BANGKOK, Thailand: Kenan Foundation Asia joined the Startup x Innovation Thailand Expo 2026 (SITE 2026), a major national platform that connects startups, entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, and innovation ecosystem partners from Thailand and across the region.
A key highlight of Kenan’s participation was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on “Capacity Building for Thai Entrepreneurs” between Kenan Foundation Asia and the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization), or NIA. The MOU was signed on 25 June 2026 by Dr. Wimonkan Kosumas, President of Kenan Foundation Asia, and Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of NIA, during the official ceremony at SITE 2026.
The three-year MOU established a framework for cooperation to support the implementation of the ASEAN MSMEs AI Skills Training – AIM ASEAN project in Thailand and to jointly develop future initiatives aligned with entrepreneur capacity building and innovation ecosystem development. The agreement reflected a shared recognition of the importance of strengthening Thai entrepreneurs, especially micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), by equipping them with knowledge, skills, innovation, digital technology, and artificial intelligence, and by expanding access to business opportunities that can support sustainable growth and the country’s innovation-driven economy.
Under the MOU, Kenan and NIA set out to promote Thai entrepreneurs’ readiness for the new economy and support the responsible and effective application of innovation, digital technologies, and AI in line with relevant laws and ethical principles. The scope of cooperation included co-developing knowledge resources, curricula, and learning materials; organizing capacity-building activities such as trainings, seminars, workshops, mentoring, consultation, and networking; connecting entrepreneur networks across the public sector, private sector, educational institutions, funding organizations, business service providers, and other stakeholders; exchanging academic knowledge and research; and jointly communicating partnership activities to broaden public awareness.
As part of the cooperation, NIA would help connect and extend networks of entrepreneurs and innovation ecosystem partners, while Kenan would support the development of learning content, tools, and practical training activities, including activities under AIM ASEAN in Thailand. Both organizations would also coordinate roles, responsibilities, and success measures to ensure that the collaboration is delivered effectively and brings practical benefits to entrepreneurs.
“Thai entrepreneurs and MSMEs are full of creativity and potential. What they need is access to practical knowledge, supportive networks, and the confidence to apply innovation in real business settings,” said Dr. Wimonkan Kosumas, President of Kenan Foundation Asia. “This three-year cooperation with NIA allowed Kenan to strengthen AIM ASEAN implementation in Thailand while opening new pathways to support more resilient, future-ready businesses across the country.”
In addition to the MOU signing, Kenan Foundation Asia also organized a workshop session under the ASEAN MSMEs AI Skills Training – AIM ASEAN project. The workshop introduced entrepreneurs and MSMEs to practical ways of using artificial intelligence to improve business operations, marketing, e-commerce, customer engagement, and decision-making.
AIM ASEAN equips MSMEs with AI knowledge and tools to strengthen business operations, marketing, and e-commerce while supporting policy dialogue and ecosystem collaboration. As a Lead Implementing Partner, Kenan Foundation Asia delivers the project in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, with a target to reach 46,600 MSMEs through tailored AI training and ecosystem support.
Through the workshop, participants explored how AI could be applied as a practical business tool, from improving content creation and customer communication to supporting market analysis, productivity, and online sales. The session helped entrepreneurs move beyond awareness of AI and begin identifying practical use cases that could support business growth and competitiveness.
Kenan Foundation Asia’s participation in SITE 2026 reinforced its long-standing role as an impact-driven capacity builder, working with public agencies, private-sector partners, educational institutions, and communities to equip people with the knowledge, technology, and skills needed for a better future.
SITE 2026 was held from 25–27 June 2026 at Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon, Bangkok, under the theme “Global Innovation Impact: The Year of Investment.” The event brought together key players across Thailand’s innovation ecosystem to connect innovation with investment, partnerships, and measurable business opportunities.
