Grab Thailand in collaboration with the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) is launching “Grab Wai Kao,” the elderly support programme to equip seniors with digital skills in order to boost their self-esteem and provide income opportunities. The programme allows senior citizens aged over 60 years to utilize the Grab app as driver-partners to provide transport or delivery services to earn extra income. The programme targets to support 3,000 people through depa’s network nationwide.

 

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, depa’s President/CEO, said, “Thailand will soon become an aging society. The number of the elderly in Thailand exceeds 12 million* in 2022, or 18.3% of the total population. As an agency responsible for promoting the use of digital technology to enhance the quality of life of all, including elderly people, depa places high importance on supporting the elderly to use digital technology to enhance their living. With this commitment, depa has cooperated with Grab Thailand in introducing the “Grab Wai Kao” programme which encourages senior citizens (aged over 60 years old) to utilize the Grab app and their own vehicles to generate extra income. This will also help them elevate their self-esteem and make them feel proud of themselves.”

Worachat Luxkanalode, Executive Director of Grab Thailand, said, “Digital inclusion is an essential part of our GrabForGood mission in supporting the future of work. Regardless of gender, age, education, or even physical limitations, such as hearing ability, Grab has provided everyone with an equal opportunity to utilize the Grab app as driver- or delivery-partners to provide transport and delivery services. After the criminal background check is approved, they only need to bring their own vehicles (motorbike or car), service mind, courage to try new technology, and get out of their comfort zone.”

“Currently, more than 3,700 driver-partners aged over 60 are on our platform. To others, they are seniors. To us, however, they are highly capable with vast experience, carefulness, and discretion. Age does not matter to them. This group of people has more free time and does not want to be dependent. Being self-reliant, they are proud of themselves, see value in themselves, and are less stressed. To support the elderly in developing digital technology, enhancing their lifelong learning skill, and improving digital knowledge for Thais, Grab has cooperated with depa in initiating the ‘Grab Wai Kao’ programme and dedicated the team to support seniors throughout the entire process, from application to onboarding, training, as well as, providing ongoing support. The programme will be promoted through depa’s online and offline networks, including the Social Welfare Services for Older Persons, nursing homes, Department of Employment, the Internet Foundation for the development of Thailand, and the Ready Senior page.”