Ericsson & depa Join Forces to Drive 5G Digital Transformation in Thailand
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2022
Ericsson and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate towards driving 5G-based digital transformation in Thailand.
The collaboration entails sharing best practices, advanced understanding and Ericsson‘s state-of-the-art technology to accelerate Thailand’s journey towards becoming a digital economy.
As part of the MoU, Ericsson and depa will establish an innovation lab (Innolab) in depa’s Thailand Digital Valley in Chonburi province that will serve as a 5G testbed and service centre for trials of new wireless and network technologies, spectrum sharing, as well as new applications and services in Thailand.
“Ericsson will continue to work closely with key stakeholders to drive the vision of Thailand 4.0 and support the development of the 5G ecosystem. As the global 5G technology leader, Ericsson will bring its state-of-the-art technology and solutions together with our global experience and expertise to realize Thailand’s goal of becoming a digital economy and society,” states Igor Maurell, Head of Ericsson Thailand.
“We will be working with Ericsson as our strategic partner in driving the ecosystem development in Thailand. Our key mission is to partner with stakeholders in the industry to come up with strategic plans to enhance the digital economy together with fostering innovations that are relevant to depa’s goal of creating better living and bolstering the competitiveness of the country,” said Asst. Prof. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, depa’s President & CEO.
The collaboration also aims at creating new opportunities for business development, capability and skill development and encouraging foreign direct investments, while strengthening the role of Thailand Digital Valley in the development of next-generation 5G products, services, and applications.
Both organizations share their common goal of supporting 5G-based innovation and applications across sectors ranging from manufacturing, service, smart city, and agriculture to social development. They also aim to bolster knowledge sharing and develop training programs in terms of technology, applied cases and regulations.
“Digital infrastructure plays a critical role in our society, with communication technologies helping to address social, environmental, and economic challenges all across the globe,” Igor said. “We are working to ensure that the robust 5G network platform of today continues to evolve towards the 6G era, delivering new capabilities and superior performance.”
Ericsson is a global 5G leader and today powers 134 live 5G networks in 59 countries with 17 live 5G standalone networks across the world.
Thai government partners UN agency to help end violence against women
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2022
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has joined hands with the Thai government and partner organisations to stop all forms of violence and harmful practices against women.
The aim is to support the creation of an equal-opportunity society without leaving anyone behind.
The UNFPA reports that one-third of women worldwide have been physically abused by their husbands. The report confirms that Thai women are also increasingly likely to be subjected to violence.
In Thailand, violence against women and girls is a major cause for concern. Since its negative effects can have a direct impact on families’ capacities to function.
The Department of Disease Control, which sits under The Ministry of Public Health, reported that, between 2019 and 2021, 51 hospitals across the country found that on average 8,577 women were victims of physical abuse each year, having received more than 7 women per day as patients. Moreover, there were 30,000 complaints related to sexual violence each year, including requests for access to recovery programs.
Siriluck Chiengwong, UNFPA Head of Office said “The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the United Nations agency for sexual and reproductive health. It is committed to working with partner organizations, academics, the media, and the public sector to promote rights and choices in reproductive health and family planning. It works to end gender-based violence and to encourage teenage pregnancy mothers to reach their full potential. UNFPA is working to ensure that expectant mothers are safe throughout their pregnancy until childbirth.
Moving forward with the UNFPA Thailand 12th Country Programme (2022-2026), UNFPA aims to support the use of empirical data through its development frameworks ensuring Thailand be a society of opportunity that leaves no one behind”.
Asa Torkelsson, Country Representative Malaysia and Country Director of The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations agency for sexual and reproductive health, said “UNFPA held the event “Orange Night: Strategic Partnership for Rights and Choices for all”, and to thank and celebrate the achievements of UNFPA, to recognise its partner projects as well as sparking new partnerships”.
She said that “the new partnerships would support the organisation’s efforts towards strengthening all people’s rights and choices and unite all voices as one on the occasion of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence against women and girls’ campaign.” UNFPA joined together with supporters from allied organizations, governments, the private sector, media, and activists from across the Asia-Pacific region including from Thailand, the Ministry of Public Health, and the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) along with other partners.
Torkelsson concluded that “It is important to focus on strengthening and developing human capital to keep developing people’s potential throughout life to support the growth of the country and support for diverse family structures as well as the expansion and development of maternal and reproductive health of working women. The promotion of quality educational opportunities and working conditions conducive to women and gender equality is paramount. In family settings, it is important to divide responsibility between women and men and provide more flexible employment.”
UNFPA works closely with UN Women and other partners. Together, They develop standards of services needed for victims of sexual violence including psychosocial therapy, law, housing and health consequences. These standards are derived from violence-related incidents such as unwanted pregnancies.
Thailand has an important legal framework for such pregnancies which is called the ‘Act on the Prevention and Solution of Adolescent Pregnancy Problems B.E. 2559‘. This framework promotes an integrated mechanism between various ministries together with all stakeholders including young people to ensure the delivery of sexual and reproductive health services to all women of reproductive age, including girls and adolescents.
According to NESDC, Thailand has a population of over 71 million and the world recognised that 8 billion people were living on the planet by November 2022. Fortunately, the number of children born in the digital age is decreasing which it is hoped will lessen the strain on human resources for better future development.
At the same time, while rapid urbanization has changed the traditional family structure, as in many countries, that structure is being further modified by an ageing society. Whilst the number of children and the population of working age is decreasing, the number of older people is increasing leading to a slowdown in the country’s growth. Thailand’s demographic structure is in a transition period too. Thailand has an ageing population which will affect both growth and economic development in the future.
Orange Night held a keynote event covering human rights and gender inequality. At the exhibition, the role of women fighting for women’s rights was exhibited. An inspirational talk was given to encourage committed women to achieve success and support sustainable development. Saysunee Jana, Paralympic Gold medalist in wheelchair Fencing and Christina Aguilar, Queen of Dance of Thailand discussed issues relevant to their human rights and to their achievements relating to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Saysunee Jana, a Paralympic Gold medalist in Wheelchair Fencing who has a mobility disability said that after an accident she made life-changing decisions which gave her the strength to fight again. She spoke of the importance of a government rehabilitation centre which supports and trains professionals in sports for people with disabilities. The centre enabled her to have the opportunity to become a professional athlete and win the first gold medal for Thailand.
Later, she became pregnant and had a family. Many people were concerned and recommended an abortion. “But we wanted to have children”, she said, “and were ready to accept everything that might happen. I kept taking good care of myself until finally, I gave birth to a healthy baby. It’s the most wonderful thing. I want to tell everyone that I have fought for motherhood. Everyone has the right to choose and the right to have equal access to opportunities for everyone.”
“The use of violence also has implications at the policy level in Thailand and at the global level as it is an act that blocks us from achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 or SDG 5 focusing on gender equality”, said Christina Aguilar. “It is essential that we “end or eradicate all forms of violence against women and girls. In addition”, she said, “I would like to recognise all Survivors or those who have experienced violence for reasons of gender and reaffirm the view that Gender-based violence should never be tolerated – to any fellow human beings.”
Finally, UNFPA has announced a plaque of appreciation to partner agencies that have successfully implemented important projects this year, namely the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council. National Statistical Office Ministry of Digital Economy and Society Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development Ministry of Social and Human Development, Department of Health and Ministry of Public Health.
In addition, it has announced a partnership with Reckitt to strive for and drive a world free from violence against women and girls. UNFPA will continue to campaign until the violence is eliminated.
“Singha”, German Embassy continue the “Dual Vocational Training” project to prepare Thai students for working in Europe
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2022
Boon Rawd continues the “Dual Vocational Training” project by joining the German Embassy and cooperating with the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce to increase the standard of education from Germany, a country with a vocational education curriculum that is recognized worldwide as a guideline for developing and enhancing the capabilities of Thai vocational children with Real-studying and Real-learning by being an internship with the factory “Pathumthani Brewery” to train a good foundation and get a German standard certification that indicates the ability to work in Germany and many other European countries.
Mr. Piti Bhirombhakdi, Duputy First Senior Executive Vice President, Boon Rawd Brewery Co., Ltd., who leads the management of all Boon Rawd Brewery factories, informs that Germany is one of the world’s leading countries in industrialization and is also recognized for its high standards of vocational education. Over the past 3 years, Boon Rawd Brewery has worked with the German Embassy, the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce, and the Don Bosco Technological College to jointly bring standards of knowledge to improve skills in vocational education. However, to develop Thai youths in the education system to have the capability to become professionals in the global job market. To get to that point, curriculums have been designed according to German standards along with real learning and working with Boon Rawd Brewery’s production plant to ultimately build Thai youths to become more and more talented. And at the end of the course, Thai youths will receive a certificate approved by the German Ministry of Education, which can be used as evidence when applying for jobs in Germany and Europe countries.
This year, the program has expanded the success from the previous year, developing vocational education and training courses in the Mechanic field. Previously, personnel were created for the High Vocational Certificate in Electronic control specialization. This is because it is a field that coordinates with the needs of the industrial sector and that expands in the future to increase the job opportunities for Thai vocational youths. More significantly, the company is also the first Thai private company in the ASEAN to receive Level A accreditation from the German Ministry of Education.
However, the training program endures for 2 years according to the standard of German education or GTDEE (German -Thai Dual Excellence Education) and Thailand. Besides, studying theory in the classroom, students will accomplish actual work training at Pathumthani Brewery Co., Ltd. in the Boon Rawd Brewery Group, an organization that has been in business for more than 89 years to gain experience, grow the knowledge and abilities of Thai vocational youths and international skills to ready for work in the future, specifically in Germany, which is a developed country and its industry is excellent advanced that it gains worldwide recognition.
For the production of vocational students who will become professionals under the training program “Dual Vocational Training” in 2023, up to 10 Thai youths will be enrolled for training and ready to join the Thai and European industries in the future.
InnovestX reveals investment strategies for 2023 with SET Index targeted at 1,750 points
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2022
InnovestX believes that economic activity will continue to deteriorate in 2023 due to a gradual increase in interest rates, which increases the likelihood of a recession in developed countries such as the United States and Europe. The company anticipates that the Federal Reserve will slash interest rates in 2023 as demand is expected to decline, resulting in a dollar depreciation.
This will boost emerging markets such as the Thai stock exchange, which is anticipated to profit from capital inflows. In addition, the Thai economy is still on the path to recovery from domestic consumption with economic stimulus measures as a supporting factor, as well as positive expectations for China’s reopening in 2Q23. However, InnovestX is cautious about economic growth and earnings prospects in 2023, as well as rising risks to financial stability. The company suggests investing in top equities in 1Q23 which will gain from China’s reopening and the reviving Thai economy, namely AOT, BBL, BCP, CPALL, and MINT.
Innovest X Securities Co., Ltd. Research Group Managing Director Sukit Udomsirikul, said that during the transition period between 2022 and 2023, the world economy will exhibit three traits. To begin with, global economic growth will slow down dramatically, and the economies of developed and emerging markets will evolve differently, with the former potentially experiencing severe stagflation or at least a moderate recession. However, there is less likelihood of a severe recession in EM economies, but growth will decelerate. Second, global inflation is predicted to peak, especially in the US and EM nations, and to decline from a high base in 2023 as global demand decreases as a result of the economic slowdown. Third, Asian countries, including Thailand, are expected to continue raising their own interest rates, which means that the policy interest rate is already too high to accommodate heating inflation. Accordingly, we forecast a fundamentally driven SET Index of 1,750 points for the first quarter of 2023, with significant buying points in the zone of 1,500-1,600.
Thai markets will react favorably to China’s policy easing in 2Q23, when it is anticipated that the country will reopen because Chinese tourists account for the majority of Thailand’s tourism income and help drive net foreign inflows. Due to the ongoing energy crises and stricter monetary policy, the Eurozone will face stagflation in 2023, with economic activity declining. It is expected that inflation will continue to be over the target rate throughout 2022 and 2023. Inflationary pressures in the Eurozone, however, are likely to rise at a faster rate than previously anticipated. Exports, investments, and government expenditures will all likely slowdown in 2023, dragging down the Thai economy relative to 2022. There will be some cushioning from the worldwide economic recession thanks to the strong performance of the tourism, service, and domestic consumption sectors.
Thailand’s GDP growth will peak in the first quarter, at roughly 4%, before decelerating in the second half of the year and ending almost at 2% in 4Q23 due to 3 main reasons. First, exports will decrease as the global economy slows even further in the second half of the year. Second, while private consumption will play a significant role in propelling the economy forward, other factors like private investment and government spending will decline, both for consumption and investment. This is because the worldwide economic downturn and the slow pace of government projects’ disbursement. Third, it is projected that the tourism sector will be a major engine of economic growth, with between 21 to 25 million foreign tourists visiting Thailand, the majority of whom will remain on short haul rather than long-haul trips, generating less revenue for the nation.
Investment strategy: Under the pressure of prolonged tight financial conditions in 1Q23, risks associated with global recession, declining earnings, and financial stability are growing. The economy is still showing indications of slowing down. However, given the robustness of the U.S. economy and greater risk aversion, the dollar will continue to appreciate before reaching its top. By the end of 1Q23 to the beginning of 2Q23, the economy will likely have stabilized. In light of China’s reopening and robust domestic demands, we see opportunities to increase our position. InnovestX recommends stocks with healthy balance sheets and cash flow, profiting from China’s reopening, with increasing and recovering earnings and high growth potential. AOT, BBL, BCP, CPALL, and MINT are the top picks for 1Q23.
Summary of investment issues of individual stocks:
AOT: It is anticipated that the company will gain from China’s reopening and government tourism incentives, which will fuel domestic market growth. In 2023, the company’s earnings outlook will experience a significant turnaround.
BBL: With a planned rate hike from 1.25% to 2% in 2023, the Thai economy is poised to resume its recovery. The banking industry stands to gain from a declining US dollar because of the resulting changes in capital flows.
BCP: With the reopening of China’s markets, an uptick in demand is anticipated, which is projected to drive up commodity prices. Furthermore, it is a passive company which pays out solid dividends, both of which assist in cushioning the blow of market fluctuations.
CPALL: Domestic consumption will expand at a rate far above market predictions. Sales will continue to improve thanks to government economic stimulus measures, and the company will see more growth during the 2023 election.
MINT: The company is anticipated benefitting from China’s reopening, reduced energy costs in Europe, and a rebounding food market, aided by government economic stimulus initiatives. In addition, MINT’s stock valuation is 15-20% below those of its peers.
Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok welcomes leading Filipino film crew and cast
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2022
Branded Content
Bangkok, December 21, 2022: Ms. Chidchanok Pasinpong (centre), a general manager of Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok, welcomes the Filipino film crew, which includes the winner of the best director award from the Cannes Film Festival and “Feast” film director Mr. Brillante Mendoza (left) and actor Mr. Roger Vincent Rillon (right).
Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok is proud to be one of the official hotel sponsors for international film actor and film crews that attend the 15th World Film Festival of Bangkok.
Samsung to focus on immersive marketing, catering to Gen MZ
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2022
Nongluck Ajanapanya
Thai Samsung Electronics (TSE) is planning a more intense and immersive marketing campaign aimed at Generation MZ starting next year, TSE’s corporate marketing director Paramee Thongcharoen said on Tuesday.
In an exclusive interview, Paramee said that three out four people in the Asia Pacific by 2025 would be Gen MZ. The acronym stands for Generation Y or Millennial (1981-1996) and Generation Z (born after 1996).
She believes that as Gen MZ will constitute the majority of the population, they will tend to set new social trends. They have the purchasing power to purchase a wide range of products and are willing to pay more for brands that support their life goals.
Marketing campaigns from now on should focus on them, she believes.
However, the most difficult aspect of communicating with this generation is that their tastes change quickly and constantly. So, Samsung must accelerate to keep up with the changes, Paramee noted.
According to Samsung’s research, Gen MZ will value brands that can provide innovative technology with unique design to improve their overall well-being and restore a sense of freedom, energy, and excitement.
Meanwhile, Generation MZ is not afraid to express their views on social, political, and environmental issues. Therefore, they will gravitate towards brands that are proactive and supportive of their position.
Furthermore, because Gen MZ values self-expression, they prefer to buy items that can be personalised and customised. Besides, they are loyal to the brand that consistently gives something positive back to society, such as sustainability, the environment, or work-life innovation.
Paramee said that considering the characteristics of Gen MZ, Samsung’s marketing plans must be more immersive so that the group can engage with and experience Samsung’s products.
She cited several Samsung marketing campaigns that were a huge success this year, including Flexperience, the largest event for Gen MZ at Siam Square in downtown Bangkok, Samsung’s young sports talents empowering female amateur tennis players, and Samsung Innovative Camp.
“Samsung will continue to do things like this next year, but bigger and better,” she said. “We are also in discussions with our partners to improve the efficiency of the campaigns.”
Furthermore, Samsung has promised to invest in their human capital with several supportive programme and working environment that meet the need of the Gen MZ workforce as well.
Paramee said the company would continue to improve their real-time tracking and monitoring system in order to get feedback from Gen MZ and adapt the plan to best suit them, as well as eliminate plans that will not be effective.
Pi Securities welcomes their new CEO, Bob Wouters – ready to unlock Pi’s potential and drive the digital transformation
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2022
Bangkok, Thailand – Pi Securities Public Company Limited or “Pi”, one of Thailand leading securities brokers and provider of comprehensive investment services appointed their new Chief Executive Officer Mr. Bob Wouters to drive the growth and digital transformation of the company.
Bob is a seasoned transformation leader in financial services with a strong track record of building and growing companies. He joins Pi Financial from bolttech and FWD Insurance where he was CEO of its non-life insurance company in Thailand and as country manager also responsible for Bolttech’s Thai digital insurance broker and device protection business.
Bob has over a decade of experience in the Thai market where he initially helped divesting ING Life’s operations to FWD. His experience in transforming, digitalizing and growing companies in the Thai market provides him with the background needed to guide Pi Financial through the rapidly changing landscape of securities brokerage.
“I am excited to join the team at Pi and help capture the lead in the digital disruption that has started in the Thai securities brokerage space. In leveraging Pi’s strong technical and commercial capabilities to our newly developed digital platform I believe we can provide superior support to our existing customers and win a new generation of investors.
We will continue to invest in our traditional business and aim to grow that part through “digital with a human touch” by minimizing paperwork our customers and advisors can truly focus on the opportunities in the market – both in Thailand and globally.
We are unlocking the potential of the company through our people so our “Pi Application” and platform will help grow financial inclusivity in Thailand by bringing attractive products and new ways of trading and investing,” Bob said.
Centara Extends Management Agreement with Centara Pattaya Hotel and Centara Nova Hotel & Spa Pattaya
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2022
This exciting arrangement will see Centara managing these properties for another five years
Centara Hotels & Resorts has confirmed the signing of hotel management agreement extensions by Thirayuth Chirathivat, CEO of Centara Hotels & Resorts, Rony Fineman, owner of Centara Pattaya Hotel and Centara Nova Hotel & Spa Pattaya, and Lon Ballard, owner of Centara Pattaya Hotel, to continue managing these renowned properties in one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations for a period of five more years.
Located in the heart of central Pattaya, a short walk from shopping, restaurants and the famed Pattaya Beach, Centara Pattaya Hotel provides a haven of relaxation in the midst of all the action.
Guests have access to a sparkling outdoor pool, two bars, an all-day dining venue and a rejuvenating spa. With a variety of guest rooms, including family-friendly studios and spacious suites, and multifunctional meeting spaces, this hotel offers convenience and comfort during every stay.
Ideal for families and couples, Centara Nova Hotel & Spa Pattaya offers 79 tastefully designed and well-appointed rooms and suites, each with a furnished balcony overlooking the pool, complete with a swim-up bar, terrace, jacuzzi and children’s pool.
The hotel also features an all-day dining venue, a pool bar, the award-winning SPA Cenvaree and modern meeting spaces. Just minutes away from sprawling Pattaya Beach, this hotel’s central location means local attractions, shopping, food, golf and water sports are always within easy reach.
Both Centara Hotel Pattaya and Centara Nova Hotel & Spa Pattaya are only a 90-minute drive from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
Hotel airport pick-ups and transfers can be arranged through the hotel at the time of booking.
Marriott International expects to introduce more than 35 luxury hotels around the world in 2023
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2022
From the expansive savannas of Kenya to the pristine shores of the Caribbean, Marriott International is set to expand its global luxury footprint and is reimagining high-touch hospitality
Cannes, France – December 8, 2022 – From International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Cannes, Marriott International, Inc. today announced plans to introduce more than 35 luxury hotels in 2023, delivering the unique and meaningful experiences desired by today’s luxury traveler. Boasting an unrivaled portfolio of luxury brands including The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. Regis, W Hotels, The Luxury Collection, EDITION, JW Marriott and Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International continues to push the boundaries, reimagining travel with a globally inspired perspective that defines the future of luxury. With an unparalleled footprint of nearly 500 luxury hotels and resorts in 68 countries and territories today, Marriott International is poised to further its position as the global leader in luxury hospitality with more than 200 luxury properties in the development pipeline. From Kenya to Singapore and Japan to Mexico, more than 35 new hotels are slated to open next year in sought-after and emerging destinations around the world.
Luxury’s Great Reimagining
The world has experienced a seismic cultural shift following the events of the last several years, according to a study exploring the impact on the values and aspirations that matter most to guests, conducted in collaboration with creative agency Team One. “We are looking to the great reimaginers, people who perceive crises as moments of opportunity to rethink their lives and reimagine the world around them. Our collective mindset has changed from viewing travel as a luxury commodity to an activity vital to overall well-being,” said Tina Edmundson, Global Brand and Marketing Officer, Marriott International. “More than ever before, our guests are prioritizing more meaningful travel and time spent with loved ones, looking for experiences that reflect their personal values and enhance their overall quality of life.”
“Whether it’s a focus on nurturing closer relationships, a desire to be more present, or finding ways to make a positive impact, across our luxury brands we are evolving to allow our guests to focus on what they believe matters most,” said Chris Gabaldon, Senior Vice President, Luxury Brands, Marriott International. “As we grow our portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts in some of the most iconic and compelling destinations globally, our expanding footprint allows us to offer the transformative experiences that lead to a renewed sense of purpose and enhanced mental and physical well-being for the modern luxury traveler.”
The Ritz-Carlton Leads Through Innovation While Pursuing Global Growth
Showcasing a new, contemporary aesthetic and the renowned brand’s legendary service, The Ritz-Carlton continues to lead through innovation as it thoughtfully grows its portfolio in the world’s most exciting destinations. In 2022, the iconic brand drove global buzz with debuts in New York’s NoMad neighborhood and in Amman, in addition to celebrating the launch of Evrima, the first yacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. In the year ahead, the brand expects to open two new hotels in North America, including its first property in America’s Pacific Northwest region with The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, and The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie in Arizona’s coveted Scottsdale area. Set above the city skyline, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne is slated to grow the brand’s footprint in Australia next year, while The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka is expected to deliver a new offering in the business district of this southwestern Japanese city. Ritz-Carlton Reserve anticipates expanding its exclusive portfolio in 2023 with Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve close to the historic Chinese valley of Jiuzhaigou and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve located off the West Coast of Saudi Arabia and part of the country’s Red Sea project.
St. Regis Celebrates its Vanguard Spirit in Alluring New Destinations
St. Regis continues to solidify its position as a global luxury icon by bringing its vanguard spirit, signature glamor and celebrated rituals to some of the world’s most desired destinations. Highlighting a commitment to growing its resort portfolio, in 2023 the brand expects to debut The St. Regis Kanai Resort, an enchanting haven nestled in a 620-acre nature reserve along Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula with ocean views from every guestroom. In the year ahead St. Regis also anticipates expanding its footprint in North America with The St. Regis Chicago, an exquisite architectural marvel envisioned by Jeanne Gang Studio. The iconic brand is also slated to bring its acclaimed Butler Service and storied legacy to Belgrade and is expected to open its first two properties in Saudi Arabia by debuting a hotel in Riyadh and a resort located on its own private island within the Red Sea project. This past year also marked St. Regis openings in Qatar, India, Kuwait and Indonesia.
W Hotels Continues Pushing the Boundaries & Expanding to Iconic Destinations
In 2022, W Hotels introduced an evolved lens on its unassuming approach to luxury and is set to infuse subtle sophistication into each of its 67 hotels around the world. W pushes the boundaries of elevated design, regionally inspired programming and its iconic “Whatever / Whenever” service, which has been refined for the next generation of travelers. With the opening of W Algarve – atop the dramatic cliffs of Southern Portugal – and W Costa Navarino – located along the sandy shorelines of Greece – the brand debuted in two sought-after locales in 2022, providing a glimpse into W’s new vision. This year also brought further growth in the Middle East with the addition of W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, rising 31 stories above the Arabian Gulf, and in Canada with the W Toronto, which nods to the city’s rich musical heritage with Canada’s first W Sound Suite – the brand’s signature recording studio experience – and celebrates Toronto’s storied art scene, diversity of culture and legacy of inclusivity. Looking ahead to 2023, W Hotels anticipates debuting in Prague, Budapest, Edinburgh, Sydney, Macau and Milan. Also slated for later next year, W New York – Union Square and W Hollywood are expected to emerge newly transformed, embodying the fully reimagined W experience.
EDITION’s Rapid Expansion Continues in Top Destinations
EDITION, a unique luxury collection of individualized hotels considered the next chapter in the lifestyle hotel story, expanded into Madrid and Tampa in 2022. Known for sophisticated design, a curated taste of the locale, and modern service, EDITION Hotels is rapidly expanding internationally in 2023 with new openings planned across several regions, including the brand’s first properties in Italy, Mexico and Southeast Asia. With 15 hotels currently in the global portfolio, EDITION is projected to grow its personal and intimate hospitality experience to 21 total destinations by the end of 2023, with expected openings next year to include Rome, Riviera Maya at Kanai, Tokyo, Ginza, Singapore, Jeddah and Doha.
The Luxury Collection Brings Transformational Experiences and Destination-Rooted Authenticity
The Luxury Collection’s growing ensemble of more 120 hotels around the world offer the promise of authentic experiences that are highly immersive and deeply reflective of the destination. In 2022, the brand showcased elevated palatial interiors and world-class epicurean delights in Madrid with the opening of Santo Mauro, brought luxurious coastal charm to the idyllic Greek island of Paros through Cosme, and made its debut in Australia with the opening of The Tasman in Hobart, a waterfront city steeped in rich history. With each hotel serving as a portal to the destination’s unique charms, The Luxury Collection anticipates debuting properties next year in enthralling locations that span the globe, including Turkey, Barbados, Japan, Mexico and Tbilisi, Georgia.
JW Marriott Celebrates Guests through Well-Being Experiences and Exceptional Service
Inspired by its legendary namesake and offering experiences that encourage guests to be fully present, JW Marriott caters to sophisticated, mindful travelers who seek a balance in mind, body and spirit. In 2022, the brand celebrated openings in captivating destinations including São Paulo, Changsha, Istanbul, Bangalore and Frankfurt, marking the brand’s debut in Germany. In the coming year, JW Marriott anticipates continuing to bring its distinct style of warm, authentic service to established and emerging destinations with planned openings from Madrid to Jeju Island, South Korea, and Dallas to Xi’an and Berlin. The brand is also slated to enter the luxury safari segment in 2023 with the expected opening of JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge in Kenya.
One Bangkok sweeps Asia’s Best Landmark Mixed-Use Development and Thailand’s Best Office Development awards
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2022
One Bangkok, the largest holistically integrated district in the heart of Bangkok has been awarded Asia’s first Best Landmark Mixed-Use Development and Best Office Development (Thailand) for its office Tower 4 at the prestigious PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final 2022.
These awards recognise the excellence demonstrated by One Bangkok through its outstanding quality, unique design concept, location, quality of amenities, construction, success in the marketplace, the accomplishment of overall development goals, sustainable function, and innovation.
The PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final 2022 is one of the region’s most renowned real estate awards where top country winners vie to be recognised as ‘Best in Asia’. One Bangkok had earlier won ‘Best Mega Mixed-Use Development’ and ‘Best Office Development’ at the 17th PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards.
Lim Hua Tiong, Chief Executive Officer, One Bangkok, said, “Recognition from Property Guru is a testament to the confidence of industry leaders in One Bangkok. Our vision and ambition for One Bangkok go beyond real estate. The design principle of One Bangkok focuses on sustainability, a people-centric and smart city. We want to make impactful changes to the city, and to be part of Bangkok city evolving into one of the world’s greatest metropolises.”
“The offices at One Bangkok emphasize health, well-being, sustainability, and quality in every detail as an affirmation to create the ultimate workplace ecosystem of the future. For office Tower 4, we engaged world-renowned consultants to deliver beautifully designed, high-performance environments with flexibility and efficiency for the best occupant experience. It is also the first office tower in Thailand underpinned by future-ready smart technology, targeting WiredScore and SmartScore certifications, and is designed for WELL Platinum certification, ensuring the physical and social environments will benefit the health, well-being, and performance of occupants.” he added.
One Bangkok, a joint venture between TCC Assets Co Ltd and Frasers Property Holdings (Thailand) Co., Ltd. is located at the corner of Wireless and Rama 4 roads with direct linkages to the city’s burgeoning mass transit systems. One Bangkok comprises workplaces of the future, a new retail loop, superlative residences, hotels with the finest five-star hospitality, a world-class live entertainment arena, the presence of art and culture, and a vast, welcoming public realm that covers 50 rai (8 hectares) of the district. As a well-equipped smart city with sustainable infrastructure, One Bangkok aims to be the first project in Thailand to be awarded LEED for Neighborhood Development Platinum certification and WELL Building Standard to support human health and wellness.
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