The Minister of Digital Economy and Society along with the executives from depa monitor progress of MDES’s plan for driving the digital economy and society. The projects aim to enhance digital capabilities for the country’s competitive advantage, ensure the security and safety of the digital economy and society, and increase the digital potential of the nation’s human resources.
Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), along with his team, visited Phuket province to follow up on key activities of various projects under the ministry’s plan for driving the digital economy and society, also known as The Growth Engine of Thailand. These three initiatives are being implemented by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) in the southern region with Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO of depa along with Dr. Chinawut Chinaprayoon Executive Vice President, Dr.Warin Ratchananusorn Vice President of Digital Startup Institute, Dr. Sakkawet Yorsaeng Digital Investment and Industry Promotion Department, Mr. Julanop Santipong Vice President of Digital Trade and Industry Development and Promotion Department, Dr. Jakkanit Kananurak Vice President of Digital Manpower Development and Promotion Department and Mr. Pracha Asawateera, Vice President of depa Southern District Office, as well as other depa staff representatives welcomed the delegation.
Mr. Prasert along with his team engaged in discussions with young entrepreneurs and digital startups in the Travel Tech and Smart City sectors during the ‘Ignite Andaman Digital Hub’ event. This activity is part of the DIGINEXT by SEED THAILAND project, aimed at nurturing new digital talents in three categories including YOUTH, FUTURE CAREER and DIGI-PRENEUR to become a vital force in driving the country’s future digital economy. The discussions involved sharing ideas, exchanging perspectives, identifying issues and obstacles, and proposing solutions for challenges in the tourism sector and smart city development in the region.
Following this, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society visited the ‘Coding Bootcamp & Roadshow’ and ‘Coding War’ activity in the upper southern region. These activities are part of the Coding for Better Life project, laying foundation for Thailand’s future by promoting a digital ecosystem that supports coding skill development through enhancing coding classrooms, developing coding curricula, improving teacher’s coding instruction skills, advancing coding skills for technology and digital innovation among teachers and students while also raising awareness about coding and its practical applications among parents and the public.
Mr. Prasert have also met with local entrepreneurs participating in the ‘Digital Content-Driven E-Commerce Workshop: a practical training program aimed at increasing sales through digital content’ under the CONNEXION project, which aims to enhance digital knowledge and skills for community business operators selling products and services within Phuket and the Andaman Southern region. This workshop provides insights on how to utilize digital content to effectively boost sale on E-Commerce through practical training on various techniques including photography, storytelling, live selling, setting up stores in Social Commerce platforms like TikTok and Facebook while also applying online trade data from Thailand’s leading e-marketplace platform known as eTailligence to apply in making marketing related decisions. The ultimate goal is to promote local products and online services, creating new digital content creators and micro-influencers to support the growth of the tourism sector.
Lastly, Mr.Prasert with his team engaged in discussion with local vendors, market executives, and digital startups at Chillva Market 2 as part of the ‘Model Market for Sustainable Development’ under the Transform: New-normal Market which promotes the application of digital technology from digital startups and service providers to market operators, small businesses, and street vendors. The ultimate goals enhance business management, increase revenue, reduce expenses, and create new ways to reach consumers.
“The following visit to monitor various projects implemented by depa aligns with the MDES’s plan of driving the digital economy and society, known as The Growth Engine of Thailand. Focusing on enhancing digital capabilities to create a competitive advantage for the country, ensuring the security and stability of the digital economy and digital society while also enhancing the digital potential of the nation’s human resources. These initiatives aim to support SMEs, small business owners, and vendors to promote new digital startups, and develop region into an attractive smart city for Digital Nomads, alongside boosting the tourism sector in the Phuket province and the Andaman Southern region. Additionally, we are promoting the development of coding skills and essential digital skills for the future among students and teachers, which will play a crucial role in advancing the country’s digital economy in the long-term.” stated the Minister of Digital Economy and Society.