MCOT joins ETDA to create innovative ‘WHAM’ platform

Kematat Paladesh, MCOT president, said the collaboration is in line with the Thailand 4.0 policy on developing a creativity and innovation-driven economy that will help the country shift from a middle to a high-income one with the implementation of productive growth engines and collaborative network strategies.
“Recognising the importance of digital content and platform development, MCOT, in its capacity as a state media organisation, is joining ETDA to develop the digital platform ‘WHAM’ for Thais. ‘WHAM’ will offer a wide range of entertainment content with a focus on music for the younger generation. This collaboration also extends to the area of human-resource development between the two organisations,” Kematat said.
Surangkana Wayuparb, executive director and CEO of ETDA, said the memorandum of understanding on the management and rights for “WHAM” aims raise awareness and understanding on “creative commons” and intellectual property protection to promote ecommerce in the digital content industry.
“The MoU reflects the collaboration between government agencies in leveraging emerging technologies to develop media innovation. The collaboration aims to set standards on technological security and prevent intellectual property infringement with a focus on developing ‘digital content’ that is disseminated through ‘WHAM’. In addition, the exchange of academic information, hands-on experience and technology related to data analytics management are included in this partnership,” Surangkana said. 
“As such, ETDA will support the development of ‘WHAM’, while MCOT will be responsible for developing and managing ‘digital content’ as a type of non-seasonal ecommerce as well as arranging activities on this platform.”
ETDA’s mission is to develop and promote safe and secure electronic transactions through the use of new technology to facilitate the provision of service in both private and public sectors in line with related laws and international standards. Its aim is to also conduct studies and research as well as develop information technologies and communications relating to electronic transactions. 
As for MCOT, its mission is to promote content creation to raise public awareness and project a positive image of Thailand through its media platforms to meet the needs of prospective target audiences.