MERC CORP , a real estate development consultancy both domestically and internationally, has joined forces with KM LAND GROUP, a major property developer in Malaysia to implement the Millionaire Fast-lane II project, or "the express lane to becoming a millionaire" for the second time, aimed at enhancing opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to expand their businesses abroad to their fullest potential.

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

          The competition faced by Thai businesses today is under increasing pressure, making it a great opportunity for Thai businesses to seek new investment avenues abroad. It is undeniable that there is a rising demand for Thai products, especially in ASEAN countries. Thus, 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, it has received cooperation from government sectors and various related 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, it has partnered with KM LAND GROUP, a major property developer in Malaysia, to expand Thai businesses into ONE KESAS, the first wholesale center for Thai products in Malaysia, marking 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 property development company in Malaysia, is currently operating the ONE KESAS project, which started from the need to create a distribution center specifically for Thai wholesale products due to the increasing popularity of Thai products in Malaysia.
The proportion of Thai products, including dry foods, snacks, seasonings, handicrafts, spa products made from Thai herbs, and fashion items, has been rising every year. ONE KESAS can be considered 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 sourcing 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 11% annual growth rate. As a result, Malaysia has become Thailand's number one export market in ASEAN and the fifth largest export market globally. The trade between Thailand and Malaysia is expected to continue growing, 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% per year from 2014 to 2018, which will boost the purchasing power of the Malaysian population of about 30 million, with per capita income increasing by 50% from 10,650 USD in 2013 to 16,070 USD in 2018, ensuring that Thai entrepreneurs can generate substantial income from this promising market,”

          Mr. Apichart Prasithnarit, 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 a beneficial initiative for Thai entrepreneurs, helping to enhance their business capabilities to the fullest, leading to maximum satisfaction and successful exports to the global market. In terms of SME business development, it is essential to understand the nature of the problems and focus on a broad distribution of support. The main issues that obstruct SMEs primarily revolve around access to BIG DATA for decision-making and business management, access to funding sources in terms of processes, evaluation, and collateral, 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, they continue to grow at an average rate of 7-9% per year, with approximately 2 million SMEs and around 2,000 large businesses driving GDP. Additionally, they account for about 70% of employment, with 70% of SME 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, such as 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 generate added economic value, focusing on businesses that align with global trends (GLOBAL MEGA TREND SMEs).”

“Modern innovations align with green concepts, innovations that care for the environment (SMART IS THE NEW GREEN), innovations towards zero, and promote businesses that enhance the quality of human life, especially SMEs that develop essential products and services, as well as factors that promote health.”

          Furthermore, 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 strength to sustain their businesses independently and continuously, as well as promoting the grouping of entrepreneurs, developing the potential of Thai businesses, and creating opportunities for trade and investment expansion within the AEC and international trade markets, whether through training programs, creating their own business models using the BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS-BMC template, or finding marketing channels for entrepreneurs both domestically and internationally.”

Thank you for the information from www.merc-corp.com