November 18, 2021, Bangkok – The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) teamed up with partners in the public and private sectors to launch Thailand’s megaproject called “HACKaTHAILAND” to promote digital literacy and sharpen digital skills for the public, aiming to help revive the Thai economy battered by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. A series of digital-driven, online and offline exhibitions will be held to showcase advanced digital technologies and innovations. Meanwhile, the “Hackathon” ideation stage is in place for millennials, new-generation digital citizens, and digital natives to brainstorm and discuss solutions as the viable digital solutions will be further developed to deal with national problems to move forward the country’s development of digital economy and society. It is expected to generate an economic impact of more than 500 million baht.
H.E. Mr. Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, Minister of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), said the COVID-19 pandemic is the key factor that has accelerated multiple changes and transformations in all aspects and dimensions in Thailand as digital technology is playing an important role in people’s lifestyles. Therefore, the MDES gears up to reskill and upskill people, which are regarded as an important resource for future development of the country.
“The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) has given priority to providing digital-related knowledge and upskilling people in the digital field. So, the depa has initiated the HACKaTHAILAND project under the concept of New Normal: Digital Possibilities to promote digital knowledge and give people of all segments in society access to knowledge as well as leveling up essential digital skills. It is fundamental to move the country forward to the fully fledged digital economy and society with consistent growth and sustainability to align with the Thailand Digital Economy and Society Development Plan.” Mr. Chaiwut said.
Asst.Prof.Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO of depa, said the HACKaTHAILAND project was initiated in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, the depa, and partners in the public and private sectors. The project aims to raise awareness about the importance of having digital literacy and competency as well as providing digital skills development for all people, including newly graduated students, unemployed people, entrepreneurs in each industry, digital content developers and creators who are enthusiastic about leveraging the digital knowledge to advance their professional skills, interested students, university students, and general people. It is also a preparation for economic structural changes and new-normal lifestyles after the end of COVID-19.
Asst.Prof.Dr. Nuttapon explained that the HACKaTHAILAND project comprises three main correlated sessions: 1HACKaTHAILAND Learning Platform; 2HACKaTHAILAND Competition & 3Beyond HACKaTHAILAND; and HACKaTHAILAND Hybrid Exhibition. The HACKaTHAILAND Learning Platform is a free e-learning activity via an online platform created for interested people in general. All learners will receive an online certificate after completing each lesson. The HACKaTHAILAND Learning Platform is scheduled to commence November 18, 2021. Participants who finished the e-learning session have a chance to form a team for joining the HACKaTHAILAND Competition & Beyond HACKaTHAILAND, which is a 168-hr Hackathon competition to find top 10 teams that have the potential to jointly tackle national problems. The digital solutions and innovations created during the competition will be further developed and undergo real-world utilization in relevant agencies for one month after finishing the competition.
The public, entrepreneurs, and investors will be able to have hands-on experience in digital solutions and innovations as well as digital-enhanced knowledge at the innovative HACKaTHAILAND Hybrid Exhibition, showcasing a range of digital knowledge and advanced digital technologies and innovations in the future, including the demonstration of digital technologies and innovations created by leading digital and tech companies, digital startups as well as thought-provoking activities, digital-inspired workshops to improve digital skills, Job Fest for chance of employments, business matching session, drone contest, and performances and entertainments by Gen Z. The HACKaTHAILAND Hybrid Exhibition is available online and offline and is scheduled for February 21 to March 13, 2022. The onsite exhibition takes place at the Legend Siam and Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, covering a combined exhibition space of 6,000 sqm in Pattaya, Chonburi. It also takes place at key landmarks in the East that are popular among Thai travelers and foreign visitors.
“The “HACKaTHAILAND” project will enhance digital readiness across organizations and segments in society in preparation for the digital transformation. It plays a crucial role in accelerating the shift toward the digital economy and society and boosting post-COVID-19 economic recovery. The project will help promote digital literacy and tech skills for the people and entrepreneurs as the country is moving towards the digital economy and society as it is an initiative to boost confidence in the country’s preparedness for serving as the hub for digital technologies and innovations in Southeast Asia or ASEAN Digital Hub. The depa expects the HACKaTHAILAND project to create an economic impact of more than 500 million baht with the number of participants in the HACKaTHAILAND Learning Platform expected to reach 5,000 people. The number of visitors to the HACKaTHAILAND Hybrid Exhibition both online and offline platforms is expected at no less than 100,000 people throughout the 21-day innovative exhibition, while works and solutions innovated by top 10 teams in the HACKaTHAILAND Competition & Beyond HACKaTHAILAND will be used as real-world problem-solving solutions for the benefits of society and the country,” depa’s CEO said.
At the same time, there was a special lecture on the topic of new agriculture from Mr. Shahkrit Yamnam, a famous actor, and a special talk on the topic of opening the HACKaTHAILAND Online Learning course with Mr.Chatchai Khunpitiluck Senior Executive Vice President of depa and representatives from The Artificial Intelligence Association of Thailand, Thai Game Software Industry Association, Thailand Tech Startup Association, Thai IoT Association, Drone Assembly of Thailand, The Agricultural Technology Association, Thai Animation and Computer Graphics Association, Thai Webmaster Association and CJ Worx Co., Ltd.
Interested people can stay updated with all the latest news and information about the HACKaTHAILAND project, visit www.hackathailand.com or Facebook: HACKaTHAILAND and Line OA: @depaThailand