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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40018745

Forbes Asia announced its 2022 Best Under A Billion list, which recognizes 200 top-performing publicly listed small and midsized companies in the Asia-Pacific region with sales under US$1 billion. 

As Covid-19 restrictions ease across the Asia-Pacific and people adapt to the new normal, this year’s annual Best Under A Billion list highlights the shift to discretionary spending.

The post-pandemic return to daily life has benefitted apparel makers, mall operators, restaurants, consumer electronics and entertainment companies, among others.
 
This year’s Best Under A Billion list sees 200 companies selected from a universe of 20,000 publicly traded companies in the Asia-Pacific region with annual sales above $10 million and below $1 billion.

Of note, the list features companies from across the region, spanning industries such as semiconductors, software and services, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and manufacturing.
 
Reflecting their resiliency in a fast-changing environment, 75 companies returned to the list from the prior year. Notably, Taiwan’s Aspeed Technology has made Best Under A Billion for nine consecutive years.
 

 

The full Best Under A Billion list can be found at www.forbes.com/bub and in the August issue of Forbes Asia.
 

Published : August 10, 2022

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40018737

A virtual multimedia exhibition early this month proved a big hit, earning commitments of more than 600 million baht for the country, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit reported on Wednesday.

Thirty Thai firms and 50 foreign companies took part in the Multimedia Online Virtual Exhibition (Move) 2022 from August 1 to 3, which was held via the Department of International Trade Promotion’s www.move-ditp.com website, Jurin said.

The Thai companies included entertainment, TV series, movies, animation and post-production firms.

Jurin said five outstanding Thai companies were selected to pitch their products and services online during the event.

The 30 Thai firms engaged in 206 negotiations with 50 foreign companies from 19 countries through the DITP’s business matching service, he said.

The business talks led to commitments of deals worth 496.26 million baht in five years, including 6.66 million baht of instant deals, Jurin said.

Most of these agreements are contracts to hire Thai firms to produce TV series and the sale of movie licences to foreign firms, the minister said.

The five selected Thai firms gained additional commitments of 107.8 million baht – production funds worth 13.8 million baht and co-production funds amounting to 94 million baht.

The DITP has held the Move exhibition for the third time now.

The annual event is aimed at supporting the digital content industry under the government’s creative economy policy and the policy to turn Thailand into a hub for digital content, in a move to use soft power to promote the country.

Published : August 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/business/corporate/40018715

August 10, 2022 – Suphachai Chearavanont, Chief Executive Officer of Charoen Pokphand Group (C.P. Group), strongly believes that climate change, particularly the increase in temperature, is an urgent matter in which every stakeholder must take action.

To tackle global warming, C.P. Group and its affiliates have undertaken a number of initiatives that includes circular economy, clean energy, water resource management, ecosystems and biodiversity protection, and sustainable supply chains. The aim is to achieve zero waste and carbon neutrality within 2030, and net zero emissions by 2050. As public awareness of this issue is critical, the #2MetersToSaveEarth campaign was launched to help Thai people and employees of C.P. Group and its affiliates acknowledge the effects of climate change. The general public, in particular the younger generation, can help tackle global warming by personally taking responsibility. Panipak “Tennis” Wongpattanakit, Thailand’s sporting hero, has been chosen as brand ambassador and will help drive this mission.

“The only way to create a sustainable planet is to cultivate a new generation of environmentally aware citizens of the younger generation and provide them with education and know-how in sustainable development. They are vital in driving change for society, the country, and the world as the threat of climate change is real and it is affecting all of us right now. The evidence clearly shows that ecosystems on which humankind depends upon is vulnerable. We’ve witnessed the impacts on agriculture, tourism, and health in Thailand, in this region and around the world. It’s time everyone lent a hand to take care of our surroundings and make the planet a better place,” the CEO said.

As the brand ambassador and the representative of the new generation, Panipak “Tennis” Wongpattanakit, the Olympic gold medallist in taekwondo, notes that global warming is not only a big problem for the planet but also for all humankind. However, we can start saving the earth by taking care of the two-meter circle around us. It can be any simple action, from recycling used plastics, reducing waste, opting for clean energy by using a bicycle instead of a car to increasing green spaces by planting more trees. Everyone is invited to fight against global warming. If everyone lends a hand and takes care of the two-meter space around them, the dots will be connected, and the world will be a better place.

The people of Thailand and employees of C.P. Group are invited to take part in #2MetersToSaveEarth by taking a photo or video clip of themselves stretching their arms to their sides, signifying the two-meter space around them that they are using to save the earth. The action can be planting a tree or recycling used plastics. The photo or clip should then be shared on social media. This is how we can start to save the earth.
 
https://www.youtube.com/embed/CEUGpMsTUKw

Published : August 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40018705

Citibank recommends diversifying investments to handle market volatility and increasing interest rates.

Bangkok, August 9, 2022 – Citibank recently shares global economy forecasts for the second half of 2022 as the rest of the world continues to face challenges. The two powerhouses also face difficulties: the US local economy slows down due to many factors, while China, with gradual recovery, continues to be under pressure from its Zero COVID policy. For Thailand’s economy in 2022, the GDP is expected to be 3.5% thanks to the return of tourism. It is also expected that the Monetary Policy Committee will raise interest rates by 25bps three times in this year and next year to support the recovering economy in Thailand. As a result, the investment market continues to be challenging. For the second half of the year, recommended investment options are reducing cash on hand by investing in bonds that will potentially offer better returns, investing in long-term industry leaders to reap benefits from well-performing industries such as clean energy, electric vehicles, digitalization, fintech, and healthcare and medicine. Another option is to invest outside main assets to diversify and protect portfolio in the long term, while keeping a close eye on global affairs. 

Mr. Ken Peng, Head of Investment Strategy, Citi Global Wealth for Asia Pacific, said that in the second half of the year, inflation will continue to be high in many countries. There will still be a supply chain imbalance, and stricter finance and banking policies in different countries. Oil prices concern will continue due to the ongoing issues between Russia and Ukraine. Global volatility will remain as the US will face an economic downturn due to ongoing inflation, unemployment, and wage increase. At the same time, consumer confidence index drops, especially in consumer products, real estate and services, except for natural gases. Meanwhile, as the Fed proactively increases interest rates to curb inflation, Citi analysts believe that the inflation situation in the US will take about 10 years to reach the same point as before the Russia-Ukraine conflict began. China, on the other hand, begins to see the recovery of its economy, but the Zero COVID policy puts pressure on its growth. The PMI in the service sector has increased. The Chinese government has announced various measures to stimulate the recovery of the investment market, especially in real estate, as it is an important factor that drives the growth of the country’s economy.

Therefore, the investment market will continue to face challenges, such as volatility of stock markets and government bonds. Citi analysts remain optimistic about high-quality bonds that will benefit from current market situation, such as the rough doubling in the US government bond yields which has restored higher quality fixed income to a more appropriate yield level for the first time in several years. However, there are other pressure factors from the market, such as uncertainties amid geopolitical tensions. Investors should therefore closely monitor international affairs and diversify their investments to protect their portfolio in the long term. Recommended investment strategies for the second half of the year are:  
 
•    Bonds are Back! – Reduce cash on hand by investing in bonds that offer promising returns such as treasury bills and 10-year US treasuries.  
•    Long term leaders –Investment in long-term industry leaders in high-quality sectors with steady returns and high potential for long-term growth, particularly options that offer regular and growing dividends, such as clean energy, electric vehicles, digitalization, fintech, healthcare and medicine, and technology related to cyber security. 
•    Alternative Investments in Uncertain Times – Consider alternative investments outside main assets as the market is volatile. This will help prevent long-term risks. Another option to consider is equity instruments and private equity.

Ms. Nalin Chutchotitham, Investment Advisor of Citi Thailand, said that Citi has raised tourist arrival expectations for Thailand in the second half of 2022 and in 2023 as arrivals proved stronger than expected after travel restrictions were removed, and neighboring countries have reopened their borders once again. Current account is likely to remain in deficit in 2022 due to high commodity prices and freight payments, but a high surplus is expected in 2023 from stronger tourism revenues. Citi has revised down GDP forecasts for 2022 to 3.5% (from 3.6%) and for 2023 to 4.5% (from 4.8%) due to expectation of slowdown in government spending and global growth. Citi also maintains its expectation for three 25bps policy rate hikes by the Monetary Policy Committee – once in the second half of 2022 and twice in the first half of 2023 as previously forecast.

Ms. Jane O’Charoen, Retail Banking Head, Citi Thailand, said that in the second half of 2022, Citibank has prepared new funds to offer to Citigold and Citi Priority customers, leading to investment growth. Recently, it has partnered with a leading asset management company in the US, Wellington Management, to offer two new funds: Wellington Global Health Care Equity Fund which invests in the equity securities of healthcare companies worldwide, and Wellington Asia Technology Fund which invests in the best-run Asian companies powering the exponential growth of the multi-year tech cycle. Both funds focus on up-and-coming investment trends.

Additionally, Citibank also offers international investment options with more than 200 funds to choose from with five local asset management partners and 13 foreign asset management partners, offering diverse types of funds in terms of assets and regions. At the same time, Citibank facilitates its customers by taking care of their accounts, offering consultation and ad services on investment transactions via phone, and making wealth management more convenient with the Citi Mobile® App. Customers can sell and buy funds directly, monitor their investment portfolio, transfer money via PromptPay to other banks, or transfer money overseas conveniently. They can also open an account for foreign currencies 24 hours a day.

Citgold customers can get special fund trading privileges on the Citi Mobile® App. Enjoy 5% or up to 150,000 baht rebates on fees when buying participating funds at the minimum of 100,000 baht, and get up to 150,000 baht of credit rewards when making a new investment in participating funds. New customers can get up to 15,8000 baht of credit rewards when opening a new account and making transactions using their Citi credit card. Get 2% monthly interest rate for three months for a fixed deposit account. These offers are valid from July 1, 2022, to September 30, 2022. Those who are interested in Citigold can contact Citibank Thailand at 0-2081-0999 or www.citibank.co.th/th/citigold.

Citibank Thailand has recently organized “Citigold Mid-Year Outlook 2022” to share economic and investment trends for the second half of 2022. For more details, contact Citibank Thailand or visit www.citibank.co.th. 
 

Published : August 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40018701

SET-listed fintech and payment machine operator Sabuy Technology (SABTECH) has announced a 657-per-cent rise in second-quarter net profit this year to 356 million baht.

The company also reported second-quarter revenue of 756 million baht, up 95 per cent.

Sabuy this year unveiled its strategy to become a fintech firm by expanding its four core businesses – payments, merchandising, business solutions, and financial services.

CEO Chookiat Rujanapornpaje said the company is developing technology and lifestyle-related services for customers under the concept “Sabuy Life from Wake-up to Sleep”.

Sabuy is targeting total revenue of 5 billion baht this year.

“The company has also set its revenue target for next year at 20 billion baht,” Chookiat added.

He said the company is developing its workforce, applying technologies and innovations, improving workflow and managing risks to maintain sustainable growth in the long term.

“Sabuy has continued to expand business constantly along with implementing its strategy to maintain significant growth,” he said.

Wirach Morakotkarn, chief of commerce & investment, said Sabuy planned to increase customer touchpoints nationwide to 500,000 within this year.

Sabuy will also invest in a media entertainment company to boost the potential of its InnoTainment (innovative media) business, expecting to announce the results within a couple of weeks.

Sabuy develops all-in-one business platforms offering consumers health, wealth, work and recreation services.

The company operates six main business groups: Payments and Wallet, Enterprise & Life, Connext, Financial Inclusion, InnoTainment, and Venture – an investment business to support sustainable growth.

Published : August 09, 2022

By : THE NATION