In a strategic alliance with SCBX, the upmarket Bangkok shopping centre Siam Paragon has launched Siam Paragon Next Tech x SCBX, a Collaborative Tech Ecosystem the company describes as “a dynamic community of learning, technology, investment, and social media”.

Built on the fourth floor with an investment of more than 200 million baht (US$5.48 million) the Siam Paragon Next Tech x SCBX destination is described as “a vibrant hub for learning, inviting young minds, students, and inquisitive individuals of all ages to flourish and exchange knowledge, preparing for the rapidly advancing digital era.

The grand opening of the 4000sqm destination featured a Global Tech Talk last week brought together influential figures from the global tech industry, such as NFT Now, The Sandbox, Hashed, Microsoft, and a fintech giant Ant Group, creating a rare and illustrious panel. Attendees also included Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra, head of the Pheu Thai Family.

Thanaporn Tantiyanon, head of the Siam Paragon business unit, described Siam Paragon Next Tech x SCBX as “a testament to Siam Piwat’s visionary ambition”.

“This undertaking signifies a pivotal moment in Siam Paragon’s transformation,” said Thanaporn. “As a global landmark nestled in the heart of this bustling city, we are embarking on a mission to redefine excellence, envisioning lifestyles of the future across every conceivable dimension within ‘The World of Tomorrow’.

“This visionary initiative aims to pioneer the world’s inaugural prototype platform, bringing together luminaries from every discipline for collaborative innovation,” she said. “The ultimate goal is to elevate lives through extraordinary world-class experiences that exceed all expectations.”

Co-creation and collaboration

Siriporn Haruethaivinyoo, division head of corporate partnership at Siam Piwat Co, emphasised that the essence of co-creation and collaboration lie at the heart of the Siam Paragon Next Tech x SCBX concept.

“Spearheaded by SCBX, our ecosystem boasts more than 10 co-founding partners, more than 100 partner organisations, and a collective of over 1000 key opinion leaders and experts in the global tech landscape.

“Together, we have forged Siam Paragon Next Tech x SCBX to seamlessly bridge the realms of our shopping centre and the digital world.

“Siam Paragon also places great emphasis on sustainability and has thus partnered with Synnex, a prominent player in the IT ecosystem. We have launched the ‘Trusted By Synnex E-Waste’ project that aims to combat electronic waste pollution and address global warming concerns.”

Siriporn said waste collection points will be strategically placed around Siam Paragon to provide a means for discarded electronic devices to be recycled, upcycled or responsibly disassembled and recycled using a zero-landfill approach in alignment with international standards.

A leading fintech conglomerate

Dr Arak Sutivong, deputy CEO of SCB X Public Company, said the new Siam Paragon facility will help the company establish itself as the leading fintech conglomerate in the region.

“Our strategic collaboration on Siam Paragon Next Tech x SCBX embodies the unified vision of two prominent Thai private entities, strongly committed to driving Thailand forward and elevating the country into the region’s pivotal digital innovation hub.”

He says SCBX’s AreaX was driven by a commitment to cultivate a thriving tech community in Bangkok. The 100sqm space is split into two zones: Thailand’s first Developer Lounge which boasts adjustable workstations and advanced coding monitors, catering to developers and digital nomads and an Experience Zone, dedicated to learning, networking, and knowledge sharing, that will host a series of workshops on innovation and technology. The second zone will also feature rotating exhibits of financial innovations from SCBX-affiliated companies and partner organisations, granting the public broader access to the world of fintech.

Seven future communities

According to Salawit Suviporn, Siam Piwat’s ‘think-tank force’ behind the creation of this new facility, there are seven Future Communities that together comprise the Siam Paragon Next Tech x SCBX…

Dev Connect: A community serving as a seamless bridge for developers, uniting the worlds of technology, through cooperation and partnership of industry leaders.

Blockchain Web3 and Fintech: This community pioneers the digital age with blockchain, digital assets, and cutting-edge fintech technologies. It brings together business operators, investors, and tech enthusiasts, creating boundless opportunities in the digital realm.

New Tech: A community focused on fostering innovation and advancing new technologies that will be instrumental in shaping the future and driving the growth of startups.

Healthtech Hub: This community highlights health concepts and innovations driven by sustainable technologies, promoting both human well-being and environmental protection. It also features Looloo Technology’s AI and Telemedicine Technology solutions for health consultations, establishing itself as Thailand’s “inaugural hub for health tech enthusiasts”.

Gamer’s Guild: A hub for gamers and enthusiasts to converse about their interests and preferred game genres, and exchange gameplay techniques.

AI Arena: This community focuses on communication technology for individuals or groups, providing a platform for sharing creative ideas and technologies related to entertainment.

Social Co-creators: This community offers influencers and social media enthusiasts a platform to exchange experiences and expertise, backed by world-class partnerships.

SCB Next Stage for events

In addition to the seven Future Communities, Siam Paragon Next Tech x SCBX presents the SCBX Next Stage for seminars and workshops, accommodating up to 300 participants for knowledge exchange. The stage also features an exhibition zone dedicated to various creative art forms, targeting younger generations. The space opens with an exhibit by renowned French artist Miguel Chevalier who promises a “unique interactive experience for Thai audiences” through the rest of this year.

This space also houses a curated innovation area, featuring a demonstration of robotic art creation by The Saltbox Workshop at its launch and will also host Space K, a South Korean partner, that uses mixed-reality media art to bring K-Culture narratives to life in a vivid display of light and colour.

‘Redefining’ the retail landscape

Chadatip Chutrakul, CEO of Siam Piwat Group, says the launch of Siam Paragon Next Tech x SCBX represents “a significant stride in redefining the landscape of shopping centres and retail enterprises”.

“It aims to align with the evolving lifestyles of the future and stands as a pivotal element in the comprehensive transformation towards ‘The World of Tomorrow’,” she said.

Siam Paragon stands tall as a prominent world-class destination, holding its own among prestigious projects worldwide. Each day, the complex hosts 120,000 to 150,000 visitors, culminating in more than 50 million guests annually. Positioned as a central global landmark at the heart of Bangkok, Siam Paragon is committed to investing more than 3 billion baht ($81.4 million) this year in its transformative venture.