Bangkok, 7 October 2021 – The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) teams up with the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and KPMG in Thailand in a significant collaboration to provide a course to groom its entrepreneur members, especially SMEs and Startups, that have potential and would like to raise funds in the capital market through the "LiVE Exchange" platform. LiVE Exchange is another alternative source of funding for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. It is estimated that more than 100 companies will be interested in joining the program.

Mr. Supant Mongkolsuthree, Chairman of FTI revealed, “Supporting our members to access various forms of funding is an important mission that the FTI has always been working towards. Raising funds in the capital market is one approach that members are interested in. In the past, raising capital in the capital market through SET and mai was quite difficult for SMEs and Startups. But the development of the stock market for SMEs and Startups (LiVE Exchange) in which the SET and the SEC are in the process of fine tuning the system and procedures, will help make raising funds more accessible. This is great progress.”

More than 80 percent of FTI members are SMEs, including new startups that have joined the FTI's network. The development of LiVE Exchange will increase the opportunities for members with potential and readiness to grow and have a source of funding to support them. This cooperation between the FTI, the SET, and KPMG in Thailand, which is an internationally recognized firm, will focus on developing a knowledge database for members. The FTI is in the process of developing various projects with the SET and KPMG in Thailand. If course fees are involved, the FTI will offer special rates for members as well as allocate a budget to support such expenses. It is expected that more than 100 companies will be interested in the program and are ready to develop and grow.”

Dr. Pakorn Peetathawatchai, SET President said, “The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) recognizes the importance of supporting entrepreneurs, especially SMEs and Startups, to have access to funding through the capital market to increase business potential. Therefore, the SET together with the SEC developed clear regulations to help companies access funding through IPO. Moreover, we set up a secondary market for SMEs and Startups called ‘LiVE Exchange’ to increase fundraising channels for entrepreneurs and provide alternatives for investors. The development of the LiVE Exchange employs the concept of light-touch supervision by making it easier for SMEs and Startups to access funding in the capital market. LiVE Exchange is expected to launch by the end of 2021.

In addition, for SMEs and Startups to be ready to enter the capital market, SET have launched the LiVE platform service by working with more than 25 partners in all sectors in developing knowledge and various services that meet the needs of entrepreneurs, such as e-Learning, business coaching, etc. This collaboration with the FTI and KPMG in Thailand will greatly help strengthen the potential and readiness of SMEs and startups who are members of the FTI as well as extend the services offering on the LiVE platform to better cover the needs of SMEs and startups.”

Mr. Charoen Phosamritlert, Chief Executive Officer, KPMG in Thailand, Myanmar and Laos said, “KPMG in Thailand is very pleased and honored to be involved in helping and supporting the growth of SMEs and Startups by enhancing their potential and readiness to enter the capital market, and in turn, driving the Thai economy. KPMG in Thailand has the experience, understanding and expertise in analyzing and managing problems and obstacles that are faced by entrepreneurs, both in terms of business expansion and access to funding. To grow, each organization must consider various factors and conduct in-depth analysis – whether on aspects of business, finance, accounting, legal and tax regulations. KPMG in Thailand as a service provider of audit & assurance, tax, legal, and business advisory, is well equipped with professionals in the field and has access to a network of knowledge, technology, and experts from around the world. We are ready to support by collaborating with the SET in providing knowledge and insights on LiVE platform and in creating a grooming program especially designed for SMEs and Startups. We hope that this initiative will play a part in sustainably helping to develop and strengthen the Thai economy.”

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), and KPMG in Thailand remain committed to supporting the development of SMEs and startups to grow sustainably through capital market mechanisms. We invite members of the FTI and SMEs entrepreneurs who are interested to reach out to us at the FTI hotline number 1453 or call the SMI Institute at 02-345-1118, 02-345-1188, 02-345-1093.