Mouawad may have become a celebrated brand in high-end jewellery, but the story began in the 19th century, when David Mouawad (1865-1951) left his native Lebanon in 1890. He spent almost two decades in New York and Mexico, honing his skills as a watchmaker, goldsmith and jeweller.
Brand Mouawad started a new era at the turn of the second decade of the 21st century. Fred Mouawad is currently the fourth-generation of Mouawad’s “co-guardians”.
“Five generations of the Mouawad family have contributed to the company’s legacy of innovative jewellery designs and timepiece craftsmanship spanning more than a century,” says Fred Mouawad, “co-guardian” and CEO of Synergia One Group .
Since its origin in Lebanon in 1890, the brand’s storied ideals have been revitalised to provide genuine elegance and sophisticated jewellery masterpieces to an increasingly global market.
Mouawad is headquartered in Thailand, and uses highly skilled Thai craftsmen at the jewellery hub where their products are crafted with care and exported around the world.
Watch the interview on the Business Story Programme on October 1, 10am, at www.nationthailand.com.
Beauty’s beautiful and valuable “L’Oréal for the Future” mission is good for the world
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
THE NATION
L’Oréal Group wants to transform to create more change than ever before for the environment and society.
Examples of critical goals are:
By 2025, all plants and distribution centers must be carbon neutral and use 100% renewable energy. As a result, this goal was already achieved by 58% in 2021.
By 2030, 100% of the plastic used in the packaging of L’Oréal products will come from recycled plastic or bio-based sources. According to the company report from 2021, this mission was achieved by 21%.
By 2030, 95% of the ingredients in product formulations must be biobased and come from abundant, renewable sources. Therefore, this goal was achieved by 60%.
By 2030, 100% biobased ingredients for product formulations will be traceable and will come from sustainable sources. As a consequence, in 2021, this mission was achieved by 94%.
The world has faced many environmental challenges, so this has caused many companies to start adopting sustainable development policies for the environment. L’Oréal recognizes the importance of this point. Therefore, it brought a considerable transformation mission.
Taking the mission to the next level
L’Oréal has taken this mission to the next level to achieve even greater goals than ever before. A project dubbed “L’Oréal for the Future” reflects the company’s view of its vision, goals, and responsibilities to tackle the world’s challenges.
By 2030, the company will lay out new measurable targets based on the Science Based Targets initiative and will upgrade three critical environmental solutions:
1. Biodiversity conservation 2. Sustainable Water Management 3. Use of renewable resources
L’Oréal is not only committed to reducing its direct environmental impact. But also to minimize the impact of all activities with the Company’s suppliers and consumers to ensure that business operations take into account a world where resources are limited and are fair to the communities where the Company works.
The set goals enable the company to cope with its overall impact. It also covers the entire value chain of the company. From product design to distribution, as well as the production process and the sourcing of raw materials.
Respect the contexts of the world
Scientists agree that Transcending or disregarding the “global contexts” will affect the safe ecosystems of humankind. The Company’s mission is to operate within limits, whether to adapt to the world according to environmental science. Implement a transformation program to reduce the impacts on biodiversity, water resources, climate, and resources resulting from company activities.
Empowering the business environment to be sustainable
Bringing customers, suppliers, and consumers together is the company’s responsibility. L’Oréal sets goals in this area. Allowing consumers to choose products that align with their values is essential. It started with a subsidiary brand, “Garnier,” allowing customers to assess a product’s impact.
Solve global challenges
In the past, transgender women have always faced imbalances from global social crises—especially the risk of unemployment, loss of income facing violence in the country, or even sexual violence. L’Oréal has always been committed to supporting women’s rights. Therefore, especially a new mission has been established to help women. The company has set up a €50 million charity fund to support the operations of local organizations and charities aimed at eliminating poverty. Help and support women in social and professional aspects. Ready to provide urgent assistance to women refugees and women with disabilities, including preventing and assisting victims of violence.
Tackling climate change is an urgent agenda. L’Oréal has invested €100 million to set up a fund, L’Oréal Fund for Nature Regeneration, to address its impact and meet its recovery goals. One million acres of degraded ecosystems, capturing 15-20 million tons of carbon dioxide and promoting the creation of hundreds of new jobs by 2030.
The budget was divided into two parts: the first 50 million euros will restore damaged natural ecosystems, especially water and forest environments.
On the other hand, another 50 million euros will go towards financing projects related to the circular economy. Prepare to support the development of new solutions and business models, especially in the recycling and plastic waste management group.
The aforementioned “L’Oréal for the Future” sustainability projects cover all L’Oréal brands. Therefore, it benefits consumers who want to choose beauty products that are good for the world. In Thailand, L’Oréal has 15 brands in various groups: L’Oreal Paris, Garnier, Maybelline New York, Lancome, Biotherm, Giorgio Armani, Kiehl’s, Chu Uemura, Yves Saint Laurent, It Cosmetics, L’Oreal Pro. Fessional, Kerestas, La Roche-Posay, Vichy and Ceravie.
Nokia committed to supporting Thailand’s industry in its 5G transformation journey
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022
Nongluck Ajanapanya
Thailand’s digital economy is growing rapidly, which will increase the potential market for its most recent 5G innovation solutions, according to telecom and IT tech company Nokia.
Ajay Sharma, Head of Nokia Thailand and Cambodia, said during an exclusive media roundtable that Thailand is one of the largest markets in Southeast Asia due to aggressive policies to support digital transformation.
“The government of Thailand has long emphasised the use of technology to create additional opportunities and make Thailand a regional centre for digital affairs, with a focus on deploying 5G technology in driving economic growth across multiple sectors including public health, education, transportation and agriculture,” said Sharma.
Furthermore, Thai consumers are actively seeking to adopt 5G networks. The number of 5G subscriptions in Thailand is expected to reach 14 million by 2025, according to statista.com. Meanwhile, mobile 5G subscriptions in Oceania, East, and Southeast Asia are expected to account for 2.81 per cent of all 5G connections worldwide in 2025.
He noted that as one of the earliest markets to launch 5G in the Asia Pacific region, Thailand is committed to leveraging 5G for economic and social development.
“We have long developed this technology at the early stage, therefore we don’t want to miss the opportunity to be Thailand’s credible 5G partnership,” stated Sharma.
He defined 5G ecosystem drivers as falling into three categories: consumer, enterprise, and industry. Nokia will prioritise the industry sector, believing that the metaverse will drive up to a ninefold increase in bandwidth consumption in industrial and enterprise data usage by 2030.
Enterprise and industrial 5G usage differ from consumer usage. He noted that they require more private wireless connections and data storage, as well as low latency and consistent signal.
Sharma said Thailand’s industry will be Nokia’s shining market.
“We promise to support Thai enterprises in their 5G transformation journey by addressing many of the critical network innovation and automation needs,” Sharma said.
He added that Nokia will keep working to deliver enterprise solutions and improve Thailand’s enterprise and industrial ecosystems. It is committed to providing purpose-built solutions for the digitalisation of Industry 4.0 and beyond.
To confirm its commitment, Nokia has showcased its latest several 5G-enabled applications and solutions that demonstrated how 5G can deliver uncompromised performance for CSPs and enterprises.
The company also demonstrated its market-leading position in RAN, IP, optics, cloud technologies and enterprise business to provide mission-critical solutions for enterprise customers in Thailand, as well as the company’s sustainable solutions to reduce CO2 emissions and energy costs to enable overall better quality of life for Thailand.
The showcase was held on September 28 and 29 at Bangkok’s Samyan Mitrtown Hall as a part of “Byond Mobile”. In an effort to build a foundation for the country’s networked economy, the two-day exhibition and conference brought together business leaders from a range of industries, including health, agriculture, manufacturing, smart cities, and future mobility, internet, mobile communications, IT, and 5G.
Nokia is currently investing in approximately 130 countries worldwide. Since 2000, the company has invested US$130 billion in R&D and has established innovation centres in 17 countries.
With over 2,000 patent families and over 1,500 patent applications for new invention filed in 2021, Nokia is confident of maintaining its leadership position in the telecommunications and wireless network, Sharma concluded.
THAI has repaid THB1.67 billion debt on time, five unused planes to be sold
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022
Thai Airways International (THAI) has repaid 1.67 billion baht of its debts in time, with no defaults, the airline’s acting chief executive officer, Suvadhana Sibunruang, said on Thursday.
The repayment by the financially troubled national flag carrier included the principal amount and accrued interest for the period June 15 to September 14, according to him.
Suvadhana said that the administrators of THAI’s debt restructuring plan had made the payment to its creditors under court-ordered conditions.
As of August 15, a total of 1.67 billion baht has been repaid without any defaults, the acting CEO said.
Regarding the sale of THAI assets approved by the court, THAI has received US$114,000 (about 4.3 million baht) for two plane engines, representing 80 per cent of the price, Suvadhana said.
The plan administrators have resolved to sell the airline’s five unused planes for a total price of $23.4 million (889.2 million baht).
Also, they have approved the sale of three spare engines for $2.8 million (106.4 million baht)
The airline has agreed to sell the building and land of its Silom office to the highest bidder for 205.1 million baht. It has received 20.5 million deposit for the purchase.
THAI plans new luggage allowance rules for passengers with effect from April 1
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022
THE NATION
Thai Airways International (THAI) is changing its passenger luggage allowance from overall weight to number of pieces with limited weight for tickets bought from next month, but for flights from April 1, 2023.
In its internal announcement to its ticket-selling partners, THAI said the new luggage rules will be applied to advance tickets sold from October 15 and will be come into effect from April 1 next year.
The new rules will be applied to flights within the TC3 zone (Asia, Australia and New Zealand) and between TC3 zone and TC2 zone (Europe, Africa and the Middle East).
The new rules will grant luggage rights as follows:
● First-class passenger allowed to check in three pieces of luggage (with ceiling of 32kg per piece)
● Business-class passenger allowed two pieces of luggage (32 kg/piece)
● Special economy-class passenger allowed two pieces of luggage (23kg/piece)
● Y/B/M economy-class two pieces (23kg/piece)
● Other economy class one piece (23kg/piece)
● Royal Orchid Plus Platinum Member Extra allowed 3 pieces (23kg/piece)
● ROP & Star Alliance Gold Member Extra allowed 2 pieces (23kg/piece)
● ROP Silver Member Extra allowed one piece (23kg/pc).
THAI has yet to make an official announcement of the new luggage rules on its website for passengers.
Manufacturing expo brings intelligent tech and solutions from world’s leading brands to Thailand
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022
Fireworks Co Ltd is holding the “Manufacturing Transformation Thailand Expo 2022” at Nong Nooch International Convention and Exhibition Centre (NICE Pattaya) in Chonburi from September 28 to 30.
The exhibition will bring together intelligent manufacturing technologies and solutions for Industry 4.0 for the future of the manufacturing automation industry, the company’s managing director, Kenny Yong, said.
More than 100 leading brands from around the world will showcase their technologies at the event.
Activities include meetings and conferences on “Transforming Manufacturing with Digitalisation”, business matching and negotiations, demonstrations of the automation inspection camera system from the Center of Robotic Excellence, as well as virtual exhibitions.
“This is a good opportunity to promote and encourage Thai entrepreneurs to expand their production capabilities to be the centre of the future manufacturing industry and learn about production technologies from around the world that leading international companies are showcasing at the event,” Kenny said
Petch Chinabutr, deputy secretary-general of Investment and International Affairs at the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), said that the development of the EEC has been carefully planned with a clear governance structure and policy formulation.
The EEC’s infrastructure projects have been fully developed to be an essential gateway to Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific regions in the next few years.
The EEC development plan consists of basic infrastructure development, digital infrastructure development, business and financial centre development, targeted industries development, tourism development and promotion, as well as the development of personnel, education, research and technology.
“The EEC Special Development Zone is an area development project with the main aim to further expand the Eastern Seaboard area, which has been renowned for over three decades. The EEC project focuses on the development of three eastern provinces, namely Rayong, Chonburi and Chachoengsao.” Petch said.
Kanokporn Damrongkul, director of the exhibition department, Thailand Conventions and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organisation), said “TCEB has promoted and supported trade shows and exhibitions of targeted industries in the EEC area, aiming to prepare personnel to get ready for international trade fairs in the future.”
Explore investment seminars and B2B meetings at Thailand-Korea Economic Cooperation Forum 2022
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022
THE NATION
Policymakers, investors and businessmen are invited to attend the Thailand-Korea Economic Cooperation Forum 2022 from October 6-7 at Conrad Bangkok Hotel, Thailand to explore business opportunities and cooperation between the two countries across several sectors.
The two-day event is organized to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Korea-Thailand strategic partnership by Mr YU Jeoung Yeol, President and CEO of Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA).
The Thailand-Korea Economic Cooperation Forum 2022 is the first large-scale offline event to be held after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Economic Cooperation in connection with the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit 2019. The event is expected to serve as a starting point for the full-fledged resumption of business between the two countries, which has been slowed down by the Covid-19 outbreak.
Featuring in the event are the investment forum co-organized by Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), seminars on Smart City and Global Partnering Asia as well as B2B meetings, an on-site inspection of the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECI), and promotion booth of World Expo 2030 Busan, Korea. The Thailand-Korea Economic Cooperation Forum 2022 will also be held online in parallel with the physical event in Bangkok.
It is expected that this event will deepen economic cooperation between Korea and Thailand and boost exports of Korean and Thai companies.
Siam Piwat partners with ZEPETO to make a foray into the Metaverse with an integrated real-world/virtual fashion phenomenon
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022
THE NATION
Bangkok (September 28, 2022) – Siam Piwat Co., Ltd. – a leading retail and property developer, the owner of world-renowned retail destinations, including Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, and a joint venture partner of ICONSIAM and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok – has taken its digital ecosystem to the next level by partnering with world-class player ZEPETO, which has over 300 million users, in a mission to advance the Metaverse experience and take the Thai fashion industry on a pioneering foray into the virtual world.
The collaboration took center stage at Siam Paragon Bangkok International Fashion Week 2022 (BIFW 2022) in the form of an innovative lifestyle phenomenon where customers could shop items from the latest runway collections both to wear in the real world and to customize their avatars with in the Metaverse.
Ms. Chanisa Kaewruen, Head of Corporate Strategy Group of Siam Piwat, says “Delivering experiences beyond expectations to customers is the fundamental strategy that has transformed all shopping centers in Siam Piwat Group into the ultimate destinations for visitors across the globe and earned it robust customer bases both in Thailand and overseas. However, thanks to the ease with which technological advances today can connect people living in different parts of the world to their desired destination, the idea of what constitutes a community has increasingly shifted from an actual space in the real world to a virtual space. As such, Siam Piwat has created new ways to deliver a diverse range of experiences both in the real and virtual worlds to its customers across the globe. Beginning late last year, we have developed a digital ecosystem and launched ONESIAM SuperApp to create a universe of experiences that our customers can access from anywhere and at any time.”
“With this initiative, we are seeking to continue our long-standing success in supporting and taking the Thai fashion industry to the global stage. By leveraging Siam Center’s position at the frontier of Thai fashion over the past 48 years, we have given young designers an opportunity and a platform to show their power of creativity as well as nurtured and incubated new generations of designers for Thailand’s fashion industry. In today’s world, where the digital world plays a vital role in every realm, Siam Piwat is thus joining forces with ZEPETO, a world-class Metaverse player, to introduce something completely novel and different to the world of fashion – an area of expertise of Siam Piwat – by taking the innovative creations of young Thai fashion designers into the virtual world, thus showcasing their talent and offering them an opportunity to learn about the fashion world of the future.”
In early 2022, Siam Piwat embarked on the first collaboration with ZEPETO, the world’s premier 3D avatar platform with over 300 million users worldwide, in ONESIAM x ZEPETO Metaverse Songkran Festival 2022 – a campaign that delivered happiness and joy to people across the world through virtual water splashing in celebration of the Thai festival. Seamlessly connecting the real and virtual worlds, the event drew a large number of participants and truly delivered perfect parallel experience. The most recent collaboration was the creation of an innovative lifestyle phenomenon at Siam Paragon Bangkok International Fashion Week 2022 (BIFW 2022), held on September 21-25, 2022, in which featured fashion shows both on an actual runway and on a virtual runway, allowing customers to experience the event and shop in both worlds.
Mr. Heesuk Ricky Kang, the Head of Business for ZEPETO, adds, “We are pleased to be working with the true pioneers of the global retail industry in Siam Piwat. Together, we have connected virtual fashion with real world fashion, creating a unique experience that has never been done before. I hope this collaboration is the first of many virtual-to-offline experiences Siam Piwat and ZEPETO will build together.”
Born out of the determination to create a community for younger generations, especially Gen Z, BIFW featured a grand runway showcasing fashion items by leading brands. However, the main attraction was a fashion show that integrated the real world and the virtual world, in which fashion designers were invited to design fashion items for avatars on ZEPETO’s platform. The selected works were not only made available for sale in the Metaverse, but were also tailored and featured on the real-world runway of BIFW 2022 in the show entitled Absolute Siam Presented by Zepeto: Sculpture Studio x Waterandother x Fill in the Bag.
The designs featured on Absolute Siam’s runway were also transformed into items for avatars on ZEPETO’s platform, allowing users to customize theirs with items from Absolute Siam’s latest collection just as they can in the real world. In addition, ONESIAM and ZEPETO invited KOLs to join the virtual platform and organized fun activities where their real-world followers could have up close and personal interactions with them. These were all part of the fashion phenomenon where real-world runway shows featuring tangible fashion were organized in parallel with virtual fashion shows enjoyed by viewers worldwide.
The collaboration with world-class partner ZEPETO is in line with Siam Piwat’s key strategies, which are: 1) To deliver a universe of infinite experiences, foster engagement with customers across the world everywhere and at all times, and curate activities that fulfill lifestyle needs, create interactions, offer enjoyment, and enable everyone to enjoy a diverse range of experiences in novel ways to maximize satisfaction and maintain the top-of-mind position among Thai and international customers 2) To expand and penetrate new Gen-Z customer bases, particularly those who are drawn to gamification 3) To generate income from new ecosystems and compete with other platforms on the global level, thus allowing Siam Piwat to go beyond its primary business model
Thus, this collaborative endeavor marks another crucial step for Siam Piwat in strengthening the digital ecosystem and win the world for Thailand. Learn more information on ONESIAM SuperApp and ZEPETO.
Japan’s Muji coming out with quality items to meet Thai consumer needs
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2022
THE NATION
Japanese product distributor Muji Retail (Thailand) is developing a variety of quality products to meet Thai needs, the company’s managing director said on Wednesday.
Akihiro Kamogari said the firm had witnessed Thailand’s potential for business expansion as many of its products have been snapped up by Thais.
He said consumers were most interested in Muji’s line of clothing, followed by household utensils and food.
“The company has seen an increase in revenue this year, thanks to a recovery of purchasing power by both domestic and international consumers,” he noted.
Kamogari explained that more than 60 per cent of Muji’s customers are women. He said its customer groups according to demand ranged from 25-34 years, 35-44 and 45-54, respectively.
“Muji now plans to expand its customer base to a new generation of people, especially first jobbers and the working group aged between 25 and 34, as well as the middle-aged group and students aged 18-24,” he reported.
Furthermore, Muji is going in for more marketing activities to penetrate the men’s market segment, Kamogari said.
Muji opened its 26th branch at The EmQuartier department store in Bangkok on Wednesday.
Kamogari said the company planned to open an additional 8-10 branches by next year.
“We hope The EmQuartier branch will be a model for Muji’s business expansion in Thailand,” he added.
Muji The EmQuartier – considered the company’s third largest branch in Bangkok after those in Samyan Mitrtown and Central Chidlom – is spread across an area of 1,500 square metres and sports more than 3,000 items on sale.
Apart from a variety of apparel, household utensils and furniture, the branch features an expanded Muji Coffee Corner, where various types of food and desserts are served.
It also has something called a “Normal Shop”, where organic products for daily life are available under Muji’s zero-waste concept for a green lifestyle and to reflect brand sustainability in its business operations.
For more information, visit the firm’s Facebook page Muji Thailand or its Instagram account Muji_Thailand.
AIS, China’s ZTE connect to develop smart 5G network
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2022
Nongluck Ajanapanya
Advanced Info Services (AIS) has teamed up with China’s ZTE Corporation to open Thailand’s first “5G A-Z Centre”, with the goal of developing a smart 5G network and smoothly transforming the country into one with a leading digital economy.
AIS Chief Executive Officer Somchai Lertsutiwong said at a press conference on Tuesday that the 5G innovation hub would provide Thais with “tangible benefits” while giving the country a significant competitive advantage.
He strongly believes 5G is the technology that would power the country. The centre is located at Tipco Tower 2.
“As a network service provider with the most frequency spectra in Thailand, we give top priority to sustainable innovation,” said Somchai.
The strategic partnership with ZTE will foster innovation and, in particular, improve digital infrastructure to be resilient and provide solutions to the industrial sector, he added.
Xu Ziyang, president of ZTE, China’s leading digital technology developer, said the A-Z Centre would usher in a wide range of technological innovations.
Using a 5G network as a foundation for research and development, in particular, will cater to both customer demand and expanding business opportunities, he noted.
AIS and ZTE insist the centre is the most comprehensive innovation and solutions hub, with base stations providing “every radio frequency spectrum” for experimentation and trial.
It is a prototype network technology that will transform Thailand’s 5G development, as well as 5G vertical industry applications and smart terminals, they say.
Several trials and demonstrations are currently underway in the first phase, including next generation products for 5G capability growth, radio composers, RIS (reconfigurable intelligent surfaces), 5G use cases such as natural navigation AGV, 5G Machine Vision, 5G XR Explorer, 5G Holographic Diversified, and 5G terminal devices such as CPE and routers.
“All of these highlight ZTE’s capabilities as the only end-to-end service provider working with AIS,” Xu added.
Somchai said the centre is a “watershed moment” for Thailand to realise its full potential and propel the country forward, with focus on business and industry. This collaboaration between AIS and ZTE is “an important step in developing 5G into a smart autonomous network”, he said.
It will lay the groundwork for Thailand’s future digital economy, as well as develop innovations and solutions that respond to changing social behaviour, Somchai added.
He noted that as one of the earliest markets to launch 5G in the Asia Pacific region, Thailand is committed to leveraging 5G for economic and social development.
Sharma said Thailand’s industry will be Nokia’s shining market.
The company also demonstrated its market-leading position in RAN, IP, optics, cloud technologies and enterprise business to provide mission-critical solutions for enterprise customers in Thailand, as well as the company’s sustainable solutions to reduce CO2 emissions and energy costs to enable overall better quality of life for Thailand.
● First-class passenger allowed to check in three pieces of luggage (with ceiling of 32kg per piece)
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