On September 22, 2026, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) and Instep Co., Ltd. (“Instep”) to work together across areas including digital innovation, service design, digital skills development, smart cities, and opportunities connecting Thai startups with Japan.

Under this MOU, the three parties will collaborate across four key areas, including the “Digital Skill Roadmap” promoted by depa: (1) Smart Cities, (2) Digital Skills Development, (3) Hackathons addressing urban challenges, and (4) Supporting Thai startups in accessing the Japanese market.

Thailand is advancing initiatives to develop talent capable of leveraging digital technologies and to strengthen skills development in line with the needs of industry, as part of its efforts to promote the growth of the digital economy.

One such initiative is the “Digital Skill Roadmap” promoted by depa.

The Digital Skill Roadmap provides a framework for identifying the skills needed in the digital age and supporting the development of digital talent in Thailand. It covers three areas: foundational skills required by everyone, skills for use in the workplace, and advanced skills for digital professionals. Through this framework, Thailand aims to raise digital skill levels across society while responding to the evolving needs of industry.

We have been working with universities and educational institutions in Thailand on service design education and talent development. Through this MOU, we will build on this experience and expand our collaboration beyond digital talent development into areas such as urban challenges and startups, bringing our expertise in service design, UX design, and human-centered design to these new areas.

As part of this collaboration, we will work together across the following four areas.

1. Smart City Lab – City Data Platform UX Design

We will support the design and development of the City Data Platform and related smart city services from a user experience (UX) perspective.

2. Design Academy – Digital Skills Roadmap and Workshops

We will develop and implement a Design Academy based on the Digital Skill Roadmap, along with workshops and other initiatives to support the development of digital skills and capabilities.

3. Hackathon for Cities – Starting with the Bangkok Metropolitan Area

Starting with the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, we will organize hackathons focused on challenges faced by cities and their residents, working toward practical ideas, prototypes, and digital solutions.

4. Startup Gateway to Japan

We will create opportunities for Thai startups to connect with the Japanese market by connecting them with Japanese companies and organizations, investors, and innovation ecosystems. Through these connections, we aim to encourage greater collaboration between the startup ecosystems of Thailand and Japan.

As part of this collaboration, we will bring our expertise and experience in service design, UX design, human-centered design, and service design education to support the design and implementation of various programs in Thailand and Japan.

We will also deepen our collaboration with local educational institutions, companies, and the broader digital ecosystem in Thailand. This work will be supported by Dr. Wiwat Wongwarawipat, President of Instep Co., Ltd. and an advisor to the Faculty of Engineering at Chulalongkorn University, who has also supported our activities in Thailand.

In Thailand, we have been working not only on service design projects, but also on educational programs and SYNC Design & Innovation events. We are excited to take the next step in our work in Thailand through this MOU with depa and Instep.

Through a wide range of joint activities, we hope to contribute to the continued development of both Thailand and Japan, while creating more opportunities for people and organizations in both countries to connect and collaborate.

■ Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa)

The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) is a government agency established under Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society Act. depa works to promote the development of Thailand’s digital economy and society through initiatives including the adoption and utilization of digital technologies, digital talent development, support for digital industries and startups, and the promotion of smart cities.

・Address: 80 Lat Phrao Soi 4, Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
・Website: https://www.depa.or.th/
・Established: January 12, 2017