Coping with corporate challenges amid uncertainties
Apr 11. 2021
By THE NATION
Krungsri has launched “The Change Master”, a television programme, to cope with disruption and uncertainty.
The initiative under Krungsri Business Empowerment aims to provide knowledge, perspectives, and inspiration to entrepreneurs, and airs on Business Watch, TNN 16 Channel, this month.
Krungsri collaborated with four CEOs from four leading Thai organisations to share their experiences in leadership during a crisis in order to empower customers and entrepreneurs to make a change, welcome disruption and uncertainty.
Each of the four leaders gave important lessons on how to “manage business durinv uncertainty”.
Prasit Boondoungprasert, chief executive officer of Charoen Pokphand Foods Pcl, suggested that “in crisis, we must shift to high-speed mode; otherwise problems will not be fixed in time”. What is a high-speed way of operation?
“The end game must be set, we have to ask, if we want to achieve this kind of success, which direction we should take and how to solve problems. Moreover, frontline workers must be given more authority to make decisions, and the steps in approval process must be reduced to enable prompt response to customers,” he said.
“We are also trying to look for opportunities, for example, during the Covid-19 situation, we visited our export partner countries to see how they were affected.
What happened was we had the opportunity to export thousands of tons of chicken meat to Singapore, which led to a bigger project that would help the supply chain in Singapore by providing food safety.
“CP’s plant in Wuhan was chosen by the government to be the sole food supplier for the province, leading to learning and acquisition of logistics knowledge.
“The situation also caused employees of all generations to adapt to IT, resulting in faster operations, decrease in expenditure, use of AI in connection with production process, eg, voice technology in pork quality checking and camera-based chicken weighing system.
“The idea was that everyone should select technologies and approaches suitable for each of their business.
Wisesight announces winners of this year’s Thailand Zocial Awards
Apr 09. 2021
By THE NATION
Wisesight (Thailand) Co Ltd, a leading Thai social media analysis agency, on Thursday announced the results of “Thailand Zocial Awards 2021”.
The awards have been organised for nine consecutive years to award companies, professionals and influencers who have produced outstanding work on four major social media, namely Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Using the “Wisesight Metric” tool that the company has developed, Wisesight evaluated social media performance in four aspects — brand, entertainment, influencer and personal brand metric.
“This year we invited 14 experts in various fields relating to social media, digital advertising and branding to help select the most suitable candidates to receive the awards,” said Kla Tangsuwan, CEO of Wisesight.
Notable winners in each category were:
Best Brand Performance on Social Media
– Automotive: Toyota Motor
– Bank: Krungthai Bank
– Broadcasting: Workpoint TV
– Construction material: Hafele
– Consumer electronics: Samsung
– Delivery & logistics: Grab
– Department store & super Store: The Mall
– E-Commerce platform: Shopee
– Financial service: Krungsri First Choice
Best Entertainment Performance on Social Media
– Online Channel: Bie The Ska
– Podcast: The Secret Sauce
– Song: Dode Di Dong by BNK48
– TV Program: 3 Saeb
Best Influencer Performance on Social Media
– Art & Literature: Sundae Kids
– Beauty & fashion: ZuvapitSnap
– Environment: Wannasingh Prasertkul
– Family & senior: Malinda Herman
– Gadget & technology: Spin9
Best Brand Performance on Social Media by Platform
Microsoft Corp on Monday announced the top four finalists of its 2021 Imagine Cup competition, with Thailand’s Team Threeotech emerging top in the Lifestyle category.
This was after an exciting two rounds of semi-finals at which the 12 shortlisted teams provided a three-minute project pitch followed by a Q&A session with judges to compete for a win in the World Championships in May.
This year’s Imagine Cup virtual competition saw teams from 163 countries using innovative technologies like AI, Power Platform and Big Data to develop their ideas into impactful technological solutions that make a difference.
The finalists had to submit innovations that could be applied in one of the four categories, namely Earth, Education, Healthcare and Lifestyle.
The four finalists impressed the judges with their innovative ideas, pushing the envelope on improving society as well as creating a brighter, more inclusive future.
Thailand’s Team Threeotech came up with “JustSigns”, a web application for content creators to create sign language captions to improve media accessibility for their hearing-impaired viewers.
In the Earth category, New Zealand’s Team ProTag created “ProTag”, a smart ear tag for livestock that uses technologies like mixed reality, IoT and Azure to detect the early onset of illness in real-time. This is part of efforts to inculcate sustainable farming, lower costs and increase animal welfare along with providing farmers with peace of mind.
Both these teams will be competing against a team each from Kenya and from the United States for the Imagine Cup trophy, a US$75,000 cash prize and a mentoring session with Microsoft Corp’s chief executive officer Satya Nadella.
Other teams from Asia that participated in the semi-finals are:
Team Intelli-Sense (India): Under the Healthcare category, the team developed “Vision” – an app that gives the visually impaired a “sense of vision” by helping them perceive their surrounding in real-time.
Team DataMasker (China): Under the Lifestyle category, the team came up with “WellMask”, an AI “mask” built to enhance social interaction by supporting “real-time speech transcription”, “intention extraction” and “emotion recognition”.
Team Virtual Radiologist (Nepal): Under the Earth category, the team came up with “Pico Sat”, a miniature version of an environmental satellite that utilises the Azure platform and PowerBI. It aims to provide information about your environment – altitude, temperature, humidity, pressure, dust and pressure level of the present time – be it a small room or open space.
Held annually since 2003, the Microsoft Imagine Cup is the world’s top student technology competition. This year’s contest encouraged participants to “Dream It. Build It. Live It” and create applications that shape how individuals live, work and play.
Sunny beaches top choice of Thais heading for Songkran holidays
Apr 03. 2021
By THE NATION
Thais are on the move this Songkran, heading to beach destinations and choosing higher-end hotels to celebrate the upcoming Songkran holidays, according to data from digital travel platform, Agoda.
Coastal destinations have taken seven of the top 10 spots, with Phuket the most-booked destination spot during 2021 Songkran, jumping to No. 1 from fourth in 2019, and knocking Pattaya off the top into second place, according to Agoda.
Other beach destinations that dominate the 2021 list include Hua Hin/Cha-am (No. 3), Krabi (4), Koh Samui (5), Khao Lak (6) and Koh Chang (9). Bangkok dips to seventh spot from second in 2019.
With international travel off the table, Koh Samui (5), Khao Lak (6), Koh Chang (9), Khao Yai (10) make it in the top 10 this year, ahead of Tokyo, Rayong, Kanchanaburi and Chonburi.
“Travellers this year are also looking to pamper themselves, opting for 4–5-star hotels, a change from 2019’s preference for 1-3.5-star hotels,” said Timothy Hughes, vice president corporate development, Agoda.
“Songkran marks the beginning of the Thai New Year. Recovering from two periods of Covid-19-imposed lockdown, Thais are being a little more indulgent rewarding themselves and their loved ones with upgraded stays to 4-5 star properties. Phuket, Pattaya, and Hua Hin/Cha-am lead the top destinations this year. But domestic travellers are also choosing destinations once deemed crowded with international tourists such as Koh Samui, Hughes said.
“We are also seeing a big pick up in popularity of lesser-known beach destinations like Koh Chang,” Hughes added.
Samui Airport employees getting Covid-19 vaccines in preparation for reopening
Apr 03. 2021
By THE NATION
Samui Airport, under the management of Bangkok Airways Pcl, has started inoculating its staff against Covid-19 to prepare for the return of overseas flights and visitors.
Samui Airport director Nutchayathorn Nutsudanijvipa, together with Koh Samui district officials, Koh Samui Tourism Promotion Association, Bangkok Hospital, Koh Samui Hospital, Ban Don Inter Hospital and Thai International Hospital held a meeting on vaccinating the people of Koh Samui.
Meanwhile, Bangkok Hospital Samui has sent a team of doctors and nurses to Samui Airport to vaccinate the first group of 48 airport employees.
The first group has now received two doses of the vaccines in order to prepare for the reopening of overseas flights as well as build up the confidence of passengers who fly into the airport as well as that of people living in the area.
Another 636 employees who work in Samui Airport are scheduled to receive their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine from April 2-7. The airport expects that their employees will achieve 100 per cent vaccination — both doses — by early May.
GULF Commences Commercial Operation of the First Unit of GSRC Power Project
Apr 01. 2021
By The Nation (sponsored news)
Gulf SRC Company Limited, a subsidiary of Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited (GULF) commenced the sale of electricity generated from the Gulf SRC power project’s (GSRC) first unit, with a capacity of 662.50 megawatts, to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) on March 31, 2021 under the Independent Power Producer (IPP) scheme. The power project is located in the WHA Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate 1, Si Racha district, Chonburi province with a total installed power generation capacity of 2,650 megawatts and will supply a contracted power generation capacity of 2,500 megawatts to EGAT pursuant to a 25-year power purchase agreement.
The GSRC power project is one of the IPPs that uses natural gas as source of fuel under Independent Power Development Company Limited (IPD), the operator of two IPP power projects including the GSRC, and GPD, a 2,650-MW power project. The two projects under IPD make up a combined installed power generation capacity of 5,300 megawatts.
GSRC is scheduled to commence commercial operation for units 2-4 in October 2021, March 2022, and October 2022, respectively, while GPD is scheduled to commence commercial operation between 2023-2024.
MQDC readies to open show units with immersive experience sales commence 8 May with special opening pricing until 15 May
Apr 01. 2021
By THE NATION
Bangkok (1 April 2021) – Magnolia Quality Development Corporation (MQDC), announced, today, that The Forestias, Thailand’s largest property development project valued at Bht 125,000 million, will begin official sales of its multiple residential components on 8 May with special opening pricing until 15 May.
It will also open the ‘Forest Pavilion’ which is an ‘experience centre’ built to showcase the vision and concept of the project through extraordinary immersive experiences designed and brought to life by the world’s most eminent specialists. The Forest Pavilion is the largest such experience centre ever created by a developer in Thailand and was built with an investment of Bht 1,400 million.
Strategically located in the high-growth EEC corridor, The Forestias is a development comprised of a wide range of residential components designed to cater to different lifestyle needs. The focus of the developers is to design every aspect of the project and its residential elements to promote heathier and happier living.
Mr. Kittiphun Ouiyamaphun, Project Director – The Forestias, MQDC, said, “The Forest Pavilion experience centre has more than 6,500 square metres of floor space to let people really feel what this project is about through multi-sensory experiences. It will help people see how this is a town in which every aspect is designed for healthier and happier living as well as showcases sample units of the multiple residential components within The Forestias.”
The Forest Pavilion experience centre was created through a collaboration between MQDC and a group of specialist organisations and people that are among the best in the world in their respective fields. It was designed by UK-headquartered world-class architectural firm Foster+Partners Thailand. ITEC Entertainment (USA), the creator of entertainment experiences for Disneyland, DisneySea and Universal Studios, developed experiences and recreational activities inside the project. VAVE Studio of Germany created experiential stories in different zones of the pavilion. And, Thailand’s famous Bug Studio contributed multi-disciplinary designs to present unprecedented experiences.
One of the highlights inside the Forest Pavilion is the ‘Chamber of Secrets’ where the project’s vision is presented through an animation created by DEC Media and T&B Media Global (Thailand). Viewers are treated to an exciting wrap-around experience that surrounds them using ‘The Wall’ screens with the world’s most advanced technology. ‘The Wall’ is a modular microLED display that gives a revolutionary viewing experience utilising AI picture enhancement for ultra-realistic experiences.
Mr. Ouiyamaphun said, “The Forestias is a new global prototype for a town development. It has been designed and is being built by some of the world’s most respected experts as well as foremost global and local organisations to ensure that residents can lead healthier and happier lives.”
“The global COVID pandemic has been reminder to everyone about the importance of good health and a healthy environment in which to live. People have increased the importance they attach to choosing a home and an environment that promotes a healthy life, where they can be safe, as well as where they can get closer to nature. Managing air quality and light inside the residences, as well as designing good home layouts and careful material selection make the project exceptional,” said Mr. Ouiyamaphun.
Located on a 398-rai plot of land on Bang Na-Trad Road km 7 on a prime site in the strategic EEC corridor, The Forestias includes multiple residential components, commercial space for offices, a sports complex, lifestyle and family entertainment facilities, retail and food & beverage outlets, as well as a Town Centre for community activities and cultural pursuits, a family centre, a theatre, an event hall, and multiple markets.
Among the residential components at The Forestias are three ‘Whizdom’ high-rise condominium buildings that are designed to perfectly suit the lifestyles of first jobbers, couples starting families, and with one building specifically designed for the needs of pet lovers. There are also ‘Mulberry Grove’ low-rise condominiums that bring residents very close to nature, as well as ‘Mulberry Grove Villas’ cluster-home residences for extended, multi-generational families who wish to live close together in multiple homes that are easily connected. Another residential offering is ‘The Aspen Tree’ residences. These are designed to suit the special needs of older residents and which come lifetime care services. Also available are ‘Six Senses’ residences that are super luxury villas, which are managed by the globally admired ‘Six Senses’ brand.
One of the most unusual features of The Forestias is a 30-rai forest area that has been planted from seeds and saplings and which is at the centre of the development. There is a 1.6 kilometre ‘canopy walkway’ that links many of the development’s components and provides a ‘nature-walk’ weaving above the forest. These features are inspired by the belief that living closer to the various wonders of nature is one of the most important factors to bring happiness to people.
PTTEP strikes another oil and gas discovery offshore Malaysia
Mar 30. 2021
By THE NATION
PTT Exploration and Production Pcl (PTTEP) announced a successful oil and gas discovery from the first exploration well, Sirung-1, in Block SK405B, off the coast of Sarawak, offshore Malaysia.
The achievement is the latest outcome of PTTEP’s strategy to add reserves for long-term growth.
PTTEP chief executive officer Phongsthorn Thavisin said that the company through its subsidiary, PTTEP Sarawak Oil Limited, had commenced the drilling of Sirung-1 wildcat well in Block SK405B in January 2021. The well was drilled to a total depth of 2,538 metres where it encountered a significant oil and gas column of more than 100 metres, in the clastic reservoirs. An appraisal well is scheduled in near future to assess the upside resources, he said.
“The Sirung-1 exploration well marks PTTEP’s third discovery offshore Malaysia following SK410B’s Lang Lebah and SK417’s Dokong. PTTEP also plans to explore nearby prospects in this PSC next year. The achievements have strengthened our investment base as we continue to expand our exploration horizon in Malaysia,” said the CEO.
Block SK405B is located in shallow waters, approximately 137 kilometres off the coast of Sarawak (Bintulu).
PTTEP Sarawak Oil Limited is the operator with 59.5 per cent participating interest.
Moeco Oil (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd and Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd hold 25.5 and 15 per cent interest respectively.
Apart from the Sarawak SK405B, there are also SK410B, SK314A, SK438, SK417, PM407 and PM415, all still in the exploration stage, he said.
Major projects in PTTEP’s portfolio in Malaysia include the producing assets in Block K, SK309, SK311, the Rotan-Buloh field in Block H and the jointly operated gas fields with Petronas Carigali in the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area.
PTTEP is also a joint investor with PTT, through the PTT Global LNG Co, in the MLNG Train 9 Project, an LNG liquefaction plant in Sarawak.
The St Regis Bangkok is celebrating its 10th anniversary in April, with a month-long series of immersive activities.
To mark a decade in the Thai capital, Marriott International is showcasing The St Regis’s storied heritage, which dates from 1904, with a series of signature rituals inspired by Caroline Astor, doyenne of the Gilded Age and matriarch of The St Regis brand’s founding family.
A prominent 19th-century socialite, Mrs Astor was the mother of Colonel John Jacob “JJ” Astor IV (from whom the hotel’s teddy bear gets its name), who founded The St Regis New York as a place to pursue his epicurean passions and entertain the city’s luminaries.
Celebrating The St Regis Bangkok’s 10th anniversary, guests can follow in Mrs Astor’s footsteps and engage in the brand’s signature rituals, including a Siam Mary cocktail class (the hotel’s reimagined version of the classic Bloody Mary, which was originally created at The St Regis New York’s King Cole Bar in 1934), and a private sabering, the ritual adopted by JJ Astor to mark the transition from day to evening.
Once considered a glamorous gathering for the city’s high society, afternoon tea was a favourite pastime of Mrs Astor, who transformed the occasion into a private social event for 400 personally invited guests. Today, Time for Tea remains a quintessential tradition of The St Regis. In honour of Mrs. Astor, The St Regis Bangkok has created a special “Caroline’s Afternoon Tea”, which will be available throughout April and May.
St Regis butlers will offer exclusive services, such as packing and unpacking, signature beverage services, garment pressing and more, as they have done for over a century.
“More than a century since The St Regis was founded in New York, its legacy of impeccable services and spirit of innovation is kept very much alive at 45 hotels and resorts around the world,,” said Klaus Christandl, general manager, The St Regis Bangkok.
“As we look back at the past decade, we can feel proud to have set new standards of service in a Kingdom already famed for its hospitality,” he added.
Promotion available for bookings at The House of Astor with an exclusive room from April 1-30, and stays until September 30.
For more information and reservations, call +66 (0) 2207 7777 or visit www.stregisbangkok.com.
Thai- German project to upscale sanitizer production to reduce spread of Covid-19
Mar 29. 2021
By THE NATION
A Thai-German collaboration aims to help tackle Covid-19 by upscaling sanitizer production in Thailand and promoting hand hygiene.
A memorandum of understanding was signed by Dr Kittinan Anakamanee, CEO of the Healthcare Accreditation Institute of Thailand (Public Organization), Reinhold Elges, director Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit Thailand, and Sayan Roy, managing director of B. Braun (Thailand) Ltd for implementation of the project in response to the Covid-19 situation in Thailand.
The MoU signing ceremony was witnessed by Jan Scheer, deputy head of mission and head of economic affairs at the embassy of Germany.
The collaboration of the three partners aims to improve Covid-19 prevention through investment in the increase in additional capacity of softa-gel alcohol hand sanitizer, which has been tested as global standards EN 14476 efficacy against enveloped virus including the coronavirus, EN 1500 recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) and EN 1276 with Department of Medical Sciences recommendation. The alcohol hand rub will be given to healthcare personnel at 55 selected healthcare facilities in high-risk zones as well as low-income farmer groups in rural farming communities in Thailand.
In addition, the project will develop e-learning modules for communities and healthcare personnel to update knowledge of hand hygiene and self-protection.
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