Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin and Thai Minister Celebrate a Milestone Event in Thailand's Blockchain Adoption
Phuket, Thailand - January 29th, 2024 - The Blockchain to Government Conference (B2GC), a landmark event in Thailand's blockchain evolution, concluded on a high note in Phuket. The government-backed conference, co-organized by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA), the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA), and the Finstable Group, witnessed an unprecedented turnout, underscoring the burgeoning interest in blockchain technology across various public and private sectors.
Remarkable Participation and Community Building
The B2GC, held at the state-of-the-art Blockchain Technology Center (BTC) in Phuket, attracted over 1,000 attendees across 3 days, including key policymakers, industry leaders, and academic luminaries. The effervescence was unmistakable with 10+ community side events, 60 media partners, 150+ VIPs, over 30 exhibitors, and 70 speakers. The event also made serious waves online, with publications and live broadcasts across social media channels, generating a total of more than 6 million online views worldwide.
The conference facilitated a vibrant platform for dialogue, fostering a strong sense of community among participants and the global blockchain ecosystem. B2GC was a massive networking and collaborative opportunity, from the exclusive private dinner organized between global blockchain leaders and the minister and other representatives to the many connections facilitated between high-profile private investors, VIPs, and blockchain projects by Finstable’s team.
(Mr. Herbert Yang, General Manager of Asia at DFINITY FOUNDATION sharing about Internet Computer Protocol and community building with projects during a side event at Blockchain to Government Conference on 17th January 2024)
Government Endorsement and Future Prospect
The event was chaired by a speech from the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong, who spoke on the Growth Engine of Thailand highlighting clear strategic pillars to increase Thailand’s competitiveness, human capital and enhance safety and security for its citizens. His speech was preceded by a Q&A session with participating projects, emphasizing the government's commitment to integrate blockchain technology into public services. The presence of other high-profile government officials underscored the growing recognition of blockchain's transformative potential.
(Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong, Thailand’s Minister of Digital Economy and Society, speaking on stage at the Blockchain to Government Conference on 19th January 2024)
Insightful Discussions and Key Outcomes
The opening speeches were given by Finstable’s Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Dorian Bezzina, to introduce an impressive array of sessions led by globally renowned speakers, including global blockchain figures like Co-founder of Ethereum, Vitalik Buterin, but also Dr. Duncan Wong, CTO and Chief Scientist from Dabanc, the VP of Product and Director of Growth at Polygon, Sebastian R. Cabrera and Ravikant Agrawal, Zack Gall Co-Founder of EOS Network, Alex Blagirev from SingularityNET, Emilio Cannessa Head of Global Adoption at Internet Computer Protocol, and Sarah Song from BNB Chain.
Vitalik’s most anticipated session focused on the power of Ethereum’s layer 1 blockchain infrastructure for developers, especially on the importance of scalability and sustainability and Ethereum was developing towards these goals. His speech at B2GC happened just a short while before the important announcement of Devcon7 to be held in Thailand this year, but this time in Bangkok.
Local experts such as Sathapon Patanakuha ‘Bank’ from Smart Contract Blockchain Studio, prominent figures like Chatchaval Jiaravanon from Velo Labs, Wichai Thongtang (Thailand’s 14th wealthiest entrepreneur according to Forbes) and leaders from Bitkub Blockchain Technology and Sandbox also shared their insights. These discussions emphasized the potential of blockchain in revolutionizing public sectors like national identity, finance, education, and public governance. A key outcome of the conference was the consensus on the critical role of blockchain in enhancing government transparency and efficiency.
(Vitalik Buterin, Co-Founder of the Ethereum Foundation, made a speech via video call and answered questions from the audience at the Blockchain to Government Conference on 19th January 2024)
Launches and Innovations
In a significant development, B2GC saw the launch of Sabai Ecoverse's new asset tokenization platform, drawing attention from investors and technologists. True progress was made throughout this event, highlighted by the successful signing of Mile Green’s Memorandum of Understanding between Phuket’s Transportation Office and other partners, to launch their drive-to-earn blockchain application pilot program and the distribution of electric vehicles in Phuket. There were even demonstrations of VR simulations for fire brigade and police forces by the VAR Live team to showcase tech capabilities to government representatives.
Acknowledgments and Continued Engagement
The Executive Event Committee extends its gratitude to all the speakers, participants, sponsors, and media partners who contributed to the success of B2GC. Its impact has managed to reach beyond the conference, with numerous partnerships, projects, and Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) expected to evolve from the connections made.
The shared vision of using Phuket as a “Sandbox” to pilot blockchain technology programs has been evoked among the Ministry of Digital Economy, Phuket Province, and the different private blockchain actors present at the event might represent a concrete first step towards adoption and scalability within the country.
For more information, insights from the conference, and future initiatives, please visit the official B2GC website and follow Finstable's social media channels.
For those looking to attend Finstable’s next big event, register now for early bird tickets to Block on the Beach 2024 in Phuket later this year.
Block On the Beach - Early Bird registration: https://forms.gle/HgVtEnEJk5sfxEFB9
Contact and Media Enquiries:
Official Website: https://b2gc.finstable.co.th/en
For further information or to arrange interviews, please contact the B2GC Event Committee.
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