About Ramon Thomas

His pioneering research into South Africa’s mobile social network MXit and the online dating industry contributed to his work in the field of the Psychology of Technology.

His professional journey has taken him across several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and China. From 2016 to 2021, he served as Country Manager for Brand South Africa in China, helping to advance South Africa’s international profile and engagement.

From Technology to Digital Empowerment

Ramon’s work increasingly focuses on a challenge he has encountered throughout his career: providing people with the knowledge, guidance and practical skills they need to navigate an increasingly connected world.

Through his current work, he is developing and piloting facilitator-supported digital learning platforms that help young people in underserved communities build essential online safety and digital readiness skills.

Rather than focusing solely on delivering digital content, this approach combines mobile and web-based learning modules with facilitator and mentor support, community-based learning cohorts, and tools for tracking outcomes and impact.

The aim is to create practical, measurable and scalable learning programmes that can support NGOs, schools, corporate social investment initiatives and public-sector youth development programmes.

With an initial focus on Africa and the potential to expand into other underserved markets, this work seeks to make digital safety, online life skills and digital readiness more accessible to young people.

Areas of Expertise

• Technology and digital innovation
• Information security and cybersecurity
• Psychology of Technology and digital behaviour
• Digital education and learning innovation
• Leadership and organisational development
• Training, facilitation and public speaking
• Digital communication and social media

Recognition and Achievements

Throughout his career, Ramon has received recognition for his leadership, research and contributions to the technology and communication landscape. These include:

• TED Fellow
• Advanced Communicator Bronze and Advanced Leader Bronze, Toastmasters International (2015)
• Leadership Award, Ningbo University (2014)
• Named among MyBroadband’s Top 5 Social Media Influencers (2012)

Collaboration and Partnerships

Ramon is particularly interested in working with organisations committed to youth development, education innovation, digital inclusion and workforce readiness.

He welcomes conversations with NGOs, educational institutions, corporate social investment and ESG programmes, and public-sector agencies interested in piloting and scaling practical digital learning initiatives.

His broader ambition is to help build a world in which people are not simply connected to technology, but are equipped to use it safely, confidently and meaningfully.