He said the full opening of the Green Line southern extension in December this year would not only boost operation and maintenance (O&M) revenue by 30 per cent from the previous year, but feed passengers into the core transport network. The combined railway network under BTS will rise to 48.9 kilometres and 43 stations from 38.1 kilometres and 35 stations currently, by March 2019.

Kavin said that this year would mark a milestone for BTS that has long been anticipated by shareholders, investors and patrons.

“The developments that the company expects this year will be a catalyst for a multi-year period of unprecedented growth for BTS,” he said.

“This growth not only pertains to our mass transit business, but also to our complementary businesses in media and property that are poised to extract additional layers of value from the rollout of new mass transit lines it’s secured.”

BTS’ mass transit business will recognise several channels of growth such as Bt20 billion and Bt25 billion in expected revenue from the construction of the Pink (Min Buri-Khae Rai) and Yellow lines (Lat Phrao-Samrong). The two lines, operated by BTS, and developed together with Sino-Thai Engineering & Construction Plc (STEC) and Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding Plc (RATCH), which were awarded the concessions for both lines in June 2017. Additional income of Bt7 to Bt9 billion is expected from the procurement of trains for the Green Line extensions as well as electrical and mechanical (E&M) system installation services for the new Green Line southern and northern (Mo Chit-Khu Khot) extensions. BTS also expects to recognise interest income of Bt600 to Bt700 million related to the procurement of trains for the Green Line extensions and the construction of the Pink and Yellow lines.

The number of passengers on what the company calls its core network is expected to grow by 4-5 per cent from the previous year. Within the first 11 months of the 2017-18 financial year, the BTS network served 220.3 million passengers, with an average of 743,027 on weekdays. Organic growth on the network will be further boosted by the official launch of the entirety of the Green Line’s 12.6-kilometre southern extension from Bearing to Samut Prakan.

The nine stations of the Southern extension are expected to be officially opened in December 2018 and will significantly supplement revenue to BTS and feed passengers into BTS’ network in the last quarter of 2018-19. Growth in passenger numbers on the core network continues to be fuelled by property development along mass transit stations, worsening road congestion and urbanisation in Greater Bangkok and adjacent provinces, Kavin said. Total O&M revenue is targeted to soar by 30 per cent from the previous year largely from the full operation of the Green Line Southern extension.

For the first nine months of fiscal 2017-18 (from April 1 to December 31, 2017; the fiscal year ended on March 31), the company announced total revenue of Bt11.8 billion and net profit Bt1.94 billion.

BTS’ media business under VGI Global Media Plc (VGI) will continue to aggressively expand its out-of-home media (OOH) presence, the company said. VGI is also poised to benefit from the ongoing economic recovery and emerging synergies with Rabbit Group through online-to-offline (O2O) media.

Kavin said that following a slew of acquisitions, VGI is now a comprehensive media solutions provider that is better able to respond to the contemporary lifestyles of consumers and offer more targeted advertising on behalf of its clients. Media revenue in 2018-19 is targeted to reach up to Bt4.6 billion. VGI targets an earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) margin of 40-45 per cent and net profit margin of 20-25 per cent.

This year the majority of the property business of BTS was transferred to an associate company, U City PCL (U City). U City is the designated property development vehicle for BTS Group. U City has undergone restructuring and significant expansion following acquisitions of a hotel business in Europe and office buildings in the United Kingdom. U City expects to record revenues of Bt6 billion and Bt7 billion this year, with an EBITDA margin of at least 25 per cent.

The total expected capital expenditure (CAPEX) is estimated at between Bt27 billion and Bt34 billion this year. More than 90 per cent of the amount – or between Bt26 billion and Bt32 billion – is earmarked for investments in the mass transit lines. Of the balance, Bt1.1 billion and Bt400 million will be allocated to support growth in the media and property businesses, respectively.

“Though our CAPEX outlay is considerable, we’ve been preparing for this moment for several years,” Kavin said. “BTS has considerable and adequate capacity to finance these investments through a multitude of options. We expect to continue to simultaneously pay competitive, regular dividends vis-a-vis our SET 50 Index peers to reward shareholders for their trust and support.”

    The investment makes SCB the first bank in Southeast Asia to actively engage with quantum technology and its applications in financial services.

The bank’s first executive vice president and chief strategy officer Arak Sutivong said that SCB’s investment in 1QBit reflects the strategic importance its place on learning from bleeding-edge technologies that could have vast and profound impact on a variety of industries, including financial services.

“In the near term, we expect our investment in 1QBit and quantum and quantum-inspired computing to have tangible influence on our business through advancements in portfolio optimisation, wealth management, risk management, and cyber security. Over the long term, quantum computing forms a core part of SCB’s investment strategy to identify fundamental technologies with the potential to reshape our industry from the ground up.” said Arak.

“Songkran is a holiday for which people travel back home or to tourist destinations across Thailand. Mobile-phone usage is expected to increase two to three times at key tourist locations, including main routes, airports and public transportation hubs, such as Bangkok Bus Terminal [Mo Chit] and Bangkok’s main rail station [Hua Lamphong],” Prathet Tankuranun, chief technology officer at Total Access Communication (DTAC), said on Tuesday.

To prepare for the substantial growth in traffic across its network on the Songkran holidays, DTAC will deploy mobile vehicles and small-cell antennas to expand network capacity in accordance with usage at key festival venues or provincial locations, such as the “S2O Songkran Music Festival”, RCA, Dusit Zoo, Khao Niew Road in Khon Kaen, and Khwae Noi Bamrung Dan Dam in Phitsanulok, Prathet said.

In addition, the company will boost its network capacity on highways and major roads that people use when travelling from Bangkok back to their hometowns or to tourist destinations.

The maximum coverage period is 180 days, and the sum insured varies up to Bt3 million for worldwide cover with comprehensive benefits.

The insurance covers injuries, high medical expenses and life cover from accidental death, repatriation of mortal remains, travelling inconvenience or risk related to travel such as loss or damage of property from robbery or violent means, flight cancellation or misconnection, baggage delay, and a compassionate-visit benefit.

Harprem Doowa, pictured right, co-founder and managing director of Frank Insurance Broker (Thailand), said: “According to our study on travelling needs and protection, we have found that the privilege protection by AXA is the best-in-class and also suitable for travellers.

“We’re pleased to partner with AXA, to offer travel insurance benefits as one of the products available on Frank.co.th. Our purpose is to be forthright and to share the better protection where everyone can live with more peace of mind.”

“Our motto is to provide the best insurance experience that feels Fast, Simple and Yours. We are Fast, and our virtual agents deliver instant advice 24/7, with instant quotations and immediate coverage. We are Simple, and believe in helping you with tailored recommendations, not confusing you with products and price lists. We use transparent and clear language, not insurance jargon.

“We are Yours, to customise, tailor and enjoy access to those special Penguin Privileges just for you,” he said.

Chatchai Kiewthong, pictured left, chief agency and local broker officer for AXA Insurance, said: “We trust Frank.co.th to provide seamless and hassle-free online travel insurance for consumers, with immediate coverage for your travel plans.

“Through this partnership with Frank.co.th, we enhance the travel experience of travellers and the travel protection solution at the same time. The online insurance with Frank.co.th allows instant premium benefits that aren’t just covering life, but also property and travel plans.

“The fast and simple experience is in line with AXA’s vision of empowering people to live a better life, as customers can focus on what matters most to them – their trip experience.”

The company expects a return on the investment in six years, said Ekalak Patamasatayasonthi, senior vice president for business development.

Moreover, the cost of electricity consumption can be reduced by more than Bt34 million annually as a result of the solar-roof investment, he added.

Index Living Mall has taken into consideration the importance of reducing the company’s rising electricity costs, in light of its higher energy demand and the global problem of climate change.

It wants to be part of the private-sector’s efforts to save energy and help reduce global warming, given its ecological effects and the impact on people’s health and way of life, he explained.

Clean energy is required, and the use of solar roofing is one effective energy-saving method that can also help save the environment, the executive said.

The company’s plan in the first instance is to install solar modules, akin to those on the roofs of residences and other buildings, to receive solar power and invert from direct-current to alternating-current electricity for use at six of its premises.

Initially, the solar-roof system will be installed at two factories – situated in Mahachai in Samut Sakhon province, and Rayong – as well as at four Index Living Mall stores, located in Ratchaphruek, Bang Na, Rama II and Pattaya.

These factories and branches have high demand for electricity usage, which costs about Bt264 million per year in total.

The solar-roof plan is expected to cut the annual electricity bill by up to Bt34 million, resulting in a cost saving of 13 per cent per annum, Ekalak said.

By 2027, the company expects to have saved up to Bt330 million on electricity costs, and from energy-tariff deductions under the Board of Investment’s support measures.

This long-term electricity-saving plan will not only help save money, but also reduce the risk of power outages in the summer, while also indirectly helping to reduce public electricity usage, the senior vice president said.

TNR has paid US$15 million (Bt471 million) to take over the from Playboy Enterprises International licence from United Medical Devices (UMD).

TNR earns the rights to market the condoms and gels in 188 countries, in 34 of which UMD has a client base.

TNR expects that in the first year it will earn Bt138 million in revenue from the production and sales of products.

The company is also planning to establish partnerships in each country to develop their markets and increase revenues.

TNR chief executive Amorn Dararattanaroj said the firm had hired BakerMckenzie as its legal adviser to draft a 10-year contract with Playboy.

TNR was previously licensed to produce Playboy condoms and distribute them in Thailand for UMD.

The company’s studies showed that the new licence will generate an internal rate of return of at least 15 per cent (calculated from UMD’s client base in 34 countries).

The company’s total sale revenue, which is expected to grow 30 per cent this year, from Bt1.29 billion last year.

PDI managing director Francis Vanbellen said in the release that this gives PDI a combined capacity of 50 megawatts at solar farms in both Thailand and Japan.

This year, PDI Energy will continue to focus on its renewable energy business in Thailand and overseas and plans to increase capacity by another 100 megawatts this year, the company said.

PDI closed its conventional zinc business last year and has switched its business model to zinc trading this year. It has set a target to sell 50,000 tons of zinc metals in 2018, the release said.

“We are seeing an emerging market in Southeast Asia, especially due to rising urbanisation across the region and the growth of a sizeable middle class in the region who are keen to travel,” he said.

“With our strategy to fill gaps with the right brand, in the right location, at the right time, the opportunities presented to us are abundant and there is a huge potential for the growth of our brands in the region.”

Hutton said that this is why in 2017, Hilton introduced the first Canopy by Hilton into the region, sealed a landmark portfolio deal comprising six hotels in Sri Lanka and obtained four significant approvals in Vietnam.

“Our iconic properties continue to generate the ‘Hilton effect’ – by creating opportunities and serving as a vibrant heart of the community, and we are looking to continue deepening our presence in the region, through the introduction of new brands and entry into new markets,” he said.

“We want to be where our guests want to be, to serve any lodging need they may have, be its leisure or business. On the whole, markets in the region, like Myanmar and Vietnam, generally still see an under-supply, so we see huge potential in bringing our brands in to the region, particularly by introducing new brands to attract different segments of travellers.

“Thailand, too, is a key growth market for Hilton, with a forecast rise of 6 per cent in tourism numbers this year after hitting a record 35.38 million in 2017, equivalent to half of Thailand’s population.”

Hutton said that with such a strong prospect for travel and tourism, Hilton is excited to be introducing its ultra-luxury brand Waldorf Astoria to Bangkok in the third quarter of this year, which is slated to mark the brand’s debut in Southeast Asia.

Hutton said that the Maldives, where Hilton has a rich history of operations, remains a key market for growth as well. The company recently signed two new properties – Curio Collection Maldives resort slated to open at the end of 2018, and Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Resort, scheduled for opening in early 2019, marking the debut of both brands in one of the region’s most popular resort destinations.

“As of the fourth quarter of 2017, we have 2,257 hotels under construction globally and 415 of them are in Asia Pacific,” Hutton said. “Of the 50 hotels we have in the pipeline for Southeast Asia, we are expecting to open 28 of them over the next three years.

“Within the region, our strategic markets for growth over the next 24 months are Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam, with expansion plans also underway in markets such as the Philippines and Myanmar. Within the next three years, we will also be making our entry into new markets such as Bangladesh, Nepal and Timor Leste.”

Hutton said that Hilton has been steadily growing since 1919 and now operates 5,284 hotels across the world, with 34 of them in the region: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Maldives, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Its properties in the region account for 0.6 per cent of Hilton’s total properties worldwide.

“We currently have 2,257 properties in the pipeline around the world, and 50 of them are slated to launch in Southeast Asia. Currently, we operate eight hotels in Thailand, and two more – Waldorf Astoria Bangkok and DoubleTree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit – are slated to open later this year,” Hutton said.

“Our mission is to be the most hospitable company in the world by being anywhere our guests want to be in the world. This has spurred us on to consider entering markets across different countries as we witness the centre of gravity for the travel industry shifting to Asia Pacific, both in travel to the region and with outbound travel.

“With our portfolio of 14 world-class global brands spanning the lodging sector from luxury and full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels, we are able to serve our guests’ evolving needs, catering to travellers looking for different kinds of travel experiences, and to owners seeking the flexibility in choosing the right brand for their property and market.

“Ultimately, what differentiates us is our commitment to creating exceptional experiences for every guest, every hotel, every time, while also providing meaningful opportunities for our team members, generating high value for owners and shareholders, and making a lasting positive impact on communities where we operate.”

He said that as a global hospitality company, Hilton faces an ongoing challenge in nurturing talent “to sustain excellence in operations and service across its properties”, particularly as there is a need to more than double its workforce through its existing pipeline alone.

“We remain committed to investing in the development and discovery of talent, which is why we have also rolled out platforms like the ISEA F&B Masters, an internal competition open to employees within Hilton properties,” Hutton said “Aiming to discover, develop and celebrate the best food and beverage talent in our midst, the competition provides an opportunity for hotel team members to develop skills, creativity and gain real-world experience.

“The competition also puts a spotlight on the hard work, passion and commitment of team members across the region – in fact, the Culinary Challenge winner at the recently concluded ISEA F&B Masters is one of our team members from DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok.

“As hotel operators, we are also constantly seeking to meet the evolving needs of our guests. In today’s digital age, the new-age digital savvy consumer demands more and is increasingly expecting more personalised digital interactions across channels throughout their travel experience. In order to meet these needs, we have placed special emphasis on digital innovation, driven by the same DNA of pioneering innovation that has run through our company since our founding.”

He said that the company’s “industry-leading tools” like digital check-in with room selection gives guests the ability to choose their room and view while Digital Key allows them to use their smartphones as their room key.

“These empower travellers to select the exact room they want, based on both the hotel layout and its external surroundings,” Hutton said.

“Interactive digital floor plans make it easy for Hilton Honors members to decide whether they want to be near the pool or the elevator, and integration with the Google Maps API lets guests determine if they prefer a view of the courtyard or the city skyline.

“ After checking in and selecting their room from their phone, guests can skip the check-in at the front desk and proceed to their desired room. Hilton Honors members have responded positively to these features since they were rolled out in the region in 2016.”

In addition, Hutton said: “Hilton has piloted Connected Room last year, a mobile-centric smart room that lets guests use their smartphones to customise their stay, from changing the temperature, lighting, window coverings, and even TV entertainment preferences. The company is looking forward to scale this rapidly across the hotels.

“Hilton has also recently opened Innovation Gallery in our global headquarters.”

Hutton said this feature presents an immersive guest experience that showcases various technologies, design elements and dining concepts – from noise-cancellation and sleep-inducing devices for guestrooms to more functional and sustainable materials.

“Further, the company is also working with multiple partners and will be testing Waverly Labs’ new product Pilot, a real-time translation solution that delivers seamless language translation between two parties through an earpiece and app,” he said.