Bangkok--Jan 17--SET The Stock Exchange of Thailand is proud to launch the SET Junior Achievement Thailand (SET-JAT) Youth Development Program. It aims to educate Thai youth on economics, business, finance and innovative investment. The program targets Thais between 13 and 16 years of age. There is no cost involved for participants and registration is now taking place for the first class. SET President Mr. Vicharat Vichit-Vadakan, announced that the Stock Exchange of Thailand has initiated the SET Junior Achievement Thailand (SET-JAT) Youth Development Program, in coordination with Junior Achievement International (JAI) of the USA. It is based on a proven curriculum operating successfully in 106 countries. The curriculum has been modified for Thai youth and aims to create an understanding of local economics, business, finance, investment and personal career planning at a fundamental level. Mr. Vicharat said: "Apart from the development of the Thai capital market, the Stock Exchange of Thailand also regards personnel development as our important role which clearly seen by the SET's investor seminars being conducted continuously. SET Junior Achievement Thailand (SET-JAT) Youth Development Program is a new program which will help develop the country's future - Thai youth. It will help them become a generation with knowledge and competency, fit for the international competition. The students participating in the program will be taught under a new teaching method, which is kid-friendly and uses a participatory approach both in class and outside of class. Activities on the Internet will also be included in the program to build within them the self-learning habits." The SET-JAT curriculum includes subjects that, whether directly or indirectly, are important part of children's daily lives. e.g. the saving and investment discipline, the importance of economies that run according to market mechanisms, the role of business and investment in the world's economy, responsible business practices in society and the environment, ethics in business operation and investment, the relationship between education and career planning and the effects of economies on the future. Phase 1 of the SET-JAT Youth Development program will run for 3 years. In its early stages, the program will focus on 13 - 16 year old students in Bangkok and the suburbs. Then, the program will focus on students of other levels. The courses will be more advanced according to student age and education level. SET-JAT Youth Development Program will be supervised by the Thailand Securities Institute (TSI), a non-profit SET subsidiary operating as a center for developing an understanding, an appreciation and the skills for securities business personnel. Thailand Securities Institute (TSI) is now admitting students between 13 - 16 years old interested in joining the SET-JAT Youth Development Program for its first class, which will be held from 26 - 29 March 2001. The TSI is also recruiting volunteers interested in teaching in the SET-JAT Youth Development Program. These volunteers will be trained by JAI experts and will receive a certificate of achievement as an instructor of the new teaching style. Students who are interested in joining the program and prospective volunteers can log on to www.set.or.th/tsi/set-jat for more information. Mr. Vicharat also added, "The development of the country's personnel is an important matter which requires cooperation from many parties. It is, therefore, a good opportunity for any organization to support the SET-JAT Youth Development Program, whether by financial funding, volunteers or the teaching materials. This program is indeed useful for the development of Thai youths, whom we regard as the country's future." Those who would like to have more information on the SET-JAT Youth Development Program are welcome to join a seminar on Monday, 22 January 2001, at the SET Auditorium, 3rd Floor, the Stock Exchange of Thailand Building, Rachadapisek Road, from 14.00 - 15.00. The seminar is free of charge and open to students, prospective volunteers and program supporters. Attachment 1 Founded In 1999, Junior Achievement is the world's oldest, largest and fastest-growing non-profit economic education organization. Junior Achievement Intermational develops and seves Junior Achievement and Young Enterprose programs in over 106 nations in all 24 time zones. The mission of Junlor Achievement International: To recognize and serve Member Nations that develop and implement economic education programs for young people through a partnership between business and education. The programs are implemented by Member Nations to help young piople gain an understanding of: - the importance of market-driven economies; - the role fo business in a global economy; - the commitment of business to environmental and social issues; - the commitment of business to operate in an ethical manner; - the relevance of educationon the workplace; and, - the impact of economics on their future. Junior Achievement International's programs and designed to meet the needs of primary, secondary, universlty and young aduit students in countries around the world. Junior Achievement International provides service and technical support to 106 member nations worldwide. Courses are offered in 30 languages. Each year there are nearly 6 million students participating in Junior Achievement programs around the world. Since its founding in 1919, Junior Achievement programs have beriefited close to 40 million young people world-wide. Junior Achievement International is supported by international corporation, foundations, Individuals, and development organizations. It has a private sector board of directors and is a registered non-government organization (NGO) and a private voluntary organization (PVO). Since its Inception in 1994, Junior Achievement International has administered grants totaling $15 million (US) on behalf of its Member Nations. 2780 Janitell Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 USA Tel:(719) 540-0200 /FAX:(719) 540-8770 E-mail: [email protected] Webpage: www.Jaintl.org For more information, please contact: Corporate Communication Department Tel: 229-2035 - 7 End.-AN-