UOB Thailand expands digital learning programme as the nation’s education challenge shifts from access to capability

As internet connectivity becomes widespread across Thai schools, educators are increasingly focused on a new challenge, that is ensuring students can confidently use digital tools and build the financial skills essential for long-term resilience.

Against this backdrop, UOB Thailand has expanded its UOB My Digital Space (MDS) initiative to 10 schools nationwide, extending structured digital learning environments and financial literacy education to more than 5,500 students

While infrastructure access has improved in the country, disparities in device availability and classroom integration remain. A 2025 report by Thailand's Equitable Education Fund (EEF) found that, on average, 17 students share a single computer in schools nationwide, limiting consistent hands-on engagement.

UOB My Digital Space programme helps to bridge these challenges by setting up dedicated digital classrooms equipped with curriculum-aligned devices and software for subjects such as mathematics, science and English. It also integrates structured financial literacy modules as part of the school timetable, reinforcing practical money management skills and digital safety concepts alongside academic learning. The programme also provides training for teachers and ongoing support for students between grade 7 and 9, as alongside cybersecurity and life-skills sessions conducted by UOB employee volunteers.

The expansion builds on results seen in the first three schools supported by the programme since 2022, where funding enabled digital devices, software tools and teacher development support. These results were tracked over three academic years following the rollout of digital classrooms and structured support systems.

Following implementation, schools recorded measurable post-test improvements across core subjects. In one participating school, the proportion of top-performing students increased from 31 per cent to 62 per cent, while the share of students in the lowest-performing band declined from 32 per cent to 10 per cent. The performance bands were based on standardised post-test assessments conducted by participating schools.

Mr Richard Maloney, President and Chief Executive Officer of UOB Thailand, said, "As internet connectivity improves, the priority must shift to how effectively students can apply digital tools and make informed financial decisions. Early results from the three pilot schools are encouraging. While academic outcomes are influenced by multiple factors, structured access to devices, digital learning tools and financial education plays an important enabling role. Expanding this model allows UOB to support more students in building essential competencies for the future, positively impacting their lives."

Ms Kanokwan Chowsri, Director of Thailand Collaboration for Education at Yuvabadhana Foundation, said sustained impact requires more than infrastructure. "Integrating technology into daily learning and equipping students with practical financial knowledge are critical to reducing qualitative gaps that affect long-term opportunity," she said.

School leaders from Klongyang Prachanusorn School and Dan Chang Wittaya School noted that dedicated digital classrooms have enabled more consistent participation, reduced reliance on shared devices and supported structured financial learning within regular lessons.

UOB My Digital Space programme forms part of the Bank's broader sustainability strategy focused on digital inclusion and community resilience, designed as a scalable model to support equitable capability development nationwide. The programme, which began in Singapore, has since expanded to Thailand with strong positive outcomes and to Indonesia as a multi-year initiative. Across the region, UOB My Digital Space is uplifting digital skills, literacy and access for more than 100,000 students, helping to prepare the next generation for a digital-led future.