Siam Piwat signs an MOU with DITP to support Thai designers to the global stage, reinforcing its position as the opportunity platform

Bangkok (October 8, 2024) Siam Piwat – a leading real estate and retail business developer, the owner and operator of world-renowned projects such as Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, and a joint owner of ICONSIAM and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok – has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) under the Ministry of Commerce. The MOU focuses on information sharing and knowledge exchange between the organizations to enhance agility and on supporting the exhibition and promotion of Thai designers’ works, underscoring Siam Piwat’s commitment to serving as a platform of opportunities for all and launching Thai designers and brands onto the international stage.

Mr. Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion, the Ministry of Commerce, stated, “This MOU is part of our department’s efforts to support the Thai design industry, focusing on enhancing the competitiveness of Thai designers and entrepreneurs at an international level. We believe that a collaboration with an effective partner like Siam Piwat will enhance the export capabilities and expand the market for Thai entrepreneurs in a tangible way.”

Ms. Usara Yongpiyakul, Chief Executive Officer of the Retail Business Group, Siam Piwat Company Limited, said, “This collaboration with the Department of International Trade Promotion reaffirms Siam Piwat’s role as a champion of the Thai design industry. We have been working with the department for several consecutive years to support Thai entrepreneurs in expanding their businesses overseas. To this end, we’ve provided assistance in developing capabilities, elevating products, and creating marketing channels to enable them to compete globally. Through this cooperation, we hope to provide a platform for Thai designers to showcase their potential and build a global reputation, particularly focusing on leveraging our online and offline platforms to create trade opportunities, connecting Thai designers’ work with consumers worldwide.”

The MOU between the DITP and Siam Piwat Co., Ltd. plays a vital role in nurturing and supporting Thai designers with respect to product exhibitions, publicity, and trade opportunities through Siam Piwat’s existing channels, including both shopping centers and online platforms. The key missions and projects under this collaboration consist of the following.

1. Fostering Thai design talents through competitions stimulate creativity and excellence: Siam Piwat seeks to focus on “products” through the Design Excellence Award (DEmark), which supports the exhibition and promotion of carefully curated, outstanding Thai design. It also aims to develop “designers” through various projects like Designer’s Room, Talent Thai, and Creative Studio, which focus on providing exhibition spaces and launching Thai designers onto the global market.

2. Prioritizing the creation of spaces of fashion shows and retail spaces for Thai designers’ works: This includes projects like 50 BCG Heroes and “BCG: Be the ChanGe,” which support sustainable products to enhance Thailand’s image. Additionally, spaces are provided for promoting the T Mark logo and hosting the TMark Festival to increase recognition among international visitors.

3. Developing marketing tools and channels to expand trade and exports: This involves utilizing Siam Piwat’s extensive distribution channels both in Thailand and abroad as well as providing support through the Thaitrade.com platform to broaden market access for designers and SME entrepreneurs, complemented by targeted business matching to drive export growth.

4. Supporting and nurturing Thai products to enhance long-term potential: This is achieved through the Thai brand incubation project (IDEA LAB), which helps brands with potential and unique identities to truly express their brand essence while maintaining a commitment to social responsibility.

The MOU between the DITP and Siam Piwat is set to elevate Thai designers’ potential. By offering exposure in high-profile commercial spaces and leveraging both online and offline media channels, this collaboration will pave the way for Thai designers to gain international recognition. The support also includes market expansion both domestically and internationally through Siam Piwat’s existing offline trade channels and digital platforms, thus fostering long-term trade opportunities.

Furthermore, this MOU is instrumental in promoting sustainability and sustainable development in Thailand. Initiatives like 50 BCG Heroes and ECOTOPIA, which champion eco-friendly products and services, are set to enhance Thailand’s global image, while encouraging entrepreneurs and consumers to adapt to sustainable practices, ultimately contributing to a balanced, long-term growth for the Thai economy.

The signing ceremony was attended by top executives from both organizations. This partnership is expected to have a positive impact on the Thai economy and design industry and effectively launch Thai brands and designers onto the global market.