Over the years, Google has been determined to help SMEs, especially by offering them support for business recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, as they are key drivers of the Thai economy, as well as important contributors to employment. This is one of our core missions under the long-standing commitment to “Leave No Thai Behind” - promoting equal digital opportunities for people in Thailand and helping them participate in the long-term growth of the digital economy.
Now, more than ever, digital tools are vital for small businesses to maintain continuity, grow and succeed. According to Alphabeta’s report, ‘Unlocking Thailand’s Digital Potential’, digital technologies can create up to THB2.5 trillion (USD79.5 billion) in annual economic value for Thailand by 2030. However, the country faces several challenges on the way to realizing its full potential, including closing the digital talent gap and speeding up the adoption of digital solutions by businesses — an area where Thai businesses lag the global average.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, JCR Trading, an SME that sells crispy fish as souvenirs to foreign tourists visiting Chiang Mai, was badly affected and lost most of its customers as international travels were restricted. That’s when the owner, Julaprach Petchchang, started looking for ways to pivot his business by targeting locals and selling his products online. He joined the Saphan Digital program and successfully created a website during the hands-on execution session.
Saphan Digital, a Grow with Google program, was launched at the virtual Google for Thailand event in 2020 in partnership with the Ministry of Commerce, Department of Business Development, and leading organizations in various industries. The program is designed to equip Thai businesses, NGOs and individuals with digital skills to maximize their business and employment opportunities. Participants will have access to digital tools to build a digital presence for their business and grow, as well as online training courses and hands-on experience.
Last year at Grow with Google, a Google for Thailand event, we pledged to help 100,000 businesses and individuals nationwide gain digital skills through Phase 2 of the Saphan Digital program. Today, we are delighted to announce that we have achieved the goal. We will also further improve training courses to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and expand the program’s reach to more Thais nationwide.
The research findings from the participants’ comments based on our Kantar Google Impact Research report showed that 99% of SMEs agreed that they have learned new digital skills that are practical for their businesses, and 75% of them said that this program has helped their businesses survive during the COVID-19 situation. As a result of taking the program, 83% of SMEs were able to use their skills to create or update their online presence, while 65% of them are seeing an increase in customer engagement. All of these reflect the success of the Saphan Digital program in supporting SMEs during this difficult time.
As more consumers are searching and buying products and services online, we want to do more to help SMEs digitize and better leverage online tools for growth. If you are interested in improving your digital skills, we encourage you to sign up for “Saphan Digital” and learn more about the program here.
Jackie Wang
Country Director, Google Thailand
