Advance july 2014

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

Data for Everyone

in this edition

A Simple Guide to Driving Business in Thailand Business brief Tweet or Meow? Using Technology to Pick Stocks

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embassy news community services chamber events Australia-Thailand Forum: Urban 13th Volvo Truck and Bus Thailand Commonwealth Sundowners at the and Public Transport Development Convoy for Kids Charity Golf Event Imperial Gueen’s Park Hotel Bangkok

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www.harrowschool.ac.th Leadership for a better world

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specialist mortgage

specialist mortgage

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Contents PATRON His Excellency James Wise Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand

business briefs 6 Tweet or Meow? Using Technology to Pick Stocks 8 Data for Everyone Australian Business Forum 10 A Simple Guide to Driving Business in Thailand 12 Beating the Odds: How to Make a Start-up Successful

PRESIDENT Leigh Scott-Kemmis Lee Hecht Harrison / DBM (Thailand) Ltd

embassy news 14 Australia-Thailand Forum: Urban and Public Transport Development

14 community services 15 Voluntary English Teaching 16 13th Volvo Truck and Bus Thailand Convoy for Kids Charity Golf Event

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 Josh Hyland AEC South East Asia Angus Kent Macquarie Securities Thailand Limited | Macquarie Group Limited Alan Polivnick Watson, Farley & Williams Rananda Rich Blackmores Ltd

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Wayne Williams Minor International

chamber events 18 ESB Sundowners at Ocean Marina Yacht Club 20 Commonwealth Sundowners at The Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel Bangkok

Charles Wrightman Natural Ville EX-OFFICIO Greg Wallis Australian Trade Commission HONORARY ADVISOR TO THE BOARD David Armstrong

AUSTCHAM MEMBERS 22 In Memoriam – Gavin Thomas 24 AustCham Welcomes New Members

From the Chamber Office 26 Message from the Executive Director

Simon Shale Visy Packaging (Thailand) Ltd & Visy Industries

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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 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.

AustChamThailand Advance

President’s Message

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n the coming months I will be attending the 50th anniversary of matriculating from High school. Yes I know, I am an old codger.

At such times there is a lot of reflection about what great times, experiences and challenges we have endured. For me the overwhelming thought is the amasing leap in technology that has occurred in the span of my working life and the impact this has had on standards of living, productivity in the work place, change in social engagement as well as on business systems, models and structures.

When I started life in the money markets, we did not have computers. In fact, electronic calculators were not even on the scene – our calculators were mechanical. Yet today, I can do complex calculation with ease on a smart phone. Similarly, the fax did not appear for many years after mechanical calculators (some may be asking what is a fax?). Today we have Instagram, among many other forms of technology, to send information and pictures.

When you look at how long one of the greatest game changes in history – electricity – took to fully impact the way we live and do business, then I believe that we are only on the opening morning of a five day test match when it comes to the impact the current technology boom will have on life and business.

As humans, we are programed to see things in a linear way when in fact history is full of many non linear events that disrupt and change life’s order without apparent warning. I believe we will witness an acceleration of such disrupters to business systems, business models, industries and societies as a result. The point here is that we will need to be very alert to these trends and events as the risks, and of course opportunities, to business are becoming more pronounced by the day.

In Thailand this challenge is even more heightened and hopefully the “Enabling Prosperity” Conference will leave us with lots of ideas for guidance.

AustCham is and will provide ways of helping members navigate forward with these challenges. This month’s Advance has a focus on Technology, and our Aus-

tralian Business Forums and new ABF Express forums will be helpful in this regard. However one the most important activities AustCham can provide is to assist with connections through building networks to share experiences, insights and ideas. Fingers crossed that we will have success with a new Australian Government Grant to help us use technology to enhance the effectiveness of building and managing business networks. As we have previously noted, our people and their networks are our greatest asset in navigating through the challenges mentioned above.

Last month was very active for the Chamber, including holding our first board meeting on the Eastern Seaboard. It was great for the full board to be able to attend the networking event following the meeting and learn more about the challenges and opportunities businesses face outside of Bangkok. It is our goal to hold further Board meeting outside of Bangkok.

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

June 2014

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business brief

Tweet or Meow? Using Technology to Pick Stocks

By Paul Gambles

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n most markets, especially developed markets, I rarely, if ever, think that individual stockpicking is a reliable way of investing. However, I recently read some research that has emanated from my Alma Mater about Google that’s making me stop and wonder about the value of the Googleplex-based internet services company, not so much as an investment opportunity itself but as a signpost to investment decision making.

at the closing price the following day, and then repurchased at the end of the first day of trading in the week thereafter. Whereas, if the search volume on Sunday was low compared with the previous week, the researchers ‘bought’ the following day.

Using the keyword debt – the term that saw the most fluctuation in volume of usage during the study period – the strategy netted a whopping virtualprofit of 326 per cent over seven years (the index returned just 16% over that period).

Google Trends Data from Google Trends, a tool that looks at patterns of searches on the Internet, has seemingly been a reliable indicator of future stock market movements during the 2004-2011 period, according to research by Tobias Preis at Warwick Business School. Preis and his team monitored a portfolio (equivalent in performance to the Dow Jones Industrial Average) that responded (i.e. bought or sold) according to the frequency of requests of certain search terms on Google’s search engine.

Then, the academics studied the use of 98 specific entries, which ranged from words with obvious capital market associations (such as metals or stock or forex), to more derivative entries about economic concerns (such as house and unemployment), through much less financially specific terms, indicative of mood or outlook (such as health and fun).

The analysis focused on search volumes that occurred on Sundays – if the search volume that day was high compared with a week earlier, the DJIA investment was systematically sold

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In a sense this strategy is, in itself, a derivation of trend-following – a ‘Black Box’ quantitative strategy that responds to signals from markets themselves. The most basic of signals would be that once a market starts to tick up, a trend-following fund would immediately buy, whereas once a market starts to fall, a trend-follower would sell. This strategy can be adjusted to take account of any available in-outs (stock volumes, the size and strength of up or down moves) in its most basic variant of buying on up days and selling on down days.

A third strategy, of buying or selling on the basis of movements in the Dow itself, would have netted a gain of 33 per cent.

Preis’s paper, published in the journal Scientific Reports, suggests that

search requests are a potential indicator of intent about investment decisions.

When a mass of people seek information about a particular subject on a Sunday, this is a sign of worry and boosts the likelihood that they will ditch stock when the market opens on the Monday, it argues.

“Notable drops in the financial market are preceded by periods of investor concern,” according to the research.

“In such periods, investors may search for more information about the market, before eventually deciding to buy or sell.

“Our results suggest that, following this logic, during the period 2004 to 2011, Google Trends search query volumes for certain terms could have been used in the construction of profitable trading strategies.”

Twitter Using social media to predict stock prices is not a new phenomenon: Timm Sprenger and Isabell Welpe of the Technische Universität in Munich published a study in 2010 analysing ‘tweets’ on Twitter in relation to whether certain stocks were bought, sold or held. The study found that tweets tracked stock market trends and could even predict movement a day ahead. The TUM study showed

Data from Google Trends has seemingly been a reliable indicator of future stock market movements AustChamThailand Advance

business brief

an average rate of return of up to 15 percent on the sticks they chose in the first half of 2010.

Orlando the Cat

This kind of research is fascinating from a sociological standpoint. Doubtlessly, it will be also of interest to those who engage in stockpicking. However, as well as analysing these papers from respected academic institutions, it is also worth taking a look at a stockpicking challenge organised by UK newspaper The Observer a couple of years ago.

In the challenge a group of professional male equity managers, a group of students and a ginger cat, named Orlando, were given the task of investing in five companies from the FTSE AllShare index at the beginning of 2012.

Orlando selected his stocks by throwing his toy mouse at a grid of numbers that represented the constituent FTSE companies. Orlando generated a 10.84% return, easily outperforming the professionals’ 3.52% and the students who managed to lose money.

high frequency trading (HFT). Powerful computers are used to place a large number of orders at incredibly fast speeds. Orders are executed based on market conditions, using complex algorithms to analyse many different markets.

Following the 2008 crash, stock exchanges began to offer incentives to increase liquidity – the NYSE, for example, pays a fee or rebate to firms which add liquidity. This move has made HFT even more popular: the concept has become so popular that, in its March Equity Market Structure Literature Review, the US SEC noted that already by 2010, estimates of HFT typically exceeded 50% of total volume in US-listed securities.

The fact that HFT allows traders to place orders much more quickly than the majority of investors has prompted one famous American lawyer to file a lawsuit against 13 stock exchanges, alleging that HFT allows professionals to make quick profits at the expense of savers and investors in pension funds.

High Frequency Trading

Ask an Advisor

Another use of IT technology for trading which is already well established is

Orlando the cat’s success highlights one of the reasons why a diversified

AustChamThailand Advance

portfolio, with a basket of stocks representing just one element, is the most sensible way to invest money. The make-up of that portfolio will depend on personal circumstances, such as the level of risk an investor is willing to take. That means there are many possibilities, so it’s best to consult an independent financial advisor.

This article was submitted and written by Paul Gambles, co-founder of MBMG Group. MBMG Group is an advisory firm that assists expatriates and locals within the South East Asia Region with services ranging from Investment Advisory, Personal Advisory, Tax Advisory, Private Equity Services, Corporate Services, Insurance Services, Accounting & Auditing Services, Legal Services, Estate Planning and Property Solutions. For more information about MBMG, please visit www.mgmb-group.com Please Note: While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained herein is correct, neither AustCham Thailand nor MBMG can be held responsible for any errors that may occur. Views and opinions expressed herein may change with market conditions and should not be used in isolation.

June 2014

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business brief

Data for Everyone

By RJ Rojvirasingh

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hen we cast our minds back to the early 2000s, businesses relied on print advertising to promote goods and services. This ‘traditional” style of marketing occurred via printed newspapers and magazines, as well as pamphlets and printed handouts. In Thailand alone, companies were pumping billions of baht annually into print advertising.

Considering the large sums of money companies invested into print advertisements, it is surprising that there were no real meth-

a competitive edge. As mass digitalization continues and the dominance of mobile applications increase, it seems that the phase-out of print will only continue.

Digital marketing has also created new opportunities for data analytics. The scope of digital data collection and analysis is expanding at an exponential rate. Companies now have the ability to track and monitor customers’ behaviour to determine what works and what does not. However many companies are yet to fully appreciate data analytics, especially its capabilities in financial management.

General Data

interaction

engagement

Conversion

Pageview, Visitor

Click, Time, Speed

Comments, Add to cart, Enquiries, Accepting

Purchase, Acquisition

ods to measure impact or success. Marketing agencies relied on assumptions and simple calculations to measure circulation, however these methods failed to provide an accurate details about market penetration.

Nowadays, in an era of technological innovation, digital media has allowed companies to reach their customers via new marketing channels such as computers, smartphones, tablets and even wearable gadgets. By using these platforms, marketers are able to communicate directly with their customers, and for the first time ever, customers are also able to communicate directly with suppliers. In the face of digital media, many argue that traditional marketing strategies no longer have

Data analytics is not so much a revenue generator but rather a reliable expense saver. The following is a great example that shows how data analytics can be used in financial management: In the Siam BTS station in Bangkok, 55 per cent of customer access to content via mobile applications occurs between 18.00 and 20.00 in the evening. Based on this information, companies can choose to communicate with its customers at specific time periods rather than launch a widespread marketing campaign that runs all day.

Data analytics also allows companies to gain a better understanding of their marketing efforts. Instead of simply observing the number of views or downloads

In the face of digital media, many argue that traditional marketing strategies no longer have a competitive edge.

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relating to a specific advertisement, companies are now able to measure their customers’ digital footsteps at every stage in the purchasing cycle. For example, when brands invest in digital marketing, they can see who viewed it, how many people actively explored or clicked on the advertisement, how many people engaged with the advertisement by sending an enquiry and how many people added the product or service to their cart. This is invaluable information for companies, who can use the data to determine the most and least effective mode, time and location of marketing.

June 2014

The benefits of digital marketing for businesses are clear. However, the benefits can also spread beyond the business into the wider community. The new term “Big Data”, relates to the collection and aggregation of online data, including data derived from Google and Wikipedia searches, purchases from ITunes and Amazon, as well as actions on Facebook and other social media sites.

The collection and analysis of “Big Data” can be used to make considerable forecasts, not only about consumer behaviour but also about general trends in demographics, politics, economics and society in general. The power of data is limitless and, if used right, can have significant benefits for networks and communities across the world.

RJ Rojvirasingh is Managing Director of Mad Appe Development Co., Ltd. For more information about http://madappe. com .

AustChamThailand Advance

AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS FORUM

A Simple Guide to Driving Business in Thailand

By Janna De Vos

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hen Nicolas Duke, General Manager at Air International Thailand, took to the stage to speak at the third Australian Business Forum (ABF) in the Eastern Seaboard, he gave an engaging presentation on cultural awareness; an important concept applicable to all businesses, regardless of industry or size.

Air International is an Australian company that designs and manufactures air regulating units for motor vehicles. Since being founded in 1967, it has grown exponentially and now has 21 manufacturing facilities, 12 Technical Engineering Centres and 1,500 employees worldwide. Two of those manufacturing facilities and 235 employees are currently based in Rayong where the company produces evaporators and HVAC Modules. In Thailand, some of Air International’s main customers include GM, Ford, Volkswagen, Mazda and Changan.

The original scope of the operation in Thailand was to become a centre of excellence of the manufacture of automotive heat-exchangers, and thus to be a supply hub for the various assembly plants within the group globally. With staggering sales of US$27 million in 2013 and an increase in output from 200k to 1M pieces per year in the last five years, this objective has been achieved. The company is now focusing on finding supply opportunities directly within the Thai market.

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The key to Air International Thailand’s success, aside from the booming automotive industry, is the company’s people.

People are central to business success in any market, but in Thailand it is even more important than anywhere else, said Nicolas. It is imperative that a business be culturally aware, that internal and external communications are on point and that strong relationships are built within the workforce.

In understanding Air International Thailand’s approach to its people, it is helpful to take a look at Nicolas’s own approach.

Nicolas came to Thailand as a young Manufacturing Engineer, working his way up to the current position of General Manager. Having been exposed to the Thai working culture for quite some time, Nicolas is culturally aware, adaptable and is able to communicate effectively as well as able to put himself in the working shoes of his employees. This is an invaluable trait and is a key driver of Air International Thailand’s success.

Nicolas went on to use a number of stories to illustrate the main communication and cultural lessons he has learnt in Thailand. In each lesson he highlighted an opportunity – again reinforcing Air International’s positive and progressive approach to its people.

Nicolas’ first story was about a miscommunication with a taxi driver. The moral of the story was do not make assumptions about knowledge, and do not take everything you are told or see at face value. At the end of the day, misunder-

AustChamThailand Advance

AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS FORUM

standings are the fault of the person who is communicating, not the one who is being communicated with, said Nicolas.

There are differences in cultures, education and experiences that must not be ignored. One must also understand that the right answer will only be given when the right question is asked. The opportunity here is for business leaders to think of themselves as educators as well as learners. Business leaders should educate employees where they lack knowledge and experience, and learn from employees where they themselves lack communication and explanation skills.

The second story – the cheeseburger incident – described a situation where Nicolas and his colleague ordered a cheeseburger at a restaurant. When the burger arrived there was an obvious ingredient missing: the burger itself. The point of the story was clear: never underestimate the need to maintain face in Thailand. When a mistake is made, Managers should avoid aggressive comments and criticism.

Instead they should embrace a culture of positive motivation, encouragement and open dialogue.

Nicolas’ third story described an intrinsic aspect of the Thai culture – living for the moment. In the work force, the

AustChamThailand Advance

“living in the moment” approach often goes against Western industrial concepts of safety, quality and maintenance.

The opportunity here is to communicate, to educate and to explain why particular procedures are followed and enforced.

The final story highlighted the loyalty of the Thai people. As a business leader, it is essential to win the hearts of your employees. It is not all about money. Thai people put a lot of emphasis on respect, leadership, trust, communication, understanding and sharing. If a business leader is able to do all of these with his or her employees, (s)he will win their hearts. And by doing so, (s)he will instil loyalty and team spirit into the workforce.

Drawing his presentation to an end, it is clear how Air International Thailand doubled output per employee since 2009. The company, with Nicolas as its General Manager, embraces a positive corporate culture. It emphasises the importance of communication, positive reinforcement and cross-cultural respect. At the end of the day this is what will keep a company’s people happy. And when the people are happy, they will do everything to drive business.

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AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS FORUM

Beating the Odds: How to Make a Start-up Successful

By Janna De Vos

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here are fundamental elements that every start-up needs to survive: a good business model, a great product and a viable market. But, with 90 percent of start-ups going out of business, it seems that it takes more than just the basics to keep a new company afloat.

Speaking at the fifth Australian Business Forum (ABF) in Bangkok, Kevin Tatem, Director of Sales (Asia) at SiteMinder, shared his experience of working with the successful startup, SiteMinder, and how it managed to stand out from the crowd.

SiteMinder is a multi-award winning online distribution startup that provides cloud-based products to help accommodation providers increase online revenue, streamline business processes and drive down acquisition costs. In just a few years, the Australian start-up has excelled across Asia, Europe, America and South Africa. It already has 5 offices, including one in Bangkok, and is currently servicing over 13,000 properties in more than 137 countries worldwide.

One of SiteMinder’s main products is the Channel Manager, an online system that allows accommodation providers to manage all online bookings in one place. For hoteliers across the world this is an administrative and management dream come true! In all their products including the Channel Manager, SiteMinder commits to solving problems and providing solutions – a characteristic that continues to set the company apart.

Another characteristic that sets SiteMinder apart is that it focuses on developing key competencies rather than being a jack of all trades. This is one of SiteMinder’s main strengths, said Mr Tatem. It allows them to master what they know, to understand evolving problems and to continue to provide the most specific and sophisticated solutions to their customers.

Aside from being progressive with its products, SiteMinder is also progressive in conquering new markets. The company has branched out from Australia to Asia, Europe, and South Africa and recently opened it’s first office in Dallas, North America. What is important when moving into new markets, said Mr Tatem, is to understand the technology, the channels and the kinds of customers and partners that you are dealing with. Business is done very differently in Europe than in Asia.

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In fact, business is even done differently in Thailand than in Indonesia. Every market is unique, and for a start-up looking to move abroad, it is crucial to understand this.

Staying true to its core values has further helped SiteMinder to grow gracefully across international borders. The corporate values endorse collaboration, innovation, improvement, and egalitarian attitudes. SiteMinder also promotes passion and inspiration. “You need inspirational leaders” said Mr Tatem, “Leaders that want to take you along on the journey; leaders that understand the flare of other people and their cultures. If people love working for the company, the business is bound to be successful.” This is especially true for start-ups, which rely heavily on the hard work and dedication of their employees.

Whether it be in Sydney or Bangkok, SiteMinder is highly devoted to its customers. The company is committed to excellent customer service, cutting edge technology and selling a great product at a good price. The company does not believe in contracts: if the customer is not satisfied with the product, they can walk away instantly. This means that SiteMinder must always be ahead of the game and continually improve to give customers the best experience.

Beating the odds in the start-up world is not easy. The journey is stressful and can sometimes be overwhelming. For SiteMinder, too, it has been challenging at times. In Bangkok, the company faced some initial problems in finding its footing and setting up an office. The bureaucratic processes involved in starting a business here are tedious and time consuming, said Mr Tatem. Compared to the ease in other countries in the region, this can be off-putting for young businesses looking to set up in Asia.

In the end, however, pushing through the initial barriers pays off, said Mr Tatem. Bangkok is the obvious base for a company dealing with the hotel industry. It is also cost competitive and has a good pool of talented people – elements that are ideal for start-ups looking to expand.

The evidence is clear: SiteMinder has beaten the odds to become a successful start-up. From the looks of it, it has done so by staying close to the problem, sticking to its guns, conquering new markets, and committing to customers.

And, let’s not forget that it did all of this while its employees were all having a little bit of fun.

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 AustChamThailand Advance

June 2014

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embassy news

Australia-Thailand Forum: Urban and Public Transport Development

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n 5 June, Austrade Thailand, hosted an Australia-Thailand Forum focusing on Urban and Public Transport Development for the Future of Khon Kaen City. The objective of this forum was to gain insights into the trends and opportunities in Khon Kaen ’s Economic and Social Development Plan, and its positioning as a future hub of ASEAN. The opportunity was also taken to raise awareness of Australian education and industry capabilities, particularly in urbanization, green industrial estates and sustainability, and public transport. The event was also used to further develop business and academic relations between Thailand and Australia.

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Speakers at the forum included His Excellency Mr James Wise, Australian Ambassador to Thailand; Mr. Kamtorn Tavornsatit, Governor of Khon Kaen province; Australian University Professors, government representatives, and executives NS BlueScope (Thailand) Ltd, Thai Leighton Ltd and Meinhardt (Thailand) Ltd. With its accessible and centralized location, renowned education facilities, and large Australian Alumni presence, there are enormous opportunities available in North East Thailand. Businesses, especially in the areas of urban planning, design, architectural, engineering, and construction, will no doubt seize these opportunities in the coming years.

AustChamThailand Advance

community services

Voluntary English Teaching Saturday 14 June 2014, Baan Khao Din School As part of the Community Services Programme, AustCham sponsors a number of schools in the provinces of Chonburi and Rayong. This month, AustCham staff and volunteers went to the Baan Khao Din School to teach and encourage the students to use English language. This exposes them to the English language and also opens new doors for them to experience multi-cultural environments. No prior teaching experience is necessary. If this volunteering opportunity is of interest to you, please contact K. Sasipa at sasipa@austchamthailand.com

community services

13th Volvo Truck and Bus Thailand Convoy for Kids Charity Golf Event Friday 6 June 2014, Burapha Golf Club

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his year Convoy for Kids held its 13th annual golf day on 6 June at Burapha Golf Club in Chonburi. A total of 142 players teed off with a shotgun start at 12.30. The weather was kind and the course was in top condition.

The event sponsor was yet again Volvo Truck and Bus Thailand and we are very grateful for their great support over the years. Sika Thailand Limited and BT Midland Ltd took our two Gold sponsorship spots and Jungheinrich Thailand yet again took the event cap sponsorship. Our silver sponsors this year were DHL Thailand, Linfox Logistics, Loscam Thailand and Capaciton Thailand. Hole Sponsors were Ceva Logistics, Thermo King, Bourbon Street Restaurant and Oyster Bar, Baker Tilly Thailand, Tile Asia Ltd., FLS 1993 (Thailand) Co., Ltd., K. P. Thaweesap Co., Ltd., Sahatham Transport (1996) Co., Ltd., and SSI Schaeffer Thailand.

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The Grande Club provided a free membership at the “Beat the Pro Hole” organised

by Xcite Golf. A total of 25,000 Baht was raised at this hole. Santa Fe Relocations kindly provided the goody bags.

A bigger kick start was available from Scotch Corner who gave away generous glasses of a selection of single malts from north of Hadrians Wall. Brunei Airlines donated 2 tickets to Melbourne for auction.

Prize sponsors were: Loscam, Boncafe Thailand, Crown Relocations, Fenix Golf Apparel, Amari Hotels, Ramada Hotel & Suites, Sheraton Grande Hotel, Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin, Oakwood Serviced Apartments, St. Regis Hotel, Chesa Swiss Restaurant, Naturalville Suites, Singha Corporation, The Imperial Queens Park Hotel, J. W. Marriot Hotel, Raja’s Fashions, The Road House Barbecue restaurant, Park Plaza Hotel, Grand Mercure Fortune Hotel, and The Sukothai Hotel.

A total of around 700,000 is expected to be the final total of money raised this year which will be given to The Sri Sangwal School which is part of The Foundation for The Crippled in Thailand. Thanks to all the golfers who turned out and thanks also to Mike Messomonta at Burapha for giving us a great deal on the cost of the course for day. Thanks to the Burapha Club House staff for staying late and serving us.

Boncafe kindly donated one of their coffee machines for auction and their girls from their Pattaya outlet served cappuccinos and espresso coffee in the morning to kick start the golfers.

We thank the staff from AustCham for taking control of bookings and registration on the day. The Linfox team also did a great job on the day with helping the registration and organising the Mulligans & lucky draw which raised 47,500 Baht.

AustChamThailand Advance

community services

AustChamThailand Advance

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Chamber Events

ESB Sundowners

Friday 20 June 2014, Ocean Marina Yacht Club Last month AustCham was pleased to host the monthly multi-chamber Eastern Seaboard networking event at Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Jomtien, Pattaya. The event was held in conjunction with AMCHAM, BCCT and GTCC. Members and friends were welcomed in the beautiful venue and spoiled with a delicious selection of food and drink. We would like to extend a big thank you to Ocean Marina, our Venue Sponsor, for their generous hospitality. We would also like to thank Capital Television Group, our Corporate Sponsor, for their efforts in making this wonderful evening possible.

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AustChamThailand Advance

AustCham Gold Corporate Sponsor: Minor international

Chamber Events

Commonwealth Sundowners Wednesday 4 June 2014, The Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel Bangkok AustCham held the Annual Commonwealth Sundowners at the beautiful Rainbow room of the Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, Bangkok. We were pleased to invite members from the British, Indian, Malaysian, New Zealand, Singapore, South African, Canadian, Ghana, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Pakistan and Sri Lanka-Thai Chambers of Commerce. Guests from all commonwealth chambers enjoyed themselves in the colourful rainbow room. The night was a great success.

AustCham would like to extend our thanks to the Corporate Sponsor, Servcorp Co., Ltd, for their generous support. We would also like to thank our Catering and Venue sponsor, the Imperial Queen’s Park hotel for their stunning venue and outstanding cuisine.

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Chamber Events

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1) Dr Anucha Chintakanond, AustCham Honourary Member; Brenton Mauriello, dwp; Anne Hutton, Potentia (Thailand). 2) Ali Adam, Arcadia; Colin Johnson, Aurecon Consulting; Graeme Smith, Aurecon Consulting. 3) Tony Watts, Luxelife; Sandy Walsh, Cisco; Chanathan La-Ongsri, Manpower Group. 4) Leigh Scott-Kemmis, Lee Hecht Harrison, AustCham President; Krittiya Kanoknata, SERVCORP Thailand; H.E. Mr. James Wise, Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand; Renee Bowman, AustCham Thailand; Michal Zitek, The Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel. 5) Pichitra Niphondkit, Crown Worldwide; Rapeeparn Limcharoenporn, PRTR. 6) Michael Anastasia, Pwc; Michael Holt, Concordia; Shane Burt, CEVA Logistics (Thailand), AustCham Director; Jock Tulloch. 7) Nattaset Kaewsiluang, Marsh PB; Nuttapawan Likhitthammawong, Marsh PB; Apichat Sukaram, Marsh PB; Jonathan Blaine, Baker & McKenzie; Katherine Aphaivongs, Marsh PB. 8) Trisak Lertsakwattana, AustCham Honorary Member; Andrew Ethell, Meinhardt; Panida Kaewpradit, McConnell Dowell Constructors Thai; Dennis Rose, AAM (Thailand); John Anderson, Meinhardt, AustCham Past President. 9) Axel Persson, TAILOR ON TEN; Jason Chen, Ascott Sathorn Bangkok; Clare Zitek; Bazt Phonnuwat; Nattapat Janthakerd, dwp. 10) Nannaphat Sriyook, Avista Hotels and Resorts; Michal Zitek, The Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel; Ramesh Khendry; Avista Hotels and Resorts. 11) Eun Ju Kim, Bumrungrad Hospital; Derek Angus, EEC WSP; Alexandre Bastien, Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce; Alexandra Morrow, Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce. 12) Servcorp Thailand Team. 13) The Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel Team

AustChamThailand Advance

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AUSTCHAM MEMBERS

In Memoriam – Gavin Thomas 30 December 1950 – 4 June 2014

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avin Thomas was not only big in stature but a man with a big heart, and an unwavering commitment to Australia-Thai relations. Gavin was a committed Board Member of the Australia Thailand Business Council for more than eight years. He was generous with his time and passionate in his support of the Australia-Thailand relationship.

As Managing Director and CEO of Kingsgate/Akara Mining, Gavin grew the company from a single operation to one with assets on three continents and over 1500 staff. Under his leadership, Gavin expanded the Chatree operation in Thailand, which has produced 1.5 million ounces of gold under his direction. Today it is recognised as the safest goldmine in the world.

Gavin was very proud that under his leadership Akara employed more than 1000 Thai staff and contractors and only four expa-

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triates. He was fulsome in his praise for Thai Geology and Engineering Graduates.

A frequent speaker at business events both in Australia and internationally, Gavin always emphasised how impressed he was with the skills and commitment of the Thai staff in his business. He proudly cited the awards Chatree has received, and emphasised how the business had not lost a day of operations due to political changes.

In March, he announced he would step down from that role but was indefatigable. Even with deteriorating health, he insisted on flying to a site meeting at Chatree last month.

Gavin passed away on June 4 following his 18 month battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Barbara; their three daughters and baby granddaughter. A memorial service was held on site at Chatree in Thailand and in Sydney, to remember Gavin’s significant contribution and to honour his legacy.

AustChamThailand Advance

AustCham Bronze Corporate Sponsor: ticon

AustCham Bronze Corporate Sponsor: ARB Off Road Limited

AUSTCHAM MEMBERS

AustCham Welcomes New Members independent and prospective credit ratings, commentary and research.

ACE INA Overseas Insurance Company Limited 399 Interchange 21 Building Level 26-30, Sukhumvit Rd. Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Phone: +662 611 4040 Fax: +662 611 4310 Email: CustomerService.TH@acegroup.com Website: www.acegroup.com/th

Representatives Mr Rob Wilkinson - Country President (ACE INA) Ms Sally O’Hara - Country President (ACE Life) Company Profile: ACE Group is one of the world’s largest multiline property and casualty insurers. With operations in 54 countries, ACE provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients.

ACE Limited, the parent company of ACE Group, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ACE) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. ACE’s core operating insurance companies are rated AA- for financial strength by Standard & Poor’s and A+ by A.M. Best.ACE has been present in Thailand for over 40 years and has both general and life insurance operations.

Products and Services Offerred: ACE’s general insurance product offerings include Property, Casualty, Marine, Liability, Financial Lines and Group Personal Accident insurance for corporate clients. In addition, it provides a wide range of Accident & Health insurance products to retail clients through a multitude of distribution channels, of which direct marketing is its forte.

ACE’s market leadership position is largely attributed to its strong partnerships with financial institutions and other companies to tailor individual protection policies for their clients and employees.

Avista Resort and Spa Patong Phuket Co., Ltd 39/9 Muen Ngern Road, Patong District Amphur Kathu Phuket 83150 Phone: +66 2 661 8141-4 Fax: +66 2 661 8145 Email: ceo@avistahospitality.com Website: www.avistahotelsandresorts.com

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Representative Mr Ramesh Khendry - Group CEO Company Profile: A vision to welcome our guests to exotic destinations which have great Vistas - of the sea, of mountains and hills or just another perspective of a bustling city. We envision all our hotels with teams who fulfil all our guests’ individual dreams and visions.

We are a brand that has looked at this treasured escape from every angle, to offer more appealing points of view. In our world, there is room for everyone’s personal vision of paradise.

From the best-in-class, eye-opening experience that are our five star resorts, to the comfortable, accessible and enjoyable luxury, what unites all of our Phuket hotels and resorts is a commitment to deliver clear-sighted, warm-hearted hospitality at accommodations that always include and never exclude.

We believe it has never been more important for people to find sanctuary; a place that is both warm and safe. In our view, one size does not fit all. But a common thread unites each hospitality experience and is woven through everything we do. We are a brand that embraces individuality while never losing sight of the need within each one of us: to reward ourselves with luxury, and from time to time, to simply get away.

Fitch Ratings (Thailand) Limited Park Ventures, Level 17, 57 Wireless Road Lumpini, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330 Phone: +662 108 0155 Fax: +662 108 0157 Website: www.fitchratings.com

Representative Mr Vincent Milton - Managing Director Company Profile: Fitch Ratings, a global leader in credit ratings and research, established a Thai joint venture with Government Pension Fund and other institutions in 2001.

Fitch is currently the only international credit rating agency licensed to assign national ratings in Thailand covering financial institutions, corporations, structured finance, funds, asset managers and insurers.

For 100 years, Fitch Ratings has been making the future a little more predictable through

Products and Services Offerred: Credit ratings and research on financial institutions, corporations, structured finance, funds, asset managers and insurers

Gummy Bear Recruitment Company Ltd. 15th Floor, Sathorn Thani Building 1 90/40-41 North Sathorn Road Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Phone: +66 2 610 3140 Email: info@gummybear.asia Website: www.gummybear.asia

Representatives Mr Shane Torr - CEO Ms Ravinand Premsirisak Company Profile: Gummy Bear is a next generation recruitment company, recently setup using state-of-the-art systems to help quickly and flexibly respond to clients’ needs for good quality staff in the highly competitive Thai labour market.

The company’s mission is to deliver rapid results using online job sites, social media and our own database / contacts to quickly identify potential candidates. A highly experienced team of recruiters is on hand to review and interview applicants, and ensure that clients are presented with best and most suitable candidates.

Products and Services Offerred: Gummy Bear provides both contingent-based and RPO (Recruitment Process Outsourcing) services to help companies meet their staffing needs. We focus on junior to mid-level positions for office, sales, service and technical / IT staff with English language skills. We work across multiple business sectors including Advertising & PR, Hospitality & Catering, New Media & Internet, Professional Services, and Property & Facilities. The functional areas we focus on are HR, Accounting & Office Administration, IT, Sales & Marketing (including Social Media), Customer Service and Project Management.

Uretek Ground Engineering 22/1 Soi 1, Nawong Pracha Phathana Road Seekan, Don Muang, Bangkok 10120 Phone: +662 152 0900 Fax: +662 152 0902 Email: info@uretek.co.th Website: www.uretek.com.au Representatives Mr John Macdonald - CEO Mr Katwaut - Business engineer

AustChamThailand Advance

AUSTCHAM MEMBERS

Company Profile: Uretek Ground Engineering is a technology for raising, re-levelling, re-supporting and strengthening moving and sunken construction resting on or in the ground. Applications include buildings and other structures, concrete floors and pavements, in residential, commercial, industrial and civil environments.

Products and Services Offerred: Uretek Slab-Lifting (USL): Raising and re-levelling, carried out by injecting expanding geo-polymeric structural resins under the element to be raised, through holes the size of the old one cent coin.

Uretek Deep-Injection (UDI) Improved ground bearing capacity is achieved by this patented technology that compacts and densifies foundation soils, again by similar injection through tiny holes but down to multiple depths in weak strata.

Yamagata (Thailand) Co.,Ltd. 324 Moo.4 Sukhumvit Rd. T.Phreaksa, Muangsamutprakarn Samutprakarn, 10280 Phone: +662 709 6556 Fax: +662 709 3080 Email: owapakorn-a@sea.ymgt-co.com Website: http://sea-th.ymgt-co.com/New/index.php

Representatives Mr Katsuaki Kashibuchi - Sales General Manager Ms Patcharee Lomakin - Ass. Sales Manager Company Profile: Yamagata (Thailand) Co., Ltd is an advanced Japanese printing company We are celebrating the 101st anniversary of the establishment in 2006. The long gathered experiences in printing business and the state-of-the-art technology used in our working process lead us to become the professional press producing expert. We are able to compete with other printing companies in European and Asian countries in terms of market shares, product quality, and services.

1 Alfred Street, Sydney New South Wales, Australia 2000 Phone: +61 401 583 837 Email: scott.douglas@imfg.com.au Individual Profile: Scott is the CEO and founder of Identity McIntyre Financial Group (IMFG) who specialise in providing strategic financial planning and solutions to Australians.

As an expat himself Scott understands the complex and effective outcomes to ensure his clients personal financial situation is optimized as the move around the globe. He is a certified financial planner and accountant and works out of their offices in most parts of SE Asia.

Products and Services Offerred: EPO (Translation, Editing, Design, Technical Illustration, Draft Making), Film Output, Offset Printing, Digital Printing, Events, Label Printing, Packaging

Change of Representatives - Ms Samantha Hyland , Managing Director is a new representative of Siam Feather Products Co., Ltd. - Mrs Sukanya Janchoo,General Manager is a new representative of Dusit Thani Bangkok - Mrs Myla A. Caceres, Director of Sales & Marketing is a new representative of Dusit Thani Bangkok

Mr Scott Douglas, Identity McIntyre Financial Group Suite 405, Level 4, Gold Fields House

Change of Company Name - Ernst &Young Corporate Services Limited has changed company name to EY Corporate Services Limited

AustCham Bronze Corporate Sponsor: VISY PACKAGING THAILAND

For more information, contact the Visy Packaging (Thailand) team: E: Wanida.tangchitpiyanon@visy.com.au P: 0818629100

AustChamThailand Advance

June 2014

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From the Chamber Office

Message from the Executive Director

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y the time you read this our 2013/14 Asian Business Engagement Grant from the Australian Government will have come to an end. Over the past year, the Australian Business Forums (ABF) in particular, have developed a solid reputation for quality knowledge-sharing and networking. Building on this success, I am pleased to announce that from July, AustCham will launch ABF Express. These breakfast briefings, held on the third Tuesday of every month from 0745 to 0900 hours, will take place at a central location in Bangkok. Developed especially for SME members, these sessions will unlock invaluable information and assist in creating a sophisticated network of in-market contacts. Stay tuned for more information on the first ABF Express.

AustCham will also launch ‘B-2-B Brief’s’ in the coming months. These functions will take place from 1645 to 1900 hours and include a one hour presentation followed by one hour of networking. Please approach me for more information on this affordable sponsorship and marketing opportunity.

Over the past few months AustCham has invited members to share their views on short and long-term strategies for inclusion in Thailand’s five year Economic and Social Development plan. So far the suggestions include simplifying the business visa process, enforcing laws, regulations and anti-corruption measures, reviewing the Thai-Australian FTA and Foreign Business Act, reforming Customs Laws, expediting steps to implement AEC, streamlining the BOI approval process, investing in infrastructure and undertaking necessary steps to develop skilled labour. All suggestions have been compiled and presented to the NCPO and Ministry of Trade and Foreign Affairs.

By now, many of you will know about the ‘New Colombo Plan’, an Australian Government initiative that sends Australian university students abroad to learn, build friendships and strengthen foreign ties. Aside from

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Calendar of Events Wednesday 2 July B-2-B Brief: Is US real estate a viable option for Australian Investment?

Time: 17.00 – 18.00 Venue: The St Regis Bangkok Corporate Sponsor: Infinity Solutions Bangkok Sundowners

Time: 18.00 – 21.00 Venue: The St Regis Bangkok Corporate Sponsor: Minor International Wednesday 9 July Luncheon: How to create and market your own brand?

Time: 12.00 – 14.00 Venue: The St Regis Bangkok Friday 11 July AustCham Office Closed

deepening Australia’s connections with Thailand, it is hoped that Australian students will return home Asia-literate, possessing fresh ideas to boost innovation, productivity and economic transformation. Over the next five years, more than 700 students will be awarded mobility grants which will support their study experiences of up to one year duration.

The program has achieved enormous success so far in Singapore, Indonesia, Japan and Hong Kong, and Thailand is now laying the necessary foundations in order to start welcoming students from 2015.

Tuesday 22 July ABF Express

Time: 7.45 – 9.00 Venue: Servcorp Park Venture Ecoplex

Thank you to our June Sponsors

That’s where you come in! As part of this program, many students will undertake internships with Australian businesses operating in Thailand. We would now like to officially welcome AustCham members to express their interest in hosting one or more students from 2015. Please contact me directly for more information at executivedirector@austchamthailand. com Warm Regards, Renee Bowman Executive Director, AustCham Thailand www.austchamthailand.com

AustChamThailand Advance