Page 37 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL6

What’s offered by Matichon Academy might not be about reading, but the job training workshops are all about creating and imparting knowledge. And that is not much different from getting knowledge from readingWhen the Matichon Academy opened in late 2011, many aspiring journalists made contact,hoping to apply. They were surprised to discover that the academy mainly provided cooking courses taught by renowned chefs.“Perhaps people always think of journalism when they think of Matichon,” said Parnbua Boonparn, deputy managing director of Matichon PLC, in an exclusive interview with Elite+.Matichon does more than sell newspapers, magazines and books, Ms Parnbua insisted, and the Matichon Academy does not conflict with the group’s core business.“What’s offered by Matichon Academy might not be about reading,but the job training workshops are all about creating and imparting knowledge. And that is not much different from getting knowledge from reading. Our company business is to sell products that help customers become more knowledgeable.”The offshoot is gaining traction. Last year, Ms Parnbua said, 10,000 people registered for cooking classes and other job training courses. The academy has expanded its job training programmes to include basic home improvement workshops such as how to fix air conditioners, and hobby workshops such as those imparting knowledge about amulets. The academy also offers job training workshops for companies and govern- ment agencies, as well as rentalspace at the academy’s studio on Prachachuen Road for those needing space for training courses. Ms Parnbua also launched a new project to provide cultural tours around Southeast AsiaAll workshops, she said, comple- ment core products of the company. The academy began with writers and editors of Technology Chao Ban (Homebrew Technology) and Senthang Setthi (Road to Riches) magazines demonstrating to their readers some of the tips and content introduced in the magazines. The cultural tours use contributions from Silpa Wattanadham (Art and Culture) magazine to run exclusive cultural tours. The workshops also help to sell advertising space in the magazines and newspapers.Elite+ 35