MERC CORP Group, a real estate development consultancy both domestically and internationally, led by Dr. Phanu Boonsombat, Executive Director, has joined forces with KM LAND GROUP, a major real estate developer in Malaysia, to announce the launch of the MILLIONAIRE FAST-LANE II project, or "The Fast Track to Becoming a Millionaire" for the second time. This initiative aims to provide Thai entrepreneurs with opportunities to expand their businesses abroad to their fullest potential. The event was honored by Mr. Chaiwat Hansamwong, President of the Thai SME Council, who presided over the opening ceremony, along with Dr. Phumipichai Tharadamrong, Executive Consultant of MERC CORP, Mr. Ong Shau Soo, Chief Executive Officer of KM LAND GROUP, Mr. Apichart Prasithnarueth, Advisor to the Chairman of the Committee on the Draft SME Promotion Act, and Advisor to the Subcommittee on Human Rights and Consumer Protection, as well as Mr. Thanong Thongduang, President of the Southern Entrepreneurs Development Association (SEDA), who collectively held an official press conference at the GLOWFISH SATHORN Conference Hall, 2nd Floor, Sathorn Thani 2 Building.

           Dr. Phumipichai Tharadamrong, Executive Consultant of MERC CORP  stated that MERC CORP serves as a consultant for land development companies in Asia and Australia, focusing on shopping malls, retail and wholesale formats, as well as condominium projects for investment abroad. The company also provides sales and marketing consultancy, particularly in Malaysia, where there is a growing demand for Thai products and services, including Thai restaurants in various formats such as STAND ALONE, MAGNET ZONING, SPECIALTY STORE, CONCEPT STORE, and TRADE CENTER.

           Currently, Thai businesses face increasing competitive pressure, making it an opportune time for them to seek new investment avenues abroad. It is undeniable that there is a growing demand for Thai products, especially in ASEAN countries. Therefore, the MILLIONAIRE FAST-LANE project has been established for the second time to serve as a hub for information on products from Thai entrepreneurs looking to enter the global market. In the past, we have received cooperation from government agencies and various associations, such as the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP), the SME Association, the Franchise Association, the OTOP Product Center, and the Thai Chamber of Commerce, to facilitate access to information for members of each sector to present activities and marketing channels of the project. Recently, we have partnered with KM LAND GROUP, a major real estate developer in Malaysia, to expand Thai businesses into ONE KESAS, the first wholesale center for Thai products in Malaysia. This marks a significant step for Thai entrepreneurs to continuously and sustainably expand their businesses into the global market.

           According to Mr. Ong Shau Soo, Chief Executive Officer of KM LAND GROUP: KM LAND GROUP, a real estate developer in Malaysia, is currently implementing the ONE KESAS project, which originated from the need to create a distribution center specifically for Thai wholesale products due to the increasing popularity of Thai goods in Malaysia. The demand for Thai products, including dry foods, snacks, seasonings, handicrafts, herbal spa products, and fashion items, has been rising significantly each year. ONE KESAS can be seen as a large permanent showroom for Thai products, featuring over 200 stores. Additionally, it supports and manages marketing both online and offline, as well as sales management and the sourcing of distributors.

           “Malaysia is one of the ASEAN member countries with strong economic growth and is a market with high potential for Thai products. The export value of Thai goods to Malaysia has increased from 7.7 billion USD in 2009 to 13 billion USD in 2013, averaging an annual growth rate of 11%. As a result, Malaysia has become Thailand's number one export market in ASEAN and the fifth largest export market globally. Trade between Thailand and Malaysia is expected to continue to grow, as Malaysia's economy is projected to expand further. The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) forecasts that the economy will grow from 4.8% in 2013 to an average of 5.4% annually from 2014 to 2018, which will boost the purchasing power of approximately 30 million Malaysians, with per capita income increasing by 50% from 10,650 USD in 2013 to 16,070 USD in 2018. This creates confidence that Thai entrepreneurs will generate substantial income from high-potential countries,”

           Mr. Apichart Prasithnarueth, Advisor to the Chairman of the Committee on the Draft SME Promotion Act and Advisor to the Subcommittee on Human Rights and Consumer Protection stated, “The MILLIONAIRE FAST-LANE II project is an excellent initiative for Thai entrepreneurs, helping to enhance their business potential to achieve maximum satisfaction and successfully export products to the global market. In developing SME businesses, it is essential to understand the nature of the problems and focus on broad support distribution processes. The main obstacles faced by SMEs include access to BIG DATA for decision-making and business management, access to funding sources in terms of procedures, evaluation processes, and securities, as well as access to knowledge and understanding of industry changes and trade economics resulting from the INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT).”

           “For SMEs in Thailand, growth continues at an average rate of 7-9% per year, with approximately 2 million businesses classified as SMEs and around 2,000 large enterprises driving GDP. Additionally, SMEs account for about 70% of employment, with 70% of production sold domestically and 30% exported. Currently, they play an increasingly significant role in driving the country's economy. The promotion of HIGH GROWTH SECTOR SMEs aims to create growth through support from both the public and private sectors, including R&D, LOAN INNOVATION GRANTS, BUSINESS ANGEL FINANCE & VENTURE FINANCE, and companies listed on the stock exchange (IPOs), as well as support for exports to enhance economic value, focusing on businesses aligned with global mega trends (GLOBAL MEGA TREND SMEs).”

“Modern innovations align with green concepts, promoting environmentally friendly innovations (SMART IS THE NEW GREEN) that lead to zero waste and enhance businesses that improve human quality of life, especially SMEs that develop essential goods and services, as well as health-promoting factors.”

           Mr. Thanong Thongduang, President of the Southern Entrepreneurs Development Association (SEDA) added, “The association aims to promote entrepreneurs' knowledge and capabilities in all aspects of business, enhancing their ability to strengthen their businesses sustainably and continuously, as well as promoting the grouping of entrepreneurs to develop the potential of Thai businesses and create opportunities for trade and investment expansion within the AEC and global markets. This includes organizing training courses, creating their own business models using the BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS-BMC template, and finding marketing channels for entrepreneurs both domestically and internationally.”

For Thai entrepreneurs interested in more information, please contact 081-330-3322 (Ms. Kung) and 083-083-7023 (Ms. Pu).