major role in balancing supply and demand. "This will ensure grid stability, especially as renewable energy sources become more prevalent."

Finally, the electrification of transportation and industrial processes will drive a significant increase in energy demand. "Delta’s expertise in energy efficiency and innovation will be key in supporting this shift, whether through EV charging infrastructure or energy management solutions tailored to industrial applications."
Delta’s ongoing investments in cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning will enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure that businesses and communities can meet the growing demands of a sustainable future. As energy storage becomes critical to balancing supply and demand, Delta’s scalable, high-efficiency solutions will be key to maintaining grid stability, especially as renewable energy sources become more prevalent.

At the heart of this transformation is Delta’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation—principles that Mr. Kittisak has championed throughout his career. His vision for the future is not only about meeting today’s challenges but also shaping the energy landscape for generations to come.

As Mr. Kittisak passes his “Dare to Change and Challenge Yourself” message to future leaders, his journey serves as a reminder that real progress comes from stepping outside comfort zones, embracing challenges, and fostering a culture of innovation that never loses sight of long-term sustainability. As Delta continues to navigate the future of energy infrastructure, leaders like Mr. Kittisak will ensure that the company remains a trusted partner to businesses, governments, and communities, always striving to lead with vision and purpose in an ever-changing world.