The United Nations is seeking expressions of interest for a two-year contract to supply its internet and phone operations in Thailand.
The United Nations is seeking expressions of interest for a two-year contract to supply its internet and phone operations in Thailand.
The UN said the selected provider(s) will be responsible for the provision of the internet, landline and mobile services at UNESCAP and UN agencies’ locations around Thailand, as follows:
Internet services: To provide highly reliable internet (5Mbps-2Gbps or more) with unlimited usage time and no restrictions such as proxy, firewall, or filtering server. To also supply consumer-grade internet services such as DSL, ADSL, Wi-Fi and fibre optic links.
Telephone services: To make and receive telephone calls effectively and efficiently to/from landline and mobile subscribers within Thailand and all countries in the world. To provide dedicated E1 PRI lines, SIP trunks, Individual analogue and digital telephone lines. To provide a special discount rate for international calling, to be compatible with VoIP technology. Approximate number of phones: 1900.
Mobile services: To provide national and international/roaming mobile voice, SMS, Internet data services. To provide at least EDGE/GPRS, 3G/4G/5G or better network coverage/technology throughout Thailand. To ensure number portability. To provide signal boosters and other equipment, at the responder’s expense, to ensure full coverage within the UN compound. To provide SIM cards, latest mobile devices such as conventional cell-phones, Android phones, iPhones, Android tablets, iPad and Mi-Fi for purchase, rent or lease. To offer mobile voice and data plans for both domestic and international/roaming at a monthly flat rate, unlimited data package, unlimited public Wi-Fi access, a-la-cart voice, data, SMS/MMS, etc. To provide a special calling discount to UNESCAP and UN agencies staff and their family members. Approximately 2,000-plus staff, 630 corporate mobile phones, and 760 mobile connections (SIM).
The contract will run for two years with three optional extension periods of one year each.
CPF will apply “SustellTM”, a sustainability tool designed specifically for the livestock and agro-industry businesses to help collect data, analyze and find sustainable ways to reduce the environmental footprint in the livestock business.
CPF (Thailand) Public Company Limited or CPF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dutch multinational firms, Royal DSM NV, an expert in food and nutrition solutions and Blonk Consultants, leading firm in environmental and sustainability research in the agri-food sector, on Animal Protein Sustainability Project.
Under this MoU, CPF will apply “SustellTM”, a sustainability tool designed specifically for the livestock and agro-industry businesses to help collect data, analyze and find sustainable ways to reduce the environmental footprint in the livestock business.
The Sustell Service is the first service of its kind, an environmental footprint calculation tool that analyze the environmental impact in multiple dimensions throughout the product life cycle such as climate change, resource use, water scarcity, marine and freshwater eutrophication, ozone depletion, and etc. The results will be verified by Third Party internationally to ensure accuracy and transparency.
Prasit Boondoungprasert, Chief Executive Officer at CPF, said, with a “Sustainable Kitchen of the World” vision, the company places importance upon the development of quality, safe and environmentally friendly products. By partnering with leading experts in sustainable food production like DSM and Blonk Consultants, the company will be able to improve its products and creating sustainability for the society and environment.
“This cooperation is in line with CPFs’ direction of producing and delivering high quality protein products that are delicious and having better nutritional value for consumers. It also important to apply digitization in every part of production for a better quality and cost efficient. SustellTM will increase the accuracy of environmental impact data analysis and meet the global trends and our stakeholders’ demand on the sustainable foods,” said Mr. Prasit.
This environmental footprint calculation tool will also support the development of nutritional and sustainable innovations, such as probiotics-fed meat and green products. At present, the company has a total of 790 food products that have received Carbon labels, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.418 million tons CO2 equivalent. Meanwhile green revenue is now accounted for 32% of the total income.
Ivo Lansbergen, President, Animal Nutrition and Health at DSM Nutritional Products Company Limited said that CPF and DSM have been a long-time partner that working together on nutrition development. The implementation of SustellTM will enable CPF to find a hot spot in the life cycle of each product and use the data to improve processes to be more efficient and sustainable.
The Sustell Service goes beyond assessment by providing expert advice to help CP Foods understand its footprint and how to make improvements thanks to the dedicated Expert Center combining Blonk Consultants’ independent LCA expertise and DSM’s nutrition and sustainability expertise.
“This one-of-a-kind service will improve efficiency of CP Foods protein production with more in-depth traceability across the production chain,” concluded Mr. Ivo.
Dow Thailand is certified for its production process of LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene) in the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate and specialty elastomers in the Asia Industrial Estate in Rayong.
The polyethylene and specialty elastomers plants of Dow Thailand Group recently received the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) under the ISCC PLUS scheme for advancing the circular economy of plastics, with a new technology to utilize waste as circular feedstocks. The initiative helps divert plastic waste—which otherwise would be sent to landfills—for plastic resin production.
Under the Circular Economy principle, Dow Thailand is certified for its production process of LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene) in the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate and specialty elastomers in the Asia Industrial Estate in Rayong. Dow can utilize used plastic as circular feedstocks, together with original material from crude oil (Virgin Naphtha). The raw materials are fully traceable throughout the value chain, following the chain of custody of mass balance.
“The certificates are important milestones on our path towards greater sustainability. It demonstrates our commitment to environmentally responsible operations by procuring alternative raw materials to reduce the use of resources from crude oil. We are pleased to work hand in hand with our customers and partners to shift from a traditional linear economy to a circular economy. The green product will enable an endless cycle of plastics in Thailand,” said Decha Panichayapichet, Site Director of Dow Thailand.
This achievement marks the first time that Dow manufacturing plants in the Asia Pacific region are certified with ISCC PLUS, a renowned and widely accepted global certification system that brings high standards to sustainability. The certification aims for a world in which raw materials are produced sustainably and induce positive, long-term environmental, social, and economic impacts. Today, ISCC has certified over 4,000 companies in more than one hundred countries.
Staged from 21-26 January 2022, this six-day exhibition will transport guests through a living gallery of original artworks, sculptures and installations, with workshops, DJ parties and light shows
The Standard, Hua Hin’s newest and stylish resort where chic beach vibes meet mid-century style, has revealed its latest Activation for 2022, “CREATURE IS”, an avant-garde exhibition that will see 13 local artists unite to transform the resort into an interactive gallery.
From 21-26 January 2022, a series of vibrant, thought-provoking paintings, sculptures and installations will be placed throughout The Standard, escorting guests on an evocative, multi-sensory journey from the hotel’s social lobby to the chic poolside, and out onto the beautiful beach. Curated by Bangkok-based artist NEV3R, this immersive event will also include expert-led workshops, DJ parties, light mapping and more! The overall aim is to create a six-day celebration of cutting-edge, contemporary culture where guests, local residents and art enthusiasts can meet, mingle and learn new skills in a serene, seafront setting.
NEV3R is a specialist in graffiti art, lighting, multimedia installations and more. Visitors to CREATURE IS will be able to see how his colourful, freestyle art reflects his deep passion for popular culture, including music, films and books. He will also introduce guests to BRIDGE, his own art agency.
Other artists being showcased at the festival include LOLAY, whose style is influenced by human behaviour and experiences, KOBORED, a visual artist and motion-graphic designer who specialises in live visual-audio shows, MAX, whose bold, monochrome drawings and collages are inspired by a personal character, RAWIN SUCHAXAYA, a freelance photographer who captures lives through his lens, and CUSCUS, a designer and artist whose work has been exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery in London.
Bangkok-based DJ KASSY has a passion for art, music and fashion and recently opened a boutique tattoo studio called Xylem, TULREXX is a designer, painter and co-founder of a clothing store, and FREAK is a street artist who creates bold, oversized urban murals. INKSMITH is a tattooist, digital specialist and DJ, SIR JORJA is a mural maker who lives life through art, and DJ MAE HAPPYAIR is an LGBTQI icon and a leading light on Bangkok’s nightlife scene.
Together, these free-spirited aesthetes will transform The Standard into a living gallery, filled with dramatic artworks and uplifting installations, including stunning sand sculptures on Hua Hin Beach illuminated by light and laser shows. Intimate workshops of up to 12 people will be staged on the first three days, with FREAK hosting monoprint and printmaking sessions on 21 & 22 January respectively, and LOLAY teaching the art of etching on 23 January.
“CREATURE IS will be an interactive exhibition that has never been seen before in Thailand. NEV3R has brought together an eclectic line-up of contemporary artists to create this cultural carnival. We don’t just want visitors to view paintings or sculptures from behind a rope; we want them to talk to the creators and understand their emotions and influences. This is another example of how The Standard, Hua Hin is showcasing local art and culture in all its forms,” said Marc Sittl, the resort’s General Manager.
Newly-opened in December 2021, The Standard, Hua Hin brings a cool Miami vibe to Thailand’s golden gulf coast. With 199 rooms, suites and villas, an mid-century Lido pool and bar, a restaurant and juice café, all set in lush tropical gardens, this chic seafront hotel is set to attract experience-seeking explorers.
The Standard hotels are only present in the planet’s most desirable destinations, from Miami Beach to the Maldives, London to New York, Hollywood to Hua Hin. For more information, please visit www.standardhotels.com.
Turn Thailand into a livable society with people having good wishes, being generous, ready to share and helping one another to create happiness for all.
Turn Thailand into a livable society with people having good wishes, being generous, ready to share and helping one another to create happiness for all. This is the mission that Mr.Marachai Kongboonma, President of KBM Goodwill Co., Ltd., has staunchly embraced for the business of Positif skincare products and high quality food supplements. The Positif brand is all about the passing of good feelings, letting everyone appreciate their values and those around them to create a society of positive thinking.
The company believes that when ‘Everyone has their own values’ they and the society as a whole can live happily. With that intention in mind, the company has deducted 1% of sales from all channels to support the project of the Dharma Nam Thai Foundation to assist children, the elderly, the handicapped and the disadvantaged in society.
Ms.Preyanee Kongboonma, Executive Vice President of KBM Goodwill, Co.,Ltd. said the company’s benevolence to the society also reflects its approach to research and development of products under the Positif brand which attaches importance to quality, in terms of sourcing of raw materials, production process and environmental friendliness. Products are formulated to best suit most Thai people. The Positif branded products are all made and imported from Japan. In the future, the company is open to selecting high quality raw materials from around the world to provide the best products to consumers, she said.
Mr.Prasong Rungsmaithong, Executive Director of KBM Goodwill Co.,Ltd., pointed out that the company’s commitment to developing high quality products to deliver the best to consumers is the key to building the Positif brand. The company wants to pass on good physical and mental health to everyone through the ‘It’s Real You!’ slogan. The message seeks to let people be aware of their own values and delivering positive energy to everyone in the society. The company also created a song called “It’s Real You!” to communicate this idea. The song was sung by ‘Pimrypie’ and released as a MV on 16 December 2021, which received great feedback with more than 800,000 views so far.
In addition, to reinforce the brand’s slogan to be more prominent in the minds of consumers, the company also communicated the idea through the TV programme called Positif Sunday. Broadcast every Sunday on Amarin TV HD Channel 34 at 4:25 p.m., the programme is the collaboration between the Positif and Amarin TV to inspire viewers about overcoming various obstacles and problems on lives. This programme has Boy Sincharoen, a good-humoured member of Sincharoen Brothers band, as the MC. Furthermore, there is a TV show called ‘Jaan Ni Dee Jung Health Me Dish’ as the collaboration with the Amarin TV and broadcasting every Saturday at 2:20 p.m. This is a health education programme presented in the form of a cooking lesson as Positif believes that up to 70% of good health is derived from good Food. This programme is run by three personalities — Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kornpat Mayurasakorn from Siriraj Hospital; Angkana Panyanoi, aka Ang Khon Plaeng Rang; and Samita Thanasopon, aka Chef Namtoey, of Chikalicious, who share their knowledge about delicious food.
Ms.Romchat Tongpunoi, General Manager of KBM Goodwill Co.Ltd., noted that Positif products now come in two lines, skin care and dietary supplement products. This year, the company plans to launch new products continuously to create diversity and meet the needs of consumers even more. Currently, the skincare group features 15 items, comprising facial cleansing products, facial treatments and sunscreens. Among them are: Positif Phyto Crystal Purifying Cleansing Oil, the innovative warm facial cleansing oil extracted from 100% avocado combining the value of Royal Jelly, and Phyto Complex 8 that is extracted from eight kinds of plant found in Japan. For the dietary supplement group, which is 100% produced and imported from Japan, there are three categories, namely collagen, lycopene and flaxseed oil. For instance, Positif Collagen contains collagen, peptides and marine collagen hydrolysed and extracted from sea fish combined with vitamins C and B2 in the same tablet. This product is good for joints, skin, hair and nails.
Ms Romchat added that the company will this year strengthen its distribution channels by raising the number of dealers to 1,000 from 300 at present. Last year saw the company focussing mainly on distribution through online channels and social commerce including Line, Facebook, IG and famous online shopping platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, as well as large online retailers such as Konvy, Shop24 and King Power. here were also two major partners in distributing products. For 2022, the company aims to expand the business both online and offline. “By online, we want to penetrate every channel, especially those related to health sector to create opportunities for consumers to access Positif products as easily and conveniently as possible.”
The company will also seek to strengthen its offline channels such as pharmacies and health care outlets.
The company is seeking to expand its dealerships by means of ‘Dropship’ to provide opportunities for those who wish to build their own business.
By that format, those representatives will be taken care of directly by the company in terms of consultation on strategies, sales methods and various matters as if they were employees of the company. Trainings from various coaches are made available them to help arming them so that everyone gets to the target faster. “We are looking for partners with expertise in the business and seeing the importance of giving and passing on to come together to do business to make our country a livable society, jointly building a business to grow along with sharing to society at the same time,” she concluded.
“This is a New Year gift from CP Foods to our business partners,”
Charoen Pokphand Foods has extended its Faster Payment, a net 30-day credit term programme, for another three months in a bid to help as many as 6,000 SMEs improve their financial liquidity and cash flow, the company said in a press release.
“The programme, which has been a success for more than 15 months, also helps boost SMEs’ financial status to promptly adapt to the post-Covid-19 business environment,” the statement added.
CP Foods vice president Thidarat Dechayonbuncha said the company agreed to extend the scheme until the end of March to relieve the financial burden faced by 6,000 SMEs, plus save jobs in the industry.
“The extension of the Faster Payment project will help strengthen SMEs’ financial status. With good finance, these businesses will be able to seek investment opportunities and grow steadily in a highly volatile situation.
“This is a New Year gift from CP Foods to our business partners,” Thidarat said.
She explained that CP Foods had initiated the Faster Payment programme in October 2020 to help SMEs by reducing the credit term to within 30 days after the company received products or services.
Aside from this project, she said, CP Foods has developed the potential of SMEs partners in various ways, including sharing policies and guidelines for responsible sourcing of goods and services, upgrading labour management standards and cooperating with the Thai Institute of Directors Association to raise awareness on anti-corruption practices throughout the production process.
“As a result, last year 20 SMEs declared their intention to take part in the business sector’s move to tackle corruption,” Thidarat added.
Mission Blue, one of the pillars of Rolex’s Perpetual Planet initiative, ignited action to protect ocean ecosystems more than a decade ago.
Mission Blue, one of the pillars of Rolex’s Perpetual Planet initiative, ignited action to protect ocean ecosystems more than a decade ago.
As part of the initiative, it established more than 130 “Hope Spots” that are considered vital to preserving species or places where communities rely on the marine environment to survive, such as the Azores archipelago in Portugal.
Oceanographer Sylvia Earle, a co-founder of Mission Blue, says: “The Azores archipelago is a magnet for life. It really is a magical place. Launching the Azores as a Hope Spot is so logical – just ask the whales.
“Like Rolex, I feel that we have to continue our efforts towards a Perpetual Planet so the marvels of the ocean in all its teeming diversity are not lost to future generations,” Earle, who has been a “Rolex Testimonee” since 1982, says. “Together we can make a difference.”
Protecting a deep-sea ecosystem
The Azores islands harbour an important ecosystem that attracts 25 species of cetaceans. Hundreds of species also thrive in the warmer waters delivered via a branch of the Gulf Stream. However, this ecosystem is under pressure from human activities.
The Azoreans are well aware of the importance of a marine environment and many are involved in ecotourism.
The authorities established several small Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the 1980s and announced the Blue Azores programme in 2019. The programme aims to create a network of fully protected MPAs covering 15 per cent of the Azorean side of the North Atlantic Ocean.
They are also developing innovative studies and approaches which contribute to the sustainable management of fisheries, supporting scientific processes and implementing a “blue literacy” programme for schools.
Mission Blue’s Hope Spot council reviewed these efforts, as well as the scientific research of Hope Spot Champions, and concluded that the policy momentum is strong and the time appropriate to designate the Azores as a Hope Spot.
“The Azores Archipelago was named a Hope Spot in recognition of the collaborative efforts of the government, University of the Azores, organisations and community members. Together, they are working to achieve increased marine protection and a growing comprehensive network of protected areas that extend from the surface of the sea all the way down to the deep seafloor,” Earle said.
The aim is to contribute to Portugal’s and Mission Blue’s efforts to reach the international goal of protecting 30 per cent of oceans by 2030. Mission Blue’s work is long-term and is achieved through policy advocacy, communications campaigns and regular oceanic expeditions that build support for the protection of ecosystems.
Each Hope Spot has a “champion” who is involved in conservation and coordinates action in the area by meeting government and business leaders, running advocacy events and working with young people.
“The inclusion of the Azores as a Hope Spot is a significant step in our mission to promote the protection of this unique place,” Azores Hope Spot champion Christopher Pham says.
The Azores and its Champions will now have higher visibility on the global ocean conservation stage, allowing them to renew the call for enhanced marine conservation ahead of the 2030 deadline.
In support of ocean conservation
Rolex is also helping to protect oceans through a variety of partnerships and grants including individuals such as Rolex Awards Laureates Barbara Block, Vreni Häussermann and Brad Norman, as well as Rolex Awards Associate Laureate Emma Camp and global networks of marine scientists.
The company is also partnering with the Monaco Blue Initiative that brings together experts, policymakers and business entrepreneurs along with local and international NGOs, to discuss and highlight solutions to challenges of ocean management and conservation.
Moreover, it has supported individual expeditions such as “Under The Pole III”. The team has been exploring the oceans since 2017 to study the mesophotic coral ecosystems that exist between 30 and 150 metres and advance underwater exploration techniques.
KTC is all geared up with goals to push its port to over a hundred billion baht and achieve new high profits post the COVID-19 crisis. The Company embarks on a new journey after confirming two new s-curve business models to drive the future.
KTC is all geared up with goals to push its port to over a hundred billion baht and achieve new high profits post the COVID-19 crisis. The Company embarks on a new journey after confirming two new s-curve business models to drive the future: 1. “MAAI By KTC” a brand new full-service loyalty platform for business partners in the form of a mobile application, and 2. “KTC P BERM” boosts its secured loans target to 11,500 million baht by the end of 2022. KTC joins forces with “Krungthai Bank” and KTB Leasing networks nationwide to advance into the secured loans business in full force, expand the credit cardmember and personal loan membership base, create marketing privileges, and launch new products in collaboration with a variety of business alliances. KTC’s vision is to achieve the reaping of benefits between members-alliances-KTC, establish a merchant network to reach more premium and lifestyle target groups covering all cardmember needs, and drive the business towards sustainability and corporate responsibility.
Mr. Rathian Srimongkol, President & Chief Executive Officer, “KTC” or Krungthai Card Public Company Limited, reveals, “After the COVID-19 situation has unravelled in a better direction along with the reopening of the country from November 2021 onwards, the economy and consumer spending demonstrated better growth respectively. This is a good indicator of the consumer credit market and poses an opportunity to push the KTC business to grow. Achieving a new record of over 6,000 million baht in profit and over one hundred billion baht for the port of receivables remains within the realms of possibility. For this new journey, we have dedicated our time to building two fresh business models that we’ll implement to send happiness as a gift to members to uplift their mood after the COVID-19 crisis. KTC will also advance its credit card and personal loan businesses to expand its new member base and upkeep the quality of the port of receivables, as well as select valuable privileges to meet all the needs of over 3.3 million members.”
“The first of the two business models that will be the vehicles that drive the KTC business to create a new s-curve and generate sustainable revenue growth is the ‘MAAI By KTC’ platform. The platform is an extension of KTC’s strengths, namely the execution of its reward point system and expertise in marketing and managing KTC FOREVER points that meet and cover every lifestyle.”
‘MAAI By KTC’ is, therefore, a new state-of-the-art that provides services to business partners that desire the use of a comprehensive loyalty platform. The platform will offer 3 solutions: 1. Membership Management; 2. Point System Management and 3. e-Coupon Management. Moreover, the MAAI Platform also features the MAAI Wallet Application, a one-stop source that accumulates points from various affiliate alliances all in one place for ease of use and maximum benefit. There are many redemption options, including e-Coupons or products at general partner stores covering all transaction categories such as merchants, movie theaters, restaurants, and delivery services. The official launch is in the first quarter of 2022. In January 2022, it will be available to KTC employees to test at an early stage with 16 merchant alliances and will continue to expand extensively beyond that. The origin of the word MAAI (pronounced as “my”) comes from the word MAK MAAI meaning numerous benefits from many partner stores and the convenience that abounds. The name is also synonymous with the word Mine with the intention to denote benefits that belong not only to but also for the user. The app will be available for download on the Apple Store, Play Store, and Huawei Store.”
“The second business model is ‘KTC P BERM’ secured loans. Starting from today, consumers will get to know and become more familiar with the P BERM business. KTC will continuously expand its member base to drive portfolio growth by leaps and bounds and achieve a loan target of 11,500 million baht in 2022. KTC has set its eyes on proactively reaching target groups in each area through the P BERM Delivery service. This will be achieved by using KTC’s sales team across the country to provide loan services directly to the customer’s house or at a location convenient for the customer in a timely manner. KTC P BERM is connected to the Krungthai Bank network with more than 900 branches nationwide and 11 KTB Leasing (KTBL) branches, which is the main strategy. KTC P BERM’s core communication will be through online channels mainly targeting its receptive customers and creating a variety of products that meet the needs of the market, whether it is the ‘P BERM’ cash card, the first for Vehicle Title loans in the form of a cash card that allows customers to instantly Swipe-Transfer-Withdraw-Pay in installments all-in-one. This new direction covers the hire purchase business under the license of KTBL, of which KTC holds a 75.05 percent stake. Moreover, KTC will develop work processes based on the Digital Twin principles and continuously apply technology with the loan registration and approval processes to make the service more convenient, fast, and safe. On this note, KTC aims to fill gaps in the market by differentiating its strengths from other operators with a large credit limit of 1 million baht and a 2 hour approval time with immediate access to cash. This service is accessible to people of all occupations with easy document requirements with zero hassle, to reinforce the intention of conducting business that opens opportunities and options for people who do not give up to make a living and have easy access to ‘KTC P BERM’ loans.’”
“KTC’s credit card and personal loan business in 2022 will focus on the growth of the quality port of receivables, expand new target audience, and maintain the current member base by creating great experiences through marketing promotion activities that satisfy consumers. The credit card business strategy will center around expanding the card base with major partners by means of new product launches and co-branded credit card relaunches with the right benefits to establish connections between the members and the card in the long term. Customers will enjoy maximum benefits from the synergies of KTC and upcoming alliances. KTC is renowned for its wide selection of promotions from popular merchants favored amongst cardmembers. In terms of card transaction promotion strategies, the Company will continue to promote KTC FOREVER points and monthly installments as driving forces for marketing activities. In 2022, KTC will use the strength of its partner network to expand to more premium and lifestyle merchants to meet the needs of the existing top-level members and attract new target groups. To add, KTC will develop various services so that cardmembers can enjoy happiness from using the KTC Mobile app or KTC Phone, including travel services with ‘KTC World Travel Service’, and shopping on the ‘KTC UShop’ e-marketplace. It is expected that the credit card spending in 2022 will grow by 10 percent from 2021 or about 220,000 million baht.”
“Meanwhile, the personal loans business strategy will focus on expanding new member base in potential groups by offering the ‘KTC PROUD’ cash card to customers who have regular income and have a higher income base. KTC is rolling out a campaign to lighten cardmembers’ loads, reduce interest to only 0.93 percent per month, and increase the number of installments up to as high as 60. In addition, in 2022, Thai people will enjoy next-level convenience with the option to self-apply for loans online through an electronic application via a mobile app with the digital identity verification system feature (Electronic Know Your Customer or E-KYC), corresponding to the needs of today’s society that require services to be convenient, fast, time-saving, and travel-free. Regarding the current personal loan member base of over 700,000 accounts, KTC is striving for long-term commitment through ongoing campaigns to ease the burden of members. This includes the Debt-Clearing campaign that has increased rewards to 600 to give customers the opportunity to win 100 percent and 10 percent debt clearance throughout the year, as well as develop online money transfers via PromptPay accounts for added convenience. Additionally, cardmembers enjoy transferring money through the KTC Mobile app to 13 banks in real time, 24 hours a day. Besides, KTC is launching special privilege campaigns with leading merchants for customers to get value for money when using the cash card to swipe to purchase products. Cardmembers also enjoy the option to pay in 0 percent installments at participating merchants, thereby reinforcing the worthiness of using the cash card credit lines with 4 functions
‘Swipe-Transfer-Withdraw-Pay in installments.’ It is estimated that the debtor balance in 2022 will grow 7 percent from the year 2021.”
“In terms of member base expansion strategies, the distribution channel this year has to work hard and proactively to win customers of every product into the port. Using Krungthai Bank as a communication channel, KTC will play to the strengths of each product as a selling point combined with the strong points of the distribution channel. It is expected that the demand for personal loans this year will be high as the Thai economy has just begun to recover, and traders or entrepreneurs still seek working capital to maintain operation or expand their business. However, screening the credit risk to gain mutual benefit from all parties remains a challenge amidst fragile economic conditions. By 2022, the goal is to land a minimum of 250,000 new credit card members and a minimum of 100,000 new KTC PROUD members.”
“Efficient financial management is another key to success. KTC will manage financial costs at an appropriate level under acceptable risk as priority. KTC will increase the proportion of short-term loans; it is expected that by the end of 2022, the ratio of short-term to long-term borrowing (original term) will be at 20:80 and the financial cost will be close to what it was in 2021 at 2.6 percent per year. The Company will raise long-term loans in the amount of not more than 12,000 million baht to support debentures due in 2022 of 9,500 million baht and support the growth of KTC’s loan portfolio. Despite this, the economic situation is still an important factor affecting the direction of interest rates. Whether it is a new virus strain mutation, the announcement of the QE limit reduction, the Federal Reserve interest rate hike forecast, and the economy’s ability to recover as a result of COVID-19 impact.”
“Lastly, KTC also emphasises on the integration of sustainability or ESG in economic, social, and environmental dimensions to responsible business practices under the concept of ‘Sustainable Development by Spirit’. This is to be in harmony with the needs of stakeholders and support the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. As part of the 5-year sustainability strategy, KTC will utilise digital technology and innovation to generate key results. We will develop products and services that create better experiences for customers and stakeholders with a secure operating system, and create opportunities for people in society to thoroughly access financial services. We will also take into account the reduction of the natural resource consumption and hence reduce the environmental impact in accountable ways. KTC has been included in THSI (Thailand Sustainability Investment) list for the third year, has been on the ESG 100 list since 2016. In 2021, KTC received a rating of AA in the MSCI ESG Rating assessment and was selected as a constituent company in the ‘FTSE4Good Index series’, the Global Sustainability Index.”
AssetWise (ASW) has cut two deals aimed at strengthening its position as a leading real estate developer in Thailand.
In the first, AssetWise has partnered with leading Japanese developer Takara Leben to create Atmoz Bangna, a 2.2-billion-baht residential project in Bangkok’s Bang Na district.
In the second, the firm will take over management of Maxxi Prime Ratchada-Sutthisan, a mid- to upper-residential development in the heart of the city. The takeover follows AssetWise’s acquisition of Maxxi Premier One, which has registered capital of 30 million baht. The Maxxi Prime Ratchada-Sutthisan project will be completed early this year, the company said.
CEO Kromchet Vipanpong said his firm considers the beginning of the Year of Tiger an auspicious time to close the two deals simultaneously. “This is really an important step for AssetWise to strengthen our business in response to the economic cycle with hopeful pace of recovery in 2022.”
The CEO said the two deals would enable the company to grow faster. Atmoz Bangna is a low-rise condominium located along Bang Na-Trat Road not far from the BTS Green Line (Sukhumvit) and MRT Yellow Line. The project is 51 per cent owned by AssetWise and 49 per cent by Takara Leben.
Students at Wat Na Un School in Nakhon Pathom school are now digesting healthy life lessons at lunchtime thanks to an innovative project funded by Thai Central Chemical Plc (TCCC).
The Edible Vegetable Garden Project has now been rolled out at nine schools by the producer and distributor of OX-Brand, Baby, Singha and TCCC chemical fertiliser. Munetake Kawakita, TCCC’s executive officer and senior vice president, recently presented a demonstration plot and agricultural equipment to Wat Na Un school director Chalalai Chaichompoo director. Now in its fifth year, the Edible Vegetable Garden Project provides knowledge of basic agriculture for primary school students, starting with sowing seeds, cultivation, and fertilisation to improve yields. Vegetables grown in the project also go into school lunches, with the surplus sold to generate income for the schools and expansion of the project. Meanwhile students play games, answer questions, win prizes and undergo practical training at the demonstration plot to learn about agriculture. TCC said the Edible Vegetable Garden Project equips students with skills to grow vegetables at home, distribute the produce and manage their income and expenses. This means they can earn pocket money while studying vegetable cultivation under the sufficiency economy principle of sustainability.
Newly-opened in December 2021, The Standard, Hua Hin brings a cool Miami vibe to Thailand’s golden gulf coast. With 199 rooms, suites and villas, an mid-century Lido pool and bar, a restaurant and juice café, all set in lush tropical gardens, this chic seafront hotel is set to attract experience-seeking explorers.
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