Digital development for Thai SMEs
The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), United Overseas Bank (UOB), and The FinLab have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a Smart Business Transformation programme aimed at helping Thai SMEs with digital development.
The Smart Business Transformation programme is the first of its kind in Thailand designed to help SMEs develop and deepen their digital capabilities. Through the programme, the SMEs will be able to tap into insights and practical guidance provided by DEPA, UOB (Thai) and The FinLab’s network of industry experts, mentors and technology leaders.
The DEPA recognises the increasing need and desire of Thai SMEs to plug into opportunities that have opened up in the region, by harnessing digital solutions. This is also in line with the recent Digital Government Plan 2017-2021 announced on March 8, whereby the Government aims to develop digital capabilities within all sectors, including agriculture, tourism, education, the medical profession, investment, disaster prevention and public administration, in order to drive economic and social progress.
Dr Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President and CEO of DEPA, said, “I believe that the digital transformation strategy for SMEs will be sustainable and will create benefits for everyone in the global digital market. Digital transformation will result in continued business growth despite economic challenges, by helping to reduce the costs of business, stimulating investment, boosting employment, and increasing revenues. This will help make our SMEs stronger and more future-ready.”
During the programme, selected SMEs will be guided by DEPA, UOB (Thai) and The FinLab as they identify problems in their businesses that can be resolved and processes that can be optimised with technology. As part of the programme, the selected SMEs will be equipped with the tools and knowledge required to innovate. Participating SMEs will also help with pilot implementation schemes that will help to develop future solutions.
Tan Choon Hin, President and CEO of UOB (Thai), said, “At UOB, we have been helping SMEs seize opportunities, overcome business challenges and benefit from the use of digital solutions for many years. Most recently, we launched UOB BizSmart, a cloud-based integrated digital solution that provides Thai SMEs with a simple and cost-effective way to manage their administrative processes. We also understand that for SMEs to undertake digital transformation successfully, they must first ensure that they have a business model that enables them to compete in the new operating environment. Under this new collective MOU, Thai SMEs will be able to connect with the right partners to help transform their business models and to acquire the technological know-how to improve their operational performance and enhance their customer experience.”
Felix Tan, Managing Director of The FinLab, said, “I am very excited to work with DEPA and UOB (Thai). Both organisations bring tangible value to the entire equation in helping identify the industries for which the programme will start. They will also make available resources such as industry experts and business mentors, grants and relevant banking and financial services to the participating SMEs and solution providers. The digital economy is set to grow by US$1 trillion in gross domestic product by 2025 here in ASEAN alone and I am very happy to have the support and commitment from DEPA and UOB to help SMEs in Thailand start their transformational journey.”