A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AUSTRALIA THAILAND BUSINESS COUNCIL www.austchamthailand.com January 2013
AustCham Thailand 2012 President’s Award in this edition
Report calls for “Southeast Asia strategy” in the Asian Century
Business brief community services Thai Automotive Industry Achieves AustCham Sundowners more than Two Million Cars in 2012 Community Services Sponsor
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ATBC Australia Thailand Business Council Update
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Chamber events Women Drinking Responsibly, or Responsible Women Drinking?
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Contents
business briefs 6 Thai Automotive Industry Achieves more than Two Million Cars in 2012 8 Report calls for “Southeast Asia strategy” in the Asian Century 10 AEC Delayed by One Year 10 Australia Joins Launch of Massive Asian Regional Trade Agreement 11 Bangkok Office Hit Baht 1,000 Per Sqm Per Month
PATRON His Excellency James Wise Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand PRESIDENT John Anderson Meinhardt Portfolio: Regional Links
10 ATBC 16 Australia Thailand Business Council Update
15 AustCham Award 12 2012 AustCham Thailand President’s Award community services 14 Voluntary English Teaching at Ban Khao Din School, Chonburi 15 AustCham Sundowners Community Services Sponsor – Sister Joan Evans 15 12th Convoy for Kids: Giving a big smile to 220 underprivileged at Bang Saen Aquarium, Chonburi
chamber Events 18 Women Drinking Responsibly, or Responsible Women Drinking? 18 The Romance of the Three Kingdoms 20 Phuket Sundowners at Hogs Breath Café 20 Breakfast with Reserve Bank Governor 22 Christmas Sundowners at the Australian Ambassador’s Residence New members & members’ changes 24 AustCham Welcomes New Members From the Chamber Office 26 Message from the Executive Director
VICE PRESIDENTS M.L. Laksasubha Kridakon Baan Laksasubha Resort Portfolio: Alumni Belinda Skinner Top Talent Asia Portfolio: Communications and English Teaching TREASURER Leigh Scott-Kemmis DBM Portfolio: Advancing Trade and Commerce DIRECTORS David Bell Crestcom – Ra-Kahng Associates Portfolio: Speakers and Talks Khun Jurairat Jammanee HASSELL Portfolio: AustCham Ball Warwick Kneale Baker Tilly Portfolio: Community Services Sam Mizzi McConnell Dowell Portfolio: AFL and Eastern Seaboard Industry Sriram Narayan Qantas / British Airways Portfolio: Business Conference and Business Awards Alan Polivnick Watson, Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited Portfolio: Legal Charles Wrightman Natural Ville & Lenotre Portfolio: Sponsorship
22 Cover: David Armstrong
Saeed Zaki, Ph.D. dwp Portfolio: Breakfast Briefings
From the Board
President’s Message EX OFFICIO Greg Wallis Senior Trade Commissioner, Thailand COORDINATORS Paul Wilkinson JVK International Movers Ltd. ESB Coordinator Email: paul.wilkinson@jvkmovers.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 execdirector@austchamthailand.com www.austchamthailand.com
Editorial Committee Belinda Skinner, Josh Hyland, Gary Woollacott, Domenica Agostino 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 domenica@austchamthailand.com by the first day of the month for publication in the following month’s magazine. Opinions expressed in Advance do not necessarily reflect the views of the Chamber. AustChamThailand Advance
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elcome back to another year. I hope you all enjoyed a little rest over the Christmas New Year period. The family and I had a fantastic break in Australia. As usual we spent the time in South Australia at the beach and in the Barossa Valley where we enjoyed fine food and wine. It was a chance to forget about work and catch up on what has been happening in Australia. Recently I was granted Permanent Residency of Thailand. I have heard that many persons who applied during the period 2006-2010 have been successful in their applications as well. After many years of no PR visas being granted, this is indeed very welcome news. Permanent residency affords several benefits. In particular the 90 day reporting is no longer required and it is possible to obtain local bank finance more easily when purchasing a property. As President of the chamber I get to meet some interesting and influential people. One of these was the Reserve Bank Governor of Australia Mr Glen Stevens, who was invited to Bangkok by the Bank of Thailand. Glen is the man who sets interest rates. In Australia if he sneezes this may be interpreted as a major economic shift. A number of our members were privileged to join the Governor and our Ambassador at the Mandarin Oriental for breakfast. In December we had a great turn out at the Ambassador’s residence for the Christmas Sundowners. Thank you once again to HE James Wise and Teresa Wise for making their home available to all our members. During the evening I presented the 2012 President’s Award to David Armstrong. David is a true gentleman. Without doubt, David stands out as a most worthy recipient of this award having volunteered much time and energy toward the cham-
ber over the past five years. He has contributed time formerly in the capacity as a Director and as a volunteer editor of the chamber’s publications. We have had very good response to our call to sign up new and existing sponsors. I thank all those companies for putting their trust in AustCham in choosing to become our sponsors in 2013. I am sure the AustCham team can deliver true value for their sponsorship investment as they have done in the past. The Annual General Meeting of the chamber will be once again held in March. As many people already know I will be stepping down as AustCham’s President at the AGM. It is a job that I have done for the past two years and have served the committee for a total of six years. For those of you interested in joining the AustCham board or a sub-committee we would like to hear from you now. The AustCham board comprises of up to 12 persons who each serve a one year term. If you have any questions regarding either board membership or joining a sub-committee, I would be very happy to answer them, as I am sure would any of the other Directors. Nominations will be called for in February with the board election to be held at the AGM. This month I hope to see many of you at the Sukhothai Hotel outdoors in the garden for the tri nation’s barbecue. This is the first event for the year and is always well attended.
John Anderson President, AustCham Thailand www.austchamthailand.com January 2013
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business brief
Thai Automotive Industry Achieves more than Two Million Cars in 2012 By Federation of Thai Industries (FTI)
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he Ministry of Industry, in collaboration with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) represented by the Automotive Industry Club and the Auto Parts Industry Club; the Thai Automotive Industry Association; the Thai Auto Parts Manufacturers’ Association; the Office of the Board of Investment; and the Thailand Automotive Institute, announced a milestone for the Thai automotive industry of reaching annual production of more than two million automobiles for the first time. They also revealed their commitment to boost investor confidence and set a goal to produce three million cars per year by 2017. According to Mr Vitoon Simachokdee, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Industry, “The Thai automotive sector is one of the country’s major strategic industries. The Ministry of Industry has played a vital role in establishing the policy and strategy for the integrated development of the automotive industry, leading to tremendous annual value-added benefits for Thailand. These benefits include growing exports, increased employment, technological development and many activities to boost the potential development of the automotive industry and related industries all through the supply chain. The Ministry has defined the policy to promote and support investments, encouraging investors worldwide to build automotive and auto parts production bases in Thailand and driving for innovative developments in tandem with the globalisation trend. Our ultimate goal is to strengthen the Thai automotive industry as part of the country’s economic and social development plan while forming a
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balanced basis for the sustainable development of the country as a whole. “Thailand’s automotive and auto parts industries play a very significant role in the generation of national income and added value. The companies in the automotive sector are also major players in the social development of Thailand, employing more than 800,000 skilled labourers with the subsequent transfer of high-technology production techniques and knowledge. Thailand’s entry into the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), which is a large market, will present a significant opportunity for Thai auto manufacturers. The government will set a strategy to achieve the goal of producing more than three million cars by 2017” said Mr Vitoon. Mr Payungsak Chartsutipol, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, said, “The Thai automotive industry has grown steadily with continual support from the government and other relevant private organisations, all of which have worked together to drive the entire industry. The government has set the policy and direction that has been implemented by the private sector to enhance the industry’s competitiveness in the global market, making Thailand one of the world’s top ten automobile production bases. 2012 marks a golden year of the Thai automotive industry as we celebrate the production of more than two million cars with an export value of more than one tril-
lion baht, topping all exports from Thailand. The product champions are pickups and eco cars, and auto parts were also shipped globally. With such positive trends in mind, the automotive industry anticipates that Thai automobile production will soon reach more than three million units,” added Mr Payungsak. Thailand’s automotive industry helps to develop and strengthen Thailand. For more than 50 years, the Thai automotive industry has provided economic, technological, social and environmental benefits for the country. Economic benefits: The value created by the Thai automotive industry accounts for ten per cent of Thailand’s GDP. Thailand is the world’s sixth largest exchange earner in automobiles and auto parts and will be among the world’s top ten automotive production bases, given its 2012 production output. Accumulated automobile exports for 2012 are anticipated to more than one million units with total value of more than one trillion baht, comprised of automobile exports of 600 billion baht and auto part exports of 400 billion baht. The Thai automotive industry is the largest sector in terms of generating foreign income for the country and has developed a large and solid base of related local industries. Currently, Thailand has more than 2,500 manufacturing plants for vehicles, auto parts suppliers and related industries. So far during 2012, there have been applications for promotional privileges in the automotive
“Thailand’s automotive and auto parts industries play a very significant role in the generation of national income and added value...” AustChamThailand Advance
business brief
From Left to Right: Mr Yongkiat Kitaphanich, President of the Auto-Parts Industry Club, The Federation of Thai Industries; Mr Suparat Sirisuwannangura, President of the Automotive Industry Club, The Federation of Thai Industries; Mr Payungsak Chartsutipol, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries; Mr Vitoon Simachokdee, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Industry; Mr Patima Jeerapaet, President, Thailand Automotive Institute; Mrs Piengjai Keawsuwan, President of the Thai Automotive Industry Association; Mrs Achana Limpaitoon, President of the Thai Auto-Parts Manufacturers Association
segment, with a total value of 202,800 million baht, up 95 per cent from last year. Technological benefits: Technology is a key factor in the development of Thailand’s automotive sector. Automo-
AustChamThailand Advance
tive and auto parts manufacturers have established nine research and development centres in Thailand, which has led to the increasing transfer of production and industrial management expertise. The Thai automotive industry has successfully
raised production standards for its madein-Thailand brands to meet leading international quality certifications and levels. Social and environmental benefits: The Thai automotive industry has played a major role in enhancing the quality of people’s lives by creating employment and improving the skills that are the heart of the production process. The industry has made a major contribution to the development of transportation in Thailand and has spread prosperity to many communities. On the environmental side, the automotive industry is taking the lead in promoting the awareness of environmental protection. Automobiles and auto parts are produced to meet international Euro and emissions standards. Other highlights include the development of environmentally-friendly technologies and social initiatives that have been implemented on a continual basis to protect communities and the environment.
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business brief
Report calls for “Southeast Asia strategy” in the Asian Century Lead author: Professor Tony Milner, Asialink International Director and Basham Professor of Asian History at the Australian National University
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ustralia needs to move beyond the US-China dynamic and focus on its relationship with Southeast Asia, according to a report prepared in consultation with academics, diplomats and business people throughout the region. The Asialink report proposes a strategy for implementing the aspirations of the federal government’s recent white paper on Australia in the Asian Century, which gave little attention to Southeast Asia, with the exception of Indonesia. The report, which includes supporting statements from former foreign ministers Gareth Evans and Alexander Downer, argues that Australia’s economic and strategic interests will be best served by making Southeast Asia central to policymaking and decisions. “Australian public discussion has been mesmerised by China and our alliance with the United States,” said the report’s lead author Professor Tony Milner, Asialink’s International Director and Basham Professor of Asian History at the Australian National University. Australia needs to move beyond the US-China dynamic and focus on its relationship with Southeast Asia, according to a report prepared in consultation with academics, diplomats and business people throughout the region.
• Committing sustained resources to lifting Australia’s profile in Southeast Asian countries, and the ASEAN region’s profile in Australia • Taking a whole-of-government approach to ASEAN cooperation, with a wide range of departments seeking to establish constructive partnerships in Southeast Asia.
“Yes these are vital foreign policy areas, but ones where Australia acting alone is likely to have limited influence. Significantly deepening Australia’s relations with Southeast Asia will help us to adjust politically to the dramatic rise of China. It also makes Australia a more valuable United States ally.”
Southeast Asian region. Its recommendations include:
Our place in the Asian Century: Southeast Asia as ‘The Third Way’ is the result of consultations not just in Australia, but with a wide range of specialists from the
• Giving Southeast Asian countries a central place in the Australian international narrative as natural partners and neighbours
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In his foreword to the report, former foreign minister Gareth Evans said: “This is a thoughtful, thoroughly researched and lucidly written report making a compelling argument.” Alexander Downer said: “Australia will build influence and effectiveness in the region if it can first and foremost consolidate itself with ASEAN.” This is a summary of the Asialink Report, Southeast Asia as ‘The Third Way’ which can be found at www.asialink.unimelb.edu.au/thirdway and links to the full report.
AustChamThailand Advance
business brief
AEC Delayed by One Year
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SEAN leaders at the 21st ASEAN summit held in Phnom Penh have ultimately decided to delay the launch of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) for 12 months from 1 January to 31 December 2015, which means that the community will only come into effect by 2016.
Necessary policy measures to be implemented before 2015 are key areas of tariff and non-tariff barriers, investment liberalisation, connectivity and transport, small and medium-sized enterprise development, initiatives for ASEAN integration, mutual recognition arrangements on professional services and labour mobility, institutional building and regulatory reforms and institutional issues for AEC building.
Reason for the delay, which has been indicated by ASEAN Secretary Dr Surin Pitsuwan earlier this year, is “to prepare the necessary regulations as much work still remains to be done,” as announced at the summit. Indonesian Trade Minister, Gita Wirjawan told reporters that the decision was made during the plenary session of the 21st ASEAN Summit on 18 November. ASEAN members said that they have completed 72 per cent of the economic blueprint needed to bring about the AEC, with tasks in the socio-cultural and political-security fields also pending.
There have been repeated concerns that the launch of the AEC might be postponed beyond 2015, though. However, Pitsuwan told Inside Investor in an earlier interview that he is confident that there will be no more delays and all ten ASEAN countries will participate. Article contributed by Inside Investor. For further information please visit their website at www.investvine.com Dr Surin Pitsuwan, ASEAN Secretary General
Australia Joins Launch of Massive Asian Regional Trade Agreement Joint Press Release from the Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Competitiveness
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rime Minister Julia Gillard, accompanied by Trade and Competitiveness Minister Craig Emerson, on 20 November joined leaders from 15 countries of the Asian region to launch negotiations for a new trade agreement, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). RCEP will bring together the ten ASEAN countries, along with Australia, China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea and New Zealand. The 16 countries account for almost half the world’s population and 30 per cent of global GDP. The Prime Minister and Minister Emerson congratulated ASEAN on initiating RCEP. Australia’s participation in RCEP delivers on the vision for Australia’s engagement with Asia set out in the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper. RCEP will support the goal of a more open Australian economy, integrated with Asia, and help improve the flow of goods, services, capital and ideas. The countries involved include nine of Australia’s top 12 trading
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partners and account for almost 60 per cent of our two-way trade and 70 per cent of our exports. RCEP will form part of the Government’s strategy for lowering trade barriers and securing improved market access for Australian exporters of goods and services and Australian investors. The agreement will provide AusMinister Craig Evans tralian businesses with a genuinely regional platform for trade and investment decisions, enabling them to compete and succeed in regional value chains. RCEP will build on the highquality free trade agreement that Australia already has with ASEAN and New Zealand. It will complement Australia’s participation in bilateral trade negotiations and in Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations. Australia’s participation in each of these negotiations will add momentum to the process of competitive trade liberalisation.
AustChamThailand Advance
business brief
Bangkok Office Hit Baht 1,000 Per Sqm Per Month By Mr Nithipat Tongpun, Executive Director and Head of Office Services, CBRE Thailand
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ast month, office rents spiked for the first time ever in the history of Bangkok, to over Baht 1,000 per square metre per month, according to leading international property consultant CBRE Thailand. Although this was, for now, only a single transaction and for a fully furnished office, this is indicative of the rapid improvement in Bangkok’s office market in the last quarter. The two leading grade A buildings, Park Ventures Ecoplex and Sathorn Square, are now close to full. Although space is still available at both properties currently, users requiring larger spaces are close to making binding commitments, which will take occupancy at both buildings to well above 90 per cent, possibly filling all the remaining space. This changes the dynamics of the office market and, for large tenants seeking contiguous floors in modern grade A buildings, space can now only be taken as a result of future vacancies. More significantly, landlords are not under pressure at this time to agree to concessions or to negotiate discounts for individual tenants as they are not critical to their overall income stream. In fact, many landlords will be raising rents on renewals in line with the latest open market rents. Out of the 26 buildings in the Bangkok’s central business district (CBD) that CBRE classifies as being grade A, eleven are already 100 per cent occupied and the rest are nearly all at least 90 per cent occupied. “Lack of choice and limited availability of space are also becoming pronounced factors in the market and we have the following advice to give office tenants,” said Mr David Simister, Chairman of CBRE Thailand. Looking two to three years ahead, there will be a further round of prime grade A projects developed. Bhiraj Tower,
AustChamThailand Advance
a grade A office development with 47,000 square metres of lettable area, located on Sukhumvit Road opposite the Emporium with direct connection to the BTS Promphong station will be completed in 2014. AIA Sathorn Tower, a grade A office building with 38,500 square metres of lettable space will be completed in 2015. AIA Capital Center, a grade A office development with 54,000 square metres of lettable area, located on Ratchadapisek Road, close to the MRT Thai Cultural Center station will be completed in 2014. G Land Tower a grade A office development with 65,000 square metres of lettable area, located at the corner of Ratchadapisek-Rama IX Roads will be completed in 2014. However, these new projects are all just starting construction, so they will offer no immediate relief to the limited supply for at least the next 24 months. During that time, CBRE predicts that CBD rents will continue to increase and demand will increase due to companies expanding and new entrants to the
market - all of which will mean that rents will only move in one direction “Therefore, tenants seeking to renew leases, expand or relocate would do well to address their needs as soon as possible. Alternatively, they need to come up with a strategy to seek earlybird deals at the new office stock that is scheduled to come on stream from late 2014 onwards,” concluded Mr Nithipat Tongpun, Executive Director and Head of Office Services at CBRE Thailand. CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Los Angeles, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services firm (in terms of 2011 revenue). CBRE Thailand has grown to be a leading real estate services provider, offering strategic advice and execution for sales and leasing for all types of property, property and facilities and tenancy management, valuation and advisory, and research and consulting. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.cbre.co.th
January 2013
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AustCham Thailand President’s Award
2012 AustCham Thailand President’s Award
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he AustCham Thailand President’s Award is presented to an individual or organisation that has made a significant contribution to the Australian and Thailand business communities, to the relationship between Australia and Thailand, or has substantially facilitated investment or trade between our two nations. This time last year Thailand was in a state of disarray due to the devastating floods that swept through at the end of 2011. The President’s Award was put on hold in the wake of a country wide clean up. One year on and after much hard work AustCham was pleased to resurrect the tradition and announce the 2012 recipient during December Sundowners at the Ambassador’s Residence. AustCham President John Anderson proudly presented the award to wellknown and highly regarded Chamber member (and former Director), David Armstrong. Drawing on his career in magazine and newspaper journalism spanning 40 years and several different countries, David has been a very strong supporter of the chamber throughout his time in Thailand.
“He is a proud Australian, a tireless supporter of the Chamber and somebody who is always helping others.”
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AustCham President, John Anderson presents award to winner, David Armstrong.
“This year’s President’s award started as a junior reporter on The Australian newspaper as soon as he graduated from the University of New South Wales in 1969.” “He went on to become editor of The Bulletin, editor of The Canberra Times, editor-in-chief of The Australian, editor-
“He is a friend – and a trusted adviser – to many of us.”
in-chief of the South China Morning Post, and president and chief operating officer of the Post Publishing media company in Bangkok, Thailand. Ultimately, however, this year’s President’s Award recipient is a person who has achieved much, but – most significantly, and selflessly – has given even more.”
“He has reached the very top of his chosen profession. Yet he conducts himself with a quiet dignity and humbleness that belies his stature and influence.”
AustChamThailand Advance
community services
Voluntary English Teaching Saturday, 17 November at Ban Khao Din School, Chonburi AustCham Thailand sponsors a number of schools in the provinces of Chonburi and Rayong. Part of this support includes the provision of English classes, which are conducted by volunteers from our community. Volunteers work with small groups of children aged between 5 and 12 years and play simple games and activities which encourage the children to use the English language. No prior teaching experience is necessary, just a lot of enthusiasm! If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact varin@austchamthailand.com
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AustChamThailand Advance
community services
AustCham Sundowners Community Services Sponsor – Sister Joan Evans
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here are many worthy charities around Bangkok and AustCham would love to be able to assist them all. Unfortunately we can’t! The Community Services Subcommittee have instigated an initiative to endeavour to support some of our member related charities. Our aim is to promote various charities to our members in order to raise awareness or where our members are perhaps looking for a new CSR partner – a type of CSR matching service. Each month part of your Sundowners entry fee will go towards the monthly CS sponsor. Each charity will have presented to, and been approved by, AustCham’s Community Services Subcommittee. This month AustCham is proud to support Sister Joan Evans as our Sundowners Community Services Sponsor.
Sister Joan’s mission uses a ‘cradle to the workplace’ approach, starting with the Infant Milk Programme, popularly known as the ‘Milk Run’. Education is her core mission. She believes there is a real need to help children and young adults to the point where they can help themselves. Sister Joan’s donation philosophy is simple – a little bit of money goes a long way. For over 20 years, Sister Joan Evans has helped the underprivileged in Klong Toey and other slum communities in Bangkok. A retired Presentation religious sister from Perth in Western Australia, Sister Joan lives in Klong Toey among the people she helps. Her mission helps the poor and mainly the very, very poor - people who would otherwise have very little opportunity in life.
Funding for Sister Joan’s projects comes from donations and all donations go to help those in need. Donations can be made online (via PayPal), by cheque or by direct bank deposit – see www.sisterjoan.info for details. Offers of volunteer help are also welcome.
12th Convoy for Kids: Giving a big smile to 220 underprivileged at Bang Saen Aquarium, Chonburi
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he 12th Convoy for Kids, organised by the Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Convoy for Kids Sub-committee, brought 250 underprivileged children to enjoy their first time on the beach and Bang Saen Aquarium, Chonburi province. Mr David Mills, President of AustCham Thailand’s Logistic Sub-committee said, “Convoy for Kids is a charity event that aims to share happiness and make a change for underprivileged kids. This year, we selected 100 kids from Sri Sangwan school, 50 from Sor Sor Arsa group from Bangsue, 35 from Sister Jones group from Klongtoey, 11 from Talingchan school and last but not least another 54 kids from the hill tribes in Tak province. We brought them to experience the sea creatures at Bang Saen Aquarium and enjoy their first time on the beach with games and swimming exercises.”
AustChamThailand Advance
January 2013
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ATBC
Australia Thailand Business Council Update ATBC Board Members were delighted to join members of the Canberra Diplomatic Corps to celebrate His Majesty’s 85th Birthday. Doug Blunt, National Treasurer attended the Embassy with his wife Kathie, and Tamerlaine Beasley represented the ATBC at the Sydney Consulate event at the Amora Hotel. It was great to see so many members of the Australia-Thai community in one place. It’s been a great month in terms of the Australia-Thailand Business dialogue. I think the importance of Thailand was emphasised by recent visits from US President Barack Obama and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao within the space of one week. The ‘Australia and Thailand in an Integrated Asia’ conference held in Bangkok by AustCham Thailand was also a great success. AustCham did an exceptional job of pulling together a top billing of local and international speakers. All of the conference presentations are available on the conference website: www.austchamconference2012.com The ATBC looks forward to an exciting new year.
Professor Tony Moon with Guests
Minister Vasin Ruangprateepsaeng; Dr Kathie Blunt; Nim Osborne; McGrath Woden; Doug Blunt, ATBC
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Peter Baines; Kay Spencer
Ben Playle, Thailand desk DFAT; Mike Courtnall, ATBC; Dr Kathie Blunt, Doug Blunt, ATBC Treasurer
Thai Consul Mr Biravij
Ambassador Maris Sangiampongsa; Dr Kathie Blunt; Doug Blunt, ATBC
AustChamThailand Advance
Eric Kenso Ward, ISB Class of 1979
International School Bangkok Bringing out the superhero in each of us since 1951. www.isb.ac.th
Chamber Events
Professional Women’s Group: November Event at Diageo Office on Thursday 6 December 2012
Women Drinking Responsibly, or Responsible Women Drinking?
Hosted by British Chamber (BCCT) together with AustCham and New Zealand-Thai (NZTCC) Chambers of Commerce, Diageo experts took the Professional Women’s Group on a fascinating tour of the drinks industry. Guests had the privilege of creating their own PWG cocktail aided by cocktail mixologists and hear about their ideas for creating a more positive role for alcohol in society.
Joint ICT Evening Presentation at Sofitel So Bangkok on Thursday 29 November 2012
The Romance of the Three Kingdoms The Three Chambers of Commerce: American, Australian and British, hosted an interesting ICT presentation on the ‘Three Kingdoms’ of the technological world; Apple, Google and Microsoft. The Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a historical novel detailing the turbulent years near the end of the Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms that emerged to eventually reunify the land. In Thailand, “Sam Kok” is extremely popular and is still widely referenced today in the business community as leaders seek to grow their companies. Thai IT bloggers have become increasingly intrigued by our futures as they are shaped by these three technology giants and how their consumer strategies will affect and benefit us all. In representation of each company who spoke on “The next five years for consumers in IT” was the MD of Google Thailand, Khun Ariya Banomyong and the MD of Microsoft Thailand, Khun Birathon Kasemsri Na Ayudhaya. Apple officially declined to speak on the evening therefor Andrew McBean, Grant Thornton/ BCCT Board of Director spoke on their behalf.
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AustChamThailand Advance
Saturday 26 Jan 2013 From 14:00 to 21:00 at KIS International School
Adults 100 Baht Children 60 Baht
999/124 Kesinee Ville Pracha-Uthit Soi 21 Huay Kwang, Bangkok 10320 02-2743444, www.kis.ac.th
Annual Corporate Sponsorships for 2013 Silver and Bronze Opportunities Still Available AustCham Thailand would like
to thank all 2012 sponsors
Great Sponsor Benefits Don’t Delay! Closing Date 5pm Friday 18 January Contact K. Chanakarn for the detailed Sponsorship Package Tel: +66 2 210 0216 Fax: +66 2 675 6696 E-mail: chanakarn@austchamthailand.com
Chamber Events
Phuket Sundowners at Hogs Breath Café Friday 30 November 2012 Phuket Sundowners is always been a great opportunity to meet local business people and visitors from Bangkok in a social and friendly environment. This particular evening was held at Hog’s Breath Café which has recently relocated from Jungceylon Shopping Centre to Patong Promenade overlooking Bangala Road. Known for ensuring a fantastic dining experience, they provide guests with a taste of home, importing all beef from Australia.
Breakfast with Reserve Bank Governor The Australian Ambassador, HE James Wise, hosted a breakfast meeting with the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, Glenn Stevens, on Wednesday 12 December. The breakfast was a rare opportunity to brief Governor Stevens on the challenges and opportunities of doing business in Thailand, and to promote the value of the Australia-Thailand Commercial relationship. Governor Stevens’s lighting visit to Bangkok was at the invitation of the Bank of Thailand, where he delivered a major (and frank) speech on the “Challenges for Central Banking”. It is well worth reviewing the Governor’s speech which is available on the RBA website at: http://www.rba.gov. au/speeches/index.html
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AustChamThailand Advance
Accredited and Affiliated with
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Chamber Events
Christmas Sundowners at the Australian Ambassador’s Residence Wednesday 12 December 2012 The Australian Ambassador to Thailand, HE James Wise, and his wife Teresa once again kindly hosted AustCham and its members for Christmas Sundowners. Guests enjoyed a beautiful selection of delicious canapés by catering sponsor Natural Ville & Lenôtre and a special thank you must go to AustCham Corporate Gold Sponsor, dwp, for once again sponsoring this event and their continued support. Sister Joan Evans was chosen as the December Community Services Sponsor and her team were present on the evening to provide guests with more information about the wonderful work they do.
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Chamber Events
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1) John Falconer, Akara Mining; Charunas Ruangsuwan, Akara Mining; Julia Nelson, dwp; Phil MacIntyre, Akara Mining. 2) John Hancock, AustCham Honorary Member; Teresa Wise; Charles Wrightman, Natural Ville and Lenotre. 3) Philip Bowler, bioMerieux Thailand; HE Mr James Wise, Australian Ambassador, Alan S Verstein, Siam Gazette. 4) Saeed Zaki, Ph.D, dwp; John Anderson, AustCham President, Meinhardt; David Armstrong; HE Mr James Wise, Australian Ambassador; Charles Wrightman, Natural Ville and Lenotre. 5) Barry Wilson; Jagruti Sampat, Grant Thornton; Carlo Principe, Grant Thornton; Peter Scott, AustCham Honorary Member; David Lawrence, Urbaan Real Estate; Mark Rowswell, Urbaan Real Estate. 6) Mongkol Chorsuwan, Bartercard Thailand; Pisit Ujjin, AustCham Thailand. 7) Satita Pimnarapokin, BPA; Rapatsa Teerapongnapalai, Business Research; Withaya Chanaphai, Qre Professional Recruitment. 8) Stuart Jay Raj; Michael Berger, Bangkok Base; Horst Wiezorrek, Bangkok Base. 9) Nicha Wangsuppapon, dwp; Richa Wongsart, dwp; Scott Whittaker, dwp; Kanokwan Singdumrong, dwp; Intiya Chakritthakul, dwp. 10) Prapatpong Weeramon, ANZ Bank; Pisit Ujjin, AustCham Thailand; Apipavadee Putipanpong, ANZ Bank; Charles Wrightman, Natural Ville and Lenotre; Jurairat Jammanee, HASSELL. 11)Susan Usher, Lady Pie; David Armstrong. 12) Greg Wallis, Austrade; Lisa Wallis, Austrade. 13) Kylie Winters, Sodexo; Stuart Winters, Sodexo. 14) Karl Meneghella, KIS International School; Jacqui Kyle, KIS International School. 15) Karen Hochhauser, APM Group; Alan Polivnick, AustCham Director. 16) David Mills, Convoy For Kids; Sister Joan Evans; Jane Williams; Yvonne Ziegler.
AustChamThailand Advance
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NEW MEMBERS and members’ changes
AMC Convergent IT (Thailand) Co., Ltd. 52/14 Room 5D Silom Condominium Saladang 2, Bangrak Silom, Bangkok 10500 Phone: 662 632 1976 Fax: 662 632 1976 Website: www.amcretail.com Email: info@amcretail.com
Representatives: Dr John Flanagan - Managing Director Mr Somphong Sriket - General Manager
Background: The Australian International School of Bangkok is the only Australian school in Thailand. Established 11 years ago, the school has developed from an Early Childhood School into a Primary School. The school uses the Australian curriculum taught by fully qualified native English speaking teachers. The school is located in a prime area of Sukhumvit and services the needs of 16 to 20 different nationalities. The school is on a growth trajectory and will offer classes through to the end of secondary school. Products/Services: Education to ages 02-10 Australian curriculum used
Background: Developers and wholesale marketers of Cloud based software as a service (SaaS) retail management systems and providers of infrastructure as a service (Iaas) to the retail industry. Products/Services: Cloud POS and Portal back office systems suitable for PC and mobile devices (iPad, smartphone and iPhone). Multi company multi site inventory, procurement, debtors, creditors, webstores, customer orders, value card systems and so on. The products are highly flexible. Suitable to wide range of business types e.g. supermarkets, general retail, fast food and sell by weight outlets. Multilingual (English, Thai, Chinese and others). Languages can be rapidly incorporated. Rapid application development environment.
Australian International School of Bangkok 164 Sukhumvit 20, Klong Toey Bangkok, 10110 Phone: 662 663 5495-7 Fax: 662 258 1450 Website: www.australian-isb.com Email: admin@australian-isb.com
Representatives: Mr Greg Cairnduff - Director Ms Karawin Kirtikara - School Development Manager 24
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Marlo Group (Thailand) Ltd. 454 Soi Sukhumvit 79 (Niyom) Phrakanong, Wattana, Bangkok 10260 Phone: 662 260 4772 Fax: 662 260 4776 Website: www.themarlogroup.com.au Email: peter.shinkfield@marlo.com.au
Custom Private Label Groceries Co. Ltd 1 Sukhumvit Soi 25, Sukhumvit Road Wattana Bangkok 10110 Phone: 6683 014 1282 Website:. www.privatelabelgroceries.com Email: info@privatelabelgroceries.com Representatives:
Mr Tim Stainlay - Managing Director Mr Christin Burns - Managing Director Background: Custom Private Label Groceries works with international retailers, importers, distributers and brand owners to create high quality and innovative food products which are designed and manufactured in Thailand. Products/Services: - Expertise in designing value added and innovative food products - Sourcing of high quality ingredients for your private label food products - Cost effective food manufacturing solutions in Asia
Representatives: Mr Peter Shinkfield - Vice President Background: The Marlo Group is an independent professional services company focused on Enterprise Integration. Established in 2004 and headquartered in Melbourne, with offices in Bangkok Thailand and Rio de Janeriro Brazil, we have exceptional working relationships with our clients, maintain an unparalleled delivery record and have successfully completed hundreds of integration projects in all major industry sectors. Products/Services: IT Consulting, Software Development and Services, IT Consulting, People Recruitment
NVMS Co., Ltd 1 MD Tower 11 Floor, Unit C1 Bangna Complex, Soi Bangna-Trad 25 Bangna-Trad Road, Bangkok 10260 Phone: 662 186 4961 Website: www.nvms.in.th Email: graham.forrester@nvms.in.th
Representatives: Mr Graham Forrester - Managing Director Mr Prasit Mutisawatd - Business Development Manager Background: NVMS has been providing measurement systems for more than 25 years. We focus on machine protection and condition monitoring equipment for the oil and gas (onshore and offshore), petrochemical and
AustChamThailand Advance
NEW MEMBERS and members’ changes
power sectors. The types of equipment we monitor include large gas and steam turbines, compressors and power generation units. We also provide integrated systems that cover the balance of plant equipment for the complete asset management. Other areas NVMS focus on are noise and vibration measurement equipment, we also provide calibration services and training. NVMS also manufacture equipment used in monitoring large rotating equipment assets Products/Services: NVMS represent the following products - GE (Bently Nevada) Safety, Condition and Performance Monitoring Systems - HBM Stress, Strain and Torque Equipment - Bruel and Kjaer Sound and Vibration Equipment NVMS provide the following services - Manufacturing or electronic and mechanical equipment - Calibration of electronic equipment - Training in noise and vibration - Site audits and advisory services
Qre Professional Recruitment Co., Ltd 252/119 (B11) 24th Floor Muang Thai Phatra office Tower 2 Rachadaphisek Road Huaykwang, Bangkok 10310 Phone: 662 275 8039-40 Fax: 662 275 8037 Website: www.qre-professional.com Email: Ekachai@qre-professional.com
Through a diligent human resources solution process, our experienced consultants work together to deliver industry-best strategic attraction model of recruitment, selecting, networking and interviewing skills. Our carefully crafted interview methods tighten the range of candidates, so that only the best are presented for your consideration. We serve as your advocate, positioning opportunities in the most favourable light, to deliver top talent into your organisation. Products/Services: Executive Recruitment: Extensive experience in successfully completing search engagements across a wide spectrum of management disciplines and in a diverse category of business sectors. We will definitely be able to solve your recruitment issues at the shortest possible time. Assessment Service: Expertise to give a prospective employer a detailed look at how a candidate thinks and reasons when faces with a variety of situation. A candidate’s strengths and weaknesses will be clearly identified to show his or her ability to perform at the specified level of responsibility. We use assessment examinations that include, but are not limited to, Hogan, Harrison, SPONA or world class English test assessments along with other aptitude and behavioral examinations based upon the job specifications and the client’s own Internal processes. Managed Services Walk-In Interview Day: Using Employer Brand to attract talent. Professional to develop of an employee value proposition (EVP). Provide Attraction Strategy of high quality labour market is a competitive necessity. We have won the trust and confidence of an array of partner-clients within Thailand and strengthened our stand in the Career day/Walk in Interview Day space in the marketplace.
Representatives: Mr Graham Forrester - Director, Country Manager Mr Prasit Mutisawatd - Business Development Manager Background: SVT is an Engineering Consulting company providing services in Asset Integrity and Asset Reliability Service and Noise Management and Control for the oil and gas, petrochemical and power sectors. We have offices in Perth (head office), Brisbane, Malaysia and Thailand. Our services range across the full life cycle of a project from Design Support, Asset Support, Commissioning and Troubleshooting. We work with both end clients (asset operators) and EPC’s to provide a complete service designed to reduce risk to operations and design. Products/Services: Our services cover the full offerings under the headings of noise, vibration and corrosion control. these range from. Noise control and management (occupational, environmental and design)Corrosion control and material investigation. Asset Integrity Management including management plans, RBI programs, RBI optimisation and integrity audits Asset Reliability Management including management plans, RCM programs, RCM optimisation, PdM program management and reliability audits. Package design of piping systems, vessels, rotating and reciprocating equipment. Change of Representative
Representatives: Mr Ekachai Kacha - Managing Director Background: The passion to deliver quality human capital solutions to our clients makes us a trusted Human Resource Solution in Thailand. We believe in creating unlimited opportunities for all, success to our clients and excellent Career growth to our candidates. Qre Professional is the one of leading professional Executive Recruitment, Assessment Service, managed Services Walk in Interview Day. AustChamThailand Advance
SVT Engineering Consultants Co., Ltd 1 MD Tower 11 Floor, Unit C1 Bangna Complex, Soi Bangna-Trad 25 Bangna-Trad Road, Bangkok 10260 Phone: 662 186 4961 (Thai) 61 9489 2000 (Australia) Website: www.svt.in.th Email: info@svt.com.au
• Mr Victor Madhavan, Director of Sales and Marketing is a new representative of Oriental Residence Bangkok. • Mr Thavisak Na Takuathung, Managing Director is a new representative of Pacific City Club. • Mr Somsakdi Wongseyuen, Chairman is a new representative of Pacific City Club. Change of Company Name • New International School of Thailand change name to NIST International School. January 2013
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From the Chamber Office
Message from the Executive Director
Calendar of Events Tuesday, 1 January AustCham Office Closed
New Year’s Day Wednesday, 16 January Tri Nations Braai and BBQ
18.30 Venue: The Sukhothai Hotel
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s is the norm around this time of year the AustCham office has spent some time reflecting on the year gone and considering what might lie ahead in 2013. Looking back, it certainly was a busy and productive time, punctuated by the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Thailand. I am genuinely astonished by what we can accomplish with our meagre budget. Looking ahead, we’ve already developed some new ideas to put to the Board for consideration early this year. A rough count of events for 2012 comes to 67. Taking into account public holidays that meant we had an event about every three and half days. A similarly rough count of customers served comes to over 7,000 – an impressive number. The statistic I know you’ve all be waiting for, however, is AustCham alcohol allocation. In 2012 we consumed 8,400 cans of beer and 2,365 bottles of wine. We could calculate a per-her consumption figure based on the number of people who attended functions where drinks were served – but I think that might give all of us a shock. Some statistics are better left unsaid. Of course the year was more than just events and in 2012 there were, in fact, a number of headline achievements. For example, • in March we officially launched our AustralianAlumni program with a gala reception at the Sukhothai hotel. The new alumni website makes it much easier for us to communicate with alumni (and them with us) and we now have almost 1,600 contacts; • in May we released the first ever Study of Australian Business in Thailand. It just hap26
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pened to coincide with Prime Minister Yingluck’s visit to Australia; • in August we published the first in series of articles that shine a spotlight on Australia-Thai commerce. We began by telling the story of Gold Coast Ships and how its Ikea approach to building big boats was creating manufacturing jobs in Australia!; and • in November we finished out the year with perhaps our biggest undertaking, the Australia-Thailand business conference. If you haven’t yet read the conference summary in December Advance then it’s well worth seeking out. It provides some great context to what may be ahead of us in 2013. Looking ahead to 2013, and one question the office has been asking is what do our members really want from AustCham? What is it they value the most? Part of the answer is that our membership is diverse and they want many different things. Some members are only interested in networking and opportunities to make more business contacts. Others want the Chamber to be influential at the strategic end of the business spectrum. How we ensure we are catering to the range of wants and needs of AustCham members will be a major priority for us in 2013. Of course feedback from you is paramount, so if you have a view please let us know.
Thank you to December sponsors:
Mark Carroll Executive Director, AustCham Thailand www.austchamthailand.com
AustChamThailand Advance
info@lenotrethailand.com