On April 27 2023, Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (Office of the NBTC), in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Ministry of Digital Economy & Society, hosted the Girls in ICT Thailand 2023 conference to provide opportunities for young women and girls (ages 12-24) to develop digital skills in the STEM field.
Clinical Professor Dr. Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, Chairman of the NBTC, had the honour of delivering a special speech and presiding over the opening ceremony of the conference. In addition, Mr. Notachard Chintakanond, Executive Director of International Affairs Bureau, Office of the NBTC, gave a report on Girls in ICT Day activities and the role of NBTC in promoting access to technology for young women in various international forums. This conference took place at the Grand Ballroom of the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Bangkok.
Girls in ICT Day is an initiative that allows young women and girls to develop skills in digital and information and communication technology (ICT) professions. Since 2001, more than 377,000 girls and young women have participated in Girls in ICT Day celebrations held in over 171 countries, allowing them to engage in more than 11,400 events worldwide. According to the latest data from the ITU, women make up 57 percent of internet users, compared to men at 62 percent. The ITU has been continuously promoting and organising Girls in ICT Day to improve digital and ICT skills for young girls and women. The theme for Girls in ICT Thailand 2023 is "Digital Skills for Life!" to promote continuous learning of STEM for youths, especially girls. The celebration also aims to develop their digital skills and raise their awareness of safe and useful ICT practices. Office of the NBTC, Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, and ITU will host activities and offer training programs throughout the year.
This year, Girls in ICT Thailand 2023 featured various exciting activities. One of the activities is meeting with the Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of Thailand, Kingdom of Cambodia and Lao PDR to share personal experience and perspective in order to inspire young people and girls who attended the conference.
Office of the NBTC also invited two influencers, namely Ms. Amanda Chalisa Obdam, Miss Universe Thailand 2020; and Ms. Kanticha Chumma or "Ticha", the winner of The Face Thailand Season 2. Both influencers shared their knowledge, inspiration and experience on how to use ICT in their professions.
Furthermore, there were various presentations by partner organisations, such as Ms. Gita Sabharwal from the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Thailand (UNRCO), representatives from the Ministry of Education, United Nations (UN), Asia-Pacific Telecommunity, United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), and various educational institutions.
