'Fantastic innovations in bloom' as expo kicks off
The Thailand Innovation and Design Expo kicked off at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre with the theme "Fantastic Innovations in Bloom at TIDE".
The annual event, which ends on Sunday, was organised by the Commerce Ministry’s Department of International Trade (DITP) to showcase the very best in Thai innovations and design work.
There are more than 1,000 works on display from across 10 industries to inspire entrepreneurs, thinkers, designers and innovators across Thailand.
It is also aimed at preparing the country for integration into the Asean Economic Community and highlighting Thailand’s design and innovation capability, as the country continues its transformation into a hub of value-added innovation.
Deputy Commerce Minister Suvit Maesincee said the core elements in economic and trade growth are the private sector and entrepreneurship.
In creating a society of entrepreneurs, the public sector needs to nurture an entrepreneurial mindset among people nationwide – including students and the public. The government must also assist businesses in developing their competitive capacity – especially among SMEs.
TIDE is a prominent stage for entrepreneurs, thinkers, designers and innovators in Thailand, providing them with the opportunity to show their potential and promote Thai design and innovation work for the world to see.
The event also showcases eco-friendly products and the winners of various private- and public-sector awards and certifications.
"We hope to make TIDE an event that educates and enlightens Thais on the nature of design and innovation," he said.
TIDE is a collaboration among various public and private organisations, including the Intellectual Property Department, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research, National Innovation Agency, Chulalongkorn Institute of Intellectual Property and Eat & East.
These organisations are facilitators of the learning process for SMEs, assisting them in the development of creative works and thus accelerating Thailand’s overall economic growth.
The Commerce Ministry sits further down the process as a driver of market expansion to generate revenue from these products and for the country, which in turn will allow the world to see the fruits of Thai wisdom.
The 2015 edition of TIDE features 371 leading companies across 400 booths. Over 1,000 pieces of work are displayed on 8,936 square metres of floor space. About 15,000 visitors are expected, generating at least the same business dealings and retail sales as last year.
