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Bidra Innovation Ventures launches $50M Agritech Fund

Backed by both the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and the OCP Group, the Fund will invest an initial capital of $50 million over the next 5 years to back founders building technologies to sustainably feed a growing population.

SAN FRANCISCO, US – African Media Agency – 22 March 2022 – Bidra (Arabic for “seed”) is a new fund focused on identifying, nurturing and empowering bold, innovative solutions in agriculture around the globe. Launched with the support of UM6P and the OCP Group, a global leader in plant nutrition. Bidra is focused on being a dynamic partner in the global effort to sustainably feed the world’s growing population.

Based in San Francisco, California, Bidra will be initially equipped with 50 million Dollars to be invested over a period of 5 years. Bidra is a stand-alone fund operating independently whereby Bidra’s leadership is empowered to make investment decisions. The Fund is scheduled to begin operating as of April 1 2022. Bidra’s ambition is to have a tangible impact on agriculture by focusing on farmer solutions. In doing so, the Fund will cover areas such as crop inputs, digital agriculture services, and agri-market solutions.

In partnering with the most promising entrepreneurs in agriculture and alliances with innovative ventures, Bidra will prioritize disruptive, scalable start-ups and empower them to benefit from the stimulating environment, cutting-edge know-how, market access, established brand and historic experience of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and the OCP Group.

“I am thrilled to join Bidra at the most critical time in our industry. I’m thankful for UM6P’s initiative and their conviction in backing founders and technologies at the bleeding-edge in agriculture. Equally grateful I am to have industry stalwart like OCP Group as a backer. Having UM6P and OCP as sole investors ensures Bidra has the backing of patient capital and access to unparalleled resources”. said Amar Singh, President Bidra Innovation Ventures.

Mr Hicham El Habti, President of UM6P and Board Chair of Bidra added: “UM6P is dedicated to research and innovation and brings together a full innovation ecosystem comprised of the best researchers, first-class international academic and innovation partnerships, as well as several laboratories and capabilities to test and improve new technologies. We see Bidra’s partnerships with startups and the agricultural innovation ecosystem at large as key catalysts to achieving our objective to contribute to the transformation of agriculture towards greater sustainability.”

ABOUT Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)

The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is a hub of education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship, aspiring to become a solid bridge of knowledge between Morocco, Africa and the world.

Located in the “Mohammed VI Green City” in Benguerir, near Marrakech, with branches in Rabat and Laayoune, UM6P applies a “learning by doing” approach and develops sound partnerships with world-wide class universities, to promote leadership and training in focused research areas.

By contributing to the training of a new generation of researchers, entrepreneurs and leaders, UM6P is committed to positioning Morocco and Africa at the forefront of technology and human Sciences.

ABOUT OCP GROUP
The OCP Group helps feed a growing world population by providing it with essential elements for soil fertility and plant growth. With a century of expertise and a turnover of 9.4 billion dollars in 2021, the OCP Group is a global leader in plant nutrition solutions and the world’s largest producer of phosphate fertilizers. The Group offers a wide range of specialty phosphate fertilizers, adapted to enrich the soil, and increase agricultural yields to feed a growing world population efficiently and sustainably. Based in Morocco, and present on 5 continents, the OCP Group works closely with more than 350 clients around the world. Committed in particular to serving the environmental and social development of Africa, the OCP Group places innovation at the heart of its strategy, to expand and strengthen sustainable agriculture on the continent. The Group is firmly convinced that leadership and profitability go hand in hand with social responsibility and sustainable development. Its strategic vision is at the intersection of those two dimensions.

For more information

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Laos Government Cabinet Meeting to Solve Nine Issues Faced by the Nation

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone at the March Cabinet Meeting
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone at the March Cabinet Meeting.

The government of Laos began its two-day monthly cabinet meeting in Vientiane Capital yesterday to discuss various problems faced by the country.

Digital Leadership Online Program Announcement

Managers Drive Digital Transformation with New Wharton School Online Program

Philadelphia, PA – News Direct – 22 March 2022 – With today’s business landscape constantly changing and adapting to new technologies, it has become crucial for companies to embrace digital strategies. A new digital leadership education program from Wharton Online at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania seeks to equip leaders with the skills they need to drive success for their organization.

The Digital Leadership Certificate program consists of four courses, all of which can be completed 100% online. After completing the certificate, graduates will be better prepared to support digital transformation within their companies.

Why Is Digital Leadership Important?

According to McKinsey & Company, 93% of executives agree that the adoption of digital is crucial for meeting strategic goals. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and analytics are constantly evolving—and companies need to rethink how they are using these technologies in order to stay competitive. A study from BCG has shown that digitally mature companies achieve 1.8x higher earnings growth than companies who are lagging behind.

Individuals in leadership roles are uniquely positioned to help their organization embrace new ways of thinking. With the right approach, leaders and managers can overcome roadblocks to change and develop digital initiatives that support company goals.

“Brands have to be innovative in order to thrive in today’s online marketplaces, and much of this innovation comes directly from leaders and managers,” says Barbara Kahn, PhD, Patty and Jay H. Baker Professor and Professor of Marketing at the Wharton School.

What Is the Digital Leadership Program?

The Digital Leadership program was developed to help learners expand their leadership skills and become more digitally savvy in constantly changing business environments. It’s a great fit for early- to mid-career working professionals who want to grow their skillset and gain a competitive edge.

About the Courses

The Digital Leadership Certificate is made up of four courses:

These digital leadership courses are taught by four outstanding Wharton faculty members—Jonah Berger, Mauro Guillén, Kartik Hosanagar, and Barbara Kahn, PhD. These faculty members are leading researchers in areas such as marketing, brand management, social influence, and the digital economy.

“Our hope is that the Digital Leadership Certificate will equip participants with the skills they need to start developing and implementing digital initiatives within their companies,” says Kartik Hosanagar, John C. Hower Professor and Professor of Operations, Information, and Decisions. “This new program demonstrates our commitment to providing cutting-edge business education that helps learners grow within their careers.”

Learners must complete all four courses in order to receive a Digital Leadership certificate. However, the courses are also offered individually for those who do not wish to complete the full program.

Each course is offered 100% online and takes about four weeks to complete, with a time commitment of two to three hours per week. Learners can enroll in all four courses for $2,250. Tuition for individual courses ranges from $585-$599.

Additional Education Opportunities

In addition to the new Digital Leadership program, Wharton Online has introduced an Executive Leadership Certificate option for qualifying learners.

Those who already hold a Leadership and Management Certificate from Wharton Online will receive an Executive Leadership Certificate upon completion of the Digital Leadership Certificate program. They will also be eligible for a 20% discounted price off the Digital Leadership program.

Learners who are new to Wharton Online and are interested in an Executive Leadership certificate can enroll in both Leadership and Management and Digital Leadership for a combined, discounted rate of $5,500.

Request More Information About the Certificate Program

Ready to become a more effective leader in today’s business environments? As you progress through Wharton Online’s Digital Leadership program, you’ll study real-world examples and gain crucial skills that can help you elevate your organization’s digital strategy. Request more information to receive program details, or enroll in the program today.

About the Wharton School and Wharton Online

Founded in 1881 as the world’s first collegiate business school, the of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With a faculty of more than 235 renowned professors, Wharton has 5,000 , , , and students. Each year 13,000 professionals from around the world advance their careers through individual, company-customized, and online programs. More than 100,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. For more information, visit .

The Wharton School’s digital learning platform makes high-quality business education available to learners anytime and anywhere, in the form of online certificates and specializations across a variety of business and management topics, with the goal of helping learners advance their careers. With 280,000 certificate-earning learners and more than three million total learners who have accessed courses, Wharton Online boasts an impressive network of business leaders around the globe.

About Wharton Online: Wharton Online, the Wharton School’s digital learning platform, makes high-quality business education available to learners anytime and anywhere. From certificate programs that issue Continuing Education Units to specializations across a variety of business and management topics, Wharton Online’s offerings equip learners to advance their careers. And with 100K certificate-earning learners and more than one million total learners who have accessed courses, Wharton Online boasts an impressive network of business leaders around the globe.

About the Wharton School: Founded in 1881 as the first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is recognized globally for intellectual leadership and ongoing innovation across every major discipline of business education. With a broad global community and one of the most published business school faculties, Wharton creates economic and social value around the world. The School has 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students; more than 13,000 participants in executive education programs annually; and a powerful alumni network of 98,000 graduates.


Company Website

#WhartonSchool #WhartonOnline

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Uni-Bio Science Group Limited:2021 Annual Results

Achieved Record-High Turnover and EGF Products Recorded Strong Rebound
Successful Expansion Into Ophthalmology and Other Potential Therapeutic Areas

HONG KONG SAR – EQS Newswire – 22 March 2022 – A fully integrated biopharmaceutical company – Uni-Bio Science Group Limited (“Uni-Bio Science”, together with its subsidiaries referred to as the “Group”, stock code: 0690.HK), is pleased to announce its annual results for the year ended 31 December 2021 (the “Year”), as well as its comparative figures for the year ended 31 December 2020 (“2020”).

During the Year, the Group achieved a spectrum of accomplishments, for both of its marketed products and innovative biologics. The key highlights include:

  1. During the Year, the Group achieved a record high turnover of HK$ 353.4 million, representing a noticeable increase of 69.3% year-on-year (“YoY”). The revenue growth was mainly attributable to the strong rebound of the Group’s core products. Sales of GeneTime® and GeneSoft® had fully recovered and exceeded the pre-COVID-19 level, registered an increase of 24.3% and 14.8% YoY respectively. The Group started the mass production of Boshutai® and the sales of Boshutai® met the Group’s expectation.
  2. During the Year, the clinical trial for the 2nd Generation liquid form Uni-PTH had been successfully completed and the Group has planned to apply for New Drug Application (“NDA”) in 2022. Currently, the Group is in preparation for data collecting for the development of the 3rd Generation oral form Uni-PTH.
  3. Clinical trial-related works for Uni-GLP-1 liquid formulation were launched during the Year as planned and the Group is going to accelerate further clinical work in 2022. Moreover, the Group is in process of developing oral form Uni-GLP-1 to expand the value of the product and offer convenience to users.
  4. The Group developed a strategic partnership with DotBio Pte. Ltd. (“DotBio”) to co-develop next-generation best-in-class compounds in ophthalmology and other potential therapeutic areas. Under the agreement, DotBio’s Hong Kong subsidiary, DotBioHK, is responsible for generating multiple multi-valent and/or bi-specific stabilized and humanized single-domain antibody candidates for various targets using DotBio’s proprietary DotBody technology. The Group is responsible for chemical manufacturing control (CMC), investigation New Drug (IND) submission, clinical trial and commercialization.
  5. The Group formed a strategic partnership with Alephoson Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. (“Alephoson”) to explore new technology in retinal diseases as well as to overcome the limitations of intravitreal injection treatment. Forming partnerships and alliances with Alephoson not only aligns with the Group’s long-term development plan of expanding the pipeline of next-generation drugs, but it also diversifies formulation choices of the Group’s marketed and pipeline products.
  6. During the Year, the Group collaborated with Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (“NAMI”) to co-develop an innovative formulation of rhEGF (recombinant human epidermal growth factor) products including GeneTime®. Leveraging NAMI’s innovative material technology, the Group can diversify the formulation of rhEGF products and potentially expand application scope in the future.


Annual Results

In 2021, the Group recorded a turnover of HK$353.4 million, representing a significant increase of approximately 69.3% year-on-year (2020: HK$208.8 million). The increase in turnover was mainly attributable to the impressive sales growth of EGF products. During the Year, turnover generated from GeneTime® reached HK$170.5 million, representing a significant increase of 24.3% from approximately HK$137.2 million in 2020. The remarkable turnover growth was mainly due to the strong recovery from hospital sales as well as the additional turnover from the digital marketing and pharmaceutical e-commerce platforms. GeneSoft® recorded an increase in turnover from approximately HK$31.6 million to HK$36.3 million, representing an increase of 14.8%. Growth in sales of GeneSoft® was attributed to the recovery from hospital sales as well as the efforts of the Group’s direct sales team. 2021 was the first year for Boshutai®‘s commercialization and the turnover of Boshutai® was approximately HK$4.5 million. The remaining sales of HK$142.2 million is attributed from Pinup®. Although there was an strong volume growth for Pinup® during the year, the decrease in pricing due to the centralized procurement has reduce the overall profitability of the product.

Gross profit was HK$277.0 million, representing an increase of 53.0% as compared with approximately HK$181.1 million in 2020. Gross profit margin decreased to 78.4% from 86.7% in 2020, mostly due to Pinup®‘s price concession for the national centralized procurement. The Group continued its strict control in general and administrative expenses, which only accounted for 13.4% of turnover in 2021 as compared with 17.2% in 2020. The selling and distribution expense for the Year also decreased to 52.5% of turnover from 69.7% in 2020. The R&D expenses increased by 23.3% YoY to HK$50.2 million as the Group continued to develop new products. Operating loss for the Year was HK$20.0 million as heavy investment in R&D continued. However, the operating loss was significantly reduced from HK$70.9 million in 2020. In 2021, the Group recorded a loss of HK$19.6 million (2020: loss of HK$71.3 million), with a basic loss per share of HK$0.31 cents (2020 basic loss per share HK$1.11 cents).

Prospects

The healthcare market in China has been burgeoning. The growth is driven by the increasing aging population, better social health insurance policies as well as government regulatory reforms which promote industrial innovation and streamline the new drug approval process. Riding on the favorable government policies and market environment, the Group believes that it would propel forward and drive further business growth.

To capture the new opportunities in medical cosmetology, functional skincare and high-end skincare market, the Group formed joint cooperation and investment with Global Cosmetics (China) Company Ltd. (“Global Group”) to develop new competitive and effective skincare raw materials, to be used widely in a variety of areas including medical cosmetology, functional skincare and high-end skincare. Leveraging on Global Group’s expertise in daily cosmetics and its well-established partner network, together with the Group’s extensive experience in pharmaceutical R&D, this collaboration has laid a strong foundation for the two parties to tap into the vast functional skincare and upstream raw material market. It is expected that new medical beauty, functional and high-end skincare products under this collaboration will be launched as early as the end of 2022.

Looking forward, Mr. Kingsley Leung, Chairman of Uni-Bio Science said, “We continue to focus on all-round research innovation of patented biologics. Since 2021, the Group had formed a stronger partnership with Alephoson and DotBio to co-develop next-generation best-in-class compounds for patients with retinal diseases and other potential therapeutic areas. The collaboration is going to further advance patient care with treatment alternatives and explore further applications in the ophthalmology and dermatology industries. The Group is also going to accelerate the clinical process of Uni-GLP-1 and begin preparation for the commercialization of both Uni-PTH and Uni-GLP-1.”

In terms of the Group’s marketed products, Mr. Leung added, “We have planned ahead for its production capacity expansion years ago. Production of Boshutai® tablets, which launched in 2021, will be taken care of by the Group’s strategic partner, Suzhou Yingli in 2022 with more than ten times larger supply capacity. The other strategic partner Sinopharm Wiqida will be in charge of raw material Acarbose active ingredient (API) registration and manufacturing; the registration is expected to complete in 2022. All these would facilitate Boshutai® to win the bid of the coming national centralized procurement in 2022. The Group had also decided to relocate the production site of its EGF products to Dongguan in order to catch up with the growing order book of GeneSoft® and GeneTime®, as well as expand the product line of our EGF product series. The new production base is expected to commence operation in 2025.”

The Group believes that the aforementioned strategies will further push forward its product R&D with higher efficiency, widen its product applications, so as to accelerate the commercialization of its innovative drugs, and finally generate fruitful and sustainable returns for its shareholders.

About Uni-Bio Science Group Limited

Uni-Bio Science Group Limited is principally engaged in the research and development, manufacture and distribution of pharmaceutical products. The research and development centre is fully equipped with a complete system for the development of genetically-engineered products with a pilot plant test base which is in line with NMPA requirements. The Group also has two GMP manufacturing bases in Beijing and Shenzhen. The Group also has a highly efficient commercialization platform and marketing network. The Group focuses on the development of novel treatments and innovative drugs addressing the therapeutic areas of endocrine such as diabetes and osteoporosis, ophthalmology and dermatology.

Uni-Bio Science Group Limited was listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on November 12, 2001. Stock code: 0690.

#UniBioScienceGroup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Myanmar-Thai Bridge Bombed, Interrupting Trade

Thai-Myanmar Bridge Bombed
Thai-Myanmar Bridge Bombed (Photo: The Nation).

A concrete bridge between Myanmar’s Myawaddy and Thailand’s Mae Sot was bombed on 11 March by an anti-junta group.

OPPO Unveils World’s First Ray Tracing 3D Wallpaper for Mobile at Game Developer Conference 2022

SAN FRANCISCO, US – Media OutReach – 21 March 2022 – Global technology brand OPPO unveiled the industry’s first ray tracing application for smartphones — the ColorOS Ray Tracing 3D Wallpaper — during the Game Developers Conference 2022 (GDC). At the event, visitors experienced multiple real-time ray tracing wallpapers on OPPO’s newest flagship device launched in China, the Find X5 Pro (Dimensity version). The 3D wallpaper application is slated for release through an APK later this year.

OPPO-1.jpg

“As a technology pioneer, OPPO has always actively explored new opportunities to enrich the mobile experience for our users,” said Jane Tian, Head of the Graphics Product Management at the OPPO US Research Center. “The ability to take advantage of ray tracing technology across smartphone devices will bring about more realistic gameplay graphics, for more immersive and competitive gaming. Our 3D wallpaper will also serve as a starting point to using the technology to explore future applications in smart devices.”

Ray tracing is a graphics rendering technology that simulates the physical behavior of light and has been adopted on computers in the past. By adopting ray tracing technology, the 3D wallpapers can render light in real-time at usable frame rates, making shadows, reflections and refractions of objects displayed appear more vivid and life-like. It also provides users with the ability to interact with their wallpapers through a series of hand gestures including rotating, tapping and waving.

OPPO-2.jpg

OPPO began developing its ray tracing technology early in 2018 and had initially adopted a hybrid rendering method to gradually introduce ray tracing to existing mobile devices. For the ColorOS Ray Tracing 3D Wallpaper, OPPO came up with a new approach to accelerate ray tracing performance by adopting hybrid architecture and dedicated hardware cores on the Find X5 Pro (Dimensity version), fully utilizing the potential of the MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset and the Arm Mali GPU. The 3D wallpaper demoed at GDC 2022 is a testament to the company’s unrelenting effort to bring new technologies and creative experiences to mobile devices.

Later this year, OPPO will introduce the 3D wallpaper application as an APK to users of the Find X5 Pro (Dimensity version), as well as to global developers, artists, designers in an SDK package to help enable their creativity.

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone – “Smiley Face” – in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find X and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with the ColorOS operating system and internet services such as OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO has a footprint in more than 50 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

#OPPO

Kerry Pharma Supports Local NGOs with Medication Home Delivery During Fifth Wave of COVID-19 Outbreak in Hong Kong

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 21 March 2022 – Kerry Logistics Network Limited (‘Kerry Logistics Network’; Stock Code 0636.HK) has launched a customised home delivery service for patient medication in Hong Kong under its pharmaceutical business division Kerry Pharma in collaboration with S.F. Express (Hong Kong) Limited (‘SFHK’) to serve community pharmacies of local NGOs, from 11 March 2022. Named Medication Home Delivery service, the initiative aims at assisting institutions and organisations to provide remote support for patients in need of help and setting a new standard in home deliveries of patient medication.

The service is tailor-made for patients in vulnerable social groups who are unable to leave their homes to consult doctors or pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic. Leveraging Kerry Pharma’s quality-assured experience in pharmaceutical logistics amassed in more than a decade and SFHK’s extensive logistics network and professional express delivery team, this collaborative team can safeguard the quality of the medication under a safe and stringent delivery process. Through a digital tracking system, the entire delivery can be closely monitored in order to provide accurate and speedy same-day deliveries to patients. Patients can also access latest status updates and the information of the courier on the SFHK official website and mobile app to maintain communication during the deliveries.

Samuel Lau, Deputy Managing Director – Integrated Logistics of Kerry Logistics Network, said, “As the fifth wave of COVID-19 outbreak in Hong Kong peaks, many chronic patients are confined to their homes and cannot access pharmacies and hospitals. To ease their burden during such a stressful time, we have the responsibility to harness our resources in pharmaceutical logistics and lend them a hand. We are gratified that we can provide this Medication Home Delivery service in collaboration with SFHK and local NGOs at this time to help those in need.”

Keith Ip, Chief Marketing Officer of S.F. Express (Hong Kong) Limited, said, “SFHK aims to collaborate with a variety of social and corporate organisations, hoping to make good use of the company’s existing resources to serve the community. We are pleased to launch this Medication Home Delivery service together with Kerry Pharma during the pandemic. By combining the strength of SFHK’s extensive network and Kerry Pharma’s industry expertise, we believe that we will be able to provide the greatest support to patients with drug delivery need.”

Each courier for the Medication Home Delivery service is required to take daily rapid antigen tests before delivery, while all vehicles and delivery-related tools are regularly sanitised to ensure safe and hygienic deliveries. A sophisticated and tailored mechanism to obtain patient consent, secure medication packaging and labelling, individual delivery containers, notification of individual courier’s name and telephone number, as well as a passcode-protected handover process make Medication Home Delivery service a new standard for home deliveries of medication in Hong Kong.

About Kerry Logistics Network Limited (Stock Code 0636.HK)

Kerry Logistics Network is an Asia-based, global 3PL with a highly diversified business portfolio and the strongest coverage in Asia. It offers a broad range of supply chain solutions from integrated logistics, international freight forwarding (air, ocean, road, rail and multimodal), industrial project logistics, to cross-border e-commerce, last-mile fulfilment and infrastructure investment.

With a global presence across 58 countries and territories, Kerry Logistics Network has established a solid foothold in half of the world’s emerging markets. Its diverse infrastructure, extensive coverage in international gateways and local expertise span across the Mainland of China, India, Southeast Asia, the CIS, Middle East, LATAM and other locations.

Kerry Logistics Network generated a revenue of over HK$53 billion in 2020 and is the largest international logistics company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

#KerryLogistics

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

“depa” Proudly Presents New Normal Market

https://transformmarket.com/

The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) organized “Transform Market Showcase 2022”, announcing its success on the ongoing project “Transform: New-normal Market” that equips SMEs, local shops, hawkers and stalls in 10 pilot provinces with digital technologies.

The campaign successfully hit its target, created access and online application platforms for sales and product distributions to over 30,000 sellers, generating an economic value of over 300 million baht. In addition, depa is now ready to move forwards in transforming the next 25 provinces to continue its process of driving Thailand to a full digital economy.

Depa New Normal Market.

Mr. Newin Chochaiyathip, Vice Minister of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) said that the development of digital technology has taken a leap forward. It became an important factor that inevitably affected the way of life, economy and society, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic that urged us to stay resilient. MDES recognized that the most important resource needed to be accelerated and developed for Thailand was the “digital skills”. Therefore, the government did not only support public to gain an access to the internet but also had to ensure that everyone can benefit from it as well as grab the opportunities to expand their knowledge, outputs, jobs and networks in order to sustainably improve the quality of life in all aspects.

Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President and CEO of depa, said that the “Transform Market Showcase 2022” aims at presenting an achievement of “Transform: New-normal Market” project that provides supports and motivates SMEs, shops, hawkers and stalls to apply digital technologies and innovations to improve their competitiveness in the market. The ongoing project started in September 2021 to March 2022 for the first 6 pilot provinces, including Bangkok, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Pathom, Chainat, Sing Buri and Lopburi and also raising public awareness in other 4 areas, namely Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Sakhorn and Samut Prakan. The project also successfully encouraged over 30,050 local businesses to join the “Local Application” and sell their products online. Over 200,000 products from 300 local markets are traded in the platform, generating over 300 million baht.

Scan QR code.

Bangkok, Samut Prakan and Samut Sakhorn were the top 3 provinces that used digital technologies the most while the Flea Market, Fresh Market and Hawker/Stall were the top 3 market types that have applied technologies the most. The top 3 digital technologies are e–payment, Service and Delivery. The project also reported its successful trainings of 5 online courses via 4 platforms, including YouTube, Facebook Group, Classwin and Digital Skill. Since August 2021, these trainings have overseen more than 1.2 million participants.

“The “Transform: New-normal Market” project is encouraging local sellers to access and apply new digital technologies to their businesses. The campaign has started from selecting reliable Thai digital startups and providers in 6 technologies related to e-commerce, to offering online trainings, and to visiting on-site markets. This event aims at sharing the true potential of sellers after accessing to these digital technologies and presenting more market channels and market opportunities that would lead to a revolving mechanism for a greater country’s economic value. On the other hand, our participated digital startups and providers can also effectively access this current networks as well as are able to extend and develop their technologies in accordance with the consumer behavior in each area. We are all putting our efforts together to transform Thailand’s typical markets to the freshly new market model by taking an important role of a creator of cashless society together,” said depa President and CEO.    

Dr. Nuttapon also added that depa would undergo its next phase to reach out to over 65,000 sellers as well as to create the digital prototype markets that would cover another 25 provinces, including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Lamphun, Nan, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Burirum, Maha Sarakham, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Khanchanaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chachoengsao, Ratchaburi, Saraburi, Chonburi, Rayong, Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Trang. The continuation of the project is to ensure the strength of SMEs, shops, hawkers and stalls in applying online platforms for their sales and products delivery as well as to create the New Normal Market opportunities together by “changing all physical trades to online and moving all lifestyles to cashless society” in the near future. The campaign hopes to drive Thailand towards a strong sustainable digital economic era.

For more information, please follow updates of the “Transform: New-normal Market” project at transformmarket.depa.or.th or contact us via info.transformmarket@gmail.com and LINE OA: @transformmarket