Thailand Prime Minister Meets Huawei CEO to Promote Collaboration on Digital Transformation & Talent Development

 [Bangkok, Thailand, November 25 2021] H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of Thailand, attended a virtual executive meeting with Mr. Ren Zhengfei, CEO of Huawei Technologies. Gen Prayut expressed appreciation for Huawei's continued support of Thailand's digital transformation and post-pandemic recovery, and his eagerness to further strengthen cooperation with Huawei to promote the Thailand 4.0 strategy and digital talent cultivation.

Virtual Executive Meeting - Left: H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha; Right: Ren Zhengfei, CEO of Huawei Technologies

During the virtual meeting, Gen Prayut and Mr. Ren exchanged views on how to consolidate digital competitiveness and build a strong foundation for ICT talent in Thailand.

Gen Prayut also stressed the important role that advanced ICT technologies and digital innovation would play in supporting Thailand’s economic resilience and sustainability, stating that “Huawei has provided profound contributions to Thailand’s fight against the pandemic and digital transformation. I am deeply impressed by Huawei history and dedication culture. In the future, Thailand is eager to cooperating with Huawei in various areas, including digital economy, 5G smart hospital, cloud and computing, digital power, smart logistics and data center.”

H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha

Mr. Ren expressed his gratitude for Thai government’s trust in Huawei and congratulated Thailand on its achievements in 5G rollout. He emphasized that “Huawei and Thailand have been working together to build a strong digital infrastructure foundation. In the future, we look forward to accelerating the integration of digital technologies in Thailand’s key industries, especially in port and airport scenarios.”

“We have strong belief in Thailand's successful digital transformation and talent development. Our local team will work closely with Thai customers and partners to serve the country’s social and economic development with technology solutions.” Ren said.

Ren Zhengfei, CEO of Huawei Technologies

Towards Thailand’s digital blueprint to become the ASEAN digital hub, Huawei and Thailand have been closely cooperating in two key areas.

First, in line with the Thailand 4.0 strategy, Huawei has worked with its customers to accelerate Thailand’s digital transformation and ICT infrastructure innovation. Through the adoption of 5G, Cloud, and AI, Huawei and its industry partners are enabling Thailand's key sectors and creating exciting opportunities across multiple areas, including healthcare, education, transportation, e-government, and smart city, to bolster Thailand’s long-term socioeconomic development and digital ecosystem.

Among these actions, smart port and airports are important potential cooperation areas for Huawei and Thailand. Mr. Ren introduced the company’s best practices in Smart Port and Smart Airport Solutions in China, which builds automation capabilities based on all factors — people, vehicles, goods, enterprises, and places — to help build safe, efficient, and intelligent world-class ports and airports.

Second, Gen Prayut and Mr. Ren also highlighted a commitment to cultivate upskilled and digital talent in Thailand. In order to drive Thailand’s digital transformation and long-term development, both men stressed that the public and private sector must work together to build an open, shared ICT talent ecosystem that benefits all.

Aiming to cultivate Thailand's local ICT talent and digital workforce, Huawei established the Huawei ASEAN Academy (Thailand) in 2019, which has trained over 41,000 ICT professionals and provided training to 1,300 small and medium-sized enterprises. Huawei has also signed MOUs with more than 20 Thai universities. With a digital world fast approaching, Huawei is determined to ensure that no one is left behind through digital inclusion initiatives that enhance the digital knowledge and employment prospects of vulnerable groups.

In March 2021, Huawei Thailand has been chosen for the Special Prime Minister Award as the “Digital International Corporation of the Year”. The award recognizes Huawei for its valuable support and outstanding contributions to Thai society and its efforts to support digital transformation. It is the only company to receive this award.

About Huawei

Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We have more than 197,000 employees, and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world.

Our vision and mission is to bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. To this end, we will drive ubiquitous connectivity and promote equal access to networks; bring cloud and artificial intelligence to all four corners of the earth to provide superior computing power where you need it, when you need it; build digital platforms to help all industries and organizations become more agile, efficient, and dynamic; redefine user experience with AI, making it more personalized for people in all aspects of their life, whether they're at home, in the office, or on the go. For more information, please visit Huawei online at www.huawei.com

HUAWEI, in partnership with Bangkok Post and ASEAN Foundation, to explore the role of digital innovation in driving Thailand and Asia Pacific economy

 Bangkok, November 18, 2021 – Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd., the Bangkok Post Public Company, 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 in Thailand and the Asia Pacific region, while affirming Huawei’s confidence in the country. The company is also using the three-day event to illustrate its readiness to drive ASEAN into the digital age through investment and its local partner ecosystem. Further, the event thoroughly explores the practical application of technologies like Cloud, 5G, AI, and Digital Power in all industries through digital transformation, 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 the POWERING DIGITAL THAILAND 2022 event, aligning with the government’s policies for digital development. The collaboration between government and industry to integrate technologies and evolve the country will enhance business potential, government efficiency, and Thailand’s sustainability.”   

“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 Thailand's digital economy can reach 30% of its GDP by 2030 or even earlier. In this endeavor, we look forward to continue working with Huawei and deepen our collaboration to use digital innovation in promoting Thailand’s digital economy.” H.E. Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, Minister of Digital Economy and Society of Thailand, said in his keynote speech.

Mr. Nattapol Rangsitpol, Director-General of the Department of Industrial Promotion, Ministry of Industry, Thailand, delivered a speech on “Leveraging Industry 4.0 to Accelerate Economic Recovery", where he emphasized that in a post-pandemic Thailand, the country's economic structure is being transformed by technology and innovation, adding that “new digital innovations such as 5G, AI, and IoT are rapidly driving industrial transformation and the manufacturing sector to help Thailand embrace the Industry 4.0 era.”

Dr. Yan Rianto, M.Eng. Acting Deputy for Research and Innovation Infrastructure, The National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia said that “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.”

Mr. Guo Ping, Huawei Rotating Chairman, gave the opening speech at the event, where he spoke on 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,” Mr. Guo Ping 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.”

Mr. Worachai Bhicharnchitr, Vice Chairman of Bangkok Post Public Company Limited, said, “Having Bangkok Post, ASEAN Foundation, and Huawei hosting the three-day POWERING DIGITAL THAILAND 2022 HUAWEI CLOUD & CONNECT ASIA PACIFIC INNOVATION DAY, in conjunction with Asia Pacific Innovation Day, will allow us to delve into the practical application of technologies like Cloud, 5G, AI, and Digital Power in all industries, as well as learn how Thailand can accelerate digital transformation to unlock new potential, markets, and business models for organizations of all shapes and sizes during the post-pandemic recovery.”

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 the “HUAWEI CLOUD & CONNECT – Asia Pacific Innovation Day” 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 Dr. Yang Mee Eng, Executive Director, ASEAN Foundation.

Further, Dr. Le Quang Lan, Assistant Director, Head of ICT and Tourism Division, ASEAN Secretariat, emphasized that “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. In this regard, we welcome the initiative to organize the Asia Pacific Innovation Day as hosted by the ASEAN Foundation, Bangkok Post, and Huawei.”

Mr. Lin Baifeng, President of Huawei Asia Pacific, emphasized that “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.”

Abel Deng, CEO of Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd., also addressed digital transformation trends and Huawei’s mission in the Thai market by stating, “We are inspired to see Thailand becomes a leading digital force in the ASEAN region. Huawei will support to power a low-carbon digital Thailand through four main layers: the first is to enrich 5G adoption for ubiquitous connectivity. In 2022, Huawei will help to expand Thailand’s 5G rollout and adoption in vertical industries. Second, Huawei will support Thailand to strengthen its digital platforms and data localization. Huawei Cloud is the only international cloud service provider with local data centers in the Thailand market, and our third Availability Zone is officially ready for service this November. The third layer is supporting Thailand in realizing its Carbon Neutrality 2050 roadmap with digital power innovations. Finally, we will create a thriving Innovation Ecosystem in Thailand through our 5G Ecosystem Innovation Center, Spark Program, Huawei ASEAN Academy and Digital Talent initiatives.”

When discussing Thailand’s low-carbon development, Mr. Abel Deng added, “Huawei is fully committed to supporting Thailand in becoming ASEAN’s low-carbon leader, and we are confident in achieving this goal. We have over 30 years of experience in the power industry, with 6,000+ dedicated R&D employees in this field, and we devote nearly 15% of our total revenue to R&D every year.”

Digital Power Smart Energy is one of the most exciting innovations during this event. Combined existing energy business, Huawei introduced digital power business to Thailand, which focus on developing clean energy to replace fossil fuels through digital and power electronics technology, aim to build a low carbon smart society. Huawei Digital Power business drives industries low-carbonization, electrification and intelligization 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 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. This innovation can be implemented by Thai farmers to improve and optimize their cultivation of agricultural produce.

The event is also highlighting inspiring business cases and solutions related to digital transformation, including how to develop a green, low-carbon, and open ecosystem, which is split across three areas. The first of these is ‘Redefine Infrastructure’, which showcases how 5G, cloud, and AI technologies can converge across all industries to unleash new value. The second area focuses on ‘Industry Digital Transformation’, including Smart Transportation, Smart Campus, and Smart Finance. Finally, the third area exhibits major global partners and businesses that are collaborating with Huawei to build a prosperous ecosystem for the Intelligent Era.

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. The Hands-on Lab course is also impressing visitors, where experts from Huawei Cloud provide technical and practical sessions for IT professionals, as well as skills development workshops for deploying and operating cloud computing technology. Finally, the second HUAWEI CLOUD Developer Competition in Thailand is being showcased at the event under the theme of ‘Creating value for Thailand and society; for a better future for this beautiful country.’

For more information on the POWERING DIGITAL THAILAND 2022: HUAWEI CLOUD & CONNECT and ASIA PACIFIC INNOVATION DAY, please visit: https://activity.huaweicloud.com/intl/en-us/HCCThailand2022.html

 

ASEAN Foundation Joins Hands with Huawei to Bridge Digital Talent Gap in Asia Pacific

Indonesia, Jakarta, 3 November 2021 – The ASEAN Foundation and Huawei signed MoU on joint efforts to bridge the digital talent gap at the Asia Pacific Innovation Day – Digital Talent Summit 2021 on Wednesday. The online summit brought together policy makers, researchers and industry experts to share solutions and best practices in building a sustainable ecosystem that will help foster digital talents in the Asia Pacific.

The Asia Pacific Innovation Day – Digital Talent Summit 2021 started strongly with a series of keynote speeches from governments’ leaders such as Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political Security Community H.E. Robert Matheus Michael Tene, Chair of the ASEAN Digital Senior Official Meeting H.E. Dato’ Sri Mohammad Mentek, the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications of Cambodia H.E. Dr. Chea Vandeth, the Chief of Presidential Staff of the Republic of Indonesia H.E. General TNI (Purn) Dr. Moeldoko, the Minister of Youth and Sports of Sri Lanka Hon. Namal Rajapaksa, the Philippine Ambassador to China H.E. Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana, and Permanent Secretary of Thailand Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation H.E. Prof. Sirirurg Songsivilai, M.D., Ph.D. Their speeches stressed on the importance of key stakeholders’ proactive participation in developing a solid foundation for digital talent ecosystem in the region.

"The Digital Talent Summit 2021, which aims to discuss and address the needs of ASEAN ICT youth talent, is obviously very relevant, especially in the midst of the global pandemic which forced us to significantly rely more on digital platform. This auspicious event is very much aligned with the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 objective of improving people's capability to participate in the digital society economy," said the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political Security Community H.E. Robert Matheus Michael Tene.

Speaking on Huawei’s initiatives to boost India’s vast talent base Huawei India CEO David Li said, “As a global ICT leader, Huawei over its 20-year presence in India has been committed to helping shape the country’s digital talent landscape, focusing on building basic education infrastructure, driving skilling programs, and leveraging global training competitions to build a future-ready talent. Huawei has been conducting several learning initiatives including its global flagship ICT training program the Seeds for the Future, which has facilitated Indian students from prestigious engineering institutes to join global compatriots in gaining valuable hands-on knowledge on futuristic technologies.

Additionally, through a collective effort of all its programmes, Huawei in India has trained 30,000+ Huawei certified ICT professionals, supported the digital infrastructure of 100+ schools benefitting 50,000 students, financed mid-day meals for more than 55,000 students across 50+govt and affiliated schools over the years. Aiming to equip the underprivileged rural youth in joining India’s ICT economy, the Huawei Telecom Skill Development Center launched in 2019 has since trained 500 youth in industry-related skills. We are proud of our legacy and work in India and are committed to continuing working with the larger ecosystem to drive future digital initiatives.

55,000 students across 50+govt and affiliated schools over the years. We are proud of our legacy and work in India and are committed to continuing working with the larger ecosystem to drive future digital initiatives.”



“Innovation and development rely on a talent ecosystem. Huawei is prepared to work with its partners to build a talent development ecosystem conducive to innovation,” Huawei Senior Vice President and Board Member Catherine Chen noted during her opening remarks, “Huawei's 20 years in Asia Pacific have been a journey to find like-minded friends. Let's work together to build an inclusive, innovative, and vibrant ecosystem, attract and cultivate more digital talent, and jointly promote the development and prosperity of the region.”

The importance of digital talent in sustainable development was emphasised in the virtual roundtable discussion involving notable speakers from UNESCO, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and Maxis.

Another key activity of the summit is presentation of Huawei’s 2022 Asia Pacific Digital Talent Insights. The white paper, which was presented by Senior Consultant for National Digital Talent Development Alex Lee, chronicled the tech company’s efforts and journey in fostering digital talent in Asia Pacific.



“Cultivating innovative ICT talent ecosystem is fundamental to the digital transformation. Leveraging shared innovations with win-win outcomes, we can harness the power of ICT skills to fly us into a digital future. Together with our partners, Huawei will invest $50 million in the next 5 years to develop 500,000 digital talents in the Asia Pacific region,” President of Huawei Asia Pacific Jeffery Liu announced in his keynote speech.

The commitment to bridge digital talent gap in Asia Pacific, in particular ASEAN, was further strengthened with the signing ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding between ASEAN Foundation and Huawei ASEAN Academy. The agreement highlights both entities’ readiness to implement ASEAN Seeds for the Future, which is a scaled-up version of Seeds for the Future, Huawei’s global CSR flagship initiative that has been providing world class digital skills training for young people across the globe since 2008. Through ASEAN Seeds for the Future, ASEAN Foundation and Huawei ASEAN Academy strive to build the digital capacities of youth in the ten ASEAN Member States so that they can thrive in the era of digital economy.

The ceremony was attended by Executive Director of ASEAN Foundation Dr. Yang Mee Eng and Vice President of Huawei Indonesia Albert Yang and witnessed by Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Cambodia to ASEAN H.E. Amb. Yeap Samnang, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political Security Community H.E. Robert Matheus Michael Tene, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Philippines to ASEAN Elizabeth Te, Deputy Permanent Representative of Republic of Singapore to ASEAN Tham Borg Tsien, and Huawei Asia Pacific Vice President Jay Chen.

The ASEAN Seeds for the Future will also help contribute to achieving the objectives of ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025, which are to increase the capacity of youth in the region to participate in the digital economy and to create a digitally inclusive society in ASEAN. The ASEAN Seeds for the Future is set to launch in early 2022, inviting youth aged 15 – 30 in ASEAN to immerse themselves in a virtual journey of capacity building on leadership and digital skills.

“We are delighted to sign the memorandum of understanding with Huawei to implement ASEAN Seeds for the Future. It is my belief that this wonderful regional programme will play an important part in bridging digital talent gap in the region by equipping our ASEAN youth with essential skills that will enable them to thrive in the era of digital economy. Our partnership with Huawei also signifies another important milestone for ASEAN in regard to bringing in committed partners from private sector to contribute to youth development effort in ASEAN,” said Executive Director of ASEAN Foundation Dr. Yang Mee Eng.

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About Huawei

Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. With integrated solutions across four key domains – telecom networks, IT, smart devices, and cloud services – we are committed to bringing digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. Huawei's end-to-end portfolio of products, solutions and services are both competitive and secure. Through open collaboration with ecosystem partners, we create lasting value for our customers, working to empower people, enrich home life, and inspire innovation in organizations of all shapes and sizes.

At Huawei, innovation focuses on customer needs. We invest heavily in basic research, concentrating on technological breakthroughs that drive the world forward. We have more than 197,000 employees, and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions. Founded in 1987, Huawei is a private company wholly owned by its employees.

For more information, please visit https://www.huawei.com/en/events/asia-pacific-innovation-day-2021

About the ASEAN Foundation

Three decades after ASEAN was established, ASEAN leaders recognised that: there remained inadequate shared prosperity, ASEAN awareness and contact among the people of ASEAN. It was of this concern that ASEAN leaders established ASEAN Foundation in Jakarta, Indonesia, at ASEAN’s 30th Anniversary Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 15 December 1997. The ASEAN Foundation is an organisation from and for the people of ASEAN. The Foundation exists because of one vision: to build a cohesive and prosperous ASEAN Community. As an ASEAN body, the Foundation is tasked to support ASEAN mainly in promoting awareness, identity, interaction and development of the people of ASEAN.

To learn more, visit www.aseanfoundation.org