Persistence to strive as the most sustainable data center in Thailand, SUPERNAP (Thailand) provides a solution for corporates, hyperscale’s and government desiring to consolidate their digitalization with better, and greener, digital infrastructure.
SUPERNAP (Thailand) celebrated the official opening of their first solar panel to power the most advanced data center in Thailand, reinforcing its position as the most sustainable colocation provider in the country.
With the continuous growth of data, and to cater to the green goals of global environmental protection, minimizing environmental impact by providing maximum energy efficiency and renewable energy is an urgent priority for cutting edge data centers.
During the ceremony, Mr. Yap Jin Yi, Chief Executive Officer of the company declared: “SUPERNAP (Thailand) position has always been being the leader in the industry of the region. Powering our data center IT load with renewable energy and being the most sustainable data center is another step to reinforce our position as frontrunner in the digital infrastructure in Thailand.”
As data centers are huge consumers of power, and electricity is the main cost of their operation, adding renewable energy to an energy efficient infrastructure is the key for data center sustainability.
Mrs. Ajarin Pattanapanchai, former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and newly appointed Board of Director at WHA Industrial Development Public Company Limited declared during her congratulatory speech: “Data center are at the heart of the economy, as the digital backbone of businesses and governments, hosting data globally and making them accessible. […] SUPERNAP (Thailand) is once again a success story, pathing the way in Thailand of the global movement of industries changing from digital economies to green economies.”
SUPERNAP (Thailand) selected WHA Utilities and Power Plc. (WHAUP) to install the solar power system to provide green energy to the data center, with utmost confidence to WHAUP full turnkey approach to meet the company’s business sustainability objective.
The solar farm was built next to SUPERNAP (Thailand)’s data center premises located in the Economic Eastern Corridor (EEC), outside the Bangkok flood zone and close to international network landing station with links across the country of Thailand.
“SUPERNAP (Thailand) delivers higher service capabilities than any data center in Southeast Asia. Having SUPERNAP (Thailand) as our solar power customer reinforces WHAUP’s expertise and reputation as one of the leading service providers of solar power systems in Thailand”, said Mr. Somkiat Masunthasuwun, Chief Executive Officer at WHA Utilities and Power Plc.
Built with more than 350 patents, including energy efficiency innovative technology, such as a proprietary environmental station and software for their patented air handlers, ensure a strategic decrease of energy consumption and enable SUPERNAP (Thailand) data center with the best PUE in the nation. Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) is the most significant key performance indicators to show how efficiently a data center uses energy.
Furthermore, SUPERNAP (Thailand) uses less than 0.05 L/kWh, which is less than one cup of water for every kilowatt-hour delivered to servers. According to the US Department of Energy report, Water Usage Efficiency (#WUE) of an average data center is 1.8L per 1kWh.
Providing colocation and cloud, the company meets the public and private sectors demand for sustainable digital infrastructure and consolidates their leadership and competitive advantage.
Rock by the River with Anantara During the Bangkok Riverside Fest 2023
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022
A standout event on the city’s social calendar, the annual Bangkok Riverside Fest is back after a three-year hiatus to bring a vibrant mix of music, water sports and alfresco feasting to the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
Taking place over the weekend of 3-5 February 2023, the festival aims to capture the spirit of the community as well as celebrate local culture and raise charitable donations for Anantara’s elephant-related projects throughout Thailand.
The third instalment of the popular festival promises a number of new surprises alongside such crowd-pleasers as overwater fireworks, VIP champagne tents, an interactive display from Thailand Kite Association, and concerts by leading Thai artists in the Music Zone.
This year, the festival line-up features a number of top acts including mini-concerts from PiXXiE, POLYCAT, VIOLETTE WAUTIER, MEAN, LIPTA, 4EVE, patrickananda, Wanyai Feat. Mon Monik, as well as live DJ sets for dancing on the grass.
Families will find a dedicated Kids’ Fun Park with bouncy castles, kiddie paddle boats and giant bubbles, a bustling Flea Market with local vendors selling everything from handcrafted items to Thai souvenirs, and of course the Foodie Village treating the hungry crowds to festival food staples, Thai street food classics and international dishes from Thailand’s top restaurants and Bangkok’s favourite chefs. Guests can also relax with an indulgent artisan cocktail in the beer and wine gardens while taking in the water action.
During the day, the sporting events on the mighty Chao Phraya will be the main attraction with elephant boat racing teams battling it out for a chance to win luxury prizes. The competitively-minded among public will also be offered a healthy challenge by signing up for kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding contests. After dark, the action will shift to the Music Zone with performances running late into the night.
To make a weekend out of it, guests can combine their festival experience with a stay at the adjacent Anantara Riverside Bangkok.
During the festival, Anantara Riverside’s complimentary shuttle boat will be running an hourly service between the BTS station – Saphan Taksin and the resort’s jetty until late.
EGCO Group and Hitachi cooperating on development of smart industrial estate
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022
Electricity Generating Plc (EGCO Group) and Hitachi Group will jointly study technology and intelligent systems for the EGCO Rayong industrial estate, according to a memorandum of understanding between the two.
The estate in Rayong is being developed into a smart and green industrial estate for advanced industries, such as electric vehicle manufacturing, in the Eastern Economic Corridor ( EEC ).
EGCO Group together with Hitachi Asia (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Hitachi Energy (Thailand) Limited signed MOU to carry out a project to study the development of technology and intelligent systems under the project named “Accelerated Digital Transformation: DX Study” for the “EGCO Rayong” Industrial Estate Project which seeks to jointly develop appropriate technology and smart system plan in this industrial estate, as well as apply the study results to other development projects of EGCO Group as appropriate.
This cooperation is in line with EGCO Group’s goal to develop the “EGCO Rayong” Industrial Estate Project, located in Map Ta Phut Municipality, Muang Rayong District, Rayong Province, covering an area of 621 rai, to be a smart and green industrial estate.
The Special Economic Promotional Zone which has been announced in the Royal Gazette is to support both S-Curve and New S-Curve industries. The four targeted S-Curve and New S-Curve industries which will be promoted to invest in the Special Economic Promotional Zone comprise the digital industry, next-generation automotive industry, robotic manufacturing industry, as well as aviation and logistics industries.
Thepparat Theppitak, EGCO Group’s President, said, “EGCO Group is committed to developing the “EGCO Rayong” Industrial Estate to respond to the needs of modern industries in all aspects including research & development and business promotion according to the targeted industries, such as the production of electric vehicles, modern battery production, supporting the aviation industry and data centre, etc., resulting in using expertise in the power business to support the demand for renewable energy and clean energy.”
It also places great emphasis on environmentally friendly management, caring for the community and society as well as all stakeholders according to EGCO Group’s strategic direction for driving the organization towards sustainability under the concept of Cleaner, Smarter and Stronger to Drive Sustainable Growth.
Andrew Hamilton, General Manager of Digital Transformation Consulting & Marketing Group, Hitachi Asia (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said, “Hitachi Asia and Hitachi Energy see this MOU as a great opportunity to work with EGCO Group to co-create the digital transformation roadmap for the “EGCO Rayong” Industrial Estate Project.”
The objective of the roadmap is to guide EGCO Group on its journey toward planning, designing, constructing and operating smarter and more sustainable industrial estates thus contributing to Thailand’s targeted S-curve industry’s growth in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
Worawut Waruttamapornsu, Country Managing Director, Hitachi Energy (Thailand) Limited said, “Hitachi Energy and Hitachi Asia are excited to work with EGCO Group for achieving its smart and green goals for the “EGCO Rayong” Industrial Estate Project. Hitachi affirms the knowledge and expertise of the teams for the collaboration for the roadmap based on the commitment to developing social innovation solutions for a smart, green and sustainable energy future for allCurrently, the “EGCO Rayong” Industrial Estate Project is in the process of designing details to prepare the infrastructure management system and allocation of usable space for maximum benefit.”
The construction is expected to commence in mid-2023. Meanwhile, EGCO Group is in the process of finalizing business and marketing plans, in line with the needs of the industries and to support the needs of targeted customers who expressed their willingness to invest in this industrial estate.
Thai and Singaporean firms form JV to produce batteries for electric vehicles
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022
Nuovo Plus, a joint venture between Arun Plus and Global Power Synergy Plc, is forming a joint venture with Gotion Singapore to build a battery plant to supply electric vehicles and energy storage systems, the company announced.
The joint venture, NV Gotion, will have authorised capital of almost 600 million baht, with 51% from Nuovo Plus and 49% from Gotion, Nuovo Plus said in a press release.
NV Gotion will import components, and assemble and distribute battery modules and packs for energy storage systems and electric vehicles, the press release said. Its initial production capacity will be 1 GWh a year, which will double to 2 GWh per year by 2025.
Nuovo Plus is a joint venture between Arun Plus and Global Power Synergy.
Buranin Rattanasombat, Chief New Business and Infrastructure Officer, PTT Public Company Limited and Chairman of the Board of Nuovo Plus Company Limited revealed that creating an ecosystem of renewable energy and electric vehicle depends primarily on the production of batteries for energy storage and electric vehicles (EV).
This joint venture establishes NV Gotion company which specializes in the energy storage and EV Value Chain — upstream to downstream — in accordance with the future energy business of PTT Group’s strategy.
NV Gotion will be capable of providing industrial sectors with one-stop service and international standard batteries not only in Thailand but across Asean by combining the knowledge of Nuovo Plus and Gotion in the fields of research and development (R&D), competitive production potential, technical service from experts. Thus, NV Gotion is going to construct a 2 GWh battery plant in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). By the fourth quarter of 2023, the plant plans to develop and provide high-quality lithium-ion batteries to the market so that boosting competitiveness through innovation and technology could ensure Thailand’s Net Zero goal.
Li Zhen, Chairman of Gotion High-tech Co., Ltd. highlighted the significance of the joint venture with PTT and expectations for the future.
Gotion believes that the cooperation will aid in the company’s international growth and accelerate the new energy development of PTT Group. Resulting in win-win situation and laying a solid foundation for further collaboration in the future.
The quality of products is the key to the joint venture’s success. It is intended that both parties can leverage their respective strengths, and make their advantages complement one another.
” To advance product technology, enhance the functionality of products, and enhance services, thus, we must collaborate. Promoting application is the soul of the development of the joint venture. In order to help Thailand’s automotive industry become more globally competitive, NV Gotion will support the Thai government to create a green economy and transform Thai automobiles. Gotion High-tech and PTT Group, with NV Gotion as the platform, will make the most of the first-class technology, high-quality products, and advanced management to support the success of electric vehicles equipped with NV Gotion batteries in Southeast Asia and beyond,” Li said.
What makes quality a necessity? Unlock the keys to success with Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Toyota Execs
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022
Quality is vital to a company navigating its way to success, especially for a car manufacturer whose product quality embodies its customers’ safety, convenience, and overall experiences.
This is why NielsenIQ Automotive Team, the expert of customer experience studies and auto industry data analysis, have decided to delve deeper into the secrets behind some of the most successful automotive manufacturers in Thailand namely Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Toyota. We want to find out just what these producers are doing differently to ensure they stay ahead of the competition in this fiercely competitive industry and how they see the future of the automotive industry.
Consumer needs for quality in the Thai automotive market have never stopped evolving.
The three crucial aspects found in every quality product or service are operational efficiency, consumer confidence, and value for money. It is no surprise that quality control in the automotive industry has evolved with changing times. In the view of the four executives, the following key factors have contributed to the transformation:
Technology & Connectivity: Consumer needs for quality have evolved with technological innovation and the advancement of connectivity, explains Mr. Somkid Praditkamjornchai, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd. As new technologies emerge car manufacturers have to incorporate them to improve their vehicles’ performance. However, this does not mean that manufacturers can lose sight of the vehicles’ basic requirements, such as a smooth ride, comfortable seating, engine quality, reliability, no car noises, or component excellence. Indeed, manufacturers must ensure that the quality of these factors are maintained while understanding that consumers are now taking more notice of the technologies on offer from their products than ever before.
At the same time, Mr. Kenichiro Saruwatari, President and CEO of AutoAlliance (Thailand) Co., Ltd., believes that continuous development of new communications technology features will have a lasting effect on quality assurance and that manufacturers also place connectivity at the heart of their technological advancements.
Trends, Government Regulations & Social Issues: In Saruwatari’s opinion, society’s increasing environmental awareness has made electric vehicles more and more desirable to consumers. Manufacturers need to respond to this trend. Meanwhile, different government regulations around the world, including carbon neutrality and net zero emissions goal, also play an integral part in setting the stage. He cites the example of Japan, where there are more road accidents involving elderly people than younger generations from society, leading to automotive innovations aimed at addressing this social problem.
Emotional requirements: Consumers have higher expectations, so manufacturers must be careful to meet said needs, both in terms of everyday facility and the emotional benefits their products can offer. Examples of such include designing vehicles that are eye-catching, luxurious, and elegant as these can indicate a person’s good standing in society, as well as producing a sense of pride in its owner, according to Mr. Wichai Sinanunphat, Director of Tri Petch Isuzu Co., Ltd.
As consumer requirements are constantly changing, ensuring that the company has its ears open to the ‘customer voice’ is essential to Mr. Eiichi Koito, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co., Ltd. He also remarks that it is not merely the passing of time that is influencing the ever-changing consumer needs, it is also the automotive market differences in each country and segment that result in unique requirements. Organizations must therefore keep a close eye on their customers to analyse how those needs are changing and how they can be effective in meeting them as this information will prove vital to success. The speed at which a company can process such information is another critical aspect, which is why Mitsubishi has provided special training to staff to ensure a company culture built around maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
Quality control challenges in the eyes of Manufacturers
All four executives agree that ‘quality control’ is a challenging objective, particularly when it comes to the latest innovations or technologies. Manufacturers must have a clear understanding of the direction that any potential progress could take the company – be that in terms of processes, components, suppliers, or new products – including how quality and customer satisfaction could be affected.
Isuzu takes responsibility for quality assurance throughout the process, from design and manufacturing to product delivery and after-sales care. As a result, their customers trust in the brand. Mazda is another shining light in this regard, having multiple teams – including designers, engineers, and quality controllers – working collaboratively for optimal operational efficiency. They also quickly identify and address any issues that arise.
Meanwhile, Mitsubishi believes that the diverse and varied needs of their customers pose an intriguing challenge. By focusing on shared points of importance to both themselves and their customers, they take on the most pressing issues first, creating vehicle models with their own unique selling points.
Finally, Toyota has a range of standards and procedures to guarantee ‘safety and quality’ to their customers, including adherence to safety and quality principles and the use of customer-centric change management and other techniques designed to reduce problems faced by their customers. The success of such a method is heavily reliant on the executive closely monitoring day-to-day operations.
These key factors underpin automotive manufacturer success
Despite each of the organizations having their own individual policies or concepts, it is clear that they share a belief in listening to consumer opinion to inform the design of their vehicles, resulting in greater customer confidence in their brands. The executives of these four successful businesses have outlined the following key factors to automotive manufacturer success:
All four executives are in agreement that the automotive market is in a rebound phase and that it is starting to expand once again following the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers are beginning to expand their own horizons, whether in terms of professional lives, tourism, or even camping. However, as Mr. Somkit and Mr. Wirachai remark that there remain some very challenging obstacles for automakers, including high costs, especially for metal, and a lack of access to semi-conductors. The current precarious supply chain requires careful attention moving forward. Meanwhile, many economies are still recovering from the effects of the pandemic. Additionally, higher fuel prices are significantly impacting consumer demand for vehicles, making it difficult for manufacturers to make accurate predictions for this year’s sales figures.
Despite these volatile factors, the automotive market seems to be heading in the right direction. For car makers, placing a greater importance on consumer voice, teamwork, efficient manufacturing process, and product safety ensure the highest quality can be maintained. This is not exclusive to the motor vehicle industry but instead should be seen as a mantra to guide producers from all industries as they strive to stay ahead of the competition.
Receiving the winning titles for past initial quality award is a source of pride for these executives and a testament to their organizations’ utmost attention to customer voice. They reflect the dedication to quality shown by these outstanding automobile manufacturers.
AURA sees glittering future for its Thong Ma Ngern Pai gold shops
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022
Nongluck Ajanapanya
Aurora Design Plc (AURA), one of Thailand’s leading gold and diamond jewellery retailers, is expanding its consignment business under its Thong Ma Ngern Pai (Gold Comes, Money Goes) brand of shops.
The move comes after it became the first gold jeweller to list on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) last month. The decision to roll out more shops was driven by expanding demand in the consignment sector, AURA chief marketing officer Anipat Srirungthum explained on Thursday.
Thong Ma Ngern Pai brand is a retailer that also allows customers to temporarily exchange jewellery for cash to boost their liquidity.
Anipat said this business was previously only a supplement to its Aurora and Seng Heng gold shops but had now become a core focus.
The expansion is part of the company’s rebranding from an antique traditional family jewellers to a modern trendy gold store for people of all ages.
Anipat said Thong Ma Ngern Pai differed from its competitors thanks to its high credit limit, no need for a guarantor, instant cash, low monthly interest rate of 1.25%, more than 200 standardised branches nationwide, and easy access via its own app.
“I dare to say that no other gold shop offers such a high credit limit with such a low interest rate,” he said.
Asked why Aurora Design is so confident about making the consignment business its new flagship, Anipat highlighted the critical role digitisation.
“We are a data-driven organisation. Data helps us with accuracy of checking and tracking as well as ensuring security against errors and scams on a proper economy of scale. It also helps us understand our customers’ pain points and the solutions we can offer them.”
Aniwat explained that the Thong Ma Ngern Pai brand was created to help customers easily access financial sources at a legal interest rate and with greater convenience. After more than three years of testing, the service showed promising prospects.
Revenue is growing at least 45% per year and there are over 130,000 users of Thong Ma Ngern Pai services.
AURA plans to expand the current network of 266 stores to 409 by 2024, boosting revenue to 3.7 billion baht.
Aniwat said the brand will also collaborate with other businesses to improve user experience and engagement. The company has partnered with CJ MORE, Line BK, and Kasikorn Bank.
New, expanded markets may see Thai rice exports cross 2022 target
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022
Thailand will likely achieve its goal of exporting 7.5 million tonnes of rice this year, and may even go beyond the target, the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) said.
Ronnarong Phoolpipat, the department’s director-general, said on Friday that exporters have sought to ship out up to 8.58 million tonnes of rice this year, adding that the baht’s exchange rate has made prices very competitive.
Also, he said Iraq’s import of 1.3 million tonnes of rice in the first 10 months of this year has helped rice exports grow by 500% year-on-year.
Export of rice to the US and the Philippines – both of which are Thailand’s key markets – has grown by 25% and 44% respectively.
Ronnaraong said he expects rice exports to rise further in 2023 thanks to the exchange rate and the easing of Covid-19 measures.
He also said Indonesia and Bangladesh have expressed interest in importing rice from Thailand because their harvests are not large enough to cover domestic demand.
He said DFT will meet key rice exporters next month to set an export target for 2023.
The department also plans to hold a Thailand Rice Convention next year, as well as participate in international fairs like Germany’s BioFach, UAE’s Gulfood 2023, Foodex 2023 in Japan, the China-Asean Expo 2023 and Fine Food 2023 in Australia to promote Thai rice.
Foreign investment jumps 74% to THB112 billion, with largest share from Japan
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022
Thailand saw foreign investment worth over 112 billion baht in the first 11 months this year, up 74% from the same period last year, Deputy Commerce Minister Sinit Lertkrai said on Friday.
He said the biggest investor was Japan, with 39 billion baht from 137 entities. Japan also accounted for 26% of the total 530 foreign investors registered between January and November.
China was the second-largest foreign investor at 22.6 billion baht – despite having the fewest number of investors among the top five countries/territories with 25 (5%).
Singapore ranked third with 11.9 billion baht from 85 investors, said Sinit, citing data from the Department of Business Development.
Hong Kong was fourth with 8.4 billion baht from 38 investors while the US was fifth with 3.3 billion baht from 70 investors.
Foreign investment projects in the first 11 months are expected to create 5,008 new jobs in Thailand, Sinit said.
The number of investors rose from 500 last year to 530 this year – a 6% increase.
Most of the foreign investment was in projects related to infrastructure development and supporting industries, according to the deputy commerce minister. They included subcontractors for an electricity plant for U-Tapao Airport, upgrading Map Ta Phut Industrial Port, design and development of electric vehicle charging stations, international goods distribution centres, and software and digital data services.
Thailand refutes US determination of solar panel ‘dumping’
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022
The Commerce Ministry has refuted the United States’ preliminary determination that solar panels imported from Thailand are evading US anti-dumping measures.
US authorities published a determination on December 8 that solar cells and modules imported from manufacturers in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia are using parts from China. This shows an intention to evade US anti-dumping and countervailing duty measures against China, the determination said.
“In this preliminary determination, the US has chosen only two Thai exporters to question about the origin of their materials. These two are only a fraction of all exporters of solar panels in Thailand,” said Ronnarong Phoolpipat, director-general of the ministry’s Foreign Trade Department.
Ronnarong added that US representatives will visit Thailand to investigate solar panel businesses before completing the final determination on anti-dumping practices on May 1, 2023. He urged the businesses to cooperate with US representatives by providing full details of products and materials, adding that the Foreign Trade Department will help prepare Thai businesses for the inspection.
In the meantime, Thai manufacturers can still export solar panels to the US tariff-free under a presidential order that exempts import tax on solar products from the four countries until June 9, 2024.
In the first 10 months of 2022, Thailand exported solar panels worth over US$940 million (32.9 billion baht), up 3% year on year. Thailand’s other major markets for solar panels are Vietnam, India, Taiwan, Turkey and China.
Thailand’s economy to grow by 3.6% in 2023, riding on tourism recovery: UTCC
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022
The country is likely to see 3.6% economic growth in 2023 thanks to the performance of the tourism sector, despite the nation’s export growth slowing down, according to University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC).
The president of the UTCC and adviser to the university’s Centre for Economic and Business Forecasting, Thanavath Phonvichai, said the number of tourists visiting Thailand is expected to increase from 11 million this year to 22 million people in 2023, while the nation’s exports are slowing down due to a decline in trade partners’ purchasing power.
“Exports are expected to recover by the third quarter of next year,” he said. “In addition, investment from the public sector is also a factor that will bolster Thailand’s economy as production bases are shifted to several Asean countries, including Thailand.”
He said the nation’s economy was predicted to grow by 3.3% this year, driven by the tourism sector after Covid restrictions were eased, which has brought an influx of tourists to the country, while exports continue to thrive.
UTCC has forecast that in 2023, Thailand’s export and import growth will be 1.2% and 2.2% respectively while investment from the public sector will expand by 3.2%.
He said inflation in the country would increase by 3% if the global and national economy follow these conditions: global trade volume rises by 2.5%, the global economy grows by 2.7%, 22-24 million people visit Thailand, currency rate stays at 35.95 baht to the US. dollar, crude oil from Dubai remains at US$92.50 per barrel, and the policy interest rate stays at 1.25-2%.
“The relief in the Covid-19 situation in the country, the return of tourists, improvement in the agricultural sector, and especially the election scheduled to take place next year will all help generate revenue for the country,” he said.
However, he said there is uncertainty about the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, rising energy and commodity prices, central banks’ interest rate hike to deal with inflation, volatility in financial markets and global economic recession, which could pressure Thailand’s economic growth.
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