J.P.Morgan and The JPMorgan Chase Foundation, in partnership with Ratchasuda Foundation and with support from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, today announced the launch of a new program in Thailand aimed at training underprivileged and hearing impaired youth in local sign-language interpreting, computer skills and digital media. The initiative will train students at Ratchasuda College in Mahidol University where they will learn technical skills to secure sustainable employment within the entertainment and media sector.
The program consists of two courses where hearing impaired and deaf students will learn computer and digital media skills while underprivileged students will learn Thai sign language interpreting skills. During the training, the students will complete internships to gain valuable work experience and broaden their networks for future opportunities.
"We are honoured to partner with Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and The Ratchasuda Foundation to help Thailand's underprivileged and hearing impaired youth to learn key skills for employment. We are confident that this project will equip them with the necessary knowledge to lead them towards a successful and sustainable future," said M.L. Chayotid Kridakon, Senior Country Officer, J.P.Morgan, Thailand.
The Ratchasuda Foundation initiative is launching as Thailand's entertainment and media industry experiences a period of rapid growth and job creation. According to a 2015 study by accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, the industry's spending is forecast to grow by 27.8% by 2019 with demand for online advertising, TV subscriptions and internet access being the top growth drivers. In addition, the government now requires provinces throughout Thailand to employ sign language interpreters to act as liaisons for deaf communities. The Ratchasuda Foundation program aims to bridge the skills gap for this growing industry and fill these jobs with its graduates. Furthermore, the initiative is strengthened by the Disabled Persons Promotion and Development Life Quality Act that makes it mandatory for companies to offer jobs to at least one disabled employee per 100 employees or contribute to a fund for the disabled.
"Ratchasuda Foundation is honoured and pleased to partner with J.P.Morgan on this initiative, which we believe will bring about positive change to the lives of hard-of-hearing and underprivileged people through increasing job opportunities", said Dr. Poonpit Amatyakul, Secretary of Ratchasuda Foundation. "Under Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn's leadership and guidance, the Foundation, since its establishment in 1992, has been committed to supporting and facilitating programs and activities to empower disabled people to live independently and equally within society. We hope that this initiative, through ongoing support and partnership with the corporate sector, will help us achieve more inclusive development", he said.
Today's announcement reflects J.P.Morgan's deep commitment to supporting communities around the world. Each year, the firm and its Foundation give approximately US$200 million to non-profit organizations globally. It also leads volunteer service activities for employees in local communities, utilizing its many resources, including access to capital, strength, global reach and expertise.