UOB Thailand is expanding its 'UOB My Digital Space' (MDS) programme to strengthen teacher development and foster collaboration among schools, parents and communities, ensuring sustainable and high-quality education for disadvantaged students. Since its launch, the initiative has enhanced education for more than 5,000 disadvantaged students across eight schools, bridging the digital divide and equipping students with essential future-ready skills.
By empowering teachers with digital tools and building an interconnected education network, UOB Thailand continues its commitment to reducing social inequality and shaping a sustainable future for ASEAN.
The expansion of UOB MDS programme in Thailand aligns with UOB Group’s commitment to supporting disadvantaged students across Southeast Asia as part of its 90th anniversary initiatives. With a pledge of $30 million to uplift over 120,000 children in the region, UOB continues to empower young learners with essential skills for the future.
Mr Richard Maloney, President and Chief Executive Officer of UOB Thailand, said, "Every child deserves access to quality education and digital resources to unlock their full potential. Through UOB My Digital Space, we are providing teachers and students in remote areas with essential tools for core learning and self-development. By fostering teacher empowerment and community collaboration, we are creating long-term educational opportunities and a more sustainable future.”
Strengthening digital learning for lasting impact
UOB MDS was established to address educational disparities in underserved communities by providing students with digital literacy and future-ready skills. In partnership with the Thailand Collaboration for Education (TCFE), the UOB MDS programme has delivered digital learning classrooms equipped with computers and educational tools in science, mathematics, English, financial literacy, and career guidance.
Since its inception in 2023, the programme has expanded to eight provinces – Chonburi, Phayao, Lampang, Kanchanaburi, Surat Thani, Khon Kaen, Sing Buri, and Udon Thani – with two new schools, Srivinitwitthayakhom School (Sing Buri) and Phibun Rak Pittaya School (Udon Thani), joining this year.
Empowering teachers for the digital era
A significant challenge in remote schools is teacher shortages and workload imbalances, with educators often managing multiple classrooms. To support them, UOB MDS goes beyond digital resources by integrating an online teacher support community via inskru.com connecting over 100,000 educators to share knowledge, teaching strategies, and innovative approaches to learning.
Ms Kanokwan Chowsri, Director of Thailand Collaboration for Education, Yuvabadhana Foundation, said, "This initiative is transforming education in Thailand’s remote areas. We have seen improvements in student performance, confidence and engagement, while also reducing the strain on teachers. By developing teaching capabilities and strengthening school community partnerships, we are preparing educators for the future of learning. Our collaboration is reducing educational disparities and developing essential digital skills for both students and teachers, leading to a sustainable future for Thailand's teaching and learning system."
Mrs Tawanrat Teekaporn, Director of Srivinitwitthayakhom School—one of the new schools receiving a UOB MDS digital learning classroom—shared how UOB MDS is transforming education in her community. “With 41 new computers, digital learning tools in English language and science subjects, and access to an online teacher network, our school is now better equipped to provide engaging and interactive lessons. Our focus is on sustaining this initiative by optimising these resources and involving the local community to ensure a long-term positive impact on our students’ education."