“Samyan CO-OP” in collaboration with Kasikorn Bank and the Thai Social Value Assessment Association has announced the success of Samyan CO-OP, a space dedicated to sharing knowledge for everyone. It continues to provide free learning spaces to promote lifelong learning sustainably, with Kasikorn Bank supporting its operations for over three years. Key performance results (as of May 31, 2022) include:

  • Over 120,000 registered users of the space, comprising 60% students and 40% general public.
  • An average of over 50,000 users per month (during normal periods without COVID-19 restrictions).
  • More than 250 workshops and training sessions held, with over 12,000 participants.
  • The emergence of a community of individuals, organizations, or agencies aiming to contribute positively to society.

In terms of social contribution, Samyan CO-OP participated in a Social Return on Investment (SROI) assessment conducted by the Thai Social Value Assessment Association, an international organization that supports the creation of social value through sustainable development in collaboration with various sectors in Thailand. According to the ESG Index framework, which covers social, environmental, and economic aspects, the Thai Social Value Assessment Association evaluated that every 1 baht invested in Samyan CO-OP generates a social return of 3.5 baht, which can be broken down into five key dimensions of social return:

  • Social Value for Users (User Value)
    Users of Samyan CO-OP experience improved quality of life, increased commitment, convenience in meetings, enhanced work efficiency, social space, and better mental health.
  • Social Value for the Community (Community Value)
    Creates value by improving the quality of life in surrounding communities through increased accessible and safe spaces at no cost for all ages, developing a strong learning community.
  • Social Value for Business Partners (Business Partner Value)
    Helps foster good relationships between business partners and users, as well as understanding customer behaviors and needs through the Samyan CO-OP application, increasing brand awareness among partners.
  • Social Value for Content Partners (Content Partner Value)
    Facilitates targeted training, workshops, and talks in an open space at no cost, increasing opportunities for activities and disseminating beneficial content to participants.
  • Social Value for Samyan CO-OP (Space Value)
    Enhances brand awareness of Samyan CO-OP through communication and activities, expanding the user base to a more diverse community, contributing to business sustainability.

Piyawan Soi Noi, Director of Samyan CO-OP under the management of Frasers Property Commercial (Thailand), stated, “Samyan CO-OP believes that having a co-learning space will support knowledge sharing and enhance quality of life to develop the potential of users from youth to working adults. We have received strong support from Kasikorn Bank, a partner with a vision and ideas aligned with Frasers Property’s commitment to social contribution, making this co-learning space successful in participating in the SROI assessment conducted by the Thai Social Value Assessment Association, reinforcing the objectives of establishing and promoting Samyan CO-OP as a sustainable learning space for everyone in the community.”

Thitiporn Sirisrisakoolchai, Senior Director of Business Solution Integration Chapter at Kasikorn Bank, said, “The collaboration with Samyan Mitrtown in supporting Samyan CO-OP reflects the bank's commitment to playing a significant role in developing creative and learning spaces in the digital age by promoting public spaces for everyone to learn, engage in activities, exchange perspectives, and diverse learning experiences, making Samyan CO-OP a comprehensive meeting and learning place in the city center, addressing the skills needed for the future that can be applied in learning, work, and life, such as self-learning skills, creative thinking skills, and technology skills.”

Regarding social return creation, Sukultip Keerati Pantawong, Secretary-General of the Thai Social Value Assessment Association, stated, “Globally, there is an increasing emphasis on measuring social value through Social Return on Investment (SROI) assessments to promote operations, activities, and investments that reflect not only economic returns but also benefits and values to society and the environment. In Thailand, this marks the beginning of raising awareness and understanding among government, private, and social sectors in applying tools and frameworks to enhance organizations' impact performance on society. The initiative of Samyan CO-OP is a significant step that will help promote understanding and lead to broader social impact in Thailand.”