The digital era, Cloud, 5G and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are increasing operational efficiency for different industries across Thailand to a remarkable extent.
They are driving Thailand’s GDP, leading the country towards “digital economy” as well as preparing it to be the first Digital Hub in ASEAN.
The ‘POWERING DIGITAL THAILAND 2021 HUAWEI CLOUD & CONNECT’ conference, a collaboration between Huawei Technologies (Thailand) and Bangkok Post Public Company Limited, with more than 50 local partners participating, showcased how latest technologies provide new business opportunities, and envisioning a digital 2021 for Thailand.
Held at Centara Grand at Central World during November 11-14, 2020, the event welcomed over 4,500 participants, including distinguished guests from embassies and leading companies in all industries across Thailand. Participants were invited to explore business opportunities to exchange ideas and discuss the latest industrial and ICT technology trends along with applications and digital platforms.
Starting with welcome addresses by Worachai Bhicharnchitr, Vice-Chairman and Member of Executive Committee of the Bangkok Post, and Abel Deng from Huawei, CEO, Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co. Ltd., on 11 November, the event was attended by Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, Digital Economy and Society Minister Mr. Puttipong Punnakanta, Education Minister Mr. Nataphol Teepsuwan, and Labour Minister Mr. Suchart Chomklin.
The guest speakers pointed out the importance of technology to the Thai economy. They spoke of cooperation between government and private sectors as well as the role of Huawei in pushing forward Thai ICT innovation policy to comprehensively achieve the Thailand 4.0 goals.
Mr. Abel Deng said, “With its 21 years of service here, Huawei sees Thailand’s potential and advantages over other countries in the region. As an early responder in Cloud, AI, and 5G adoption, Thailand’s infrastructure is ready for intelligent transformation to become ASEAN’s first Digital Hub and achieve the government’s Thailand 4.0 strategy.”
Huawei Technologies (Thailand) has driven long-term, strategic investment in Cloud since 2018. As a provider of the unique Cloud Hub in Thailand, Huawei has implemented two consumer-centric data centres while planning to launch the third in 2021. The goal is to ensure more efficient usage of local data storage and bring in investments expected to amount to over 700 million baht.
Huawei aims to drive the Thai digital economy, expected to contribute 30% of the country’s GDP in 2030, through excellence in four core areas, namely:
• Connectivity Excellence Hub: Support Thailand to be the centre of connectivity, including 5G and ultra-broadband;
• Cloud Excellence Hub: With excellent cloud digital platform and local data centres;
• Digital ecosystem Excellence: Support EEC with 5G industrial clusters together with an innovation centre such as 5G EIC and high competency local system integrator;
• Digital Talent Hub: Increasing, upskilling and reskilling workforce in Thailand, including cultivating ICT talents.
Mr. Worachai Bhicharnchitr shared his thoughts on digital technology’s role in Thailand’s economic development.
“Since the initial impact of COVID-19, Thailand’s economy has improved considerably. Furthermore, Huawei’s leading technologies are helping accelerate the country’s recovery during these challenging times. In the long term, the development of robust ICT infrastructure that includes CLOUD, AI and 5G will enhance Thailand’s competitiveness and drive its economy, society, security, and education.”
Mr. Abel Deng disclosed that cloud computing, AI, and 5G will drive innovation across industries and will be important tools in reaching a better understanding of the needs of targeted consumers.
“The CLOUD, computing technologies and connectivity are crucial factors for strengthening the country’s digital economy, which could have a direct effect on a country’s GDP,” he said. “Huawei expects that a 20% increase in domestic investment in the ICT sector will drive at least 1% growth in the country’s GDP.
“HUAWEI is committed to driving diversity of computing architectures through continuous innovation in order to offer businesses the solutions they need in the current situation,” the CEO added. “HUAWEI will make the cloud ubiquitous and build all-scenario intelligence. Plus HUAWEI CLOUD AI will help industry upgrade intelligently according to three scenarios: simple repetition, expert experience, and multi-domain collaboration.”
During the ‘POWERING DIGITAL THAILAND 2021 HUAWEI CLOUD & CONNECT’ event, the company and its partners showed how cloud, 5G, and AI will empower the Thai digital economy in the following sessions:
• Redefining Infrastructure: The Exhibition zone presented updates in HUAWEI CLOUD, Computing, Data Storage, Intelligent Collaboration, IP Networks, Digital Power, Data Center, OptiX Network.
• Industry Digital Transformation: The industries that exhibited include Smart Transportation, Smart Campus, Finance, Retail, Internet, Healthcare, and Education.
• AI Experience: Showcase of how AI applications can assist the real economy and build a fully connected world once it becomes accessible to everyone.
• Partner Exhibition: Over 50 ecosystem partners from various industries, including True IDC, Metro Systems Corporation, Thai Blockchain Management and Happy Ventures, showcased their innovative solutions and shared their insights into digitalization.
• HUAWEI CLOUD Developer Contest: Developers in Thailand were invited to explore HUAWEI CLOUD capabilities and abundant services and create applications for Thai enterprises and society.
• Hands-on Lab: Event participants were welcomed to experience HUAWEI CLOUD service and utilities and get expert advice on Huawei solution architecture.
