News

(24 November 2020): AIS is continuing its mission to apply digital technology and services to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, which will give Thailand impetus in every economic, social and environmental sphere. AIS is expanding its partnership with Thammasat University to launch the first laboratory of sustainable development in Asia, “SDG Lab by Thammasat & AIS”, at the Puey Ungphakorn Centenary Hall and Park in Thammasat University's Rangsit Campus. It operates under the concept of integrating 5G and IoT digital technology as a basis for sustainability, and making a space for experimentation and practical trials by thinkers and inventors. It supports the development of innovation, and applying technology to solve various aspects of the environmental crisis. These will lead to an improved quality of life for all Thai people, while moving Thailand towards becoming a Smart City.

Mr. Somchai Lertsutiwong - Chief Executive Officer of Advance Info Services Plc (AIS) commented, “The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are targets to which both the World and Thailand are giving increasing priority. They are now being used as the basis for national and corporate policy. The ultimate goal is to develop quality of life for the world's population, while conserving human use of natural resources so they are not depleted, and seeking a balance between the environment, society and the economy. This is in contrast to traditional goals of prosperity based solely on economic growth. AIS, as a Digital Service Provider, has been always committed to operating its business on a concept of sustainability, by giving priority to applying business and digital infrastructure for the creation of universal sustainability. We have determined a strategy of sustainability in five aspects which comprise 1) Uniting society, 2) Delivering the best possible experience to customers, 3) Creating sustainable business partnerships, 4) Encouraging people to grow with every step and 5) Creating environmentally-friendly innovation. With regard to this, AIS has been selected as a member of sustainability indexes at both the international and national level. We have been nominated as a member of Dow Jones' World Index of sustainability, and the Emerging Market Index in the telecom sector, for two consecutive years, 2019 and 2020. We have also been chosen to be validated by the FTSE4Good Index Series sustainability index for 6 years running. At the national level, we have been named by the Stock Exchange of Thailand to the list of sustainable stocks, the Thailand Sustainability Investment (THSI) for the 6th year in a row in 2020.

“This is the origin of our partnership with Thammasat University to develop a laboratory of sustainable development, the SDG Lab by Thammasat & AIS. It is the first of its kind in Asia, and it is another confirmation of AIS’ determination to apply-cutting edge digital technology and services, and particularly 5G, to give Thai people the next level of experience provided by 5G. They can see the concrete benefits of 5G technology, which is a key resource in bringing long-term sustainability to Thailand. The scope of creative activity bringing benefits to both society and the country comprises:

1. Climate & Environment: Developing sustainability for the environment by using 5G technology for social development.
2. City: Developing local transportation and safety systems by applying 5G technology consistently with sustainable urban development.
3. Living: Developing sustainable living for members of society through the management of energy, natural resources and waste, including electronic waste.
4. Farming: Developing sustainable farming technology which meets the needs of food security.
5. People: Promoting participation by the general public in sustainable development.

“The aim of SDG Lab by Thammasat & AIS is to be a space for learning and practical experimentation, giving opportunities, and connecting innovators, developers and inventors from around the world who are focused on solving environmental problems. They may wish to innovate for sustainability, or create prototype innovations which address real problems. They can use our Network Infrastructure of high-speed internet including 5G, IoT, Fibre and AIS Super WiFi, as well as other cutting-edge tools and equipment at the Lab. They can use these to create prototype innovations which are ready to test and trial on the network, and in a realistic environment.

“AIS has also installed IoT equipment to control growing crops automatically, a weather station, and a PM2.5 particulate meter on the rooftop of the Puey Ungphakorn Centenary Hall. This controls a Smart Farm system which efficiently manages water resources for agriculture. In the future, AIS 5G will be deployed to develop and manage more space in Thammasat University's Rangsit Campus. For instance, there is traffic management with Smart Parking and Autonomous Car technology, to upgrade Thammasat to a fully Smart University. For all of this, we are confident that this cooperation will help bring about innovation to generate mutual sustainable growth, which will better deal with future crises.”

Assoc. Prof. Gasinee Witoonchart - The Rector of Thammasat University commented, “Thammasat University has the goal of becoming a university for the people, and for sustainability. In the past we have collaborated with both the state and private sectors to be leaders for change in Thai society. We have jointly created a body of knowledge consistently integrating social science and natural science. Continuing our partnership with AIS to introduce key digital technologies such as 5G, IoT and other digital solutions in the SDG Lab by Thammasat & AIS will facilitate efficient internal management of the Thammasat University Rangsit Campus. The Lab, which is located on 100 rai of the Puey Ungphakorn Centenary Hall and Park, will enable us to realize innovations which we have developed. It will be a model of sustainable innovation for the country. It will induce the participation of students, a new generation of innovators and many startup companies to innovate for sustainability. This will benefit the country as well as the general public, in line with the University's mission to create a real Smart City.”

For more information, please visit http://www.sdglabthailand.com/