PAT explained that this pact will not only promote bilateral ties, but also the development of logistics and exchange of knowledge.
Laem Chabang, Xiamen ports to link up
Chonburi’s Laem Chabang Port will become the sister of China’s Xiamen Port, the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) announced recently.
PAT explained that this pact will not only promote bilateral ties, but also the development of logistics and exchange of knowledge.
Thailand’s port authority also plans to increase routes and shipping lines in collaboration with the port in China.
Xiamen Port is a key deep-water harbour on Xiamen Island, adjacent to the mainland and along the estuary of Jiulongjiang River in south Fujian province. This is the seventh port in China.
Ajinomoto delivers Company Products to support Healthcare workers to fight against COVID-19
The product presentation was held at Department of Medical services, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi Province.
Recently, Ajinomoto Co., (Thailand) Ltd. led by Mr.Thongdee Paso (3rd from right), Managing Director, delivered company products including “Birdy®” RTD canned coffee, “Birdy® 3in1” instant coffee mixed powder and “YumYum™ Cup” instant noodles worth 40,000 Baht to Dr.Manus Potaporn (3rd from left), Deputy Director General of Department of Medical services, together with Dr.Pairoj Surattanawanich (2nd from left), Deputy Director General of Department of Medical services, and Mrs.Nitayaporn Thaweechaitanasakul (leftmost), Secretary to the Department of Medical services, in order to support the work of the Department as well as to encourage morale of all Healthcare workers who have worked hard during the COVID-19 epidemic situation.
The product presentation was held at Department of Medical services, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi Province.
FTI- DENSO-CEP signing of a letter of intent to cooperate on a pilot project on renewable energy trading
The DENSO Group, a global automotive components manufacturer, has expressed their goal to reach 100% of renewable energy usage by “2035”
Signed on Wednesday the 25th August 2021, a letter of intent will be signed between The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), the “DENSO group”, and the clean energy for people foundation (CEP) concerning a pilot project regarding energy trading. Each party’s representatives are to include Dr. Suvit Toraninpanich, the Chairman of FTI’s greenhouse gas reduction working group, Mr. Natee Sithiprasasana, Vice Chairman of the CEP foundation and four DENSO group representatives.
The pilot project will focus on the trading of renewable energy to support current business trends and is to be available in select areas between 2022- 2025, or later if deemed appropriate. It aims to act as a showcase to encourage the restructuring for the energy administration of Thailand along with the energy reform plan and adapt appropriately to newer regulations from the global community, such as the European green deal’s “Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)”.
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This LOI is dependent on the cooperation of all three entities, where to promote and support greenhouse gas reductions, the FTI has formed the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Working Group, responsible for co-operating with the Energy Regulatory Committee(ERC) to push the pilot project, whereas DENSO will focus a feasibility study to test their readiness for participation of the said project, and the CEP is to provide an initial consultations on the restrictions regarding the project. As such, the CEP aims to promote, educate the public, as well as encourage community-government relations.
The FTI’s Greenhouse gas reduction group will also additionally push for a greenhouse gas emissions trading market for parties with a desire to sell or offset the generated carbon within their business activities, where a digital trading platform is required and is set to be registered with relevant agencies such as the Thai Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO).
Khun Kawin Thangsupanich, Secretary to the Ministry of Energy attended the event as a witness to give his congratulations to the working group, promoting and supporting the FTI’s greenhouse gas reduction group,the DENSO Group and the Clean Energy for People Foundation for their intention to cooperate in the electricity trading pilot projects using renewable energy and green carbon to prepare for future greenhouse gas mechanisms. He also mentions
The current situation regarding global warming in Thailand where under the Paris agreement Thailand’s Nationally Determined Contribution – NDC during the years 2021-2030, are set at 20-25% under normal conditions.
The DENSO group,a global automotive components manufacturer, has expressed their goal to reach 100% of renewable energy usage by “2035” and has pledged to support the reduction of carbon emissions from both within the group and outside the group, through carbon emissions trading.
Singha Drinking Water supports all Thais with the “Never give up” clip starring Tennis Panipak.
The company has produced a video hoping to spread positivity and encourage everyone to fight through the crisis with the “Never give up” video starring Tennis – Panipak Wongpattanakit, Thailands Taekwondo Olympic gold medalist.
Singha Drinking Water encourages everyone to stand tall amidst the COVID-19 pandemic with the ” Never give up” video starring Tennis – Panipak Wongpattanakit, Thailand’s Taekwondo Olympic gold medalist, sharing her stories in the ring, which serves as an inspirational anecdote for us all.
Mr. Bhurit Bhirombhakdi, Chief Executive Officer of the Boonrawd Trading Co., Ltd., shares that the COVID-19 is a worldwide pandemic that Thais have suffered through for almost two years. The high infection number and the uncertainty of when or how it’s going to end have impacted the nation’s economy and society.
Since the beginning, the company has initiated a lot of relief efforts to different sectors of the society, such as financial donations for medical supplies and protective kits to medical personnel of hospitals nationwide, the food and water support which is over 2 million bottles, and initiatives from the Singha R-SA network in terms of jobs created and hired. The overall effort now totals up to more than 250 million Baht and counting.
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Singha Drinking Water supports all Thais with the “Never give up” clip starring Tennis Panipak.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic might leave people feeling down, distressed, and discouraged, Singha Drinking Water believes that in addition to physical support, emotional support is needed in times like this as well. The company has produced a video hoping to spread positivity and encourage everyone to fight through the crisis with the “Never give up” video starring Tennis – Panipak Wongpattanakit, Thailand’s Taekwondo Olympic gold medalist. She will share her story comparing life as a competitive sport where we have to fight until the end and don’t give up as long as we are in this together.
Singha Drinking Water supports all Thais with the “Never give up” clip starring Tennis Panipak.
“We are proud to be a force of positivity and kindness once again for all Thais. Previously we have launched a “Live and Learn” music video, a rearranged version by Boyd Kosiyapong telling an inspirational story for Thais to march on and a message of support for frontline workers with messages on Bangkok’s billboards as well. The “Never give up” video will resonate the undying spirit which will not give up no matter what,” Mr. Bhurit said.
Singha Drinking Water supports all Thais with the “Never give up” clip starring Tennis Panipak.
Singha Drinking Water’s mission is not only to deliver the best product to its consumers, but the company has been involved with societal developments in numerous areas such as education, the environment, and sports. Singha Corporation has been the main sponsor of the Taekwondo Association of Thailand since 2005 and countless sports organizations, along with supports for athletes of all sports and levels, which has been the driving force of Thailand’s success on the world stage until now.
Huawei, IUCN join hands to preserve biodiversity in APAC with tech innovations
The Asia Pacific region is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. It is home to the worlds largest mangrove forest, a global center of marine biodiversity, and has seventeen of the worlds 36 “biodiversity hotspots”.
Global leading tech company Huawei and the worlds’ largest conservation organization IUCN will join hands on innovative solutions to promote the green transformation and sustainable development in the Asia Pacific region, said representatives at the TECH for a Better Planet Symposium.
Climate change presents a key challenge for social development, driving an urgent need for a low-carbon society & green growth models to protect the environment & promote green economic recovery.
The symposium, co-organized by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and Huawei, and supported by ITU (International Telecommunication Union), brought together industrial experts and opinion leaders from the ICT and environmental protection communities across the Asia Pacific region. This two-part symposium series explored how technology can drive environmental protection and ensure sustainable development.
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Huawei, IUCN join hands to preserve biodiversity in APAC with tech innovations
The Asia Pacific region is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. It is home to the world’s largest mangrove forest, a global center of marine biodiversity, and has seventeen of the world’s 36 “biodiversity hotspots”. However, the region is facing many threats including habitat loss, over-exploitation and climate change.
IUCN is now leading a new, open partnership called ‘Tech4Nature’ together with Huawei. The aim of the partnership is to harness innovative technologies in support of better conservation outcomes in and around protected and conserved areas, according to Dr. Dindo Campilan.
This three-year partnership will pilot a series of innovative digital tools and solutions in 5 countries including Thailand and China.
In partnership with the Thai Department of National Parks, for example, the Tech4Nature program is collaborating with Huawei on its flagship project at the Thailand Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore technological solutions including the use of digital monitor system to navigate wildlife. “IUCN is very pleased to partner with Huawei on Tech4Nature, which is seeking scale-up success nature conservation through digital technology innovations,” said Dr. Dindo Campilan, IUCN Regional Director for Asia.
“ICT has become central to conversations around environmental sustainability,” said Yondeen Sherpa, E-waste Policy and Technology Consultant at the Environment & Emergency Telecommunications Division of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). To contribute to the pursuit of the SDGs, ITU is working together with members like Huawei to develop international standards and provided measurement methodologies addressing ICT, environment, and circular economy.
E-waste, as one of the fastest growing and most complex waste streams in the world, is affecting both human health and the environment, and proliferating a loss of valuable raw materials. At the same time, if treated through appropriate recycling methods, e-waste could offer economic returns worth, valuable raw materials and new jobs in recycling, Sherpa explained.
As part of the efforts to recycle as much electronic waste as possible, Huawei has built a global recycling program for device products and scaled up the product trade-in program. Over the course of 2020, Huawei processed more than 4,500 tons of e-waste through its recycling stations.
“Technology can help better understand and conserve nature. This is the idea of ‘Tech4Nature’ we share with IUCN. ICT could be applied to monitor and analyze habitats & biodiversity, improve operational efficiency, better connect the stakeholders of nature conservation,” said Kevin Zhang Huawei’s Chief Marketing Officer of ICT infrastructure business.
“We appreciate the partnership with technology companies like Huawei to help protect the environment,” said DENR-4A Regional Director NILO B. TAMORIA (CESO III) at the Symposium, “We’re hoping that we can still improve the technology to make it more effective and efficient as a tool to protect the environment.”
Krungsri enters Vietnam through the acquisition of SHB Finance
The acquisition of SHB Finance marks another milestone achievement in Krungsri’s strategic directions of ASEAN expansion, paving the way to aspiration to “Be the Preferred Thai Bank Connecting Customers’ Needs across ASEAN.”
Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya PCL) announced that it has reached an agreement with Saigon-Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (“SHB”), the top 5 largest joint-stock commercial banks in Vietnam, to purchase and receive the transfer of 100% of charter capital in SHBank Finance Company Limited (“SHB Finance”), the top 10 consumer finance company in Vietnam. Under this agreement, SHB will transfer 50% of SHB Finance’s charter capital to Krungsri and the remaining 50% after 3 years when the two parties fulfil the certain conditions and meet the relevant regulatory requirements. The acquisition of SHB Finance marks another milestone achievement in Krungsri’s strategic directions of ASEAN expansion, paving the way to aspiration to “Be the Preferred Thai Bank Connecting Customers’ Needs across ASEAN.”
Krungsri President & CEO Mr. Seiichiro Akita said, “We are very pleased to announce that we have signed agreements with SHB to acquire a 100% stake in SHB Finance, SHB’s consumer finance subsidiary, upon closing of the transaction after all regulatory approvals are obtained. SHB’s local expertise and an extensive network in Vietnam complemented by Krungsri’s strength in consumer finance will enhance SHB Finance’s business competitiveness. Together, we will develop and deliver quality consumer finance products to customers in Vietnam. This milestone also underscores our commitment to ASEAN expansion strategy following our current medium-term business plan covering 2021-2023 .”
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Currently, Krungsri has secured its foothold in the ASEAN Market including a branch and a consumer finance business in Lao PDR, a commercial bank in Cambodia, a consumer finance business in the Philippines, and a representative office in Myanmar. The acquisition of SHB Finance in Vietnam further strengthens Krungsri’s leading position in connecting customers’ needs across ASEAN.
Chairman of the Board of Directors of SHB Mr. Do Quang Hien said, “The consumer finance market in Vietnam has great potential and room for growth. SHB Finance is a “beautiful girl” with healthy financial health. After a period of selection and negotiation, we have found a suitable partner to contribute to bringing synergistic value in many aspects such as management experience, technology, improve financial capacity, network expansion, and new product development, international cooperation, enhancement of SHB’s reputation and brandname in the region and in the world.”
Both Krungsri and SHB will work together to promote the growth of Vietnam’s consumer finance market, bringing greater value to customers, shareholders, and partners.
PTG tapping strong growth in household LPG sector to expand market penetration
PTG saw the business opportunities in this growth and prioritised studying customers’ needs. To gain customers’ loyalty and desire to use PTG’s services, it knew it had to respond to their requirements.
PTG is moving forward to penetrate the LPG business, launching products to suit the needs of customers’ lifestyles.
“We launched the household gas business in 2020 with a goal of meeting consumers’ needs. We began by conducting a consumer survey about existing household gas services. Survey respondents expressed concern about old gas cylinders and also said they were sometimes not comfortable with the gas delivery staff. So, we designed our business plan to provide what customers needed,” said Suwatchai Pitakwongsaporn, managing director of Atlas Energy Company Limited, a subsidiary of the PTG Energy Public Company Limited.
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PTG tapping strong growth in household LPG sector to expand market penetration
Meanwhile PTG’s liquefied petroleum gas business (LPG) in the automotive, industrial and household sectors is still in the “uptrend” phase, says the company. This is especially true for the household gas sector, which is growing against the trend. Although consumer behaviour is shifting to electrical appliances, gaps remain in the market that offer PTG opportunities to penetrate this sector.
Suwatchai explained that the household gas sector is showing the highest average LPG consumption rate at 2 million tons per year. This compares to 600,000 tons in the industrial sector and 600,000 tons in the automotive sector.
PTG saw the business opportunities in this growth and prioritised studying customers’ needs. To gain customers’ loyalty and desire to use PTG’s services, it knew it had to respond to their requirements.
A year and a half later, the feedback from household gas consumers has been impressive.
In 2020, only 7 per cent of PTG’s gas business revenue came from household use, with the rest from the auto sector. In 2021, income from household use surged to 30 per cent, with automotive gas at 70 per cent. The company has set a goal of boosting the household gas proportion to 50 per cent in the near future.
PTG tapping strong growth in household LPG sector to expand market penetration
To strengthen its household gas business for market penetration, as well as the consumer survey, PTG has also created a members’ platform with the “Max Card”. The platform, which has so far attracted 16 million members and is ranked second in the country, enables household gas customers to collect points on their Max Card from all PTG services and redeem them for privileges.
“Max Card is our strong selling point, as the customers can collect points when they refuel or buy gas. We aim to expand the membership to 18 million. We are the only company where customers can buy household gas to collect points for privileges and receive discounts at more than 1,000 participating stores.
PTG tapping strong growth in household LPG sector to expand market penetration
The Max Card also allows the company to study consumer behaviour and leads to more responsive service offerings,” said Suwatchai.
PTG has two major strengths in the cooking gas business:
1. The confidence in differentiation and service, with the “new gas cylinder” as a prominent service, according to the customer survey. PTG’s gas cylinders are newer than the cylinders of other services currently available in the market. The “Safe Locked Valve” system was developed to prevent gas from leaking, and the “QR Code” allows the cylinder’s usage history to be monitored and recorded from the filling station to the customer’s delivery location.
2. The company’s constant service care and overall quality control, as PTG’s business covers upstream to downstream operations, whether gas transportation, filling plants or gas sales outlets.
There are currently 116 Gas Shop branches in PT gas stations across Bangkok and its perimeter, expanded from 90 branches in 2020. The company aims to have 140 branches operating by the end of 2021 but is likely to expand beyond that target to 160 by year-end.
The company also expected to open another 12 gas filling plants franchises this year, making a total of 16 including the four existing ones. But that expectation has been exceeded after more than 20 entrepreneurs applied for franchise rights. There are currently more than 300 kiosk services located at PT gas stations, and the goal is to expand to 450 branches in 2021.
The goal of the PTG household gas business over the next 3-5 years is to grow its market share to become the No 3 provider by 2024. It expects to boost its market share by 2 per cent in 2021. PTG household gas sales in 2021 are estimated at 80,000 tons, with 15,000 tons sold in the first six months of the year (January to June). The growth rate is more than 100 per cent from the 5,300 tons of household gas sold in 2020.
Suwatchai also revealed plans to expand the LPG business in the automotive sector amid the drop in vehicle usage during the Covid-19 pandemic. The company will add another 50 gas stations, totalling 206 branches by the end of 2021. The company expects to retain its second-highest market share if the Covid situation remains bad. However, if the situation improves, it expects to move up to No 1 with sales forecast to rise by 15 to 20 per cent.
“Taxis are the main customer group in the auto gas market. Some may reckon that gas-powered cars are being replaced by alternative-energy vehicles, but the data shows that there are over 80,000 registered taxis. Hence, there is potential to impel these taxis to switch from NGV to LPG. Our gas tank-swapping service will be free of charge, and taxis will receive continuous services including Covid-19 sterilising spray, free lunches and the Taxi Reward campaign.”
PTG also sees an opportunity to expand in the LPG business due to a shift in consumer behaviour to using cooking equipment that is convenient and safe. The company will launch a “canned gas” product to meet consumers’ demand and need for convenience. Meanwhile, it is experiencing significant growth in the grill restaurant group.
For its canned gas product, PTG has emphasised the approach to customer groups. Thanks to its online ordering and delivery services, including the nationwide network of Gas Shops, the company is confident that this product will receive a good response. It added that while there are other big brands in the market, there is no widespread promotion of sales. And although this type of product is available in convenience stores, the company believes that the PT brand has the advantage of being trusted by consumers.
Suwatchai concluded that strong growth of the LPG sector had opened opportunities to expand the business. The company will be listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) to raise additional funds for business expansion, with a goal to invest in a warehouse system. The goal has been set to be swiftly achieved by the end of 2021, or at the latest in the first quarter of 2022.
“In my opinion, the challenge of this business is the logistics system. A good logistics system can reduce costs and we are certain that we can do it because we already have our own transportation system operated by a company in our group,” said Suwatchai.
WHA Group Acquires Shares in Storage Asia to Expand its Integrated Logistics Portfolio
The acquisition of 29.40 % marks a strategic partnership to expand its logistics portfolio and offer tech-driven services to support the fast-growing sector.
WHA Corporation Pcl. (“WHA Group”), Thailand’s leader in fully-integrated logistics and industrial facilities solutions, today announced it has acquired a 29.40% stake in Storage Asia Co., Ltd. (“Storage Asia”), a leading premium self-storage solution, under the brand “i-Store Self Storage”. The new acquisition is in line with WHA Group’s strategy to embrace new market opportunities through meaningful investments and create new value for its customers and industry as a whole.
As a leading developer of logistics solutions, commercial properties and industrial estates, WHA Group aims to constantly expand its business footprint, under its long-term strategy to create a value-added, innovation and one-stop service solution that supports customers’ needs as well as moves forward and grows sustainably in Thailand and across the region. As urbanization trend is on the rise, WHA Group has realized a great opportunity in the self-storage industry. The business has proven to be in high demand and continues to grow in the new era. People who are living and working in smaller spaces often have trouble managing their storage space. WHA Group has seen a great potential in the premium self-storage business, resulting to making its decision to invest in Storage Asia, a top player in the business.
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WHA Group Acquires Shares in Storage Asia to Expand its Integrated Logistics Portfolio
Established in 2015, Storage Asia is a leading private storage service business under the brand “i-Store Self Storage”, offering a wide range of high-quality and reliable private storage solutions. Its customers are both individuals and businesses who are looking for a secure space for their valuable belongings. Clients can enjoy a customized storage size that can fit their possession with the best self-storage service and highest quality. The company currently operates 2 branches in the heart of the cities; two in Bangkok (Silom branch and Sukhumvit Soi 24 branch) and will be opening two more branches in Sukhumvit 71 and Pattaya City in 1st quarter 2022, with a plan to expand its operations nationwide.
With the acquisition, WHA Group and Storage Asia will jointly create value-added services and solutions for their customers, offering a tailor-made solution package with the aim to support the business and its client requirements. The win-win alliance will streamline business operations.
“We are very excited about this new collaboration with Storage Asia. Branching out into new business territories to establish a sustainable and steady growth is part of our Corporate DNA,”
said Ms Jareeporn Jarukornsakul, Chairman and Group CEO, WHA Corporation Pcl. “Together, we will leverage on our expertise and know-how in logistics business to create enhanced self-storage services, using advanced technologies and innovation. The demand for smart, integrated solutions is here to stay. We are committed to driving business success with our partners, growing together sustainably and ready to support our customers’ needs including coping with suddenly disruption change. This collaboration is to fulfill and expand its logistics business as well as create synergy each other to have the value-added products and provide innovative services. Over the next few years, WHA Group will continue to seek new investment opportunities with the right partners to diversify its portfolio and contribute to sustainable economic growth for the country and the region,” she said.
“The acquisition definitely opens new business doors for Storage Asia,” said Mr. Pakdee Anivat, Chief Executive Officer of Storage Asia Co., Ltd. and Founder of i-Store Self Storage. “Through WHA Group’s regionwide network and strong relationship with key strategic partner, we can expand our client base to more sectors. We firmly believe we are in good hands with WHA Group. We are looking forward to creating innovative one-stop services with them, to tackle today’s space and logistics-related challenges,” he further commented.
Property firm AssetWise builds strong strategy to tackle Covid-19
AssetWise has procured Covid-19 vaccines through Chulabhorn Royal Academy for its staff, business partners and workers at its construction sites.
In response to the Covid-19 crisis, property company AssetWise has launched a “We Build Happiness” strategy, which provides health security to not just its staff and partners, but also homebuyers.
Strict safety measures
AssetWise has readied rapid antigen test kits for its business partners, homeowners and even potential buyers who have shown interest in its properties. The company has partnered up with some hospitals to tend to members of staff or partners who contract Covid-19 and also created guidelines for those needing to isolate at home or go into quarantine.
Facilitating vaccines
AssetWise has procured Covid-19 vaccines through Chulabhorn Royal Academy for its staff, business partners and workers at its construction sites. Before that, the company urged its staff members to register for a jab via the government system. Now, it can proudly claim that all its employees are fully vaccinated.
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Property firm AssetWise builds strong strategy to tackle Covid-19
The company has also bought Covid-19 insurance policies for its staff and is providing meals for those required to work in the office.
Workers’ welfare
When Bangkok authorities ordered the closure of all construction sites across the capital, AssetWise sent meals and fresh products to workers at its 12 construction sites.
Motivating medics
AssetWise collaborated with producers of the MasterChef Thailand TV show to provide special meals to medics at hospitals overwhelmed by Covid-19 patients, such as Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thammasat University, Siriraj and King Chulalongkorn Memorial. It has also made a large donation to the KMC Hospital.
Looking after society
The company continues donating food, sanitising gel and other necessities to communities, government units and the Ramintra Sports Park field hospital in Bangkok.
Property firm AssetWise builds strong strategy to tackle Covid-19