“50th National Book Fair & 20th Bangkok International Book Fair 2022”
Thais love to read. The amount of individuals that attend each year’s book fair ensures this. Despite the fact that the Covid-19 stopped Thai (and foreign) bookworms from shopping at last year’s book fair, the fair’s return in 2022 indicates that we all miss it!
“50th National Book Fair & 20th Bangkok International Book Fair 2022” will be held from March 26 to April 6, from 10am to 9pm, at Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok
Mikimoto, the No 1 pearl jewellery brand from Japan, captures the captivating beauty of pearls and exquisite craftsmanship with its Spring Collection 2022.
Mikimoto, the No 1 pearl jewellery brand from Japan, captures the captivating beauty of pearls and exquisite craftsmanship with its Spring Collection 2022.
For this spring, Mikimoto draws its inspiration from the cherry blossom, Japan’s national flower that symbolises achievement and strong willpower.
The delicate, ethereal cherry blossom petals are transformed into precious jewellery such as matching earrings, pendant and bracelet with lustrous Akoya pearls and sparkling diamonds – a perfect gift that represents eternal love for any woman.
Spring-time cherry blossoms are an inspiration for exceptional jewellery fit for ladies in search of timeless gracefulness.
The set, which comprises earrings, ring and pendant with lustrous, perfectly round South Sea white pearls and exquisite diamonds on a white gold setting, brings luxurious and charming air to the wearer.
Understated elegance and stylishness are Mikimoto’s renowned authenticity.
Earrings and a pendant featuring round and lustrous white Akoya pearls adorned on a rose gold setting make this collection exquisitely timeless and a match for sophisticated, modern women with minimal style.
Another matching set in the Spring Collection 2022 that draws inspiration from flowing lively blooms, the Dancing Lines, comprises earrings, ring and pendant constructed with white South Sea pearls on a white gold setting – an analogy to a strong, intertwined bond.
Another highlight is the Akoya pearl brooch with diamond and pink gemstone where perfectly round white Akoya pearls are placed with a delicate bee and petals of dazzling diamonds with precious pink gemstones – truly an accessory for every occasion.
Experience the refined beauty of the seasonal vibrance of the Spring Collection 2022 at Boutique Mikimoto, located at Level M of Siam Paragon.
B.Grimm Power Pcl (BGRIM) and True Corporation Plc have joined hands to pursue cooperation in digital innovation development for the energy business.
B.Grimm Power Pcl (BGRIM) and True Corporation Plc have joined hands to pursue cooperation in digital innovation development for the energy business.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the two leading firms in their respective fields will prepare digital transformation to create a new economic ecosystem that aims to promote production potential and increase competitiveness for the private sector and new-era startups. They would work towards uplifting the energy industry in the digital age along with taking care of society and the environment in a sustainable manner.
BGRIM’s President, Dr Harald Link, said it is an honour to collaborate with the True Group, a robust partner in telecommunication infrastructure and digital ecosystem. He said they aim to tap the benefits of the True 5G intelligent network and digital technology to create cutting-edge innovations to boost efficiency in the management of electric power and clean energy that would not only help drive the Thai economy but also create value for society and the environment.
This cooperation conforms to one of BGRIM’s strategies of striving to develop various business models to support digital transformation in cooperation with leading local and international partners undertaken by a new generation of personnel to create long-term growth, and create value for society as well as elevate BGRIM to become a world-class energy producer, he noted.
Natwut Amornvivat, President of True Corporation Plc, said that the collaboration with BGRIM offers a great opportunity for the firm to expedite the transformation of Thailand’s energy business into a truly digital age and enhance the Thai energy industry to grow strongly and sustainably. The cooperation will see BGRIM and True working together in an integrated manner to exploit the potential of True Group’s comprehensive telecommunication and digital infrastructure, and the intelligence of the True 5G network to develop digital innovations.
These forthcoming innovations will bring about business opportunities and meet the needs of energy consumption in the household, business and industrial sectors to meet the rising energy demand while taking care of society and the environment, he said. The innovations are meant to achieve energy conservation, promote clean energy, mitigate environmental impacts from the generation and usage of electric power for a better quality of life for Thai people, thus fulfilling BGRIM’s mission to create energy security that will drive the economy and industry nationally and regionally, he noted.
The BGRIM-True collaboration will be in four key areas:
1. Development of Digital Infrastructure with Smart Energy
The two parties will jointly study and develop digital infrastructure, connecting the process of electricity trading in all sectors in a drive to realise the Smart City and Smart Energy-Smart Building concepts. BGRIM’s smart and energy-saving buildings are to serve as prototypes for system testing, which will be extended to serve external customers in the future.
In addition, a complete solution for energy-saving buildings will be developed, starting from power generation derived from renewable clean energy, applying optimum energy efficiency management technologies, such as the Property Integration System and True Smart Energy solutions that connect Internet of Things (IoT) devices via True 5G smart networks. Also covered in the work programme is designing buildings’ interior systems to be user-friendly, convenient and safe while reducing the carbon footprint or greenhouse gas emissions from various activities.
2. Development of 5G technology innovation projects and Smart Grid
This development is aimed at creating a knowledge base, studying and exchanging new technologies, and Smart Grid innovations through the True 5G network that will enhance the quality of Thai power plants under the concept of Industrial 4.0, Facility 4.0 and Smart Industrial Estate. The mission is to provide quality and stable energy supplies within offices and industrial estates under the supervision of BGRIM.
The Smart Grid System combines communication technology and digital technology with a circuit power system in stages from production to transmission and distribution of electricity to household, business and industrial sectors. The IoT technology is applied in the production, installation and maintenance phases. There is also a digital platform that uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to analyse predictive analytics to provide early warning.
Meanwhile, Machine Learning technology helps prevent parts or equipment from being damaged and raises production efficiency. This will lead to good management, in terms of convenience and speed, and can also be applied to suit the needs and benefit the people, the government, and the industrial sectors effectively.
3. Developing a new economic ecosystem and promoting startups in Thailand
True Digital Park, billed as the largest tech and startup hub in Asean, will be instrumental in promoting startups through hackathon activities that promote innovations in the fields of energy, environment and sustainability. True Digital Park will facilitate knowledge-sharing events and seminars. Its ecosystem also opens up investment opportunities for startups in a drive to turn Thailand into a digital innovation hub to uplift the Thai energy industry for sustainable development.
4. Infrastructure development and energy management solutions
This collaboration is aimed at developing infrastructure and solutions to provide primary or backup power, an efficient cooling system for True IDC’s data centres. The two sides will create solutions to support energy management technologies, raising the proportion of renewable or clean energy, increasing energy consumption efficiency, while curtailing carbon footprint in various activities related to the businesses. This reinforces True IDC’s commitment to be the leader in providing green data centres and cloud services in Thailand with sustainability in delivering services to customers in the public and private sectors.
The collaboration between BGRIM and True will not only help drive the economy and society but also promote environmental stewardship. This is in line with BGRIM’s goal of becoming a net-zero carbon emissions organisation by 2050, in line with the company’s vision of conducting its businesses with compassion to create sustainable benefits for Thai society.
As clouds drift by in a blue sky, laden with flowers abloom in the beauty of spring, let TWG Tea delight you with its limited edition 2022 blend of Sakura! Sakura! Tea and enchanting Cherry Blossom Teatime Set for Two.
As clouds drift by in a blue sky, laden with flowers abloom in the beauty of spring, let TWG Tea delight you with its limited edition 2022 blend of Sakura! Sakura! Tea and enchanting Cherry Blossom Teatime Set for Two.
Beautifully handcrafted with notes of wild Rainier cherry and sweet rose petals, Sakura! Sakura! Tea is a green tea blend that yields the most aromatic and elegant infusion, enveloped by soft lingering hints of floral sweetness. Encased in the soft, luxuriant hues of pink and gold in a collectable tea tin, this marvellous blend rejuvenates and refreshes your mind and body with vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
To celebrate the blossoming Sakura season, indulge in a Cherry Blossom Teatime Set for Two at TWG Tea Salons & Boutiques from March 16 to April 30. Enjoy the flavours of spring with two Sakura! Sakura! Tea infused mocktails, accompanied by a choice of cake and two tea-infused macarons, served with a selection of hot or iced tea including Paris-Singapore Tea, Summer Palace, and Festive Night Tea.
A tin of Sakura! Sakura! Tea goes for 1,490 baht and is available at all TWG Tea Salons & Boutiques throughout April.
The Cherry Blossom Teatime Set for Two, priced at 590++ is available until April 30 at TWG Tea Salon & Boutique on the ground floor of The Emporium, Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM.
The Tobacco Authority of Thailand is inviting applications for the post of governor. Interested persons can register at the Tobacco Authority of Thailand during business days between 8.30am and 11.30am and between 12.30pm to 4pm from April 1 to 29, 2022.
The Tobacco Authority of Thailand is inviting applications for the post of governor. Interested persons can register at the Tobacco Authority of Thailand during business days between 8.30am and 11.30am and between 12.30pm to 4pm from April 1 to 29, 2022. Documents are available for download here: http://www.thaitobacco.or.th
CP Foods applied Ultrafiltration (Ultrafiltration: UF) technology to improve water quality and clean water for new uses such as tools and equipment cleaning, water in the bathroom, specifically in areas that are not in contact with humans.
Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) has applied technologies together with the 3Rs principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) in an effort to increase efficiency in water management throughout the production process based on the Circular Economy principle for sustainable natural resources conservation.
Peerapong Krinchai, Executive Vice President – Corporate Engineering and Chairperson of the Working Group on Climate Change Management Water and Waste of CP Foods, said, the company recognizes the importance of water resources management for continuity in the agro-industrial and food business. In 2021, CP Foods was able to reduce its average water withdrawal per unit of production by 43% compared to the base year 2015. Also, the company reused and recycled 44% of the total amount of water usage. Moreover, the performance of water withdrawal per production unit in 2021 was better than the target set in 2025 which to reduce water withdrawal per unit of production by 30 percent.
To optimize water-use efficiency, CP Foods has applied the 3Rs principles , including Reduce-Reuse-Recycle by using water from treatment system for non-production-related activities in the livestock feed business, such as watering plants, cleaning road surfaces, etc. CP Foods applied Ultrafiltration (Ultrafiltration: UF) technology to improve water quality and clean water for new uses such as tools and equipment cleaning, water in the bathroom, specifically in areas that are not in contact with humans. The company also applied Reverse osmosis technology to filter water from the water treatment process and to reuse in evaporative system in the cooling system.
The company adopts multiple new water-saving solutions and innovations such as replacing Water Chill system with Air Chill system for reducing the temperature of the chicken in the production process which can reduce water usage by about 15 percent compared to the original production.
In the company’s aquaculture business, two closed shrimp farms namely Bang Sra Kao Farm in Chanthaburi province and the Roi Petch Farm in Trat province has adopted the biofloc system. The biofloc is a group of microorganisms capable of treating waste and shrimp excreted in the pond, resulting in reduced water usage. Meanwhile, UF technology can filtered the treated water and circulated back to shrimp pond. The system reduces the need to change water in the ponds, leading to 75% reduction of the amount of water withdrawal for the shrimp farming. In conclusion, the company ‘s water withdrawal per production unit was reduced from 17.3 cubic meters per ton to 15.28. cubic meter per ton in 2021.
Peerapong added that CP Foods has announced the Sustainable Environment Goals 2020-2025, with the target of reducing energy consumption per production unit by 15%, reducing the amount of water used per production unit by 30%, reducing the amount of waste disposal to landfill and incineration per production unit 35% and reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions per production unit by 25%. To attain these sustainability goals, the company carried out various projects including phasing out coal fuel in its production process in Thailand by 2022 (Coal Free 2022) and promoting renewable energy in the production processes. At present, the Company has the proportion of renewable energy to 27 percent of the total energy consumption.
Moreover, CP Foods operates its business with an emphasis on sustainable environmental operations. In addition to maximizing the use of water resources, the Company has also carried out a conservation and restoration of watershed forests project of the CPF Rak Nives at Phraya Doen Thong Mountain Project, covering an area 6,971 rai, which is currently entering the second phase of the project (year 2021 – 2025).
The company is also driving Big C’s private label product development and sales, aiming to position them at the top of customers’ minds in terms of product quality and value, and has set its private label sales target at 50 billion baht by 2026 for its private label brands such as We are fresh, Besico, Big C Happy Price, Big C Happy Price pro, etc.
BJC Big C Group (BJC) unveiled its five-year business plan on March 28, aiming to be one of the leading businesses in the global market, driving strong sustainable growth, and ramping up Big C store expansion both domestically and internationally. Aswin Techajareonvikul, Chief Executive Officer and President of Berli Jucker Plc and Big C Supercentre Plc, said the company has allocated an investment budget of 60-70 billion baht, or 12-14 billion baht per year, for a five-year business plan from 2022 to 2026.
He added that the company is focusing on shifting its business model from product-based to platform-based, establishing a sophisticated data network among customers and suppliers of BJC. “Currently, BJC has strong potential in many industries and has the capacity to distribute products both locally and in the Asean region,” he said. “Moreover, its distribution network can be used as a platform to distribute products to support its business expansion to more than 236,000 branches in the region.”
He added that the company is also committed to developing product research with partners to distribute products to the Asean region. The company has strict and standardised hygiene measures, and has added channels to sell products online in a bid to gain confidence about Covid-19 safety among customers. The company is also managing the cost pressures in the current economic environment, rising from energy and commodity price increases amid the Ukraine-Russia war by focusing on improving the efficiency of the production process as well as continuously managing the risks regarding the price of raw materials. In its modern trade business, the company plans to expand its omni-channel to drive sales, improving the customer experience through both, online platforms and delivery services, to meet the lifestyle of new-generation customers through Big C Applications, Call for shop, Line chat shop, Drive-thru, express delivery within an hour, and through cooperating with selected leading partners. The company is also driving Big C’s private label product development and sales, aiming to position them at the top of customers’ minds in terms of product quality and value, and has set its private label sales target at 50 billion baht by 2026 for its private label brands such as We are fresh, Besico, Big C Happy Price, Big C Happy Price pro, etc.
The company plans to accelerate its store expansion to facilitate customers’ access to its stores with nationwide coverage by 2026. In Thailand, the company is planning its Hypermarket store network to reach 160 stores from the present 153 stores, its Big C Mini store network to reach 2,853 stores from the present 1,352 stores, and the Big C supermarket and wholesale store network to reach 84 stores from the present 59 stores. In Cambodia, the company plans to expand Big C Hypermarket store network to six stores from the present one, and Big C Mini store network to 276 stores from the current one store, whilst in Lao PDR its plan is to open two Big C Hypermarket stores, and to expand Big C Mini store network to 245 stores from the present 57 stores. At the same time, the company plans to introduce new Big C Hypermarket concept under the name “Big C Place” in Bangkok, offering a shopping experience suitable for the lifestyle of the new generation in order to expand its customer base. Over the 2022-2026 period, the company is planning to renovate a total of 90 Big C Hypermarkets nationwide with various renovation concepts to revitalise, develop and update its stores with a modern look. The company aims to add well-known restaurants to its shopping mall areas to meet the needs of a wider range of customers, and to introduce co-working spaces and relaxation zones to make its stores a destination for the younger generation. The company is developing its product range to meet the needs of the local communities as well as to support local farmers through direct purchases from local farmers. The company is driving the use of technology with O2O (Online to Offline) business model, combining online and offline businesses to create competitive strengths for the future. The company is also developing its store models to meet the diverse customer needs through models such as “Donjai” partnership model, providing traditional trade store owners an opportunity to modernise their stores through cooperation with the company, whilst still maintaining the full ownership of their stores. As of March 18, 498 traditional trade stores have already joined the Donjai partnership model. In the middle of 2021, the company opened its first new “MM Food Service” wholesale business model in Thailand at Palm Island and its second store at Soi Chokchai 4 in October 2021. MM Food Service stores carry more than 6,000 items, mainly targeting hotel and restaurant customers looking to buy products in bulk. The company is currently developing the MM Food Service model and is considering its expansion plans for the future. Furthermore, BJC is focusing on investing in customer and supplier data platforms to achieve its corporate data strategy: ▪️Customer data platform generates market insights to improve customer experience while optimising marketing expenses. ▪️Supplier data platform facilitates merchandise information for better stock management, and new product development. BJC, meanwhile, plans to drive sustainable organisation growth to become the leader in packaging business in Asean, building on its current position as the leading glass packaging manufacturer in Asean. It has a production capacity of 4,000 billion bottles per year. It is the leading aluminium can packaging manufacturer in Thailand and Asean with a total production capacity of 5,430 million cans per year. To increase its glass packaging manufacturing capacity, the company plans to open a new glass furnace production line in 2025. The company is also utilising “C3leng” application, connecting users, waste collectors, and sellers of recyclable waste, and facilitating waste delivery to a recycling shop for recycling it into the recycling material. Moreover, the company is working to expand into new business areas by using technology to strengthen its existing businesses that the company has expertise in, such as medical device business, to develop a platform for health and medical services to support an ageing society. In addition, BJC is committed to be a good corporate citizen, striving to improve and help society and its environmental prosperity with its CSR projects focusing on four main areas: environment, public health, community, and education. Some of the recent CSR projects include activities such as “Biggie recycle”, helping the public and private sectors, donating medical equipment, building a field hospital to act as a treatment centre for Covid-19 patients, supporting the Foundation for the Blind in Thailand, and helping schools in the rural communities, etc. Moreover, the company has set a net-zero emission target by 2050, which it plans to achieve by improving production efficiency and using products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase storage and carbon absorption, etc. “In 2021, BJC received various sustainability recognition such as the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices Silver Class distinction in 2022 Global Sustainability Yearbook in “Food & Staples Retailing” industry, included as a member of FTSE4Good Emerging Markets index, included in the Thailand Sustainability Investment Index for the second consecutive year in 2021, and included in the ESG100 Sustainable Investment Option list for the fourth year in a row, from 2018-2021,” Aswin said.
Thailand has been invited to participate in the international horticultural expo – Floriade Almere 2022 – from April 13 to October 9 in the Netherlands, Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry permanent secretary Thongplew Kongjun said, according to a press release.
Thailand has been invited to participate in the international horticultural expo – Floriade Almere 2022 – from April 13 to October 9 in the Netherlands, Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry permanent secretary Thongplew Kongjun said, according to a press release.
Thailand’s participation would demonstrate the country’s agricultural potential and progress, build confidence in the quality and standard of Thai agricultural and health products, exchange and expand cooperation on horticulture, and raise awareness about environmental conservation and sustainable development, he explained.
“This would help promote opportunities for market expansion of Thai agricultural products for international consumers and foreign trading partners,” Thongplew said.
“Moreover, Thailand’s participation in the expo also marks the celebration of the 418th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Kingdom of the Netherlands this year. The two countries have always maintained cordial relations at all levels, whether it is between royal families, governments or the people,” he said.
Department of Agricultural Extension director-general Kemkaeng Yutidhammadamrong said Thailand’s participation in Floriade Almere 2022 takes place under the theme “Trust Thailand”, where the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green Economy) model and 3S policy (safety, security and sustainability) of the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry will be presented. This coincides with Floriade’s theme of “Growing Green Cities”.
“We will also showcase advancements in Thai food and agricultural product innovation, the development of production processes which meet quality standards from start to finish, and agricultural products with export potential,” he said.
“In addition, Thailand’s participation will provide a platform to connect producers, entrepreneurs and exporters of Thai agricultural products with importers in the Netherlands, which will help expand business opportunities for Thai horticultural products. Notably, Thailand’s participation in the Floriade event in the past has led to successful market access for orchids in the Netherlands,” Kemkaeng added.
The department is inviting those unable to travel to the actual event to view the beauty of the Thailand Pavilion, exhibition and events via the website https://thailandfloriade2022.com.
Principal Financial Group was named one of Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies, jumping to seventh spot – improving 59 spots from its 2021 ranking.
Principal is the highest-ranking financial services company to appear on the list.
“Advancing to No. 7 on the list is an exciting recognition of our commitment to environmental, social, and governance [ESG] practices,” said Dan Houston, chairman, president, and CEO. “Creating opportunities for future generations to thrive is at the core of what we do, and we will remain steadfast in ensuring that we have a positive impact on the customers and communities we serve.”
This is Barron’s fifth year producing the list, utilising Calvert Research and Management to assess the 1,000 largest publicly traded companies. According to Barron’s, the ranking system looks at ESG performance indicators such as workplace diversity, data security, and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as how the company performs for shareholders, employees, customers, the community, and the planet.
“Principal is focused on helping our customers feel more financially secure, and one way we do that is through long-term responsible actions. It’s an honour for our team to be recognised for our commitment and progress towards building a more inclusive and sustainable world,” Houston said.
Principal announced measurable ESG commitments in 2021, which included reducing US carbon emissions by 40 per cent by 2035, with the intent to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Commitments also included regular diversity and pay equity analysis and doubling the number of diverse small to mid-size businesses that Principal supports through its products and services.
Principal also issued a US$600 million sustainability bond in August to fund eligible green and social initiatives with the bond proceeds.
The company’s latest CSR report and commitment goals are available online. To learn more about the company’s ESG strategy, visit www.principal.com/sustainability.
Principal Thailand has introduced its Principal Global Innovation Fund (Principal Ginno), which enables investment in stocks of leading businesses that grow along with megatrends for sustainable returns, the company said in a press release.
Principal Thailand has introduced its Principal Global Innovation Fund (Principal Ginno), which enables investment in stocks of leading businesses that grow along with megatrends for sustainable returns, the company said in a press release.
With the metaverse receiving a positive response from the new generation, entrepreneurs and investors worldwide, people are clearly excited about future trends.
Principal Ginno is a “fund of funds” that focuses on investment in stocks of top companies that grow with megatrends, both in innovation and technology. This fund meets the needs of investors who want to gain appropriate returns amid global changes, the firm said.
The fund invests in five global megatrends that have grabbed people’s interest amid the Covid-19 crisis in the past two years:
Metaverse: this trend has been driven by a rapid change in technology and consumer behaviour. It enables people to carry out activities together in the virtual world, such as interaction, playing games and working by using virtual reality or augmented reality.
Automation & Robotics: artificial intelligence-related innovations and machines that enable businesses to boost efficiency at the workplace.
Electric vehicles (EVs): the transition from petrol cars to electric boosts the advancement of the automobile industry along with environmental consciousness. Meanwhile, the EV industry has expanded quickly, thanks to several governments advising their people to pay attention to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Healthcare technology: this covers treatment, prevention and development.
Millennials: people born between 1980 and 2000 will be the majority of consumers in the near future. This group immerses itself in technologies, so businesses usually focus on launching products to meet their needs of speed, convenience and modernity.
“Many accept and include technologies amid the Covid-19 crisis, which can be seen from a rise in the Thematic ETF Performance in 2020,” Principal Thailand said, adding that the price graph is likely to rise further.
However, the company advised investors to study the product characteristics, conditions, returns and risks before investing as Principal Ginno focuses on investment in the US and Japan and investors could face loss from the foreign exchange rate.
“But the company uses derivatives to prevent foreign exchange rate risk depending on the fund manager’s discretion. A fund’s past performance is not a guarantee of future performance,” Principal Thailand said.
“Moreover, Thailand’s participation in the expo also marks the celebration of the 418th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Kingdom of the Netherlands this year. The two countries have always maintained cordial relations at all levels, whether it is between royal families, governments or the people,” he said.
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