In a landmark move set to reshape the nation’s economic landscape, AIS has officially launched “AIS Infinite SMEs” a new, comprehensive era of collaboration designed to accelerate the transformation of Thai startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The initiative aims to empower entrepreneurs by unlocking every possibility through a strategic framework, equipping them with advanced knowledge, smart solutions, and expanded opportunities for collaboration across public, private, and global networks. By driving Thai SMEs toward international standards, AIS is committed to fostering sustainable growth and fueling limitless, inclusive economic development for the country.
Bangkok, Thailand – This significant step is not a sudden pivot but the culmination of a long-term vision, as explained by Somchai Lertsutiwong, Chief Executive Officer of AIS. “AIS did not just begin this journey—we have been laying the foundation since the early days when ‘digital’ was still a new concept in Thailand, more than 15 years ago. Through AIS The StartUp, Thailand’s first national-level startup initiative, we sparked the movement that continues to energize the Startup ecosystem today. We take pride in having supported over 100 startups in bringing their products and services to the market, while also empowering entrepreneurs to further develop and expand their businesses into new sectors that align with global trends,” he stated.
Mr. Somchai highlighted the successful transition of supported businesses from urban transportation systems to more environmentally friendly Green Mobility, driven by green technology and supported by AIS’s high-potential digital infrastructure. This long-standing commitment is now evolving, fully aligned with AIS’s core vision for 2025: “AI for Sustainable Nation,” which seeks to harness the power of intelligent networks and AI to elevate all sectors, including the crucial SME sector, toward sustainable growth. The launch of AIS Infinite SMEs is the direct result of this vision, heralding a new mission dedicated to unlocking boundless growth opportunities and elevating Thai SMEs to meet and exceed international standards.
The mission of AIS Infinite SMEs operates under the foundational concept of “Transformation and Standardization,” built upon a robust “3S Strategy” designed to holistically empower entrepreneurs: Skill, System, and Soar. The first pillar, Skill, focuses on equipping SMEs with the right digital competencies essential for navigating today’s complex business landscape, enabling them to achieve stable and differentiated growth. The second pillar, System, is dedicated to strengthening the back-end infrastructure of these businesses.
This involves guiding them to meet rigorous international standards, which not only prepares them for long-term scalability but also serves as a critical passport to credibility. Finally, the strategy culminates in Soar, where these enhanced skills and certified systems—such as those meeting ISO standards—unlock new doors. This heightened credibility among partners and investors ultimately enables SMEs to access new channels and expand their opportunities for growth far beyond their previous horizons.
To bring this strategy to life, the first implementation pillar, Infinite Skills, is designed to empower Thai SMEs nationwide through comprehensive knowledge sharing. This is primarily facilitated by the AIS Academy, which is certified under ISO 30401 for knowledge management systems, ensuring a world-class educational framework. The curriculum is meticulously structured to cover three core areas vital for modern business success: Information Technology, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship. To ensure this knowledge is not just theoretical but immediately applicable, AIS has partnered with F11/Wecosystem to develop practical, easy-to-digest online content, empowering business owners to implement growth strategies in the real world effectively and instantly.
The second pillar, International Standards, represents a concerted effort to elevate Thai SMEs to a global competitive level. Through a strategic collaboration with key national bodies like the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), AIS is actively promoting ISO 29110, a specialized international standard specifically designed for software SMEs. This focus on standardization is a critical step in building trust and ensuring quality in the digital sector. In a groundbreaking move for the nation, this initiative also marks the first-ever launch of an ISO Marketplace for SMEs in Thailand. This platform will serve as a centralized hub for businesses to access resources, gain certification, and showcase their adherence to global standards, significantly boosting their international standing.
The third pillar of the program, Infinite Scales, directly addresses the needs of businesses poised for significant growth through the Transformative Infinite SME program. This specialized curriculum is tailored to support SMEs in a state of transition, whether they are scale-up businesses looking to expand their operations or next-generation successors aiming to modernize and advance their family enterprises. The strength of this program lies in its powerful collaborative network. AIS has brought together an impressive coalition of partners from the public and private sectors, financial institutions, and leading industry experts. This includes esteemed organizations such as the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), the mai Listed Company Association (maiA), the Association of Family Business Entrepreneurs (AFBE), and F11/Wecosystem, ensuring participants receive unparalleled guidance and strategic insights to navigate their growth journey successfully.
The urgency and importance of this initiative were underscored by Apichit Prasoprat, Vice Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). “Thailand’s current economic structure is facing challenges from multiple fronts—both domestically and internationally. These include the U.S. tax measures, rapid technological advancement, and the intensifying environmental crisis, all of which directly impact production systems and shift consumer behavior,” he explained.
Mr. Prasoprat noted that these global pressures have given rise to new business trends, with the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework becoming a critical competitive factor on the global stage. Amidst this shifting landscape, he emphasized that with over 99% of Thai businesses being SMEs, they remain the undeniable backbone of the nation’s economy. Therefore, strengthening their capabilities and raising their operational standards is absolutely essential to ensure their long-term adaptability and sustainable growth.
Elaborating on the partnership, Mr. Prasoprat confirmed FTI’s active role in co-developing Thai SMEs across multiple dimensions. “The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has partnered with AIS to support and develop Thai SMEs… whether through encouraging international standard certifications such as ISO 29110, or establishing the Small & Medium Industrial Institute (SMI) to uplift industrial SMEs toward stronger growth,” he stated. Furthermore, the FTI is committed to advancing Thai businesses through its ‘4 Go’ strategies: Go Digital & AI, Go Innovation, Go Global, and Go Green.
This is complemented by a strong advocacy for the “Made in Thailand (MiT)” initiative, which encourages domestic consumption of Thai-made products, thereby enhancing their value and strengthening the competitiveness of local businesses at home and abroad. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of reinforcing the national economy and cultivating a deep sense of pride in Thai craftsmanship. “Ultimately, this collaboration is not just about advancing digital technology for the business sector, but about forging a shared commitment to create new opportunities and establish a solid foundation for Thailand’s future economy,” Mr. Prasoprat concluded.
Bringing the vision full circle, Mr. Somchai of AIS concluded with a powerful message of unity and collective progress. “AIS has always believed that for Thailand and its businesses to grow sustainably, every sector must advance together. Like a school of fish swimming in harmony, each part of the ecosystem contributes to a stronger, more stable Thai economy. AIS Infinite SMEs was born from this belief—to energize and empower Thai SMEs, acting as a central partner that connects every opportunity, co-creates value, and co-navigates the path toward limitless economic growth,” he finished.
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