Dr. Thawarut Sutabutr, Director of the Office of Knowledge Management and Development (Public Organization) or OKMD, said that Thai youth possess talent and creativity on par with anyone, but many still lack real work experience, access to experts, and clear career pathways.
OKMD has therefore adopted the Camp Based Learning concept—learning beyond the classroom—as the core of the project, giving youth practical experience in environments resembling real industry work rather than just theoretical study.
"This project has evolved beyond just teaching skills; it aims to serve as a launchpad where youth can discover their identities, create work, and learn how to collaborate as they journey into the music universe as professional artists."
The Talent Everywhere project attracted over 2,000 applicants. In its second year, it has grown significantly in popularity, narrowing down through auditions and selection from 2,000 to about 500 participants, then to 100 bands, and finally to 11 bands ready for the Pre-Debut process.
The 11 selected bands—Backyard, Zizters, Sleeplezzz, Zinith, Magazine No.19, Do Zero, Red Ribbon, The Make Shape, The Blue Pillow, Soulgoof, and Follow Me—have entered an intensive development phase to grow as true artists under the concept of Think–Create–Do–Show, advancing from individual skills to teamwork while discovering each band's unique musical style, mindset, and stories to share with audiences.
The incubation process does not enforce a uniform style but emphasizes the youths' dreams and passion alongside musical skills, enabling each band to develop authentically in a way that suits their identity.
Pongjak Phitsanporn, one of the Camp Directors, said that artist development today must look beyond musical ability, as audiences vary. Creating artists requires finding a clear identity—music genre, style, mindset, and message—while cultivating a mindset that prepares youth to enter the industry as their true selves without needing to change their identity.
Another key goal of the project is to help youth understand that being an artist today requires multiple elements: talent, creativity, identity, and discipline. They learn songwriting, creating work, life roadmap planning, social media communication, and collaborating with professional teams—all crucial skills for a career in the music industry.
Additionally, the project offers youth real-world insights and interaction with industry professionals to broaden their perspective and enable them to build on these experiences after the program ends.
OKMD observes that today artists have more channels to create and communicate their work independently, without solely relying on record labels. Providing youth opportunities to meet industry entrepreneurs and professionals is vital for showing them real career paths.
Therefore, OKMD invites A&R representatives from various record labels to attend the Talent Fest to view youth performances, increasing chances to advance into the music industry. The main goal is not only youth success on stage but enabling them to independently continue on their chosen career paths.
Talent Fest: Into the Music Universe and Beyond will be held on 29 August 2026 from 11:00 to 22:00 at 1981 Soul&Sold, designed around the “launchpad” concept in visuals, lighting, sound, and performance sequence to give audiences the experience of sending youth off into the music industry together.
The event features three stages: the Rocket Stage as the main stage for the 11 Pre-Debut bands, and the UFO Stage and Satellite Stage for 30 other Talent Everywhere project bands, making the festival a significant platform for over 40 new youth artists to showcase their talents to audiences and industry professionals.
All songs performed by the 11 bands on Rocket Stage are original works developed with staff throughout the camp, including lyrics, melody, and recording as Pre-Master Songs—marking a vital step from participants to artists with tangible original works.
Beyond performances, Talent Fest includes areas that connect learning, works, and networking: Talent Comet Market Zone for youth market and exhibitions, OKMD Zone or Space Station for learning about creative industry career paths, and Mercury Mingle Zone for networking among artists, experts, and entrepreneurs.
Highlights include performances by leading artists PARADOX and TILLY BIRDS, who will inspire new artists, along with activities from professional artists and producers. Talent Fest is not just a music festival or concert but a space for learning, expression, and creating opportunities for youth to connect with the music industry.
Wichian Rukpaisan, another Camp Director, said artists today need more than musical skills—they must know themselves, communicate ideas, work with teams, and understand the creative process. The project is designed to expose youth to real challenges, constraints, and professional collaboration before they embark on their own industry journeys.
This Talent Fest embodies OKMD’s Camp Based Learning philosophy, offering youth the chance to learn from experts and peers, practice hands-on, and fully showcase their potential, driven by love, dreams, and the energy to grow.
OKMD invites youth, parents, music lovers, and creative industry enthusiasts to join Talent Fest: Into the Music Universe and Beyond on 29 August 2026, 11:00–22:00 at 1981 Soul&Sold to experience the passion, determination, and works of emerging Thai artists, gain new perspectives on music industry careers, and be part of supporting Thai youth from the launchpad into the music universe at full potential. More details are available on the Facebook Page: OKMD.
. . . Muang Thai Life Assurance reinforces its brand strength according to Social Monitoring & Listening results from April to June 2026, with a total of 256,448 mentions and a 42% Share of Voice out of 613,411 mentions among life insurance brands monitored. This marks the second consecutive quarter at number one, up from 37% in Q1, supported by communications on health products, customer service, and the online program Go Healthier with MTL hosted by Sarisa Lamsam.
Mr. Sara Lamsam, CEO of Muang Thai Life Assurance Public Company Limited, said the analysis shows the company effectively connects communications, products, services, and useful content with public interests. The online feedback reflects consumer awareness, interest, and engagement with the brand continuously.
Monthly mentions numbered 108,200 in April, 93,986 in May, and 54,262 in June, demonstrating the company's continuous communication and activity success throughout the quarter in product, service, digital channels, and useful content for the public.
Additionally, the company received a total of 1,676 positive mentions, with May having the highest at 900, followed by April with 561 and June with 215, reflecting public trust and interest in the company's operations.
Most positive feedback focused on products (52%), followed by after-sales service (21%) and brand image (19%). Key support came from the D Health Lite and BBPK campaigns, social media activities, and services through MTL Customer Contact Center, Video Call, and #MTLsmileservice, which improve customer access to information and services.
An important content contributor to the Share of Voice growth this quarter is the online health and insurance show Go Healthier with MTL, hosted by Sarisa Lamsam, delivering expert medical knowledge on issues like PM2.5 dust, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, sleep, antibiotic resistance, and the latest episode on HYROX preparation, presented in an accessible and practical format.
The analysis reveals that Share of Voice is more than online mention numbers—it reflects public response to the company’s product development, service enhancement, and communication reaching consumers in daily life. Muang Thai Life Assurance continues prioritizing listening to customers and the public to use insights for ongoing improvement in products, services, and customer experience.
This analysis was conducted by Wisesight, a Southeast Asian social data analytics and intelligence provider specializing in collecting and analyzing consumer voices on social media, delivering insights for organizational planning and decision-making. It collects over 15 million messages daily and serves more than 300 organizations.
. . . Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited held the closing ceremony for the “Colorful Community Forest” design contest and announced the winners. Mr. Chatsiri Sophonpanich, President and CEO, presided over the awards ceremony, attended by Mr. Kobsak Pootrakool, Executive Vice President, bank executives, and partners from government, private sector, academic institutions, and the public at the Gomut Room, 29th floor, Bangkok Bank Headquarters, Silom.
After presentations from the final 10 teams, judging criteria included analysis, sustainability, design, aesthetics, and community involvement. Team 74 from the Faculty of Architecture, Arts and Design, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang won the student category, receiving 50,000 baht and a trophy. Team FIELD ASSOCIATE won the general public category, awarded 100,000 baht and a trophy. The competition spanned four months, with 156 teams applying and 92 entries submitted.
The project aims to provide space for new generations and the public to propose development ideas for the “Tham Suea Community Forest” in Phetchaburi province, balancing environmental, social, and economic benefits. The winning designs will be exhibited at Bangkok Bank Headquarters in Silom this September for public viewing and discussion before selected ideas are developed into real projects, creating sustainable community forest conservation and development models.