One of AIS's key missions in its journey toward becoming a Cognitive Tech-Co, is to foster innovation in digital technology, elevating the quality of life for the Thai people while strengthening the potential of the business sector. This is achieved through the creation of an innovation-focused ecosystem, with a specific emphasis on the startup sector. AIS has firmly positioned itself as an enthusiastic supporter, collaborating with entrepreneurs from various domains, guided by the philosophy of "Partnership for Inclusive Growth," with the aim of creating sustainable mutual growth opportunities.

Most recently, AIS The StartUp facilitated the participation of two Thai startups, Muvmi and GEPP Sa-Ard, in the prestigious Singtel Group Future Maker program's fourth edition, featuring 12 startups from six countries within the Singtel group, including AIS in Thailand, Airtel in India, Globe in the Philippines, Optus in Australia, and Singtel in Singapore. The objectives for this year's Singtel Group Future Maker event continue to center on identifying startups with growth potential, aligned with ESG business practices and sustainable development goals (SDGs). GEPP Sa-Ard impressively demonstrates its ability to create value and promote business growth while maintaining an environmentally-friendly approach. They have been awarded the Gold level recognition and have received special award and funding to further develop a project for market experimentation in collaboration with Charopy, a startup from Australia. This partnership aims to create growth opportunities in the future.

Dr.Srihathai Prammanee, AIS StartUp Program Manager, stated, "In our pursuit of the 'Partnership for Inclusive Growth' initiative, we have taken Muvmi and GEPP Sa-Ard, two startups, on board as representatives of AIS The StartUp. They have showcased their capabilities on a global stage through their participation in the Singtel Group Future Maker program. This event connects startups with opportunities for sustainable business growth, leveraging the resources and extensive digital infrastructure of AIS and the Singtel group, as well as the collective knowledge and access to over 770 million customers, in addition to business partners and investor networks."

Furthermore, in addition to bringing two Thai startups onto the global stage of the Singtel Future Makers event, we have also extended the opportunity for engagement through exclusive experiences, including participation in innovation events and discussions with Singtel partners. This represents a significant step in enhancing the Thai startup ecosystem, while concurrently offering startups the chance to participate in the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH), organized by the Singaporean government, in which the National Innovation Agency (NIA) has chosen Muvmi and GEPP Sa-Ard to exhibit in the Thai Pavilions. This is a crucial opportunity to connect with global investors.

For this year's event, our focus remains strongly anchored in ESG Business practices, aligning with the United Nations' sustainable development goals (SDGs). In this year, GEPP Sa-Ard has been able to showcase its achievements, demonstrating how digital innovation can drive growth by establishing a robust business model that addresses waste management challenges. Moreover, it has applied a concept that creates a positive impact on both society and the environment.

Mr Andrew Buay, Vice President of Group Sustainability, Singtel, said, "We started SGFM, one of the earliest technology accelerator programmes in the region, to encourage the use of technology to make a positive impact in society be it to conserve the environment, enhance economic equity or address other social and healthcare issues. This year's SGFM winners have shown how technology such as 5G, AI and IoT can be used to develop meaningful solutions that address many pressing social issues from ageing to urban traffic congestion. We're excited to support them with our network, expertise and resources so they can grow beyond their home markets and bring their innovations to the people who need them. In keeping with our Group Purpose to Empower Every Generation, we will continue to drive such initiatives to enable start-ups in the region to help those in need."

Mayuree Aroonwaranon Co-founder and CEO of GEPP Sa-Ard said "We are thrilled to be part of the Singtel Group Future Makers program, as it represents more than just a business opportunity for us. It's an opportunity to convey our belief that businesses play a vital role in raising awareness and understanding of waste management among consumers and the general public. Through this initiative, we've developed the GEPP Sa-Ard platform, transforming it into a comprehensive Waste Management Platform. This platform includes a Data Analytics System that connects waste sellers with buyers, ensuring that waste is processed and recycled according to established standards. It covers the entire waste management process, from collection to final disposal, and enables efficient waste tracking. Moreover, it allows us to generate reports based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), which are accessible to everyone, promoting effective waste management. We believe that our participation in this program is a significant step towards more sustainable waste management practices."

Supapong Kitiwattanasak Co-founder of MuvMi said "We would like to express our gratitude to the AIS The StartUp program for recognizing our commitment to using digital technology to address people's transportation issues. MuvMi operates in the ride-sharing sector, and our focus goes beyond route optimization to meet the diverse needs of people in various areas. We are not only concerned with providing efficient transportation but also consider the environmental impact of using vehicles on the road. Our ongoing collaboration with AIS has allowed us to introduce electric tuk-tuks for passenger transportation along various BTS routes in Bangkok. This initiative has led to over 540,000 downloads of the MuvMi app and provided transportation services to more than 7 million passengers. Our participation in the Singtel Group Future Makers program marks another significant step in our journey. It reinforces our commitment to expanding our business and enhancing user experiences in larger markets for the benefit of people and the environment.

Dr.Srihathai emphasized, "Throughout the past decade, AIS has consistently held the belief that startups are another core element in harnessing innovation to address overlooked issues and create business models that cater to the needs of all stakeholders. It all stems from the unwavering passion of these startup entities. Beyond merely solving problems for customers, startups are akin to pioneers, reshaping the business landscape. They bring innovative digital solutions and innovative business models, thereby creating a significant impact on the digital economy. AIS is proud to stand alongside these startup.

This is because we don't perceive the success of innovation merely through the lens of financial backing. Instead, we view ourselves as committed partners in the AIS ecosystem, ready to provide comprehensive support for sustainable growth. We aim to build a robust business foundation, fostering new opportunities that showcase remarkable capabilities, ensuring lasting growth in the realms of business, the digital economy, society, and the environment."