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NIA Advances Strategic Plan to Empower Thai Innovation Businesses with Knowledge, Funding, and Global Networks to Drive Thai Innovation onto the World Stage
The agency has announced significant achievements in driving Thai innovation businesses towards global competitiveness through its ‘4G’ strategy: Groom, Grant, Growth, and Global. NIA now moves forward with new objectives: to foster innovations that deliver tangible positive impacts on the economy and society, supported by a strong innovation ecosystem. This includes financial support, the development of entrepreneurial capabilities, access to innovation infrastructure, and adaptation to the ongoing volatility of the global economic and social landscape.
The goal is to strengthen Thai entrepreneurs and create opportunities for them to expand their investments both domestically and internationally.
Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) (NIA), stated that Thailand’s innovation businesses hold several inherent strengths: from the readiness of national policies and infrastructure to the ability to blend culture and technology into creative products and services, leveraging diverse natural resources and the growing regional market that continues to attract foreign investors.
These factors have given Thai start-ups and SMEs the opportunity for exponential growth. As Thailand’s Focal Conductor of Innovation, NIA stands ready to link with partners both in Thailand and overseas to promote and support innovation-driven businesses across all dimensions, guided by the 4G framework: Groom: nurturing and developing innovation capability; Grant: providing financial support; Growth: creating opportunities to expand markets and access funding; and Global: propelling Thai innovations onto the international stage.
Over the past year, under the ‘Groom’ dimension, NIA has accelerated capability building through 16 innovation training programs delivered by NIA Academy, engaging more than 40,000 participants across youth, entrepreneurs, organizations, and emerging leaders. The agency has also promoted start-up development through the Thailand League Start-up Program, engaging over 250 teams from 50 universities nationwide, equipping students with entrepreneurial skills and perspectives to prepare them for the real-world start-up journey.
For start-ups, SMEs, and social enterprises looking to further develop and commercialize their innovations, NIA provides financial support under the ‘Grant’ dimension. This is structured into national development innovation funding and area-based innovation funding, supported by nine mechanisms designed to meet target group needs: Open innovation; Mission-driven innovation programs; Development of standards for innovation businesses; Partial interest support to enhance liquidity; Scaling regional innovation to wider markets; Innovation advisory services; Business expansion support; the ‘Good Innovation, No Interest’ initiative; and Co-funding and investment support, connecting entrepreneurs with public and private capital sources.
As of August, NIA has already supported 254 innovation projects this year, with funding exceeding 397 million baht.
In the ‘Growth’ dimension, NIA prioritizes expanding market access and funding opportunities both domestically and internationally, particularly in Thailand’s high-potential industries. To this end, the agency has developed acceleration programs for five priority sectors: agriculture, food, medical and healthcare, energy and environment, and tourism/soft power/society.
In 2026, NIA aims to accelerate growth for 100 start-ups, targeting innovation-driven revenues of 1 billion baht and attracting an additional 2 billion baht in investment. The agency also continues to highlight and disseminate success stories through the Nil Mangkorn (Blue Dragon) Project, now in its third year. Cohorts 1 and 2 of the projects have enabled more than 40 Thai innovation brands to achieve average revenue growth of 3.4 times, equivalent to an economic impact of over 530 million baht.
NIA also positions itself as a global start-up hub, providing services for both Thai start-ups aiming to expand overseas and foreign start-ups seeking to establish businesses in Thailand. Under the ‘Global’ dimension, support ranges from consultancy, market access, and investment facilitation to smart visas and tax measures. Thai start-ups with potential are guided into global markets through international market linkages, partnerships, and overseas business matching activities in countries such as the United States, Sweden, Finland, Qatar, China, Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong. To strengthen these efforts, NIA has also introduced programs to elevate innovation-based enterprises into international markets, including: Corporate Spark: fostering business matching with international start-ups possessing distinctive technologies or services; Global Market Link: creating opportunities to connect and expand markets overseas; and Global Investment Link: enhancing capabilities to attract investment from foreign investors.
Dr. Krithpaka added, “Looking ahead to 2026, NIA identifies four global innovation trends that will shape opportunities and challenges for Thai start-ups and SMEs alike. These are: (1) Technology trends such as AI, IoT, and automation; (2) Environmental trends, including alternative energy, energy efficiency, and carbon reduction; (3) Geopolitical trends, covering resource allocation, conflict situations affecting global supply chains, and trade tariffs between Thailand and the United States, all of which demand adaptability from Thai industry and entrepreneurs; and (4) Demographic trends, particularly the shrinking proportion of the working-age population, which will affect economic structures, productivity, health welfare, and demand for goods and services. These present both challenges and opportunities for Thai SMEs and start-ups to adapt and tap into new business prospects arising from such shifts.”
In response, NIA has outlined three flagship projects aligned with MHESI policy priorities: (1) the development of Thailand as a regional medical hub; (2) the application of agri-tech and agri-innovation by start-ups; and (3) the acceleration of deep-tech innovation enterprises. Additionally, NIA is advancing the NIA Innovation Journey & Dashboard 2026, a national database system consolidating information on innovation-based entrepreneurs, supported products and services, and growth trajectories. This platform will enable analysis of innovation dynamics to guide future policy direction and support mechanisms.
Dr. Krithpaka concluded that “NIA remains firmly committed to promoting and supporting innovations that deliver positive impacts on both the economy and society – what we call Impactful Innovation. This will serve as a driving force to propel Thailand towards becoming a true ‘Innovation Nation’ recognized on the global stage.”
Hashtag: #NIA #NationalInnovationAgency
https://www.nia.or.th/The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Taiwan-born pet mobility brand opens its first SoHo pop-up inside Flying Solo, bringing its Nordic-designed pet stroller collection to the heart of New York City.
NEW YORK, USA – Media OutReach Newswire – 02 April 2026 – FikaGO, the design-led pet mobility brand recognized across Asia and Europe, has opened its first New York City pop-up store inside Flying Solo in SoHo. The opening marks a deliberate move for a pet brand into one of the world’s most competitive retail districts.
Since entering the online American market in 2025, FikaGO has built a growing community of pet parents who see their animals as a central part of everyday life. Positioned as lifestyle essentials rather than conventional pet gear, FikaGO’s range of products is designed for people who want the best for their fur babies.
“We’ve always believed that pet products should not only be functional, but also beautifully integrated into everyday life.” — Eric Guu, Co-founder, FikaGO
SoHo was a considered choice: Flying Solo, with locations in New York and Paris, is known for championing independent design with a distinctly global sensibility.
The pop-up showcases FikaGO’s auto-folding Free To Go 2 in Sandy Beige, the brand’s bestselling product. All FikaGO’s products are manufactured using eco-friendly fabrics made from recycled materials, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. This includes their large-capacity Agile 2 pet strollers to their airline-approved Truffle carriers and the heavy-duty Kross pet wagon.
“Launching in SoHo is a meaningful milestone for us; it allows customers to truly experience the quality, design, and intention behind every FikaGO product.” — Eric Guu, Co-founder, FikaGO
As pet ownership rises globally, particularly among urban millennials and Gen Zs, demand for products that combine functionality, design, and lifestyle integration continues to grow. FikaGO was built for precisely this moment, and SoHo is precisely where that moment lives.
Visit the FikaGO pop-up at Flying Solo, 419 Broome Street, New York, or explore the full collection at https://us.fikago.com/.
Hashtag: #FikaGO #petmobilitybrand #petstroller #petcarrier #petwagon #petkennel #petbiketrailer
https://us.fikago.com/
https://www.facebook.com/FikaGO.US
https://www.instagram.com/fikago_us/
YouTube: 
https://www.youtube.com/@fikago5910
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About FikaGO
FikaGO is a pet mobility brand founded in Taiwan, dedicated to crafting products that blend functionality, comfort, and modern aesthetics. With a presence across Asia and growing reach in Europe and the U.S, FikaGO is redefining everyday experiences between pets and their humans.
Media OutReach
Lee Kum Kee Celebrates Culinary Excellence at the Historic Hong Kong Debut of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026
From 23-25 March, Lee Kum Kee brought together top chefs, diverse cultures and industry communities through a range of thoughtfully curated experiences, bringing authentic Asian flavours to the global stage. As well as reaffirming the brand’s Asian roots and international perspective, its involvement reflected an enduring commitment to preserving culinary heritage and driving gastronomic innovation.
“Asian Flavour Duet“: A Culinary Journey Through Heritage and Innovation
Helping to build momentums for this year’s awards, Lee Kum Kee collaborated with Vicky Cheng, the acclaimed Executive Chef and owner of WING, to co-create the “Asian Flavour Duet”, a Hong Kong-style late-night supper party on 24 March. Hosted at two Hong Kong culinary landmarks, the experience unfolded in two chapters – “Paying Tribute to Heritage” and “Innovative Fusion” – and invited guests to explore the limitless possibilities of Asian flavour.
The evening began at the century-old Lin Heung Lau teahouse, a space filled with nostalgia and memories for generations of Hong Kongers. Chef Vicky reinterpreted classic Hong Kong late-night dishes using signature Lee Kum Kee sauces, while guests were immersed in the warmth of the historic venue.
The celebration then moved to Medora, Chef Vicky’s Western dining space, where an “Innovative Fusion” was revealed. He showcased his modern culinary philosophy by incorporating Lee Kum Kee sauces with contemporary techniques to create bold, unexpected dishes. Guests also enjoyed specially crafted cocktails infused with Lee Kum Kee sauces, alongside a delightful yet refined sauce-inspired gelato, demonstrating a harmonious interweaving of savoury, umami, sweetness and spice.
The multisensory journey seamlessly blended tradition with innovation, exploring the future of cuisine while highlighting Lee Kum Kee’s role as a global gateway to Asian culinary culture.
At the event, Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs at Lee Kum Kee, commented, “Tonight, we are honoured to celebrate Hong Kong’s late‑night food culture with Chef Vicky and the global culinary community. From the legacy of Lin Heung Lau to the forward‑looking spirit of Medora, we are proud to be part of the creative journey and help showcase the depth of Asian flavours on the world stage.”
Celebrating a Gastronomic Brilliance with the Highest Climber Award Sponsored by Lee Kum Kee
During the awards ceremony on 25 March, Lee Kum Kee’s booth showcased a range of the brand’s acclaimed classic sauces and innovative products. Guests sampled specially crafted bites featuring Lee Kum Kee sauces, engaging directly with the flavours and techniques that have made the brand a trusted partner in both home and professional kitchens worldwide.
As part of the evening’s celebration of the region’s most exceptional culinary talents, the Highest Climber Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee was presented to Lamdre in Beijing by Chef Park from Atomix (No.1 in North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025). Lambre was applauded for its pioneering plant-based dining space that promotes healthy, sustainable living while honouring Chinese biodiversity in its menus.
In addition, WING, led by Chef Vicky, achieved an impressive second place in 2026 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The restaurant had also previously ranked No. 11 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2025, underscoring its continued international acclaim.
Building the Future Together: Deepening Global Partnerships
With the success of this prestigious awards ceremony in Hong Kong, China, Lee Kum Kee looks forward to deepening its collaboration with leading talents in the global culinary community. By continuing to champion Asian flavours and foster meaningful dialogue and exchange, the brand will continue to bring the spirit of Asian cuisine to kitchens and dining tables around the world.
Hashtag: #LeeKumKee #LKK
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Lee Kum Kee
Lee Kum Kee is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture, dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Since 1888, it has brought people together over joyful reunions, shared traditions and memorable meals. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, Lee Kum Kee’s range of more than 300 sauces and condiments sparks creativity in kitchens everywhere, inspiring professional and home chefs to experiment, create and delight. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China and serving over 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee’s rich heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices and “Constant Entrepreneurship” combine to enable superior experiences through Asian cuisine for people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.LKK.com.
About Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants
Launched in 2013, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants aims to showcase the outstanding achievements and diverse culinary landscape of the region. The list is determined by the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, a panel of over 350 culinary experts from across Asia who vote independently based on their specialised knowledge of the local dining scene. The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants series includes the awards ceremony and list announcement, creating a premier networking platform for restaurateurs, media, seasoned travelers and culinary connoisseurs to celebrate the exceptional service, passion and talent in the dining industry.
- Herbert Vongpusanachai takes on the role of Senior Vice President for Commercial for the region, effective April 1, 2026
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has appointed Herbert Vongpusanachai as Senior Vice President, Commercial for Asia Pacific, effective April 1, 2026. Herbert, who currently serves as Managing Director for DHL Express Thailand & Indochina, will be based in Singapore for his new role.
Herbert brings more than two decades of leadership experience within DHL Express, having successfully helmed multiple key markets across the region. He first joined the company in 2003 as Managing Director for Thailand & Indochina, later taking on leadership of Singapore in 2008, followed by Hong Kong & Macau in 2016. Since returning to lead Thailand & Indochina in 2020, he has driven sustained year‑on‑year profitable growth, transforming the cluster into one of the region’s key engines of expansion.
“Herbert has an exceptional track record of delivering strong business results while nurturing highly engaged teams across diverse markets. His deep understanding of our customers, collaborative leadership style, and ability to unearth opportunities in complex environments make him the ideal leader to drive our commercial agenda for Asia Pacific. I am confident that under his guidance, we will continue to accelerate sustainable growth across the region,” said Ken Lee, CEO for Asia Pacific, DHL Express.
In his new regional role, Herbert will shape and accelerate the commercial strategy for DHL Express across Asia Pacific by working with other functions to assess new sectors, routes and trade lanes with high potential for growth. He will focus on deepening customer engagement and supporting their expansion, while driving sustainable volume growth and advancing the adoption of new technologies to enhance commercial execution across markets. With his extensive country expertise and people‑first leadership style, Herbert is well‑positioned to support both regional and country teams in raising commercial performance to new levels.
“Asia Pacific remains an important anchor in global trade as seen in the latest DHL Global Connectedness Report, and this indicates the unwavering role of logistics to facilitate the flow of goods. With the newly introduced Heavyweight Express solution, which enables customers to ship heavyweight shipments with speed, certainty and reliability, I look forward to working alongside our talented teams to contribute to shaping the next chapter of DHL Express’s commercial success,” said Herbert Vongpusanachai, Senior Vice President – Commercial for Asia Pacific, DHL Express.
The latest DHL Global Connectedness Report shows that the region remains a major anchor of global commerce, with multiple economies rising in global connectedness rankings and Southeast Asia firmly establishing itself as a fast‑growing trade corridor. This also mirrors one of DHL Group’s strategies to better support 20 markets globally to accelerate growth; eight of them rest in Asia Pacific – underscoring the region’s critical role in DHL’s global network. As trade flows diversify and intra‑Asia integration deepens, this leadership appointment further strengthens DHL Express’s position in Asia Pacific.
Hashtag: #DHL
https://group.dhl.com/en.html
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dhlexpress/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
DHL – The logistics company for the world
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 389,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.
DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion euros in 2025. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.
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