Mr. Witakarn Janthawimon, Deputy Managing Director of Corporate Strategy and Innovation at AP (Thailand) Public Company Limited stated that AP Thailand, as a leading real estate developer in Thailand, has long adhered to the principle of conducting business with consideration for the environment, society, and governance (ESG). In the social dimension, AP Thailand is committed to being part of the effort to enhance the quality of life in society, with a primary goal of being an organization that prioritizes the development of 'people' by creating future skills to support everyone in leading a good life of their own choosing through various ongoing projects.

The company aims to expand access to new skills for “underprivileged individuals” to ensure they can access quality job markets on par with others. The company has therefore partnered with four organizations to create the Empower Society project named “Because I Am... Me #IamPower” to support graduates and youth with disabilities in leading a good life of their own choosing by providing educational opportunities for graduates and youth with disabilities to access new future skills. This initiative aims to enhance their potential, instill positive energy, and build confidence in their abilities, breaking down all life limitations and nurturing new skills that can be practically applied for greater opportunities in accessing quality job markets.

“Because I Am... Me #IamPower” is made possible through collaboration with specialized partners, including:

1. SEAC, a leader in executive, personnel, and organizational development focused on lifelong learning.

2. Vulcan Coalition operates as a social enterprise with a primary mission to create real jobs and income for people with disabilities.

3. Creative Talk (Creative Talk Co., Ltd.) is the initiator of the CREATIVE TALK Conference in Thailand.

4. Social Innovation Foundation supports people with disabilities in gaining employment and aims to reduce the employment gap.

 

Under the “Because I Am... Me #IamPower” project, there will be two main activities focused on developing the potential of ‘graduates and youth with disabilities’, which will be conducted continuously. These include the Creative Talk Conference 2022 (CTC2022), an annual conference gathering knowledge and trends from over 100 speakers, and the IW-Inclusive Workplace - Preparing to Enter the Workforce program, which enhances necessary skills and mindsets aligned with current and future job market demands.

This year, the Creative Talk Conference will be the first time we prepare spaces and facilities to share knowledge in new dimensions for graduates and youth with disabilities, including sign language interpreters, seating, Braille blocks, and a team of volunteers, or viewing through an online system. The company has prepared a special ticket quota called Angel Ticket to be given to graduates and youth with disabilities, with specialized partners providing consultation and planning for this event. The event will take place on June 25-26 at BITEC Bangna. Graduates and youth with disabilities interested in participating online can register for their rights at https://bit.ly/CTCforPWDs from today until June 15.

Ms. Methavi Tasana Setthakrit, one of the founders of Vulcan Coalition Co., Ltd. stated that through working with people with disabilities, it has been found that many have potential but limited access to employment and education opportunities. Data shows that there are over 819,000 working-age people with disabilities in Thailand, but only 33.18% have employment opportunities. AP Thailand, as one of the leading organizations in the country, showing interest and support for the development of the potential of graduates and youth with disabilities in creating future skills, opens up a world of learning and empowers all people with disabilities to lead good lives of their own choosing. In the CTC2022 event, Vulcan Coalition is ready to fully support and care for the participants with our experience and expertise to ensure that graduates and youth with disabilities can participate in this event to the fullest.

Mr. Sitthipong Sirimasakem, CEO of Creative Talk Co., Ltd. expressed great pleasure that AP Thailand continues to support the organization of the Creative Talk Conference, especially this year, where AP's concept of expanding access to new skills for “underprivileged individuals” elevates the CTC2022 to be on par with international conferences. My team and over 100 speakers are ready to broaden perspectives and expand ideas for graduates and youth with disabilities, in line with AP Thailand's goal of delivering good lives to everyone in society.

Ms. Niphatra Tangpajthaveepol, Product Director of YourNextU by SEAC, one of the companies under AP Thailand, a leader in executive, personnel, and organizational development focused on lifelong learning through world-class learning experiences and courses, stated that Thailand still faces educational gaps compared to the needs of the business sector, which are widening. This leads to limited access to quality job opportunities for graduates and youth, especially for graduates and youth with disabilities. SEAC, as an organization focused on promoting lifelong learning for Thai society, aims to empower graduates and youth with disabilities to believe in their potential, in line with the goals of the “Because I Am... Me #IamPower” project, while promoting skills in a new context for greater access to quality job opportunities.

Thus, SEAC has collaborated with the Social Innovation Foundation to continue the “IW-Inclusive Workplace - Preparing to Enter the Workforce” activity for the second year, with this year seeing graduates and youth with disabilities from 21 universities nationwide, totaling over 100 participants, joining this event. SEAC has designed learning experiences and courses that enhance necessary skills and mindsets aligned with current and future job market demands, such as Growth Mindset, teamwork skills (DISC), and storytelling skills, among others. Supported by the Social Innovation Foundation team, the learning will take place in a Virtual Classroom format, taught live via Zoom, to fully reach and maximize effectiveness for learners with disabilities, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to choose a better life, move further, and achieve sustainable results.

Mr. Apichart Karungraksakul, Chairman of the Social Innovation Foundation stated that the foundation's goal is to drive greater access to job opportunities for people with disabilities. This year marks the second year that the foundation has collaborated with SEAC to continue the “IW-Inclusive Workplace - Preparing to Enter the Workforce” project, with excellent feedback from graduates and youth with disabilities in the previous cohort. The curriculum designed by SEAC has helped unlock their hidden potential, boosting their confidence and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. Additionally, this year, graduates and youth in the foundation's network from 21 universities nationwide will have the opportunity to participate in the Creative Talk Conference, which is a great opportunity for them. I would like to thank AP Thailand and SEAC for prioritizing these individuals. I believe that the activities under the project Because I Am... Me #IamPower will create positive energy for youth with disabilities, enabling them to forge their own paths to success.

No matter how the context of society changes

Aspiration, dreams, and hopes of everyone will transform in various ways

AP Thailand is ready to be part of spreading positive energy to everyone

Never stop learning, growing, and looking forward without giving up

Create a path to achieve your goals with the power within you

“Because I Am... Me #IamPower”

“AP Thailand - A Good Life of Your Own Choosing”