HSBC Thailand, in partnership with Kenan Foundation Asia and the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO), has launched “MoneyWise in EEC: Building Financial Resilience & Cyber Security for Factory Workers”, a programme designed to strengthen financial literacy and cyber resilience among industrial workers in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
Thailand’s household debt-to-GDP ratio stood at 85.9% in H1 2026, a challenge that can directly affect workforce wellbeing and business performance. Globally, financial stress is estimated to cost employers 7 hours of lost productivity per worker each week and increase workplace distraction fivefold. By contrast, strong financial wellness programmes can improve employee focus by up to 84%. (Sources: NESDC; PwC report)
Cyber security is equally critical. Online threats are no longer a remote concern—they’ve become a broader economic and social issue, particularly as scammers exploit the digital platforms people use every day. In the first six months of 2026, Thailand recorded more than 170,000 online fraud cases, with financial losses approaching THB 9 billion, according to the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC).
Momentum in investment underscores the importance of building workforce capability and cyber security awareness in parallel. According to the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), 1,299 projects applied for investment promotion in 1H 2026, with a combined investment value of THB 1.473 trillion, up 37% year-on-year. In Thailand’s eastern region, including the EEC, investment applications totalled THB 496 billion, highlighting strong and growing interest from foreign direct investment (FDI) into the EEC.
With 1,023,351 workers in the EEC (2025), boosting workforce productivity remains a priority. Building a financially secure and cyber-aware workforce can help drive operational efficiency and strengthen global competitiveness.
Giorgio Gamba, Chief Executive Officer and Head of Banking, HSBC Thailand, said, “As the nation’s first commercial bank, and Thailand’s Best International Bank recognised by FinanceAsia for six consecutive years, HSBC has a long-standing commitment to supporting Thailand’s economy, people and communities. Since formalising our strategic partnership with the EECO in 2025, we’ve supported the EECO’s engagement initiatives and investment roadshows in key markets including mainland China and convened thought leadership events on priority sectors – including a data centre symposium in 2025 and HSBC’s Thailand Direct PPA roundtable in 2026 to help strengthen Thailand’s position as a hub for high-value industries.”
“‘MoneyWise in EEC” is a natural next step. Through our collaboration with Kenan Foundation Asia and the EECO, we aim to equip industrial workers in the EEC with practical financial literacy and cyber security skills from financial planning and debt management to protection against online fraud so they can safeguard their earnings and use digital financial services with confidence.
“When workers are financially secure and cyber-aware, it improves quality of life and productivity and strengthens workforce readiness, an important factor global investors consider. In its pilot phase, the programme aims to reach 400 workers through interactive onsite or hybrid training workshops to build a critical financial foundation supported by debt and shift-work budgeting guidance, anti-scam defense mechanism, and digital learning materials, so participants can apply the learning in their daily lives,” said Gamba.
Dr. Chula Sukmanop, Secretary General of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO), added, “Since the EECO signed the strategic Memorandum of Understanding with HSBC Thailand, we have seen firsthand that leading global investors place immense importance on the quality of the local workforce. Today’s collaboration with Kenan Foundation Asia and our alliance network represents a concrete expansion of the strategic mission between the EECO and HSBC. We are moving beyond simply attracting Foreign Direct Investment and are taking tangible steps to develop human capital. This is a fundamental pillar in perfecting the investment ecosystem within the EEC, increasing our competitive edge, and securing the utmost confidence among global investors.”
Dr. Wimonkarn Kosumak, President and Acting Executive Director, Kenan Foundation Asia, stated, “Workforce development must address both professional skills and essential life skills. We designed this initiative to educate workers while simultaneously cultivating peer leaders within the workplace. This approach ensures continuous learning and knowledge sharing within the organisation. Furthermore, it encourages employers to prioritize the financial well-being of their staff as a core component of responsible business operations.
“The industrial workforce is a vital force within the EEC. Knowing how to manage debt, build emergency savings, and recognize online scams will empower workers to better handle financial challenges. When employees are financially secure and relieved of financial anxiety, they can work and live with greater confidence. At the same time, businesses will gain practical guidelines to care for employee well-being in a way that truly aligns with their ESG goals, CSR commitments, and responsible business practices. We hope this project will lay a strong foundation for financial stability and cyber safety while supporting inclusive growth across the EEC region.”
This landmark partnership under “MoneyWise in EEC: Building Financial Resilience & Cyber Security for Factory Workers” marks a major milestone in equipping the industrial workforce with essential skills. The programme aims to build personal stability and foster positive workforce wellbeing. Ultimately, this effort elevates workforce readiness that, if scaled in the future through continuous collaboration, will strengthens the overall industrial sector, laying a crucial foundation for the sustainable growth of both the EEC and the Thai economy over the long term.
