UOB launches programme to help Thai SMEs digitise

SMEs can access digital tools and financing opportunities through the scheme.

UOB has launched the Smart Business Transformation Programme to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand with their digitisation journeys.

Eligible SMEs from the food and beverage, fast-moving consumer goods, construction, logistics, retail, wholesale and travel industries can apply for the three-month programme.

Also read: UOB to offer cloud-based solutions for SMEs

Experts from the bank’s accelerator programme, The FinLab, will help SMEs with the digital tools and knowledge and provide them with working capital funding to implement the technology transformation projects. SMEs will be matched with specially-chosen technology solution providers to implement digital solutions. Firms can also request assistance in expanding to new markets and using digital marketing to grow sales which they identify as their top business growth strategies.

Applications are open until April 2019. Those considering joining the Programme should be keen to adopt technology, have regional growth plans and an annual turnover of between 25 million baht (S$1 million) and 1 billion baht ($50m).

The programme will be run in collaboration with the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) which will provide funding support to SMEs and organise workshops; the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) which will provide grants through the Innovation Technology Assistance Programme (ITAP); and the Office of SMEs Promotion (OSMEP) which will design new policies and plans to help SMEs leverage technology.