In an era where the definition of "security" is shaken by AI and economic volatility, the most compelling question for young people is, "Where does a good financial life start?"
At the Thairath Money Campus Tour 2026 at Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, we witnessed a harmonious clash of ideas between two success stories: "Kew - Theerathat Noodum," the force behind the hundred-million-baht cosmetic empire LA GLACE, and "Bungkee - Narida Manasomjit," a leading financial advisor from Singapore (Gee Money & More). Here is a summary of life-building lessons distilled especially for the younger generation.
Everyone's beginning is often blocked by fear, but both speakers offered an interesting perspective: fear is not the enemy but a signal that we "do not know enough."
Kew LA GLACE emphasized that before the internet was widespread, acquiring knowledge was challenging, but that scarcity fueled his creativity. He started as a bookstore clerk reading "Rich Dad Poor Dad," inspiring him to enter real estate at a young age. Despite once failing with a 40,000-baht monthly deficit due to a massive flood, that became a valuable lesson.
"When we face the unfamiliar, we fear greatly, and the solution is to gather information and gain enough understanding. Fear will dissipate with comprehension... Learn to swim, but if you never get in the water, you will never know how to swim."
Meanwhile, Bungkee added that student life is the "lowest cost" period to experiment and learn from mistakes. She started investing at age 20 with only 5,000 baht prize money, using curiosity as her guide, which eventually became her profession.
"No one starts investing only when fully ready. Successful investors often start early because investing is about building habits and adopting an investor mindset."
Many young people face the frustration of wanting to start but lacking capital. Kew shared a secret formula for building assets in the digital age: you don’t need all three resources at the beginning.
"When understanding and skills come together, success follows. Today, we can borrow what others have to build what we lack."
In a social media world where everyone seems successful by age 20, Kew reminded young people from his own experience that building LA GLACE took over nine years. He has worked in many roles, from merchant to university lecturer.
He offered this insight...
"Getting rich quickly is possible, but getting rich easily is not real... Everyone wants to be wealthy, but the challenge is daring to make sacrifices. Are you ready to lose sleep to study? It’s a trade-off between today and the future."
Once income starts, the next question is "to save or to invest?" On this point, Bungkee shared a model from Singapore with the students, emphasizing building a strong pyramid base before reaching the steep peak.
The 3-level investment pyramid (by Bungkee - Gee Money & More)
More important is investing in yourself by building personal branding—knowledge, skills, language, and networks—because these assets cannot be taken away.
At the event, Kew LA GLACE also shared a key business lesson using the "leaky bucket" theory: maintaining existing fans (old water) while acquiring new customers (new water) simultaneously, preventing customer loss. This is a lesson for those wanting to start their own business and be their own boss.
Interestingly, he confessed about "having no money": "When you have money, people often lose common sense" because he once failed investing hundreds of thousands in secondhand clothes. But when the money ran out, creativity returned immediately. He started selling his friends’ clothes and sharing the money, eventually recovering. This valuable lesson offers insights for beginners.
Toward the end of the event, in an age where AI disrupts every industry, the renowned financial expert Bungkee shared an important perspective on adaptation: "Work-life balance does not exist." During the building phase, working hard to generate multiple income streams is a reality young people must accept to succeed, especially with finances.
"No one can help you with money. You have to plan for yourself alone."
Here is the checklist for those wanting to start investing today, summarized by Thairath Money.
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