depa generates over 27 mln baht by driving digital economy in three provinces

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 3 -- Thailand's Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), through the Smart Economy Showcase project, has generated over 27 million baht (RM3.4 million) of economic value by driving the digital economy in three pilot provinces.

Following this achievement in Ubon Ratchathani, Songkhla, and Phitsanulok, the agency plans to expand digital technology applications to entrepreneurs across Thailand.

In a statement, depa president and chief executive officer Assistant Prof Dr Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin said through the activities done thus far, it has developed a database of 1,560 entrepreneurs encompassing small and medium enterprises as well as small entrepreneurs (micro-entrepreneurs).

"Ninety digital startups joined the events while 3,857 entrepreneurs participated in the activities to upskill their digital technology and innovation capability, and 8,951 participants joined this project,” he said.

Nuttapon said the agency will evaluate the results of activities organised in the past year to plan future activities to promote the use and application of digital technology and innovation throughout Thailand.

He said depa could not successfully run the project without the collaboration and support from all entrepreneurs as well as government and private sectors.

“We aim to support local entrepreneurs and people in the area to upskill and develop their knowledge and ability in applying technology to reduce cost and enhance business competitiveness and quality of life.

“This showcase allows both public and private sectors to have better access to suitable digital technology and innovation,” he said.

Nuttapon said the agency had brought 90 Thai digital startups together with entrepreneurs and created space for them to consult and do the business matching.

“This activity allowed the Thai digital startups to learn the main concerns and requirements from the entrepreneurs or the real technology users.

“We believe this will be a remarkable step that integrates all related sectors in developing the right digital ecosystem towards Smart City, for the prosperity and sustainability of our digital economy and society that will happen very soon,” he added.

-- BERNAMA