MBM Metalworks reached facade lighting solution deal with The Forestias North Plot to integrate ecosystem with diverse range of lifestyles
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2022
THE NATION
BANGKOK, October 2022: MBM Metalworks Limited, a specialist in facade and envelope systems will be providing a complete facade lighting solution to The Forestias North Plot project under The Forestias, Thailand’s largest mixed-use development project by MQDC.
MBM in collaboration with B.Grimm Trading will offer one stop facade and lighting solutions covering services and support in design, manufacturing, installation, through maintenance for a smooth and seamless experience. Customers can save time, money, and hassle of contacting multiple suppliers whilst being delivered high quality products with German engineering technology.
Mr Arnon Harnburanaphong, Managing Director of MBM Metalworks, said “In general, facade lighting work is faced with overlapping installation given the two teams coming from different suppliers and performing works independently. As a result, the lighting team would find themselves unable to continue the task due to spec and design misalignments with the facade. In most cases, the duplicated efforts happen when there is no proper communication which results in the reworks, air and water leakage, causing increased costs and project delays. Recognizing the problems, MQDC is taking steps to prevent room for task overlap.
Under B.Grimm Group, MBM and B.Grimm Trading joined forces to offer a single comprehensive solution, providing professional advice and support in each key step of facade and lighting design, manufacturing, installation, to maintenance. Our in-house manufacturing allows us to fully practice quality control and assure high-quality, bespoke products. Customers can save money and considerable time and effort on duplicate work as we are the only point of contact they will ever need.”
In addition, MBM also offers value engineering by cooperating with designers of The Forestias to propose the most optimal design option available – provide equal functionality with less expensive alternatives; or increase the value of the product without reducing costs. MBM expects to complete the facade lighting project by Q3 of 2023.
Dow features seven new high-performing and sustainable technologies at in-cosmetics Asia 2022
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2022
THE NATION
Bangkok, Thailand – November 1st, 2022 – Dow (NYSE: Dow) will showcase seven high performing and sustainable new technologies to expand its personal care portfolio at in-cosmetics Asia 2022, taking place in Bangkok, Thailand from November 1st – 3rd at booth K30. Moreover, the team will display a series of innovative and inspiring formulations that will help brand owners to meet the growing demand for more sustainable cosmetic ingredients.
At booth K30, scientific and marketing experts are looking forward to sharing their scientific know-how, consumer knowledge and regulatory expertise and visitors are invited to discover the unique performance of Dow’s offering – one of the broadest portfolios in the personal care industry.
“Dow’s products featured in in-cosmetics Asia are uniquely developed and aligned with the latest beauty trends in the region,” said Isabel Almiro do Vale, Global Strategic Market Director of Dow Personal Care. “The ingredients being introduced today provide superior and multi-functional benefits across both hair and skin care formulations while delivering on consumer demands for affordable products that are safe for humans and the environment.”
The seven new featured trade products include:
– CD-1 Polymer: A highly effective bio-derived and renewable deposition aid that boost a shampoo´s conditioning effectiveness using silicones or natural oils as benefit agent.
– MaizeCare™ Clarity Polymer: The unique corn-based ingredient enables the creation of crystal-clear hair styling formulations while offering versatility from low to high hair fixation, consistent curl retention, and new and desirable compatibility with carbomer. Furthermore, it has a good potential as a transparent film former for cosmetic applications.
– EcoSmooth™ Rice Husk Cosmetic Powder: Upcycled from non-GMO natural sources, the white silica powder delivers a unique sensorial experience and optical benefits like blurring imperfections. A must add to many common skincare, color cosmetics, and hair care formulations.
– EcoSmooth™ Universal Fluid 1100: A new biodegradable and biobased carrier fluid suitable for color cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and deodorant applications. The innovation of this material combines its effectiveness in formulations as well as its unique production process which includes upcycled waste after crop harvesting. By combining performance and greener process Dow creates double value for people and planet
– EcoSense™ GL-60 HL Surfactant and EcoSense™ GL-60 HA Surfactant: The two naturally derived (>99% bio-derived) bio-surfactants with emulsifying properties enable the creation of highly desirable mild cleansing products. Shampoo, face wash, body wash, and leave-on products like body lotion can feel even more comfortable on the skin and scalp.
– EcoSense™ GL-60 HL/HA Surfactants are non-GMO, sugar based and exhibits >60% biodegradation within 28 days per OECD 301F. An excellent fit to minimize environmental impact, allowing naturally derived formulations creation without compromise on performance.
– DOWSIL™ 979 Emulsion: Developed with a sustainable focus, low cyclics content, and lower ecotoxicity than many of the emulsions containing quaternary-based surfactants, this product delivers the high-performance benefits, like reduced friction, enhanced dry or wet combing and restored hydrophobicity, as well as color protection and reduced hair breakage in conditioners, leave-in, and shampoo formats.
“The beauty and personal care industry are anticipated to rebound, and Asia Pacific remains as the exciting growth region. We are excited to launch seven new high-performing and sustainable technologies that will help our customers to create the next generation differentiating products that improve everyday living while sustaining the environment.” said Cedric Toh, Global Segment Leader and Regional Marketing Manager for Dow Personal Care. “We are committed to deliver a sustainable future for the world by connecting and collaborating with our partners to find new options for materials that make life better for everyone.”
At the booth, customers can also discover the new ECOllaboration Concepts Collection and Natural Cosmetics Collection, which focuses on the three key pillars of natural beauty: ecology, economic development, and eco-conscious mindset. These collections will inspire brand owners to create personal care solutions with outstanding performance that achieve a minimum natural origin content of 90% and are both inclusive and safe for people and the planet.
DFSA, SEC sign MOU on fintech and innovation cooperation
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2022
Bangkok, October 19 – The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and the Securities and Exchange Commission, Thailand (SEC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote cooperation and open dialogue about technology-enabled financial innovations in the financial services sector, including FinTech and Regulatory Technology (RegTech).
The MoU was signed by Mr Ian Johnston, Chief Executive of DFSA, and Ms Ruenvadee Suwanmongkol, Secretary-General of SEC Thailand on October 18.
The agreement provides a framework for ease of cooperation between the two authorities on matters pertaining to regulations and policies in financial services in both markets as well as emerging trends.
Mr Ian Johnston, Chief Executive of the DFSA, said: “As the financial services sector evolves at an unprecedented pace, it is key for regulatory bodies to maintain a constant stream of knowledge exchange to stay abreast of innovation in the sector within their markets. This strategic partnership provides a strong foundation to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between our two countries. We are confident that bringing together the expertise of DFSA and SEC Thailand on emerging technologies impacting the global financial ecosystem will further advance the development of our respective economies.”
Ms Ruenvadee Suwanmongkol, Secretary-General of SEC Thailand, said: “As the innovative development in the financial services sector is growing exponentially, our collaborative partnership is an important initiative that enables both authorities to keep pace with innovations and addressemerging complex challenges. This MoU also underlines SEC Thailand’s focus on strengthening relationships with leading regulatory authorities, including DFSA. We strongly believe that a close collaboration between DFSA and SEC Thailand is a steppingstone towards stronger and continuing development of financial innovations and regulations in our respective jurisdictions.”
‘Why the telecom merger is in Thailand’s interests’
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2022
As the global economy enters an era of volatility, marked by technological advancement, Thailand is transforming itself to compete on the global stage. The core purpose of merging the businesses of True and DTAC is to enable a quicker and more comprehensive nationwide rollout of digital infrastructure and to harness critical and emerging technologies as an enabler of new possibilities to drive sustainable change and advance human rights by promoting equitable access to digital technology – to support the government’s Thailand 4.0 strategy, the companies said.
The parties have been clear from the start – this is a technology-motivated transaction to bring Thailand the communications networks it needs and deserves to compete within Asean and beyond. The Amalgamation will facilitate the rollout of 5G and related technology in line with the ‘Thailand 4.0’ economic model. The parties will work towards transforming Thailand into an economy defined by technology and innovation by combining True and dtac’s complementary skills and resources to unleash growth across the Nation. As part of this journey, the parties urge NBTC to, in accordance with international best practices, allow dtac and True to engage with NBTC on the merger and ensure that the merger safeguards consumers and delivers benefits.
Five aspirations for our new telecom-tech company
1. The telecom-tech company will provide exceptional data service
The amalgamation between dtac and True will create a new telecom-tech company that will be a fierce market competitor. In infrastructure-heavy industries such as telecommunication, larger investments and scale are required to compete, having more players in the market does not necessarily make the market more competitive, especially if these players are weaker and unable to evolve their quality offerings to catch up with leaders. The merger will enable a more symmetry competitive dynamic between the new company and the market leader, with intense competition on price and service quality to sustain customer attractiveness. Moreover, well-functioning regulatory oversight will ensure that Thailand will continue to have some of the lowest data prices in the world, along with access to data services for all.
According to a survey conducted by Cable.co.uk regarding worldwide mobile data pricing in 2022, Thailand is ranked as having the lowest data prices in South East Asia despite having one of the highest spectrum costs in the world. In addition, the survey from Cable.co.uk also shows that Thailand’s data download speed is top-ranked globally with 54 Mbps.
Thai users, whether rich or poor, living in Bangkok or rural provinces, can experience high-quality mobile data speed to access different applications with highly affordable service fees. And it will still be like this after the Amalgamation, with the new company offering affordable pricing and other various products and services tailored to meet the different needs of each and every customer throughout Thailand.
2. The telecom-tech company will deliver an undisputed network experience to all
The new telecom-tech company will be ready to uplift mobile and 5G and 4G high-speed internet experiences with the combined mobile networks of True and dtac. The superior network will transform the experience for 50 million customers in terms of coverage and capacity. A nationwide state-of-the-art network will ensure that all Thai people have equal access to digital opportunities.
The merger intends to significantly enhance network capacity and empower a quicker and more comprehensive roll-out of 5G nationwide, driving technological development amongst all communities. This rapid roll-out requires a significant investment into network infrastructure combined with a complete ecosystem to fast-forward the country’s digital transformation. A high-capacity 5G data network will also support the Thai Government’s action plan for promoting the adoption of 5G Technology in Thailand and lay the foundation for future socio-economic growth in the country. According to a report developed by researchers at the telecom industry organization GSMA, 5G is expected to drive a GDP uplift in Thailand of US$ 10 billion (~THB 370 billion) by 2030.
3. The telecom-tech company will deliver services and experiences that go beyond connectivity
The telecom-tech company will have the scale and expertise to be an attractive partner for global technology providers and digital giants. This will ensure Thailand’s early access to the latest services, like virtual reality, and augmented reality, and engagement with the Metaverse. It will not just connect people but will also offer new innovative tools to connect to the internet. Big data and AI will become prominent and will require superior 5G internet speeds. Advancement of Thailand’s digital infrastructure and technologies will position Thailand as a regional digital and innovation hub and stimulate inbound investment into Thailand.
The new telecom-tech company will work closely with key industries and the public sector to develop technological advancements to modernize services, increase productivity and contribute to economic growth. Areas of focus are identified by the Thai Government in Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society Development Plan and in Thailand’s ambitious Thailand 4.0 strategy and include building Smart capabilities within Health, Agriculture, Manufacturing and Logistics.
4. The telecom-tech company will support SMEs and large enterprises to benefit from global technology advancements
Together with its partners, the telecom-tech company plans to support a US$ 200 million Venture Capital (VC) fund to stimulate local start-ups and strengthen the digital ecosystem. The telecom-tech company will also establish innovation centres that support digital entrepreneurs laying the foundation for future Thai unicorns.
The VC fund aims to invest in promising companies to promote innovative technologies, creating opportunities for stronger Thai startups, and supporting them to become successful at national, regional, and global levels. The new company will be equipped with advanced technology and expertise from Telenor and CP, as well as from other global partners.
The initiatives of the VC fund can create thousands of new job opportunities in the tech industry. For greater economic growth and stronger employment, investing in Thai start-ups can bring about significant benefits for the Thai economy. It is expected to contribute to the development of multiple new patents and promote the Thai startup ecosystem. If all goes as planned estimates show that the VC fund can stimulate the Thai economy with up to THB 30 billion (~US$ 900 million) in GDP growth.
5. The telecom-tech company will uphold the highest standards in responsible business conduct in terms of environmental, social and governance impacts (ESG)
The new company will set the best interest of Thai people and Thai society at the centre of everything we do. The new company will use telecom tech as our tool to create new possibilities for a more equal society and meaningful sustainability partnership. The telecom-tech company will continue creating innovations and internal ways of working under ESG practices. This will help us in dealing with change more effectively and creating sustainable growth. The new company will ensure good governance in line with international best practices for responsible business conduct. In a connected society the new company will protect customer data, respect privacy, and have the highest priority on cybersecurity.
Besides, the telecom-tech company will provide our experts and talents opportunities to grow and develop themselves at the forefront of the digital transformation without limits, under an empowering work culture that respects human rights, inclusivity and diversity.
The telecom-tech company has set these 5 aspirations for the telecom-tech company to be clear on what Thai people can expect from the new company and to express our strong support for the future of Thailand’s digital and technological developments. Our key shareholders, CP Group and Telenor Group are fully behind us with support towards our goal of providing great value for customers and driving opportunities for Thai society to thrive in the digital economy.
dtac’s Gaming Nation 2.0, MAKE by KBank, and leading global game publishers bolster the best mobile gaming ecosystem in Thailand
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2022
18 October 2022 – Gaming Nation – dtac’s mobile gaming platform – celebrates its successful first year with more than 7 million unique visitors by upgrading to Gaming Nation 2.0 with more popular games and more leading game publishers collaborating with the Gaming Nation and dtac.
The collaboration offers the best exclusive deals and items, more cross-industry partners to empower ALL the gamers, enhanced Gaming Nation coin campaigns and loyalty program, new engaging and selling channel for an even more convenient and uninterrupted customer experience, and the biggest ever launch of new Gaming Nation Play, totaling over 20MB in value across the last quarter of 2022. Powering this upgrade is our new partner KASIKORN Business-Technology Group (KBTG) whose MAKE by KBank financial app for new gen lifestyle is rewarding new signups at Gaming Nation and MAKE by KBank with up to THB 300 cashback.
Mr How Lih Ren, Chief Marketing Officer, Total Access Communication PLC or dtac, said, “Gaming Nation is our mobile gaming platform under the Beyond Mobile Connectivity strategy to offer a wider range of meaningful services beyond telecommunication, enabling a comprehensive digital ecosystem. Launched in June 2021, Gaming Nation succeeded beyond expectation with more than 7 million unique visitors and over 400MB gross merchandises value which also contributes to an average spending per user of 5-10 times higher than non-gamers. Moving forward into the second year, Gaming Nation 2.0 is a major upgrade in every aspect and yet is just a taste of things to come in the future. We are building this platform to be inclusive for everyone – not specific gender or age group.”
The inclusive Thai mobile gaming ecosystem
Gaming Nation is a secured gaming platform with the best value for money, quick to access, and playable on any mobile network. This openness helped us see 35% of users accessing from other mobile network who are enticed to take advantage of our superior gaming ecosystem that better reward them with gaming items exclusive to Gaming Nation.
Gamers also evidently see that Gaming Nation community on the Facebook page is vibrant and active with continual updates and exclusive contents. Users also enjoy the special privileges of Gaming Nation Coin and Gaming Nation VIP which we offer as part of the Loyalty Program. They help to fund the gaming top-up for popular titles such as VALORANT, PUBG M, Ragnarok X, Ragnarok M, Genshin Impact, Identity V and many more!
Moreover, by Q4 2022, Gaming Nation will launch Gaming Nation Play – a gaming platform with one of the biggest number of game titles to choose from, for everyone.
Gaming Nation X MAKE by KBank – the Win-Win Synergy
Mr Ruangroj Poonpol, Group Chairman of KASIKORN Business-Technology Group (KBTG) said, “Our collaboration with Gaming Nation is based on our mutual rising journey. A strong newcomer in the financial world, MAKE by KBank is Thailand’s first app to integrate money allocation, payment, and transaction record in one place. The app can help users improve their financial discipline immensely by using the Cloud Pocket feature to split their money per their intended use and unique lifestyle. Recognizing how gaming is part of their lifestyle, KBTG aims to draw in more gamers and get them to download MAKE by KBank by offering exclusive deals that they couldn’t find elsewhere.”
What’s new in Gaming Nation 2.0
More popular games, more leading game publishers, and more cross-industry partners collaborating with the Gaming Nation and dtac offering the best exclusive deals and items, worth over 20 million Baht across Q4, 2022 2X Gaming Nation Coin for all top-ups from 21 October – 6 November for customers to use as a game top-up discount Earn THB 300 for each new sign-up with Gaming Nation and MAKE by KBank – you will receive THB 150 worth of gaming top-up with 150 GN Coin, plus THB 150 cashback credit from MAKE by KBank Enhanced Gaming Nation coin campaigns and loyalty program on the Gaming Nation website The biggest ever launch of new Gaming Nation Play, a gaming platform with one of the biggest number of game titles for everyone Addition of new Chat & Shop channel through Facebook messenger for an even more convenient, engaging, and integrated purchasing experience Gamer Community tournament for VALORANT with total prize of 200,000THB along with many other engaging activities (and free giveaways!) on “Krai Hen Gor Wa Game” Facebook page by dtac Enhanced user experience (UX) along with a new user interface (UI) for a more engaging looks and feels when browsing a plethora of Gaming Nation features and deals
Gaming Nation is the ultimate online gaming platform with the best deals and privileges for mobile gamers. Check out https://gamingnation.dtac.co.th and join our gaming community on our Facebook page to receive the latest news, updates and promotions.
THAI’s revised rehabilitation plan set for take-off after Bankruptcy Court nod
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022
The Central Bankruptcy Court on Thursday approved a request by Thai Airways International (THAI) to revise its rehabilitation plan as the national carrier begins to fly high this year on the wings of a fast recovery.
The court verdict came after most creditors of the financially troubled airline endorsed the revised plan, according to a THAI source.
At their recent meeting, 78.6 per cent of the creditors, including the Finance Ministry, voted to support THAI’s revised rehabilitation plan in the hopes that a quick recovery would make it possible for the airline to resume stock market trading by 2025, the source said.
THAI will next hire a financial adviser company to prepare for debt-to-equity swaps and a capital increase involving existing creditors and shareholders.
The revised plan calls for new funds of no more than 25 billion baht by 2024, instead of 50 billion as permitted by the court under the original restructuring plan.
After being mired in debt for years, the national carrier is now flying into a welcome cloud of recovery, with its average passenger load soaring to 80 per cent and cumulative cashflow of about 20 billion baht.
In July, THAI petitioned the Central Bankruptcy Court, seeking to revise its rehabilitation plan with the hopes of exiting the plan before the 2025 deadline.
The airline filed for bankruptcy protection in late 2019 after reporting massive debts of 245 billion baht. The Cabinet in May 2020 gave the rehabilitation plan the green light under the Bankruptcy Act, which was later approved by the Central Bankruptcy Court.
OR teams up with GWM to install “EV Station PluZ I GWM” chargers at potential commercial areas outside of service stations
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022
THE NATION
Mr Suchat Ramarch, President, PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) and Mr Narong Sritalayon, Managing Director, Great Wall Motor (Thailand) (GWM) participated in the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the installation of EV Station PluZ I GWM chargers in potential commercial areas.
This is the first time that OR, as an EV charging station provider, and the leading automaker have collaborated to expand Quick Charge stations in potential commercial areas outside of service stations to cover leading department stores, community malls, and hotels, among others. The project will start with pilot installations that are expected to be completely rolled out within the fourth quarter of 2022.
Mr Suchat revealed that “This collaboration is to ensure a seamless energy transition as well as to encourage widespread use of electricity for the purpose of travel and transportation within the country, developing the company’s EV business and bringing it to the leading position in the EV Ecosystem. With concrete commitments and approaches to expanding the charging station network to potential commercial areas, this cooperation with GWM, one of the most significant EV manufacturers, marks the first time OR joins forces with an automaker. The new locations of EV Station PluZ I GWM charging stations at leading department stores, community malls, and hotels will facilitate accessibility to electric charging stations even more while also responding to lifestyles of consumers who have adopted electric vehicles and prefer using clean energy. The pilot branches of EV Station Pluz I GWM chargers were planned to be completely set up by 2022 and will secure their places in commercially potential areas, be they leading department stores, community malls, hotel chains, or any other areas that can precisely touch the needs of EV users.
Furthermore, in July, OR and GWM also signed an MoU for joint study and development of a platform to integrate the roaming system that helps navigate EV Station PluZ, book services, activate online payments, and check the roaming history, unlocking seamless connectivity within the EV Station PluZ network, both inside and outside PTT Stations, while also raising confidence of both GWM and OR’s customers, guaranteeing excellent services for all.”
Mr Narong said that “From the first step we took through to the second year of our business in Thailand, Great Wall Motor has been committed to providing electric vehicle products and services of high quality, as well as catering new experiences to consumers in parallel with developing and strengthening the EV Ecosystem in Thailand. We aim at erecting a total of 55 charging stations by 2022 through three operations: 1. G-Charge Super Charging Stations; 2. Electric charging station at GWM partner stores; 3. Destination charges (collaborating with business partners to set up charging stations at different landmarks nationwide). The collaboration engaged by Great Wall Motor and OR contributes to the expansion of Great Wall Motor’s charging stations, building new stations in communities and important landmarks. Not only will this enhance the experience of EV usage, convenience and peace of mind for travelers, but it also reflects Great Wall Motor’s commitments to steering the growth of the EV industry, as well as propelling Thailand to become a truly EV hub of the ASEAN region. Great Wall Motor would like to express our appreciation to OR for their trust, active cooperation, and support to complement the EV ecosystem.”
BTS Group to offer Thailand’s first ‘Sustainability-Linked Bonds (SLB)’ to general public
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022
With the issue credit rating of “A”, the subscription period for the SLB is expected to take place at the end of November 2022. The SLB will serve as an alternative investment for investors who seek to find attractive investment and to provide support on sustainability development. BTS Group together with 5 leading financial institutions will act as joint lead arrangers for this offering.
Bangkok, October 20, 2022 – BTS Group Holdings Public Company Limited (BTS Group) is preparing to offer sustainability-linked bonds (SLB) under the placement of Public Offering (PO) for the first time in Thailand. The offering consists of 4 tranches with the tenors ranging from approximately 2 years, 4 years 6 months, 7 years 6 months, and to 10 years. Interest payment for SLB will be paid semi-annually until the SLB’s maturity. The final coupon rate for each SLB tranche will be announced later.
The SLB were rated “A” by TRIS Rating on September 19, 2022. The rating reflects the strength of the business. BTS Group appoints 5 leading financial institutions, including Bangkok Bank, Krung Thai Bank, Kasikornbank, Siam Commercial Bank, and CIMB Thai Bank, as joint lead arrangers. The subscription period for SLB is expected to be at the end of November. BTS Group is confident that “Sustainability-linked Bonds” will receive warm welcome from a general public, following previous BTS Group’s SLB offering to high-net-worth and institutional investors at the beginning of this year. In addition to the return on investment and the acceptable risk level, SLB is also an important alternative investment instrument that gives investors the opportunity to contribute to the sustainability development together with the company. This is expected to be the major trend for future investment.
Mr Surayut Thavikulwat, Chief Financial Officer, BTS Group Holdings Public Company Limited, the issuer of the first-ever public offering sustainability-linked bond in Thailand, revealed that the Company is in the process of filing a registration statement (filing) for the offering of named, unsubordinated, unsecured, with debenture holders’ representative Sustainability-Linked Bonds to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand (SEC). The 4 tranches of SLB consist of bond tenor around 2-10 years. Interest payment term will be on semi-annual basis. The final interest rate will be announced later. Subscription period is expected to be at the end of November with a minimum subscription of 100,000 baht and a multiple of 100,000 baht.
“The sustainability issue is no longer a matter of one person, but it is related to everyone. The company has a determination to introduce SLB to a wide range of investors. Therefore, this time, we intend to offer SLB through a public offering, which is considered to be the first-ever in Thailand for SLB to be offered to retail investors. Previously, the company has issued SLB for high-net-worth and institutional investors, which was very successful. Hence, we believe this SLB will be well-received by retail investors as well. Investing in SLB provides more than just monetary return from investment, but also gives investors the opportunity to participate in building sustainability along with the company.” said BTS Group Chief Financial Officer.
Sustainability-linked bonds (SLB) are debentures that tie the issuer to certain conditions, depending on the achievement of the predetermined targets, i.e. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Sustainability Performance Targets (SPTs). Such targets are required to be ambitious and material to the issuer as well as to have a positive impact on the environment and/or society.
For BTS Group, there are 2 KPIs and SPTs that the company uses as reference for this SLB issuance: 1) Improvement in energy efficiency in green line network (which is currently the main network); BTS Group has a target to reduce electricity consumption by 8% from business-as-usual operations within 9 years or by 2031, and 2) Production and/or procurement of Electricity consumption from renewable energy sources; the company has target to use electricity from renewable energy sources at least 10% each year of total electricity used in the operation of the green line network. Further details of KPIs and SPTs can be found in the registration statement and the draft prospectus (Filing).
In terms of SLB evaluation, the longest tenor of approximately 10-Year SLB, will be evaluated 4 times whether BTS Group has achieved the predetermined targets. The evaluation dates are at the end of selected fiscal year of the company i.e. 31 March 2024, 31 March 2026, 31 March 2028 and 31 March 2031. For shorter-tenor SLB, the number of evaluation will be less, depending on the tenor. If BTS Group fails to meet the predetermined sustainability goals, the Company will be required to purchase Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) – a certification that certifies that the source of electricity is from renewable energy source – from agencies and/or organizations that are well-recognized nationally and/or internationally. The amount of such Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) purchase will depend on how many predetermined sustainability goal is not achieved; if the company fails both of sustainability goals, BTS Group will be obliged to purchase an equivalent amount of 0.10% per annum of the offering value of the debentures, whereas if the company fails only one of sustainability goal, BTS Group will be obliged to purchase an equivalent amount of 0.05% per annum of the offering value of the debentures. Such obligation portrays the company’s commitment on sustainability and environmental issues.
BTS Group Chief Financial Officer also stated that the issuance of BTS Group’s SLB is in line with the company’s long-term Climate Strategy, that is to maintain Carbon Neutral status and to commit in increasing the use of electricity generated from renewable energy to at least 10% of total energy used for its operations. Currently, the company is well-recognized for its sustainable business practices both nationally and internationally. The company has been included into the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) for 4 consecutive years (2018-2021) and ranked first globally in the DJSI Transportation and Transportation Infrastructure (TRA) Sector for 2 consecutive years (2020-2021). Recently, it was selected to be the first and only rail transportation company in the world to be certified as a Carbon Neutral Transportation Company from Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization.
BTS Group’s core business consists of 3M. First, MOVE business, which is a door-to-door transportation service provider for passengers with various modes of travel, whether by rail, road, water or air. Also, the company is the pioneer of sky train operator for more than 20 years. Second, MIX business or marketing comprehensive service provider in the form of O2O solutions, that covers the advertising media business, payment service business and distribution business. And lastly, MATCH business seeks new business opportunities and cooperation through the company’s platform sharing to the group of companies and business partners.
Currently, the Company is in the process of filing the registration statement and the draft prospectus, which are not yet effective. Investors who are interested to invest in the Sustainable-Link Bond of BTS Group may find out more information and details in the prospectus on SEC’s website (www.sec.or.th) or may contact the followings 5 financial institutions:
2. Krung Thai Bank Public Company Limited, or book online via Krungthai Next application or via Money Connect by Krungthai (https://moneyconnect.krungthai.com/)
3. KASIKORNBANK Public Company Limited (Retail investors can subscribe via online online channel (https://www.kasikornbank.com/kmyinvest), non-residents can subscribe at head office and branches) Tel. 02-888-8888 press 819, including KSecurities Public Company Limited, as a sales unit of KASIKORNBANK Public Company Limited, Tel. 02-796-0000 or 02-796-0011
4. The Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited Tel. 02-777-6784, or book online through the SCB EASY application.
5. CIMB Thai Bank Public Company Limited Tel. 02-626-7000, or book online through the CIMB Thai Digital Banking application
Riverside Terminal 21 finally opens after being delayed by Covid
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2022
Bangkok shoppers have a stunning new option in the city. The brand new, riverside Terminal 21 Rama 3 shopping centre officially opened on Thursday.
Managed by LH Mall & Hotel, a developer under Land & Houses Plc, Terminal 21 Rama 3 is the fourth shopping mall in the company’s Terminal 21 series following Terminal 21 Asok (opened in 2011), Terminal 21 Korat (2016) and Terminal 21 Pattaya (2018).
Construction of the latest shopping mall had finished late last year but the grand opening had been postponed due to the Covid-19 situation. The mall features 140,000 square metres of usable space with an investment budget of 4 billion baht.
Located on 15 rai (2.4 hectares) land on Rama 3 Road in Bangkok’s Bang Kho Laem district, Terminal 21 Rama 3 comprises a seven-storey neo-classic style building plus two floors of basement, a parking lot for 1,658 cars, and an iconic clock tower that will be a new tourist landmark in central Bangkok by the Chao Phraya River.
Terminal 21 Rama 3 assigns different international themes for each of its floor, starting with Caribbean Village theme on lower ground floor, England Village on G floor, Italy Village on 1st, France Village on 2nd, Japan Village on 3rd, and San Francisco Village on 4th and 5th.
The mall can be reached by a variety of public transport, namely bus No. 22, 35, 59 and 205, Orange Line speed boat (Wat Rajsingkorn pier), BRT bus (Charoen Rat Station), and BTS Skytrain (Surasak station), where free shuttle bus service is provided.
To celebrate its 30th anniversary, EGCO Group invites you to join forces and head toward the low carbon society in the seminar “EGCO Group Forum 2022: Carbon Neutral Pathway”.
Explore the ways to:
– Stop the rising temperature
– Stop the global warming, and
– Reduce carbon footprint in electricity and energy industries.
The seminar is scheduled on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, from 8.30 to 12.00 hours, at the Grand Ballroom, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok Hotel.
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