Over 300,000 participants are expected to visit the second annual Digital Thailand Big Bang (DTBB), says the digital economy and society (DE) minister.
The five-day event, running from Wednesday to next Sunday, will emphasise how big data will be the new driver of the country, whether in macroeconomics, education, infrastructure or across industry sectors. It will also showcase digital innovations that are crucial for transforming Thailand into a digital economy in accordance with the government's Thailand 4.0 policies.
The DTBB takes its name from the use of big data and will take place at Impact Muang Thong Thani complex, with 60,000 square metres of exhibition area.
Participants can discover different fields of advanced technologies and learn how big data can be integrated and used to improve everyday life as well enhancing businesses' growth.
DE Minister Pichet Durongkaveroj said the first DTBB held last year was the biggest event in Southeast Asia, with 240,000 participants. He believes DTBB 2018 is even more comprehensive as the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa) has partnered with more than 500 state and private agencies from 12 countries and digital startup companies for this event.
Mr Pichet said that digital transformation starts with the construction of nationwide digital infrastructure and the promotion of e-commerce to create revenue, improve quality of life, health, learning and access to government services.
Many large-scale Thai government projects transform Thailand's economy in order to make the country a leader for trade and investment. Among these is digital innovation and development in the region that will be showcased at DTBB, such as smart city, coding nation, digital transformation and digital park Thailand.
DTBB is important because it raises awareness about the benefits of adopting digital technology to drive the economy and society, and to prepare Thais for the digital era.
"Not only will it accelerate the economic growth according to Thailand 4.0 policies, digital economy and digital transformation is the way to transform the Thai economy, freeing Thailand from the middle income trap," said Mr Pichet.
This year, Depa also organised Digital Thailand Big Bang Regional 2018 during July-August in Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai, Rayong and Songkhla. Each province attracted around 100,000 visitors. The event was aimed at boosting awareness of digital technology among locals in all regions by letting the people experience advanced digital technology.
Depa president Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin said it has prepared ultimate digital technology with 10 hot trends and 29 highlights for visitors at the DTBB 2018. One of the DTBB 2018 innovations will be presented by NASA, a pioneering organisation in the future of space exploration, presents scientific discoveries and research in aerospace.
DTBB 2018 features seminars held by world-class gurus such as Ray Chan, co-founder and chief executive of 9GAG.com, who will host "The secret to success of 9GAG", and Kosuke Sogo, co-founder and chief executive of AnyMind Group, the fastest growing AI in Asia, who will present on the close relationship between big data and digital marketing.
DTBB is a collaboration of over 100 government and private sectors and international partners from 12 countries, including China, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Poland, Indonesia, Singapore, the US, Vietnam, Nepal, India and Israel.
The event aims to benefit Thailand's image and digital economy in eight categories:
Cloud computing innovation.
The development of infrastructure that will make Thailand an information hub through digital technology such as submarine cable and satellites.
Big data changes.
Future technologies like emerging technology and innovations from more than 800 digital innovators.
Opportunities in information that leads to enormous changes in blockchain.
New educational system.
Stepping forward with seven smart cities ready become Asean hosts in 2019.
Youth competition in digital technology.
