Access to quality education remains a significant challenge in Thailand. According to UNICEF, while almost all Thai children enrol in primary school, only around 69% continue to upper secondary level.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated educational inequality, with remote learning requiring technology that many underprivileged children, particularly in remote areas, do not have access to.

Responding to this challenge, UOB Thailand, in partnership with the Thailand Collaboration for Education (TCFE), launched the UOB My Digital Space (MDS) programme in 2020 to help bridge this digital divide. The programme equips eight schools in remote areas across Thailand, including Chon Buri, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Lampang, Phayao, Sing Buri, Surat Thani, and Udon Thani, with computer rooms and online learning resources focused on mathematics, science, and English.

To ensure that teachers can effectively integrate the digital resources into their lessons, the MDS programme partners with organisations like the Teach for Thailand Foundation, which trains teachers to lead the digital shift, and the career-advisory platform, a-chieve, which provides tools to enhance students’ life skills. Prawit Singruang, Director of Bophloiratchadapisek School in Kanchanaburi, noted that the MDS programme has brought a transformative impact to his school, which received 40 computers, digital courses, and teacher support.

“Through Teach for Thailand’s support, I’ve learned how to better connect with students, understand their needs, and tailor activities for them. The support staff and well-designed digital courses have been instrumental as we adjust to the new learning experience,” Mr Prawit shared.