Pace set to pick up on digital projects
THE Ministry of Digital Economy and Society will push for many projects to get off the ground this year as part of its efforts to propel Thailand more fully into the digital age.
The minister, Pichet Durongkaveroj, said that among these plans are the development of a test bed for 5G mobile applications and, to support technology startups more broadly, a cyber port initiative.
Pichet made the remarks yesterday at an event, “Future Economy and Internet Governance: Big Change to Big Chance”, hosted by the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (Public Organisation) (ETDA) at the Siam Paragon shopping complex. The three-day event kicked off yesterday.
He said that the ministry would set up the 5G mobile application test bed lab at Digital Park in Si Racha. The move will help equip Thailand for the country’s transition from the current 4G telecommunications landscape to the incoming 5G era, the minister said.
Pichet said the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is considering allocating some spectrum bands for the 5G testing at the planned test bed.
Once the plan has made progress, the ministry will invite related state and private parties to support the development of the test bed. Any of the state and private agencies will be able to use the facility.
Pichet said that he would finish formulating the entire concept of the cyber port within two months. He wants to get it off the ground before the end of this year. The cyber port could be set up in Si Racha or any other suitable location.
It will be a centre where startups can get support on a one-stop basis, ranging from coaching and funding to their participation in a connected ecosystem.
The ministry has reportedly sought collaboration with Hong Kong Cyberport for help on establishing a version of the technology-promoting concept in Thailand.
Hong Kong Cyberport has been developed as an innovative digital community that now hosts 1,000 digital tech companies. It is committed to incubating the proposals of young people, startups and entrepreneurs in order to advance their growth in the digital industry.
In a related matter, Surangkana Wayuparb, executive director and CEO of the ETDA, said that the event now under way has received a high level of cooperation from the public and private sectors, both nationally and internationally. More than 5,000 visitors are expected over the three days, drawn to exhibitions, showcases and seminars.
Thailand has a target for the digital economy to account for 25 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2018, according to Surangkana.
According to the Asean Economic Community Strategy Centre of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the digital economy was expected to account for 16.6 per cent of the Bt13 trillion national GDP in 2017.
