NFTs (Non Fungible Tokens) are a trend that organizations around the world are keeping an eye on. Central Group becomes the first retailer in Thailand to offer NFT avatars and serve as an auction facilitator on Opensea, the world’s biggest peer-to-peer marketplace for NFTs. Proceeds from the sale of these NFTs will be presented to its 122 employees who are retiring in 2022. This is a new phenomenon in Thailand’s HR industry, the first NFT auction for employees, in line with Central Group’s aim to fully become a Digi-Lifestyle Platform.

Ruedee Euachongprasit, Head of People Branding & Communication, Central Group, said, “More and more, Thailand is entering the world of digital assets, and this will change the lifestyle of modern consumers. Central Group, as an organization with a mission to become a Digi-Lifestyle Platform, takes this as an inspiration to equip our employees with more skills. We’ve come up with NFT avatars for our retiring employees, to be auctioned on the world’s biggest NFT marketplace, Opensea. This is the first initiative of its kind in Thailand’s retail industry, and a new direction for human resources to reward employees with digital assets.”

To reward and honor its employees who have done excellent work until their retirement, the company is hosting Virtual Retirement Day 2022 under the theme “Spirit always Young”, the highlight of which is the 122 NFT avatars for the retiring employees. These one-of-a-kind NFTs will be auctioned on Opensea, the world’s biggest peer-to-peer marketplace for NFTs. Central Group will facilitate the auctions and the proceeds will be given to each employee through their C-Coin e-wallet, which is the Group’s internal digital currency application.

Prasong Poopheng, Farmer Market Lead Director, one of the retiring employees of Central Food Retail, talked about receiving his NFT avatar, “Our company constantly introduces new technology in our ways of working and services. When there are new trends, Central Group never misses the opportunity. I am very happy to see that even though I am retiring soon, my company wants me to take part in this global trend along with the company. I don’t know much about NFTs, but it would be fun to learn something new and understand the trend that the new generation is interested in.”

Central Group has pioneered some projects in digital assets with the launch of C-coin, a company-wide digital currency application used for rewarding its employees in order to familiarize its employees with blockchain. Currently, the currency can be used at shops and cafes in Silom zone, foodwOrld at centralwOrld, some Tops, Supersports, OfficeMate, and B2S locations. In the near future, the currency can be used at Central Department Stores, Robinson Department Stores, and restaurants under Central Restaurants Group.Central Group will continue to adopt new technology and trends in its business to meet the needs of its consumers in the digital lifestyle.