As financial literacy is a core life skill, TCRB or Thai Credit Retail Bank’s Tang To Know-how financial literacy program is expanding its focus from micro and small business owners to also include employees, freelancers, and students.
Thanks to an innovative course under the concept of “Financial Edutainment”, the Tang To Know-how course is attracting a growing number of participants.
In addition, the Bank created a new learning activity “Tang To Know-how Tutoring to Earn More Money” allowing business owners to share their successes in growing and bolstering their businesses with like-minded members of the community.
Thai Credit Retail Bank’s managing director Roy Agustinus Gunara says that TCRB is confident that promoting financial literacy skills among people all over Thailand will play a crucial role in countering inflation whilst alleviating growing household debt which is a looming issue for the country’s economy at large.
In the second half of this year, the bank aims to expand the program to cover both permanent and temporary employees, freelancers as well as students enabling them to pose a financial literacy mindset to help navigate them towards a more stable and secure in life, with strong and sustainable business sense.
Learning about this at a young age can shape the way they manage money in adulthood.
He explained that the financial edutainment “Tang To Know-how” has been developed to strike a balance between education and entertainment.
The activity will create a stimulating learning environment in such a way that it makes a potentially boring topic like finance fun, enjoyable and easy to remember for even the most non-mathematical mind.
Thai Credit Retail Bank’s managing director Roy Agustinus Gunara
To rapidly broaden financial literacy across the region, TCRB has trained the managers of the bank’s branches to be professional trainers and redesigned 264 branches nationwide to become TCRB learning centres.
By the end of this year, the bank expects to have at least 48,000 persons participating in the training course, of which half will be from the new target groups. So far, the bank has trained over 65,000 micro and small business owners—mostly vendors—to help them improve their financial skills and improve their overall quality of life.
Recently, TCRB collaborated with strategic partners to provide Tang To Know-how training for 40 vendors in Thai Rungthip fresh market in Khlong Dan Sub-district, Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan Province.
The bank’s trainers instructed them in financial literacy including debt management, savings principle, and daily expense management.
Yupin Sooksorn, one of the many participants and a vendor of drinks and snacks, commented that the training changed her earlier view that finance was difficult to understand and caused stress.
She had fun understanding the real-life application, especially in the face of inflation and said that everyone must be aware of the importance of managing costs, revenue, and expenses for business survival.
Based on its philosophy “Everyone Matters”, it is important for TCRB that all segments are empowered whether or not they are TCRB’s customers.
The bank is ready to stand beside them and jointly reinforce their capabilities through the promotion of financial literacy skills.
Follow our activities and information about financial edutainment with Tang Toh Know-how program at ตังค์โต Know-how by Thai Credit, http://www.tcrbank.comor call 0 2697 5454.
Pet lovers are invited to the “Raining Cats & Dogs” concert on Sunday, August 25, 2022 at BCC Hall, Central Ladprao shopping centre.
This charitable music event features “Polycat”, a synth pop band from the 1980s, and “Modern Dog”, an alternative rock band of the 1990s.
They will join together in expressing creative ideas on the stage designed as “pet playground”, where pets and music lovers can enjoy the show simultaneously.
There will also be activity booths for pet lovers at the event on the fifth floor of Central Ladprao shopping centre, starting from 7pm.
Organiser Major Development Pcl, developer of pet-friendly condominiums, said a part of the proceeds will be donated to foundations working to help stray dogs and cats.
Tickets of any face value can be used to get a 50,000 baht discount when buying a property of Major Development in any project. For more information, contact Line @majordevelopment
Strengthen the bonds that matters most with fun-packed adventures from pristine beaches to Himalayan foothills and cultural city hubs across Asia
Hong Kong, July 2022 – With borders reopening across Asia and summer around the corner, JW Marriott Hotels and Resorts in the Asia Pacific (excluding China) is inspiring families to join the great multigenerational escapes and spend quality time together. Whether families plan to travel together or venture on a local getaway, JW Marriott is a haven of inspired luxury, offering intuitive services and experiences that every generation can indulge in, ensuring that the whole family can come together for their most meaningful moments.
Inspired by founder J. Willard Marriott’s principle of mindfulness, the brand’s signature programs are carefully curated to help guests be fully present, foster connections, and revitalize the mind, body, and spirit. Family by JW is an interactive program for both children and adults to promote engagement and enrichment among all family members. Providing a multi-sensory experience, the signature JW Garden is where herbs and vegetables are grown in-house and incorporated into various touchpoints of the guest journey. Throughout the hotel, guests are encouraged to experience a holistic approach to well-being with tranquil spaces, Mindful Moments, and Sensory Programming.
Nature Adventures in the Maldives, Gold Coast, Phuket, and Mussoorie
Underwater Adventures at JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is the ultimate family resort with up to 100 activities available for children at the Family by JW – Little Griffins Kids Club. The architecture of the kids club is inspired by a pirate ship with beach huts, providing an element of discovery in every room for young underwater-themed enthusiasts. Activities such as treasure hunts, arts and crafts, and interactive island exploration will whisk the young adventurers on true adventures of a lifetime. The two-story Duplex Beach Pool Villas overlooking the stunning Indian Ocean is the ultimate luxurious island living accommodating up to four adults and two children, ensuring plenty of space for the whole family to relax and unwind together.
A luxury coastal retreat in Surfers Paradise, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa offers exploration for young and multigenerational travelers to engage by Gold Coast’s white sandy beaches. With its curated Family by JW program, families can join snorkeling in the resort’s famous saltwater lagoon, sandcastle making, or daily fish feeding. Highlights include the JW Garden tours and herb planting hosted by the culinary team where children can grow a deeper appreciation for how produce and herbs are cultivated. This is part of the resort’s commitment to naturally-inspired dining through its JW Garden offering fresh, local ingredients for garden-to-table dining experiences and hands-on cooking classes. Children can see for themselves those fresh ingredients being incorporated into the very food they eat.
Cultural Enrichment at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa is well-known for its Cooking School by JW, where families can join the resort’s culinary experts in discovering the secrets of delicious and nutritious Thai delicacies that reflect the destination’s culture. As part of the interactive cooking class, budding foodies will enjoy the educational walk through JW Garden to learn more about indigenous spices, herbs, and vegetables. After, families can explore turtle conservation at the Mai Khao Turtle Shelter and unwind at the Mai Khao beach – just a stone’s throw away with soothing spaces throughout the beachfront to soak in the serene surroundings or take part in Mindful Moments such as gentle yoga or batik painting activities.
Scenic Sanctuary at JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa
Nestled among the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa is a calming sanctuary for families to have an unforgettable time together. With sprawling greens surrounding the hotel, families can explore the beautiful treks around Mussoorie, the ‘Queen of Hills’, to enjoy the scenery and dip their feet in the chilly stream. The hotel’s JW Garden, JW Farm and Greenhouse offer a multi-sensory experience curated for guests to highlight the importance of eco-balance while also providing a nourishing farm-to-table experience with its sustainably grown herb and vegetables. Every day of the week, there are activities by Family by JW including Implant Nature, an environmental conservation effort of the now eroding Garhwal range through the plantation of saplings.
Discover Urban Oases in Singapore, Seoul, and Hanoi
Urban Quest at JW Marriott Singapore South Beach
Bringing the best of the city right to the doorstep, JW Marriott Singapore South Beach is located in the heart of Singapore’s art and culture district. Thoughtfully curated, embark on a discovery of the city or within the hotel with an activity guide and exploration map, a rewarding adventure for the whole family. Little ones will have plenty of fun with an in-room JW Marriott camper van and signature Family by JW kids amenities. After an exciting adventure in the city, families can unwind in the sky gardens and enjoy a swim with panoramic views of the city.
Unleash Kids’ Inner Artist at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul
Escape the heat this summer with some indoor fun at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul. The hotel’s JW Kids Artists package offers a variety of kids activities for families in search of an entertaining dose of pop art. This urban break includes a ticket to the DikiDiki Design Playground, a unique play environment with various themes to awaken children’s senses and stimulate their power of expression and imagination. Back at the hotel, families will enjoy breakfast at Tavolo 24 overlooking the city, in-room family dining service bringing tasty and shareable dishes, and access to the hotel’s environmentally friendly, LEED Gold-certified swimming pool complex.
Lakeside Glamping at JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi
Hanoi is known as the ‘City of Lakes’ and JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi‘s beautiful lakeside setting is perfect for families to embrace nature and enjoy outdoor fun. The mindful retreat is known for its glamourous camping grounds and JW Lakeside Garden with a combination of entertainment and learning for the young ones and families. Plenty of activities to be enjoyed including herb planting in the JW Lakeside Garden, picnic, treasure hunting, and movie nights at the lakeside. After an exciting day outside, unwind at the luxurious Spa by JW with a personalized spa experience.
Rabbit Life Insurance Public Company Limited or “Rabbit Life”, a subsidiary of the BTS Group, formally unveils its vision “Think differently to improve your life with a life insurance that hedge your bets and provides simplified solutions” with the objective to become the leader in the life insurance business that is agile and flexible to life’s changes and diverse needs and is ready to walk alongside clients to live a “level up life.”
Mr. Korn Chinsawananon, Managing Director of Rabbit Life Insurance PCL, said, “The life insurance sector in Thailand is stable and has high growth potential as a large proportion of the population are still uninsured. While we are a newcomer in the industry, our team is highly qualified and has over 25 years of experience and know-how in the insurance business. As such, we aim to be the number one insurance broker in the hearts of consumers, providing exceptional experience that places clients at the center of our solutions, with the philosophy ‘to listen’, ‘to learn’ and ‘to create’ the best solutions for our clients’ diverse needs. Moreover, we dare to provide more benefits that are simple, quick and cost-efficient. Therefore, our clients can rest assured to live their lives to the fullest no matter what their goals are, in line with our motto – ‘Rabbit Life: Level Up Life.’ Our immediate goal is to be among the top ten companies in the insurance industry within 3 years.
“Based on our market research, we found that the new generation is living a ‘New Mindset’ life, whereby they are considering their needs in a variety of dimensions when selecting their insurance plan. This is also due to the rapid changes in the world’s situations in the past 2-3 years which lead people to require more flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, not only in the way of living, health or finance, but in all aspects of life. As a result, consumers are more particular in selecting an insurance policy that is suitable for each of their life stages. In response, we have developed our products to cater to our clients’ distinct needs under the concept, ‘Customixed’ (Customize + Mix), offering comprehensive and cost-effective coverage through our specialty insurance programmes, such as ‘Level Up Protection’ – life insurance; ‘Level Up Saving’ – savings insurance; ‘Level Up Health’ – health insurance; ‘Level Up Wealth’ – investment insurance; and ‘Level Up Life Reward’ – post-retirement annuity insurance. Adding to this, we are also offering seamless customer experience through omnichannel distribution with experienced advisors on hand to offer expert advice.”
“Last but not least, our strong alliance with companies under the BTS Group will enable us to mix and match our combined offerings; in turn, ensuring that our Rabbit Life Insurance holders will be able to benefit from a diverse range of products and services as well as special offers unlike any other,” Mr. Chinsawananon added.
Bangkok (July 21, 2022) – ICONSIAM, a world-class landmark located on the majestic Chao Phraya River – a joint-venture between three leading retail and real-estate developers: “Siam Piwat, Magnolia and CP,” is set to unveil ICS, a ‘Mixed-Use Lifestyle Town’ developed to amplify the thriving potential of the Thonburi area. ICS fosters an integration of urbanity and community that truly reflects today’s lifestyle by offering a complete range of retail, office and hotel facilities.
Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICS Company Limited, said that ICS will cater to both Bangkok and Thonburi residents, due to its multi-modal transport links of road, Skytrain and boat as well as a direct connection to ICONSIAM which will generate vibrant daily traffic. Key anchor tenants will include Lotus’s – a new concept modern lifestyle supermarket, a Lifestyle Healthcare and Wellness Center by one of Thailand’s leading hospitals and the first Hilton Garden Inn in Bangkok: Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok ICS Charoen Nakorn with 241 rooms and cutting-edge facilities that will serve the needs of international tourists and business travelers. Moreover, ICS will offer a new vibrant lifestyle mall to deliver happiness to customers daily under the concept “Always a Good Day”. ICS will feature more than 200 brands in the home and living, IT, financial services, fashion, beauty and cosmetic services and other daily life necessity segments. Dining at ICS will feature a comprehensive selection of over 80 leading F&B brands including many new international concepts that will open their first outlet in Thailand at ICS.ICS office facilities have already attracted leading educational services and IT solutions companies providing robust weekday traffic.
Mr. Supoj added “Since the beginning of 2022, the number of business and leisure travelers to Bangkok has increased continuously and we are seeing rising demand for hotels and conference facilities especially for MICE. ICS, as a ‘Mixed-Use Lifestyle Town’ will cater to these needs and become another important magnet to drive ICONSIAM towards complete and integrative services for all customer segments.”
ICS is a key pillar in the continuation of Thonburi’s development plan, amplifying the expansion of the city on this side of the Chao Phraya River, especially the prime Khlong San area and Charoen Nakorn Road. More than 50 high-rise residential projects, or more than 25,000 units, will be completed in the area in the next few years and this increase in residential supply will facilitate the re-location of a significant new residential population to Charoen Nakhon Road. In addition, the Royal Thai government plans to relocate the Ministry of Interior from ‘Klong Lod,’ Phra Nakhon to a new location near Sawetchat Worawihan Temple on Charoen Nakhon Road. Taksin Hospital, a major hospital in the Thonburi area, is also planning to expand its services by constructing a new 600-bed patients’ facility. In total these developments will create over 300,000 jobs for this prime area in Thonburi.
Currently construction of ICS is 90-percent completed and is scheduled to open Q4, 2022.
After finding favour among popes, monarchs and authors – including Ernest Hemingway – Montegrappa pens are finally writing a new chapter in Thailand.
Handcrafted in Italy for over a century, these sleek instruments are status symbols that signal a passion for writing, style and the finer things in life.
Montegrappa was founded by Austrian Edwige Hoffmann in Bassano del Grappa, northern Italy, in 1912. The specialist knowledge used to craft these precious pens has been handed down from generation to generation for the past 110 years.
Montegrappa’s unique and charismatic designs are enhanced by refined engineering and virtuoso finishing. Over more than a century, its fountain pens have earned a reputation for balancing tradition and innovation in the constant pursuit of perfection. Hand-selected high-quality materials entice collectors while also ensuring long-term performance.
These sought-after writing implements made their debut in Thailand on Friday, showcased at TKI Group’s new Montegrappa boutique on M Floor, Siam Paragon.
The Thai luxury retailer, which specialises in high-end timepieces and fine jewellery, is the only authorised representative for the luxury stationery brand in Thailand and Asia.
TKI Group Director Phuris Bunjapamai
TKI is a family-owned company that boasts more than 60 years of dedication to customer satisfaction.
“This is a significant year for us to bring Brand Montegrappa to Thailand,” said TKI Group Director Phuris Bunjapamai. “This year marks the 110th anniversary of the brand. I consider it an honour to represent this beautiful boutique in Thailand”.
The official opening of Montegrappa by TKI will be graced by Ernest Hemingway vibes, a classic photo exhibition and four outstanding pens from the Hemingway collection – The Soldier, The Writer, The Fisherman and The Traveller.
“We will present a replica of a [heritage] office in Italy so you can travel back in time with us,”, Phuris added.
Montegrappa pens are available in different collections to meet a variety of needs. In addition to the mainstream Core Collection models, the brand is introducing a new limited-edition line. Fountain pens, ballpoint pens, and rollerball pens with ballpoint and fountain ink will be available at the new Siam Paragon boutique.
(PR News) The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has said that digital assets carry high risk and therefore advised investors looking for long-term portfolios such as pension funds to avoid them while regulations are being reviewed to allow mutual funds and provident funds to invest in digital assets.
Meanwhile, investment gurus from Principal Asset Management Ltd and Chaloke Dot Com also agreed that digital assets are not suitable for long-term pension investment.
Nopnuanparn Pavasant, SEC’s director of financial technology promotion, said in the recent online seminar “7th Retirement Plan Symposium” that currently the SEC does not allow mutual funds and provident funds to invest in digital assets, as the commission believes digital assets have high risk.
“SEC is carefully considering regulations to allow both funds to invest in digital assets, whereas the suitable investment ratio must be set. SEC will also limit the types of eligible digital assets, as there are different types with different usages and risk levels,” she said.
Nopnuanparn added that several private companies and investors have asked SEC as to when the digital assets will be allowed as investment options. “This issue will need some time for studying and reviewing all the details. Digital assets are an innovation, and the commission must protect investors from all kinds of risks, while investors must possess a thorough understanding of each type of digital assets as well,” she said.
Supakorn Tulyathan, chief executive officer at Principal Asset Management Ltd, said that investing in digital assets is not a suitable option for long-term portfolios like pension funds, as they have high fluctuation compared to other assets.
“Since the start of 2022, prices of digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum have dropped 50 to 70 per cent, whereas Bitcoin has standard deviation value at 60 per cent and Ethereum at 88 per cent,” he said. “Comparing to Thai shares in the past 10 years, they have 19-20 per cent standard deviation and provide 5 per cent return on investment (ROI) on average. Target date portfolios designed for pension also provide 5 per cent ROI on average, and has only 8 per cent standard deviation.”
Supakorn added that the management of portfolios for pensions must consider both ROI and standard deviation, and must deploy strategies such as ‘stay and wait’ and DCA (Dollar-cost averaging) to ensure that investors get the highest return in long term.
“In the last 5 years before reaching the retirement age, investors should adjust their provident fund investment to focus on more stable assets to ensure a steady return,” he said. “For example, one might choose to invest 80 per cent in bonds, 10 per cent in shares and 10 per cent in other assets. This is likely to guarantee 5-6 per cent ROI, which is the same rate as an investment during the 40-year-old period in Thai shares at 25 per cent, foreign shares at 23 per cent, bonds at 50 per cent and trading at 2 per cent.”
Piriya Sambandaraksa, managing director at Chaloke Dot Com, added that Bitcoin is suitable for long-term investment, but not suitable for pension funds. “Pension investment is not about earning profit in long term alone, there is also the need to use the money in the future. This is why digital assets are not suitable for pension as they carry high fluctuation and uncertainty.”
“Although statistics indicate that no one who has been holding Bitcoin for more than five years ever suffers a loss. It is notable that Bitcoin is only 12 years old and there is no telling when the market will collapse,” he pointed out. “If you have invested in Bitcoin and will retire this year, you might be forced to sell your coins at the current market price which is on the downward trend.”
Piriya said he believed that bitcoin can retain its financial value in long term like lands, provided that it is still active for another decade or two. Furthermore, holders can opt to invest in Stablecoins, or cryptocurrencies that attempt to peg their market value to some external reference like a US dollar, to preserve the financial value of their assets and avoid risks from high fluctuation.
“Bitcoin has the least fluctuation among all cryptocurrencies, and their amount will not be increased drastically in a short period. Furthermore, any investors with adequate knowledge of technology can invest in Bitcoin without the need to go through financial institutes,” he said. “However, it is strongly advised that investors consider the risk of their portfolios carefully, and only invest in digital assets with money that you can afford to lose without major impact.”
Porsche is celebrating 50 years of Porsche Design with an exclusive 911 named in honour of the milestone. This version, limited to 750 vehicles, has many features and details that pay homage to the iconic designs of Ferdinand Alexander (F.A.) Porsche.
These include the plain Black exterior, the classic checked pattern of the Sport-Tex seat centre panels and the red second hand of the Porsche Design Subsecond clock from the Sport Chrono Package, which is provided as standard. The special edition is based on the 911 Targa 4 GTS. Buyers can also purchase a special version of the new edition of the legendary Chronograph I from Porsche Design.
THE EXTERIOR: BLACK WITH PLATINUM ACCENTS The 911 Targa 4 GTS Edition 50 Years Porsche Design comes in Black or, optionally, in Jet Black Metallic. A clear reference to Porsche Design: “Black was the colour of the very first Porsche Design product, the Chronograph I. That’s why we’ve chosen it for our limited-edition model. Using Platinum as an accent colour elevates the Black paintwork in the same way chrome details used to,” says Roland Heiler, Managing Director and Chief Designer at Studio F.A. Porsche in Zell am See.
The Targa bar is painted in Platinum (satin finish). The ‘Porsche Design’ decorative film on the doors also comes in this contrasting colour. The limited-edition model has the same wheels as the 911 Turbo S: 20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear. The rims are also painted in Platinum (satin finish), and the hub covers have coloured Porsche crests. The brake callipers are painted in Black (high-gloss), as are the main features of the standard Sport Design package. The special edition also features an exclusive ‘Porsche Design 50th Anniversary Edition’ badge on the slats of the rear lid grille. While the ‘911’ logo on the rear apron is Black.
THE INTERIOR: FINE DETAILS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
In the interior the designers were also inspired by the iconic product designs of F.A. Porsche. It has Sport-Tex equipment with special leather features in Black, while the contrasting seams are Slate Grey. The centre panels of the seats have a classic check pattern in Black and Cool Grey. Eighteen-way electrically adjustable Adaptive Sports Seats Plus with a memory package come as standard,
as does the Sport Chrono Package with the Porsche Design Subsecond clock on the dashboard. The small second hand is red – another shared trait with the Chronograph I from 1972. The leather-bound GT sports steering wheel has the 12 o’clock marking in Slate Grey – the same colour as the seat belts. The headrests are embossed with the ‘Porsche Design 50th Anniversary’ logo, which can also be found on the black, brushed aluminium door entry guards.
Other special features include a Silver ‘911’ badge with a limited edition number on the dashboard trim and the ‘F.A. Porsche’ signature. The latter is also embossed on the lid of the centre console storage compartment.
THE TECHNOLOGY: BASED ON THE SPORTY 911 TARGA 4 GTS
Since the launch of the 992 two and a half years ago, the GTS models have been an attractive addition to the 911 range. The turbocharged three-litre, flat-six engine delivers 353 kW (480 PS), while maximum torque is 570 Nm. As an alternative to the eight-speed Porsche dual clutch transmission (PDK), a seven-speed manual gearbox with a shorter gear lever and very short shift action is also available. The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system is a feature of the 911 Targa 4 GTS, while the high-performance brakes are the same as in the 911 Turbo. The standard sports exhaust system ensures an even more emotive sound experience thanks to special GTS tuning and the omission of some of the interior insulation.
THE WATCH: THE CHRONOGRAPH 1 – 911 TARGA 4 GTS EDITION 50 YEARS PORSCHE DESIGN
As the first completely matt black wristwatch with a stopwatch function, the Chronograph I revolutionised the world of watches in 1972. With its black dial, red second hand, luminescent hour markers and anti-reflective glass for optimal readability, F.A. Porsche modelled the watch on the low-reflection cockpit of a racing car.
As part of its anniversary, Porsche Design is relaunching this special piece of contemporary history. Buyers of the limited-edition car can purchase an equally exclusive timepiece to match. The limited edition number is engraved on the back of the case, inextricably linking the watch and the sports car.
Porsche Design has remained true to the overall appearance of the Chronograph I – from the bilingual date display to the original red second hand. It is another reminder of the cockpit of the 911 from that time. The changes to the original design all serve to bring it visually up-to-date and to emphasise the connection to the limited-edition Porsche. The current Porsche Design logo makes a modern statement. The rehaut features a tachymeter scale, which is a reference to measuring speed in races. The pointed shape of the minute hand makes it easier to read, while the case and strap with folding clasp and integrated fine adjustment are made of high-performance titanium.
The sapphire glass on the back, meanwhile, reveals the winding rotor. The design is based on the wheels of the limited-edition model and is also painted in Platinum (silk finish). The rotor cap with the Porsche crest is a reference to the centre lock of the exclusive wheel design.
The watch is powered by the COSC-certified Porsche Design movement 01.240, which has a flyback mechanism that allows stopping, zeroing and starting of successive time intervals in a single action. A red flyback logo features on the dial.
Porsche is also honouring the 50th anniversary of Porsche Design with the launch of a special model limited to 750 vehicles: The 911 Targa 4 GTS Edition 50 Years Porsche Design. Its equipment details reprise typical designs and stylistic elements from Porsche Design. This exceptional sports car can be complemented with a matching timepiece, the Chronograph 1 – The 911 Targa 4 GTS Edition 50 Years Porsche Design. The watch is reserved exclusively for owners of the special edition anniversary vehicle. Also limited to 750 pieces, it is inextricably linked to the sports car by its unique edition number engraved on the back of the case.
For all Porsche and watch fans there is also the Chronograph 1 1972 Limited Edition with a historical logo and lettering. This edition of the original, limited to 500 timepieces, has no visual parallels to the new special edition car and is available in the usual way from Porsche Design.
About AAS Group
Porsche Thailand by AAS Group (AAS), the sole authorised importer and distributor of Porsche cars in Thailand, operates from four world-class Porsche sales locations across Bangkok. It is an accredited Porsche Classic Partner, the only one in the Porsche Asia Pacific region. Having 12 Porsche Certified Gold Technicians and nine Porsche Certified Silver Technicians underlines the strong technical and Aftersales competency of AAS, which has been recognised over the last few years with the global Porsche Service Excellence Award. Over 30 years, AAS continues to practice the company policy “AAS Looking After You and Your Car”, in order to achieve the mission of “AAS The Name You Can Trust”.
Banpu NEXT, a leading Smart Energy Solutions provider in Asia-Pacific, on Thursday announced its collaboration with Cherdchai Motors Sales, the largest bus operator in Thailand, and Durapower, a global leader in performance lithium battery storage solutions, to set up lithium-Ion battery plant in Thailand.
Due to become operational in early 2023, the new battery assembly plant will produce battery systems for Cherdchai’s e-Buses and to capture opportunities in the growing market for electric vehicles (EVs) across Asia-Pacific with a plan to expand its production capacity to 1 GWh by 2026.
The collaboration brings together leading names from three industries who share the vision to align their growth with business of the future and global trends, especially electrified mobility and decarbonization. The e-Bus market in Asia-Pacific was valued at around US$40 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13.52% to US$84 billion by 2027*. In the meantime, growth opportunity is foreseen in the market for batteries as a core system of electric vehicles. By setting up a battery assembly plant, this collaboration will play a key role to support Thailand’s ambition to rise as an EV production hub. To be located in Nakhon Ratchasima, it will engage in lithium-Ion battery production on behalf of Durapower with world-class quality standards across battery performance and safety. Assembly will expectedly begin in early 2023. Products from this plant will be engineered to support fast charging and offer high storage capacities to maximize the driving range of Cherdchai’s e-Buses and address battery demands in all EV segments in Thailand. By 2026, the collaboration’s production capacity will be boosted to 1 GWh to support its plan to export to overseas markets across Asia-Pacific.
Mr Sinon Vongkusolkit, Chief Executive Officer of Banpu NEXT Co., Ltd., said, “Banpu NEXT drives businesses towards the future of sustainable energy in alignment with the ‘Greener & Smarter strategy of our parent company, Banpu PCL. This partnership will strengthen our business ecosystem and support expansion of the three businesses in Banpu NEXT’s portfolio: Battery, e-Mobility and Smart Energy Solutions, such as Smart Energy Generation Solution or solar power systems. We will explore opportunities to integrate these battery systems into our Smart Energy Solutions, including Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platform for buses and EV fleet management. Moreover, we will explore future opportunities to introduce them to other market segments, such as energy storage for solar power systems and EV charging stations, as well as to expand the battery business to overseas market.”
Dr Assanee Cherdchai, Chief Executive Officer of Cherdchai Motors Sales Co., Ltd., said, “Thailand’s EV market is on an uptrend. Combined with surging fuel prices and the rise of environmental sustainability as a megatrend, we decided to form a strategic partnership with Banpu NEXT and Durapower to tap into the e-Bus market, build sustainable growth and expand our customer base through business diversification. Under this collaboration, Cherdchai will top up our 64 years of engineering expertise in bus assembly with addition of lithium-ion battery technology from the partners to manufacture e-Buses for our own fleets and our customers, including government agencies and bus companies. Customers will have peace of mind from our after-sales service, and they can also look forward to our next plan to set up bus charging stations.”
Mr Kelvin Lim, Chief Executive Officer of Durapower Group*, said, “Headquartered in Singapore, Durapower specializes in design, production and installation of energy storage systems (ESS) for electric mobility, maritime equipment and renewable energy applications. Since 2009, Durapower has been a leading innovator of Lithium-Ion cell technology, focusing on the research and development of battery materials, battery cell manufacturing and system integration. Our extensive customer base currently spans across China, Europe and Asia-Pacific, and this collaboration reflects Durapower’s commitment to continuing expansion to bring high-quality battery systems to customers across the globe. Our strategic partnership with Banpu NEXT and Cherdchai Motors Sales enables our quick and efficient entry into the Thai market and expansion across the region. As part of this partnership, Durapower will supply battery cells and modules as well as related parts and components including battery management system (BMS), and also license our technology for the assembly of battery systems for various market segments, including energy storage systems (ESS), marine applications, passenger cars, two and three-wheelers, buses and heavy commercial EVs. With Durapower’s advanced technology and production support, battery systems from this plant will boast high storage capacities to provide maximum discharge time and driving range in addition to fast-charging, lightweight designs, and high safety standards.”
“The collaboration will be another solid support, coinciding with the government’s policy to promote production and adoption of zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) as Thailand makes its transition into next-generation automotive industry and also help drive the country’s evolution into a low-carbon society,” Mr Sinon concluded.
Global medical technology company B. Braun launches Technical Service Center to provide quality-driven medical equipment repair and maintenance services to support the Thailand public health system
B.Braun Thailand, the world’s leading manufacturer and distributor of medical devices, recently inaugurated the “B. Braun Technical Service Center”, which will provide high-quality medical equipment repair and maintenance services. The newly launched centre aims to support the public health system of Thailand in ensuring that it will be able to provide seamless healthcare support to its citizens. The centre also aligns with B. Braun’s vision to protect and improve the health of people around the world.
Leveraging the power of technology to advance healthcare
The B. Braun Technical Service Center, which is strategically located in the heart of Bangna District and can easily be accessed from within and outside Bangkok, is the latest medical equipment maintenance service centre developed to help solve the current health challenges in Thailand. The centre offers European-standard solutions to help ensure that the medical equipment serviced will operate at optimum levels, covering three main treatment areas including Hospital Care, Aesculap, and Avitum. The centre will provide maintenance support to medical devices at hospitals including Infusion Pump and Surgical Treatment Devices such as power systems for orthopaedic and spine surgeries, as well as Kidney Treatment Devices such as dialysis and hemodialysis machines.
The skilled technicians at the B. Braun Technical Service Center have extensive working experience in hospitals and are well-equipped to handle various medical devices. All technicians are also certified by
B. Braun and the certification is renewed every two years to ensure all technicians are up-to-date on the latest products available in the market. The service centre offers only genuine parts from B. Braun, with technical standards of IEC 62353 for the safety and effectiveness of the repaired or used medical electrical equipment and IEC 60601 for new equipment. This ensures that the medical devices are standardized, accurate and of high quality.
“Having people who believe in continuously improving the healthcare system and maintaining high-quality medical equipment is essential.”
B. Braun is committed to develop and advance medical devices to support the needs of the citizens of Thailand and to help improve their health. The advancement of healthcare is an ongoing effort and the need to constantly innovate and improve these systems is crucial.
Mr. Sayan Roy, Managing Director, B. Braun (Thailand) Ltd. said, “WHO estimates that around 50% of medical equipment in developing countries is not functioning, not used correctly or optimally, and invariably not well maintained. A strong public healthcare system that contributes to the well-being of the people like in Thailand, requires high-quality medical equipment and maintenance systems. Most of the regular servicing and repairs can be handled by hospital-based staff but some technical repairs need the company’s technical know-how. B. Braun is committed to supporting and improving people’s health through our innovation and high-quality maintenance services. Furthermore, having such a technical centre in Thailand will significantly reduce the service turnaround time and increase efficiency in supporting the customers’ needs.”
Beyond the main role of maintaining and repairing medical equipment, the B. Braun Technical Service Center team is also committed to work with their partners to support and improve the operation of the public health systems. B. Braun is also partnering with Chulalongkorn Hospital to provide a paperless data transmission system, which allows medical and nursing staff to view and print out data directly from the hospital’s data centre. This will help eliminate the walking time that staff usually need to retrieve info from the device. We are also partnering with Chulalongkorn Hospital and Walailak University Hospital to build a data collection system, which allows hospitals to integrate information from different medical devices. This program will help increase the efficiency of the medical staff.
Mr. Thanormsak Chodchoung, Technical Service Manager at B. Braun (Thailand) Ltd. said, “Our strength lies in a team of skilled technicians and a maintenance centre with a proportional space conducive for work efficiency. We offer a state-of-the-art maintenance tracking system that provides customers with reliable access to information. Our team continues to enhance our service offerings by working closely together with our customers. Recently, we invested in an additional power system to support a reduction in equipment shipping time for repairing abroad.”
“B. Braun offers high-quality after-sales services that truly understand medical equipment users. B. Braun Technical Service Team brings consulting advice and solutions to our concerns without any delay,” said Mr. Jirach Siriprompatr, Biomedical Engineer, Rajavithi Hospital.
About B. Braun
B. Braun was established in 1839 in Melsungen, Germany, and currently employs more than 66,000 people in more than 300 offices in 64 countries around the world. The B. Braun product range comprises 5,000 medical and pharmaceutical products and solutions, 95 per cent of which are manufactured by the company.
About B. Braun (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
B. Braun established a branch office in Thailand in 1989, starting with the main business of sutures, disposable medical equipment and pharmaceuticals. The company is committed to delivering effective and advanced healthcare solutions, through numerous therapeutic areas, which were designed to support doctors and nurses in hospitals and clinics across the country for various treatments such as dialysis, cardiothoracic surgery, spine surgery, laparoscopic surgery, general surgery, interventional cardiology and medical disposables and equipment for ICUs and wards.
For more information about B. Braun, visit http://www.bbraun.co.th or follow Facebook and YouTube.