SET-listed RS Group yesterday debuted Popcoin, a smart marketing platform that uses blockchain technology to increase the market value of content and entertainment businesses.
Surachai Chetchotisak, the company's chief executive, said the Popcoin platform will become a tool that fulfils the needs and creates marketing opportunities and benefits to all stakeholders in the so-called "Popcoin Ecosystem", including brands, sponsors, content creators as well as consumers.
The Popcoin platform has been developed by 4th Apple Co, a subsidiary of RS Group, whose expertise focuses on content and digital marketing, and Future Competere, 4th Apple's partner specialising in blockchain technology with more than five years of experience to co-develop the "Tokenomic".
The platform also signed up Kunpimook "Bambam" Bhuwakul, a member of Got7, a popular Korean boyband, as one of the platform partners and to present the Popcoin platform to younger generations and broadcast live content.
Tanon Tanakornprapa, head of 4th Apple, said content and brand partners include Live Nation BEC-Tero Co -- a world-class international concert organiser in Thailand; High Cloud Entertainment, the music production house owned by Golf F. HERO; Siang Isan Molam Band; VOM Records, a rock music production house; Carnival Brand, a leading street fashion brand of Thailand; and Pet Hipster, an online magazine for pet lovers.
Other partners are Full Sense, an influencer of eSport in Thailand and Asia; Female Idol Trade Association (FITA); and Bhouse Studio, a top dancing school in Thailand.
Other brands who have agreed to use tokens in marketing promotion activities, and as a key channel for distributing tokens to consumers include Chase Asia Co, Chayo Group Plc, IT City Plc, Sabuy Technology Plc and Assetwise Plc.
The company expects one million Popsters -- the term used to refer to would be users -- to register on the Popcoin platform next month. RS will sell Popcoin at 15-20 satang to partners who will use the coin to do their marketing activities. Popsters can use Popcoin to redeem goods and services, stake their tokens to get rewards or can transfer Popcoin to the exchange platform.
"This is the new dimension in the media and entertainment industry that can make great use of digital tokens, especially in joint activities between fans and their favourite artists," Mr Tanon said.
According to Mr Surachai, with the complete data synergy and seamless experience, Popcoin is not only a cryptocurrency but a huge community that connects various groups of people and will be a tool that broadens your vision and moves brands closer to their customers than ever to reach the target group more directly, and the results are substantially measurable, apart from being an additional source of income.
More importantly, Mr Surachai said all partners who join Popcoin ecosystem can use the data on the platform to analyse consumers' behaviour and present products, services and design marketing activities that help their brands to reach their customers.
For consumers, Popcoin is a key to more diverse entertainment and their favourite artists. They can redeem products and collectibles, access content and join more special activities.
