Satharb Mukdeeprom, deputy director, New Wave Asia Co Ltd, said “this year the company celebrates its 10th anniversary as an importer of high-quality snack and food brands from all over the world including Julie’s, Feliz, OWL, Danish Garden, Enaak, Fitella, Jacobsens, nood, Uncle Tong, Anna, Orion and Market O.

The company offers high-quality products for consumers and collaborate with partners to develop products in response to the need of consumers.

Under the mission of operatiing with fairness to partners and social responsibility, the company aims to grow with social sustainability,”

On the occasion of its tenth anniversary, New Wave Asia has implemented proactive strategies to be a market leader. A Bt50 million marketing budget has been divided equally into online and offline activuties , in order to able to reach out to consumers in all channels..

The company has been distributing products through modern trade outlets and traditional stores as well as small distributors and online channels. Altogether there are 15,011 distribution points and the number has increased every year.

Moreover, the company’s sales team have high product expertise and the company also does product branding with partners. “We take care of the brands as our own products,” said Satharb said.

“This year the company expects a total income of Bt500 million. We recorded Bt100 million revenue in the first quarter, an increase of 20 per cent compared with the same period last year.

Next year the company expects continued growth as it will offer new products to the market. It plans to expand its retail business with more quality brands from all over the world.”

New Wave Asia is the leading importer and distributor of famous brands from neigbouring countries such as Julie’s, Malaysia’s largest cookie manufacturer. Julie’s is the best-selling peanut butter biscuit in Thailand.

There are four categories in Thailand’s biscuit market, which are Bi-Snack, Cookie, Wafer and Cracker.

AP Honda has strengthened its leadership in the motorcycle industry as the number 1 in the market for 30 consecutive years with its “What Stops You?” concept . It has held a press briefing to unveil the All New Wave 125i, the top of its family motorcycle series. The latest model is now available at Honda Wing Center nationwide.

Suchart Arunsaengroj, vice president of AP Honda Co Ltd, the official distributor of Honda motorcycle in Thailand, said that the over-all motorcycle market in Thailand during the first half of the year (January-June 2018) saw 935,025 units sold. Of the amount, Honda accounted for 730,116 units, or 78 per cent.

“We set our target at 1.48 million units this year. For the first half, family motorcycle category has risen and accounted for 50.1 per cent of the over-all market. In the category, Honda has positively grown, with 435,335 units sold, or 91 per cent of the market. Compared to the same period of last year, the growth has risen by 2 per cent and the sales has proved that its family motorcycles have become more popular.

To rock the market and open a new chapter for family motorcycle category, “All New Wave 125i” – the top of the family class – has been introduced for the first time. The model comes with all-new design – for the first time for Wave 125i. More charms have been added to the model, which are LED head light, improved PGM-FI technology at 5.5 level, and improved fuel efficiency from 63.3km/liter to 64km/liter, making it the first family motorcycle to meet the EURO4 (Emission7) standard. I believe the premium design will win the hearts of the younger generation. It is beautiful on the track to all destinations, with added flexibility, fun ride and fuel efficiency, ” Suchart said.

All New Wave 125i is introduced under “The Superior of All Time” concept, which is designed to be the leader in all markets . Outstanding features include the 125cc engine, PGM-FI technology that has been developed to be more efficient at 64km/liter. Most importantly, it is the first in the Wave series to be equipped with LED head light that provides a better visibility for a safe ride. The light also comes with new winker lights, standing out to match its superior design of the new Wave series. The over-all look is also more attractive with its two-tone seat.

Under Armour invests in fast-growing Thai market

Under Armour Thailand, a leader in the innovation of high-performance sportswear apparel, has opened Southeast Asia’s most innovative Brand House at CentralWorld, showcasing the brand’s advanced technology.

Thailand is Under Armour’s fastest-growing market in the region, and now boasts two iconic stores in the whole of the region. The outlet at Siam Centre is the brand’s biggest while the new Brand House at CentralWorld is Under Armour’s most innovative. Future retail projects include Icon Siam on Bangkok’s riverside.

To back this investment, Under Armour has built a team of 22 ambassadors to represent the brand across the whole of Thailand with an aim of creating better understanding of the brand and the product technology that is the foundation of the brand.

“Thailand continues to be a key market for Under Armour. The CentralWorld opening marks the 11th Under Armour Brand House in Thailand and its the most innovative in Southeast Asia to date. With 21 Under Armour locations opening across the country in just three years, Thailand is the fastest-growing location for the brand in the region. With the new phase of investment and further product advancements in the pipeline we’re confident that trajectory will continue,” says Michael Binger, CEO of Triple Pte Ltd., sole distributer of Under Armour in Southeast Asia.

In addition to its core apparel products, Under Armour is investing in next-generation technology and has unveiled its new HOVR cushioning system at the new retail store.

The new technology is designed to deliver strong responsiveness and energy return. The goal is to create the most explosive cushioning in the industry in order for athletes to run longer and jump higher and the technology will be used in all UA footwear for the new season.

Under Armour’s strategy is strengthened with its commitment to creating fitness platforms to push and empower athletes. This year’s events have included Test of Will, offering everyday athletes the chance to challenge themselves in four-minute trials throughout local heats. This year’s event saw the introduction of age categories to level the playing field and a reduction to 18 for the minimum age to qualify, opening up the event to younger athletes.

The 43-year-old tycoon clawed his way up from a tough start in the Vietnamese countryside, his modest aspiration back then to become a civil servant.

But from lowly beginnings – his first job was in his mother’s shop – he now oversees the FLC Group empire that includes luxury resorts and golf courses, mining and vocational training.

He says he gave up his youth to get where he is today. “I dared to sacrifice my childhood … when you’re supposed to be able to play, study, and later, fall in love,” he said from his polished high-rise office in Hanoi.

His company has a market capitalisation of around US$200 million and he is branching out, taking a punt on Bamboo Airways, a new airline set for its maiden flight in October and a first foray into a business that can be unforgiving to newcomers. “We will be huge, right when we launch … we will make a profit as soon as we start flying,” the bullish executive says.

His master plan is to lure piles of passengers to “undiscovered” holiday destinations – many in spots he has resorts – offering high-quality service on the cheap. But he’s got a lot going against him.

Bamboo Airways will come up against heavyweights such as AirAsia and Thai Airways as well as local players Vietnam Airlines and VietJet.

With a mushrooming middle class hungry for travel, Vietnam’s aviation market has soared in recent years. Passenger numbers jumped to 62 million last year from just 25 million in 2012, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam.

But Southeast Asia’s once red-hot sector is showing signs of cooling while airport capacity is being squeezed across much of the region. “It’s not realistic to think that the kind of growth that we’ve seen in Vietnam in the last two years will continue,” Brendan Sobie, an analyst at the CAPA Centre for Aviation, said.

Bamboo Airways is likely to struggle for prime slots at the country’s busiest airports in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, while Vietnam’s second-tier hubs are in desperate need of renewal.

Hard work and sacrifice

Undeterred, Quyet has signed up for 20 of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliners worth US$5.6 billion and committed a further US$3.2 billion to buy 24 Airbus 321neo planes. Thirty per cent of that money will come from FLC – the rest from foreign investors – a huge upfront investment for a startup. While he still does not have his government aviation licence yet, Quyet is in a rush, planning to operate 37 domestic routes after his maiden flight.

In 2019 he wants to offer routes to Asian destinations and North America. The airline’s hook will be to fly to lesser-travelled spots like Quy Nhon and Thanh Hoa and lasso customers into discount packages at his resorts.

But some analysts say that is an outdated model in an era when travellers can tailor holidays for themselves online. “Integrated tourism and aviation, it sets off a few alarm bells … sometimes demand is there, sometimes not,” Richard Aboulafia, vice president of analysis at Teal Group, said.

But Quyet has spent most of his life beating the odds.Born poor in Vinh Phuc province, he grew up playing in the shade of bamboo trees, whose memory has inspired the name for the carrier.

He took his first flight at age 17 from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi carrying CD players to sell at a time when war-scarred communist Vietnam was just starting to embrace market reforms.

Whether his Midas touch works in the ruthless aviation industry will be closely watched. Other tycoons have failed, like the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines run by Indian tycoon-turned-fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya.

“It’s not an easy business to make money in generally,” Sobie said. “It’s very risky and capital-intensive… and chances of success are relatively low.”

Chalermpon Punnotok, chief executive of CT Asia Robotics, said that the company will introduce a fourth generation of its mini robots, sold as the Dinsow mini, for use in the healthcare industry. They will be able to measure people’s vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate, as well as detecting evidence of fever and gauging blood sugar levels and oxygen saturation, by the end of this year.

The company has been providing the Dinsow mini robots for the care of the elderly and the bed-ridden. It will also develop robots to help look after old people who are still living at home.

“We are engaging with information technology and other innovations in robotics such as the use of micro leader sensors and smell-detection sensors that can enable the robots to take care of elderly patients staying in their homes,” Chalermpon said.

He said that the firm has collaborated with partners, such as hospitals and doctors, on the development of a robotics prototype that will be able to smell-check patients with the use of a gas sensor to diagnose lung cancer, with an accuracy rate of more than 80 per cent. It aims to increase the accuracy rate to more than 90 per cent by the end of this year. As a result, robots will able to help doctors to screen patients in hospitals. The company expects that its robots will play a support role in hospitals in rural areas. In this way they can broaden the access to medical services for ordinary people, Chalermpon said

The company is also developing a robot to diagnose tuberculosis in patients.

“I think that the world is entering into the use of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to support people in their day to day lives,” said Chalermpon said. “Robotics will able to create unique segmented areas in a range of markets, such as for the care of the elderly and children as well as in the hospitality and entertainment sectors.

“However, we chose to develop robotics systems to take care of old people and bed-ridden patients and we have done so by engaging with deep information technology and innovations in order to create a long-term sustainable business.”

In Bangkok, the firm provides its Dinsow robots in the Chulalongkorn and Siriraj hospitals. It has also distributed the devices to countries such as Japan, German and Sweden. It expects to expand sales to Canada and Hong Kong at a later stage.

It has distributed more than 100 Dinsow mini robots in the Japanese market, focusing on nursing homes. The company expects that it will have around 500 of its robotics in use in Japan by the end of this year.

It has sold around 200 of the robots in Thailand, put to use in areas such as entertainment and the food sector, in addition to the healthcare industry.

Chalermpon said the company began work on its robotics line nine years ago, with the first product then unveiled as Dinsow. The company has continued with the standalone Dinsow and the Dinsow mini.

It will spend money more than Bt100 million on research and development by the end of this year, and has a capacity to produce more than 400 robots a year.

“I hope that my robotics will be installed in every hospital and nursing home in Asia within the next three years,” Chalermpon said.

He said the company is developing what it calls an ecosystem for robotics products that can look after old people and other bed-ridden patients, adding a mobile application and a marketplace geared for the needs of the elderly.

Somnuk was appointed as president at a meeting of AEROTHAI’s board of directors on July 25.

He brings decades of experience to the organisation and has a proven record of service from his tasks in air-traffic service engineering and aviation.

Previously, Somnuk served as executive vice president of Air Traffic Service Engineering and senior director of Air Traffic Service Engineering’s Plan and Development Department.

Meanwhile, it is also expanding its large database for customers of the 1781 call centre to in order to cater to its expanding health and beauty, and home and lifestyle businesses.

RS also recently joined an insurance company with the aim of taking its business to another level. Now, RS sees potential in the courier business, as it will enhance the strength of its MPC business, said a media release on Tuesday from the company.

RS is entering agreements with Kerry and SCG Express to ensure nationwide delivery to reach over a million customers, promising fast, efficient and reliable delivery, with cash-on-delivery option.

Pornpan Techarungchaikul, chief operating officer, RS Public Co Ltd, said that the company is joining forces with strategic partners to speed up its success and strengthen its MPC (multiple platform commerce) business, in order to achieve higher income and profits.

Its call centre 1781 is a platform that connects RS to its viewers and customers in a direct to customer (D2C) approach, bringing multi-faceted experiences to modern consumers who take care of their health and look for convenience for a better lifestyle.

RS views the courier business as being on the rise, said the release.

The company has been successful in delivering its products to its customers quickly, efficiently and reliably, which translates to high level of satisfaction, which in turn facilitates repeat purchases, said the release.

Now it will enhance the logistics side of its MPC business in order to prepare for expansion. This will propel the group’s profits to yet another all time high, says Pornpan.

At the same time, it will strengthen its MPC business by soon adding health and beauty, and home and lifestyle products such as appliances, home utensils, clothes, accessories and marketing services incluing insurance and others.

This step catalyses the strength of its big database of 1781 customers, which number more than a million and are expected to reach 1.5 million by the end of 2018.

Additionally, the company’s experience in analysis will be leveraged to ensure its products, services and marketing campaigns respond to consumer needs, says the release.

In order to strengthen the logistics side of its MPC business, RS has partnered with two large companies – Kerry and SCG Express – to ensure efficient delivery nationwide.

Customers will be able to count on fast and efficient delivery services, with additional cash on delivery options, according to the release. Many consumers today prefer to pay when the product is delivered. Today’s consumers also look for speed, convenience, and reliability. This move not only improves its logistics side, but also helps feed the growth of its MPC business, says the release.

RS chose to partner with the logistics companies due to their professionality. Kerry Express (Thailand) Ltd is the operator of Kerry Express, which offers delivery to 99.9 per cent of areas in Thailand, with 97 per cent of the parcels delivered at the first attempt. Meanwhile, SCG Yamato Express Ltd, the operator of SCG Express, is fast, efficiant and punctual.

Yamato now operates in 23 countries around the world. It is Japan’s number one company providing express home delivery services.

Kasikorn Bank’s president Pipit Aneaknithi said that on July 25, KBank found that 3,000 names of KBank’s corporate customers using KBank’s website for providing letter of guarantee (LG) service might be leaked.

As soon as KBank detected this irregularity, we immediately closed the loophole and increased the level of data surveillance and protection to prevent potential leak.

Meanwhile, Krung Thai Bank also found the track hacking its customers information about loan application but it did not cause damage to its customers.

However, Bank of Thailand has asked both banks to restrict their cyber securities system, said Ronadol Numnonda, assistant governor/supervision group, yesterday.