Bangkok--14 Jun--Digital Economy Promotion Agency
The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, through the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) has recently teamed up with 16 network agencies from both public and private sectors, launched the project of "depa Transformation in Action 2018" under the 'Business Revolution towards Digital Transformation' concept which aims to raise people's awareness of Disruptive Technology, and promote the use of digital tools for SMEs to make a successful and sustainable move towards Thailand 4.0.
Mr. Chatchai Khunpitiluck, Senior Executive Vice President - Digital Economy unit of depa, unveiled that the project of "depa Transformation in Action 2018" has been recognized by the importance of supporting and promoting business entrepreneurs of the targeted industries to move forward with Digital Transformation and be able to use technology and innovation to progress their businesses with enhanced efficiency and lucrative profits with supported by 16 network agencies from both public and private sectors,
- The Department of Industrial Promotion
- The Office of Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion (OSMEP)
- Small And Medium Enterprise Development Bank Of Thailand (SME Bank)
- The Federation of Thai Industries
- The Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand
- The Department of Intellectual Property
- The Business Incubation Center under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA)
- The Association of Thai Software Industry
- The National Food Institute
- King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi
- Total Access Communication Public Company Limited – dtac Accelerate
- Advanced Info Services Public Company Limited – AIS
- True Corporation Public Company Limited – truebusiness
- The Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited – SME
- The KASIKORNBANK Public Company Limited – KSMEs
- Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation (TCG)
Depa Transformation in Action 2018 is set up as a roadshow program covering all five regions across the country, totaling nine provinces including Bangkok, Chonburi, Rayong, Phuket, Songkhla, Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Khon Kaen, and Ubon Ratchathani. The program will run from June to October 2018, which will be highlighted by exhibitions on technology and innovation developed by local digital entrepreneurs and affiliated agencies. Additionally, there will be a special seminar on Digital Transformation, with the introduction of successful entrepreneurs and experienced business owners who use technology to upgrade their businesses. Several interested topics, such as 'Thai SMEs to Global Success', 'Smart Internet of Things (IoT) for Smart Industry', and 'Maximizing Economic Value via e-Logistics', will also be featured in the seminar, Mr. Chatchai added.
Moreover, There are a broad range of fundamental tips on successful digital businesses, provided by experts from public and private organizations, will be offered to interested entrepreneurs participated in the activity. To strengthen SMEs at all stages, Business Matching will be used to identify new strategic partners and potential customers. Also, business entrepreneurs in the digital industry will be allowed to access users from various industries, which can be categorized into four major groups, including e-Commerce & Logistics – specialize in online transportation, import, export, and integrated storage system, Business Services – provide enhanced business efficiency and greater manufacturing standards, Big Data & Digital Marketing – focus mainly on digital marketing, brand building, and distribution channel development, and Digital Financial Services – offer strategic assistance on financial and tax-related issues as well as investment loans for businesses.
Mr. Chatchai also unveiled that over the first six months of 2018, depa has introduced several pilot projects focusing on creating a stimulating environment to support the application of advanced technology and innovation for businesses and industries, in collaboration with strategic partners from the public and private sectors. One of depa's most remarkable projects was 'depa Mini-Transformation Voucher', offering a total of 400 scholarships to outstanding students nationwide. Depa also launched projects on the promotion under Conceptual Plan for Digital Transformation and depa Transformation Fund, totaling 80 and 10 scholarships, worth Bt50,000 and Bt1,050,000 per scholarship, respectively. This year, the organization has also planned to present more scholarships to provide SMEs with an opportunity to obtain larger accessible services, backed by supportive scholarships for digital application towards enhanced business efficiency. Moreover, it will be beneficial to proceed with the registration of digital providers in the country, with a comprehensive range of digital tools and services developed to increase market opportunities and raise awareness of SMEs and domestic businesses. Digital technology will be used to streamline analog-to-digital conversion, leading to integrated work processes and new business models for sustainable future.