KohCelo (Celo Thailand DAO) Project for Road to Devcon H1 2024 | Regional DAO [FINAL]

1. Funding Request: KohCelo (Celo Thailand DAO) Project for Road to Devcon 2024 | Regional DAO
2. Authors: Varin Pulpol, Parnaigon Yangpaksi
3. Budget Request: $37,750 cUSD
4. Proposal Type: CPG Funding Request | Regional DAO

5. Summary:

This proposal outlines a funding allocation of 37,750 cUSD to KohCelo (Celo Thailand DAO) from 1st March 2024 to July 31st, 2024. Our primary objective is to establish a significant Celo presence at Devcon 2024, position Thailand as the CELO hub in Southeast Asia (SEA), enhance Celo’s visibility across Thailand, and strengthen ties within the Crypto Community. Furthermore, the proposal is dedicated to improving the understanding and awareness of Web3’s importance in Thailand, specifically for Celo. Our strategy centers around three main initiatives: 1. Tailoring Content to regional tastes, focusing on Devcon, and 2. Community Expansion through engagement with universities and high engagement with the Ethereum Community, specifically ETHPadThai 3. It boosts public relations and educational outreach. We will also investigate Potential Partnerships and Product development Opportunities.

6. Motivation: The Unparalleled Opportunity Road to Devcon for Celo in Thailand

6.1 Introduction

Firstly, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Florian Hugenberg @Frerehugi, the creative mind who proposed and recommended the name KohCelo to us, which we strongly agree with this recommended. Florian, hailing from Germany and a long-standing member of the Celonian community within Celo, shared with us that the term “Koh” is universally recognized and easily remembered by people around the world when thinking of Thailand, citing examples like Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Tao, and Koh Chang, among others. So, let’s dive into what this name means and what it represents. KohCelo is a unique and memorable name that perfectly marries the innovative spirit of Celo with the quintessential Thai element of an island. “Koh,” meaning “island” in Thai, conjures images of Thailand’s beautiful, peaceful island landscapes, known for their breathtaking natural beauty and tranquil vibes. This name not only reflects our goal of building an inclusive and sustainable financial ecosystem but also highlights the serene beauty of Thai islands. It symbolizes a perfect harmony of technology and nature, creating a space of connectivity and peace within the Celo network.

According to Chainanalysis, Thailand is among the top 10 countries leading in the Global Crypto Adoption Index 2023. As well as Devcon announcement, Devcon 7 will take place from November 12-15 in the vibrant city of Bangkok, Thailand, with a spirit that will resonate across Southeast Asia over the coming year. The Devcon website mentions that “Southeast Asia is a melting pot of diverse cultures, rich histories, and communities. While Bangkok, Thailand, with its unique blend of tradition and modernity, serves as an ideal location to host Devcon in terms of both venue suitability and global accessibility, our intention is to bring the Devcon experience to the whole of Southeast Asia!” Similarly, the goal of Koh Celo is to establish a significant Celo presence at Devcon 2024, position Thailand as the CELO hub in Southeast Asia (SEA), enhance Celo’s visibility across Thailand & SEA, and strengthen ties within the Crypto Community.

Reference

6.2 Crypto Landscape in Thailand:

In 2024, Thailand has made significant strides in the crypto and blockchain sectors, marked by progressive regulations from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and strategic industry developments. The SEC’s new guidelines have enhanced the crypto landscape by removing investment limits for retail investors in asset-backed digital tokens and instituting strict custodial wallet management. Furthermore, the introduction of Gulf Binance, a collaborative exchange by Binance and Gulf Energy (Gulf Energy is the No.7 largest company in Thailand with a market cap of $14.17 Billion Dollars, accessed: 3/7/2024), underlines Thailand’s commitment to becoming a key player in the digital asset space. Additionally, Thailand’s Web3 economy is booming, with over 3 million crypto users and a 600% growth in recent years, supported by a crypto-friendly regulatory environment. This growth mirrors the country’s aim to foster innovation and secure its position as a hub for crypto and blockchain in Southeast Asia.

Reference:

6.3 Celo’s Opportunity to Thailand:

Celo has a unique opportunity at Thailand Devcon 2024, given the country’s high mobile internet usage and digital engagement. According to Datareportal (2023), with 85.3% of the Thai population having internet access, Celo’s mobile-first approach aligns well with Thailand’s tech landscape. According to Statista Research Department, as of January 15, 2024, Tether took the highest market share of Thailand’s most traded cryptocurrencies, accounting for around 40.3 percent of the entire market. The nation’s strong digital economy and active online community are ideal for promoting Celo’s blockchain solutions. Celo can enhance its visibility and adoption within the Thai cryptocurrency and tech communities by focusing on educational initiatives and partnerships that leverage Thailand’s digital infrastructure. This strategic engagement can help Celo capitalize on Thailand’s growing interest in blockchain technology, contributing to the region’s broader digital economy and blockchain ecosystem.

Reference

6.4 Objectives for Koh Celo Thailand:

  • Establish a significant Celo presence for Road to Devcon 2024, position Thailand as the CELO hub in Southeast Asia (SEA)
  • As mentioned in the Devcon blog under the “Road to Devcon” section, “This initiative was born from our commitment to support the rise of new Ethereum events, grassroots communities, and educational endeavors across Southeast Asia.” Therefore, our objective aligns with this vision: to support the emergence of new Celo events, grassroots communities, and educational initiatives throughout Thailand.
  • Educate and Engage: Collaborate with the Ethereum community, specifically ETHPadthai, to promote Celo’s advantages. We will work with these KOLs in Thailand and local communities to promote Celo.
  • Ongoing Outreach: We will extend our discussions & manage the events with universities’ blockchain clubs and ETHPadThai, who is keen on crypto education and adoption.
  • Community Building: Establish a solid and lasting Koh Celo community in Thailand.

Reference:

7. Specifications: What is Celo Thailand DAO Os Going to Execute?

7.1 Focus Area 1: localization Segment

  • Create a Celo-specific AI assistance to answer questions regarding Celo in the native Thai language and other languages on Chatroom.
  • Localize all Celo’s announcements, ecosystem updates, and products for Thai audiences.
  • Leverage localized social media and platforms for effective content distribution.

7.2 Focus Area 2 - Community Buildup & University Reachout Segment

  • Sponsor and reach out to Thai universities with physical and virtual events with local Thai Ethereum communities, Specifically ETHPadThai (Preparing to work leading up to Devcon in Thailand in November 2024)
  • Encourage and advocate students’ project grants targeting grassroots universities’ blockchain-related clubs in Thailand for education and awareness aligned with the Road to Devcon Vision.
  • Establish robust crypto communities in Thailand through meetups, education, and virtual chat communities.
  • Engage the community with regular updates, AMAs, trivia, and quizzes about Celo.

7.3 Focus Area 3 - PR and Education Content Segment

  • Advocate confidence and establishment of Celo advantages among Thai crypto communities
  • Create and distribute original content and deep drive reviews, contributing to the Celo ecosystem with well-established local brands and communities

7.4 Focus Area 4 - Partnerships and Products Segment

  • Identify local partners and engage in cross-promotion and resource-sharing.
  • Forge meaningful relationships with local partners and crypto communities in Thailand.

8. Budget and Feasibility for 5 months of Koh Celo Thailand Project:

1 Milestone: Content Localization

Allocation Breakdown ROI and Key Results
$1,000 Document translation services tailored to the Thai language and market nuances At least 50 contents translated to Thai to build Celo awareness
$1,700 Creating and promoting culturally resonant content on Thai social media channels Est. Total Views: 200,000Est. total engagement: 40,000
$2,800 Content & Marketing Management Team costs
SUM $5,500 Total for Content Localization
  • Document translation services tailored to the Thai language and market nuances.
  • Create & Promote the Celo ecosystem related to social media platforms like Medium, Twitter (X), and Telegram.

2 Milestone: Community Building, Universities & Crypto Events Reachout

Allocation Breakdown ROI and Key Results
$1,400 Setup and management of community platforms and Social Media on Thai Telegram, Twitter, and/or Line, etc. * $400 of setting up cost* $200 of operation cost per month (total $ for 5 months for Telegram, Twitter) * 300+ Thai Local People Telegram members* 400+ followers on Twitter
$6,000 Expenses for Thai physical and/or online community meet-up events for the whole 5 months of budgeting, net cost included all costs for setting up, renting the place, or inviting the guests. * 2 Community Meetup 50+ in-person participants* 2 online virtual events AMA, CeloSpace in Thai with Ethereum Community
$3,100 The budget allocation for university outreach is designed to cover 3-5 engagements with local Ethereum Communities, specifically ETH Padthai. * At least 3 engagements with the university outreach along with the Ethereum Community.
$9,400 Community & Events Management Team Costs
SUM $19,900 Total Expense for Community Building, Universities & Crypto Events Reachout
  • Reach out to universities and web 2.0 developer communities to encourage people to build on Celo for real-world use cases.
  • Set up and managed community platforms on Thai Telegram or Line.
  • Regular engagement activities tailored for the Thai community, such as Celo Webinar, AMAs, and quizzes, and specific to Celo.

3 Milestone: PR and Education Content

Allocation Breakdown ROI and Key Results
$1,400 Creation of high-quality Thai PR content highlighting Celo’s activities 30+ Key visual and media production
$1,250 Development and design of educational resources catered to the Thai market Market research and key audience for the Thai market
$2,700 PR and Education Content Management Team Costs
SUM $5,350 Total for PR and Education Content
  • Creating high-quality Thai PR content highlighting Celo’s activities.
  • Developed and designed educational resources catered to the Thai market.

4 Milestone: Partnerships/Products

Allocation Breakdown ROI and Key Results
$2,250 Partnership with existing Thai Communities and KOLs *At least 1 Community Partnership *At least 1 KOLs Partnership
$2,250 Expenses related to the establishment of strategic partnerships with Thai Establishments or cooperation *At least 2 Partnerships and Cooperation with Projects/Groups
$2,500 Partnerships/Products Management Team Costs
SUM $7,000 Total for Partnerships/Products
  • Market research for identifying potential Thai partners.
  • Expenses related to the establishment of strategic partnerships with Thai entities.

9. Key Metrics and Monitoring Plan

9.1 Strategic Goals and Measurable Outcomes:

  • Clearly laid out objectives with measurable outcomes.

9.2 Financial Transparency:

  • Multisignature account for security.
  • A comprehensive report of finance and spending.

9.3 Key Learning and Development:

  • Transparent view into the journey of establishing vibrant web 3.0 Celo communities in Thailand.

9.4 Community Growth Report:

  • The unified report detailing performance, results, and metrics related to community growth in Thailand.

9.5 Structure & Multi-Sig:

  • Multisignature (multisig) account wallet for financial operations: 0x2e598Ab8484c8F5a115b06bBAc2C2Ae8Ab29bf41
Role Name Celo Wallet
Lead / Operations Varin Pulpol 0xb791cd0A3501e60798Cb477FD69406F5422BB25c
Lead / Strategy Parnaigon Yangpaksi 0xf2987Db184B298ab9810639536a9dEF1e4d365B5
Advisor Numporn Thungphotrakul 0x7cf81307c3142a165531d2b2bf17f87a367f95c7

This proposal outlines a strategic plan for Celo’s expansion in Thailand and Road to Devcon 2024. It focuses on content localization, community building, university outreach, public relations, educational content, and local establishment partnerships. The budget is allocated across milestones, ensuring transparency and measurable outcomes.

10. Team Background

-Varin Pulpol – Celo Ambassador Thailand, ImmortalX Moderator, Former FTTDAO Thailand Lead, Master’s in Blockchain at ZIGURAT Institute of Technology & IL3 - Universitat de Barcelona in Spain, Master’s in Digital Economy at Rangsit University in Thailand, Master’s in Digital Education Management at GBSB Global Business School in Switzerland, Ph.D. Candidate in Digital Economy at Rangsit University in Thailand.

-Parnaigon Yangpaksi - Hardcore - ethpadthai.org, Core Team - The Mu @themu_xyz, Ecosystem Ambassador - Aleo, Bachelor of Arts in International Relations - UCLA

11. Resources

  1. https://twitter.com/celo_thailand
  2. Telegram: Contact @Celo_Thailand
7 Likes

Hello @Vow personally I am really excited about this proposal :raised_hands:

From my work point of view:

  • I have full confidence in Vow’s commitment to this initiative, having closely observed their work. However, I recommend considering the implementation of new Governance Guidelines before proceeding.

  • Just curious about this past proposal Celo South East Asia (“SEA”) DAO Proposal why you reduce the scope and remove Vietnam?

  • Additionally, a multisign of 2/3 might be a more secure choice compared to a multisign of only two. It could enhance the overall security and decision-making process.

Looking forward to the success of this proposal with these considerations in mind.

6 Likes

It’s a good proposal i believe it deserves more funding

3 Likes

Hi @Vow - thanks for taking the time to create this proposal!

Applying for Celo Public Goods Funding
You’re likely aware that you can apply for Celo Public Goods funding under the Regional DAO strategy. We’ve just published a thread with more information here and created a Public Goods Funding Wiki to provide more guidelines. I propose adding [DRAFT] to the Title of your Forum Thread and updating that to [FINAL] when you believe you’ve incorporated feedback and would like to progress toward a vote.

Feedback on the proposal
Overall, I like the direction of the proposal, am happy to see you’ve already contributed to Celo, and believe Thailand to be an essential region - especially with DevCon taking place there this year.

Some elements I feel could use some more clarity or changes are:

  • $3,100 for University outreach seems high compared to your meetup budget; I would rather see more meetups or focus on 1 / 2 specific universities and hosting things there.
  • Can you share more of an example you have in mind for a strategic partnership with a Thai entity?
  • From my understanding, the team would receive a share of the budgets specified in each line item. Can you provide more details on the operational budget you set at the end?

Cheers,

Luuk

3 Likes

Macdonald hibwa(3)|500x500](upload://yEDf4yRczhdyAvdtjNo3ZnF7hbB.jpeg).Boom or Bust? Navigating the Future of Crypto in Africa

Africa, a continent bustling with innovation and facing unique economic challenges, has embraced the world of cryptocurrency with fervent enthusiasm. But will this embrace translate into a long-lasting love affair, or is it destined to be a fleeting fling? Predicting the future is a risky business, but by examining current trends and potential roadblocks, we can glimpse the possibilities that lie ahead for crypto in Africa.
Fertile Ground for Innovation:

Africa’s crypto adoption rate is soaring, with some countries ranking among the highest globally. This rapid growth is fueled by several factors:

Financial Inclusion:Traditional banking systems often exclude large segments of the population, while crypto offers accessible alternatives for sending and receiving money.
Inflation Hedge:In regions with high inflation, cryptocurrencies can be seen as a store of value, protecting users from declining purchasing power.
Cross-Border Payments: Crypto facilitates faster and cheaper cross-border transactions, a boon for a continent striving for greater economic integration.
Entrepreneurship:A vibrant startup scene is utilizing blockchain technology to develop innovative solutions for various sectors, from agriculture to healthcare.kwanza :kenya: na Tanzania :tanzania:

Navigating the Stormy Seas:

Despite the optimistic outlook, challenges remain:

Regulation: The lack of clear regulatory frameworks creates uncertainty and hinders wider adoption. Governments need to strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting consumers.
Volatility:
The inherent volatility of cryptocurrencies poses a risk for individuals and businesses seeking stability. Education and responsible investment practices are crucial.
Infrastructure: Limited internet access and digital literacy in some regions can impede wider crypto adoption. Addressing these gaps is essential for inclusive growth.
Scams and Security:Fraudulent activities and security breaches threaten user confidence. Robust security measures and user education are vital.

A Glimpse into the Future:

The future of crypto in Africa hinges on addressing these challenges. Possible scenarios include:

Regulatory Clarity:With well-defined regulations, crypto could become a mainstream financial tool, driving financial inclusion and economic growth.
Stablecoins and CBDCs:Stablecoins pegged to fiat currencies or central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) could offer stability and wider adoption.
Integration with Traditional Finance: Partnerships between traditional financial institutions and crypto companies could bridge the gap and offer wider access.
Technological Advancements:Improvements in scaling solutions and energy efficiency could address sustainability concerns and attract wider participation
The of crypto in Africa is far from certain, but the potential is undeniable. By overcoming the existing hurdles and fostering responsible innovation, crypto can play a key role in shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future for the continent. However, it’s crucial to proceed with caution, considering the risks and ensuring proper regulation to protect users and build a sustainable ecosystem. Only then can Africa truly leverage the potential of crypto for its future.
…maybe we will be there very soon my friend. As iron shapens iron …do we humans need to help each other. Buy me coffee we may :yum::my valora adress:0xb00b36ea3d6b1cfab426f169a3d7bfc7dca3064d**[spoiler]strong text[/spoiler]**

2 Likes

Hello Juan,

Thank you immensely for your suggestion and for the encouragement. In response to the community’s advice, we’re bringing in an additional member to our multisig setup to bolster both security and the decision-making framework.

This initiative is currently tailored exclusively for Thailand, as our aim is to leverage the local resources at our disposal to the fullest. We’re of the belief that DAOs in other nations have the autonomy to craft proposals that best suit their unique contexts. This approach, we reckon, streamlines efficiency and effectiveness on a country-by-country basis.

2 Likes

Hello @LuukDAO ,

First and foremost, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your valuable suggestion and the positive spirit behind it. Your input is greatly appreciated and plays a crucial role in our planning.

The budget allocation of 3,100 for university outreach is designed to cover 3-5 engagements with local Ethereum Communities, specifically ETH Padthai. This initiative is a preparatory step towards supporting Devcon in Bangkok this coming November. We believe involving Celo in these activities, especially in collaboration with the Thai Ethereum community, could significantly enhance Celo’s visibility among university students yet to explore the web3 space.

As for partnerships, we’re eager to introduce Celo to these platforms’ users, given Celo’s presence on local Thai Centralized exchanges. This demographic significantly outnumbers those not using CEX, presenting a valuable opportunity for promotion. Additionally, we plan to collaborate with local entities like ContributionDAO and ETH Padthai, amongst others, to amplify Celo’s presence and build its brand reputation within Thailand’s existing Web 3.0 user base.

Lastly, I’d like to clarify that the team will not receive a portion of this specific budget line but will be compensated monthly. This structure ensures that we focus on effectively deploying resources for maximum impact.

Again, thank you for your support and trust in us. We look forward to making the most of these opportunities and contributing to Celo’s growth in our community.

Warm regards,

Varin Pulpol (Vow)

1 Like

@LuukDAO @0xj4an-work
I tried to edit the draft but realized I couldn’t. It seems that the permission to edit content is reserved for the Moderators of the Celo Forum. Therefore, I would like to update and add additional information here for those who will have the right to participate in the Multisig, increasing it to 2/3 in this comment.

Multisignature (multisig) account wallet for financial operations: 0x2e598Ab8484c8F5a115b06bBAc2C2Ae8Ab29bf41

Role Name Celo Wallet
Lead / Operations Varin Pulpol 0xb791cd0A3501e60798Cb477FD69406F5422BB25c
Lead / Strategy Parnaigon Yangpaksi 0xf2987Db184B298ab9810639536a9dEF1e4d365B5
Advisor Numporn Thungphotrakul 0x7cf81307c3142a165531d2b2bf17f87a367f95c7
4 Likes

We definitely need boots on the ground as we ramp up to Devcon!

But I skimmed through the proposal and I only see it mentioned once here, which is a bit underwhelming…

I think a different approach is needed here, some suggestions:

  1. Forget the regional DAO part → turn this proposal into a single-focus project.

  2. Focus this proposal on a much larger purpose… something like: make sure Celo has a great massive presence during Devcon, and then deconstruct the necessary activities we need in Thailand (and surrounding countries?) in order to get there.

Hope it helps :pray:

5 Likes

I’ve made an initial evaluation of the Celo Thailand proposal. Based on my review (view the full review here), Celo Thailand scores 15/24 points.

This is on the lower end of scores (Africa, e.g. scored 21/24). Overall, I think Pedro makes a good point that, in this case, running a hyperfocused program that builds up towards DevCon could be a better strategy.

4 Likes

Hi @LuukDAO and @pcbo,

Thank you very much for the advice and suggestions. I will take it back, adapt, improve, and develop it by creating a proposal for focusing on Devcon and will strategize on how Celo can benefit and gain most awareness in Thailand. I will update you guys with more details and our new proposal soon. :pray:t2::smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

3 Likes

0x0b98057ea310f4d31f2a452b414647007d1645d9

1 Like

Greetings @Vow and Thailand Team for the scoring of your proposal. :raised_hands:

Regarding the new governance structure and following the guidelines provided for Celo Public Goods Funding in CeloPG.eco I would suggest you to update the tittle of this proposal or post a new forum thread with the label of [FINAL] and then we can move forward with the OnChain submission of the proposal.

Once feedback has been incorporated and the forum thread has been up for at least 7 days, signal that you are ready to move your proposal to the Voting stage and update the title of your proposal to include [FINAL]

3 Likes

Hello @0xj4an-work, I have now updated to the final version and it is ready for submission to the voting process. Thank you very much for your guidance. :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

2 Likes

Hi @LuukDAO and @pcbo,

We have now updated the content details and made revisions across various sections to primarily target the Road to Devcon, which includes organizing different activities during the event in Thailand in collaboration with the Ethereum Community. The main adjustments include reducing the budget to align with the Regional DAO’s budget, updating the content to be as current based on evaluation and scoring, and including references in every part of the Program Outline. We have also adjusted and broken down the operational costs as suggested in the assessment. Given that Devcon 2024 will be held in November, this proposal will focus on laying the groundwork for the community in Thailand, with a primary focus on the Road to Devcon.

The main idea and initiative added here revolve around project development and branding and maintaining a robust Celo Thailand DAO presence in many activities, which I believe is crucial for building a community in Thailand. This is similar to the current Ethereum community in Thailand, which has ETHPadThai groups. The primary goal of Road to Devcon, as mentioned in the blog, Southeast Asia welcomes Devcon 7! | Ethereum Foundation Blog is “This initiative was born from our commitment to support the rise of new Ethereum events, grassroots communities, and educational endeavors across Southeast Asia.” Therefore, our objective aligns with this vision: to support the emergence of new Celo events, grassroots communities, and educational initiatives throughout Thailand.

Thank you very much for your guidance. :smiling_face_with_three_hearts: :pray:

Best Regards,
Varin Pulpol (Vow)

4 Likes

Hi, I’m Varin Pulpol (Vow) from Celo Ambassador Thailand. I’m confirming my wallet is being used for the Multisig here: 0xb791cd0A3501e60798Cb477FD69406F5422BB25c

2 Likes

Hi thanks @Vow for confirm your Multisign, please ask the rest of the team to do the same before deadline of the proposal Onchain. Otherwise proposal will be not approved by approvers :eyes:

5 Likes

Hi @Vow

Thank you so much for the shoutout :heart:

I am absolutely convinced that Thailand, with it’s beautiful mega-hub Bangkok, its rich culture and its many gorgeous islands and beaches is exactly the right place for CELO!

The population is young, mobile networks are good, people use mobile phones for basically everything and there are plenty of opportunities for CELO-projects to blossom in this environment. Has someone ever paid a long-tail boat ride with crypto? Or a dive trip? Or simply a massage? On Kho CELO all of this will be reality!

But only under one condition: people need to understand CELO! And as Thai is a very unique language…written and spoken…and as English is not commonly spoken, it is ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL that CELO has a strong presence in Thailand! Even more…an own island!

Go Kho CELO!

4 Likes

Hi I’m Parnaigon Yangpaksi. I’m here to confirm that with this multisig wallet address 0xf2987Db184B298ab9810639536a9dEF1e4d365B5 is correct.

3 Likes

Hello @juanjgiraldoc ,I’m Numpon T. , I’m confirming my wallet for Multisig is 0x7cf81307c3142a165531d2b2bf17f87a367f95c7

1 Like