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NIA Highlights Key Innovation Trends for 2026, Spotlighting Innovation Policies Driving Thailand’s Economy and Society

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BANGKOK , THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2026 – The National Innovation Agency (Public Organization), or NIA, under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), is encouraging Thai entrepreneurs to keep a close eye on three key innovation trends for 2026: technology trends, market trends, and consumer trends. NIA also unveiled four major innovation policy directions: promoting investment in innovative businesses, strengthening innovation linkages across sectors, advancing regional innovation development, and enhancing national innovation competencies. These policies aim to accelerate the growth, capability development, and diffusion of innovative businesses, positioning them as key drivers of Thailand’s sustainable economic and social development.

Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of NIA

Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of NIA, said that rapid advances in artificial intelligence, escalating geopolitical tensions across multiple regions, trade decoupling and reciprocal tariff measures that create uncertainty in the global economy and value chains, as well as environmental issues and natural disasters, were major forces shaping change in 2025. ‘Innovation’ remains a critical tool for coping with these disruptions and uncertainties.

Looking ahead to 2026, Thai entrepreneurs will need to continue closely monitoring and adapting to change. Key innovation trends present both opportunities and challenges, starting with technology trends that help reduce costs and build long-term competitiveness. Notable technologies include Agentic AI, which can autonomously perform tasks such as customer chat responses, sales closure, order management, queue booking, price comparison, and automated purchasing; Hyper-Automation, which integrates bots and systems to reduce repetitive tasks, improve efficiency and accuracy, and enable real-time data-driven decision-making; and Carbon Accounting, which is becoming essential for SMEs involved in exports or global supply chains. Businesses are increasingly required to measure carbon footprints across energy use, production, logistics, and waste, in response to stricter global regulations such as the EU’s CBAM and Thailand’s forthcoming Climate Change Act.

Business trends highlight growth opportunities across several sectors. These include Health and Wellness, covering not only treatment but also prevention and therapy, particularly for working-age populations facing stress, office syndrome, and sleep disorders. Opportunities span physical therapy clinics, aromatherapy and sleep-aid products, herbal supplements, wellness tourism, yoga, and meditation. Another fast-growing area is the Pet Economy, as the Thai pet market continues to expand despite economic headwinds. This sector now includes holistic and organic pet food, fresh pet meals, fashion apparel, multifunctional pet furniture, and premium services such as pet spas, hotels, and condominiums. Additionally, Green and Circular Businesses are gaining traction, with upcycling and recycling ventures transforming waste and local materials into higher-value products. Although costs may be higher, sustainability-driven products can command premium prices, creating opportunities for community-based SMEs through innovative design aligned with environmental and fashion trends.

Consumer trends reveal a shift toward value-for-money and self-care. Hyper-Personalization is increasingly important, as consumers seek products tailored to individual needs, supported by advanced data analytics—such as supplements based on blood test results or skincare customized to personal skin conditions. Silver Solutions address the needs of Thailand’s aging society, with services focused on convenience, safety, and quality of life, including home modifications, slow-life travel programs, and assisted healthcare services. Meanwhile, Muketing or the Magic Economy reflects the enduring role of belief, spirituality, and cultural traditions in Thai society, creating economic value through religious tourism, spiritually inspired products, and design-driven items that blend art with faith.

Dr. Krithpaka added that NIA’s long-term mission is to transform Thailand into an innovation-driven economy, with startups and innovation-based entrepreneurs at its core. This requires the creation of new industries to drive growth and position Thailand as an “Innovation Nation” through three key objectives: developing innovations based on advanced and deep technologies that are difficult to replicate; creating high-value products and services rooted in creativity and cultural capital; and preparing a highly skilled workforce capable of keeping pace with rapid technological change and evolving demographic and labor market structures. NIA works closely with domestic and international partners in its role as a Focal Conductor of Innovation, supporting innovative businesses through the 4G framework: Groom (incubation and capability building), Grant (funding support), Growth (market expansion and access to capital), and Global (international market entry). In 2026, NIA will drive Thailand’s economy and society through four key innovation policy pillars.

The first focuses on promoting investment in innovative businesses, offering a range of financial mechanisms including grants for early-stage ventures and co-investment schemes for growth-stage firms, such as corporate co-funding, public venture mechanisms (NIA Venture), global investment link programs, and capital gains tax exemptions to support startup fundraising. The second pillar emphasizes innovation linkages, strengthening collaboration between academia and industry to translate research into real-world applications through acceleration programs, innovation hubs, ecosystem platforms, tax incentives, and future mechanisms such as intellectual property financing. The third pillar supports regional innovation development, enhancing local economies and quality of life through Social Innovation Driving units (SID), Open Innovation programs, City and Community Challenge, Social Innovation Villages, and Ninmungkornth The Reality, which inspires new or small entrepreneurs to become local economic champions. The final pillar aims to enhance national innovation competencies, cultivating innovation mindsets, technological and business skills, entrepreneurial thinking, and global readiness across youth, startups, SMEs, and organizations. Key initiatives include STEAM4INNOVATOR, Startup Thailand League, NIA Academy training programs, and productivity-focused projects such as INNOProductivity for SMEs, aligned with international innovation management standards like ISO 56001.

Through these integrated efforts, NIA seeks to strengthen Thailand’s innovation ecosystem and ensure that innovative businesses can grow resiliently and compete on the global stage.

Hashtag: #NIA #NationalInnovationAgency

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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CUKTECH Officially Launches Its Online Store in Indonesia, Expanding Charging Technology Presence in Southeast Asia

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JARKATA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 February 2026 – CUKTECH, a consumer electronics brand specializing in charging technologies, has officially launched its online store in Indonesia, further advancing its expansion strategy across Southeast Asia. The launch provides Indonesian consumers with a dedicated official channel to access CUKTECH’s charging products and related technical information.

CUKTECH focuses on the development of power and charging solutions, with a product portfolio that includes power banks, charging cables, wall chargers, and car chargers. Product development emphasizes charging efficiency, safety standards, and long-term reliability, addressing everyday usage scenarios involving smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other connected devices. The brand’s solutions are designed to support increasingly common multi-device lifestyles, including mobile work and frequent travel.

Prior to the launch of the official online store, CUKTECH operated in Indonesia mainly through third-party distribution channels, resulting in limited product availability. With the establishment of an official channel, the company is gradually introducing a more complete product lineup to the Indonesian market, aligning local availability with that of other Southeast Asian markets such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

According to the company, the official online store serves as a centralized platform for presenting product specifications, technical features, and launch updates in a consistent manner. This approach is intended to improve transparency and accessibility for consumers while supporting a more structured, long-term market strategy in Indonesia.

Looking ahead, CUKTECH plans to continue expanding its product portfolio in Indonesia, introducing additional products to address evolving local usage needs. Future launches will focus on scenarios such as multi-device charging, mobile productivity, and daily commuting, reflecting changing consumer behavior.

This market-oriented approach aligns with CUKTECH’s brand philosophy, “In somewhere, For somewhere,” which emphasizes adapting products and solutions to the specific needs of each market rather than applying a uniform global model.

Updates on product launches, brand developments, and the official online store can be found through CUKTECH’s official social media channels on Instagram and TikTok:cuktech_id

https://www.tokopedia.com/cuktech-official-store

https://shopee.co.id/shop/1748675224

Hashtag: #CUKTECH

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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Green SM Launches All-Electric Taxi Service in Bali with Taksi Komotra

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DENPASAR, BALI – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – Green SM has launched its operations in Bali through a strategic partnership with Taksi Komotra, introducing an all-electric taxi service to support the island’s sustainable tourism and urban mobility agenda. To celebrate the 238th anniversary of Denpasar City, Green SM is offering a limited-time 25 percent fare promotion, with discounts of up to IDR 238,000 per trip.

Green SM’s professional drivers are ready to provide high-quality, safe, and eco-friendly service.

Under the partnership structure, Green SM provides the technology platform, all-electric vehicle fleet, operational standards, and driver development system, while Taksi Komotra contributes its established local expertise and network across Bali. The collaboration integrates electric mobility technology with on-the-ground operational capabilities to deliver a scalable, governance-driven transportation model.

Operations in Bali are implemented under Green SM’s “5 Green Promises” service commitment framework. Established as a foundational operating standard since the company’s inception, the framework ensures that each ride delivers an excellent customer experience, professional drivers, high-quality and safe vehicles, fair and transparent pricing, and a meaningful contribution to environmental sustainability.

The service operates an all-electric fleet that produces no exhaust emissions or fuel combustion. All vehicles are maintained under strict technical and safety protocols to ensure consistent service performance while contributing to cleaner air and quieter urban environments.

A central pillar of the launch is the Green SM Driver ecosystem. Drivers are positioned as professional green mobility ambassadors guided by five core values: Respect, Professionalism, Dedication, Discipline, and Competitive Income with Stable Career Pathways. Structured training, transparent earnings mechanisms, and disciplined service governance aim to elevate driving into a respected profession while maintaining safety and reliability as foundational standards. This framework aligns income stability with environmental responsibility, reinforcing the role of drivers in supporting Bali’s sustainable tourism trajectory.

The launch comes amid rising mobility demand driven by tourism growth and daily transportation needs across the island. The Indonesia Tourism Outlook 2025 report notes a sustained shift toward environmentally responsible travel, underscoring the relevance of electric mobility in long-term development planning. According to projections from Indonesia’s National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), green employment nationwide is expected to reach 4.8-5.3 million by 2029, reflecting the broader economic potential of sustainable industries.

Mr. Deny Tjia - Green SM Indonesia Managing Director (third from left), Mr H. Hasbi - Chairman of Komotra Taxi Bali (second from left), along with representatives from government agencies at the launch ceremony.
Mr. Deny Tjia – Green SM Indonesia Managing Director (third from left), Mr H. Hasbi – Chairman of Komotra Taxi Bali (second from left), along with representatives from government agencies at the launch ceremony.

Mr. Deny Tjia, Managing Director of Green SM Indonesia, said: “The partnership with Taksi Komotra reflects our long-term commitment to building a high-quality, well-governed mobility ecosystem in Indonesia. By combining electric vehicles with professional driver development and clear operational standards, we aim to support Bali’s sustainable tourism ambitions while delivering safe, reliable, and comfortable rides for the community.”

H. Hasbi, Chairman of Koperasi Komotra, said: “We are proud to partner with Green SM to introduce electric taxis in Bali. Electric mobility will become part of the new standard for tourism and daily transportation on the island, and this collaboration helps us better serve local residents and visitors while preparing for the future of sustainable transport.”

The Bali launch marks another strategic milestone in Green SM’s expansion in Indonesia, following earlier operations in key markets including Jakarta, Makassar, Bekasi, and Surabaya. In these cities, the service has been positively received by local residents and international visitors alike, who value its clean electric fleet, professional drivers, and structured safety standards that enhance travel confidence.

With its growing presence across the country, Green SM continues to build a scalable electric mobility ecosystem that balances environmental responsibility, service excellence, and inclusive economic growth.

Hashtag: #GreenSM

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About GSM and Green SM

GSM (Green Smart Mobility) is the world’s first company to operate a fully electric ride-hailing service across multiple platforms. As a pioneer in sustainable transportation, GSM has laid the foundation for a cleaner, smarter, and more responsible mobility model powered entirely by VinFast electric vehicles. Founded by Vingroup Chairman Pham Nhat Vuong, GSM is committed to building a future-ready mobility ecosystem while promoting more environmentally conscious lifestyles in markets that are rapidly embracing sustainability.

Green SM is GSM’s official global brand, representing the company’s vision and values in every market it serves. In Southeast Asia, the brand operates as Green SM in Indonesia, Xanh SM in Vietnam and Laos, and Green GSM in the Philippines. Across all markets, the service consistently delivers a modern travel experience through VinFast electric vehicles, professional drivers, and a service culture that prioritizes safety and passenger comfort.

Green SM symbolizes progress toward a future where technology, people, and the environment move forward in harmony. Beyond providing zero-emission transportation, the brand is also committed to fostering environmentally aware communities in every market where it operates.

About Taxi Komotra
Taksi Komotra Bali is part of the Koperasi Mobil Transport Bali, which was established in 1993 under its original name, KOMITRA Bali. In 1996, the cooperative officially changed its name to KOMOTRA Bali and has continued to grow as one of Bali’s local transportation operators.

Today, Taksi Komotra Bali manages two core transportation services: rural bus services and taxi operations. For more than three decades, Komotra Bali has remained committed to providing safe and reliable transportation while supporting local mobility and the tourism sector across the Island of the Gods.

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Wuxi, the Newest UNESCO City of Music, Charms Europe with 2026 Folk Tour

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VIENNA, AUSTRIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 February 2026 – A high-level cultural delegation from Wuxi, China’s renowned “Home of Erhu,” has completed a landmark two-week musical tour across Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Featuring an over 80-member ensemble from the Wuxi Cultural Exchange Group, the tour represents the city’s most significant international outreach since it was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music in 2025.

Caption: A standing ovation for the Wuxi Cultural Exchange Group at the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg.

Launched on February 14, the “Chinese Folk Music Odyssey” featured seven major concerts alongside a series of academic and grassroots cultural exchanges. The tour served as a high-level dialogue between the traditional heritage of China’s Jiangnan region and the classical musical heartlands of Europe.

The tour opened at the Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels, where a capacity crowd of 2,000 experienced the vibrant Spring Festival Overture. The ensemble presented a “Chinese Music Feast,” using traditional instruments to paint an auditory “Jiangnan Scroll” of southern Chinese life. In a poignant finale, Chinese fiddles joined forces with local keyed violins to perform the classic Horse Racing. The fusion of Eastern and Western strings brought tears to the eyes of the Chinese diaspora and earned standing ovations from local attendees.

“The melodies possess both natural charm and profound cultural heritage,” noted Belgian music critic Philippe, following six curtain calls. “It is a truly borderless musical exchange.”

Beyond the concert halls, the group engaged with European pop culture in the heart of Brussels’ Comic Strip district. A “flash mob” titled Tintin’s Encounter with Jiangnan Music saw musicians performing alongside iconic murals of Tintin, engaging local youth and residents through social media-friendly cultural interaction.

Caption: Local residents experienced traditional Chinese instruments at the street event.
Caption: Local residents experienced traditional Chinese instruments at the street event.

The journey continued through Germany’s elite venues, including Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie and the Tonhalle Düsseldorf, showcasing the technical precision of Chinese folk orchestration. In the Austrian Tyrol, the tour took an improvisational turn as Wuxi musicians performed alongside local artists against the backdrop of the Alps, a live demonstration of the “beauty without borders”.

The tour concluded on February 26 in Vienna, where the ensemble hosted the “Dreamy Jiangnan” cultural salon at the Wiener Konzerthaus. The event paired musical performances with an interactive exhibition of Wuxi’s intangible cultural heritage, featuring traditional embroidery and clay figurines. The delegation also visited the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna for the “Jiangnan Charm, Harmonious Resonance” China-Austria Music Exchange event. Through a series of academic dialogues with faculty and students, both sides engaged in a meaningful cultural encounter. These interactions went beyond simple performances, significantly deepening mutual understanding and strengthening the musical ties between East and West.

By integrating the “Voice of China” into the “World Symphony,” the Wuxi Cultural Exchange Group has opened a new chapter in Wuxi’s enduring musical engagement with the world.
Hashtag: #WuxiInformationOffice

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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