By Ron Chen, Correspondent ASEAN Region

Huawei Technologies (Thailand), Bangkok Post, ASEAN Foundation, and over 50 ICT industry partners from across Thailand have come together for “Powering Digital Thailand 2022: Huawei Cloud & Connect and Asia Pacific Innovation Day”, running from November 17-19, 2021, in Bangkok.

The event considers how digital technologies can unlock new potential, markets, and business models, as well as support post-pandemic economic recovery and ecosystem building in the Asia Pacific region. Further, the event explores the practical application of technologies like Cloud, 5G, AI, and Digital Power in all industries, particularly Thailand’s agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors.

Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand General Prawit Wongsuwon opened the event, stating that “Digital technology is crucial to Thailand’s digital economic development, post-pandemic recovery, and social well-being. I am delighted that Huawei Thailand, Bangkok Post, and ASEAN Foundation have organized this event, aligning with the government’s policies for digital development.”   

“Under strong policies to develop the national digital economy and technology, Thailand’s digital infrastructure and data economy have made great strides in the past several years. We believe that with Huawei support, Thailand’s digital economy can reach 30 per cent of its GDP by 2030 or even earlier.” Minister of Digital Economy and Society of Thailand, H.E. Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn said in his speech.

Huawei Rotating Chairman, Guo Ping spoke in his opening speech how COVID-19 has accelerated digital transformation in Asia Pacific and expressed his strong belief in post-pandemic economic recovery and digital economic growth in the region. He stressed that “digital technology, especially 5G, cloud, and AI, will surely become a pillar for economic recovery and resilience in many countries.”

“Huawei will continue innovating and building a tech ecosystem to help the Asia Pacific region go digital faster,” Guo said. “We use 5G, cloud, and AI to help industries go digital and we will keep innovating our cloud and AI solutions to create steady value for local enterprises, especially SMEs. We plan to invest 100 million US dollars over the next three years to help build a startup ecosystem in the region.”

At the end of his speech, Guo reiterated Huawei’s commitment in the Asia Pacific region. “We believe all countries in the Asia Pacific region will succeed in their push to go digital. We will extend our roots deeper and do our part during the region’s 10 golden years of digital transformation.”

Director-General of the Department of Industrial Promotion, Ministry of Industry, Thailand, Nattapol Rangsitpol, stressed that the country’s economic structure is being transformed by technology and innovation to help Thailand embrace the Industry 4.0 era.

Acting Deputy for Research and Innovation Infrastructure, The National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Yan Rianto, M.Eng. said, “I would like to thanks to all of you for the opportunity to attend this very prestigious event. We express our deepest appreciation to Huawei, for establishing excellent cooperation in Indonesia, particularly with BRIN.”

Vice Chairman of Bangkok Post Public Company Limited, Worachai Bhicharnchitr, said, “Having Bangkok Post, ASEAN Foundation, and Huawei hosting this event will allow us to delve into the practical application of technologies like Cloud, 5G, AI, and Digital Power in all industries.”

During this event, industry leaders and regional organizations across the Asia Pacific also shared their insights on how to build a thriving and sustainable community in the digital era.

“I would like to use this opportunity to commend Huawei and Bangkok Post for initiating this event, which brings together government leaders, industry thought leaders, and thinktank scholars to spark new ICT innovations that can pave the way for more resilient post-COVID-19 recovery in the Asia Pacific region,” said Executive Director, ASEAN Foundation, Dr. Yang Mee Eng.

Further, Assistant Director, Head of ICT and Tourism Division, ASEAN Secretariat, Dr. Le Quang Lan said, “The power of digital economy lies in its ability to enable companies to scale their business models throughout the region, and a common approach for digital transformation should be adopted throughout the Asia Pacific region.”

President of Huawei Asia Pacific, Lin Baifeng said, “As one of the most populous and diverse regions in the world, Asia Pacific is marching to the forefront of the global digital landscape. With over 20 years of partnership with and contributions in the region, Huawei is committed to supporting Thailand and the region’s digital vision in three key areas: Connectivity and Intelligence, Low-Carbon Development, and Digital Inclusion Initiatives.”

CEO of Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Abel Deng also addressed digital transformation trends and Huawei’s mission in the Thai market by stating, “Huawei will support to power a low-carbon digital Thailand through four main layers: Enrich 5G adoption for ubiquitous connectivity; Strengthen cloud-based digital platforms; Support Thailand’s Carbon Neutrality 2050 roadmap with digital power innovations; Create a thriving Innovation Ecosystem”

Digital Power Smart Energy is one of the most exciting innovations during this event. Huawei Digital Power business drives industries low-carbonization, electrification and intelligentalization by applying applications such as Smart PV & Battery Energy Storage, Intelligent EV Charging Network, Smart Data Center Facility and Green Site Power Facility, currently in Thailand Huawei Digital Power is providing service to over 1000 customers and partners.

The Powering Digital Thailand 2022 event showcases key technologies and innovations for industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and smart energy, which can be easily applied by Thai businesses. One exhibition highlight is Cloud Tractor Training, where visitors can experience a tractor training course enabled by a low latency 5G network and cloud rendering server.

Another event highlight is the Intelligent World 2030 White Paper, which cites upcoming technological trends from Huawei to look out for, including Cloud, 5G Bullet Time, Cloud and 5G VR Gaming, Smart Healthcare, Smart Finance, and Smart Education. A Hands-on Lab course and the second Huawei Cloud Developer Competition in Thailand are being showcased at the event.