Advanced Info Service (AIS), the country's biggest mobile operator by subscribers, says it aims to become the most attractive IT and telecom company for Thais the next couple of years, attracting tech talent to help move the country forward in the digital era.
The move is part of the company's venture into its fourth decade of operations, starting on Oct 2. The telecom giant, which was founded Oct 1, 1990, will hold a press conference on Oct 1 to mark the anniversary and outline its future mission.
The company is adjusting its organisational working structure as a way to meet the target, including salary, career path, staff incentives and working environment, said AIS chief executive Somchai Lertsutiwong.
"AIS aims to become an organisation for all Thais through its role as a digital life service provider," said Mr Somchai.
He unveiled a 219-page pocket book yesterday called 30 years of AIS -- Ordinary that is Extraordinary.
The sales proceeds from the 250-baht book are donated to charity.
The book tells the journey of the company throughout its 30 years, with Mr Somchai as storyteller.
He began working in Shinawatra Computer and Communication in 1989 as a computer salesman. This company was then renamed Shin Corp and later on InTouch Holding, which is the parent firm of AIS.
"My career path has seen me grow from an ordinary routine worker to chief executive in 2014," said Mr Somchai.
He said the book tells the story of the company and the telecom business, and is expected to inspire a new generation to learn about AIS's management decision-making and vision.
Through 30 years of operation, the company has generated 915 billion baht for the state and spent 1.1 trillion baht on investment, said Mr Somchai.
Of the 915 billion baht, 292 billion was provided as revenue sharing; 202 billion was the value of assets transferred under concession; 171 billion was paid as income tax; 203 billion went to frequency licence auctions; and 47 billion was for numbering and licence fees.
"AIS will bring its technology, expertise and capabilities to help revive the country, giving strength and hope to Thais to stand strong on their feet again," he said.
One example is the AIS LearnDi app, which provides online classes that the public can use to gain new technology knowledge and skills, said Mr Somchai.
AIS plans to roll out a programme that supports its staff passing on their knowledge and skills to groups of 3-5 people, creating contemporary courses of instruction for Thais to learn and access for free.
The courses include online marketing, video editing, mobile app creation, blogging and graphic design. AIS has 13,000 staff, of whom 9,000 are full-time employees.
AIS plans to hire staff in data analytics and science, expanding the workforce from 70 to 200 by next year.