#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40017655

Thailand’s most profitable bank is taking on so-called challenger banks at their own game, vowing to adopt their fintech DNA to tap the loan market of grass-roots and first-time borrowers.

KBank CEO Kattiya Indaravijaya said its heavy investment in technologies and business partners is bolstering the bank’s defence against digital disruption by reaching out to Thais and SMEs who previously had no access to bank loans.

KBank is investing about 100 billion baht to develop technologies, purchase fintech firms and cut deals with business partners.

The first quarter this year saw KBank outperform all rivals with a net profit of Bt11.211 billion, up 5.5 per cent from a year earlier.

“Now, our strong points are second to none and we have stability and credibility. We can answer the demands of all groups of clients,” Kattiya said while outlining the path ahead for KBank.

“What we are doing now is to integrate the DNA of challenger banks, which have been successful in disrupting conventional banks.”

Competition from challenger banks

Challenger banks are small, recently created retail banks that first emerged in Britain to compete directly with established banks, usually by meeting underserved demand.

Leading fintech research company Burnmark says there are three types of challenger banks.

First are the Embryonic Challengers – who operate through mobile apps in partnership with banks.

Second are the Real Challengers – who have received banking licences and use mainly digital channels to engage with customers.

Third are the Pseudo Challengers – digital start-ups of existing banks.

Burnmark says challenger banks are more competitive because they have much lower costs, as well as low risks since their products are based on a customer-centric approach.

In 2015, UK challenger banks recorded combined profits of 194 million pounds against a drop of 5.6 billion pounds for the top five UK banks (Barclays, HSBC, Lloyd’s, Royal Bank of Scotland and Santander), according to KPMG International.

Kattiya conceded that challenger banks are now rocking the banking industry worldwide by using new technologies to reach out to people.

She said challenger banks attract customers by eliminating complicated procedures via simple and easy-to-use services that can be accessed anytime, anywhere.

However, KBank had learned their strong points and adopted them, she added.

“We now regard ourselves as the first bank in Thailand with the nature of a challenger bank because we have integrated their DNA into our services.”

New loan landscape

One aim is to place financial services and advice within easy reach of the creative and dynamic new generation, the CEO continued.

“We want to reach out to more people with our loans, which do not need collateral.” Loan approval is based instead on customers’ ability to repay the debt. They can also apply from the comfort of their home or workplace. “We want to get rid of procedures and paperwork and make everything as simplest and fastest as possible.”

She said KBank’s new challenger DNA was also helping the grassroots, freelancers and micro-businesses escape the jaws of loan sharks.

KBank will invest 22 billion baht in new technologies and systems this year, adding to the 12.7 billion it has spent over the past two years, she added.

It will also invest about 30 billion baht to buy or partner with up to five businesses over the next 12 months.

The benefits of this tech push are already being felt by customers, said Kattiya.

For example, opening a new bank account online takes just a few minutes for current customers (new clients have to wait 24-72 hours for ID checks).

Meanwhile, those with online accounts can apply for loans without visiting a branch. Once approved, loans are credited to their accounts within 30 minutes.

Kattiya pointed out that this process used to take weeks. And the 30-minute loan service will soon be extended to customers who don’t have accounts with Kbank.

The bank is also pioneering so-called “buy-now-pay-later” loans for freelancers and people without a fixed income. The new service is approving about 1,600 loans per day averaging Bt1,500 with a maximum of Bt20,000.

It has also partnered with Line to offer loans to low-income people, freelancers and people nervous about visiting branches. The Line BK loan service uses algorithms and social media data to approve loans within five minutes for existing customers and 24 hours for those without a KBank account.

A third of Line BK customers are first-time borrowers while almost half are freelance workers or earn less than Bt15,000 per month. The service aims to extend loans to 200,000 people this year.

Kattiya added that the bank is in talks to provide collateral-free loans to small vendors and their customers upcountry.

Published : July 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40017653

The board of directors of PTT Plc has approved a contribution of 3 billion baht to the special oil fund, which has been used to reduce the cost of the living burden on the public, PTT president and chief executive officer Auttapol Rerkpiboon said on Tuesday.

He said the PTT board resolved on Monday to contribute the money to provide urgent relief to the public as society has already been severely hit by the economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The PTT would contribute Bt1 billion each month to the oil fund for three months to support the government’s subsidy on oil prices as well as support the government’s efforts to maintain energy stability, Auttapol said.

He added that since the country has been hit by an energy crisis since 2021, PTT has contributed over 14.8 billion baht to help the government provide subsidies to reduce the people’s energy costs.

Auttapol said PTT decided to help the government provide subsidies because PTT is a public company and a state firm that realises the impact of the energy crisis on the country’s economy and the people.

He said PTT has been helping vulnerable groups survive the energy crisis.

For example, it has been reducing the cost of LPG gas prices for low-income people, street food vendors and the poor who hold state welfare cards.

He said state welfare holders are eligible to buy cooking gas at lower prices since October last year until now.

He said PTT also maintained the current NGV prices for motorists and taxis in Bangkok and suburban provinces.

PTT has also provided crude oil to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand to help them lower the cost of generating power, Auttapol added.

He said PTT has also granted 1.046 billion baht to help members of society affected by the Covid-19 crisis, through its “Same Breathe” programme.

In total, PTT has spent 3.3 billion baht to help society via several measures from January to April this year, he added.

“PTT is ready to act as a key force in supporting all the sectors and helping and taking care of society and communities to help Thais survive the crises together as fast as possible,” Auttapol said.

Published : July 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40017651

Bangkok, July 5, 2022 – V Inspire Co., Ltd., manufacturer and distributor of Powder Drink Dietary Supplement Product enhancing brain and concentration under the GAME-ON brand, shared the key to success and unlocked the secrets of its dietary supplement product after being afforded the opportunity to partake in the “Introduction to Export Business” program (Batch 141) under the joint auspices of the New Economy Academy (NEA), the Department of International Trade Promotion, and the Ministry of Commerce.

The company was touted as a promising and competent business operator whose products warranted the government’s assistance in exporting them to international markets and helping them gain recognition in the international trade arena.

Mrs. Supamas Tesharojanasup, Managing Director of V Inspire Co., Ltd. and representative of the “Basic Exporter” program (Batch 141), discussed the concept of the dietary supplement product under the brand of GAME- ON and stated, “It is a dietary supplement product predicated on the ever-changing lifestyles and behaviors of present-day consumers who mostly rely on mobile phones and computers to either perform work or play games in everyday life.  These behaviors result in both brain and body fatigue requiring them to maintain their health and stamina. Aside from taking proper rest and exercising, dietary supplement products are another alternative that can help to increase the effectiveness of brain and neuro system functions. GAME-ON can also help them relax and reduce the risks of optic nerve degeneration caused by exposure to blue light. 

“GAME-ON’s powder drink, dietary supplement product is product containing natural green tea extract, and others ingredients namely, L-Theanine L-Tyrosine, vitamins A, B6, and B12, zinc gluconate, and blueberry extracts, all of which remain active in your brain system for five hours and deliver results after your first drink.  The company developed formulae with the pharmacists and researchers of 3 C Group – a company that created formulas, imported raw materials, and recruited experienced supplement manufacturers with globally recognized GMP and HACCP standards. At present, our product are available for sale at 7-Eleven convenience stores and online social commerce, e-commerce platforms.

“Our business goal was to expand the exportation of these products to international markets.  However, we did not know where to begin, as the exportation process was ridden with complex and detailed steps.  That being the case, we lacked the confidence in this particular area until we spotted the advertisement of the training program sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce. The program offered theoretical and practical training in the export field; therefore, we became interested and applied for the aforementioned program. Also noteworthy was the fact that the program brought together a group of experienced speakers specializing in export techniques. Their advice was equivalent to a compass that served as a shortcut to concrete actions.  Conducted systematically, the program introduced participants to export regulations from beginning to end, e.g., registering trademarks to protect brands, price-setting, determining countries for exports, writing business plans to carefully create business models before proceeding to export products. 

“After receiving this training, we gained an understanding of the basic export procedures from the very first step to the end stage of export operations and techniques. In addition, we were also equipped with the basic knowledge of export and the ability to form export business plans and spot all the existing loopholes that should be addressed before launching export operations. From then on out, exporting products was no longer a difficult task as we initially thought. We must express our sincere thanks to the New Economy Academy (NEA), the Department of International Trade Promotion, and the Ministry of Commerce, as they collectively supported and refined Thai entrepreneurs to reach international standards. These organizations functioned as hubs that raised the level of export businesses by leveraging their trade partners worldwide to become a robust network for entrepreneurs to export Thai products.

“If business operators have the products that meet the standards and needs of trade partners, chances are high that they will get to export every type of their products,” Mrs. Supamas added. 

Published : July 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40017637

Ajinomoto Group, as a global manufacturer of high-quality food and amino acid-based products, has set its commitment and new target to become “Carbon Neutral” with an effort to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

“We aim to achieve our target of environmental protection and sustainability by 2030 by reducing the environmental impact of business operations by 50% compared to fiscal 2018. With a clear determination and intent to engage in proactive greenhouse gas emission reduction, Ajinomoto Thailand could achieve a reduction of CO2 emissions by 267,000 tons in the past 3 years, or the equivalent of carbon dioxide absorption by over 30 million trees,” said the company.

Ajinomoto Thailand has been emphasizing on energy saving and efficient resource usage to reduce carbon dioxide emissions through excellent internal management regarding energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions reduction in the production process. The company has modified electrical equipment or developed innovations to improve machine performance with minimum energy consumption. In addition, alternative and renewable energy are also used in the production process, for example, using biomass boiler technology, cogeneration power plants (biomass), and solar energy instead of using fossil fuels.

Meanwhile, the company also contributes to reducing indirect CO2 emissions from electricity purchases by joining forces with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and partnering with private companies to contract a total of 305,000 RECs of renewable energy licenses to support the reduction of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by using 100% renewable purchased electricity from the year 2021 and so on. 

The Ajinomoto Group aims to become a “Solution-providing Group of Companies for Food and Health Issues” which has been contributing to resolving food, health, and nutrition issues for people worldwide. The group placed great importance on sustainable environmental protection along with maximizing the efficient use of food resources and conservation of natural resources. All of this is part of our dedication that reflects our core business operation of “The Ajinomoto Group Creating Shared Value (ASV)” as a conceptual framework for the Ajinomoto Group’s work worldwide.

Published : July 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40017513

Plus Property, the full-service professional property and facility management agency, is confident of the Thai economy’s recovery in the second half of this year. It now aims to bolster the confidence of consumers by improving the quality of living, property management and amenities at client property projects.

Having attained ISO certification for 3 global standards, PLUS can now be considered the number one in property management Thailand has to offer and stands ready to deliver constantly improving property management service.  Achieving 3 ISO standards reinforces PLUS’s leadership in professional, full-service management of properties and facilities that answers to ever-changing client demands amid evolving challenges and opportunities.

Mr. Anukul Ratpitaksanti, managing director of Plus Property, the full-service professional property and facility management agency, revealed that “Based on performance over the first 5 months of the year, PLUS can be considered to have received good response from clients. 550 million baht of income has already been earned, amounting to 46% of the 1.2-billion-baht target. The majority of income came from managing property projects – this has received good support from clients, 98.5% of whom extended their contracts with the company. The company remains committed to finding new clients to add to its portfolio. Most recently, PLUS received the ISO 14001 : 2015 certification for its environmental management system, making it the first and only property management company in Thailand to be certified for 3 systems. The first certification, ISO 9001: 2000, was earned in 2002 and covers the quality management system. This standard has undergone continual adjustment and re-certification was achieved in 2008 and 2018 – ISO 9001 : 2015 is in use for management systems at present. In March, certification for ISO 41001: 2018 was achieved for the facility management system. These are expected to become noteworthy features that attract the group of clients looking for a quality property management team which employs global standards in administration”.

PLUS having passed the ISO 14001 : 2015 certification for environmental management system, one of the most recent global standards, is a good guarantor of the fact PLUS has an effective and recognized work process in the environmental aspect. Importance is placed in managing 5 main issues, which are green space, waste management, wastewater treatment, energy saving and carbon footprint. Furthermore, campaigning takes place to promote environment-mindedness among building users and residents at projects. PLUS recognizes the importance of managing a property project with an aim of promoting a good quality of life. It therefore encourages environmentally friendly business operations that contribute toward sustainable development. Initiatives to add green space are carried out, with an example being the Backyard program for the cultivation of toxins-free vegetables and fruit at condominium projects and housing estates. Gardens and green areas at a property project are kept lush and shady so they can keep absorbing carbon dioxide and providing shades and respite from the heat. There is also a “Tree Day” program to promote tree planting.  Waste management is promoted among building users and project residents with an aim of fostering a sustainable society. This begins with people partaking in waste sorting; waste can then be managed and recycled properly. The scope may also expand to include wastewater treatment. In addition, the standard for the maintenance of machinery is geared toward reducing carbon emission. PLUS is determined to elevate its standards of operation toward the global level in all aspects. This is so it may deliver a good quality of life to residents and building users without compromising on any dimension.

PLUS’s business activity is carried out under a 5’S approach for clear and robust conduct of business. The 5 keys enable PLUS to delivery good quality and experiences to clients and promote quality of life for residents in a way that responds to all aspects of their needs. These keys, which also contribute to the creation of model residential communities, consist of:

1. SECURE LIFE. To do away with any safety worries among the residents, the Sansiri Security Inspection (SSI) team provides inspection as well as training to the on-site personnel.  Security work is professionally regulated and personnel are ready to step in to handle all situations.  Security also makes use of smart technologies such as the LIV-24 command centre, the Digital Fence, AI CCTV analytics and a guard tour patrol tracking system.  These technologies augment security work in real time, 24 hours a day.

2. SPLENDID HOME. Assets at all projects are maintained to preserve the visual appeal. Overall building facility, including the building condition, common area and shared assets, are looked after so they remain clean, functional and appealing. The environs and landscape are managed and green space is looked after to ensure a refreshing atmosphere conducive to living. The originality of each project is preserved over time.  Due to these efforts, the value of properties at each project will increase in the future.

3. SUPERIOR SERVICE. PLUS’s service entails professionalism that is delivered through service-minded personnel who have been trained by PLUS Eduplex. This institute nurtures the level of care that responds to clients’ diverse needs. All situations are handled professionally and based on standardized protocols while administrative work is transparent and traceable. PLUS also makes improvements to its work at each project by taking input from the residents.

4. SMOOTH LIVING. Expertise in the relevant systems, including in building systems engineering, is leveraged. A central support team of engineers and specialists is on hand when needed. Maintenance is planned in phases, including for the short, medium and long terms. This keeps the various building systems intact and optimal. Said systems include but are not limited to the water feed system, wastewater treatment system, fire alarm system, electrical system, lifts system and the plumbing. These are being kept at 100% functionality so residents’ quality of life does not drop and interruptions to daily life are avoided. These maintenance efforts also help reduce expenses at a property project in the long term.

5. SUSTAINABLE. PLUS aims to be an organisation that makes environmental contributions and promote sustainability. This applies to the management of green space, waste and energy. In 2021, PLUS and residents at about 140 property projects were able to reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill by 220 metric tons. This year, the target is to cut landfill waste by a further 300 metric tons. This would equate to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 225,000 KgCO2. The effort will also nurture a mindset growth that expands from the home toward society at large, eventually leading to people’s behavioural change and culminating in a New Normal that is more sustainable in the future.

“Today, PLUS is ready to clearly declare it is committed to preserving as well as elevating its service level in accordance with international standards. This is made possible by expertise in all fields, from counselling on property projects management, looking after building systems engineering and managing assets and finances to designing services and delivering them according to the demands of clients. Property projects are managed using quality personnel. Once the second quarter ends, 660 million baht of income is expected to have been generated. Residential projects management makes up the dominant portion of the ratio, followed by facility management, sales management and LIV-24. We will proceed to find new clients in a multitude of industries in order to support a continued growth of our business. These are considered the challenges for this yearม” said Mr. Anukul.

PLUS Property currently manages some 300 residential projects and commercial buildings, looking after a combined area of 13 million square metres.  Those interested in PLUS’s services can get more information from plus.co.th or by dialling 02-688-7555.
 

Published : July 12, 2022

By : THE NATION