AP Thailand Kicks Off 'AP ScaleUp' Batch One to Accelerate Thai SMEs

AP Thailand Kicks Off <\/strong>‘AP ScaleUp’ Batch One<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Accelerating Business Growth for <\/strong>Thai SMEs<\/span><\/span><\/p>

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·For the first time, Thai SMEs will grow alongside AP Thailand with AP ScaleUp Batch 1, a project aimed at strengthening and empowering 30 SMEs from over 170 applicants.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

·Joining forces with two leading organizations, SEAC, the ASEAN Lifelong Learning Development Center, and KX Knowledge Xchange from King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, to enhance skills and knowledge, as the only way forward is to keep learning.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

·Reinforcing the goal of AP ScaleUp to support business scaling, create opportunities for new market expansion, and enable Thai SMEs to grow quickly and robustly.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

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Bangkok (April 26, 2021) – AP Thailand under the mission ‘EMPOWER LIVING’ aimed at delivering a better quality of life that customers can choose, has kicked off the ‘AP ScaleUp 2021 Batch 1’ welcoming 30 Thai SMEs into the business growth program, accelerating growth with AP, focusing on upskilling through collaboration with KX Knowledge Xchange and SEAC, while launching a pilot market connecting potential customers and partners through over 270 AP community projects.<\/span><\/p>

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Mr. Pichet Wipawatsupakorn, Managing Director of AP Thailand Group, stated that the current business world faces a challenge where the “market” has become a scarce resource due to trade wars and the COVID-19 crisis, which has triggered market contraction. The interesting question is, where is the way forward for Thai SMEs? Certainly, every crisis presents opportunities, but seeking new opportunities amid such volatility requires collaboration and the pooling of strengths and expertise from many to move forward securely and create a win-win situation. Today, we are pleased to welcome 30 SMEs with products and services ready to empower AP customers into the AP ScaleUp project this year, as AP Thailand is ready to leverage its various strengths to support and provide opportunities for these 30 SMEs to grow and succeed together, whether through the strength of the AP community under the management of SMART Property Management, which spans over 270 projects across Bangkok, caring for the quality of life of over 80,000 families, the technology we have developed, and the coaching plans prepared to reskill and upskill business knowledge to keep pace with the changing world, in collaboration with SEAC, experts in skill enhancement, and KX Knowledge Xchange from King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi.<\/span><\/p>

“The resurgence of COVID-19 further emphasizes the ongoing waves of damage centered around the pandemic, which continues to have endless impacts. We believe that Thai SMEs have the potential to grow if given opportunities and timely guidance in the business world. We are committed to supporting Thai SMEs to expand and enhance their businesses amid this ongoing crisis,” Mr. Pichet added.<\/span><\/p>

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Mr. Nattapong Asirawatwanich, Executive Director of Empura Co., Ltd., a leader in IT and home solutions, expressed his feelings about being part of the AP ScaleUp project, stating that he feels honored to participate. The company is very eager to deliver not just products but solutions that empower a more convenient lifestyle for AP customers. He thanked AP for providing business partners the opportunity to participate and support the growth of Thai SMEs under AP's EMPOWER LIVING goal. Additionally, he gained valuable insights on overcoming crises from senior executives who have navigated through various challenges, as well as interesting financial planning concepts.<\/span><\/p>

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Mr. Warapoj Ruenraengwong, Founder of Chosen Energy Co., Ltd., which operates in alternative energy, expressed his delight in being one of the 30 SMEs, noting that the trend of electric vehicles is gaining more interest in Thailand. The company is ready to provide alternative energy systems to AP customers and collaborate on developing a platform to manage electricity, as well as integrating with AP's platform to maximize customer convenience.<\/span><\/p>

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Mr. Wanchai Methakittiporn, Managing Director of V Foods (Thailand) Co., Ltd., stated that this is a great project that strengthens Thai SMEs, as most SMEs face budget constraints in marketing. V Foods is a supplier of ready-to-eat corn and plant-based protein using domestic raw materials. AP's support is a great opportunity for both SMEs and Thai farmers as a whole.<\/span><\/p>