Visa announced last November it had received a domestic network licence from the Bank of Thailand.

“By operating as a processor of domestic debit transactions, Visa is well positioned to leverage its strengths and network to continually drive innovation and expand access to electronic payments in Thailand creating a more financially inclusive ecosystem for all,” Visa Thailand Country Manager Suripong Tantiyanon said.

“Visa Debit will be a stepping stone for further adoption of electronic payments in the country and strengthens the country’s national e-payment agenda.”

Through a partnership with National Interbank Transaction Management and Exchange (National ITMX), Visa is now providing banks and merchants in Thailand with a comprehensive range of debit products and resources.

A Visa debit card provides consumers with fast, simple and secure access to the funds in their bank account and can be used to make purchases wherever Visa is accepted online and at more than 46 million merchant locations around the world.

KBank president Kattiya Indaravijaya said: “Banking agents have become a service channel to allow easier access for customers at lower costs than those of branch services. Easy services like cash deposits and withdrawals will be opened at the banking agents.”

The average cost of branch services is about Bt40 per transaction, while banking-agency services’ cost average out at Bt10 per transaction, she said.

The bank has not yet been able to determine the number of banking agencies required, Kattiya said, adding that this depends on the number of branches of its partners that will become banking agents, and agreements.

According to the BOT’s regulations, banks are allowed to appoint banking agents without the central bank’s approval, but are required to send their plans to the central bank for consideration every year.

This year is the first that requires banks to submit their plans, which identifies forms and the rough number of banking agents, by the end of June.

This year, KBank plans to close some of its existing branches and open new ones, Kattiya said.

Since the beginning of this, about 50 existing branches have been closed and 10-20 new branches have been opened. In the past three years, about 180 KBank branches have been shut down.

“The bank has not set its target for how many branches will be closed. It all depends mainly on behaviour of customers who use services,” Kattiya said. “Although services through mobile banking have increased 100 per cent, transactions through branches have not decreased. The bank has to open branches as customers still use branch services.”

KBank will encourage customers to use so-called easy services such as deposits and withdrawals through automatic machines, digital banking and banking agents instead, she said. The skills of branch employees would be upgraded to for them to provide services such as consulting.

Despite the branch closures, the bank has never laid off employees but has upgraded their skills to for them to provide other services such as resolving debt issues and serving in call centres, Kattiya said. KBank has opened two more call centres in Khon Kaen and Pitsanulok provinces.

Kattiya said that the bank has teamed up with digital training platform startup SkillLane to have KBank staff take over 400 online training courses for knowledge and service improvement.

Through this online training scheme, more than 21,000 KBank staff will have their skills upgraded via elf-directed learning and the bank will reduce its training cost by 10 times. Typically, the bank spends Bt400-Bt500 million on training.

The cooperation starts with the launch of the Innovative Communication Programme (ICP), which is targeted at middle-level executives who want to improve their communication skills. The programme will be held every Friday for 14 weeks, from August 31 to November 23. The ICP programme will serve between 60 and 80 such executives with a fee of Bt80,000 each.

Assistant Professor Adchara Panthanuwong, dean of the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication at Thammasat University, said that the collaboration between the faculty and MCOT Academy for the development of the ICP executive course is in line with the university’s strategic development plan. Under this plan, it will focus on building a cooperation network on academic issues with both internal and external partners. The plan is also aimed at creating academic research and studies that fit the context of a changing media landscape.

“Communication has played a vital role and being a significant tool for today organisation management. We have created an educational program of communication for a new generation of executives that combines the faculty’s academic strengths and professionalism in mass communication of MCOT,” Adchara said.

“The educational programme can provide innovative communication knowledge at all dimensions, both in theory and practice,” she said, adding that it will cover topics such as organisation communication, leadership management, image management, crisis communication management and negotiation, communication under

new media and digital disruption, Big Data management, and creative communication.

Adchara said that the co-development of the ICP educational course for mid-level executives is the first step of academic cooperation between Thammasat University’s Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication and MCOT Academy, and deeper collaboration will be enhanced in the future.

“In the future, we may send our students to be interns at MCOT. While, MCOT will send their professionals to teach our students about the real media practices and business experiences,” said Adchara.

Kematat Paladesh, president of MCOT, said that MCOT has been in Thailand’s media industry for 66 years, and its training unit MCOT Academy has been set up for almost seven years.

“Thailand’s media industry has been facing a disruptive era over the past 10 years with communications being shifted from mass to personal media,” said Kematat.

“As organisation expands, communication begins to disappear. They have no career path for communications personnel and this has affected those upstream in the value chain,” he said.

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Kematat said that this will be the first time for MCOT Academy in collaboration with leading university for the development of innovative communication program, set to improve communication skills and capabilities of those middle executives, who have potential to be promoted to the top executive level in the future.

Speaking to a small group of invited journalists, Pun said, “By grouping all our real estate projects under one umbrella brand, one identity called Yoma Land, we hope to achieve that our customers fully understand we are extremely serious and passionate about real estate and a company that only focuses on residence and being a community builder.”

“We focus on doing new things and bringing new ideas to Myanmar to improve the whole industry. We did that in the past, and we will be continuing to do that in the future. That is what we are most passionate about.” Pun said all the existing real estate developments namely, Pun Hlaing Estate, StarCity and Yoma Central, would be unified under the new brand. The firm will continue to implement luxury residential buildings as well as to explore new opportunities to accommodate more “mass market housing”, bringing home ownership to many more people.

“In the past, we concentrated on high-end market. Going forward, we also want to look at building more mass market housing so that more of the population can enjoy the benefits,” he said.

According to Pun, the firm currently engages with a wide range of people to really understand very different needs so it can create low cost housings in Myanmar.

“This is going to be a big direction for Yoma Land to bring mass market products here. Hopefully, we will be doing much lower cost housing. We will go step by step in that direction,” he said, pledging to maintain its good quality.

Additionally, the firm will continue to maintain its leadership position in the nation’s high-end property market. As of March 31, the firm has sold more than 2,000 apartments in its StarCity large-scale residential development near the Thilawa special economic zone. Galaxy Towers, which is in the third phase of development, has six residential towers with 1,038 apartments available for sale.

It also aims to fully complete another mixed use development in downtown Yangon within three years. Designed by prominent architect, Cecil Balmond OBE, Yoma Central will feature the Peninsula-branded luxury residences which will include two Grade A office towers, a hotel, serviced apartments and a retail podium. The site will be anchored by the former headquarters of the Myanma Railways Company which will be restored into a luxury hotel, The Peninsula Yangon.

Commenting on the firm’s growth in Myanmar, Pun said, “For the last 20 years, there are a lot of ups and downs here so not every single year is good. In some years, the business was good but it was bad in some years. The market growth will depend on what happens to the country. I believe that in the long term, we will robust a strong growth opportunity and in the short term, it is going to be quite rocky.”

“I do not necessarily wake up every day about how we compare the return of money here to that in other countries. I only look at whether we are growing in the right pace and how we will fulfill our targets,” he said.

“In the past few years, both First Myanmar Investment Co and Yoma Strategic ventured in many different types of businesses. Before that, we very much focused on banking and real estate. Now we are doing a lot more other things as well.”

 In Southeast Asia, consumer demands and behaviours are changing rapidly where traditional insurers are not able to meet these demands owing to challenges in speed, scalability and flexibility of their technology platform to offer differentiated products and services. As a data and technology platform, Sunday believes it is equipped to fill this gap for businesses that require these solutions, Cindy Kua, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sunday, said.

“As we run our machine learning and platform infrastructure on AWS Cloud Services, Sunday can lower operating expand its business into new markets quickly without needing to invest new IT facilities. As a result, it makes Sunday an asset-light company that can costs and grow rapidly in Southeast Asia. Since starting operations in 2017, Sunday has more than 200,000 clients, increasing 30 per cent month-on-month” Cindy Kua concludes.

UL CEO and president Keith Williams and UL International president Sajeev Jesudas welcomed more than 40 government officials, local industry association representatives and customers to the opening.

“With Asean being a driver of global development today, it is only appropriate and in line with UL’s growth plans to set up an AHVAC laboratory in Thailand,” said Sajeev, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

“The new facility will open doors for more of our customers to enter global markets, and this is especially crucial for businesses in Asean, who will continue to see rapid growth and internationalization in the coming years.”

Bolstered by world-leading economic growth, demand for AHVAC safety and energy-efficiency-testing services in Southeast Asia has continued to surge over the years, Sajeev said.

“With its strategic presence in Thailand – the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia – and a highly skilled engineering team, the new laboratory will enable UL customers to gain rapid access to global markets through safer, superior products.”

“Thailand has one of the most robust appliances and HVAC manufacturing bases in ASEAN and is increasingly establishing itself as a leader in this sector,” Williams added.

“According to a forecast by the World Bank’s Thailand Economic Monitor, its economic growth is expected to exceed 4 per cent this year – the strongest performance since 2012. With the country’s commitment to sustaining long-term economic expansion, we foresee the demand for global consumer testing services to rise steadily.

“UL is poised to support this growth and will ensure that our new lab serves as a centre of excellence in serving Thailand and the wider Asean region. Companies looking at exporting to global markets from here, especially the Middle East, Asean and North America, will be well-positioned to achieve their business goals with the establishment of our lab.”

Occupying a 720-square-metre site, the laboratory “provides a comprehensive suite of safety, energy efficiency and performance testing services to ensure that products and services meet global regulatory compliance and inspection standards”, Williams said.

“With faster and more cost-efficient testing processes, key features of the facility include five and 10-tonne test chambers for HVAC products, washing machine testing chambers, as well as testing capabilities for ingress protection, refrigerant leakage, locked rotor, electricals and materials. Accepted product categories include: residential and commercial air conditioners, washing machines, tumbler dryers, refrigerators, freezer and motor compressors.”

UL opened its Thailand office in 2006 and has since expanded facilities and doubled its workforce.

The AHVAC laboratory reflects the organisation’s commitment to deepening its services to companies in the region.

With offices and facilities in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand, UL’s continued expansion will “chart the course for future regional collaboration”, Williams said.

Its future plans for Thailand are to offer a Scania truck driving experience, in cooperation with ID Driver test driving center, Kaeng Khoi district, Saraburi.

Phuriwat Rak-intr, Retail Operation Director of Scania Siam said, “Scania believes that the driver is the most important asset when it comes to improving road safety and fuel consumption. To promote that, we arrange the Scania Driver Competitions every second year and continue with Scania Advance Driver Program as a reward for the winners. The program aims to train a trainer at the customer organization, hence they can teach and improve the drivers in their own organization systematically.”

Scania always offer driver training when delivering new units, but this training can also be offered up on demand from the customer. This to ensure that our customers get the outmost from their fleet and that we together ensure the best possible Total Operating Economy. The level and type of training can of course be tailored based on the customers application, operation and focus areas.

Scania has a strong focus on Thailand and are now investing for continued volume growth. The service network will be strengthened by a new workshop in Samut Sakhon which will open in the first quarter 2019, according to the press release.

Moreover, Scania is happy to announce that the new factory at Bangkok Free Trade Zone, Samut Prakarn province will start up the production by the end of this year, he said.

Scania is also having the great pleasure to introduce the new truck generation in the first quarter 2019. “With the new generation we will be able to offer an even higher customer value. Scania has always been in the forefront when it comes to quality, vehicle performance and fuel efficiency and we will definitely strengthen this position with the new truck generation. This means that 2018 is the final year where our customers have the opportunity to purchase our current and highly appreciated PGR series.“ said Phuriwat.

With the increasing sales and the commitment to drive customer profitability Scania has a positive outlook for 2018. With the upcoming launch of the new truck generation and the factory opening the future looks even more exciting.

Meanwhile Stefan Dorski, Managing Director of Scania Siam said that the company’s focus is to support customers to be profitable. “Therefore we are happy and proud that our trucks are so well received in the Thai market. The success is related to the vehicles as well as the services. The excellent fuel consumption keeps the fuel cost at a low level and is a great contributor to our customers profitability.”

“Furthermore, the safe and ergonomic Scania driver environment helps our customers to attract and retain good drivers. Many customers have also discovered the benefits of upgrading the 2 years included service to a 5 year repair and maintenance contract. It all sums up to a better customer profitability which makes it easy for the customer to choose Scania.”

Scania’s aim is to drive the shift towards a sustainable transport system, creating a world of mobility that is better for business, society and the environment. By offering total solutions with high quality vehicles and services Scania is driving customer profitability.

The firm wants to take an active role in improving road safety in Thailand and the drivers are key. Scania is currently arranging the Advanced Driver Program for eight truck drivers and eight bus drivers.

The attending drivers are representing the most successful companies in the Scania Driver Competitions 2017.

The chairman of Bangkok Bank died of natural causes in Bumrungrad Hospital, his family announced on Sunday.

Chatri was credited with building on the legacy of his father Chin Sophonpanich in further expanding the bank’s business. Both are regarded as key players behind the rise of Thai industries.

Chatri was the second son of Chin, who founded Bangkok Bank, which became the largest commercial bank in Thailand and one of the largest banks in the Asean region. He was born on February 28, 1933, in Thailand.

He was educated in Hong Kong at the Kwang Tai High Accountancy College and furthered his studies at the Regent Street Polytechnic in London and the Institute of Bankers in England. He received an honorary degree in law from Pepperdine University in Los Angeles.

He began work at Bangkok Bank in 1959 as an assistant manager responsible for accountancy and moved up to accountant manager in 1962. He was promoted to the post of president in 1980. In addition to this post, he was named the bank’s chairman in 1992. Chatri became an adviser to the executive board of Bangkok Bank in 1999. He was the chairman of the bank until his death. His son Chartsiri is currently the president of the bank.

Bangkok Bank, under Chin, was known as one of the first domestic banks to enable the rise of domestic industries, such as sugar production, offering companies long-term financing. Chatri built on this father’s work and further expanded the banking business of Bangkok Bank at home and abroad.

The bank, along with other Thai lenders, was buffetted by the Asian financial crisis in 1997. It had to raise funds to shore up its liquidity. Although many banks and finance companies collapsed during that period, Bangkok Bank emerged from the crisis in good shape and steadily regained its strength.

Reflecting his standing in the industry, Chatri had been appointed chairman of the Thai Bankers’ Association for three years. He was also an honorary adviser to The Federation of Thai Industries.

Chatri had been pronounced dead at 8pm on Sunday at Bumrungrad Hospital, his family said. His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn yesterday granted the honour of a royal bathing ceremony for Chatri.

Prayers are being offered at the Holy Redeemer Church in Soi Ruam Rudee in Bangkok at 7pm every day until July 1, in accordance with Catholic tradition for the funeral service.

The burial will be on July 2 at the Catholic cemetery of St Nikolaus Church in Pattaya, Chon Buri province.

 “Our mobility business has been doing business in Asean since 1994 with its entry into Thailand and we have since expanded to others countries in Asean, such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam,” Soussan said in an interview with The Nation recently.

“We see strong demand in the Asean market now that the countries in region have been expanding their investments to develop infrastructure.”

Aside from Thailand, she highlighted Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia for infrastructure spending.

A report from the Asian Development Bank estimates that Asia will need to invest US$1.7 trillion a year on infrastructure until 2030 to maintain its growth momentum, tackle poverty, and respond to climate change. The report examines how much the region has been investing in infrastructure and what will likely be needed until 2030. It also analyses the challenges shaping future infrastructure investment and development.

As of September 30, 2017, Siemens Group recorded total revenue of 83 billion euros, with up to 19 per cent of that coming from Asia and Australia; 39 per cent from Europe (excluding Germany), Africa and the Middle East; 28 per cent from America, and 13 per cent from German.

The mobility business unit generated revenue of as much as 10 per cent for the group, with the rest coming from healthcare (16 per cent), process industries and drives (11 per cent), digital factory (13 per cent), power and gas (18 per cent), energy management (15 per cent), building technologies (8 per cent) and renewable energy (9 per cent).

Soussan said that in Thailand, the company provides maintenance services and supply train systems and training, with 450 maintenance staff in Thailand. The company also provides services to others countries in Asean.

When Thailand firms up plans for the construction of a high-speed train system, the company would be interested to supply both the high-speed train and system for Thai companies, Soussan said

“We are confident in the potential of Thailand as strong market in the region,” she said.

Currently, Siemens Mobility in Thailand has a total backlog to supply rail infrastructure and trains for Thai firms that is worth up to 1 billion euros. Deliveries of the trains to Thai companies will begin this year and extend until 2020, said Tomasz Mazur, senior vice president country division lead of Siemens’ mobility division. The Thai customers include Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc, Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc.

In Singapore, Siemens supplies and installs the complete medium voltage and traction power supply system as well as the signalling and train control system for the country’s new metro line. Some of the substations, installed with inverters, are capable of feeding surplus energy back into the power supply network, improving both energy efficiency and environmental compatibility, Soussan said.