On 27 July 2016, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted “From Inspiration to Innovation: Experiences from Silicon Valley for Thailand’s Startups” seminar at Naradhip Auditorium, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The seminar which was presided over by Mr. Songsak Saicheua, Director-General of Department of American and South Pacific Affairs aimed to offer the public an insight into the experiences of the United States and inform the public the aspect of strategies and management of the startups ecosystem, as well as current landscape of the United States’s innovation and startups business experiences. The audience also learned about techniques or factors that have contributed to the success of the U.S. in maintaining the innovative growth and becoming one of the world’s leaders in innovation and digital technology. In addition, the event aimed to promote the Government’s endeavor in propelling Thailand towards digital economy and Thailand 4.0. Thailand in the digital age puts the emphasis on using innovation, advanced technology, as well creativity as the engine of growth of Thai economy and aims to increase the leverage and competitiveness of Thai business sectors in the global market.

The seminar focuses on the management of ecosystem that is conducive to the development and growth of startup businesses, the nature of innovation, and also policy  guidelines that facilitate disruptive thinking and new inventions which also go hand-in-hand with the promotion of new business owners. Invited speakers include Dr. Sean Randolph, Senior Director of Bay Area Council Economic Institute; Mr. Yod Chinsupakul, Founder and CEO of Wongnai, the leading website for restaurants review; Mr. Tiwa York, CEO of Kaidee.com; Dr. Chinawut Chinaprayoon, Director of New Ventures and Entrepreneurship from the National Science Technology and Innovation Policy Office; and Ms. Wanweera Rachdawong, experienced CEO of Thailand Management Association.  Participants of the seminar are high-level representatives from various business associations, academic institutions, as well as students from business and management field.

The seminar features one of flagship projects of the Ministry in advocating the Government’s plan to promote sustainable development by increasing the implementation of innovation and technology to improve Thailand’s competitiveness. The Department of American and South Pacific Affairs carries out different projects that are in line with this effort through strengthening corporation and collaboration between Thailand and the United States as well as promoting the exchange of expertise and know-how from the U.S. to Thailand in particular in the area of creative economy, such as design, animation, digital content, and movies.