MDES – depa Team Up to Launch “HACKaTHAILAND” Digital Upskilling Project to Accelerate Digital Readiness, Serving as Ideation Stage for Millennials to “CHANGE” Faces of Thailand for Sustainable Post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery

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.