Mushroom Television Co, a subsidiary of Bangkok Post Plc, has branched out its seminar, roadshow and business matching activities into Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV) in a bid to strengthen the network for Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The company expects to generate 16 million baht from the CLMV expansion, representing 10% of this year's revenue target, said chief executive Akarat Nitibhon.
"SMEs play a major part in driving the country's economy today. It's the right time to educate Thai SMEs to discover opportunities in neighbouring countries, thanks to the high potential of many fields such as property, tourism and travel, restaurant, retail and technology," he said.
The company's so-called academy business comprises seminars, roadshows and business-matching activities for SMEs. It is one of Mushroom's seven business units, most of which centre around content and TV programme production.
Mr Akarat said Thailand's SMEs are estimated to grow over 5% this year while SME business growth in CLMV is over 7.6%, indicating enormous opportunities for Thai SMEs domestically and regionally.
After expanding the academy business into nearby countries, Mr Akarat said there will be roadshows and seminars be held in CLMV, using the successful talk show model of the popular TV programme Ayu Noi Roi Lan, or "100 million and Young".
Mr Akarat said the CLMV trips will include business matching to share business knowledge and experience with business people in CLMV.
The cost to join Mushroom's exclusive business matching trips in CLMV is 49,500 baht.
SME training seminars under the Ayu Noi Roi Lan banner are part of Mushroom's business diversification policy. The company hopes its academy will generate 36 million baht this year, of which 20 million baht will come from domestic operations and 16 million baht from CLMV.
He said there are vast business opportunities in CLMV countries as people earn more money, thanks to their improving economies.
If Thai SMEs don't know where to invest in CLMV countries, Mushroom's academy business will suggest some investment alternatives in property, travel and tourism, restaurant, retail and technology for them.
"Supporting Thai SMEs is not only good for our business but also benefit the country's overall output, as they are one of fastest-growing segments in Thailand," Mr Akarat said. Mushroom plans to hold at least three seminars in CLMV this year.