In the digital era, technologies such as cloud computing, 5G, and AI are helping all industries to improve efficiency and productivity. Digital technologies have become the key driver for Thailand’s economic growth and competitiveness.
Therefore, the global tech powerhouse Huawei recently organised one of the most highly-anticipated tech fairs of the year, dubbed “Powering Digital Thailand 2022: Huawei Cloud & Connect”. Held from 17-19 November 2021, the fair helped industry leaders explore and showcase how new technologies are being applied to unlock new potential, markets, and business models.
Mr. Abel Deng, Chief Executive Officer, Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said: “We carry on the same theme for the second year to echo Thailand’s vision to become the ASEAN digital hub.”
Thailand is in the lead position for 5G adoption and infrastructure in ASEAN with 4.2 million 5G-based consumers and a significant uptake of 5G technology among various industries, according to Huawei. Thailand's 5G usage is forecast to gather steam next year, with 5G adoption reaching 16% of the country's population in 2022.
Due to the global pandemic which has brought about massive disruption to individuals, businesses and society, 2021 has seen many challenges as well as opportunities. The pandemic has accelerated digital transformation in the Asia Pacific region. According to a survey of Thailand’s digital profile in 2020 and 2021, e-commerce has increased from 37% to 76%, and the ratio of people who work remotely has risen from 17% to 30%.
Mr. Deng said: “We hope we can use 5G, cloud, AI, and digital power to digitalise Thai’s economy and support the country’s economic recovery, digital transformation and sustainable development.”
Most importantly, he said, low-carbon development has become an urgent task for all societies and it has led to new requirements for the digital power industry.
“Huawei envisions four key areas to forge a low-carbon digital ecosystem for Thailand,” said Mr. Deng.
First, Huawei will keep expanding Thailand's 5G coverage and large-scale 5G adoption to bring substantial economic value.
Second, Huawei will support Thailand to strengthen its digital platform and data security with Huawei Cloud, which is currently the only cloud service provider with a local data centre on the Thai market with over 300 Thai partners and a 3,500 marketplace offerings.
Third, Huawei will forge a low-carbon Thailand, using 30 years of experience in digital power solutions. As Thailand is the first ASEAN country to commit to carbon neutrality by 2050, the nation is a key strategic market for Huawei's digital power and, with Huawei Digital Power BU APAC HQ located in Bangkok, a crucial power trading hub for Southeast Asia.
Lastly, Huawei will work with all partners and local universities to cultivate a thriving innovation and talent ecosystem in Thailand. According to a report, the total demand for digital talent in Thailand will exceed 1 million by 2030. Therefore, Huawei is offering multiple programmes focused on ecosystem platforms and digital talent cultivation, for example, 5G Ecosystem Innovation Center with over 100 partners, Huawei ASEAN Academy with over 40,000 ICT talents and SMEs in two years, and the Seeds for the Future Program with more than 215 students since 2008.
Mr. Deng said that technology should be developed for greater social value and people’s wellbeing in accordance with Huawei’s mission to “Grow in Thailand, Contribute to Thailand” for the past 22 years.
“We have helped Thailand fight the pandemic since the early outbreak by donating medical supplies and technology solutions such as AI-assisted diagnosis and 5G telemedicine,” he said.
“As part of our digital inclusion vision, we also worked with the Ministry of Labour to promote employment of disabled people as well as launching a digital village project to provide smart classroom solutions to promote remote education.”
Mr. Deng concluded, “In the long term, the development of a robust ICT infrastructure will help enhance Thailand’s competitiveness and drive its economy, society and environment. It is an important factor in supporting Thailand’s ability to become a regional economic powerhouse and low-carbon leader in the future.”
