Dr. Karndee Leopairote, Chief Advisor of FutureTales Lab by MQDC, said: "FutureTales Lab by MQDC is proud to work for futurology, focusing on research, innovation, and foresight. We have studied and researched the future to explore past and current trends and forecast the future in terms of society, living conditions, sustainability, opening up new perspectives on the future world. We are creating a collaboration and knowledge-sharing platform with futurologists around the world to develop a better, more sustainable future and to enhance quality of life for Thais. We develop and integrate foresight tools to design the future and study upcoming changes, focusing especially on Generation Z, who will play a key role in future change. Organizations and businesses need to understand this group to adapt and properly apply their strengths and the potential."
Mr. Onza Janyaprasert, Vice President of MQDC, said: "MQDC intends to invest consistently in new projects in this area of Sukhumvit to develop it as a global innovation district. A joint 'co-creation' study with FutureTales Lab, startups, and local communities in Punnawithi will make the CyberTech District a hub for both Thai and foreign tech talent. The innovation district will form a living lab to test new technologies in a real social context. MQDC adheres to a goodwill principle in every development, so that when we develop in a district, the local community benefits and grows too. MQDC believes that expanding urban green space need not be restricted to government. Business can contribute through POPOS (privately owned public open space). We invite all sectors, public and private, to come together to drive the development of this neighborhood into a truly innovative district with good quality of life."
Prof. Dr. Anek Laothamatas, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, said that developing Thailand's innovation needs cooperation from the private sector. The ministry is delighted that the private sector is paying attention and sees the importance of bringing technology to develop the country with the state. The FutureTales Lab, for example, is working with government agencies such as the National Innovation Agency (NIA) and various universities to collect data on society and upcoming trends for planning and overcoming challenges. True Digital Park is developing Punnawithi with NIA as a CyberTech District to create space for startups with new technology, creating value for the digital industry. I believe the key strength to be integrated into these developments and changes is "identity" to solve problems in accordance with the country's real context and share Thai perspectives both domestically and internationally.
Dr. Pun-Arj Chairatana, Director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA) said the emergence of a CyberTech District in Punnawithi will not only benefit the economy and society. It will be catalyst for business, innovation, and investment as well as many important opportunities such as a center for the digital industry, foreign investment, a digital institute and a more intelligent life and society. NIA has continuously collaborated with networks to develop the CyberTech District. It has helped set up a District C-One-stop Service Center, an assistance center for domestic and foreign startups that want to set up and expand their business. The center offers advice and information from experts and encourages startups to use Deep Tech to add value and enhance innovation. NIA and the FutureTales Lab will collaborate in 2021 on futurology research in issues related to social change and lifestyles, supporting the country's economic and social development and sparking innovation to improve the quality of life of Thais, including ongoing knowledge-sharing activities among futurologists and the general public.
