Advance April 2014

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AUSTRALIA THAILAND BUSINESS COUNCIL www.austchamthailand.com April 2014

Corporate Governance in Thailand in this edition

Investment Matters Board of Directors for 2014/15 Business brief Thailand’s Regulatory Framework

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embassy news Empowering Women Is Key to Region’s Success

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CHAMBER Events Bangkok Sundowners at the Grand Hyatt Erawan

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community services Voluntary English Teaching at Wat Pra Patharnporn School

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specialist mortgage

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Contents PATRON His Excellency James Wise Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand PRESIDENT Leigh Scott-Kemmis Lee Hecht Harrison / DBM (Thailand) Ltd VICE PRESIDENTS M.L. Laksasubha Kridakon Baan Laksasubha Resort Hua Hin Sam McMahon NS BlueScope Steel (Thailand) Limited TREASURER Warwick Kneale Baker Tilly Corporate Advisory Services (Thailand) Limited DIRECTORS Shane Burt CEVA Logistics (Thailand) Ltd

10 business briefs 6 Corporate Governance in Thailand 8 Despite Political Headlines, Thailand’s Regulatory Framework is Increasingly Robust

Australian Business Forum 10 Investment Matters, In More Ways Than One

Josh Hyland AEC South East Asia Angus Kent Macquarie Securities Thailand Limited | Macquarie Group Limited

embassy news 12 Empowering Women Is Key to Region’s Success

Austcham board of directors 14 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Board of Directors for 2014/15 chamber events 22 Bangkok Sundowners at the Grand Hyatt Erawan

Rananda Rich Blackmores Ltd Simon Shale Visy Packaging (Thailand) Ltd & Visy Industries Wayne Williams Minor International Charles Wrightman Natural Ville

AUSTCHAM MEMBERS 24 New Members

EX-OFFICIO Greg Wallis Australian Trade Commission

community services 25 Voluntary English Teaching at Wat Pra Patharnporn School, Sri Ra Cha

HONORARY ADVISOR TO THE BOARD David Armstrong

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Alan Polivnick Watson, Farley & Williams

From the Chamber Office 26 Message from the Executive Director

ADVISORS TO THE BOARD Raine Grady Capital TV Chris Larkin CLC Asia

From the Board

COORDINATORS Paul Wilkinson Cooper International Engineering & Services Co., Ltd ESB Coordinator Email: paul.wi@cies-group.com

President’s Message

Trevor Dick Indochine Asset Managmenet ESB Coordinator Email: trevor@indochine-asset.com Harry Usher Lady Pie Phuket Coordinator Email: Phuket@austchamthailand.com Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce 20th Floor, Thai CC Tower 889 South Sathorn Road Bangkok 10120 Tel.: +66 2 210 0216 Fax: +66 2 675 6696 office@austchamthailand.com www.austchamthailand.com For more information on individual Board Member focus please visit www.austchamthailand.com/ boardmembers

Editorial Committee Rananda Rich, Janna De Vos, Gary Woollacott Marketing & Production Scand-Media Corp. Ltd 4/41-42 Moo 3, Thanyakarn Village Ramintra Soi 14, Bangkok Tel.: +66 2 943-7166/8 Fax: +66 2 943-7169 scandmedia@scandmedia.com Advertising Finn Balslev Email: finn@scandmedia.com Contributions to Advance magazine are welcome. Please submit content to communications@austchamthailand.com.

Opinions expressed in Advance do not necessarily reflect the views of the Chamber.

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big thank you to all members who attended the AGM on 5 March.

Also thank you to those who took the time to vote online or who gave proxies to a director or member attending. We had a great role up and it was clear that you – the members – wanted to express your views through voting for the board of directors.

I believe that you have elected the strongest board that the chamber has had for many years. All previous board members made considerable contributions to the Chamber. Many left the Chamber in a much stronger position at the end of their term than they were in at the beginning.

It is that groundwork that attracted candidates to stand for the chamber board; candidates who see opportunity to build on those foundations.

When I say “the strongest”, I mean strong in terms of the range of backgrounds, variety in industry, diversity of company representation and varied personal interests. We are particularly delighted to have strong manufacturing representation on the board as well as representation from the Eastern Seaboard. It’s the board’s intention to hold three board meetings per year in the Eastern Seaboard. We place considerable focus on achieving and maintaining high standards of corporate governance (a theme of this month’s Advance) and the collective experience of the board in this area is pleasing.

The new board will be holding an orientation and planning session in the coming week and I look forward to reporting to members on agreed focus, priorities and individual areas of focus.

As I mentioned in the AGM, Australia – through its education, language and cultural lens – has competitive advantage in its networks of people. We need to do more in building and developing these networks to the benefit of our members and potential members. That network project will be a major focus this year.

Hopefully we will receive support from the Government in achieving this important goal. Watch this space, as they say.

The ABF forums have been a major success. The last forum focused on Myanmar, showcasing the invaluable experience and resources that exist within the AustCham membership. In turn, it is with this experience and resources that we are able to assist other members. This is a good example of what can be done and what works within the Chamber. We need to do more of this.

In this edition of Advance, we include a summary of the AGM address. Should any members have any questions, issues or suggestions as a result, then please do not hesitate to express them to me or other directors.

The hot season appears to be on us again after a wonderful period of pleasant weather, enjoy the season and do not get too wet. Looking forward to seeing you all at future AustCham events.

Leigh Scott-Kemmis President, AustCham Thailand www.austchamthailand.com

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business brief

Corporate Governance in Thailand

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ince the 1997 Financial Crisis, often nicknamed “the Tom Yum Kung Crisis”, the concept of good Corporate Governance (CG) has gained popularity in Thailand. Good CG means that a company has efficient, transparent and auditable management structures and processes in place that promote trust and confidence between shareholders, investors and all other company stakeholders. These structures and processes also stimulate competitiveness, boost long-term shareholder value, and present excellent opportunities for sustainable growth. Good CG therefore contributes significantly to a firm’s value, investor confidence and overall sustainable growth.

The Thai Government continues to give high priority to good CG in its continued efforts to strengthen the Thai economy, retain investor confidence and make Thailand more competitive. In 2002, the Government included CG as part of the National Agenda, known as the 2002 Capital Market Master Plan. It also declared 2002 as the “Year of Good Corporate Governance” to emphasise the need for good CG. To support and strengthen the Government’s CG National Agenda, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) introduced the 15 Principles of Good Corporate Governance in 2002 as preliminary implementation guidelines for listed companies in Thailand. The SET worked closely with state and private parties to introduce these principles. The key principles include transparency and information disclosure, internal control and risk management, shareholder rights and equitable treatment, stakeholder rights, roles and responsibilities of the board of directors and business ethics.

The SET required all listed companies to disclose implementation of these principles in their 2002 annual reports, using the “if not, why not” approach as a way of following up on the introduction of the principles.

In 2006, the Principles were revised to become comprehensive and comparable to the Principles of Corporate Governance of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It also included recommendations made by the World Bank in its Report on the Observance of Standards and Codes related to Thai CG (CGROSC). In 2012 the Principles were made to be compatible with the ASEAN CG Scorecard criterion, which assesses and ranks listed companies’ CG practices in ASEAN. To promote good CG, the SET also established the “Corporate Governance Center” (CG Center) as an advisory body for directors and executives of listed companies. The role of CG Center is to: • Develop CG Principles and best practices that are compatible with international standards, • Provide consulting services and exchange ideas about CG practices with directors and executives of listed companies, • Educate directors and executives of listed companies, • Promote CG Best Practices to listed companies, • Produce and disseminate a wide range of information and materials such as guidelines, • Ensure that the Corporate Governance Report (CGR Survey) in evaluated by a third party,

Efforts to improve governance within listed companies have had a positive impact on the Thai capital market’s stance towards good governance.

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• Recognise listed companies with good CG practices by Top CG Report Awards, CSR Awards and IR Awards.

Efforts to improve governance within listed companies have had a positive impact on the Thai capital market’s stance towards good governance. This is evidenced by the international assessment: • CG-Watch 2012 by ACGA: Thailand moved up to third position in the appraised Asian Countries ranking (Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Taiwan, China, Korea, Indonesia, Philippines, and Malaysia) • CG-ROSC 2012 by World Bank: Thailand got the highest average score of 83 per cent in the CG assessment. This score was highest of all 11 voluntarily appraised Asian Countries (Thailand, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Nepal, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Malaysia) • ASEAN CG Scorecard 2012-2013 by IOD: Thailand got the highest average score of 67 per cent in CG assessment. This score was highest of all 6 voluntarily appraised ASEAN Countries (Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia) Good CG contributes to company value and growth, benefits capital markets, and helps ensure sustainable development of the Thai economy. The Thai Government and the SET therefore urge boards and management teams of all listed companies in Thailand to develop efficient, transparent and audible management systems that are comparable and compatible with international governance standards.

For more details on the principles and recommended best practices for good corporate governance, please refer to the SET’s The Principles of Good Corporate Governance for Listed Companies 2012 document at www.set. or.th. The document is available in Thai and English language.

AustChamThailand Advance

business brief

Despite Political Headlines, Thailand’s Regulatory Framework is Increasingly Robust

By Paul Gambles

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ne assumption that is often made is that the regulatory infrastructure in emerging economies is less sophisticated than in more developed counterparts. In some cases this is indeed true; yet this assumption tends to be applied in a blanket way, which overlooks weaknesses in either specific or generic developed market standards or understates the relative or absolute strengths of both individual and general emerging markets.

The 2007-2008 Global Financial Crisis made it painfully clear that markets which had been deemed too agile and sophisticated for the stringent regulatory regime, which had its origins in the post-Great Depression era, had crumbled because their regulatory structure had been overdiluted. In their book This Time is Different, Harvard University economics professors Carmen Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff’s main point is that complacency has been a recurring factor in economic crises over the last eight hundred years.

Not so long ago, Thailand would have fit the stereotype of underdeveloped standards.

On a visit to Bangkok last year, emerging markets guru Mark Mobius regaled us with stories of how, when he first visited Thailand in the 1970s, he decided to visit the Bangkok Stock Exchange. He went to the address he was given, knocked on the door and found a room filled with cigarette smoke and two men asleep. “I’m looking for the Bangkok Stock Exchange” he asked. One man turned round a blackboard that had half a dozen stock prices chalked on it. It looked like it hadn’t been updated for days and bore the heading BANGKOK STOCK EXCHANGE. In 1971, trading volume was at just THB 28 million for the whole year and despite an increase in volume over the following decade, the

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exchange lacked government support and a base of investors who understood equities markets.

Nowadays the SET is much larger: it has 635 listed companies and in February of this year had an average market capitalisation of around THB 11.75 trillion (USD 362 billion). Combined with its smaller alternative investment cousin, the mai, the SET’s daily share volume is currently around the 3 billion mark. Put into perspective, these figures compare well with ASEAN’s prominent financial centre, Singapore. It has 771 listings, albeit with a much larger February market cap of USD 741 bn, and its share volume is currently substantially lower than the SET’s at around 1 billion.

A major difference between Thailand and Singapore – and also Hong Kong for that matter – is that Thailand didn’t face the same external historic pressures to develop foreign-friendly financial infrastructure. Thailand’s greater natural and human resources enabled a commodity-driven economy to grow organically, albeit in what might be seen as a very “Thai way”, rather than in a way shaped by the demands of western powers, firstly as colonisers and then as investors.

While Hong Kong and Singapore have

undoubtedly benefitted from this legacy, they now need to face the risks of developed market complacency, especially at a time when terrifying phrases like “regulatory arbitrage” have passed into common parlance in sophisticated western capital markets.

Complacency is certainly not a risk facing the SET. This relatively large stock exchange has implemented an investor protection fund while the Thai Securities Exchange Commission has developed a powerful framework for regulating Thai financial markets. This includes the SEC’s rigorous licensing for investment advisory companies which is one of the very few also recognised by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

It could be argued that the 1997 Asian financial crisis was the necessary element to focus minds in Thailand on effective financial regulation and transparency. Certainly since then, there has been a move towards a more competitive regulatory infrastructure designed to attract international trade.

Evidence of this mentality can be found in accounting standards: the Thai Federation of Accounting Professions has committed to ensuring all new standards it issues are in line with International Financial Reporting Standards. Convergence with IFRS is being carried out in two stages: the first stage, for non-financial instruments, was completed in 2011. The financial instrument standards stage is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2015. Whilst Thailand is one of over 90 countries which have committed to adopting IFRS so far, the US recently made major global waves by deciding not to adopt it, creating an additional “regulatory arbitrage” for those global businesses for whom American GAAP treatment results in favourable financial statements.

AustChamThailand Advance

business brief

Thailand currently has double taxation avoidance agreements with 56 other countries, including Australia, Japan and all fellow ASEAN countries, except Cambodia and Brunei. This partly reflects the Thai tax code’s straightforward logic and consistency compared to many developed counterparts. Changes to the code, such as those in January of this year, tend to be organic and evolutionary, rather than radical and revolutionary, rarely resulting in the kind of frenetic Australian taxpayer annual ritual of anticipating expected changes and taking vital pre-year-end actions that is now once again upon us.

In recent years the Bank of Thailand (BoT) has followed a path of independent policy.

Over the last couple of years it has been a consistent counterweight to excessive government stimulus such as the first car and rice-pledge schemes. In fact I defended the BoT’s corner last year when

AustChamThailand Advance

CNBC Asia presenter Bernie Lo asked me if the Finance Minister’s push for higher rates amounted to Thailand being a banana republic. I explained that the BoT was acting as a genuine counterbalance to the government’s plans, unlike certain other supposedly independent central banks in developed economies, reaffirming just how far the regulatory environment in Thailand has progressed.

Paul Gambles is co-founder of MBMG Group.

MBMG Group is an advisory firm that assists expatriate and local individuals, businesses and institutions within the South East Asia Region with services ranging from Personal Advisory, Insurance Services, Private Equity, Accounting & Auditing, Legal Services, Property Solutions and Estate Planning. Paul is licensed as a Securities

Fundamental Investment Analyst by the SEC. The MBMG Group will hold its annual Australian pre-budget taxplanning seminar on May 22nd at the FCCT for which all AustCham members are welcome to register.

For more information please email info@ mbmg-international.com or call +66 2665 2536.

Twitter: @MBMGIntl | Facebook: / MBMGGroup Please Note: While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained herein is correct, MBMG Group cannot be held responsible for any errors that may occur. The views of the contributors may not necessarily reflect the house view of MBMG Group.

Views and opinions expressed herein may change with market conditions and should not be used in isolation.

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Australian Business Forum

Starfish Hill Wind Farm, South Australia

Investment Matters, In More Ways Than One

By Janna De Vos

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ince Thailand and Australia signed the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA) in 2005, two way trade between the countries has taken off, from $9.6 billion back then to $19.4 billion today. Australia is currently Thailand’s eighth largest export destination, the second largest in Southeast Asia, and Thailand is Australia’s 13th largest.

But commercial relations between the two countries go beyond trade. Investment, especially in recent years, has come to play a significant and growing role in multilateral and bilateral relationships. Indeed, investment flows not only strengthen economic ties, but broaden relations within the spheres of politics, culture and society.

Speaking at the third Australian Business Forum (ABF) luncheon in Bangkok, Dr Thana Boonyasirikul, Vice President and Head of Foreign Investment division of Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holdings PCL (RATCH), and Greg Wallis, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner at the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) in Thailand, emphasised these points. In parallel with Thailand and Australia’s considerable trade flows, there is an important investment relationship that is growing and holds the promise of much more to come.

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Thai Investment into Australia: The story of RATCH A perfect example of a company that has embraced the investment opportunity is RATCH; a leading publicly listed Thai company that focuses on investment, development and operations in the power generation business. Founded just 14 years ago, RATCH is already a multi-million Baht company. It not only holds a considerable asset portfolio in Thailand and Laos, but also recently expanded into the Australian market. The company currently owns four thermal power stations and three wind farms in Australia; a portfolio that generates a total of 815 MW. “Our move into the Australian market was a strategic decision” said Dr Thana. For RATCH, Australia had, and continues to have, considerable investment opportunities, particularly in renewable energy. Australia has some of the best wind resources in the world with speeds reaching from six to nine metres per second; Thailand reaches a maximum of six. Wind energy generation capacity in Australia has grown by approximately 30 per cent each year for the past 10 years, and will continue to do so. Australia also has the highest average solar radiation in the world and is the world leader in dye solar technology. Its large open land area offers plenty of opportunity for further expansion. “This is Australia’s competitive advantage” said Dr Thana, “and as Thai investors, we want to benefit from that”.

AustChamThailand Advance

Australian Business Forum

Australia also has a strong economy, high credit ratings and is open to foreign investment. The Government’s energy and electricity policies are favourable for renewable energy generation businesses. These characteristics make Australia an attractive foreign investment destination, including for those looking to exploit Australia’s rich mineral resources supply.

in 2001 to $532 million today, putting Australia as Thailand’s 15th largest FDI source country. “But compared with Australian FDI to other ASEAN countries however, this value is small” said Mr Wallis. Only 2.2 per cent of Australia’s FDI in ASEAN is in Thailand, with most investment in recent years going to Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.

This is not to say that investing abroad has always been smooth sailing for RATCH. “It was like taking the first step on the moon. Everything in Australia is different” said Dr Thana. As a Thai company, RATCH had to adapt to Australian business culture, effectively communicate with local Australian communities, and adjust to significantly higher living and labour costs.

As a business, it also had to acclimatise to operating in a relatively low growth energy and electricity market where supply exceeds demand.

What are the Australian companies doing in Thailand? What sectors are they investing in? And, what is the profile of these companies?

The greatest challenge according to Dr Thana was responding to changes in Australia’s carbon tax laws and regulations. When RATCH first entered Australia, the company received substantial government assistance to convert coal plants into solar plants. Two years later the Australian government changed, and the likely repeal of the carbon tax may mean the end of this type of assistance. These types of policy changes make investment benefit calculations more difficult.. For RATCH, the changes could make it difficult to develop and sustain their Australian operations, and impact upon the profitability of their investment.

Despite these challenges, the future for RATCH in Australia remains bright. The Australian Government’s Renewable Energy Target, which aims to generate 20 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by 2020, is certainly in RATCH’s favour.

Continued privatisation of electricity generation in New South Wales and Queensland will open opportunities for the company to further invest into Australia. As capacity and demand for renewable energy continues to increase, RATCH’s vertical integration plans will allow it to move up in the Australian power market and simultaneously build new and stronger partnerships and joint ventures with other Australian-based entities.

Research and investments into new technologies will also push the company forward, not only in Australia but also in Thailand, as productivity knowledge and skills disperse across borders.

“Australia is a new place for RATCH” said Dr Thana. “We are happy to be there and look forward to continually growing and improving our operations”.

Australian Investment into Thailand: The Austrade Analysis According to Greg Wallis, Australian investment into Thailand has been a qualified success. It is successful from the point of view that most of the 170 Australian companies with a presence in Thailand have thrived, but less so simply because the investment volume is low. In recent years, Thai investment in Australia has also been much larger than Australian investment in Thailand.

Australian Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stock in Thailand has, however, grown significantly in the past years, from $54 million

AustChamThailand Advance

Using published data on the FDI statistics, and data on the Australian companies gathered by Austrade Bangkok, Mr Wallis showed that Australian investment in Thailand is largely concentrated in the services industry, followed by the real estate and manufacturing sectors. “Australian investment, unlike flows from most other countries, has increased in professional, scientific and technical services, and decreased in manufacturing in recent years” said Mr Wallis. “The average investment value also tends to be smaller than those from other countries”.

Although a number of major Australian corporates have operations in Thailand, most Australian companies operating here are small to medium enterprises, with only ten per cent representing the biggest 200 Australian companies.

Surprisingly, relatively few Australian companies have set up their Thai operations with Board of Investment (BOI) privileges.

Perhaps this is because the companies do not operate in BOI supported sectors, or because they are unaware of the benefits that a BOI promoted investment can confer. “For those in the services and financial industries, investment is also becoming easier as Thailand continues to take progressive steps towards further deregulation” said Mr Wallis.

The overall picture of Australian investment in Thailand is very positive, albeit small. ”But this could change with one or more major investments in the financial, infrastructure, energy or manufacturing industry” said Mr. Wallis, much like RATCH’s investment into Australia. “We would certainly like to see more major investment and are hopeful that this will happen in the near future, in spite of the current political instability”, he concluded.

Investment matters, in more ways than one.

In the commercial relationship between two countries, trade matters, but arguably investment matters more. It matters for individual companies as they open new markets, expand operations, access new technology and acquire new financing. It matters because it encourages and develops broader economic, political, and social interdependence, and strongly contributes to economic development. And it matters because it provides economies with new sources of technologies, capital, processes, products, and management skills.

Both Dr Thana and Mr Wallis concurred that the Thai-Australian investment relationship has grown significantly. But the opportunities are still plentiful, and if these are grasped then the investment relationship between Australia and Thailand could become as significant as their trading relationship.

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embassy news

Empowering Women is Key to Region’s Success Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. This program will support more than 2000 women from ethnic, minority and poor, smallholder farming families in Lao Cai province enabling them to increase vegetable production by around $3.4 million annually.

By Julie Bishop

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he empowerment of women and girls is one of the most effective ways to achieve higher economic growth and better living standards among the millions of people in developing countries in our region.

In Papua New Guinea we are investing $3 million in a new Family and Sexual Violence Case Management Centre at Lae. The Centre will provide women with access to medical, legal support, shelters and other services.

As Australia’s first female Foreign Minister, support for the empowerment of women and girls in our region, the Indian Ocean Asia Pacific, is one of my highest priorities.

This support will take many forms, from direct business assistance to higher standards of education, healthcare, and agricultural expertise. Domestic violence is also a challenge confronting women in many communities which is not only a social issue, but an economic one.

In Timor-Leste, Australia is funding the International Women’s Development Agency to support women to develop micro-businesses and savings clubs.

Building the financial management capabilities of women in Timor-Leste is resulting in significant improvements in financial independence and leadership skills.

Role models encourage women and girls to aspire to leadership roles within their communities.

An example of an inspiring female leader in our region is Aung San Suu Kyi, who struggled through years of detention under a military regime in Burma.

Suu Kyi is a powerful advocate for freedom and democracy for the Burmese people and is a symbol of female leadership among her people and around the world.

My meeting with Suu Kyi in 1995 was a life-changing experience for me and I know her struggle has inspired many others to strive for a better future for the country.

On International Women’s Day we should take the opportunity to reflect on women’s achievements and the challenges they continue to face.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of empowering women

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and girls; accordingly more than $2 billion of the foreign aid budget is spent on initiatives that have that as a principal or significant focus.

It is not only smart economics but also the right thing to do.

One of our more innovative initiatives is the multi-donor Pacific Financial Inclusion Program which is helping to address a major barrier to women’s economic empowerment by providing women in the Pacific with access to mobile money - a quick, low-cost way to transfer and receive funds.

In Vietnam, we will invest over $2 million in a new agricultural research partnership project to be delivered through the

I have appointed Natasha Stott Despoja as Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls and in this role she has been engaging with women in our region to promote our foreign policy agenda including a focus on women’s leadership, economic empowerment and addressing violence against women.

Natasha will be a powerful advocate in support of the rights of women in some of the most disadvantaged communities in our region.

Empowering women and girls means that communities can reach their full potential. This means peace and prosperity for our region.

Julie Bishop is Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs. In light of International Women’s Day on 8 March, the Australian Embassy in Thailand released this article to highlight the importance of empowering women in the region. For more news, please visit www.thailand.embassy.gov.au.

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Austcham board of directors

Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Board of Directors for 2014/15 Wednesday 5 March 2014 at Grand Hyatt Erawan

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ustCham held its AGM at the Grand Hyatt on Wednesday 5 March. Top of the agenda was the election of a new Board of Directors for the 2014/15 membership year. Re-elected AustCham President, Leigh Scott-Kemmis, led the meeting and reviewed the previous year’s achievements.

under a grant awarded by the Australian Government to further the interests of Australian SMEs in Thailand. He noted that responses to the Australian Business Forum (ABF) in particular have been overwhelming and that the forum has provided an effective platform for knowledge identification, information sharing and networking. The Chamber’s exceptional efforts in its core social and business events are also evident. The AustCham Ball, the AFL, Sundowners and now the golf tournament are standouts in our calendar of events.

He highlighted ten points of interests, the first being the strength and diversity of AustCham’s Board of Directors. With a strong board and the leadership and guidance of our new Executive Director, Renee Bowman, Mr Scott-Kemmis’ second point indicated that we should continue to see the Chamber grow in the coming years.

Indicative of the Chamber’s strength is its ever-expanding membership base, which is now at a record level of 432.

Mr Scott-Kemmis went on to thank AustCham’s sponsors, who are critical to the effective functioning of the Chamber. He also highlighted the community service activities and their success throughout the year.

Mr Scott-Kemmis also highlighted some initiatives the Chamber has been taking

Mr Scott-Kemmis recognised the diversity on the board as well as the relation-

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ships the Chamber has with the Australian Embassy and the Board of Trade as driving factors of the Chamber’s ability to identify emerging issues and provide advocacy.

He also accentuated the AustralianAlumni programme, which boasts 1700 contacts and 813 members and strengthens business networks across the Chamber.

His final point related to the ongoing commitment to building the core capability of the AustCham office. The office team is the strongest in the Chamber’s history and under Renee’s leadership will no doubt reach greater heights.

On behalf of all us at AustCham, we would like to thank all those who served on the 2013/14 board, and are proud to announce and welcome the new Board of Directors for 2014/15. We look forward to working with you in the coming year.

AustChamThailand Advance

Austcham board of directors

PRESIDENT Leigh Scott-Kemmis Lee Hecht Harrison / Dbm (Thailand) Ltd. Leigh Scott-Kemmis is Chairman of Lee Hecht Harrison / DBM Thailand, Chairman of Potentia (Thailand) Co, Ltd and is also currently a non-executive director on a number of company Boards and is certified by the Thai Institute of Directors. He has over 30 years international business experience and has lived in Asia since 1991.

vice PRESIDENT M.L. Laksasubha Kridakon Bann Laksasubha Resort Hua Hin M.L. Laksasubha Kridakon is the owner and director of her own business, Baan Laksasubha, a boutique beachfront resort in the centre of Hua Hin. Khun Lak designed the concept of the resort based on years of experience living in South America, Europe and Australia. She VICE PRESIDENT Sam McMahon NS BlueScope Steel (Thailand) Limited Sam McMahon has been CFO of NS BlueScope Steel Thailand (since July 2011) and is currently a Director of AustCham Thailand and Brisbane Park Farming Pty Limited.

TREASURER Warwick Kneale Baker Tilly Corporate Advisory Services (Thailand) Limited Warwick Kneale joined Ferrier Hodgson Thailand, a major accounting firm from Australia in January 1999. He was previously employed as a senior resource by another insolvency specialist firm in Sydney, Australia.

Prior to that position, Warwick spent 28 years in banking, having worked for a number of reputable Australian financial

AustChamThailand Advance

Leigh’s previous experience was in the banking and the investment industry, internationally and in Australia. He has 20 years of senior management experience and has held roles including Vice President of Citibank, Director and Treasurer of the Australian Bank, Chief Executive of the Bank of New Zealand (Australia), and Chairman of stockbroker BNZ Norths.

He has had considerable experience in managing large organisational change and has a strong interest in the people issues associated with change and leadership development. In Thailand and regionally, Leigh has worked with over 200 major multinational and Thai corporations undergoing change and development.

Leigh was an advisor to the Australian Treasurer in respect of capital markets development, a consultant to the Commission reviewing the Australian financial system and a consultant to the World Bank.

Leigh continues his second year as President of AustCham and will represent the Chamber as a Director on the Board of Trade, Thailand.

joined the AustCham Board in 2009 and has been Vice President for the last four years.

promote the value of Australian business and academia.

Seeing great worth in nurturing today’s younger generation to become tomorrow’s leaders, M.L. Laksasubha has invested much time to create and grow the ThaiAustralia Association (TAA) and AustCham joint program; ‘AustralianAlumni’. The group has created its own website which has seen over 850 people sign up to already. Khun Lak is determined to strengthen this program and further collaborate with likeminded organisations to increase awareness and

Khun Lak is also an entrepreneur and has been owner of various business including Krystalina crystal company and the first steps international preschool in Bangkok.

She also represents AustCham in the Professional Women’s Group (PWG).

Khun Lak has spent much of her life in Australia including studying there. She has two children – one who has graduated from University of Melbourne and another has graduated from RMIT University.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Marketing) from Deakin University and Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance & Investment from Kaplan University (formerly FINISA) and is currently an associate member of CPA Australia.

key Merger & Acquisitions, Divestments, Capital Raisings and Business

Prior to his current role he was Commercial Manager for BlueScope Steel’s $A3billion International Export division, Manager of Commercial & Corporate Finance leading

institutions. Various senior positions were held during this time in numerous areas including distressed asset management and corporate recovery and turnaround.

Since commencing work in Thailand, Warwick has acted in the capacity of Director of a number of listed and non-listed companies, both in Thailand and Vietnam.

In 2003, Warwick, along with other Partners, established Baker Tilly Thailand, and at present he remains a Senior Partner in the Corporate Advisory Services consultancy of Baker Tilly Thailand.

This will be Warwick’s third year of a second term as a Board Member of AustCham

Performance Reviews for BlueScope Steel & formerly AWB (Australia Wheat Board) across Asia, Europe & Australia. Prior to this he held a number of Management Consultancy roles focused on Retail, Distribution & Supply Chain industries living and operating in Australia, UK and North America.

Thailand, his previous tenure finishing in 2008. He has held the position of Chairman of the Community Services Committee, during which time a number of worthy groups have been assisted.

Warwick has also held the role of Treasurer for AustCham during 2013/14.

Warwick’s other main area of interest is to promote business between Australia and Thailand and to assist service companies in Thailand obtain contacts with Australian companies to assist with entry to Thailand for manufacturing or trade. He remains steadfastly dedicated to promoting AustCham as a business conduit for Thai and Australian businesses.

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Austcham board of directors

DIRECTOR Shane Burt CEVA Logistics (Thailand) Ltd Shane Burt is currently the Managing Director of CEVA Logistics in Thailand. CEVA Logistics is one of the top 5 logistics companies worldwide. They specialize in freight forwarding, customs brokerage and clearances, contract logistics, value added services, transport management and distribution solutions.

DIRECTOR Josh Hyland AEC South East Asia Josh has many years of experience working with Australian and other foreign businesses in Asia across a broad range of industries including food and chemical manufacturing, import/export, health and nutrition, retail and many more. As a Manager with AEC South East Asia Josh deals daily with foreign companies wanting to establish operations in ASEAN. Key tasks include feasibility analysis, location analysis, risk analysis,

DIRECTOR Angus Kent Macquarie Securities Thailand Limited | Macquarie Group Limited Angus Kent is the Managing Director of Macquarie Securities in Thailand. Angus has worked in the finance industry in Thailand and the region since 1990, with a ten year stint in New York. A proud Queenslander, Bangkok is home base having first lived in Thailand when his mother was posted to the Australian embassy in the

DIRECTOR Alan Polivnick Watson, Farley & Williams Alan Polivnick is a partner with Watson Farley & Williams and has been living in Bangkok since 2007. Alan has a Law Degree and an MA in Japanese from Sydney University. He is admitted to practice law in Australia and England & Wales.

Alan represents clients in cross-border arbitrations and litigation, particularly in

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CEVA Logistics Thailand employees 3,800 staff across 52 sites, including major operations around Bangkok and the Eastern Sea Board.

Shane has been a member of the Australian Chamber in Indonesia, the Philippines and now Thailand since 2006, but has not served in a Director position until this application.

Shane has more than 24 years of professional management experience across infrastructure (specifically in the water and energy markets), retail, mining, and logistics industry sectors.

He brings senior management experience from Australia, Indonesia with retailing giant business establishment, supplier procurement, logistics and supply chain advisory. He has hands-on experience in the issues facing investors establishing in ASEAN countries and an understanding of the key decision criteria these companies use in making their investment decisions. Josh is also fluent in Thai language.

Following a scholarship program to study with one of Thailand’s leading international colleges at Mahidol University, he has developed a high level of skills in cross-cultural communication, project management and offshore business administration. Today Josh is one of only a handful of Australians to have studied in Thailand and continue working here.

late 1980’s. Angus has a strong interest in fostering the two way relationship between Australia and Thailand and been a member of the chamber since returning from the US in 2005. He has also attended the Thai IoD Director accreditation program and the Thai CMA. Macquarie Group is a global financial services provider. It acts primarily as an investment intermediary for institutional, corporate and retail clients and counterparties around the world.

Macquarie has built a uniquely diversified business. It has established leading market positions as a global specialist in a wide range of sectors, including resources,

the aviation, shipping and insurance and reinsurance sectors. He regularly advises MNCs, international airlines, insurers and reinsurers and international organisations on their operations in Thailand including company establishment and structures, contract negotiations, commercial and coverage disputes, employment law and regulatory issues. He also advises Thai companies on international and regional disputes and their international investments and operations.

Watson Farley & Williams opened its Bangkok office in 2001 and provides legal services in three principal areas: corporate and

Matahari and logistics provider Toll Holdings Ltd., and most recently in the Philippines with UTi Logistics Ltd. If elected Shane also brings 12 years of living across the region to the Australian Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Shane has a passionate, results oriented and people focused leadership style that has enabled him to build strong businesses across diverse locations and operational needs. Shane has a Graduate Degree in Business from Monash University – Australia, and a personal psychology degree from the Robbins University – America, and is currently working on his Master’s Degree.

Having previously worded three years for the Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce, Josh has built strong networks with and a deep understanding of the business community in Thailand and neighbouring ASEAN countries. In addition to his main role in running the Chamber’s intensive communications program, Josh also played a key role facilitating seminars with over 100 highprofile business professionals, CEOs and diplomats. He also contributed extensively to the development and administration of the Chamber’s Manufacturers and Infrastructure Group and Australian-Alumni and CSR programs.

agriculture and commodities, energy and infrastructure, with a deep knowledge of Asia-Pacific financial markets. Alignment of interests is a longstanding feature of Macquarie’s client-focused business, demonstrated by its willingness to both invest alongside clients and closely align the interests of shareholders and staff.

Macquarie’s diverse range of services includes corporate finance and advisory, equities research and broking, funds and asset management, foreign exchange, fixed income and commodities trading, lending and leasing and private wealth management.

commercial, finance and dispute resolution through a team of more than 30 Thai, English, Singapore, American and Australian qualified lawyers.

If re-elected to the Board, Alan would like to continue to provide legal assistance and advice to the Chamber and to resolve legal issues facing the Chamber and Board.

Alan is one of the Board Directors leading an initiative to assist Australian companies, particularly manufacturers and SMEs relocating to Thailand, to connect with Japanese companies and manufacturers in Thailand.

AustChamThailand Advance

Exceptional people.

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Shrewsbury International School helps children achieve the very highest academic success and to grow into balanced, happy, confident young people ready for the challenges of life at university and beyond.

We are currently accepting applications for Year 7 and Year 12 in August 2014. A limited number of places is available in other year groups.

Call 02 675 1888 or email admissions@shrewsbury.ac.th Be part of the Shrewsbury success story.

www.shrewsbury.ac.th

Austcham board of directors

DIRECTOR Rananda Rich Blackmores Ltd Rananda Rich has combined her Natural Sciences degree from Cambridge University and Chartered Accountant training with her passion for natural health during her seven years at Blackmores. Prior to relocating to Thailand 18 months ago, she spent over five years with the company in Sydney. In addition, she has had extensive experience of working and living in Asia.

DIRECTOR Simon Shale Visy Packaging (Thailand) Ltd & Visy Industries Having worked across Asia - based in Thailand now for 5 years and strongly committed to maintaining a Global Center of Operational Excellence which he help to establish in Thailand - Simon has finally agreed to offer his time and experience for a more active role in contributing to the continued growth of best practice and advancement for the Australian Thai Chamber for 2014.

DIRECTOR Wayne Williams Minor International Wayne Williams is the Vice President of Finance for the Minor Hotel Group.He has more than 15 years’ experience working in Thailand and has been with Minor International for the past 7 years.Prior to joining Minor, Wayne held a number of senior finance roles in hotels and hospitality businesses in Thailand, Australia and the Pacific.

DIRECTOR Charles Wrightman Natural Ville Charles Wrightman is the Managing Director of Natural Ville, a leading hospitality and catering services company that is part of Syntec Construction Company; one of the leaders in the construction industry in Thailand. Charles will also be appointed the CEO of Syntec Asset

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Rananda is a graduate of the Company Directors Course with the AICD, has a Diploma of Investor Relations from AIRA and completed the CEW Development Program in 2010. These courses and professional accreditations, in combination with her experience and skill set, have supported her ability to add value as a Director of AustCham over the last year, particularly in relation to oversight and development of Advance and other member communications. She is also passionate about the opportunities that the AustralianAlumni group provide to furthering the relationship and connections between Australia and Thailand.

Rananda is the Country Manager for Blackmores Thailand and lives in Bangkok with her husband and daughter.

Blackmores, Australia’s leading natural health brand, improves peoples’ lives by delivering the world’s best natural health solutions to become peoples’ first choice in healthcare.

Simon is an experienced and adaptable international business leader with a proven track record of achieving significant business growth within highly competitive manufacturing sectors. These have included; Automotive, Petrochemical, FMCG and Packaging. Simon is a unique Motivational, Technical business Leader, with a strong commercial acumen.

term relationships within and external to any business.

Blackmores has a strong presence throughout Asia Pacific and has been in Thailand for approximately 25 years where it has been voted Readers Digest Most Trusted Brand for eight years in a row.

Simon displays a willingness to challenge paradigms and focus on true customer value.

He shares a truly international credibility and network across Europe, America & now Asia.

Focused on strong growth, profit and change management for agreed time-frames, Simon’s able to share proven capabilities in Leadership, Finance, Technology, Marketing, Risk Assessment, Team building and Employee Empowerment for established, new and emerging business’s and markets, focusing on the value of positive results and key long

Simon is a Chartered Engineer with the British Institute of Technology and Engineering. He’s a Member of both the Australian Institute of Company Directors and The Global Society of Plastics Engineers holding a Master’s degree in Engineering Business Management from a premium British University and a Bachelor of Science in both Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.

Minor International (MINT) is a global company based in Bangkok and focuses on three primary businesses including restaurants, hotels and lifestyle brands.

MINT is one of Asia’s largest restaurant companies with over 1,500 outlets and is also a hotel owner, operator and investor with a portfolio of 103 properties.

Wayne is a Commerce graduate from the University of Queensland and has been Australian CPA certified for 20 years.

He is able to offer his strong financial background to the Chamber, along with his experience in growing a company with significant investments in both Thailand and Australia.

Operating in 19 countries, the company operates most notably under such brands as The Pizza Company, Swensen’s, Sizzler, Dairy Queen, Burger King, The Coffee Club, Ribs and Rumps, Anantara, AVANI and Oaks.

Wayne hopes to represent the Hospitality and Tourism sector on the board and is keen to become an active member by exploring opportunities whereby the Chamber can add value to all members.

Management Company to develop a new brand of hotels, serviced apartments and management services in Thailand as part of Syntec’s investment portfolio. With 30 years of experience in Accor, Charles has claimed the Best Services Company Award in 2009 at the AustCham Business Awards.

With great relationship marketing skills, a wonderful sense of humour and a single handicap in Golf, Charles is well known in all the corporate and diplomatic societies in Bangkok.

His worldwide experience has taken him from India to Baghdad, London, Paris, Muscat, Melbourne, Brisbane, China, Malaysia and now Thailand.

In the past two years as a director of the Australian Chamber of Commerce, Charles has been a highly active member of the Board and a pioneer in starting the first successful Australian Chamber Golf Tournament earlier this year that contributed significantly to the Chamber.

AustChamThailand Advance

AustCham Gold Corporate Sponsor: potentia (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

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Working to improve the effectiveness of Leaders in the workplace.

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Use diagnostic tools and interventions for team building, working relationships, conflict management, and organizational effectiveness.

The MBTI® instrument can provide greater self awareness and reliable insights that assist in understanding others and the complexities of that which are an individual’s personality. This knowledge and insight is invaluable for ongoing leadership and development and retention efforts.

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Austcham board of directors

EX-OFFICIO Greg Wallis Australian Trade Commission Greg joined the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) in 2008 and was posted to Sao Paulo, Brazil, as Consul-General and Trade Commissioner until August 2012. He has since been appointed Austrade’s Senior Trade and

HONORARY ADVISOR TO THE BOARD David Armstrong David Armstrong is an adjunct professor with Macquarie University, in the field of media and communications.

He is a former President and COO of the

ADVISOR TO THE BOARD Raine Grady Capital TV Raine Grady is the owner and co-founder of Capital Television Group. Her team produces television programs for several TV networks in Thailand with content been syndicated world-wide. They also produce corporate videos and media productions for a wide range of clients.

Raine’s work in this industry began as a news reporter and anchor with DDQ Toowoomba followed by a contract as a news reporter and producer with Australia’s Nine Network.

ADVISOR TO THE BOARD Chris Larkin CLC Asia Chris is the founder of CLC Asia. He has over 13 years experience working for both government and private sector clients in Asia, Australia and the UK. He joined the chamber in 2013, and is looking to become involved with the chamber, particularly from a government relations perspective.

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Investment Commissioner in Bangkok, Thailand. Greg joined Austrade with a diverse private sector background in global business management.

Prior to his appointment in Brazil, Greg held executive positions with Philips Electronics in Australia and Brazil, International Road Dynamics in the USA and Canada, and with communications equipment specialist Codan in his home town of Adelaide, South Australia. He has relished the opportunity

Post Publishing PCL and a former Chairman of Post Media Ltd in Phnom Penh. He has been in the media business for more than 40 years, working in Australia, Hong Kong, Thailand and Cambodia. He is a former Editor-in-Chief of The Australian and of Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post.

to use his corporate experience to help Australian companies develop trade, education and investment links with Brazil and Thailand, and to promote a greater engagement with these countries through government, commercial and cultural ties.

Greg holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish from the University of Adelaide, and a diploma in Business Administration from Macquarie University.

He speaks Spanish and Portuguese with fluency, and elementary Thai.

Anderson was proud to award him the AustCham President Award in 2012 in recognition of the very strong support that David has provided to the Chamber and its members.

David served on the AustCham Board in 2009 and 2010. Then President John

He is now Honorary Advisor to the AustCham Board and an Honorary Advisor to the British Chamber of Commerce in Thailand.

She founded Capital TV in Bangkok with her partner, cameraman and producer Les Nyerges, and together developed some of the first English language TV content in Thailand almost 20 years ago. This was followed by a long running series of TV programs for both local channels and international networks such as STAR and CNBC.

qualifications entail a Bachelor of Business/Communication with a major in broadcast journalism. She is also a television producer, writer, reporter, MC and media consultant. Raine’s company has had a long association with AustCham from the positions of sponsor, member and as a supplier of services.

Today the team in Thailand owns and operates 80 hours of airtime and owns a library of 5000 hours of content. Their key target is Expats and English speaking local viewers and this network is soon to expand further.

Over several years she has had the opportunity to publicize AustCham activities and projects through the media, help the Chamber create promotional materials and MC events. After 20 years in Thailand she has a large number of contacts, clients and friends and believes in the importance of networking, particularly as an Expatriate.

Raine is a qualified journalist and remains accredited to Channel 9 Australia as its Thailand correspondent. Her educational

His previous experience includes working as a privatization and regulatory advisor for the Thai Ministry of Finance.

After beginning his career in Australia, Chris moved to Thailand where he became an internal advisor to the Thai government on privatisation and economic regulatory policy, working on the privatisations of PTT and Airports of Thailand, as well as working with a variety of State Owned Enterprises.

With CLC Asia, Chris has advised a number of private sector clients on market entry, policy

and political risk issues, across a range of sectors. He has also performed both financial and non-financial M&A due diligence on a number of entities across Asia.

Chris has an Honours degree in Economics and a Masters of Public Policy and Management from Monash University, Australia, as well as having completed a Minerals Economics course from the University of Melbourne. Chris is fluent in English and Thai and has dual Australian and Thai citizenship. He is married with three daughters.

AustChamThailand Advance

Chamber Events

Bangkok Sundowners Wednesday 6 March 2014 at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Following our Annual General Meeting, AustCham’s Bangkok Sundowners was held in the uniquely themed ‘Campus’ room of the Grand Hyatt Erawan. The evening was well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all guests, who enjoyed delicious canapés.

A very special thank you to the Grand Hyatt, our venue sponsor, for their wonderful service, cuisine and – not to be forgotten – their fabulous lucky draw prizes! We would also like to extend a special thanks to Meinhardt (Thailand) Ltd, our corporate sponsor, for their exceptional support in making this event possible.

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AustChamThailand Advance

Chamber Events

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1) Grand Hyatt Erawan Team. 2) Benjamin Krieg, Radisson Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit; Veronique Sirault, Park Plaza Hotel; Peter Lucas, Park Plaza Bangkok Soi 18. 3) Mark Abell, Engage Eco Products; Siriporn Abell, Engage Eco Products; James With, TRI-US Entertainment. 4) Shane Burt, CEVA Logistics Thailand, AustCham Director; Nicholas Kinsey, XAct Solutions; James Layard,XAct Solutions. 5) Charles Wrightman, Natural Ville, AustCham Director; M.L. Hathaijanok Kritakara; Dr Anucha Chintakanond, AustCham Honorary Member; Toshio Goto, CEVA Logistics (Thailand); Sararat Ratchapitak, Central National Pulp & Paper (Thailand). 6) Michael Grisaffi, United Relocation; Harold Finkleman, Solar Snow; Dr Ian Dacre, World Society for the Protection of Animal; Ian K. Brookes. 7) Meinhardt Team. 8) Gordon Fuller, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok; Leigh Scott-Kemmis, DBM, AustCham President; Renee Bowman, AustCham Executive Director; John Pollard, Meinhardt; John Anderson, Meinhardt; Kochakorn Sookprayoch, Meinhardt. 9) Jarunun Hemnithi-Rogers, Josh Hyland, AEC South East Asia, AustCham Director; Chusak Paungphaka; Kasemsri Eufemio, Qantas. 10) Sarah Roberts, Australiam Embassy; Sam McMahon, NS BlueScope Steel; AustCham Director; Alisher Ali, Silk Road Finance. 11) Kochakorn Sookprayoch, Meinhardt; Ben Giles, Australian Trade Commission; Evan Gillanders, Thai Leighton Ltd; Ian Burnett, ANCON Beton Pty Ltd. 12) Phanukarn Intharakamjorn, The Beaumont Partnership; Nikolaus Leubner, The Beaumont Partnership; Nantarat Tantiwatpanich, Fareast Ceramics; Jutarat Preechasawad, The Beaumont Partnership.

AustChamThailand Advance

April 2014

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AUSTCHAM MEMBERS

AustCham Welcomes New Members Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit 2, Sukhumvit Road Soi 57 Klongton-Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Phone: +662 797 0000 Fax: +662 797 0072 Website: www.bangkokmarriott.com

Representatives: Chef. Nathan Chilcott, Executive Chef Efstathios Kallinikos, Director of Finance Company Profile: With 296 exquisite guest rooms, the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit is ideal to combine business and pleasure.

The hotel has 6 restaurants, bars and lounges, 5 meeting rooms and a Grand Ballroom. The iconic building offers sweeping views of the city.

Products and Services: The Hotel has 296 guest rooms. It also has 6 innovative meeting venues designed to inspire productivity and dedicated conference services personnel on hand to support it. The largest meeting room, at 478 sq.m, is the Grand Ballroom, which has breakout salon facilities and is perfect for grand conferences and larger-than-life weddings. The smaller meeting rooms are equally sure to impress, ideal for product launches and intimate galas. Stay connected throughout with high-speed Wi-Fi and the latest in audio-visual technology.

The hotel’s signature rooftop bar, Octave, is the hippest new destination in town! This multilevel outlet also features a restaurant, a private room and a lounge. Open theater style counters whip up classic Asian food on shared platters.

For an energy boost on the go, CCCo. specializes in an excellent grab and-go choice of gourmet coffees, freshly baked pastries, cakes, breads and other wholesome refreshments and snacks.

Excel Bangkok Co Ltd 15th Floor, Le Concorde Tower, Ratchadaphisek Road, Huaykwang,Bangkok 10310 Phone: +66 2694 2446 Fax: +66 2 694 2468 Email: info@devsenses.com Website: www.devsenses.com

Representative Ken Williams, CEO Company Profile: Excel Bangkok Co Ltd., part of the Excel Australasia Group of companies 24

April 2014

which includes Devsenses Co Ltd in Bangkok, is a premium development applications company for mobile platforms such as iOS, Android Mobile, Tablet, and Windows Phone for the domestic and international market.

From concept phase to fruition, our creative team of developers can cater to all your needs by designing and creating any type of application such as E-Books, Game, Support, Social Network, Database Content, Presentation, Service, Multimedia, Map Search, AR-Code, Book Shelf, and many more.

- 3 restaurants and 3 bars - Facilities; swimming pool, fitness and spa

Weber Shandwick 98 Sathorn Square Office Tower 25th-26th Floor, North Sathorn Road Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Email: skelly@webershandwick.com Website: http://webershandwick.asia

Excel Bangkok is also a major system provider to Property, Newspaper, Finance and online Gaming industries throughout Asia, Europe, USA and Australasia.

A true partner in software solutions.

Products and Services: Mobile software development, system software development, E-Book, Game, Support, Social Network, Database Content, Presentation, Service, Multimedia, Map Search, AR-Code, Book Shelf, Brand Management Software, CRM systems.

Mode Sathorn Hotel Managed

by Siam@Siam 144 North Sathorn Road Silom Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Phone: +662 623 4555 Fax: +662 623 4666 Email: info@modesathorn.com Membership Level: Corporate Ordinary Website: www.modesathorn.com

Representatives: Roland Aung, Hotel Manager Thawee Kugasemrat, Director of Sales and Marketing Company Profile: Mode Sathorn Hotel, managed by Siam@Siam, is a ‘Fashionable Lifestyle’ hotel. As you enter the premises, a prestige leisure and business oriented ambience awaits with a chic sense of fashion that perfectly complements your own. Each of the hotel’s 201 rooms and suites have a comprehensive array of amenities that evoke a classy in-vogue ambience and enhances every moment of your stay.

Surround yourself with all the flexibility and panache your modern lifestyle demands at the heart of the action on Bangkok’s most dynamic and easily accessible boulevard.

Products and Services: - 201 rooms - 2 Meeting Rooms

Representative: Stuart Kelly, Managing Director Company Profile: Weber Shandwick is a leading global public relations firm with offices in 81 countries. The firm’s diverse team of thinkers, strategists, analysts, producers, designers, developers and campaign activators has won the most prestigious awards in the world for innovative, creative approaches and impactful work, including being honored as a 2014 Ad Age A-List Agency and winning four 2013 Cannes Lions. Weber Shandwick was also named PRWeek’s International Consultancy of the Year and The Holmes Report’s Best Healthcare Consultancy in the World in 2013, in addition to earning numerous best place to work accolades. The firm deploys deep expertise across sectors and specialty areas, including consumer marketing, corporate reputation, healthcare, technology, public affairs, financial services, corporate social responsibility, financial communications and crisis management, using proprietary social, digital and analytics methodologies. Weber Shandwick is part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). For more information, visit http://www.webershandwick.com.

Products and Services: Public relations and communications; corporate affairs; public affairs; corporate and financial communications Worldwide Relocations (Thailand) Co., Ltd 444 Port Authority of Thailand Building B, 5th Floor, Room 5/6-5/7 Tharua Road, Klongtoey,Bangkok 10110 Phone: +66 2 350 2170-1 Fax: +66 2 350 2172 Email: thailand@wwrsea.com Website: www.worldwide-relocations.asia Representatives: Andrew Robert Flynn, Managing Director Bunchar Thanyawatpokin, Sales Manager Company Profile: Our aim is to provide the premier relocation service for everyone moving to Thailand. We take our time to really listen to you.

After determining your requirements, Worldwide Relocations will build your seamless relocation package. Our strong team of local and expat AustChamThailand Advance

community services

Voluntary English Teaching

Saturday 8 March at Wat Pra Patharnporn School, Sri Ra Cha AustCham sponsors a number of schools in the provinces of Chonburi and Rayong. The sponsorship includes English classes, which are led by a number of volunteers to encourage the young children to use English language. This not only exposes them to the language, but also encourages them to engage in a multi-cultural environment from a young age. No prior teaching experience is necessary. If this volunteering opportunity is of interest to you, please contact us at sasipa@austchamthailand.com.

staff ensure you always have the best customer experience, and we truly understand your needs.

Our goal is to ensure our clients always leave impressed. Our bespoke solutions focus on three core fields. We take care to find your new home, your visa and immigration requirements, and everything else you need to settle into Bangkok.

Established in 2004 as one of the leading relocation firms in Bangkok, we genuinely recognize the stress relocation can bring. If you are coming with a container full of furniture, or only a suitcase full of clothes, we make it easy. Take a break and let us manage the headache of relocation for you.

Products and Services: We offer a broad range of moving services, including packing, shipping, removal and any storage you need for your belongings. We are the leading experts bringing domestic animals to Thailand, taking care of any family pets that need to relocate along with you.

Worldwide Relocations immigration specialists will manage your visa and work permit application, and the supporting visas for your family.

We know exactly what to do to sort out the legalities without delay and minimum fuss. Our support to find your home in Bangkok is without equal. Our experienced relocation professionals work with you to find a property. We do all the work behind putting together a portfolio of the best homes in Thailand, that suit what it is you are looking for. All you need to do is select the one for you.

AustChamThailand Advance

We negotiate the lease and assist the handover, conducting property inspection and move-in reports. Couple this with our ability to find the right school for your children, and you will find settling in Bangkok to be simple, comfortable and easy.

ents on transactions in Thailand. He obtained a B.A. and an LL.B. degree from Monash University, Australia, and is qualified in Australia, Hong Kong and England. He is also fluent in Thai.

Change of Representative

Dr Ian Dacre World Society for the Protection of Animals WSPA, 7th Floor Olympia Thai Plaza 444 Ratchadaphisek Road, Samsennok Huay Kwang, Bangkok 10310 Phone: +662 513 0475 Fax: +662 513 0477 Email: iandacre@wspa-asiapacific.org Individual Profile: Having trained as a veterinarian in New Zealand, I have been working overseas for over 22 years, the last seven of which have been based here in Bangkok working for the World Society for the Protection of Animals. Please check out our work on our websites: http://www. wspathailand.org/ and http://www.wspa.org.au/ Mr Troy Schooneman Weerawong, Chinnavat & Peangpanor Ltd 22nd Floor, Mercury Tower, 540 Ploenchit Road, Bangkok 10110 Phone: +6685 600 6060 Email: troy.s@weerawongcp.com Individual Profile: Mr Troy Schooneman is a Partner at Weerawong C&P, and primary contact for the Firm’s International Practice. He has extensive experience in general corporate, mergers and acquisitions, financing and development, and project and corporate financings.

Previously, Troy was a partner of White & Case (Thailand) Limited, and specializes in advising a broad spectrum of Thai and international cli-

- Mr Anan Phongsuriyahchote, Director, Sales-MICE is a new representative of Angsana Laguna Phuket - Mr Ludovic Gallerne, Area Director, Sales and Marketing is a new representative of Angsana Laguna Phuket - Mr Shane Burt, Managing Director is a new representative of CEVA Logistics (Thailand) Ltd - Mr Yasuhiro Iemura, Director of Sales & Marketing is a new representative of Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park - Ms Lynda Calver, Consultant is a new representative of Infinity Financial Solutions Ltd - Mr Wayne Williams, Vice President Finance is a new representative of Minor International PLC - Mr Garry Irvin, President is a new representative of PeopleServe Asia Ltd - Mr Daniel Schwalb, Commercial Director is a new representative of Siam Winery Trading Plus Co., Ltd - Ms Nattawan Iamsittipol, Director of Corporate Services is a new representative of Thana Burin Asia Pacific Ltd - Mr Giuseppe Arba, Managing Director is a new representative of The Freight Co., Ltd Change of Company Name DBM Thailand Co.,Ltd change company name to Lee Hecht Harrison | DBM Thailand Co, Ltd April 2014

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From the Chamber Office

Message from the Executive Director

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ith the appointment of AustCham’s new Board of Directors, it is timely that Advance focuses on governance this month.

It is also important that the board is both representative of its members and appropriately skilled and experienced to govern an organisation. Boards that are more diverse in gender, age, skills, qualifications and background will be better positioned to think differently, represent the interests of stakeholders, and achieve the best outcomes. Fortunately, I am lucky to be working with such a Board.

Through our various events and networking opportunities, our Board members will act as additional eyes and ears for AustCham. The knowledge and insights they gather will help set and govern our strategy, and challenge and encourage operations. Sub-committees will allow each director on the Board to pay closer attention to important issues facing AustCham members and the organisation as a whole.

After ten years of dedicated service to AustCham, we say good-bye and good luck to Khun Varin Kongmeng (Aum) who leaves us to take on a role with Travel + Leisure

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Wednesday 2 April Bangkok Sundowners

Time: 18:00 – 21:00 Venue: “Ballroom”, The Sukhothai Bangkok, Corporate Sponsor: Wall Street English Monday 7 April AustCham Office closed in honour of Chakri Day

The individuals that make up a board have the ability to influence the direction, decision making and culture of an organisation and are equipped with the responsibility of setting and carrying out strategic priorities. It is therefore important that board members have a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities, as it will have a direct influence on overall performance. However, there can be different perceptions and expectations regarding the role of board members.

One common challenge for many organisations is the time spent on operational discussion versus strategic matters. Board meetings should be forward-looking and concentrate on strategy rather than administration and management issues. Agendas should focus on governance matters affecting the control and direction of the organisation such as policy-making and review, financial health and performance, protection of reputation and the workforce, risk and legal compliance, and progress towards key result areas.

Calendar of Events

Thursday 10 April All Chambers Songkran Party

Time: 18:30 Venue: Grand Ballroom, Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok Monday 14 – Wednesday 16 April AustCham Office closed in honour of Songkran Thursday 24 – Friday 25 April ANZAC Day and Visit to Wat Putakian Kindergarten

Location: Kanchanaburi/Hellfire Pass

Magazine. Khun Aum has always graced us with her warm personality, positive work ethic, and highly skilled design and web talent. We thank her for all she has achieved and wish her all the best in her new endeavour.

Meanwhile we welcome Khun Guljira Manimont (Finey) who will head up integrated marketing and communications in the office. Khun Finey is an Australian Alumni from James Cook University in Queensland. She also recently completed her postgraduate studies in International Marketing at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. Her positive and proactive disposition, a clear passion for design and e-communications, together with her recent experience working with the Australian Education Centre in Bangkok, gives her the necessary qualifications and competencies for this busy role. Please join me in welcoming Khun Finey to the AustCham team.

Thank you to our March sponsors

Warm Regards, Renee Bowman Executive Director, AustCham Thailand www.austchamthailand.com

AustChamThailand Advance

International School Bangkok A leader in education and education technology since 1951. www.isb.ac.th