HUAWEI has long been known for its impressive P series but it has now taken excellence a step further with the release of the P30 Pro and its top-quality Leica quad rear camera.

The camera performance of the P30 Pro comes from Huawei’s SuperSpectrum Sensor, an optical SuperZoom lens, a new Huawei Time of Flight (ToF) camera, and enhanced optical and AI image stabilisation technology.

That improved camera performance helped the smartphone score a high overall DxOMark score of 112. Established in 2008, DxOMark is an independent benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of smartphones, lenses and cameras.

The quad rear camera system has a 40-megapixel main camera that uses Huawei SuperSpectrum sensor, a 20MP ultra-wide angle camera, an 8MP 5x telephoto camera and Huawei ToF camera.

The 1/1.7-inch Huawei SuperSpectrum sensor captures light using the very latest in technology. The SuperSpectrum sensor is a RYYB sensor that deviates from the traditional RGGB Bayer filter by replacing green pixels with yellow pixels. This allows the sensor to yield a maximum ISO rating of 409,600.

The fundamental shift in sensor technology together with image stabilisation and a large aperture of f/1.6 for the main camera, means that the P30 Pro can capture impressive quality photos and shoot high quality videos across a wide range of scenarios and lighting conditions, including extremely low light. The results are images with enhanced details and saturated colours with clarity.

And P30 Pro’s new SuperZoom lens provides 5 times the optical zoom of the average slim smartphone. The SuperZoom camera comes with 8-megapixel resolution, f/3.4 aperture and optical image stabilisation.

This SuperZoom camera is very useful when you cannot get up close to your subject. And the SuperZoom camera also provides 10x hybrid zoom with good quality.

If you like to take group photos or scenery photos, you will love the 20 MP Ultra Wide camera that comes with f/2.2 aperture lens.

For the P30 Pro, Huawei replaces the conventional depth camera with a ToF camera, which is unique to this flagship model. The ToF camera captures depth-of-field information to deliver accurate image segmentation.

It measures depth of field by emitting infrared light that hits the subject then sends lasers bouncing back to the sensor. The time it takes to bounce back is then calculated to provide depth-mapping capabilities. And precise distance measurement allows for the simulation of multiple levels of bokeh.

The information from the ToF camera is used in P30 Pro’s Super Portrait feature that captures even the smallest details, such individual strands of hair.

With information from the ToF camera, you can capture stunning subjects with a beautiful bokeh effect by using either Wide Aperture or Portrait modes.

In the Aperture mode, you have a slide bar for adjusting the level of blur for the background.

And in the Portrait mode, you can select the blurred effect of the light source – for example neon light or streetlight – and turn them into heart shapes. You can also apply beauty effects in the Portrait mode.

If you are experienced photographer, then you will probably prefer to shoot in Pro mode that allows you to adjust several shooting parameters, including metering mode of matrix, ISO, shutter speed, exposure compensation, white balance and focus mode.

You can also shoot in full auto mode, which the phone calls Photo mode, and make use of the camera’s Master AI. Huawei AI technology will ensure you get a perfect shot with ease. For example, the AI HDR+ enables front and rear cameras to combine multiple photos taken in quick succession to eliminate overexposed and backlit images. It’s really useful in complicated lighting scenes.

The Master AI can automatically identify your current photography scene including stage, beach, blue sky, greenery and text, and intelligently adjust the colours and brightness. You switch between the Ultra Wide camera, main camera and the telephoto camera by tapping the zoom icon on the viewfinder. The 1x icon means the main camera is being used. The 5x icon means the images will be shot with 5x optical zoom while the 10x icon means that the photos will be captured in hybrid optical and digital zoom. The Ultra Wide camera is labelled, quite logically, Ultra Wide.

During the test, I found the main camera captured beautiful shots in the full auto mode and its AI was really effective in identifying objects and scenes.

The 5x telephoto camera was useful and captured sharp and clean shots. The Ultra Wide camera was great for taking wide angle photos when I stood close to the subjects.

The main camera’s high ISO capability was really useful for very low light environments. It could even light up a dark room and capture low-noise shots with good details.

The P30 Pro also comes with a 32MP front camera with f/2.0 aperture lens for taking beautiful selfie shots.

The main camera of P30 Pro is also good for shooting video. It can capture 720p, 1080p and 4K video clips. Here again, the SuperSpectrum sensor comes into its own, enabling spectacular low-light video capture so night scenes appear bright and highly detailed. Huawei AIS and OIS support stabilisation for all video capture settings, resulting in steady shots. And the SuperZoom Lens allows for crisp close-ups, while the AI Video Editor enables you to add background music and special effects to your videos.

Design-wise, the P30 Pro looks sleek with curved display edges and curved edges on the back cover as well. Its back cover was created with a nine-layer nano optical colour finish, which Huawei says is inspired by the unique colour palette and pristine look of salt flats. The P30 Pro comes in Breathing Crystal, Amber Sunrise, Aurora, Pearl White and Black.

Another attractive factor is the 6.47-inch FHD+ Dewdrop Display that uses an oled panel with 2340×1080-pixels resolution. The display features a tiny notch, providing maximum display area, as well as Acoustic Display Technology that enables it to deliver high-quality audio through a sound emitting display.

During the test, I enjoyed watching HD movies from TrueID TV app and the iflix app on the display, which is large enough to watch without squinting.

The near bezel-less front glass houses an In-Screen Fingerprint sensor for quick and secure identity authentication. I found the fingerprint sensor worked fast and efficiently for unlocking the phone.

The P30 Pro has fast performance. It is powered by 7nm Kirin 980 quad-core processor with dual NPUs (Neural-network Processing Unit). The quad cores are two Cortex-A76 cores running at 2.6GHz and two more running at 1.92GHz plus four Cortex-A55 cores running at 1.8 GHz. The model that I had my hands on is equipped with 8 gigabytes of working memory or RAM and 256 GB of internal storage.

The smartphone was really fast when handling games and applications and HD video clips played smoothly.

I used AnTuTu Benchmark version 7.1.7 to measure the performance of the P30 Pro and found that it got a high score of 291,335. As of March 29, the score defeated 97 per cent of users who posted results to the ever-growing database of Android devices.

Huawei says the good performance can also be credited to Extendable Read-Only File System (EROFS), which improves system responsiveness.

And the P30 Pro has the latest EMUI 9.1 user interface on top of the Android 9 operating system. The EMUI 9.1 also supports Share OneHop for seamless file sharing between Huawei smartphones and Huawei laptops.

SuperCool technology improves thermal performance, keeping the phone cool even during heavy use.

And the Internet connection is superfast. Applications were downloaded very fast and my snapshots were backed up to my Google Photos cloud storage in no time.

I used Ookla Speedtest app to measure the connection speed and the P30 Pro got the download speed of 109 Mbps and upload speed of 37.5 Mbps.

The P30 Pro comes with a large battery that should survive a day of use. Its battery has 4,200mAh capacity. The package comes with 40W HuaWei SuperCharge wall charger that charges the smartphone from zero to 70 per cent in |30 minutes.

Huawei P30 Pro has a suggested retail price of Bt31,990.

Key specs

>> Networks: LTE 4G, WCDMA 3G, GSM 2G

>> OS: Android 9 with EMUI 9.1 user-interface on top

>> CPU: HUAWEI Kirin 980 Octa-core Processor with |Dual NPUs

>> Memory: 8 GB

>> Storage: 256GB

>> Display: 6.47-inch OLED display with 2,340×1080 pixels

>> Rear cameras: Leica Quad Camera: 40 MP (Wide Angle Lens, f/1.6 aperture, OIS) + 20 MP (Ultra Wide Angle Lens, f/2.2 aperture) + 8 MP (Telephoto, f/3.4 aperture, OIS), Huawei Time-of-Flight (TOF) Camera

>> Front camera: 32 MP f/2.0 camera

>> Connectivity: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (wave2), 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz; Bluetooth 5.0; |USB Type-C

>> Sensors: Ambient Light Sensor, In-Screen Fingerprint Sensor, Gyroscope, Compass, Proximity Sensor, Gravity Sensor, Hall Sensor, Infrared Sensor, Colour Temperature Sensor

>> Protection: IP68 splash, water and dust resistant

>> Location: GPS (L1 + L5 Dual Band) / AGPS / Glonass / BeiDou / Galileo (E1 + E5a Dual Band) / QZSS (L1 + L5 Dual Band)

>> Battery: 4,200 mAh with Huawei SuperCharge charger

>> Dimensions: 158.0×74.4×8.41mm

>> Weight: 192g

There’s plenty to eat, fun seasonal activities and a chance to win a trip to the Tomorrowland worldmusic festival and a tour of Europe tour.

Launching the campaign, senior executive vice president Pakorn Partanapat and executive vice president Dr Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana invited everyone to keep up to date on the latest summer trends.

“This is the time of year when people are looking to update their wardrobe by shopping for the latest collections so they can have fun dressing up in colourful summer clothing,” Pakorn said.

“We have seven not-to-be-missed highlights, each carefully selected based on our customers’ summer lifestyle insights.”

The highlights include “Fashion Trend Spotting”, with 23 runway shows and other grand events involving more than 30 brands.

“Taste of Summer” is a festival of Thai desserts – 40 amazing sweet treats from 32 wellknown restaurants in the malls.

“Best Songkran Festival” will see water splashing gaily about and sprinkled over Buddha statues and the hands of elders at 18 branches, while 100 musical acts entertain.

“Instagrammable Spots” features cool photos in a design by illustrator Kantapon “Gongkan” Metheekul.

The theme at CentralWorld is “World of Summer” and at Central Phuket “Summer Luxe”. Central Plaza Chiangmai Airport has Lannastyle photo landmarks and Central Plaza Bangna celebrates the beauty of Lake Como in Italy.

Actors making the scene in “Beach City” fashion shows include Naphat “Nine” Siangsomboon, Pimchanok “Baifern” Luevisadpaibul, Sirinya “Cindy” Bishop and her children, joined by musicians SBFive, Jirapa Laksanawisit, Nathanin Kunathanat and Jarudech Boonyasit.

It includes the recently released Princess Ariel collection that marks the 30th anniversary of “The Little Mermaid”.

Walt Disney Thailand has partnered with beauty and toy brands such as USTAR, Johnson’s, MYUNique, Lego, Hasbro and Qposket on an extensive line of licensed products.

USTAR brings extra makeup joy to fans of the mermaid princess through the “Power Pearl of the Sea” collection of four makeup items, allowing girls to bypass Ursula’s black magic in favour of princess imaginations to create their wish looks.

First, the ultrafine Mattifying Compact Foundation, priced at Bt199, provides smooth concealment as well as oil control and sun protection.

The Twin Matt Lip Paint with a list price of Bt179 is a richly pigmented matt lip colour that doubles its application with baton and liquid forms in one product.

There is an Eye & Cheek Palette for Bt179 that contains of 4+1 longlasting shimmering and matt colours for eyes and cheeks.

To complete the collection, All Day Fix Liner lets girls create jetblack, sharp eye lines with its quickdrying acrylate copolymer formula that forms its liner film in just three seconds, also available at Bt179.

Johnson’s is also celebrating the 30th anniversary of Princess Ariel by releasing Johnson’s Gentle Oil in a special princess design.

With gentle formula based on mineral oil imported from Japan, the product does not cause allergy even to sensitive skin and can provide deep cleansing without causing clogged pores or acne. With net content of 300ml, it costs Bt219.

To achieve a hydrated, bright and healthy facial skin, look no further than MYUNique cellulose masks. In light and thin yet resilient sheets, these facial marks are infused with effective beauty ingredients plus beautiful designs of five Disney Princesses.

Besides different visual design, each mask is differently formulated to match characterisation of the princess it features. There’s an Ariel mask with black pearl from undersea, a Jasmine mask with gold caviar to befit her status as daughter of a sultan, and a Snow White mask with organic apple free from threats of the wicked queen.

You can get a Cinderella mask with collagen for radiant glow from midday to midnight, and a Belle mask with red rose that represents the love between her and the Beast.

The masks cost Bt99 a sheet. In addition to the five designs, the brand also offers the Freezing Series for fans of “Frozen”, at the same price.

Lego has different designs from an Arabian palace in Jasmine’s Petite Tower, a horsedrawn pumpkin carriage with Cinderella’s Carriage Ride, a romantic dream surrounding Ariel’s Seaside Castle, and Rapunzel’s Petite Tower.

Hasbro has released two full-figure collections of all 11 Disney princesses in the Gem Collection. Each tiny figure comes in a gem-shaped case with her own background. The cases can be connected to each other so all 11 figures can be displayed together beautifully.

Qposket presents bigeyed princess figures that adorably capture each one’s distinctive personality in lovely poses. There are four design lines – regular-size Qposket in pastel and normal colour, Qposket Petit at 7cm in height, Qposket Dreamy Style with a wedding gown, and Qposket Sugirly Style with elaborately costumed princesses in squatting position.

Home bedding brands Tulip, Jessica and Fountain have launched the colourful Disney Princess bed sheet, quilt, pillow case and bolster case in designs such as Snow White, Cinderella and Alice.

In time for the upcoming semester, Kids and Teens has released a Disney Princess collection of luggage, backpacks and pencil cases.

Designed for modern women experiencing skin energy exhaustion due to the combination of lifestyle factors such as stress and overworking, Sulwhasoo’s Bloomstay Vitalising line contains green plum blossom extract that contains antioxidants thus making the facial skin more resilient to the environment. It reduces signs of ageing caused by skin energy exhaustion and makes the skin look vibrant and firm. Infused with five germinated fruits and seeds, yuzu and hardy orange, Bloomstay Vitalising Cream protects the skin from external stimuli and early wrinkles, leaving it firm and refined. Bloomstay Vitalising Water contains nourishing Yuzu extract to leave the skin feeling rejuvenated with a hydrated and smooth finish.

Bloomstay Vitalising Serum meanwhile has a rich texture like honey clings to the skin and absorbs fast, leaving it moisturised but not sticky. And the delicate fragrance of plum blossom also rejuvenates the tired mind and body and lets calming and serene energy well up from within. Sulwhasoo Bloomstay Vitalising Serum costs Bt4,700, the Vitalising Water goes for Bt2,500 while the cream is priced at Bt5,000.

Affogato, a shot of espresso, is poured over a scoop of ice cream, creating a combination of flavours at each end of the taste spectrum. Instead of an espresso, customers can also enjoy Affogato with their favourite Reserve coffee exclusively at Starbucks Reserve stores.

Another option is Cold Brew Float, allowing customers to savour their favourite Cold Brew combined with rich vanilla ice cream that’s slowly blended into the coffee.

They can also opt for the Nitro Cold Brew for extra creaminess.

Next up is Cold Brew Malt – the Cold Brew blended with mellow malt and vanilla ice cream, creating a velvety texture that lingers on the tongue and the lips.

“The launch of the new ‘Coffee Meets Ice Cream’ is an exciting innovation that enhances our much-loved Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew coffees. The coffee and ice cream combination is a fun alternative for customers to creatively enjoy our world-class coffees,” said Nednapa Srisamai, managing director of Starbucks Coffee (Thailand).

To satisfy your cravings in the sweetest way, Starbucks also marries ice cream with desserts including the Espresso Choc Chip Brownie Ice Cream, a rich chocolate brownie that pairs with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce.

The Caramel Pancake Ice Cream features heavenly soft pancakes, rich vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. The Custard Mochi Waffle Ice Cream has a Belgian waffle is filled with custard cream and mochi for a smooth texture inside and a coat of maple syrup gives the waffle a crispy feel and sweet aroma.

The Coffee Meets Ice Cream beverages and desserts are now available exclusively at 107 Starbucks stores nationwide. For a list of participating stores, check out the Starbucks Thailand Facebook page and the application Starbucks TH.

Themed “The Pride of Thailand”, the commemorative stamps consist of two sheets of 20 stamps and four stamps inspired by the QSNCC’s outstanding architecture and sculpture as well as a scenery from its bird’seye view and from 1991 to 2019.

The 20-stamp sheet is priced at Bt120 and the 4-stamp sheet is Bt60.

Calling young filmmakers

Umay+ Money Fitness is inviting young people to produce a three-minute short movie for the storyboard contest on the topic “How Do You Do Your Financial Planning in this Changing World?”

The winner will receive scholarship worth Bt150,000 and the chance to attend a film workshop led by Veerayuth “Au” Lorthongpanich, managing director of WinkWink Production, Jirayu “Golf” Ardsamang, creative director of Dexter Bangkok, and Pichaya “Suea” Jarasboonpracha, director of TV series and music videos.

Interested? Download the application form at http://www.UmayPlusMoneyFitness.com or call (089) 705 5505. The deadline for applications is May 3.

Watch what you write

“Up Clip Pichit Saen” – a project created by MThai under Mono Group in cooperation with the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission – moves into its fifth year on the topic, “Create or Destroy – Rely on the Fingertip.”

It aims to encourage everyone to use digital media consciously and will reward the winners with scholarships worth Bt200,000.

Applicants must be under 25 years and can upload their video clips to http://video.mthai.com/upclip/ss5 until June 20. The winner will be announced on http://www.MThai.com on July 10.

Dancing in the dark

Manager of Metalheadz, co-founder of Dispatch Recordings, and wellknown for his high energy DJ sets and dark production, Ant TC1 is presenting his drum & bass set at De Commune tomorrow night from 9.

He will be joined by Thaistick and Phatfunk residents, DJ Azek and DJ DeLorean.

Tickets are Bt300. For more information and table reservations, call (088) 419 7380.

Time, ladies please

South Korea’s bombshells Siena Girls, led by DJ Siena aka Park Si Hyun, one of One Championship’s ring girls, will be spinning tomorrow night at D15 Nights at Barbarbar from 9pm until late.

The Korean DJ will come with four model dancers in tow and will be joined by Dutch DJ and producer Wiwek for “Road to Siam Songkran Music Festival”.

Tickets cost Bt500 including one drink. For more information and table reservations, please call (085) 253 2000.

From today until Sunday (April 7) at Mega Bangna, fans will have the opportunity to get up close with their favouyrite Disney Princesses at meet and greet sessions and can look forward to dance performances by 6-year-old celebrity, the daughter of a late actor Trisdee Sahawong, Pakwan “Mali”, who joins the festivities with her mother, Vanda ‘Bo’ Sahawong. The event will also feature fun activities, workshops, and retail areas with Disney Princess merchandise.

The campaign highlights the magical journeys and aspirational qualities of each Disney Princess and seeks to connect them with today’s girl as she creates her very own inspirational stories.

The event welcomes Disney Princess fans of all ages to participate in exciting activities including themed photo corners, fun workshops, stage activities, meet and greet opportunities with their favourite Disney Princesses, and retail areas with Disney Princess merchandise.

“The Disney Princesses are loved by fans of all ages, and their timeless stories of bravery, resilience and kindness continues to inspire young girls in Thailand to pursue their dreams and ambitions with courage,” says Subha-Orn Rathanamongkolmas, Country Head of The Walt Disney Company Thailand.

The event will feature three workshops designed to spark creativity and imagination from learning to make your own beautiful necklaces and bracelets in the jewellery making workshop “Shalala Necklace”. The “Filling Art To Your Heart” workshop will help channel your inner artistic side in this mosaic coaster-making workshop and the “Splash Your Imagination” workshop will give kids the opportunity to have a go at painting canvas bags.

Fans can also look forward to retail areas featuring Disney Princess merchandise from Hasbro, Lego , Q-posket, Les Enphants, Varinda and Kiddo.

The merchandise will range from toys, dolls, bedding sets, collectibles and special collections celebrating the 30th anniversary of Princess Ariel from “The Little Mermaid”. Moreover, S&P will be offering special promotions, a DIY cake decorating workshop, and creating your own photo cake. Customers can also enjoy taking photos with a 14-kilogram Little Mermaid cake display worth Bt208,000.

Shoppers can purchase their favourite Disney merchandise and be rewarded with special promotional offers. For every Bt500 spent, they will receive one chance to try a crane game and stand the chance to win an exclusive Disney item. Shoppers who spend over Bt1,500 will be rewarded with a Disney Princess Summer Shopping Bag and a free access voucher to the “Splash Your Imagination” workshop. Free vouchers to all workshops and a Disney Princess Summer Shopping Bag will be given to customers who spend at least Bt2,500. The top spender throughout the event will get OSIM’s uDiva 2 Massage Sofa priced at Bt109,990 and a runnerup will get an experience package to Hong Kong Disneyland with an exclusive ‘BibbidiBobbidi Boutique’ experience for four persons priced at Bt47,250 (excluding air tickets). In addition to onstage activities, shoppers can take photos at the “Disney Princess: Create Your Story” event and post them on Facebook with the hashtags #DisneyPrincess and #CreateYourStory2019 to stand a chance to have their photos featured onstage and win special prizes.

The kit’s magnificent features include black loudspeaker bowls that blend discreetly into the car, whilst the Flax cones, the brand’s signature piece, add an extra touch of elegance delivered in a highquality, robust wooden box.

The speaker drives and electronic solutions offer power and precise sound to bring you endless hours of listening pleasure in your car. The kit comprises two 6” Flax cone woofers with a nominal power of 80 watts RMS, a 1 x 10” subwoofer with double voice coil and a Flax cone with 600 watts RMS for a powerful and controlled bass. Two pure Beryllium inverted dome tweeters deliver ultraprecise treble.

Also included is a compact 5-channel amplifier. Tweeters, woofers and a digital signal processor with 8 channels for optimised settings enabling perfect distribution and homogeneity of the sound signal.

“At CH Home Medias we are extremely proud to have been a partner since the beginning when Focal’s first speaker driver manufacturing workshop was set up within a precision mechanics company in Saint-Etienne, France, in 1979,” says Montree Saowahawanichakij.

“Forty years on, still in Saint-Etienne, Focal has expanded its industrial sites, now home to around 250 employees. We are positive that our common success will continue into the future by delivering world class products and putting our customers first.”

Find out more at http://www.facebook.com/FocalThailand/

Research conducted by leading flexible workspace provider IWG shows that in the past 10 years, 85 per cent of businesses have introduced a flexible workspace policy, or are planning to adopt one. In light of these findings it’s unsurprising that 75 per cent of the 15,000 respondents from 80 different countries around the world believe that flexible working has become the new normal.

However, not all businesses have been able to embrace the concept. Sixty per cent of those surveyed say that changing the organisational culture is the main barrier to implementing a flexible workspace policy, particularly within businesses that have a long-standing, nonflexible working approach. Over a third  say that fear of how flexible working may impact the overall company culture is the biggest obstacle.

“Last year our Global Workspace Survey talked about reaching a tipping point, but what we are seeing now is that flexible working is considered by many to be the new norm for any business that is serious about productivity, agility and winning the war for top talent. Indeed, half of all our respondents claim to work outside their main office location for at least half of the week.

“Businesses around the world are facing multiple challenges including ensuring that their business is agile enough to adapt to change. Our research shows that businesses that haven’t already considered the financial and strategic benefits of flexible workspace need to do so now. Otherwise, they face being seen as out of touch, both with their competitors and with the demands of the modern workforce on what constitutes a great day at work, which means losing out on the best talent,” says Lars Wittig, vice president sales Asean of IWG.

Attracting and retaining talent

Findings show that 71 per cent of businesses think that offering flexible working enables them to expand their talent pool. In fact, 77 per cent of businesses are adapting to improve talent retention by introducing flexible working. From an employee’s point of view, a third of people would say that flexible working is so important, they would prioritise it over having a more prestigious role (32 per cent).

Perhaps this is due to an increasing focus on work/life balance: flexible working is seen to improve this balance by 78 per cent. The findings also show that flexible workspace is seen to encourage a more inclusive working environment, with benefits for returning parents, older workers, people suffering from stress or struggling with mental health issues.

Productivity

Flexibility not only makes workers happier and healthier but makes workforces more productive: 85 per cent of businesses confirm that productivity has increased in their business because of greater flexibility. What’s more, two thirds (67 per cent) of those surveyed report at least a 21 per cent improvement in productivity as a result of flexible working.

Agility and uncertainty

In these uncertain times, it’s clear that businesses are prioritising agility and cost efficiencies. Fifty five per cent of businesses surveyed said they are looking to be more agile in 2019. Over a third of businesses are looking to expand internationally this year, and the majority of respondents (64 per cent) say that they have chosen flexible working because it accelerates speed to market in new countries. Sixty six per cent also choose flexible working to help them to scale. Flexible workspace has also been chosen by 65 per cent to reduce capital and operational expenditure. The same number of respondents have adopted flexible workspace to help manage risks, and to consolidate their portfolio.

No more commuting?

The findings also show that two-fifths of people worldwide see commuting as the worst part of the day (40 per cent) and more than half of respondents believe that it could be obsolete in a decade (2030). Pressure has been mounting as commuters are increasingly disgruntled by their journey to work, and one in five (22 per cent) respondents would say that they are “regularly late” for work due to travel disruptions. Almost half (48 per cent) of workers spend their commute working, and as a result, nearly half (42 per cent) think that official working hours should include time spent on their journey, as this does not constitute “free time” in their day.

The new normal

For many employers and employees, flexible working is now the norm. Half of those surveyed state that they now work outside their company’s main location for at least half the working week or more, and for 70 per cent of people, a choice of work environment is a key factor when evaluating new career opportunities. Flexible working is a model that provides employers with the opportunity to increase productivity, attract talent and adapt to changing circumstances, and something that will therefore prove invaluable as we look at uncertain times ahead.

FRENCH SKINCARE brand Clarins recently opened its first retail store and spa in the Iconluxe zone of new shopping destination Iconsiam and Jenna Courtin-Clarins, new concepts manager and the third-generation of the brand’s founders, jetted in to Bangkok for the special occasion.

The luxury store occupies an area of 167 square metres and has as its concept the “Skin Spa”, which reflects Clarin’s original mission of advancing beauty by making it more real and natural. The interior blends Thai architectural culture and the modern and contemporary Parisian lifestyle.

The granddaughter of founder Jacques Courtin-Clarins, and daughter of Dr Olivier Courtin-Clarins, Jenna oversees all the visual development of the brand, including the packaging and marketing materials. She is also the first brand ambassador and personifies the naturally beautiful Clarins woman.

She took time out to chat briefly with The Nation. Excerpts:

HOW DOES YOUR INPUT UPDATE THE CLARINS IMAGE FOR THE NEW |GENERATION?

Right now, life travels so fast that people want efficiency and want to go straight to a good and natural product, so we have to stress that. Also if someone is looking for a product but doesn’t want sales assistants offering their help, they should be able to quickly and independently choose what they need – such as an anti-wrinkle product or one for oily skin. The labelling should be very clear.

On the other hand, our staff are on hand to explain the plants, ingredients and applications and suggest what might be suitable for a gift. It is also very important for Clarins to have samples so that customers can try the products. My grandfather really emphasised this because he respects and always listens to consumers.

HOW DO YOU ADAPT THE SUBJECTS YOU STUDIED TO THE BUSINESS?

I actually studied interior design, graphic design and photography, which have helped me in my envisioning of the brand, the advertising and the packaging. I’ve also been very involved in creating themes for Christmas or other holidays. I offer my opinion as a young and modern woman because the business is run by my father and my uncle.

DO YOU PLAY ANY ROLE IN DEVELOPING THE PRODUCTS?

Yes, in Paris we have a lot of meetings in which we discuss products two to three years in advance. We talk about the launch of new products, improving efficiency, packaging, advertising, etc. All the family takes part in these meetings. For example, when we were looking at a new lipstick, my cousin and I asked that we launch not just a normal lipstick but a matte lipstick. It’s very long lasting and will be available in Thailand soon. My father didn’t understand because he is more concerned with the business side but he listens. All the family has to try the products. I even try the men’s lines on my hands or arms to judge the texture and the fragrance. We go through several procedures to come up with better products before they go on the market.

DO YOU FIND WORKING WITH YOUR FATHER, UNCLES AND GRANDFATHER A MAJOR CHALLENGE?

There are two sides to that. It’s easier in a way because I’ve known the brand’s DNA forever. I’ve smelt the hand cream since I was a child. It is easy because I’m a woman and I love skincare and cosmetics. However, it can be difficult because we might not have the same opinion, but whether the end decision is mine or theirs, it’s always the best for Clarins. So, it’s fine.

CAN YOU SAY SOMETHING ABOUT THE CLARINS’ HEADQUARTERS IN PARIS THAT YOU HELPED DESIGN?

We decided on a building in which everyone can work together near Paris. They can share ideas, coffee, or attend big or small meetings. It makes life easier for everybody and it is also eco-friendly. We have solar power; our floors are a special grey colour to maintain the temperature. I also wanted everyone to understand that we are a natural-based company and for each meeting room in the building we chose the plant names of our ingredients. We have more than 250 plant ingredients in Clarins products.

HOW DO YOU TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AS THE CLARINS’ AMBASSADOR?

That’s easy. I have all the Clarins products in my bathroom. I do my own treatment almost every day. I use a lot of products and because I travel a lot, I try to listen to my skin – whether it’s oily, dry or sensitive, and then use the scrub or mask I need. I have a massage every week and a facial treatment.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED FROM YOUR FATHER?

I have four brothers and sisters. My father liked to test all the products on us, especially during summer holiday. He has a special method of applying sunscreen. He taught us it was important to avoid the sun between 11pm and 3pm because it can cause wrinkles. Always wear hats. Go and have your swim but shower afterwards and finish up with cold water. Always work from the feet to the hip and upwards to improve circulation. He likes us to play sports because for happiness and beauty on the outside, you have to be beautiful on the inside too. It’s all about balance.

My grandfather also likes to listen to us. When he created Clarins, he listened to the needs of his sisters and nieces. The good thing is that as a family, we can give very honest feedback.

CLARINS DOESN’T USE ANY ACTRESS OR CELEBRITIES AS BRAND AMBASSADOR. THEY INSTEAD MADE YOU THE FACE |OF THE BRAND. WAS THERE A REASON |FOR THAT?

Actually, it’s not just me as the face of the brand and I’m not a model. My grandfather decided when he created Clarins that it was for every woman. He didn’t want to choose one girl to represent the brand; he think that is too much marketing. He wants every woman to recognised and admire herself.