Book Expo Thailand 2022 attracts 1.3 million attendants and generates THB347 million
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022
The Book Expo Thailand 2022 concluded with 1.3 million attendants who spent 347 million baht during the 12-day event, said the Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand (PUBAT) on Thursday.
This year’s expo, held under the concept of ‘Booktopia: Utopia for book lovers’ from October 12-23, returned to its original site, Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre for the first time since the centre went under renovation in mid 2019.
PUBAT president Thipsuda Sinchawarnwat said a total of 1,355,893 book lovers have visited the event throughout 12 days, with a high volume of visitors seen on the weekend of October 22-23, during King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day.
Total sales of books during the event were recorded at 347,331,734 baht, increasing 74 per cent from the previous book fair held in March this year. “This shows that the reading trend is bouncing back and people still prefer buying physical books,” said Thipsuda.
Best-selling genres this year are novels, literatures, cartoons, and young adult books, respectively.
Apart from booths selling Thai and international books, the fair also featured various activities including the Booktopia exhibition, Reader Road, Envelope Letters of the Wall, Book Blind Date, and Book Playlist.
Thipsuda said the most popular activity this year, despite being available for only a few days, is the “Human Book” in the Live-Brary zone by PUBAT and publishing partners.
PUBAT will host the next book fair on March 30-April 9 next year at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, and will use suggestions it received for this year’s expo to further improve the next event.
Discover professional audiovisual and integrated experience technology solutions that are transforming and equipping businesses for the tech-hungry post-pandemic world.
October 14, 2022, Bangkok – InfoComm Southeast Asia which debuted in 2019 was a huge success. Now, after the Covid-resultant pause, the Show is back – as an in-person show, with access to new pre-show planning and engagement tools that will enhance the visitor experience. InfoComm Southeast Asia 2022 will take place from 2 to 4 November at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC).
InfoComm Southeast Asia is the region’s premier Professional AudioVisual (Pro-AV) and Transformative Technology tradeshow, featuring trailblazing international and local solution providers. Powerful solutions on show and insightful learning sessions cater to a spectrum of industries, including the government sectors of transportation, public security and defense, education, healthcare, hospitality, retail, and others.
The Show specially caters to AV industry players as well as embedded technology decision-makers and business end-users. For these stakeholders who are serious about transforming their organization and growing their business in and beyond the post-pandemic landscape, this is a show not to be missed.
“After the 2-year hiatus due to the global pandemic, InfoComm Southeast Asia is happy to once again bring together Pro-AV technology providers and business users; technology experts, industry leaders and open minds ready to learn,” said Richard Tan, Executive Director of InfoCommAsia. “Much has changed in terms of available tech-enhanced solutions and marketplace needs and trends. So, besides the opportunity for all stakeholders to reconnect face-to-face, InfoComm Southeast Asia 2022 is going to be an exciting space for visitors and delegates as they get up close and personal with exhibitors and experts – the drivers of tomorrow’s technology and solutions. The Show is the place to seek out the most advanced Pro-AV ideas to-date, to create and deliver an exceptional customer experience in an increasingly hybrid world.”
THE EXHIBITION
Transformative Solutions for All Industries
The world has just begun to emerge from a painful yet revitalizing lesson. It has learnt the urgency of technology adoption and the importance of constant upgrading along with technological evolution, to be future-ready and disruption-proof. Increased technology implementation and integration lead to greater reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) to mitigate the consequent increase in security risks. This reality is already fast unfolding, driven by Pro-AV technologies, making InfoComm Southeast Asia an important show for AV and IT professionals and business decision-makers.
InfoComm Southeast Asia is where entrepreneurs, business leaders and technical professionals will discover the latest Pro-AV solutions that are transforming every industry. More than 130 exhibiting companies from over 20 participating countries will gather under one roof to showcase their innovations for the post-pandemic marketplace. These include brands like Epson, Lenovo, Microsoft, Panasonic, Philips, and more. Visitors can expect to see:
• Large screen, projection mapping, AR/VR solutions for live events, museums, education and simulation training • Security, flood and surveillance monitoring systems for network operations centers • Control and automation solutions for smart city management • Room automation and centralized systems for smart homes and offices • Collaborative conferencing systems for in-person and hybrid meetings • Smart classrooms • Digital signage and display solutions for advertising and information • Virtual and hybrid learning solutions … and more
DISCOVER SOLUTIONS WITH vBOOTH
Pre-Show Engagement for Better Show Experience
To enhance show experience for visitors, InfoComm Southeast Asia has introduced facilitative tools on the Show website. These tools will allow solution-seekers to identify exhibitors that have those solutions, and connect with them.
• An intuitive business matching system instantaneously presents visitors with a list of exhibitors, based on their industry and the solutions they seek. • vBooth gives every exhibitor a dedicated page online, where visitors can explore the exhibitor’s solutions via multimedia presentations. Information will include the exhibitor’s range of solutions as well as products and solutions being presented at the Show. • Business card drop facility lets visitors leave their details for callback by exhibitors, and appointment scheduler allows visitors to pre-arrange meet-ups with exhibitors at the Show.
All these will help visitors organize their visit way before the Show begins. Fully-utilised, visitors can look forward to a productive time at InfoComm Southeast Asia 2022.
THE SUMMIT
Insights into Developments and Trends for Informed Business Decisions
Concurrent to an exciting show floor is the InfoComm Southeast Asia 2022 Summit line-up. Multiple conference tracks cater to different industries and learner profiles. Delegates can look forward to more than 30 free-to-attend learning sessions in the form of keynotes, panel discussion and case studies.
Tracks for Vertical Market Solution-seekers and AV Professionals • The two-day NIXT Summit focuses on end-to-end emerging tech solutions for businesses. Sessions delve into the successes and challenges of digital transformation practices in industries and enterprises.
Tracks for AV Professionals and Technology Decision-makers • AVIXA Seminars help AV professionals stay in touch with technical updates, industry practices and trends across various industries and application scenarios. • Asia AV Leaders Connect (By invite-only) gathers the AV industry’s C-suite and directorate leaders across Asia for the exchange of intelligence; discussions on geopolitical and economic concerns as well as emerging technology trends and disruptions; and identification of growth opportunities. • AV Managers Day sessions are designed for mid-level AV managers and use real-life case studies to delve into AV project challenges and how to overcome them.
There is also the AV Technical Tour which offers an opportunity to see Pro-AV solutions in situ. The “Smart Traffic Systems – Expressway Traffic Management Centre and Control Rooms” tour will take delegates into the very heart of command and control scenarios, where condition monitoring, situational management, emergency response, etc are critical. Visitors can learn how advanced technologies and control systems enable the Expressway Authority of Thailand to effectively and efficiently provide the best experience for expressway users.
For the full Summit line-up and latest updates, please visit the official Show website at www.infocomm-sea.com.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Admission to Exhibition and Summit is Free
InfoComm Southeast Asia 2022 will be at BITEC from November 2-4 (Days 1 and 2: 10am – 6pm; Day 3: 10am – 4pm local time). Visitors can register to visit the Show at www.infocomm-sea.com. Admission is free.
“The Collectors” launched at Thailand Game Show 2022 as the first game in Thailand that focuses on environmental protection and sustainable development
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2022
Charoen Pokphand Group and True Digital Plus join hands with partners from the government, private sector, and civil society with expertise in sustainable development and video game development to launch a new sustainability-themed mobile game at Thailand Game Show 2022, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC).
These partners include the Department of International Organizations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, the United Nations Development Programme, the SDG Research and Support Programme (SDG Move), and True Axion Interactive Co., Ltd. The Collectors is a game about collecting trash and protecting the planet. As the first game in Thailand that highlight the principles of sustainable development, The Collectors represents a new dimension in mobile gaming.
The Collectors was developed from a prototype game about sorting and recycling waste called Trashed, which was created by the team THAItan, the winner of the SDG Game Fest design and development competition. The aim of the competition was to establish video games as a medium through which audiences can better understand and learn about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while having fun. The game will help raise awareness among the youth about environmental issues. Furthermore, The Collectors also integrates into its gameplay six key SDGs: Good Health and Well-Being, Quality Education, Clean Water and Sanitation, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, and Life Below Water.
The game is designed to be easy and fun to play, whilst educating players on proper waste management. There are various game modes: Story Mode takes players through the main story; Challenge Mode lets players compete for the best score; and Multiplayer Mode allows 6 players to play together simultaneously. These fun modes teach players about properly managing waste and recycling to protect the environment and lead sustainable lifestyles. The game also does not contain any in-app purchase of any kind.
At the launch event’s panel discussion, the partners supporting the development of the game are represented by Ms Cataleya Phatoomros, Director of the Development Affairs Division, International Organizations Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Mana Prapakamol, General Manager True Digital Plus Co., Ltd. & True Axion Interactive Co., Ltd., Ms Aphinya Siranart, Head of Exploration, UNDP Accelerator Labs, Dr Yanin Chivakidakarn Huyakorn, Deputy Director of the Knowledge Communication Department, Center for SDG Research and Support (SDG Move), Dr Thuttai Keeratipongpaiboon, Director of International Strategy and Coordination Division Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, Mrs Konrawan Sapitaks, Assistant Vice President Global Partnership for Sustainability and Communications, Charoen Pokphand Group Co., Ltd., and Mr Anat Lokaew, member of THAItan Team, winner of SDGs Game Fest competition.
Furthermore, the partners will expand the game’s reach both domestically and internationally through their networks, including C.P. Group’s partner educational institutions. The Collectors will raise awareness about sustainable development and serve as a model for many countries to put sustainability into practice. Finally, it will also further empower Thai developers and inject innovation and creativity into the Thai gaming industry, enabling its growth into the global market. News on The Collectors can be followed at https://www.facebook.com/thecollectorsgame
Connected Car technology set to transform automotive industry, NTT DATA study shows
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2022
NTT DATA (Thailand) Co, Ltd, a subsidiary of NTT DATA Corporation and a global digital business and IT service leader, unveiled a study that finds 47 per cent of motorists are ready to switch to a brand that offers new technologies and named the “Connected Car” technology as a key trend the auto industry.
The Connected Car market is projected to hit US$191.83 billion in 2028 in line with technological advancement, market competition and enhanced vehicle safety. The study also identified two challenges faced by the automotive industry and offered suggestions for gaining a competitive advantage.
NTT DATA has partnered with the world’s leading carmakers to develop an application that connects vehicles through TCU technology, whose smart algorithms enable carmakers to gain insight from driving data to create added value and further innovations for businesses covering all aspects of a smart car.
Hironari Tomioka, President and Chief Executive Officer at NTT DATA (Thailand) Co., Ltd., stated that NTT DATA has published a report entitled “Automotive Aftersales” about aftersales in the global automotive industry, for digital customer engagement.
The report finds that 47% of consumers are likely to change a car brand when options with more advanced technologies become available. These include Connected Car technology, which enables cars to connect over networks to other communication devices.
Connected Car is an Internet of Things (IoT) technology that can transmit data and control the vehicle’s operations.
Connected Car is a technology trend that will enhance market competitiveness in an increasingly connected world. The IoT technology has transformed how we live and work and created business opportunities in all industries, improving customer experience and adding value in business.
It has brought about changes in several industries including the automotive one, leading to cooperation and alliance-building among innovative solutions providers to keep the industry moving and meet current customer needs in the age of digital transformation.
A Fortune Business Insights report says that the global Connected Car market size was USD 55.56 billion in 2020; the market grew to USD 59.70 billion in 2021 and is estimated to reach USD 191.83 billion in 2028.
The projected growth is due to several factors, such as the demand for advanced technologies to gain a position of prominence and strength for a competitive advantage.
An increase in road accidents across the globe also prompts automobile manufacturers to set safety as a top priority.
However, NTT DATA has identified challenges in overcoming a turning point faced by the automotive industry currently, to create opportunities for competition. These include:
1. Make a car brand stand out: Not only being a manufacturer or distributor, but the brand has to take into account the delivery of experience to customers through services to maintain customer loyalty.
2. Integration of new technologies to help analyze data without consulting experts may lead to data privacy and security issues, which may affect the vehicle’s functions.
The Connected Car technology can enhance safety and convenience for drivers as it enables monitoring, management and control of the vehicle via a smart phone.
For example, it allows drivers to use an application to lock/unlock the door, start the car, or turn on the air condition.
It also increases safety for drivers by showing car status, tracking car location on the application in an event of a stolen car, and sending out alerts when entering or exiting an area or when speeding is detected (geo fence & speed alert) and when a severe incident occurs such as an accident that activates the airbag, the system will notify the call center automatically to coordinate assistance from first responders.
“NTT DATA sees challenges and opportunities that will enable business partners to overcome challenges and maintain their competitive edge in the industry.
This is why we joined forces with the automotive industry to develop an application, with a telematics control unit (TCU) installed in vehicles to connect users to their car via the application, allowing them to control the car remotely with TCU which comes with a smart algorithm.
This enables automakers to gain insights from driving data to build added value and create innovations for business.
Hironari Tomioka
NTT DATA offers a Connected Car technology that covers all the needs of automakers and drivers, from setting usage requirements, project planning, compliance evaluation, monitoring and control of IT infrastructure to deliver quality assurance.
In addition, NTT DATA continues to develop services to bring the automotive industry on the path of progress.
” NTT DATA also fully supports the development of electric vehicles (EV) by providing EV charging platforms to become prepared in terms of technology and services and be able to integrate with EVs or develop EV charging stations to accommodate future demand growth.” Hironari said.
Seventh Belt and Road Summit attracted 19,000+ participants, bringing government and business leaders together to facilitate project matching
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2022
The seventh Belt and Road Summit, jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), saw more than 80 senior government officials and business leaders from the Belt and Road region gathered on August 31 and September 1, to share their insights under the theme “Heralding a New Chapter: Collaborate and Innovate”.
Continuing in the tradition of being a formal, substantial and high-quality event, the summit saw state leaders and senior officials, regional government leaders and business leaders gathered to explore the business potential of the Belt and Road Initiative, and to drive synergies and create a win-win situation through multilateral collaborations such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). For the first time, the summit was held in a hybrid format, overcoming geographical boundaries by allowing those who were unable to attend in person to participate virtually. More than 19,000 attendees representing over 80 countries and regions participated online or at the physical event.
In the opening session, Dr Peter K N Lam, HKTDC Chairman, delivered welcoming remarks. John Lee, HKSAR Chief Executive, delivered the opening address. Han Zheng, a member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, delivered the keynote speech. Wang Wentao, Minister, Ministry of Commerce, the People’s Republic of China; Hao Peng, Chairman, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC), the People’s Republic of China and Lin Nianxiu, Vice Chairman, National Development and Reform Commission, the People’s Republic of China, delivered special addresses while Zhang Xiangchen, Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization, gave a keynote address.
Mr Lee said in his opening speech: “The global rise of protectionism has reminded us of how important regional co-operation is. We have to work together for the better future of the region. Hong Kong is therefore very pleased to see the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP, come into force earlier this year. The landmark agreement underlines the open, inclusive, rules-based trade and investment partnership that RCEP’s member states are committed to realising. We believe that regional economic integration is an essential complement to multilateral trade. Hong Kong is seeking early accession to RCEP. It will enable us to deepen the collaboration and connections we enjoy with our close partners. The Belt and Road was created to build connectivity, to bring business, and people, together. No one does that better than Hong Kong, thanks to our ‘one country, two systems’ principle; thanks to our longstanding East-meets-West experience and the boundless opportunities afforded us in national development.”
Delivering the keynote speech, Mr Han said: “Hong Kong is an active participant, contributor and beneficiary of the Belt and Road Initiative. We are pleased to see that since the initiative launched, Hong Kong has actively negotiated and signed cooperation agreements with co-construction countries, developing trade and investment cooperation, service standard connection, international financial cooperation and exchange between people. Hong Kong plays an important role in Belt and Road development, as well as expanding its own development space. Hong Kong deserves full recognition for its work in this area. The Central Authorities will adhere to the principle of ‘one country, two systems’ in the long run, fully supporting Hong Kong in maintaining its unique status and advantages. Authorities fully support Hong Kong’s active participation in and contribution to the Belt and Road development.”
Addressing the opening session, Mr Zhang said: “The COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, climate change and anti-globalization sentiment are the four major factors that I believe could affect the reshaping of the landscape of global trade policies. It is very challenging but can still be managed well if the whole world works together. To address these challenges, I strongly encourage enhanced dialogue and cooperation between all governments to find collective solutions because none of these challenges can be addressed by one government alone. Global challenges require global solutions.”
Dr Lam said: “The HKTDC is honoured to have Vice Premier Han Zheng deliver an important keynote speech at today’s summit, giving a more specific illustration of Hong Kong’s role as an active participant, contributor and beneficiary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Following President Xi Jinping’s important speech on 1 July, the Vice Premier’s ‘Four Hopes’ for Hong Kong’s participation in the construction of the Belt and Road further highlighted the direction of the city’s development. The HKTDC has always been committed to promoting the Belt and Road Initiative and development opportunities. The team and I will continue our efforts to promote Hong Kong as an international business platform and services hub and contribute to the Belt and Road Initiative.”
More than 800 one-to-one matching sessions
The business matching and project pitching sessions at the summit remained popular among project owners and attendees. More than 280 investment projects from the Belt and Road region and beyond were presented at the summit, covering four main areas, namely: (1) energy, natural resources and public utilities; (2) innovation and technology; (3) urban development; and (4) transportation and logistics infrastructure. The projects focused on areas such as smart city development, data centres and e-commerce related investments. More than 800 one-to-one business matching meetings were arranged for project owners, investors and professional service providers to pave the way for collaboration agreements.
Real opportunities in RCEP but some challenges
Multilateral collaboration creates more frequent cross-border trade and investment, and is becoming more important than ever in driving a strong recovery in the Asia-Pacific region following the pandemic. The RCEP, which came into effect this year, stands as the largest free trade agreement in history, accounting for 30% of the world’s population and GDP. Combined with the joint effort of more than 180 countries connected through the Belt and Road Initiative, it will further strengthen regional economic integration around the world. In the Business Plenary titled “Collaborate for a Bright New Era”, business leaders from economies along the Belt and Road and the RCEP shared their insights and explored how these initiatives and agreements can complement each other to drive strong economic growth and promote cross-border collaboration between businesses of all sizes.
The 38th Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key, shared his views on the RCEP. “One of the things that are challenged is the supply chains. China is a really a huge market, and we source a lot of goods from China. We can see the impact the breaking down of those supply chains has had on global inflation.”
Aswin Techajareonvikul, Chief Executive Officer and President of Berli Jucker Public Company Limited, shared that the Thailand enterprises have well received the potential of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). “It is in tune with our 20-year strategy and Thailand’s ongoing projects for economic development under the Thailand 4.0 economic model. We are able to expand trade and investment to our neighbouring countries. We can also better link with the world market, especially for the CLMV countries [Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam].”
Liu Liange, Chairman of the Bank of China, said: “Most of the members in the RCEP are located in important junctions along the Belt and Road. This not only fosters connectivity between value chains and supply chains, but also further expands the ‘social circle’ of the Belt and Road Initiative, engaging more countries and businesses in the construction of the Belt and Road and in broader collaboration, as well as forming the dual-engine of the Belt and Road Initiative and RCEP within the region”
The seventh Belt and Road Summit was made possible by its Strategic Partner, China International Capital Corporation (CICC); Regional Banking Partner, Bank of China (Hong Kong); and Platinum Sponsors, China Mobile International and China Unicom.
3D Innovareef: Sculpture to restore Thai marine ecosystem
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2022
The Veterinary Medical Aquatic Animal Research Center of Excellence (VMARCE), Chulalongkorn University has created Innovareef — lifelike cement-based structures, convenient for planula settlement and growth, accelerating recovery of the coral reef ecosystem, promoting eco-tourism as well as functioning as smart stations for marine environmental monitoring.
Beautiful coral reefs in Thai seas have been gradually deteriorating due to global warming that causes coral bleaching, in addition to certain human activities without proper control and environmental consciousness. Currently, only one-third of the beautiful and perfect coral reefs remain! If we don’t solve this problem now, there will be no marine food sources, dive sites for nature study, and tourism income sources for the next generations.
The past solutions of artificial reefs made from used car tires, tanks, PVC pipes, and cement cubes have created visual pollution as they do not blend in with the underwater nature. Besides, these artificial reefs are occasionally drifted out by tidal forces, submerged by the sand, or decomposed into microplastic garbage.
“In nature conservation, methods are as important as results,” notes Associate Professor Dr Nantarika Chansue, Director of VMARCE and Head of Ornamental Aquatic Animal and Aquatic Animals for Conservation Research Unit (OAAC), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, on the concepts of Innovareef for the conservation of coral reefs and marine beauty.
Associate Professor Dr Nantarika Chansue
“We’re trying to create lifelike artificial reefs with lifelike branches to promote settlement of planula and pores for tidal forces resistance and habitats for marine species. Our Innovareef will help accelerate the recovery of coral reefs to match their destruction rate.”
How does Innovareef work in place of natural coral reefs?
Naturally, coral reefs function as barriers against strong tides on stormy days, habitats for various marine species, and sources of food for humans. Proper maintenance of their condition and diversity means the assurance of the food sources for our stomach and mind.
Corals are marine invertebrates with soft bodies and calcium carbonate forming their hard skeletons. The baby coral is called “planula” which drifts along water currents and settles on a hard surface like rocks or reefs to continue its growth. Other types of corals that reproduce asexually grow shoots and branch out depending on their species.
Hence, the research team has modeled the Innovareef based on the nature of corals. Dr Nantarika explains how the Innovareef differs from other artificial reefs as follows:
1. Coral nutrient coating – Innovareed is coated with calcium and phosphate nutrients that corals need to thrive. Collected data indicates that the planula settled on the Innovareef grow faster than those on natural reefs by approximately three to four centimeters a year. (Naturally, corals grow extremely slowly. For example, hard corals grow about one centimeter a year. In other word, we have to wait for one century to see a one-meter-diameter hard coral!)
2. Biomimicry – Flat surfaces of Innovareef accommodate the settlement of planula; its holes and cavities serve as habitats and hiding places for fish, benthic animals, and marine invertebrates.
3. Resistance to tidal forces – With hydrodynamics technology, Innovareef’s design enhances its resistance to tidal forces. This is different from other artificial reefs that are made of more delicate materials, often submerged by the sand and drifting out by tidal forces, becoming marine pollution.
Smart Station: Global warming monitoring coral reefs
The research team has installed marine environment monitoring equipment on the Innovareef so that it becomes “a smart station” that can, for example, measure the water temperature, tidal forces, and potential of Hydrogen (pH).
“These measurements benefit not only the marine species in the Innovareef but also the entire coral reef where the Innovareef is installed. As we all know that coral bleaching is caused by the rising temperature of seawater causing corals to die. With these smart stations, we now have sufficient data to save the entire coral reef”, says Dr Nantarika.
Background of Innovareef
Dr Nantarika explains that knowledge from different fields is essential in the creation of lifelike Innovareef. For example, in 3D Cement Printing, the pH of the selected type of cement is close to that of seawater. The design concept is that of Lego—easily assembled and disassembled blocks—to facilitate the transportation of Innovareef from the production site to the sea.
“The team has been through stages of design, molding, creating uneven surfaces, casting branches separately as well as performing tests on vortex, sinking of the base, and resistance to tidal waves both in our laboratory and at sea, before we have the Innovareef that’s resistant to tidal waves, sturdy, not submerged into the sand, with small vortex around it and branches to enhance natural settlements of planula.”
Initially, the VMARCE designed only one size of Innovareef—100 X 160 X 50 (width X length X height) centimeters. Subsequently, the “Love the Sea” project by Earth Agenda Foundation—in collaboration with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE); Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University; and Siam Cement Group (SCG)—used this prototype to further develop five more types of Innovareef, namely: 1. Brain coral: 150 x 160 x 56 centimeters; 2. Brain coral: 160 x 160 x 65 centimeters; 3. Barrel sponge: 150 x 200 x 95 centimeters; 4. Marine sponge 1: 50 x 50 x 65 centimeters; and 5. Marine sponge 2: 85 x 85 x 65 centimeters.
Building Homes for Corals: Restoring Hope for the Sea
Since 2020, the research team has installed several Innovareefs along the coasts of Chonburi province, including Si Chang Island, Lan Island, and Sattahip.
“The area suitable for the installation of Innovareef is less than 10 meters deep with exposure to sunlight and, importantly, some remaining natural coral reefs. These will enhance the natural settlement and growth of planula.”
Transportation and installation of Innovareef are simple and convenient: each set of Innovareef comprises three units—the main component and two attachments.
“The Innovareef is not too large. It’s light-weighted and can be carried by anyone thus saving transportation costs. You can simply put it at any desired location in the sea and then dive down to put all the units together to complete the Innovareef.”
“Not even five minutes afterward, fish and several marine creatures start to come in to survey and make it their new habitat, leading to biodiversity around the Innovareef.”
“More importantly, the post–installation data indicates that the settlement and growth rates of planula on the Innovareef are better than those on other artificial reefs,” says Dr Nantarika with a smile.
Consequently, the research team is confident that Innovareef will help accelerate the recovery of coral reefs and the return of marine health. A worthwhile investment, the total cost of materials, production, transportation, and complete installation of an Innovareef is only about THB 26,000!
With these benefits, it’s not a surprise that Innovareef won the National Innovation Awards (NIAWARDS) 2020 for Product and Service Design.
Great Wall Motor prepares to deliver first batch of ORA Good Cat GTs, reopens reservations for 500 units
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2022
Great Wall Motor (GWM) continues to advance its ambition of becoming the xEV leader by preparing to deliver the first batch of ORA Good Cat GTs on November 11 to customers who had booked the vehicles during the official launch at the end of June 2022.
To respond to Thai consumers’ overwhelming interest in environmentally friendly electric vehicles, GWM will reopen reservations for 500 units of the ORA Good Cat GT under the “Premiere Deal” campaign from October 28 to November 30.
In addition, Great Wall Motor will deliver 1,200 pending units of ORA Good Cat by the end of the year. This reiterates GWM’s commitment to becoming an xEV leader through innovative products filled with cutting-edge technologies that are safe and friendly to the environment to meet all dimensions of driving lifestyles.
Narong Sritalayon, managing director of Great Wall Motor (Thailand), said: “The first batch delivery of the ORA Good Cat GT is another major step for Great Wall Motor to contribute greatly towards a Thai EV society. Since the official launch of ORA Good Cat in Thailand in October 2021, it has exponentially excited the Thai EV industry and constantly been a much-loved electric vehicle among Thai consumers.”
“We are ready to deliver the ORA Good Cat GT onto Thailand’s roads after the spectacular achievement on its official launch – receiving 500 bookings in only 58 minutes. Great Wall Motor appreciates all customers and Thai consumers for their trust and confidence in our brand, products, and services, and we believe that the sporty ORA Good Cat GT will colour your life and create exceptional new driving experiences. This model will respond to all aspects of the new generation’s lifestyles and will win the hearts of Thai consumers, just like the ORA Good Cat.”
On November 11, Great Wall Motor will deliver the first batch of ORA Good Cat GTs to the first group of customers who paid a deposit after the official price announcement on June 29. The company will continue to deliver the remainder of the 500 units to customers by January 2023, earlier than the previously announced schedule.
For those interested in buying the sporty ORA Good Cat GT, Great Wall Motor will reopen bookings for another 500 units of this model at the price of 1.286 million baht (after government subsidy and a reduction of excise tax), from 7pm on Friday October 28 until 11.59pm on Sunday November 30, or until all 500 units have been reserved via the GWM app or www.gwm.co.th.
Special offers available in the Premiere Deal campaign include:
◆ Special 1.79 per cent interest rate for up to 48-month financing when 25 per cent of the down payment is made: maximum value not exceeding 23,000 baht (please refer to additional terms and conditions from participating banks and financial institutions)
◆ Free one-year comprehensive car insurance, with a maximum value of not more than 25,000 baht
◆ Free GWM home charger and installation within 20 metres (from main circuit breaker) one time (excluding charger station), with a maximum value of not more than 60,000 baht
◆ Free labour and spare parts for maintenance work according to distance (GWM Pro Service Inclusive: GPSI) up to five times in five years, or 75,000 kilometres (whichever is reached first), with a maximum value of not more than 11,000 baht
◆ Free 24-hour roadside assistance for a period of five years, valued at 10,000 baht
◆ Free GWM carpet and licence plate base worth a total of 1,650 baht
The total value of special offers under the Premiere Deal campaign is 130,000 baht.
Additionally, the ORA Good Cat GT also offers a factory warranty for five years or 150,000 kilometres – whichever is reached first – along with a battery warranty for eight years or 180,000 kilometres (whichever is reached first). The additional 500 units of ORA Good Cat GT available for reordering from October 28 to November 30 are planned to be delivered by April 2023.
ORA Good Cat orders were suspended in April with a lot of accumulated bookings. However, Great Wall Motor has accelerated its deliveries to customers as quickly as possible over the past year. Currently, there are more than 1,200 ORA Good Cats awaiting delivery, and the company will deliver these vehicles to all customers by December 2022.
Customers who have booked an ORA Good Cat must take delivery of their car this year to receive the special offers related to the campaign they received, otherwise it will be deemed that the benefits have been ceded. As of now, Great Wall Motor has delivered a total of 3,427 ORA Good Cats to Thai consumers – 2,965 units have been delivered so far in 2022 (January to September).
Great Wall Motor, as a Global Intelligent Technology Company, is committed to inventing and developing quality products and services through high-technology production processes to meet the diverse driving needs of Thai consumers, while continuing to build a complete ecosystem as well as driving the growth of the EV industry in a steady and sustainable manner.
Megabangna is haunting Bangkok with “Mega Halloween: A Celebration of Souls” at its main entrance until October 31. Customers can rattle their bones to the tunes of a “Music of the Dead” concert performed by a skeleton crew of talented musicians.
The landmark at MEGA HALLOWEEN: A CELEBRATION OF SOULS drew inspiration from Day of the Dead festival, where Mexicans commemorate the deceased family members or relatives.
These souls are believed to visit their homes for 24 hours to spend time with their loved ones. Megabangna conveys the happy and reuniting moment by creating a concert stage under the “Music of the Dead” concept.
On that stage, the characters and musicians will arise from death to play music for audiences.
Furthermore, customers can join fun-filled activities from October 22nd to 24th and from October 29th to 31st as below:
• After applying for a Mega Smile Rewards membership, they can play a game to win a prize. All they need to do is to use a receipt with 3,000 baht spending or more per receipt or redeem three Mega Smile Rewards Points.
• Mega Smile Kids members get free trick-or-treat candies.
• After applying for a Mega Smile Rewards membership, the customers can redeem a receipt (with no minimum spending per receipt required) for a colourful Stripe Tote.
• Special! Only from October 29 – 31, the customers can apply for a Mega Smile Rewards membership or spend 3,000 baht or more per receipt to take a picture at the photo booth or receive a Halloween Tattoo for free.
Customers should not miss activities between October 29 – 31, such as “Parade of the Dead”, where actors and musicians will perform on stage.
Children will also receive free candies in the Trick and Treat Candy activity. Lastly, the customers will keep their precious memories by taking photos at the booth.
“Happy Meat Happy Me” exhibition raises public awareness on food safety and ethical eating
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2022
World Animal Protection Thailand presents “Happy Meat Happy Me,” raising public awareness on food safety and ethical eating, introducing its ambassador, Maria Poonlertlarp, with an Animal Welfare Problem Themed Fashion Show this October 20-23, at Samyan Mitrtown G Floor.
World Animal Protection-Thailand, a global non-governmental organization with a goal to improve animal welfare, presents “Happy Meat Happy Me”, an interactive exhibition, invites consumers to an immersive learning experience. This event aims to raise public awareness of food safety and ethical eating. WAP is calling for a revolution towards better animal welfare in the food system and animals on farms, before consumption. “Happy Meet Happy Me” is in the heart of the city, Bangkok, where consumers are one of the largest and most diverse groups, during October 20-23, at Samyan Mitrtown G Floor. The event will introduce the World Animal Protection Thailand’s Ambassador, Maria Poonlertlarp, Miss Universe Thailand 2017, making her first appearance in a creative “END FACTORY FARMING” fashion show, developed under the concept of problems in animal welfare, calling for justice for animals! on October 20, 2021.
Roatchana Sungthong, Country Director, World Animal Protection Thailand, highlighted the objective of the event saying that “Happy Meat Happy Me, an interactive exhibition, aims to raise public awareness of animal welfare which has effects on our health and the environment. We want this event to be a chance for people to learn and take action on improving animal welfare. The World Animal Protection is committed to move the world to protect animals, putting an end to needless suffering and animal cruelty. Their mission is to create a better world for animals, even for those raised for food. We need to make sure that there is no future for inhumane factory farming and introduce an equitable and sustainable food system for the world.”
“In this event, we, at World Animal Protection, are not asking everyone to completely cut meat from their diet, because we know that there are animals raised for food. However, we want to raise people’s awareness, telling everyone that animals’ lives and feelings matter. We want to show the cruelty and suffering that they have to go through and how they affect us. These are the messages that we want to convey. Everyone wants to be happy every single day of our lives, and just like us, animals also need to live a good life until the last day of their lives,” Roatchana added.
Maria Poonlertlarp, World Animal Protection Thailand’s Ambassador, said that “I am very honored to work alongside World Animal Protection as the spokesperson sharing information and the importance of animal welfare and to get a chance to improve their quality of life, allowing them to live the way nature intended to. I once visited a free-range chicken farm, the chickens looks so happy there, with the feeling of their feet touching the ground, and the sun against their feather. On the contrary, those on factory farms are crammed in barren battery cages. Some lose their feather, some are wounded, and some couldn’t even walk. Those are just the tip of the suffering they have to face. So if we reduce meat from our diet, or choose to consume meat from farms that care about animal welfare, not only that we will get to eat safe antibiotic-free meat, but we will also get to help the animal raised for food to live the happiest during their time.”
“Not to mention that, as a consumer, it is important to know where our food is from, and how it affected us and our environment. Therefore, I believe that by being the ambassador of the World Animal Protection Thailand I will be able to help create an impact that changes the way we consume our food.”
The highlight on the opening day of the “Happy Meat Happy Me” event is the fashion show developed under the concept of problems in animal welfare by Sarisa Nuansri, Creative Director of SAVETUDIO. The “END FACTORY FARMING” collection is comprised of ready-to-wear clothes made with upcycling t-shirts from the fast-fashion industry, aiming for minimum impact on the environment. The silhouette of this collection is inspired by the clothes of the local farmer. The prints derive from flowers and nature with a hint of happy farm animals (pigs and chickens) through a cute drawing, and a cute and homey color inspired by a free-range farm in a cartoon drawing of food like bacon and eggs. This is ironic, of course, because the animal raised for food often live to be only 3 – 4 months old in a factory farming environment. No difference from humans, without proper welfare, animals are hurt and tormented. The models represent the animals, calling for justice for them.
In this 4-day “Happy Meat Happy Me” event, there are various activities such as the digital interactive exhibition that will give everyone a food experience starting from picking their favorite dishes from the menu, learning about their origin and the animal welfare for chickens and pigs in the factory farm, as well as the adverse effects of eating unsafe food, and what are some actions we could take towards better animal welfare for factory farming.
There are also different sessions on the main stage where the audience can share their thoughts such as:
• Thursday, October 20, 2022:
– 4.00 PM A panel discussion on “What’s the point?: Why do the lives of pigs and chickens lives matter?”, a take on the social awareness of animal welfare and our quality of life in the sustainable world. The panel featured many influential people, such as Zcongklod Bangyikhan, editor-in-chief of the Cloud magazine, Thanaboon Somboon, founder of CreativeMOVE, and Greenery, Muandao. Kongwanarat, Farm Animal/Food System Campaign Manager (WAP), and Maria Poonlertlarp, the ambassador of World Animal Protection-Thailand.
• Friday, October 21, 2022:
– 2.00 PM A panel discussion on “Safety Food Producer Partnership” by Pig and Poultry Association. The panel will include Dr. Fuse Wanich Wantawee the owner of WorTawee Biodynamic Farm; Panchana Vatanasathien, the founder of Food for Fighter, and Jo Sloane, the founder of Sloane’s network of brands which specializes in sourcing only high welfare ingredients. – 4.00 PM A panel discussion on “Factory Farming and the silent pandemic of antimicrobial resistance” led by Assistant Professor Dr. Niyada Kiatying-Angsulee, Drug System Monitoring and Development Centre, DMDC, Supoj Singtosri, the President of the Deep-Litter System Pig Farm Network at Donrae Ratchaburi Province, and Chokdee Smithkittipol, Farm Animal/Food System Campaign Manager (WAP).
• Saturday, October 22, 2022:
– 12.00 PM “Happy Meat Happy Me” Cooking Show by Tam Chudaree Debhakam, the first Top Chef Thailand, and the founder of Baan Tepa Culinary Space driven by the philosophy of sustainability. Fundraising Animal Print Workshop by Baitong Kiratinuch Luang-anggoon will share her inspiration and passion for screen printing animals on a t-shirt to raise funds for animal welfare for the past ten years; and the Limited-Edition animal print screening activity that you can join.
• Sunday, October 23, 2022:
– 2.00 PM A panel discussion on “The solution: Happy Meat Happy Me” by Supoj Singtosri, the President of the Deep-Litter System Pig Farm Network at Donrae Ratchaburi Province, Amnart Reansoi, the Owner of Tan Khun Organic Farm; and Vorakorn Laohaserikul, the Owner of Kiddee Farm. In this panel, you will get a chance to learn more about “the solution” of how to run a business that is practical and ethical, with real-life examples and experiences, as well as techniques to spot high-quality meat sourced from farms of high animal welfare.
Please come join us, broaden your eating experiences with high animal welfare farms and learn more about safe food at “Happy Meat Happy Me” this October 20 – 23, at Samyan Mitrtown G Floor. 10.00 AM – 8.00 PM (FREE ADMISSION)
For more information: www.worldanimalprotection.org and Facebook fanpage: World Animal Protection Thailand #HappyMeatHappyMe #WorldAnimalProtectionThailand
TCEB, 11 partners launch “SPIRE Thailand” campaign to boost domestic exhibitions at year-end
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022
Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization), or TCEB, has joined hands with 11 partners to launch the SPIRE Thailand campaign to expedite domestic exhibitions at the year-end.
The bureau is confident that the campaign will help activate Thailand’s economy by generating more than 7.8 billion baht in income across all regions of Thailand.
TCEB President Chiruit Isarangkun na Ayuthaya made the announcement after the bureau unveiled its domestic MICE marketing plan to the public and private sectors and encouraged them to hold events in the last quarter of the government’s financial year 2022. TCEB has moved fast to expand and expedite its growth development plan for the domestic exhibition market. This is because the year-end period is generally the most bustling time for trade fairs compared to other periods.
TCEB has unveiled its growth development implementation plan for domestic exhibitions in 2023, highlighting the collaboration of 11 partners representing the public and private sectors, who will be joining forces to expedite domestic exhibitions under the major project “EMTEX: Empower Thailand Exhibition”. Set to run in fiscal year 2023, the joint exhibition marketing campaign will be launched through the “SPIRE Thailand: Strengthen Power In Regional Exhibitions”, which is expected to generate 7.802 billion baht in economic impact.
TCEB President Chiruit Isarangkun na Ayuthaya
“Our 11 partners, collaborating under the EMTEX project, include the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; Community Development Department; Department of International Trade Promotion; Cooperative Promotion Department; Department of Industrial Promotion; Digital Economy Promotion Agency; The Board of Investment of Thailand; The Office of Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion; The Federation of Thai Industries; The Thai Chamber of Commerce and Thai Exhibition Association (TEA). All of them are prompted to speed up Thailand’s economic recovery by having MICE as the exhibition development tool to serve Thailand’s targeted industries, which comprise five segments:
● Food, agriculture and biotechnology;
● Public health, health and medical technology;
● Intelligence equipment, robot and electronic control mechanical system, as well as digital Internet technology connecting the operations of devices, artificial intelligence and embedded system;
● Renewable energy, automobile, logistics and inventory;
● Creative, cultural, tourism segments and high-value services.
“In fact, exhibitions could generate income for business chains and serve as an economic stimulus platform that particularly supports small and medium-sized enterprises, who rely more on using exhibitions as their marketing tool. TCEB and partners are confident that the endeavour will help to revive the Thai economy, generate business transactions fast and ensure sustainability in the long run.”
Chiruit said that in collaboration with the 11 partners, the campaign aims to provide support packages as follows:
1. “Clustering Show”, a package for general exhibitions with a maximum limit of 700,000 baht per event, which is designed to bolster any of five targeted industries, whereby the event is required to feature a registration system and systematic data collection.
2. “Regional Best Show”, a maximum of one million baht is allocated for regional or cross-regional highlight shows that aim to bolster any of the five targeted industries, with a total space of over 3,000 square metres. The Regional Best Show requires the collaboration of more than three partners under the EMTEX network and features business negotiations or B2B sessions for entrepreneurs and buyers.
For non-financial support, TCEB will serve as the host who liaises between 11 partners to integrate rapport of exhibitors in seven aspects, including: 1. Exhibitor database; 2. On-site buyer database; 3. Local network; 4. Knowledge, training and seminar; 5. In-depth information on industries, targeted markets and market insight; 6. Sourcing of funding/subsidies or sponsorship, and 7. Public relations.
In launching the SPIRE Thailand campaign, TCEB and its 11 partners are also arranging a business negotiation platform to offer opportunities for the exhibitors and EMTEX partners to exchange viewpoints on exhibitions that can promote networking and expand event opportunities to different regions across Thailand.
In fiscal year 2022, TCEB has provided support to a total of 52 exhibitions, comprising 19 domestic shows and 33 international shows, which generated approximately 14.789 billion baht for the economy across all regions in Thailand.
Hironari Tomioka
Associate Professor Dr Nantarika Chansue
TCEB President Chiruit Isarangkun na Ayuthaya
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