UOB Thailand has expanded its UOB My Digital Space (MDS) program to benefit 4,000 students across six provinces, increasing from 3 to 6 schools, spanning Kanchanaburi, Surat Thani, Khon Kaen, Chonburi, Phayao, and Lampang. The flagship regional education program aims to bridge the digital divide, ensuring students in disadvantaged areas have the necessary tools to succeed in a digital future and contribute meaningfully to the growth and prosperity of ASEAN.
This enhanced initiative also encompasses financial literacy and career guidance, reinforcing UOB's commitment to nurturing human capital for a future-ready ASEAN. Mr. Tan Choon Hin, President and CEO of UOB, emphasised, "Through the UOB My Digital Space program, in addition to enhancing access to education, we instil financial literacy from an early age as we actively contribute to building ASEAN's future. By integrating technology into education, we prepare the next generation with the skills needed for the digital age—critical thinking, digital literacy, and problem-solving—demonstrating our belief in advancing ASEAN's people and showcasing the pivotal role financial institutions play in our communities' advancement. It is a cornerstone of our strategy to ensure today's youth can thrive in the future economy."
This expansion of the UOB MDS program responds timely to the digital education gap highlighted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022, advocating for robust digital resources and qualified teaching staff as critical to e-learning success, with students engaged in digital learning showing marked improvement.
Ms. Kanokwan Chowsri, Director of Thailand Collaboration for Education (TCFE), Yuvabadhana Foundation, stated, "Through the enhanced UOB My Digital Space program, we have integrated financial literacy and career guidance into our digital education framework, empowering students to make informed decisions about their futures, leveraging technology for both academic success and personal development."
The program’s commitment extends to empowering educators in high-need areas with modern teaching methods. Mr. Prawit Singrung, a school director in Kanchanaburi, attested to the initiative’s transformative impact, noting significant improvements in student engagement and performance thanks to the new digital learning resources.
Mr. Singrung, a school director at Bo Phloi Ratchadapisek School in Kanchanaburi province, one of the new schools benefiting from the UOB My Digital Space program, expressed gratitude for UOB Thailand’s support in providing the school with a digital learning room equipped with new computers, a digital learning curriculum, and two teachers from Teach For Thailand. He noted positive outcomes in students’ enjoyment of learning and academic achievements, also highlighting the support for teachers in preparing and delivering improved classes.