MDES On-Site Inspection of Thailand Digital Valley Project Progress and Consultation with Private Sector on Advancing the Country's Digital Ecosystem

Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong, Minister of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, accompanied by his dedicated team, visited the Thailand Digital Valley project in Si Racha district, recognized for its pivotal role in shaping Thailand's digital ecosystem. Upon their arrival, they received a warm welcome from Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmaphatcharin, President/CEO of depa accompanied by management executives and staff, as well as top-level executives from the private sector.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon unveiled the strategic vision for the Thailand Digital Valley project as the critical hub of design, development, analysis, and experimentation of cutting-edge digital technologies and innovations within the Southeast Asian region, positioning it as the ASEAN Digital Hub. This initiative will bring in a profound transformative change to Thailand, empowering Thai citizens to proudly step onto the global stage. Opening up new avenues for international trade by offering the role of technology owners with strong collaborative partnerships, all while encouraging and facilitating investment through diverse mechanisms.

Thailand Digital Valley will establish connections among digital startups that offer digital products or services with cutting-edge technology, promoting the exchange of experiences in technology and digital innovation development within the digital startup community. These exchanges will encompass a wide array of technologies, including hardware and smart devices, big data, IoT, AI, software convergence, and cloud innovation. Such exchange support country's business ecosystem and enhance its exports, leading to practical utilization in both the real world and virtual reality. Digital services will be formed and tailored to various lifestyles and industries. Furthermore, Thailand Digital Valley will provide a platform in areas such as Digital Content, Animation, Game, and E-SPORTS, creating an environment conducive to trade and investment, all while nurturing the growth of a global trade cooperation hub. The complex comprises of five buildings, spanning a total usable area of 100,000 square meters, including depa Digital One Stop Service, Digital Startup Knowledge Exchange Center, Digital Innovation Center, Digital Edutainment Complex, and Digital Go Global Center.

"Most recently, the construction of the Digital Startup Knowledge Exchange Center (project's second building) has been successfully completed with full occupancy, scheduled to commence its service by the end of this year. This center is expected to become a thriving community that gathers the most digital startups and digital enthusiasts in Thailand. Additionally, serving as the hub for various digital innovations. depa envisions this building to be a crucial gathering space for digital knowledge exchange and networking, conducive to the further development of digital startups. Furthermore, high-ranking executives from Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co. Ltd. have been closely monitoring the development of the Thailand Digital Valley project, including the advancements in the Digital Innovation Center building, which is highly anticipated to reach completion in 2024, dedicated to the development of AI and Cloud. Huawei has expressed its unwavering commitment to participate in the Thailand Digital Valley project following discussions in Shanghai, People's Republic of China." depa's President/CEO mentioned.

Following that, Mr. Prasert engaged in discussions with Mr. David Li, Chief Executive Officer of Huawei Technologies (Thailand), Mr. Sam Tanskul, Managing Director of Krungsri Finnovate Co., Ltd., Mr. Apirut Vanchaam, Chief Digital Officer at SCG Digital under the Thai Cement Public Co., Ltd., Mr. Sutthirak Prasupma, Assistant Managing Director of Public Sector Business Group and Ms. Sudaporn Chaiphumskul Assistant Managing Director at Krungthai Bank. Together, they explored strategic pathways to excel Thailand's digital ecosystem towards becoming a fully-fledged digital economy and society soon.

Mr. Prasert stated that the Thailand Digital Valley project is on track for completion by 2025, and it will serve as a vital digital ecosystem area for Thailand. Moreover, it will play a pivotal role in elevating the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) development zone. depa is committed to diligently execute the strategic laid-out plans to instill confidence among investors both from within the country and internationally.

"In the executive discussions, the team has reached a unanimous consensus on the pressing national issue of the scarcity in digital workforce. In the past, the MDES and depa have undertaken a collaboration with relevant agencies and educational institutions to attract digital talent in fields with shortages into the Thai economic system. Simultaneously, upon the completion of Thailand Digital Valley project, it will expect to significantly enhance the availability of digital talents to effectively address industry's demand. This progress is anticipated to create more than 20,000 digital jobs in the region. Furthermore, the meeting delved into strategies for driving the country's digital economy forward, MDES stands ready to receive valuable feedback and recommendations from the private sector. The Thailand Digital Valley project, coupled with collaborations from private sector, constitute a pivotal step in fortifying the core engines that drive Thailand's digital economy, particularly in terms of Thailand Competitiveness. By elevating the nation's capabilities to nurture competitiveness which will play an indispensable role in development of Thailand's digital economy in the forthcoming phase." stated the Minister of MDES.