Thailand and Microsoft Join Forces to Boost Economic Competitiveness with AI and Cloud Technology
Thailand has partnered with tech giant Microsoft to leverage the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud technology in order to enhance the country’s economic competitiveness. The collaboration aims to create high-value jobs, position Thailand as a regional leader in digital innovation, and promote sustainability.
The Thai government and Microsoft signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s attendance at the Apec Leaders’ Meeting 2023 in San Francisco. Both parties are committed to pursuing a digital-first, AI-powered Thailand.
Under the agreement, Microsoft will work closely with government agencies to develop smart digital infrastructure in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, tourism, and education, aligning with the Digital Economy and Society Ministry’s digital government and cloud-first policies.
Furthermore, the collaboration aims to explore opportunities for data center investment to bolster the use of cloud and AI technologies across Thailand. Microsoft will also assist in enhancing the Thai government’s cybersecurity measures by implementing industry-leading best practices and expertise.
To maximize the benefits of AI, Microsoft plans to engage the Digital Economy and Society Ministry in integrating AI into e-government projects and public services. Both parties are aiming to establish a strategic AI Center of Excellence to accelerate ongoing AI projects in the public sector, create a roadmap for widespread AI implementation, and foster innovation in various industries.
In addition, the collaboration seeks to ensure responsible and productive use of AI by engaging in policy and regulatory consultations with the Digital Economy and Society Ministry. This will ensure that the use of AI in Thailand is conducted ethically and adheres to best practices.
Microsoft is committed to developing future-ready skills for 10 million Thais, working alongside the ministry and other stakeholders to provide access to learning opportunities and materials. This collaboration aims to improve digital literacy, language proficiency, and cultivate the next generation of citizen developers, particularly in underserved communities around the country.
In line with Thailand’s efforts to combat climate change, the collaboration will also focus on sustainability. Thai government agencies will partner with Microsoft to create a sustainability sandbox for developing effective and scalable environmental innovations for the public sector, large enterprises, and small businesses alike. Microsoft will also strive towards achieving 100% renewable energy usage for potential investments in the country.
Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his confidence that this collaboration will strengthen the country’s economy and enhance its digital capabilities while aligning with Thailand’s commitment to a sustainable future and renewable energy.
Ahmed Mazhari, President of Microsoft Asia, emphasized the transformative power of AI and stated that this collaboration will contribute to Thailand’s target of generating 48 billion baht in business and social impact through AI by 2027.
This collaboration between Thailand and Microsoft follows the recent agreements with Amazon Web Services, Google, and Microsoft, with a total investment worth approximately 300 billion baht. The potential benefits of AI are evident, as the IDC Business Value of AI survey revealed that companies see an average return of $3.5 for every $1 invested in AI.
With an average deployment time of fewer than 14 months, organisations are realizing the positive impact of AI implementation. The collaboration between Thailand and Microsoft is poised to accelerate the country’s digital transformation and position it as a leader in leveraging AI and cloud technology to drive economic growth, innovation, and sustainability.
In conclusion, Thailand’s partnership with Microsoft in leveraging AI and cloud technology is expected to boost the country’s economic competitiveness, create high-value jobs, and position Thailand as a regional leader in digital innovation and sustainability. The collaboration will drive the development of smart digital infrastructure, enhance cybersecurity measures, and promote the responsible and productive use of AI. Furthermore, it will contribute to Thailand’s efforts in achieving a sustainable future and combatting climate change. With the potential to generate significant business and social impact, this collaboration is set to accelerate Thailand’s digital transformation and position it at the forefront of the AI revolution.
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