Tech for social good in Thailand 4.0

Thailand is in the midst of a tech revolution.

Unveiled in 2016, Thailand 4.0 is an economic initiative aimed at making the country Industry 4.0-ready. To defeat middle-income and inequality traps and develop Thailand into a dynamic, high-income nation, the initiative has four key objectives:

• Economic prosperity: To create a value-based economy that is driven by innovation, technology, and creativity
• Social well-being: To build a society that moves forward without leaving anyone behind
• Raising human values: To push Thailand into the top 50 of the Human Development Index within 20 years
• Environmental protection: To do everything sustainably

To fulfill these objectives, Thailand’s economy is shifting from relying on simple manufacturing to pioneering products and solutions through research and innovation.

Economic progress, but….

The signs are good for the first key objective.

Thai firms are optimistic about using technology. A survey conducted by the Asia IoT Business Platform shows that 89% of companies in Thailand are ready to look into and implement internet of things (IoT) solutions. This number compares favorably with its ASEAN neighbors Malaysia (86%), Indonesia (83%), and the Philippines (80%).

The Thai people have also embraced technology. According to the Global Digital Report 2019, Thailand leads global rankings in internet banking service access, with 74% of internet users using mobile banking. The country is also ranked fifth in ecommerce, with 80% of Thais having bought something online.

Additionally, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society revealed that among ASEAN member nations, Thailand’s ecommerce grew the most in 2018, estimating that industry value was expected to increase to 3.2 trillion baht (US$101.4 billion).

But what about the social goals? Inequality remains an issue, with high spending on education not yielding results. A Credit Suisse report also shows that Thailand has the largest wealth gap in the world, with the 1% richest controlling 67% of the country’s wealth.

Evidently, there’s still work to be done.

Understand how tech can make a difference

There are many opportunities to effect real positive social change in Thailand through tech.

Deloitte, in collaboration with Tech in Asia, will be hosting Technology and Thailand 4.0: Empowering Social Good on June 20 in Bangkok.

Attendees will get to hear from experts as they discuss technology’s vast potential to spur social good in Thailand.

This event is free of charge, and refreshments will be provided. Click on the button below to register. Applications close on June 14.

As this is an invitation-only event, accepted applicants will be notified by email.

Event Details

Date: June 20, 2019 (Thursday)
Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Location: The Great Room – Unit A, 26th floor Gaysorn Tower, 127 Ratchadamri Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330