#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/business/40007176

Exclusive Travel Guides Offer Insider Intel On What’s New/Next In Design, Music, Fashion And Wellness In Nine W Hotels Destinations

There are no strangers when you travel, only friends you haven’t met yet. W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, today announced an exciting collaboration with LUXE City Guides – to curate a series of print and digital travel guides packed with insider information for W Hotels guests in nine W Hotels destinations including Bali, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Osaka, Shanghai, Singapore, Suzhou and Xi’an. The look of the W Hotels LUXE City Guide is influenced by Spring/Summer 2022 trends, with fabulous, eye-catching colours and layouts brimming with the know-how of a savvy local pal.

“The W brand’s mission has always been to fuel our guests’ lust for life by providing them with access to the latest trends and immersive experiences unique to each city, and the W Hotels LUXE City Guide is the latest example of what we do,” said Jennie Toh, Vice President Brand Marketing and Management, Marriott International Asia Pacific. “As everyone gets ready to jetset once again, the guide will be the perfect resource for new/next discoveries for those waiting to rediscover the joy of travel.”

The W Hotel LUXE City Guide provides a plethora of quick, to-the-point travel tips in a 24-hour timeline format, including where to go, what to see and which eateries are not to be missed in each destination. The guide taps into the W brand’s DNA by inspiring guests to connect with each city and culture through the approaches of great music, design, fashion and FUEL – the brand’s unique take on wellness. By directing visitors to the best spots for interesting art, delectable eats and local fun, the guide empowers guests to make the most out of every trip.

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Discovering Xi’an’s Other Underground Scene

The bold and bright W Xi’an tantalizes with step-out balconies offering fantastic panoramas of the historic city, welcoming guests with inspired culinary offerings at its three dining spots, as well as bespoke cocktail selections at its signature WOOBAR. The LUXE guide’s advice for 24 hours in Xi’an starts with grabbing street snacks for breakfast and a scenic bike ride around the city walls, whizzing past Xi’an old and new. A Shaanxi cuisine lunch is recommended behind the local market in a casual alfresco courtyard, while the evening is dedicated to cocktails and beers in underground-style speakeasies and local taprooms, or a refreshing soak and scrub at a classic local bathhouse.

Detox And Retox In Osaka

W Osaka blends Japan’s cultural heritage with bold contemporary designs in an atmosphere of playful chic and seamless luxury, immersing guests in extraordinary social and culinary experiences. A day in Osaka can begin with an onsen hot spring experience in the morning, followed by a visit to a local indie art gallery and people-watching at Orange Street, lined with boutiques and cafés. Night owls can sample chicken sashimi at Osaka’s only Michelin-starred yakitori joint, or party the night away at the city’s clubs and nightspots which are open till 5:00 AM.

On The Go In Melbourne

Holding the back-lane entrance keys to what’s new/next in the city CBD and taking its design cues from the streets of Australia’s cultural capital, W Melbourne is a playground where the early risers to the late-night revellers can mingle. In Melbourne, guests are encouraged to take a bicycle trek into the Australian outback, cycling along the Yarra River before refueling at an Edwardian-era boathouse showcasing contemporary Australian cuisine. Guests can make a quick stop for a refreshing dip in the pool back at W Melbourne before setting off again to sample the city’s fantastic bars, eateries and nightlife in the evening.

“LUXE City Guides are a trusted source for ultra-researched travel and lifestyle information curated by expert teams of locals,” said Simon Westcott, CEO and Owner of LUXE City Guides. “The super-charged energy of W Hotels celebrates its guests’ endless appetites to discover what’s new/next in design, music, fashion and wellness. With the theme of UNLEASH YOUR CURIOSITY, the W Hotels LUXE City Guide sets the scene for next-level travel knowledge, providing valuable destination-insider info through the vibrant lens of W.”

Throughout October, pop-up events celebrating the launch of the W Hotels LUXE City Guide will take place in W Hotels across Singapore, Suzhou and Xi’an. The pop-ups will showcase the nine destinations in the guide and feature scrumptious bites and sips that are virtual passports to the fun, charm and magic of each city.

The W Hotels LUXE City Guide is available in English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese. For more information, guests can connect with the W Insider at any W hotel for a copy of the guide, or access the destination content available at https://www.whotels-asiapacific.com/luxecityguides. Guests are invited to join the conversation on Instagram @whotels @luxecityguides and hashtag #UnleashYourCuriosity #WLuxeCityGuides.

Published : October 07, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/business/40007130

The webinar will be joined by industry experts from FTI, SET, KPMG in Thailand and SUNSWEET PCL.

KPMG in Thailand, together with the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), the Market for Alternative Investment (mai), and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is hosting a webinar “LiVE Exchange on New Alternatives for Thai SMEs and Startups in the Capital Market” (ทางเลือกใหม่ของ SMEs และ Startups ไทยในตลาดทุน). The webinar, opened to interested SMEs and Startups, will be on Thursday, 7 October 2021, 10:00-12:00.

The webinar will be joined by industry experts from FTI, SET, KPMG in Thailand and SUNSWEET PCL.

The event will be conducted in Thai. Register now to join the seminar.

Published : October 06, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/business/40007125

Phuket’s local authorities and marine department have now announced sandbox visitors are no longer restricted to the use of public piers for their tour departures.

Royal Phuket Marina is pleased to announce our efforts have been successful in convincing the local authorities and Phuket’s Committee of Communicable Disease, that Phuket’s SHA Plus+ approved marinas are safe and secure departure points for boat tours and yacht charters, taking Sandbox visitors to enjoy Phuket’s beautiful surrounding waters and islands.

Phuket’s local authorities and marine department have now announced sandbox visitors are no longer restricted to the use of public piers for their tour departures. With immediate effect, Royal Phuket Marina is an approved pier and destination for speedboat excursions operated by SHA Plus+ certified tour boat operators, and day trips aboard luxury yachts.

A pioneer in sustainability in Phuket, the 5 Gold Anchor award-winning Royal Phuket Marina was the first marina in Thailand to switch to renewable energy, using the latest solar technology. It was also the first in Thailand to be awarded the ‘Clean Marina Accreditation’, meeting the strict requirements of the ‘Clean Marina Program’ of the Marina Industries Association.

Published : October 06, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/business/40007124

This MoU was concluded in order to strengthen the cooperation between Japan and Thailand in digital-related fields. The cooperation that will occur under this MOU includes promoting opportunities for Thai startups to be known internationally and supporting startups from Japan and abroad to be recognized in Thailand.

Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya PCL) and Krungsri Finnovate continue to support investment in Thai startups toward innovation technology domestically and globally by synergizing with MUFG and MUFG Innovation Partners to collaborate with the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa). The partnership aims to maximize potentials and support Thai startups in building their growth to expand to the international market. The cooperation also includes business activities to draw Japanese and international startups to Thailand.

The virtual signing ceremony for this Memorandum of Understanding was held on October 6, 2021.  On this occasion, Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO, The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) together with Mr. Nobuya Kawasaki, Executive Officer, Managing Director and Head of Global Commercial Banking Planning Division, MUFG Bank; Mr. Nobutake Suzuki, President & CEO, MUFG Innovation Partners; Mr. Seiichiro Akita, Krungsri President and Chief Executive Officer; Mr. Yoshiyuki Horio, Krungsri Head of Japanese Corporate and Multinational Banking (JPC/MNC Banking); and Mr. Sam Tanskul, Managing Director at Krungsri Finnovate, participated as the representatives of each organization in this virtual signing ceremony.

This MoU was concluded in order to strengthen the cooperation between Japan and Thailand in digital-related fields. The cooperation that will occur under this MOU includes promoting opportunities for Thai startups to be known internationally and supporting startups from Japan and abroad to be recognized in Thailand. The MoU also includes encouraging potential startups and entrepreneurs to participate in business matching and seminars, sharing challenges and seeking solutions with business partners, expanding investment candidates for Krungsri Finnovate and MUFG Innovation Partners, and regularly exchanging information in ASEAN countries and Japan. With the signing of this MOU, business opportunities will also be expanded to investors through Krungsri and MUFG’s network both domestically and internationally.

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Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO, The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), said “depa intends to take this opportunity for supporting potential Thai digital startup entrepreneurs to participate in the international exhibitions for building connection, such as foreign government agencies and Venture Capital (VC) and expanding their market through various projects under this MOU. We will also encourage potential digital startup partners to participate in Krungsri-MUFG Virtual Business Matching, and expand business opportunities to investors both in Japan and aboard. In the first year, we emphasize on investing in Agri-tech, Ed-tech and Fin-tech, which we have potential 26 digital startups to participate in this promotion.”

Krungsri President and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Seiichiro Akita, said “Krungsri and MUFG are pleased to collaborate with The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) to reinforce cooperation between startup companies that can help support the digital networking and growth of startup businesses in Thailand and Japan, which will contribute to the economic and industrial development of both countries.”

“As part of Krungsri’s 2021-2023 Medium-Term Business Plan, we aim to build the ecosystem and partnership, and develop digital and information technology. The collaboration through this MOU resonates with our vision and mission to strengthen the Thai startup ecosystem by supporting a new generation of Tech-startup and tech industries in this country as they thrive. We believe that our expertise together with MUFG strong network can support business expansion for startups in Thailand and abroad and ultimately reinforce the continuation of Thailand’s economic growth.”

Published : October 06, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/business/40007076

Lack of connectivity in Ban Mai Samakki Village became unbearable with COVID-19. Then dtac stepped in.

The Ban Mai Samakki community was established in 2003 in Thailand’s Northern province of Lampang. But until September 2021, it had neither landline nor cell phone coverage. As COVID-19 accelerated digital transformation in Thailand, the community’s lack of connectivity turned into a full-blown crisis. With schools closed, children walked two kilometers every day to catch the nearest mobile signal and connect with their teachers online. The threat of being unable to make an emergency call without making a 40-min hike also became increasingly risky in the midst of a pandemic.

Supud Rala, is the village headman of Ban Mai Samakki, a community of 495 persons, most of them maize farmers. “We sell our crops while raising chicken and pigs for our own consumption. Women also make additional income from handcrafted bags, scarves, and skirts. All our water comes from the river, wells and rainwater. We didn’t even have electricity until 2016,” he said.

Communication is a key issue in this community, rendering it virtually cut off from the outside world. The closest mobile phone signal can be found on a ridge about 2 km from the village, via a forest that can only be crossed by foot.

DTAC breaks isolation of village in Lampang

Mr. Supud said, “One of the worst things that hit the community was in September 2016 when someone in our community needed to make a mobile phone call up in the forest. Unfortunately, he was bitten by mosquitoes that brought dengue fever and which spread throughout the community infecting young and old. The whole community hospitalized for a week. That’s the price we paid for that one phone call.”

Another epidemic, COVID-19, has since prompted lockdowns in many regions of Thailand and resulted in children studying online.

“Every day, our students would walk up to the ridge to find a mobile signal to be able to learn online during the lockdown. The kids from grade 3 and up are physically able to do that, but not the smaller children. And it doesn’t just affect children. We can hardly keep up with the news and often miss out on government assistance.”

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For example, signing up for the government’s 50-50 co-payment scheme requires sending an SMS to request a one-time password (OTP). These schemes are often fully subscribed in a matter of hours.

DTAC breaks isolation of village in Lampang

When dtac’s rollout teams became aware of the village’s plight, they expedited the deployment of high-speed internet for the community using 700 MHz and 2100 MHz networks within two weeks.

Sharad Mehrotra, CEO of Total Access Communication PLC or dtac, said, “We’re very proud to be the first operator to connect Ban Mai Samakki to voice and data services. We believe that the children will hugely benefit from learning online while the adults will benefit from more economic opportunities. They also gain the ability to contact emergency services instantly. Access to the internet unlocks the community’s potential and opens it up to the world with digital inclusion.”

Mr. Supud said, “This is what we villagers have been waiting for since we founded this community 18 years ago. We can finally regain opportunities that were lost. We can connect to the outside world and to our grown-up children who have left the village. We can now use the internet to make transactions and no longer have to see schoolchildren risking their safety to find phone coverage for online learning. This change transforms our quality of life.”

dtac’s network expansion is focused on digital inclusion by delivering high-speed internet for the many.

DTAC breaks isolation of village in Lampang

Published : October 05, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/business/40007074

B.Grimm aims to develop new business ventures with digital innovation such as IoT in correspondence with the growing needs in the market. After this project, B.Grimm and AltoTech further have a collaborative project to develop AI and IoT solutions focusing on energy optimization and strategically expand across industries.

B.Grimm, in close collaboration with AltoTech, an AI-based energy management platform provider, won The Best Performance ARI Tech Startup Award at the National Innovation Agency’s Deep Tech Incubation Program@EEC.

Since March 2021, B.Grimm joined the “NIA Deep Tech Incubation Program@EEC”, a joint collaboration project between the National Innovation Agency (NIA) and leading organizations as part of the company’s strategy in seeking a partnership with an ARI-tech (AI, robotics, and immersive IoT) startup to help us solve complex business challenges.

More than 100 startups had registered to join the programme, with the top 10 selected by NIA to be matched with corporate partners. AltoTech was matched with B.Grimm to solve energy optimization problems for industrial businesses with AI and IoT solutions.

B.Grimm’s Garden Wing, an office building at the company’s headquarters on Krungthep Kreetha Road, was selected as a location to develop the Proof of Concept. During the past few months, AltoTech investigated the building’s infrastructure, energy usage, and electrical equipment. Consequently, they proposed an energy optimization solution with the installation of smart sensors and IoT equipments, together with an AI platform ‘Alto Energy Edge’ that creates a self-driven building environment able to do the following:

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• Automated blind control according to the ambient light outside the building

• AI-enabled automated air-conditioner control that can adjust the temperature according to the number of people present, corresponding heat load, and tenants’ comfort level through a feedback system

• Automated fresh air unit control according to the level of carbon dioxide inside the building

• Real-time energy monitoring, connected with the solar system to check the power usage and power generation. This information is used to calculate on how to utilize green energy from solar system in the most efficient way

• AI-enabled automated monitoring and control of electrical equipment

• Smart evaluation of weather status and forecast, used to adjust energy usage inside the building

• Energy audit through Digital Twin

Fabrice Goetschmann, President of B.Grimm Industrial Businesses, stated that, “B.Grimm is very pleased to partner with NIA and AltoTech in supporting AI and IoT technologies for Thailand. AltoTech’s innovation aligns perfectly with B.Grimm’s growth strategy centered on digital technology to optimize energy and reduce environmental impact, following B.Grimm’s corporate philosophy of ‘Doing business with compassion for the development of civilisation in harmony with nature’.

“B.Grimm’s industrial businesses are also offering energy-efficient and healthy living solutions comprising sustainable power generation, power optimization, energy-saving insulated facades, and highly-efficient air-conditioning and lighting systems. This is complemented by B.Grimm’s healthy indoor environment offering, which consists of a built-in pathogen removal system for PM2.5 and virus particles, a biometric access control system, and an IoT-based building management system. AI-enabled energy optimization platform from AltoTech is another step to continuously provide the latest technology in terms of energy-efficient and healthy living solutions,” he explained.

Warodom Khamphanchai, CEO of AltoTech, added, “In collaboration with B.Grimm, we had successfully installed smart sensors, IoT equipment, and an AI platform in the Garden Wing building, projected to save up to 28% of electricity per year. The tenants can also give their feedback to the AI platform through QR code system via smartphone, which allows AI to continuously learn to optimize energy, while maintaining the comfort level in the building. We presented the success of our project during NIA’s Demo Day and won The Best Performance ARI Tech Startup Award. We would like to thank B.Grimm and NIA for their strong and continuous support throughout this program.” 

B.Grimm aims to develop new business ventures with digital innovation such as IoT in correspondence with the growing needs in the market. After this project, B.Grimm and AltoTech further have a collaborative project to develop AI and IoT solutions focusing on energy optimization and strategically expand across industries.

For more information, visit https://bgrimmgroup.com/ and https://altotech.net/

B.Grimm – AltoTech won “The Best Performance ARI Tech Startup Award” from National Innovation Agency

B.Grimm – AltoTech won “The Best Performance ARI Tech Startup Award” from National Innovation Agency

B.Grimm – AltoTech won “The Best Performance ARI Tech Startup Award” from National Innovation Agency

Published : October 05, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/business/40007020

Modern trade industry is heated up once again as two major retailers in Thailand – Tops, the leading supermarket brand under Central Retail, and Watsons, the #1 leader in health and beauty stores in Thailand

Modern trade industry is heated up once again as two major retailers in Thailand – Tops, the leading supermarket brand under Central Retail, and Watsons, the #1 leader in health and beauty stores in Thailand, have announced an official partnership to win in the health and beauty market, which is Watsons’ strength and expertise. Together, they will make Watsons’ 200 best-selling products from five popular brands available outside Watsons for the first time, introducing an omnichannel experience starting with 30 branches of Tops market, Tops daily and Central Food Hall, as well as Tops online.

Stephane Coum, CEO of Central Food Retail under Central Retail, talked about this partnership, “It is a significant partnership on the occasion of Tops’ 25th anniversary. This partnership will help strengthen and improve our competitiveness in the health and beauty market. Tops is a leader in supermarkets and Watsons is Thailand’s #1 leader in health and beauty, so this partnership will cater to the ever growing health and beauty trends which have continued to thrive despite the COVID-19 situation. During the pandemic, Thai consumers do not change how they take care of their beauty and health, and in beauty communities, consumers actively exchange their views about personal care products, especially hygiene products, skincare products, hair care products, and body cleaning products. Consumers have adapted their behavior to suit the COVID-19 situation, and as a result, retail businesses have to adapt to the consumers as well.

Two major retail brands Tops and Watsons join forces to introduce Watsons products to Tops’ and Central Food Hall’s shelves for the first time

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“The partnership between the two retailers will leverage Tops’ expertise in retail supermarkets, extensive customer database, and omnichannel distribution experience, with both online and offline platforms nationwide, as well as Watsons’ strength in house brands which cover an extensive range of health and beauty products for every need, loved and trusted by consumers for a long time. The partnership with Watsons will help us expand our customer base and fulfil the needs of both Tops’ and Watsons’ customers, as well as add more choices in health and beauty products than ever. We will focus on best sellers, and these products will be available at 30 Tops market, Tops daily, and Central Food Hall branches in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathumthani, Nakhon Pathom, Chonburi, Saraburi, and Surat Thani, online via www.tops.co.th, via Personal Shopper service on LINE @TopsThailand, and on Grab application under GrabMart. We are confident that these products will be well-received by our customers.”

Two major retail brands Tops and Watsons join forces to introduce Watsons products to Tops’ and Central Food Hall’s shelves for the first time

Pasitt Munkongkuntivong, Managing Director of Watsons Thailand, said, “Watsons is Thailand’s #1 health and beauty store, and we are committed to offering the best access to the best products to our customers always. Our products meet international standards and have high quality. We do not have any animal testing, and we care about sustainability in every step of the way, from ingredient sourcing to packaging. Our success is confirmed by the sales of our products in 27 markets across Asia and Europe. Watsons is delighted to become a business partner of Tops, which is a major retailer in Thailand. Watsons and Tops share a rather similar target customer group, which is those who take care of themselves, particularly their health and beauty, and seek high quality products. This partnership with Tops will ensure consumers can have better access to Watsons’ high-quality and affordable products anywhere, anytime. This is the first time for Watsons’ products to be available outside our stores. We have chosen more than 200 best-selling items from five widely acknowledged brands, namely Watsons, Arome by Watsons, Bella by Watsons, Naturals by Watsons and Garden of Love, focusing on body care products, followed by hair care, oral care, baby care and accessories. We are confident that this partnership will facilitate our customers to have an easier access to Watsons’ products and make our products known among a wider group of people.”

Check out Watsons’ products today at 30 branches of Tops market, Tops daily and Central Food Hall, www.tops.co.th, Personal Shopper service via LINE @TopsThailand and Grab application under GrabMart. For more information, visit http://www.tops.co.th, Facebook TopsThailand and Central Food Hall, LINE @TopsThailand and Facebook Watsons.

Published : October 04, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/business/40006936

Thai Airways was voted 3rd place for Worlds Best Airline Cabin Crew and 4th place for Worlds Best Airport Services at the Skytrax 2021 World Airline Awards announcement recently held in London, United Kingdom. 

Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) was voted 3rd place for World’s Best Airline Cabin Crew and 4th place for World’s Best Airport Services at the Skytrax 2021 World Airline Awards announcement recently held in London, United Kingdom.  The awards reflect THAI’s world class service standard and quality.  THAI also achieved a number of recognitions of Skytrax global ranking in the following categories: 5th in Best Airline Staff in Asia which recognizes the combined airline staff service across both the airport and the onboard experience; 6th in World’s Best Economy Class; and 9th in Best Economy Class Airline Catering. 

The accomplishment especially during this challenging time of Covid-19 pandemic, suggested a strong commitment and dedication of THAI employees who have been working tirelessly to provide all possible supports in rendering their services while maximizing the level of service quality.  THAI is determined to offer flight services with the highest standard of safety and convenience.  All employees are constantly working to enhance inflight services to ensure a smooth journey and pleasant flying experience for all customers.

THAI Voted Third Place for Worlds Best Airline Cabin Crew and Fourth Place for Worlds Best Airport Services by Skytrax

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World Airline Awards are the results for the Skytrax survey that was first launched in 1999 as the first worldwide, annual airline customer satisfaction survey, which is 100 percent independent, impartial, and global.  The survey was to acquire customers’ satisfaction, opinion and experiences with the airline products and services in every aspect such as check-in process, seat comfort, cabin interior, food and beverages, cabin crew services or inflight services.  This year’s Skytrax customer survey was conducted during September 2019 – July 2021.  During 2020 – 2021, the airline industry has been affected severely by the Covid-19 pandemic.  Demand for travel has greatly decreased due to countries’ lockdowns and strict travel restrictions.  The 2021 Awards represent both of more normal travel times and some travel during the global pandemic.  

Published : October 02, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/business/40006915

‘Central Pattana’ reveals a new business model with a focus on the business ecosystem of shopping centers to help its partners achieve sustainable growth with the ‘Scaling Up Your Business’ strategy, prepares to invest 1,000 million baht in three years to boost sales and stimulate the economy

Central Pattana Plc. operator of centralwOrld, CentralPlaza, CentralFestival, Central Phuket and Central Village, Thailand’s first luxury outlet, has revealed a new business model to reinforce its position as Thailand’s leading retail business and to help its business partners grow together with sustainability. Under the “Scaling Up Your Business” strategy, the company will conduct data-driven retail marketing and boost sales of its shop tenants with a marketing budget of 1,000 million baht for a period of three years. Central Pattana will combine its strength from 33 shopping centers in key economic areas in the country with continuous investments and high standards for services and facilities, with an aim to help its partners scale up their businesses quickly.

In addition, the company will utilize data insights generated from ‘The 1’ program, which is currently Thailand’s No.1 digital lifestyle and loyalty platform, to understand today’s consumers and offer a partner platform known as ‘The 1 Biz’ to support the tenants in all aspects, increase their sales and scale up their businesses, which the company believes will boost the overall economy of the country.

The company revealed the business model in a press conference attended by Dr. Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, Executive Vice President of Marketing, Central Pattana Plc.; Mr. Isareit Chirathivat, Senior Vice President of Leasing, Central Pattana Plc.; and Mr. Rawee Puapornpong, Head of Corporate Affairs and Relationship, The 1

Central Pattana’ reveals a new business model with a focus on the business ecosystem of shopping centers

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Dr. Nattakit said, “The most important thing today is developing the country’s economy with retail marketing, which will help partners of Central Pattana at all levels sustainably grow with us. Central Pattana wants to join hands with partners and become a drive force to scale up and create the strongest and best business ecosystem. The 15,000 entrepreneurs around the country who are our partners will give the opportunity to grow rapidly and sustainably, which will stimulate the economy of the whole country.”

“We have developed a new business model to continuously support our partners with a marketing budget of 1,000 million baht for a period of three years. We will focus on creating differences and strengths of the shopping center business with three main strategies, which are 1) ‘ENABLE to Scale Up Your Business’ to encourage partners to expand their businesses with 33 Central shopping centers across the country, 2) ‘ENSURE Excellent Services, Facilities and Synergies’ to cater to new business projects and sustainable growth, and 3) ‘EMPOWER with Big Data’ by letting the partners join the business ecosystem of ‘The 1’, which is Thailand’s No.1 digital lifestyle and loyalty program,” Dr. Nattakit added.

According to Dr. Nattakit, Strategy No.1 “ENABLE to Scale Up Your Business” Creating business sustainability, enhancing brand experience and maintaining physical shops are all strategically important to branding and creating good customer experience, as seen in the current trend in which global online retail and e-commerce players have expanded into offline businesses to provide customers the experiences that online channels alone cannot provide. Central already has the strength of having shopping centers in all regions of the country with various anchors that act as magnets to attract customers. The company believes it can support its partners in the following ways.

• The company has created a success formula from latching on the urbanization trend. Central Pattana has been developing fully-integrated mixed-use development projects in key economic cities utilizing its expertise to integrate all elements, such as shopping centers, hotels, convention halls and residences, to reinforce each other in a “quality traffic ecosystem”. In particular, residential projects that are adjacent or close to shopping centers have continuously received good responses and the company expects to double such projects and the numbers of residents across the country in three years, or by 2024. The residents of these projects will create a regular traffic for the shopping centers in addition to the current customers and visitors who already account for tens of thousands per shopping center each day.

• Central shopping centers have a clear position as “center of life” that can cater to various needs of all groups of people, while continue to create new communities. These are opportunities the partners can grab to expand their businesses, build brand exposure, attract new customers and retain customer loyalty. Moreover, Central’s customers have responded well to the lifting of the lockdown in the first week of September, with shopping centers in Bangkok seeing its traffic recover by 50-70 percent. The company expects the traffic to recover by 70-80 percent in the fourth quarter this year.

According to Mr. Isareit, Strategy No.2 “ENSURE Excellent Services, Facilities and Synergies” will aim for sustainable growth. Excellent services and facilities of the shopping centers that are always ready to service customers are considered essential for shops and brands. Central plans to invest in various aspects under this strategy to support its partners and ensure that they can scale up their business with Central faster than they would by operating a standalone shop. The investments will include hygiene and safety facilities, marketing activities to boost sales and branding, CRM marketing programs, and the sharing of knowledge and know-how in the ecosystem of the Central Group.

• Central Pattana has made hygiene and safety investments and created the master plan “Central’s Hygiene & Safety Plus+” which laid out a standard that can be applied in a wide array of areas. This helps Central utilize the health-conscious trend, help visitors and build customer confidence. In addition, the company has continuously invested in the safety system, car parks, cleaning crews and risk management in order to maintain its standard and cater to business expansions of its tenants.

• The company has used impactful and comprehensive marketing, such as promotions and creating buzz for shops at the shopping centers by using a strong network of influencers and KOLs. As a result, Central has seen phenomenal successes with many shops and events, including the launches of Kam’s Roast, Tsuta Ramen, Sushiro, and Saemaeul Sikdang. The company has also used its cross-region platform to help brands tap into new markets in different provinces, as seen in the case of the expansion of Hai Di Lao which now has three restaurants in Central shopping centers. In addition, Central Pattana can also assist with pop-up stores to help fashion brands quickly reach different provinces across the country or test a certain market.

• Central Pattana helps its partners increase sales with new and disruptive sale channels. The company has been innovating and developing services on new platforms to help increase sales, such as the Chat & Shop and Central Kitchen omnichannel services.

“Throughout our history of 40 years, we have always been committed to our tenant-centric principle. Many of the partners who grew with us have become listed in the stock exchange, while numerous brands have high confidence in us and always decide to open a shop or restaurant whenever we launch a new Central shopping center regardless of the location. There are also new brands seeking to tap into new markets, which can scale up quickly with us. Lastly, there are e-commerce businesses looking to open physical stores with us to complement the online experience of their customers,” said Mr. Isareit.

According to Dr. Nattakit, Strategy No.2 “EMPOWER with Big Data” will utilize The 1, which is Thailand’s No.1 digital lifestyle and loyalty platform and a partner within the group. The 1 has an established database accumulated from its operation of over 15 years in the retail industry and can help brands save CRM expenses, which will be very high if they have to invest in the operation themselves. The 1 currently has 18 million members nationwide, over 8.4 million of whom are regular and active users, and over 14,000 million points accumulated by these members each year. In addition, ‘The 1 Biz’ has been created as tool to help tenants. Customers will be able to receive and exchanges points when they spend at shops participating in The 1 Biz program. By being part of Central Pattana’s ecosystem, brands will be able to use CRM to better cater to customer preferences, attract new customers, retain customer loyalty and build a strong customer base.

Mr. Rawee said, “As The 1 has joined forces with Central Pattana to power up small and large entrepreneurs, we are opening a new gate to the world of big data in a way never been seen before in this country. This will help shops and brands better understand their customers and assist them in designing marketing strategies that are accurate, measurable and effective in generating sales. After all, The 1 has many strengths that can help the tenants.”

• The 1 is a powerful digital lifestyle & loyalty platform and strong ecosystem. It has over 2,000 brands across the country within and outside the Central Group as part of its membership program and over 30,000 touchpoints that connect more than 18 million customers via The 1 application, which offers discounts, rewards and content for all lifestyles. The app also has features to help with online and offline shopping, such as point transfers, point exchanges, point records, scanning services and expense checks. New features have been added to the app regularly to better service the customers and catch up with the trends. At the same time, shops can use “dynamic business intelligence solutions” from the partner platform or The 1 Biz to better operate in the ecosystem and access The 1 loyalty system by themselves. It will allow the brands to manage their point programs, gather and analyze customer information, and create effective marketing campaigns with MarTech tools in the app.

• The 1 can provide insightful customer data analytics. With partners from outside the Central Group, each brand will have a better understanding of customers, including their lifestyle and customer journey in a “single view” and can use such insights to develop their products, services and marketing campaigns. By using such insights to understand customers and retain them, brands are estimated to spend less expenses needed to acquire new customers.

• The 1 is an effective marketing technology platform. Shops in the ecosystem can create marketing campaigns with maximum efficiency via The 1 app, which offers modern marketing technology to help analyze data and provide insight on customers’ buying behavior and app usage. As a result, brands can make personalized offers in real time to acquire new customers or encourage previous customers to return. They can also provide contents and rewarding programs specifically designed to cater to the high-spending customers.

Currently, brands participating with The 1 Biz include CHAMPION, HOKA, REV RUNNR, SLAMMERS, TEVA, UNDER ARMOUR, BEAUTRIUM, CLARINS, THE BODY SHOP, THREE, CALVIN KLEIN, CLARKS, FITFLOP, GUESS, NAUTICA, POLO RALPH LAUREN, TOMMY HILFIGER, G2000, HUSH PUPPIES, JOHN HENRY, LEE, DYSON, MISTER DONUT, KFC, AUNTIE ANNE’S, PEPPER LUNCH, CHABUTON, OOTOYA, and YOSHINOYA. By the end of this year, The 1 Biz is expected to include over 240 brands and 1,000 shops.

Dr. Nattakit said, “We believe this new business model created from the collaboration of Central Pattana, The 1, other businesses within the Central Group, and over 15,000 of our shop tenants, will become an innovation that will change the country and act as an economic springboard. We aim to see results in three years with data-driven retail marketing. Our marketing campaigns will help shops make personalized offers in real time and targeted campaigns to the right customers, which will generate sales for them in the long run and in a sustainable way,” he said.

Published : October 01, 2021

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/business/40006914

The event organizers – Global Compact Network Thailand (GCNT), the United Nations in Thailand, and the British Embassy – applauded the companies at the event that already were embedding sustainability into their operations and encouraged more businesses to join the movement.

Representatives of 77 companies in Thailand have gathered to discuss the next steps they can take to tackle climate change, a main goal of Global Compact Network and the United Nations in Thailand in contributing to the upcoming climate summit COP26 in Glasgow in November.

The speakers discussed key milestones in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, including the “New Era of Action” for Thailand’s climate leadership, and measures to limit global warming in line with the 1.5-degree goal of the Paris Agreement.

The event organizers – Global Compact Network Thailand (GCNT), the United Nations in Thailand, and the British Embassy – applauded the companies at the event that already were embedding sustainability into their operations and encouraged more businesses to join the movement. Key to this, highlighted the participants, would be an enabling policy environment that incentivizes further and quicker action by businesses.

Leading businesses in Thailand join Global Compact-United Nations push for climate action

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Suphachai Chearavanont, Chairperson of GCNT and Group Chief Executive Officer of Charoen Pokphand Group Company Limited, said climate change is a more serious threat to humanity than the COVID-19 crisis, which may eventually disappear. Climate change is widespread, rapid, and intensifying, according to the latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The UN Secretary-General has described the report as a “code red” for humanity. As one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change, Southeast Asia and Thailand especially, will face more severe effects as sea levels rise and other extremes such as ocean acidity, coastal flooding, disrupted food systems, reduced crop yields and epidemics worsen – all which could cost the world up to 10% of its total economic value by 2050. In Southeast Asia, this would mean a 20% cut in growth unless adaptive measures are taken.

The challenge is immense, he said, and we know what must be done: shift to clean energy sources, promote better waste disposal, recycling and the circular economy and help companies improve their resilience and adaptive capacity through training. Adaptation to climate change is crucial for businesses while presenting new opportunities for commitment, which we are hoping to see at this year’s sustainability leaders summit ‘GCNT FORUM 2021’ on 11 October.

Leading businesses in Thailand join Global Compact-United Nations push for climate action

“GCNT calls on the private sector to commit to climate action through greater disclosure and corporate transparency. What we require now is a new generation of sustainability leaders, more market-based mechanisms to reduce emissions, and innovation driven by technology and new thinking,” said Supachai.

In her opening remarks, Gita Sabharwal, UN Resident Coordinator in Thailand, welcomed leadership from the business community in the country to limit global warming and align with the ‘RaceToZero’ initiative, which represents a recommitment to science-based climate policy, and an unprecedented opportunity to unleash innovation and financing, create jobs and regenerate nature at a more sustainable pace and scale.

In the continuing recovery amid the pandemic, she explained, adopting pathways that are low-carbon dependent would be a crucial step in line with the 1.5-degree goal of the Paris Agreement, in addition to promoting sustainable investing. Recently in September, the UN in Thailand in partnership with the Ministry of Finance of Thailand and the Government Pension Fund engaged 43 investors and bankers with total asset size US$1.3 trillion who committed as business leaders to act responsibly in the face of the climate crisis, and to scale up financing in support of sustainability.

“This is an opportunity to shape the recovery and demonstrate to the region and beyond the role the private sector can play to move towards carbon neutrality in Thailand,” she said. “The time is now to take action in a journey in which we can both learn and inspire each other.”

Commending the importance of current collaborations, H.E. Mark Gooding British Ambassador to Thailand said: “COP26 must be the moment that every country, and every part of society, embraces their responsibility to protect our planet. Businesses are truly a vital component of all our goals for COP26 and can help achieve success through your own actions, working with peers and across your value chains and being positive advocates for climate action. We invite all businesses to join the Race to Zero, a UN-backed global campaign rallying non-state actors to take rigorous and immediate action to reduce emissions.”

Leading businesses in Thailand join Global Compact-United Nations push for climate action

He added that the British Embassy Bangkok will be proud to see Thai companies highlighted at COP26, where the world will meet to agree on more ambitious action to address climate change.

In just over a month, COP26 will take place, bringing together governments, climate experts and campaigners including from Thailand and international organizations, non-profit agencies and the business sector with the objective of mobilizing cooperation. Without accelerated effort to reduce fossil fuel emissions and deforestation, billions of people are at risk from the effects of climate change, and businesses should prepare to ensure compliance with an increasing number of environmental and climate change regulations globally.

During the event ‘Build Forward Better: Turning the Climate Crisis into Business Opportunities,’ GCNT also held a workshop to showcase the leadership of its private sector members including from Bangchak Corporation, CP All, Charoen Pokphand, PTTEP, Oklin Thailand, NR Instant Produce, Siam Cement Group, Pranda Jewelry, Thaioil Group, and Siam Makro, who described ways for companies to better integrate climate action goals into their internal policies.

Published : October 01, 2021