#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40020146

Tetra Pak Highlights New Milestones And Shares Thailand’s Case Study In Latest Sustainability Report

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

THE NATION

Bangkok, Thailand (September 15, 2022) — Tetra Pak, A World-Leading Processing And Packaging Solutions Company, Hosted A Media Roundtable Dedicated To The Publication Of Its Annual Sustainability Report.

The participants from Tetra Pak (Thailand) Limited, Environmental Research Institute, and Saleng Association discussed Thailand’s sustainability agenda, the required actions to help realise resilient and sustainable food systems, as well as Tetra Pak’s achievements and progress in the last year. 

Sustainability is at the heart of Tetra Pak’s business — the company’s focus has always been to increase food availability and food safety, reduce food waste, and improve resource and logistics efficiency across the value chain. Tetra Pak’s 23rd Sustainability Report highlights the company’s milestones and ongoing initiatives – to protect food, people, and the planet. These include:
 

●    Reduced operational GHG emissions by 36% , with 80% of energy coming from renewable sources, doubling the solar energy capacity to 5.55MW.
●    Sold 17.6 billion plant-based packages  and 10.8 billion plant-based caps in the past year, enabling the saving of 96 kilo tonnes of CO2, compared to fossil-based plastic.
●    Invested €40 million  to support the collection and recycling of 50 billion cartons, contributing to a circular economy.
●    61 million children in 41 countries received milk or other nutritious beverages in Tetra Pak packages through school feeding programmes.
●    Successfully completed a commercial validation of a polymer-based barrier to replace the aluminium layer in aseptic cartons. Testing has started on a new fibre-based barrier – a first within food carton packages distributed under ambient conditions.
●    Becoming the first carton packaging player in the food and beverage industry to launch a cap using attributed recycled polymers , in partnership with Elvir, a subsidiary of world leading milk processor Savencia Fromage & Dairy.
●    Partnered with several innovative companies to transform potential food waste into sources of nutritious food, as well as developing alternative protein-based food applications. Along with the potential for a lower carbon footprint, alternative proteins offer scope for significantly reduced land and water use, compared with traditional sources.
●    Committed to halve food waste, water consumption and carbon footprint of its best practice processing lines by 2030.
 

Tetra Pak aims to safeguard natural resources across the value chain, while contributing to the world’s growing population access to safe and nutritious food. By sharing best practices, setting ambitious targets, and reviewing progress continually, the company’s ambition is to develop responsible sourcing practices and strategic partnerships to conserve and restore biodiversity and contribute to global water resilience in its own operations and supply chain. Through these various initiatives, Tetra Pak addresses the sustainability topics that matter most to its business and stakeholders, while supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly no. 6, 7, 9, 12, 13, 15, and 17.

Among the projects highlighted in the global report is Tetra Pak Thailand’s collaboration with the industry leader in Liquid Dairy Products, Dairy Plus where they initiated a three-phase plan to reduce water consumption in their factory operations. Their wastewater treatment plant has almost reached maximum capacity and was unable to take on the additional load from the expansion of production capacity.

Together with Dairy Plus, Tetra Pak’s team developed a prioritised set of actions to reduce water consumption in all factory operations and began to deploy them in phases. The results from the first phase, which ended in September 2021, indicated water savings of 400 tonnes per day, equivalent to saving one Olympic size swimming pool per week. The overall utilisation of the wastewater treatment facility was reduced from 75% to 60%, thereby leaving room for the expansion project.

“By working closely with our customers, we have a great story in Thailand to be featured in our global sustainability report. We are thankful for their trust in this partnership to work with us on this project that not only benefits future operations but also sustainability transformation”, said Khun Patinya Silsupadol, Head of Sustainability, Tetra Pak (Thailand) Limited. “This case shows how every step we take together with our partners can contribute to the reduction of environmental impact across the value chain, supporting the transition to a circular economy.”

“Sustainable resource management is a very important part of the national agenda which includes circular economy and Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy,” said Dr. Sujitra Vassanadumrongdee, Senior Researcher, Environmental Research Institute. “Tetra Pak makes a significant contribution to further driving the Extended Producer Responsibility in the country, helping create collaborations and synergies between the public and private sectors to propel forward an EPR-based model for Thailand.”

“Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals can only be achieved by joint efforts,” said Khun Chaiyuth Polsen, President of Saleng association. “Collaborating with Tetra Pak, I see its approach extends beyond the company’s own responsibility — with its innovative solutions Tetra Pak helps its partners meet their sustainability targets too.”

Read the Tetra Pak Sustainability Report 2022 here: https://www.tetrapak.com/sustainability/sustainability-updates
 

THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40020141

OSMEP Eyes 1 Million Registrants On ‘SME ONE ID’ Platform By Year-End

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

THE NATION

To Promote Seamless Business Operations And Contribute To Thailand’s Economic Recovery, The Office Of Small And Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP) Is Aiming To Attract Entrepreneurs And Banks To Join Its “SME ONE ID” Platform In A Bid To Secure At Least 1 Million Registrants By Year-End.

SME ONE ID helps micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) operators to access government services using a single identification on one unified system. Developed under a collaboration between OSMEP and the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA), the platform has been designed to reduce overlapping procedures and streamline registration and documentation processes.

Weeraphong Malai, OSMEP Director, says that since the project was launched on June 21, the office has signed memoranda of understanding with 16 public and private agencies who agreed to support MSME operators to join the platform. These partners include CP All, Siam Makro, True Corporation, Index Creative Village, The Mall Group, Export-Import Bank of Thailand, Bank of China (Thai), Tellscore Ltd, TikTok, Thailand Environment Institute and Bank of Ayudhya.

“OSMEP is working with partners such as the Industry, Commerce, Labour, Higher Education and Public Health ministries in integrating their database and e-services into the SME ONE ID system, which will help attract even more entrepreneurs and financial institutes to join the platform,” said Weeraphong. “We hope that by yearend there will be at least 1 million verified registrants on the SME ONE ID platform.”

Weeraphong added that registrants will be able for apply for various government e-services from different agencies without having to register for a new account and waiting for the agency to verify their identity.

Business operators can also expect specialised services from OSMEP across three spheres, namely business development (including cost reduction), marketing channel expansion, and connecting with capital sources.

“Thanks to seamless database integration and security technology powered by the Digital Government Development Agency, SME ONE ID offers a fast, secure and reliable way for entrepreneurs to contact and receive services from government agencies,” he said. “It also allows business operators to access vital information in different industries from agencies such as the Department of Provincial Administration, Department of Business Development, and other community enterprises.”

By using the SME ONE ID platform, business operators can do away with filling different forms issued by each agency and instead scan a QR Code to access e-services immediately. OSMEP is also piloting the “SME Fast Lane” system at Bangkok offices of the Thailand Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to offer express services to registrants under SME ONE ID. Weeraphong expects that all branches of FDA throughout the country will have SME Fast Lanes by next year.

“Other benefits of SME ONE ID include privileges offered by partners, such as The Mall and CP Group, who will extend buyers’ credit terms from 30 to 45 days if they register on SME ONE ID,” he added.

DGA director Suphoj Thianwut added that the project is part of the government effort to employ digital technology to improve the services and facilitate business operations of MSME operators, whom the government realises are the backbone of Thailand’s economy. “Furthermore, as the user base continues to grow, SME ONE ID will eventually become a platform that compiles and manages Big Data of Thai MSMEs for policy planners and future investors,” he said.

To register for SME ONE ID, go to Bizportal.go.th or use the SME Connext mobile application. After the verification is complete you will receive an ID that can access government e-services via the website https://oneid.sme.go.th

Bizportal is a portal website developed by DGA that links services of government agencies with a focus on certification and permit approval in digital format for both entrepreneurs and the general public. Currently, 91 types of permits across 25 industries can be applied for and approved on Bizportal.

THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40020136

Thai Printing, Packaging Industry Needs To Transform To Survive, Say Experts

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

Nongluck Ajanapanya

Thailand Needs More Innovative Technology And The Ability To Think Outside The Box To Maintain Its Position As Southeast Asia’s Printing And Packaging Hub.

Trade fair organiser Messe Düsseldorf Asia’s managing director, Gernot Ringling, said the printing and packaging industry has been relatively untouched by the Covid-19 pandemic and economic slowdown. One reason for this is the explosion in e-commerce, especially during the lockdown, he said.

He was speaking at a press conference held on Thursday to announce the “Pack Print International 2022” and “Corrutec Asia 2022” events that will be held at Bitec Bangkok on October 19 to 22.

The event is being organised in collaboration with the Thai Printing Association, Thai Packaging Association, Thai Corrugated Packaging Association and the Federation of Thai Industries.

Ringling said the recovery in purchasing power, production capacity, marketing and advertising is beneficial for the printing and packaging industry.

A recent study by worldwide packaging authority Smithers Pira found that the Asia-Pacific will account for the largest share of the packaging and printing market by 2024. The region now accounts for more than 40 per cent of global consumption.

However, to sustain the growth of this industry, Thailand should embrace more innovative technology along with adopting sustainable and eco-friendly concepts.

Kriengkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, said the printing and packaging industry supports most of the manufacturing sector.

The print media industry is already transitioning to the digital world, so when industries go green to meet consumer demands, printing and packaging should follow suit, Kriengkrai said.

He added that this push to save the environment has encouraged the Thai printing and packaging sector to find processes that use less energy and materials. This also helps save money and time and cuts waste.

Kriengkrai also called on related sectors to invest in the new S-curve industries like biotechnology, bio-degradable materials and bio-plastic, which will be useful in creating green packaging and labelling.

“Our printing and packaging industry should transform as soon as possible because disruption never waits,” he added.

Prasert Loryuenyong, president of the Thai Packaging Association, said the packaging industry had performed well in the last two quarters of this year due to the exponential growth in food and beverage businesses and e-commerce.

Thailand’s export of packaging materials came in at 19 billion baht in the second quarter, up 22.03 per cent from the same period last year.

“Though Thailand is one of Asean’s key exporters of printing and packaging materials, there is still room for growth by focusing on recycled and renewable packaging and environmentally friendly ink,” Prasert said.

The value of the global eco-friendly packaging industry has risen by more than 6.2 per cent to the estimated value of 9 trillion baht in 2021 alone.

Pongthira Pathanapiradej, president of the Thai Printing Association, said digital printing was fast becoming popular because it produces high-quality, sharp, long-lasting prints in large quantities. He said digital printing is becoming the norm because it is also very fast.

“Thai businesses should, therefore, learn and adapt to the latest trends related to printing, like 5G networks, artificial intelligence, sustainability and well-being,” Pongthira added.

Chusak Deetrakunwattanapoen, president of the Thai Corrugated Packaging Association, said corrugated packaging was still in high demand, particularly in delivery businesses and e-commerce.

“Making highly resistant corrugated packaging with recycled material like recycled pulp will sustain the industry’s growth,” Chusak said.

The upcoming dual event is expected to serve as a hub for distributors, buyers and domain experts to promote business opportunities, exchange know-how and boost Thai manufacturing capabilities to make it competitive regionally.

The organisers are confident that this year’s event will draw many visitors, particularly those looking for commercial printing solutions and packaging to support manufacturing and trade in this new era.

The event was last held in 2019 and received a good response from Thai and foreign visitors. The fair attracted close to 20,000 visitors from 62 countries.

Nongluck Ajanapanya

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40020122

Over 7,000 Jobs To Be Created As Marriott Plans Major Expansion In Thailand

BY LINE : NONGLUCK AJANAPANYA

THU, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022

Marriott International Plans To Build More Than 36 Hotels And Executive Apartments In Thailand Over The Next Four To Five Years, Creating More Than 7,000 Jobs.

The board unanimously agreed on the potential for exponential recovery in Thailand’s tourism industry, the CEO of Marriott International, Anthony Capuano, said.

He stated during an exclusive interview with a group of media that Thailand’s tourism industry has simply followed the global recovery trend of many countries easing travel restrictions and reopening borders.

However, when compared to other countries in Southeast Asia, Thailand’s recovery is one of the fastest, he said.

Travels to Thailand have seen a big jump since the country lifted mandatory quarantine upon arrival at the end of last year. Thailand welcomed 4.79 million international visitors between January 2022 and September 3, 2022, and reports indicate that the government hopes to attract at least 10 million visitors.

Domestic travel is becoming a significant market that cannot be ignored. The government’s “We Travel Together” stimulus programme has boosted travel numbers.

“We are strongly optimistic about the future of travel and are committed to expanding our presence in Thailand in accordance with Thailand’s long-term vision. Thailand is rich in culture and tradition, as well as diverse natural resources and warm and friendly people,” Capuano said.

The group has 36 under-construction hotels and executive apartments on the list to open nationwide, indicating positive growth. Ten of them will be officially launched early next year.

Capuano said when all hotels and executive apartments are fully operational, they would create over 7,000 new jobs.

There are currently 47 Marriott properties in Thailand, including hotels and residences, covering key tourist destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pattaya, Rayong, Samut Prakan, Hua Hin, Cha-am, Pranburi, Samui, Phuket, Khao Lak, and Krabi. The company now employs approximately 9,000 people.

He said that Marriott would target the luxury premium market.

“The first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the world opened in Phulay Bay [Krabi, Thailand] in 2008, and there are several luxury projects in the pipeline, which align with the government’s effort to market Thailand as a premium destination, attracting quality travellers. We recently signed a deal with AWC to open The Ritz-Carlton Bangkok Riverside in 2026,” Capuano added.

Besides, the Marriott group discovered an intriguing fact: people prefer to buy for the experience rather than the product. The company recently discovered that as a result of the pandemic, travellers are more aware of the impacts they leave when they travel. According to some studies, travellers are more willing to spend money on more purposeful travel.

Rajeev Menon, president, Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), Marriott International, added that the change in consumer behaviour had led the group to launch the “Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy” project last year.

The project will work with local communities or government-certified organisations to arrange a one-day trip for hotel guests to learn about local culture or to help preserve the local environment.

“One of the popular activities is coral planting in the Maldives,” Menon elaborated. “The ‘Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy’ project now has over 100 activities. Nine of them are already available in a Thai resort, with more on the way.”

Craig S Smith, group president and managing director, International Division Marriott International, added that because of the group’s policy of putting people first, when the travel industry shows signs of recovery, they will not face a labour shortage. The majority of their employees previously worked for Marriott.

However, Smith stated that Marriott has been collaborating with local colleges and universities in order to attract more young people to the hospitality industry.

Marriott International is a leading multinational corporation that operates hotels, executive apartments, and luxurious residences around the world. Today, the company owns over 7,000 properties in 131 countries, including luxury brands Ritz-Carlton and St Regis.

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40020113

Boonsithi Takes Over As SPI Chairman After Somkid’s Resignation

THU, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022

Saha Group Chairman Boonsithi Chokwatana Has Taken Over As Chairman Of Saha Pathana Inter-Holding Plc (SPI) Following The Resignation Of Somkid Jatusripitak.

Boonsithi, 85, resigned as chairman of Thai President Foods Plc, the producer of Mama instant noodles, to assume the position at SPI. The changes have been in effect since September 7.

Saha Group, Thailand’s largest consumer product conglomerate, was founded by Boonsithi’s late father Thiam eight decades ago.

The group has more than 200 companies under its umbrella, and reported annual revenue of 289 billion baht before the Covid-19 crisis struck in 2020.

Somkid, a former finance minister, had served as SPI chairman and director before his resignation on August 31.

He is expected to be the prime ministerial candidate of the new Sarng Anakot Thai Party at the next general election.D

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/business/corporate/40020106

Let’s Not Mistake Corporate Social Responsibility For Corporate Decency

BY LINE : THE NATION

THU, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022

When We Talk About Companies “Doing The Right Thing”, We Often Think Of Big Initiatives Or Sweeping Gestures—An Ambitious Environmental Program Here, A Charity Donation There. While Businesses Should Be Doing Their Best To Give Back To Society, The Mere Existence Of These Highly Visible, External Actions Doesn’t Always Tell Us About Who The Company Is At Its Core. Sure, Maybe They Are Making Bold Moves To Combat Climate Change, But They Could Also Suffer From An Exceedingly Toxic Internal Culture, Which May In Turn Affect The Lives Of Employees And Their Families.

Decency is something more fundamental. Decency reveals itself both in outwardly visible actions as well as in ways that are much more subtle; it’s about always trying to do the right thing by one another, even when no one’s looking. As we emerge from the turmoil of the pandemic, decency will be a key differentiator for businesses. A lot has been said about the “Great Resignation”, but from what I’ve seen in Asia Pacific, I think of it more as a “Great Re-evaluation”—a moment in time where people are questioning just how they want to spend their working lives. More people are trying their hands at becoming entrepreneurs, or they’re looking for more fluid working arrangements, or a role that will be more fulfilling. In this kind of labor market, a corporate culture of decency can be the tipping point that brings in a new hire or retains an existing employee.

However, given the somewhat intangible nature of decency, fostering it in a corporate setting requires a nuanced approach, and an appreciation of the fact that there’s no “one size fits all” way to do it. 
 

Encourage decency at the top, but don’t make it “top-down”

It’s all well and good to say that we should value decency, but it’s not something that can be mandated by edict. It needs to start with a company’s leaders setting the tone, and then ensuring that this outlook is reflected at all levels of the company, whether it’s in hiring practices, people management, or conflict resolution. When employees feel that they’re being treated with respect and decency, they’re also more likely to act accordingly. Ultimately, decency begets decency.

While these values may need an instigator, they shouldn’t be forced. Genuine cultural change can be slow and requires dialogue, leading by example, and acknowledging complexities. But once it permeates an organization, it’s much more likely to self-perpetuate and stay in place.
 

Reward cooperation, not competition

Perhaps one of the biggest impediments to a culture of decency is internal competition between employees. It’s a natural human trait that can be compounded by promotion processes that rely heavily on KPIs. The behaviors that foster good relations between employees, such as cooperativeness, compassion, and supportiveness, are more difficult to quantify, but if you care about a workplace where decency is valued, these qualities need to be recognized and rewarded.

This is not to say that these are the only qualities that we should focus on when we’re looking to promote someone, but we also need to recognize that personal ambition and the ability to cooperate aren’t mutually exclusive. Speaking from my own experience at Mastercard, we find that employees at all levels of the company do best when helping each other be great. In fact, they can recognize others for it through an in-house platform where employees are able to write notes of appreciation for their colleagues’ acts of support and kindness—a demonstration of our Decency Quotation, as we call it, in action. 

This culture of collaboration and collective growth allows us to be externally—rather than internally—competitive. An employee culture of “sharp elbows” tends to result in a battered and bruised workforce, rather than one that feels supported and unified in its goals.

Make decency a foundation—not just an add-on    

In a time of upheaval, growing internal and external expectations, and changing cultural norms, many corporate entities are rushing to demonstrate their awareness and elevate how they practice inclusion and care. While commendable, doing right by employees (and communities at large) should be a consistent guiding principle, rather than a sudden response to the changing tides of culture and other social forces. An enduring ethos of decency, regardless of what’s happening in the world more broadly, promotes a sense of trust and safety internally and lends greater credence to companies’ efforts to tackle big societal issues. At its most fundamental level, a foundation of decency also means that complex issues can be discussed openly, with empathy, in an environment where everyone can have their voices heard. 

Decency shouldn’t require inducements 

As a company focused on building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper, at Mastercard we’ve found that a greater sense of empathy among our employees allows us to have a more open-minded, human-centric approach when designing our solutions. In a safe workplace where employees’ contributions are respected, they’re also more likely to embrace new ideas and innovate in ways that drive true business impact.

We all want to be treated decently. To say that this very central trait doesn’t need to be encouraged in our offices and in our boardrooms is to say that decency isn’t important in the places where we spend a great deal of our time and effort. Quiet, modest decency has been overlooked for too long in the business world, but if we want to create enduring, happy teams, that has to change. Don’t be decent because it’s good for the company—be decent because it’s good for us all as humans.

By Amanda Gervey, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Asia Pacific · Mastercard

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40020105

Thailand Post Branches In Bangkok, Suburbs To Stay Open Until 8pm Or Midnight

BY LINE : THE NATION

THU, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022

Facing Stiff Competition From Private Logistics Operators, Thailand Post Will Extend The Working Hours Of Its Post Offices In Bangkok And The Suburbs To 8pm, While Some Will Stay Open Even Until Midnight, Its President Said On Thursday.

Danan Suphatthaphan said the extended office hours of major branches in Bangkok and suburban areas are designed to cope with the changing lifestyles of city residents.

He said most residents go out after office hours, so Thailand Post decided to extend its working hours to keep pace.

The demand for logistics services has been increasing in Bangkok and the suburbs because of the growth in e-commerce business, Danna noted.

As a result, all Thailand Post offices in Bangkok and surrounding provinces will be open every day with no off-days, he said.

According to him, Thailand Post cares about customers in remote areas too, so it has opened more than 3,300 branches in all provinces. These branches operate from Monday to Saturday.

“Thailand Post will not stop developing its services so that all branches will conveniently meet new lifestyle demands of our customers,” Danan added.

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40020099

THU, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022

Norway Is Unfazed By Soaring Electricity Prices Amid The Russia-Ukraine War As The Country Can Produce Clean Electricity On Its Own, The CEO Of Norwegian Oil Company OKEA ASA Said.

That’s good news for Thai energy giant Bangchak Corporation, which is poised to become the largest shareholder in OKEA after a US$535 million deal to buy Shell’s stakes in Norway’s Draugen and Gjoa fields.

OKEA CEO Svein J Liknes said the hike in electricity prices due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict had caused less impact on Norway than in other European countries that were reliant on importing gas.

He added that Norway is the biggest oil and gas supplier in Europe as most of its domestic production is exported.

According to the Norwegian Carbon Dioxide Capture, Transport and Storage Research Centre, 88 per cent of Norway’s power supply comes from hydropower, followed by wind power (10 per cent), and others including solar and thermal energy (2 per cent).

“Norway was only forced to increase gas production capacity to meet rising consumers’ demand amid the conflict,” he said.

He also expected Norway’s gas price to remain high until summer next year, depending on global demand and supply.

However, world energy trends were changing, Liknes said.

“Demand for gas and nuclear will soon replace coal,” he said, adding that trend would shift to renewable energy around 2030 to 2035.

Norway is targeting carbon neutrality by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.

OKEA has plans to extend the lifetime of its assets, exploring for recoverable resources and maintaining efficient operations to minimise the carbon footprint from production.

The company is cooperating with Thai conglomerate Bangchak on oil and gas exploration and production, focusing on reducing carbon dioxide emissions in overall operations.

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40020082

Work From Home: The ‘New Normal’ That Works

WED, SEPTEMBER 14, 2022

According To One Of The Largest Global Employee Surveys, One In Five Workers Plans To Quit Their Jobs This Year. When Asked About What Motivates Them To Change Jobs, Being Able To Choose When And Where To Work Was Ranked Very Important By 50% And 47% Of Those Surveyed Respectively. 

Yet, we’re seeing major companies pushing for compulsory office return policies, despite 56% of employees in Asia-Pacific making it clear that flexible work options, even beyond the pandemic, are in demand for sustained productivity. 

This begs the question – why are so many companies still adamant about employees returning to the office, even when talent is at stake?  

Admittedly, I was worried when the pandemic first hit. How were we going to brainstorm and collaborate on projects if we aren’t in the same room? Was the quality of our work going to suffer?

Instead, our teams came together like never before. Deadlines were met, work goals were achieved, and we remained as collaborative as ever. 

In fact, studies have shown that businesses that embraced virtual work were even more productive.

Approximately 6 in 8 Thai professionals reported a similar or increased level of productivity while working at home. Consequently, 6 in 8 wish to have more work-from-home arrangements in the future. This may be an increasingly significant consideration in determining employee job satisfaction or their decision to change roles.

The pandemic has demonstrated that employees could be just as productive and successful, independent of the office. It has also taught us to focus on quality of output, instead of hours spent in the office, a rather archaic method of measuring performance anyway. 

Most importantly, it has taught us the need to trust our employees to deliver their best work regardless of their way of working, and the importance of communicating that trust. 

This trust will pay off. Research shows that trust builds employee engagement and well-being, boosting business and performance outcomes.   

After spending months in remote work and subsequently rolling out a flexible, trust-based work model across our global organization called ‘Work Your Way’, here’s how we were able to not only offer flexible, hybrid or remote work, but take these work models to new heights. 

Carving out “moments that matter” starts with the top

Leadership calls for flexibility and adaptability. As such, we should find ways to create “moments that matter” regardless of whether our teams are working on-site or remotely. 

This means strategically planning valuable personal and professional interactions, be it virtually or in-person, and this will look different depending on each team’s size, work arrangements, preferences, and personalities. It may include performance reviews, celebrating key milestones, team-building activities and many more. While these moments may not need to be in-person, it’s important for those involved to discuss how to recognize them in an effective and meaningful way.  

I thus take the time to meet and collaborate in person with my team in Korea, where I’m based. To continue building rapport with the wider Asia-Pacific region, which is also within my area of responsibility, I hold regular regional town halls and dialogue sessions. 

Some of us leaders also started regular virtual meetings with different teams. As a result, we have had much more face-time with team members we previously would have not met, and hearing these different perspectives have in turn helped us lead better. 
Invest more resources into making virtual onboarding a success
Many naysayers of flexible and remote work often bring up the difficulty of virtual onboarding for new talent. Helping them pick up your organization’s work software, procedures, and team culture can be challenging. But doing it entirely online adds another layer of complexity. 

This is an understandable perspective. However, I argue that companies are still scratching the surface when making their virtual onboarding a success. 

Here are ways to improve virtual onboarding processes. Organizations must figure out effective onboarding procedures to help new employees adapt quickly even if they choose to work remotely. This can be in the form of comprehensive employee guides, videos, and scheduling both formal and informal meetings with team members.  

Additionally, dedicated networking programs for new joiners can help them make connections and learn more about the company culture much faster. Our ‘New Employee Opportunity Network’ (NEON) is a global community that accelerates the connection and growth of new employees to provide them tailored networking, development, and leadership opportunities to empower these new joiners to actively influence our strategy, culture, and results.

The future of work – let employees work their way 

When managed well, allowing employees to choose how they want to work should not affect business continuity. Flexible work should also go beyond shift A or B. Employees should have the freedom to decide when to come in. 

Besides 3M, other companies are allowing employees to choose how, when and where they work.

Offering trust-based, flexible models of working is the way forward. It is how we can continue to retain talent, from younger workers to working parents. 

Juggling work and parenting is notoriously challenging. With 3M’s new working model, parents can better plan their work around childcare, allowing them to enjoy parenthood without sacrificing career development.

Flexible work programs need not stop at the corporate office. Rolling out flexible work arrangements for plant employees is more challenging, but an important mission for us. While they will have to continue working on-site due to the nature of the work, production plant workers at 3M are offered other forms of flexibility such as flexible start and stop times or shift swapping.

We’ve seen great results from the launch of our new work model. As many as 90% of our employees across our global organization reported feeling supported in a survey conducted recently. 

These findings say it all – instead of focusing on getting our employees back in the office, let’s find more ways to empower our employees to work in ways that boost their productivity.  

By Jim Falteisek, Senior Vice President, 3M Asia Corporate Affairs and Managing Director of 3M Korea

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40020081

Three Thai Cities To Host International Power And Energy Conferences

BY LINE : THE NATION

WED, SEPTEMBER 14, 2022

The Thailand Convention And Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) And IEEE Power & Energy Society (Thailand) Have Successfully Secured Three International Power And Energy Conferences, Which Will Be Held In Three Cities In Three Years.

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and IEEE Power & Energy Society (Thailand) have successfully secured three international power and energy conferences, which will be held in three cities in three years.

The three events are IEEE PES Asia-Pacific Power & Energy Engineering Conference 2023 in Chiang Mai, IEEE International Smart Cities Conference or ISC2 2024 in Pattaya, and IEEE PES Grand International Conference and Exposition Asia 2025 in Bangkok.

TCEB said it has played the role of being the key driver of Thailand’s MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions) industry and has distributed income to all sectors in a sustainable way.

It also acts as a “national bidder” in proposing the country and its host city options to attract world-class events.

Before Covid-19 in 2019, the MICE sector generated expenditure of approximately 280 billion baht, value addition worth 277 billion baht, created roughly 410,000 jobs, and generated tax payments of around 20 billion baht.

TCEB senior vice president Nichapa Yoswee said that Thailand’s success in winning the three consecutive international power and energy conferences is the result of TCEB’s strategic planning and strong collaboration with local associations and partners, including the proposed host cities.

“The partnership collectively elevates the event owners’ confidence in bringing forward its financial investment and world-class intellectual know-how to Thailand.

She said that the three events were expected to attract more than 10,000 participants from around the world, expenditure of approximately 837 million baht, and value-addition worth 465 million baht, creating some 586 jobs, and generating taxes of around 29 million baht.

Nichapa added: “They will also be a great opportunity for Thai professionals and students in related fields to have access to world-class knowledge from experts in power, energy, and smart cities from around the world.

“The positive impacts and legacies will encompass economic, social, and subject matter advancement aspects for Thailand and especially the host cities. This resonates greatly with TCEB’s strategy in using MICE to drive the local economy throughout Thailand and uplifting MICE events in the 10 strategic MICE cities and more.”

IEEE PES also plays an important part in driving power and energy advancement in Thailand, which will help increase the country’s opportunity to host world-class events in the future.

IEEE PES senior vice chairman Somchai Homklinkaew unveiled more details of the three conferences. “The 15th Annual Asia-Pacific Power & Energy Engineering Conference to be held in December 2023 in Chiang Mai is expected to attract around 700 participants

“The IEEE International Smart Cities Conference or ISC2 2024, the main annual conference of IEEE Smart Cities, is being held in 2024 in Pattaya, Chonburi province, and is expected to attract more than 500 participants

“We anticipate that more than 10,000 participants will attend the IEEE PES GTD Grand International Conference and Exposition Asia, the largest international conference and exposition on power and energy, which will take place in 2025 in Bangkok.”

Proposing the right host city in the bidding process was also a key factor in winning the conferences for Thailand.

The vice governor of Chiang Mai, Weerapan Dee-on, said: “Research focusing on energy conservation and renewable energy in Chiang Mai is knowledge that will be shared at the conference. These studies combine global knowledge with local processes and resources.”

“This, coupled with Chiang Mai city development plans and support from the public and private sectors, will boost Chiang Mai’s development in many areas, in particular sustainable energy for better quality of life.”

Deputy Mayor of Pattaya Titipun Pettrakul added: “The IEEE ISC2 in 2024 will be a platform for knowledge, technology, and experience exchange for Pattaya in its path to developing into a smart city, and with a goal of becoming ‘city of opportunity, balanced economy and quality of life for all’. We look forward for us to push forward clean energy for sustainability together.”

Deputy director-general of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Sing Limpirat, shared a similar view “The upcoming IEEE PES GTD Asia in 2025 will provide great benefits to all sectors in Bangkok and other provinces while also upgrading academic knowledge, most useful for students and professionals in the fields of power and energy engineering.”