On February 14, 2025, while many were celebrating Valentine’s Day, a group of CMKL AiCE undergraduate students had a different kind of special engagement—a visit to Lotus’s Headquarters on Nawamin Road, Bangkok. As part of their Business Application Domain competency, the students were given a rare opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the retail industry, exploring how data analytics and technology are shaping modern retail operations.
Stepping into the Building of Lotus’s Headquarters, the students were greeted by an inviting atmosphere of modern retail—a space where technology and commerce converge. As they walked through the corridors, passing by the Research & Development Zone, they caught a glimpse of Lotus’s innovation process—experts meticulously refining a new recipe for butter croissants, filling the air with the mouth-watering aroma of quality melted butter.
Once settled in the reception room, the students were given an insightful overview of CP Axtra Public Company Limited, the parent company overseeing Lotus’s and Makro. They learned how these two retail giants operate within different business segments and how their IT departments optimize operations using digital tools and data-driven strategies.
The visit also included a guided tour of the Lotus’s department store and storage zone, allowing students to observe the logistics and supply chain mechanisms that keep the retail business running efficiently. From inventory management to customer data analytics, the students not only saw how technology plays a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction in the modern retail landscape, but also the room to improve Tesco’s operational efficiency.
Beyond just an educational experience, the visit also opened doors for potential collaboration. Lotus’s expressed keen interest in working with CMKL students on projects related to computer engineering and data analytics. With retail increasingly integrating AI-driven solutions, the potential for collaborative research projects between CMKL and Lotus’s presents exciting opportunities for students to apply their technical knowledge to real-world challenges.
This visit not only provided students with valuable industry exposure but also served as a crucial bridge between academia and industry. As businesses continue to embrace data analytics, AI, and automation, hands-on experiences like these help students develop the skills and insights needed to excel in the evolving job market.
Beyond gaining knowledge, the visit also offered students a glimpse into how their expertise can be applied in real-world scenarios, particularly in the FMCG and retail industries. With this promising introduction to Lotus, we look forward to fostering future collaborations and empowering students with industry-driven learning experiences. This visit marks the beginning of what could be a transformative partnership in retail technology and innovation.
