Advance ~ March 2012

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

March 2012

Myanmar 2012 Too Good to Be True?

In This Edition

ASEAN Economic Community: implications for Australia EMBASSY NEWS Celebrating Australia’s Indigenous Culture with Shadowlife

15

COMMUNITY SERVICES Funghi Franchise Helps Poachers Become Protectors

18

MEMBER ADVANCING Outstanding Thai Graduates from Australian Schools Recognised

25

CHAMBER EVENTS Alumni Entrepreneurs: an evening with Khun Mechai at Glowfish

26

.11-+0) (14 # %(1"

56#46 *'4'

7YV]LU ^VY[O ;V[HS *-6 HUK [LHT ZLY]PJLZ :JOLK\SLK [PTLS` YLWVY[Z 0TWHY[PHS IHSHUJLK JVTTLU[Z :[Y\J[\YLK TVU[OS` ÄUHUJPHS YL]PL^ TLL[PUNZ ,Z[HISPZOLK ;LHT :PNUPÄJHU[ PU[LYUH[PVUHS L_WLYPLUJL #FOKP 1WVUQWTEKPI JCU RTQXKFGF QWT ÌPCPEG CEEQWPVKPI CPF RC[TQNN HTQO YJGP YG UVCTVGF QRGTCVKQPU KP GCTN[ VQ FCVG 9G PQY GORNQ[ RGQRNG YKVJ TGXGPWGU KPXQKEKPI RC[TQNN CNN ITQYKPI TCRKFN[ 5GEWTKVCU KU C NCTIG OWNVK PCVKQPCN EQTRQTCVKQP YKVJ FKXGTUG TGRQTVKPI TGSWKTGOGPVU #FOKP 1WVUQWTEKPI JCXG UJQYP C VTWG WPFGTUVCPFKPI QH VJGUG PGGFU CPF CNYC[U RTQFWEG VKOGN[ EQPEKUG TGRQTVU

&CXKF 8KEECTU $WUKPGUU &GXGNQROGPV &KTGEVQT 5GEWTKVCU #UKC

*VTTLYJPHS (K]PJL 6\[ZV\YJLK (JJV\U[PUN 7H`YVSS (UHS`ZPZ *SLHY ,UNSPZO SHUN\HNL HUZ^LYZ 0U[LYUH[PVUHS .((7 :[HUKHYKZ

YYY CFOKPQWVUQWTEKPI EQO 6GN KPHQ"CFOKPQWVUQWTEKPI EQO

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

BUSINESS BRIEF 6 Myanmar 2012 Too Good to Be True?

10 ASEAN Economic Community: Implications for Australia 12 Bangkok: Hub to West ASEAN EMBASSY NEWS 14 Australia’s The Idea of North Mesmerized Thai a Cappella Fans 15 Celebrating Australia’s Indigenous Culture with Shadowlife 16 Australia Day: Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Bilateral Ties

28 26

27

27 27

28

CHAMBER EVENTS Alumni Entrepreneurs: an evening with Khun Mechai on 8 February at Glowfish Boardroom Brief: AustralianThai and World Economy on Wednesday, 25 January at Pacific City Club Business in Burma on Thursday, 9 February at Pacific City Club UN at the Sharp End: Office on Drugs and Crime Wednesday, 18 January at Servcorp Bangkok Sundowners on Wednesday, 1 February at Natural Ville and Lenotre

NEW MEMBERS 30 AustCham’s New Members MEMBERS’ OFFERS 32 AustCham Members’ Offers

PRESIDENT John Anderson Meinhardt Portfolio: Regional Links VICE PRESIDENTS M.L. Laksasubha Kridakon Baan Laksasubha Resort Portfolio: Alumni

18

Belinda Skinner Top Talent Asia Portfolio: Communications and English Teaching

COMMUNITY SERVICES 18 Funghi Franchise Helps Poachers Become Protectors

TREASURER Leigh Scott-Kemmis DBM Portfolio: Advancing Trade and Commerce

AUSTRALIA THAILAND BUSINESS COUNCIL 20 Message from ATBC

DIRECTORS David Bell Crestcom – Ra-Kahng Associates Portfolio: Speakers and Talks

MEMBERS ADVANCING 25 Outstanding Thai Graduates from Australian Secondary Schools Recognised

Khun Jurairat Jammanee HASSELL Portfolio: AustCham Ball Warwick Kneale Baker Tilly Portfolio: Community Services Sam Mizzi McConnell Dowell Portfolio: AFL and Eastern Seaboard Industry Khun Suganya Ransigutta TMF Portfolio: Business Awards

32 FROM THE CHAMBER OFFICE 34 Message from the Executive Director

Charles Wrightman Natural Ville & Lenotre Portfolio: Sponsorship Ben Yong Baker McKenzie Portfolio: Legal Saeed Zaki , Ph.D. dwp Portfolio: Breakfast Briefings EX OFFICIO Maurine Lam Regional Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, ASEAN

FROM THE BOARD

President’s Message COORDINATORS Paul Whyte New Asia Pacific ESB Coordinator Email: paul@newasiapacific.com 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 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

T

hese are exhilarating times in which we live. In neighbouring Burma as political prisoners are being released out of jails and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has hit the campaign trail in local by-elections with national elections proposed for 2015. After many years of military rule, Burma may well be coming in from the cold as the government of President Thein Sein cautiously offers more freedoms. Although people may be suspicious about the changes in Burma, there is a sense that the moves are positive, a marked improvement on the past.

Thailand is on the door step of Burma and well poised to take advantage of the many emerging business opportunities this resource rich country has to offer. Those who were lucky enough to get a seat at our “sold out” Boardroom Briefing event on 9 February with Luc de Waegh, were given a fascinating insight into Burma, its business potential and the political and historical context of recent developments there. Given the interest in this topic, AustCham will be holding another event centring on Burma in the near future, as well as neighbouring Indochina countries Laos and Cambodia.

I would ask members when booking a luncheon, to either please show up or let the AustCham office know in advance that you will be a no show. Unfortunately for the luncheon event we had several no shows whose seats could have easily been filled from members on the waiting list.

In addition to the Indochina/Burma talks, there are plans to undertake an AustCham Business delegation to Burma in the future.

Details are to be announced shortly.

Contributions to Advance magazine are welcome. Please submit content to josh@austchamthailand.com by the first day of the month for publication in the following month’s magazine.

Hopefully by now, you will have completed the online survey of Australian Business and Business People. The results of the survey, along with interviews and other research, will be used to produce a comprehensive report. The report will assist businesses, the Chamber and governments in their efforts to improve and shape the business environment in Thailand, particularly for the benefit of Australian businesses and business people. All participants in the survey will receive access to the report when it is available later in the year.

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

On 8 February I attended the AustralianAlumni event at Glowfish with over 100 Alumni in attendance. The Australian

Advertising Finn Balslev Email: finn@scandmedia.com

AustChamThailand Advance

Alumni events are going from strength to strength with a large number of Alumni in force. In what was an inspirational presentation, Khun Mechai Viravaidya discussed his innovative and enormously successful approaches to community and social development in Thailand. I would encourage all members that attended Australian Universities to register with the AustralianAlumni website (www.australianalumni. com) so that they will receive details of upcoming events directly via email and start to take advantage of the many networking opportunities available on offer from AustralianAlumni.

By the time you read this – the AGM will have either been held or will be about to be held. As this completes my first term as President of AustCham, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people that have supported me in this task. Firstly I would like to thank my wife and family for their understanding in being frequently absent from home in the evenings. Secondly I would like to thank my fellow Directors at Meinhardt for my frequent absence from my work place! I would like to thank my fellow AustCham board members for the time they spent during the year making our Chamber the envy of all foreign chambers in Thailand. I would like to thank the terrific AustCham staff so ably lead by Mr Mark Carroll our Executive Director. Finally I would like to also thank those members who put faith in me and the board and supported us in getting re-elected (or not).

John Anderson President, AustCham Thailand www.austchamthailand.com March 2012

5

BUSINESS BRIEF

Myanmar 2012 Too Good to Be True?

By Luc de Waegh, Managing Partner West Indochina

Is the economic development in Myanmar likely to follow the model of any other country?

U

ntil recently, Myanmar’s awareness was limited to a tiny minority of people who, for different reasons, had developed an interest in this mysterious country. These days Myanmar is everywhere – from your local newspaper to international magazines to TV shows, conferences and even on the big screen with a Hollywood production now!

In many ways there are similarities with Vietnam 20 years ago or even Thailand 30 years ago. Some argue that the Chinese model inspires the Myanmar authorities.

Some others suggest that they follow the Indonesian one. On many fronts, Myanmar is a unique country. At least two points differentiate it from any other:

There is a good reason for all this buzz: what has happen over the last 15 months is nothing short of a small miracle that nobody could have foreseen.

The smooth revolution The elections of 7 November 2010, followed by the effective transfer of power from a military regime to a new Government on 30 March 2011, have created a climate that made possible the historical encounter between President U Thein Sein and Daw Ang San Suu Kyi on 19 August 2011. The picture of the two under the portrait of General Aung San, who played a key role in bringing Burma’s independence from British colonial rule and father of Aung San Suu Kyi, made the front page of all newspapers and magazines in the country.

This dialogue could not have taken place without the extraordinary flexibility, wisdom and genuine desire of reconciliation of these two leaders. This probably saved the country from a more chaotic transition scenario many had predicted. At precisely the same time, similar regime transitions were taking place in another part of the world.

The images coming from the Arab spring are in sharp contrast with the smooth revolution that took place in Myanmar.

Are the changes real – and irreversible?

Even the more sceptic observers have concluded to the reality of fundamen6

March 2012

tal changes: most political prisoners have been released, a dialogue has been engaged with ethnic nationalities, media are freer (opposition media based outside Myanmar are now freely accessible inside the country), dissidents are allowed back into the country.

Hard liners and nostalgic of the old regime are obviously opposed to these changes and some are actively resisting, however the reformists seem to have the upper hand and their supporters inside and outside the country are increasing by the day.

At least three other elements support the irreversibility of changes: 1. Absolute power – that had been in place since 1962 – has been broken down. It is extremely difficult to imagine how absolute power would come back.

2. People have now had a taste for that freedom feeling. They are not to going to let it go easily.

3. The level of FDI (US$20 bn in the last fiscal year) are very significant particularly in the context of such a small economy (GDP of US$40 – 50 bn). This has never happened before on that scale.

1. “The U shape curve”. Until the early 60’s Burma was the most prosperous country of what is now ASEAN. It is now at the bottom of the curve but has the potential (including people, natural resources, efficient use of latest technologies and strategic location) as well as the desire to come back forcefully.

2. No ideology. Unlike some neighbouring countries there is no ideology in Myanmar that is in the way of a purely pragmatic approach to development.

Potential and challenges The potential of Myanmar is enormous – from natural resources (oil, gas, gemstones, copper, gold, rare earth, silver and tin) to people with a positive attitude towards work and learning. In a recent paper ”Myanmar 2030” (written by JP Verbiest) – The Asia Development Bank Institute forecasts a base case GDP per capita growth scenario for the next 20 years at around 10.0 per cent per year.

This would bring Myanmar in 20 years to the prosperity level of Thailand today.

In order to achieve its ambitions, Myanmar needs to address many technical challenges: • • • • •

exchange rate unification; banking systems; tax collection; infrastructure; and it’s legal environment (investment laws, company Act and land Act) AustChamThailand Advance

A SHORE BOARDING EXPERIENCE

www.shore.nsw.edu.au

;or information on boarding at Shore visit our website or contact 9Vk^Y 6cYZrson, Senior Boarding Housemaster I/ +&' ..*+ &&*+ :# YVcYZrson@shore.nsw.edu.au

GHKE 9Vk^Y 6cYZrson Senior Boarding Housemaster :/ YVcYZrson@shore.nsw#ZYj#Vj I/ +&' ..*+ &&*+

WZYcZhYVn &&i] 6eg^a '%&' Vi i]Z EjaabVc =dtel Bangkok cdbbZcX^c\ ,"%%eb Monday 16th 6eg^a '%&' at the Grand Hyatt Hotel Hong Kong cdbbZcX^c\ Vi ,"%%em

SHORE SCHOOL INFORMATION EVENING AND COCKTAIL PARTY

Ihe School welcomes present parents, prospective parents and Dld Boys of the School to:

I]Z ]^\]Zst standard of education Djistanding pastoral care ;^rst class boarding and School facilities :meZg^Zcced teachers as residential staff 9^verse sporting and cultural opportunities 8dch^stently strong academic results Significant rural / regional boarding population

Set on the heights of North Sydney overlooking Sydney Harbour, Shore affords every boarder a wonderful education experience from Year 6 to Year 12.

THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME

BUSINESS BRIEF

An added complication is the very limited availability of qualified resources. The education system has been severely affected by years of military regime; as a result the lack of capacity is a significant obstacle to economic development.

Sanctions There is a good probability that both EU and US sanctions will be eased or lifted in the near future. Australian position (www. dfat.gov.au/un/unsc_sanctions/burma. html) has been somewhat relaxed recently following the visit by Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd in June 2011. Australia was one of the first countries to send a high-level representative to Myanmar to witness the changes after the elections of November 2010.

for business. Today, amongst the most promising are: • • • • • •

servicing of oil and gas industry; hotels and Tourism; consumer goods; agriculture: seeds, fertilizers, tools; fisheries; services: logistics, education, law, audit, serviced offices, insurance; and • building materials and equipment.

First come, first served As a business, should I go now? Absolutely. Without a doubt. At least to have a look with your own eyes. 20 year of negative press coverage have a lasting impact.

Until you physically go and see for yourself it will be near to impossible to realise what is happening today in Myanmar.

Sectors open for business Many sectors of the economy are open

8

March 2012

Even if it will take time for the building of a strong and vibrant middle class, the

first mover’s advantage is a reality. Quality potential local partners are in limited supply. A small investment in time and money to do an efficient fact finding mission will deliver significant return. Guaranteed!

And most importantly, by going in now, you will participate to the historical transition taking place in Myanmar. Creating – life changing – quality employment opportunities for ordinary Myanmar people is THE ultimate Corporate Social Responsibly (CSR) programme.

West Indochina is an advisory firm focusing on adding value to companies operating businesses in Myanmar.

They have developed a practical 5-step program to assist foreign companies to set up and start business in Myanmar.

To learn more please visit www. westindochina.com

AustChamThailand Advance

BUSINESS BRIEF

ASEAN Economic Community: Implications for Australia Dr Nattavud Pimpa is a senior lecturer in international management at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University) in Australia. To contact Dr Nattavud, please email nattavud.pimpa@rmit.edu.au

T

he Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has a long history of the promotion of active collaboration and mutual assistance on matters of common interest in the economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific and administrative aspects in the region.

The ten members of ASEAN are diverse in political, economic and racial backgrounds but are common in historical and cultural links. With a joint population of over 600 million people, ASEAN is clearly a key trade partner for Australia. In terms of political and historical links, ASEAN and Australia have long been established bilateral (Australia and a single country within ASEAN) and multi-lateral relationships.

ASEAN is an important trading partner for Australia with two-way trade in goods and services. The value of trade among ASEAN nations and Australia in 2010-11 valued in A$60 billion or around 15 per cent of Australia’s total trade. In contrast, Australia’s investment links with ASEAN are relatively small.

At the 12th ASEAN Summit in January 2007, the leaders of South East Asian affirmed their strong commitment to accelerate the establishment of an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015 and signed the Cebu Declaration on the Acceleration of the Establishment of an ASEAN Community by 2015 (which can be viewed at www.aseansec. org/19260.htm).

From the geo-politic perspective, we understand that the geographical value of Southeast Asia seems to have increased in the eyes of the global community.

ASEAN’s geographical and buffer value between super-power China and industrial nations such as Japan and Korea has attracted many offers for Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Such offers for ASEAN have come from the Common Economic Relations (CER with Australia and New Zealand as a free trade area), Japan, India and America.

The key characteristics of AEC include (a) a single market and production base in ASEAN, (b) ASEAN will become a highly competitive economic region, (c) ASEAN as a region of equitable economic development, and (d) a region fully integrated into the global economy. The ultimate goal for AEC is to transform ASEAN into a region with free movement of goods, services, investment, skilled labour, and freer flow of capital. So, what are the implications to Australia?

ASEAN and Australia have a long history of trade, political and cultural collaborations. Australia, however, seems to have little understanding about our neighbor.

For instance, a number of studies in language education in Australia confirm that most Australian students show a preference for studying European languages.

The decline in numbers of students studying languages from South East Asia in Australia may be a result of strong linguis-

The value of trade among ASEAN nations and Australia in 2010-11 valued at A$60 billion or around 15 per cent of Australia’s total trade.

In contrast, Australia’s investment links with ASEAN are relatively small.

10

March 2012

tic and cultural links with Europe, governmental budget on Asian studies and limited interests in South East Asia among Australian students and teachers.

This requires careful attention from key business, governmental and educational organisations promoting South East Asia in Australia. If Australia is to increase its presence and strengthen its relationships with Asia, the promotional links through language and cultural education to our younger generation is clearly important.

Our schools and universities need to offer more educational programmes in South East Asian languages (i.e. Thai, Indonesian, Malayu, Vietnamese, Laotian, Cambodian or Tagalog) as well as cultural and regional studies.

A study by the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) in Singapore predicted that the AEC may become old wine in a new bottle as the packaging is still to operationalise the single market for goods and services in ASEAN. Capital has long been globalised as well as technology and ideas. We can predict that the free movement of labours in ASEAN can pose some potential challenges among ASEAN members.

The labour and educational standard among ASEAN nations contribute significantly to this challenge. For instance, Singapore has led other ASEAN members in this aspect with its ongoing investment and strong public policy on education and training which first began in the 1960s. Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand are also competing with other developing nations in the world to accelerate their human resources development policies.

Australia should play a pivotal role in supporting and promoting quality of education and training among ASEAN members. Australia has done a number of projects through the mechanism of

AustChamThailand Advance

BUSINESS BRIEF

If Australia is to increase its presence and strengthen its relationships with Asia, the promotional links through language and cultural education to our younger generation is clearly important. Our schools and universities need to offer more educational programmes in South East Asian languages.

AUSAID and other Government agencies. Australian business and educational organisations need to take active roles in promoting education and training of Australia in the South East Asian context.

Some of our key industries in the region such as mining, education, finance and manufacturing should promote collaborative education and training with partners from South East Asia. Contributions in the form of education, training or human resource development will strengthen our

AustChamThailand Advance

bonds with ASEAN members and will subsequently benefit the region.

Finally, AEC focuses on some areas of co-operation such as human resources development and capacity building; consultation on macroeconomic and financial policies; trade financing measures; enhanced infrastructure and communications connectivity. Australia, as one of the world leaders in technology and infrastructure as well as information communication

technology and should be contributing more to the progression of these industries in South East Asia. ASEAN members understand that the time-frame for building the Economic Community is short enough to meet the competitive challenge of China, Korea and India, which are currently growing rapidly and integrating globally. ASEAN nations clearly need partners to facilitate the transformation from FTA to the full economic community and Australia should actively play this role.

A cohesive ASEAN Economic Community should be a potent force for regional stability and economic vitality in the AsiaPacific region. More importantly, the expected boost to ASEAN’s economic and political growth should lead to greater opportunities for Australian exports and foreign direct investment. We, hence, need to be aware of the future of Australia and ASEAN social, political and economic relationship.

March 2012

11

BUSINESS BRIEF

Bangkok: Hub to West ASEAN

By Danielle Smith, Choo Bing Cheng, Rasa Seng and Jeannie Jing

L

ast month’s issue of Advance featured a Business Brief about a group of 20 students from the University of Melbourne who had come to Bangkok for a series of intensive two week business consulting assignments as part of a major project to promote the Asian business environment. Seeking to promote the strongest “Australia must know” message, the students saw great potential in building a strong business case for Australian multinationals to use Bangkok as a hub to reach out to West ASEAN – Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.

At the end of the two-week journey, the students submitted their final deliverable – a document revealing the abundance of investment opportunities named “West ASEAN – Unlocking the potential” and three industry-focused reports to provide further details on specific areas with great potential.

The immediate question: What does West ASEAN have to offer Australian investors? According to the team, there are three key concepts – the strong business environment of Bangkok, the emerging markets of Laos and Myanmar, and the upcoming opportunities of the ASEAN Economic Community 2015 along with the Greater Mekong Subregion. These concepts reflect a particularly noteworthy feature of the document – it is forwardlooking.

The Investment Potential It is time to start getting serious about Thailand. Dig deeper behind the friendly smiles and gracious hospitality and discover a thriving economy expanding against the backdrop of world-class infrastructure and a driven workforce.

Thailand ranked 17th in the world (and fourth in Asia) in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report 2012. These rankings are based on criteria ranging from starting a business, protecting investors, paying taxes and trading across borders.

The country has one of the most cost12

March 2012

competitive and highly-skilled labour force in the world; in addition to Bangkok having lower office rents and occupancy costs compared to most Asia/Pacific countries.

Foreign investment remains more attractive with government initiatives to slash the corporate tax rate from 30per cent to 23per cent by the end of 2012 with further planned reductions to 20per cent by 2013.

try can position itself as the energy and resource champion of Southeast Asia.

The land is also an agricultural haven for rice, pulses and beans exports.

Thailand’s geographical position is advantageous with central access to established markets of Australia and China but also other emerging markets in surrounding Laos and Myanmar.

In Laos, the government’s focus on private sector growth is increasingly welcoming foreign investment into the nation’s mining and natural resources sector. The number of mining projects is expected to grow with only 30per cent of the country’s land explored so far. The hydropower sector is also expecting clear growth due to Laos’ mountainous terrain and endeavours to be the ‘battery’ of Southeast Asia.

Opportunities in Myanmar are prime with a significant untapped abundance of oil, natural gas, timber and gems. The coun-

Bangkok is the mega hub of the future.

Through heavy infrastructure developments in the greater ASEAN region and AustChamThailand Advance

BUSINESS BRIEF

Figure 1: Five Strategic Thrusts Strengthen infrastructure linkages

Facilitate cross-border trade and investment

GMS, Thailand is the doorway to more than half a billion people and total trade of more than US$1.5 trillion per year.

Enhance private sector participation and improve competitiveness

Develop human resources and skill competencies

Through AusAID and the help of the Asian Development Bank, Australia funded more than US$346 million for infrastructure and trade projects in the GMS.

The Greater Mekong Subregion Covering 2.6 million square kilometres, the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) has a land mass comparable to Western Australia, providing a huge market with approximately 326 million people.

The GMS is a development program by the Asian Development Bank which comprises of six countries, namely Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam and China (specifically Yunnan and Guangxi).

Since the year 1992, the GMS program has undertaken different subregion projects in transport, telecommunication, energy, human resource development, tourism and trade. In 2012, the GMS Program will start its 3rd decade with “The Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Cooperation Program Strategic Framework 2012-22” with five strategic thrusts (see figure 1).

The GDP of GMS countries grew at an average annual rate of over 9.5per cent between 2000 and 2009, making it one of the world’s fastest growing areas.

One of the GMS programs is the economic corridors. They link GMS countries with cross borders transport systems, power grids and roadways to facilitate the flow of goods and people. By the year 2015, all the six GMS countries will be linked by the economic corridors (see image below).

As an example, the cost and time of travelling from Bangkok to Kunming, China in 2015 will be approximately half of that in the year 2000. This assists GMS countries’ to trade with their powerful neighbours, making the GMS a potential gateway to China, India and other ASEAN countries.

ASEAN Economic Community Comprising of 10 countries with a population of over 580 million people, the ASEAN economic community (AEC) offers huge potential for improved trade. If the AEC reaches its targets, it will be a single, integrated region, competitively trading as the fifth largest group in the world and the tenth largest economy.

Figure 2: Summary of the EAC Blueprint and Outcomes

Protect the environment and promote resources sustainability

From an Australian point of view, the AEC is of particular interest. Australia trades more with the ASEAN region than any other and over the last five years, there has been an average of 5.7 percent growth per year in Australian-ASEAN trade. The AEC will be able to further enhance this relationship.

Through various free trade agreements such as, ASEAN-Australian-New-Zealand Free Trade Agreement, ASEAN free trade agreement and agreements with China and Japan, the AEC will soon be a powerful trading economy.

Figure 2 is a summary of the AEC blueprint and outcomes.

This project has drawn attention from around the world and by aligning itself to tough, clear targets. The AEC is well on its way to achieving its goals.

“West ASEAN – Unlocking the potential” – highlights the opportunities that are growing in the region. Australia’s nearby proximity and the West ASEAN region’s unharnessed opportunities make foreign investment into the area, and in particular Bangkok’s hub potential, an attractive investment option. In retrospect, the team asserts that it is crucial for interested Australian investors to plan for a timely entry before they miss the bandwagon.

The Global Consulting Project provides Melbourne students a step up in the lifelong journey of building the skills to operate in complex, intercultural, international business roles. The intention is to continue and to expand the University’s capacity to offer such experiences, in conjunction with the host firms, the University’s extensive alumni network and organisations such as AustCham. The University of Melbourne aims to back in Bangkok again in January 2013 with a new group of students.

If you are interested in finding out more about the program and have a project in mind for a student team, please contact Dr André Sammartino via samma@ unimelb.edu.au.

AustChamThailand Advance

March 2012

13

EMBASSY NEWS

Australia’s The Idea of North Mesmerized Thai a Cappella Fans

T

he Australian Embassy, in association with Chulalongkorn University, recently presented a unique musical performance by an Australian a cappella group, The Idea of North. The performance was part of celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of bilateral ties between Australia and Thailand. Held at Chulalongkorn University’s Art and Cultural Center, the group’s first concert in Thailand received great praise from nearly 300 audience members who came to enjoy the fantastic night of music.

Music and the Arts form an essential part of the Australia-Thailand friendship.

The Australian Embassy brought this Australian award-winning group – The Idea of North – to Thailand so music fans could take pleasure in the creativity and freshness of a cappella singing across various genres, including jazz, folk, gospel, pop and classical.

The concert’s highlights included a joint performance by the group and talented music students from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Chulalongkorn University, singing ‘Fragile’ by Sting and ‘He’s sweet I know’ by Traditional.

14

March 2012

Dazzling voices from Australia: (from left to right) The Idea of North’s Andrew Piper (bass), Joy Hague Crellin (alto), Sally Cameron (soprano) and Nicholas Begbie (tenor) received great applause at the end for their performance at Chulalongkorn University’s Arts and Cultural Center.

At a reception held by Ministry of Foreign Affairs to celebrate the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations between Australia and Thailand, The Idea of North partnered with Acappella 7, a Thai musical group, to perform a magnificent composition of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej – Love at

Sundown – to distinguished Australian and Thai guests. In addition, The Idea of North shared their professional techniques with voice students and teachers through special workshops organised at Kasetsart University and Chulalongkorn University.

AustChamThailand Advance

EMBASSY NEWS

Celebrating Australia’s Indigenous Culture with Shadowlife

T

he Australian Embassy Bangkok and Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) proudly present Shadowlife, an exhibition of moving image works by internationally-renowned Indigenous Australian artists. Shadowlife is part of the Australian Embassy’s activities organised in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of Bilateral Relations between Australia and Thailand.

The exhibition will be on display from 2 March to 29 April 2012 at BACC. BACC is open to the public and entry is free.

Opening hours are 10am – 9pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Tel: 02 214 6630-1.

Developed by Asialink and the Bendigo Art Gallery, audiences in Thailand will have a chance to see this unique exhibition that will tour in Australia and Asia.

Curated by Djon Mundine OAM and Natalie King, Shadowlife exhibits works by nine internationally renowned contemporary Australian Aboriginal artists (and one non-Indigenous collaborator) engaged in photo-based practices.

Wungguli, an Arnhem Land Djambarrpuyngu word, means ‘spirit’ and ‘shadow’ and came to describe photographic image. Shadowlife explores the notion of the shadow as a representa-

tion of our soul. Shadowlife embraces moving image and photography with all its directness, theatricality and immediacy by confronting stereotypes and acting out scenarios.

Participating artists are: Vernon Ah Kee; Bindi Cole; Brenda L. Croft; Destiny Deacon/Virginia Fraser; Fiona Foley; Gary Lee; Michael Riley; Christian Thompson and Ivan Sen. This exhibition is supported by the Australian Government through the

Australian Visual Arts Touring Program of the Australia International Cultural Council, an initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; the Australia Council, the Australian Government’s arts funding and advisory body; and The Visual Arts and Crafts strategy, an initiative of the Australian, State and Territory Governments.

After Thailand, Shadowlife will travel to other venues including Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts (Taiwan) and Nanyang Academy of Fine Art (Singapore).

Exhibition curators Djon Mundine OAM and Natalie King write in the catalogue essay: “When light shines on something or someone, a shadow is always cast. A person can never desert its shadow and a shadow cannot leave its human original. Every shadow has its own presence and absence. And no more so in this continent, Australia, full of ghosts and shadows honeycombing the historical, social, and physical landscape.”

AustChamThailand Advance

March 2012

15

EMBASSY NEWS

Australia Day: Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Bilateral Ties

T

he Australian Embassy recently hosted a reception to celebrate Australia Day at “The Residence”, the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. More than 700 guests, representing the full spectrum of the Australia-Thailand bilateral relationship, attended the function.

In welcoming the guests, the Australian Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. James Wise, said 2012 marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and Thailand. The strong relationship would continue to flourish in the future.

“The foundation of Australian-Thai relations has rested on how well Thais and Australians understand each other. The most important investment in the future of Australian-Thai relations is the continuous nurturing of knowledge and contacts among the people of both countries,” said the Ambassador.

A highlight of the evening was the creative and distinctly Australian cuisine, prepared under the masterful guidance of

(From left) Ms Teresa Wise, wife of the Australian Ambassador; General Songkitti Jaggabatara AM, Former Chief of Defence Forces, Royal Thai Armed Forces; Mr James Wise, Australian Ambassador to Thailand; Dr Narongchai Akrasanee, President of Seranee Holdings Co., Ltd; Khun Chaturon Chaisaeng, Former Deputy Prime Minister.

the Grand Hyatt Erawan’s Australian Executive Chef, Mark Hagenbach. The fresh foods and drinks were sourced from all over Australia, including: South Australian Kingfish; Pacific Yellowfin Tuna; Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon; Queensland avocados; Pacific Oysters “Kilpatrick”; Australian beef; vegemite and cheddar scrolls; a selection of Australian flavored ice creams; assorted lamingtons; and a wide range of fine Australian wine and cheese, and fresh tropical fruits.

All guests received chocolates with the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations logo, together with a special publication highlighting the breadth and depth of the Australia-Thailand bilateral relationship.

Invest with confidence.

Where’s the best place to invest your hard-earned capital? In stocks and shares? What about emerging markets? Or corporate bonds?

Labuan FSA License NO.BS200548 Company No. LL04446

What’s likely to be less risky? What sits most comfortably with your financial objectives and your personal outlook?

There are many questions and uncertainties with investment – but one thing’s for sure: it’s easier to invest with confidence when you have the expert advice and support of an experienced financial adviser.

Get in touch today.

Visit infinityfinancialsolutions.com Email info@infinityfinancialsolutions.com Call Thailand +66 2 261 1571 Malaysia +60 3 2164 6585 Cambodia +855 23 997 121 Vietnam +84 8 6255 6914 Hong Kong +852 2855 6961

The Australia Day 2012 celebration was proudly hosted by the Australian Embassy Bangkok and sponsored by PTT Exploration and Production PLC, Akara Mining Limited, Banpu Public Company Limited, Mitr Phol Sugar Corp. Ltd, Ratchburi Electricity Generating Holding PCL, BlueScope Steel (Thailand) Limited, ANCA Manufacturing (Thailand) Ltd., The Sukhothai Bangkok, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd., Loxley Public Company Limited, Blackmores Ltd., Baker Tilly Thailand Limited, Visy Packaging (Thailand) Limited, Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok, IDP Education Services Co., Ltd., Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, Property Care Services (Thailand) Ltd., Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce, Meinhardt (Thailand) Ltd., BNH Medical Centre Ltd., Tourism Australia, Seaside Properties (Thailand) Co., Ltd., the Australia – Thailand Institute, and Virgin Australia.

The possibilities are endless

16

March 2012

AustChamThailand Advance

THAI

Steve Douglas steve@smats.net

specialist mortgage

ATS

Helen Avis helen@smats.net

smats migration

#07-08 Midlink Plaza, 122 Middle Rd, Singapore, 188973 Thailand

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Funghi Franchise Helps Poachers Become Protectors

N

uan Muangchan has lived in a village at the edge of the vast Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex in Northeastern Thailand her whole life. She’s depended on the forest to feed her family, but it doesn’t provide as it used to. Tigers, deer and other wildlife have vanished from large tracts of the World Heritage listed corridor, due to poaching and land encroachment.

Nuan didn’t just witness the forest shrink and degrade, she actively participated in it lacking an alternative means of supporting her family. Now 45, Nuan started cutting rosewood and smuggling it out of Khao Yai National Park when she might have been in secondary school. She learned to avoid patrolling park rangers, but it was a dangerous way to make a living.

“One time I jumped off a cliff to escape the authorities,” Nuan recounts, showing the scars running across her arms and legs. The risk of injury, jail time or sickness during these nightly intrusions got even more worrying when Nuan became a mother.

Nuan wasn’t alone either. There are more than 300,000 people living in 600 rural villages in close proximity to the Forest Complex, which covers thousands of square kilometers stretching all the way to the Cambodian border. With limited opportunities for employment, many villagers engage in poaching and illegal logging.

These activities put enormous pressure on the forest complex, degrading its ability to act as a watershed and help keep surrounding farming land fertile. The survival of endangered tigers, elephants, hornbills, bears, gibbons, and other wild species that call these remaining reserves home is under serious threat.

Organic mushrooms may seem like an unlikely solution, but Thailand-based conservation group Freeland Foundation is championing this low-impact crop as a viable eco-friendly alternative to poaching. Freeland’s Surviving Together project is training former poachers to cultivate 18

March 2012

organic mushrooms, then seeding and nurturing their businesses with small loans and wholesaling support.

With help from Freeland, Nuan has been able to give up poaching and take up mushroom farming. She now earns upwards of 300 dollars per month, which means she can send her daughters to school. Nuan has also helped persuade other villagers to give up poaching and start their own mushroom farms. The project has helped over 30 families transition to legal and sustainable incomes so far, significantly reducing pressure on nearby ecosystems.

Along with the involvement of park rangers, a 70 per cent drop in poaching in one section of the forest as a result of interventions to promote eco-friendly alternative livelihoods has been seen. The group’s Australian-led field team is simultaneously training park rangers to patrol more effectively.

“We have to use two strategies: push and pull,” explains project coordinator Mukda Thongnaitham. “The rangers push the

poachers out of the forest but we need to pull the villagers into an alternative occupation and convince them to change for the long-term.”

Support from the Blue Moon Fund, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USAID and Australia has made the unique pilot project possible. Australia has contributed more than just funds. “Without the help of the Australian Youth Ambassadors to plan, raise funds and awareness, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” says Mukda. Freeland has benefitted from successive young Australian volunteers placed through AusAid’s Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development program to work side-by-side with Thai staff.

The group now aims to replicate the successful mushroom growing pilot along the border of the forest complex if enough micro-finance capital can be found.

The oyster mushrooms sold at local markets are in such high demand, farmers simply can’t grow enough. Mukda is trying to get these and other varieties - such as Shitake and Yanagi - to higher value urban AustChamThailand Advance

COMMUNITY SERVICES

markets in Bangkok, banking on restaurants and consumers to support organic produce that helps conserve nature and alleviate rural poverty. The group plans to use profits to keep running and expanding the project when donor support runs out.

Fund to instill knowledge of endemic bears and bear conservation. The Paws for Thought program teaches students about the threat of poaching, as well as ongoing efforts by park rangers to protect wildlife and halt trafficking.

The Australia-Thailand Institute is the primary sponsor of this year long program.

In addition to Asian Bears, students are learning about unique endangered Australian marsupials, such as numbats and quolls.

“We’re not there yet,” says Mukda. “We want to be able to keep reaching more villages along the entire border of the forest.”

You can sense Mukda and her staff’s pride in the successful pilot and their desire to expand it to give more people like Nuan a viable alternative.

Youth camps organised inside the forest complex provide a variety of fun and challenging activities to help students develop a lasting connection with nature. These involve early morning treks through the park to explore and learn how to identify animal tracks and sign, as well as outdoor lessons, games and songs. Students also encouraged to present their own ideas on protecting endangered wildlife and the role of local communities in ecosystem conservation.

An endangered species art competition organized around the theme of “What’s happening in your back yard and mine” is encouraging Thai and Australian students to share ideas on endangered animal conservation. Perth Zoo will exhibit large banners of the winning entries from students in Western Australia and Thailand this month (February) by its Sun Bear enclosure, with plans to exhibit the banners in Thailand later this year.

Meanwhile, Nuan’s mushroom growing business is thriving. Her loan repayments have already allowed Freeland to finance another family’s new barn. Moveover, she’s become a local advocate for forest conservation. “When I see the green of the forest and the white and black of the mushrooms I feel proud,” says Nuan. “I’m happy we no longer destroy nature, we are pure.”

Giving Paws for Thought In addition to alternative livelihoods, Freeland Foundation is also working to encourage a strong forest stewardship ethic among the next generation. A mobile education unit visits numerous schools around the forest complex every month.

This year, a special curriculum has been developed with Australia’s Free the Bears

About Freeland

Australia has contributed more than just funds. “Without the help of the Australian Youth Ambassadors to plan, raise funds and awareness, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” says Mukda.

Freeland Foundatoin is an international organization dedicated to making the world free of wildlife trafficking and human slavery. It is headquartered in Bangkok and works throughout Asia and beyond.

FREELAND programs include support for law enforcement agencies through training and tip-offs; support to vulnerable communities through alternative livelihoods; and public education through mass media campaigns and grassroots outreach. To learn more, visit www.freeland.org Sponsor Young Conservationists • 6,800THB covers a month’s fuel expenses for Freeland’s mobile education unit • 500THB funds an extra child’s youth camp place Donate online at www.freeland.org or contact Tim Redford on 02-204-2719 to 21 Seed another mushroom business like Nuan’s • 14,000THB will finance a new mushroom barn • 1,000THB sponsors mushroom cultivation training for an ex-poacher Loan repayments help finance the next family within 18-24 months. Your donation is a gift that keeps giving.

Donate online at www.freeland.org or contact Mukda Thongnaitham on 02-2042719 to 21

AustChamThailand Advance

March 2012

19

AUSTRALIA THAILAND BUSINESS COUNCIL

Message from ATBC

I

AUSTRALIA THAILAND BUSINESS COUNCIL National Secretariat: PO Box 6005, Kingston Act 2604 Tel: (02) 6273 2311 Fax: (02) 6273 3196 Email: colin.mackenzie@acci.asn.au Web: www.aust-thai.org.au

t is with great pleasure I have accepted the position of National President of the Australia Thailand Business Council. I see exciting opportunities for our members in the emerging business linkages both in Thailand and the region in this, the 60th Anniversary of the Australia Thai diplomatic relationship.

The environment in which we all do business has changed so much in the past decade. I have been closely involved with the Thailand and Australia-Thai business environment for over 25 years, first encountering the Kingdom as a Rotary Exchange student in the 1980’s. While some issues remain constant such as the power of networks and the importance of understanding the local business context, other significant changes continue to occur. We are witnessing greater regional and global involvement in business in Thailand, global supply chain integration, and interesting developments in Thailand a source of growing investment in the Australian economy. Thailand is a strategic hub in an exciting, dynamic and changing region. Despite the perceptions one might form through media focus on political issues and recent floods, the underlying business case for Australian Thai collaboration is strong.

Since my election to the Position of President I have met with the Thai Ambassador HE Dr Kriangsak Kittichaisaree, the Thai Embassy, Consular team and representatives of Thai Trade, the Australian Ambassador in Thailand HE James Wise and senior members of the trade and economic team at the Australian Embassy in Bangkok. I have also met with President of AustCham John Anderson, Exec Director Mark Caroll and members of the Board. I am inspired and impressed at the range of activities planned for this, the 60th Year of diplomatic relationships and look forward to leveraging greater linkages with key stakeholder groups for the respective benefits of the Australia-Thai business community.

My hope, and my aim is that the ATBC as an organization facilitates the insights, the access and the networks to support our members in leveraging opportunities

20

March 2012

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: • • • •

Robert Taylor (Past President) John Connor (Past President) Graham Sherry (Vice President) Doug Blunt (Treasurer)

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS: in greater Australia-Thai business collaboration. To this end we have embarked on a significant restructuring and strategic refocusing of the ATBC. We will now have a sectoral, rather than geographic or state based focus, and are recruiting new committee members who are integrally involved and with deep knowledge of Australia Thailand business in their respective areas. We will also be convening an Advisory Board consisting of eminent business and ex-officio representatives in the Australia-Thai relationship. Our website and online presence is transitioning to a new platform with integrated membership management capabilities. A hard copy of the AustCham magazine will also be mailed out to all ATBC members on a monthly basis, and the ATBC will resume making regular contributions.

• • •

John Hancock Mike Courtnall Gavin Thomas

COMMITTEE MEMBERS • •

Kaye Eldridge: Education Portfolio Linsey Siede: Automotive & Manufacturing Portfolio

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: •

Colin Mackenzie

EX-OFFICIO MEMBER: •

Mark Carroll, Executive Director, AustCham Thailand

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Past President Robert Taylor for his efforts over the past 12 years in the Council and Colin Mackenzie for his continuing role as Executive Director. We will be in touch soon regarding coming members events this year.

Sincerely

Tamerlaine Beasley National President

AustChamThailand Advance

Eric Kenso Ward, ISB Class of 1979

International School Bangkok A nurturing, child-centered environment for your family’s superheroes. www.isb.ac.th

AUSTCHAM GOLD SPONSOR ADVERTORIAL

dwp | design worldwide partnership attends groundbreaking ceremony for their iconic design of Lilanz Creative Centre, China dwp | design worldwide partnership’s largest project in China, the 160,000sqm mixed-use development Lilanz Creative Centre, broke ground recently, on site, at Changxing Road, Jinjiang, Fujian, China, adjacent to the current headquarters of the famous Chinese menswear fashion brand Lilanz. A landmark undertaking, Lilanz Creative Centre is set to be a hub of creativity and innovation in the region.

In his compelling speech, Brenton Mauriello was quoted as saying: “Two years ago, dwp and Lilanz came together to begin a process that has led to creating this magnificent project. What will rise from the ground around you will not be just another building in Jinjiang’s development. It will not just be another headquarters for one of China’s great industrial companies. This development will be much much more... It will be inspirational - a project that will stimulate creativity and innovation. It will be a symbol of the city for generations to come.”

The event was well-attended by around 1,000 guests, including all of the top government officials of Jin jiang and Quanzhou, as well as all Lilanz shareholders and directors, such as Lilanz CEO Wang Liang Xing and Lilanz Chairman Wang Dong Xing, in addition to CEOs of some of China’s largest brands. To mark the auspicious occasion, speeches on site were accompanied by a video presentation of the project, a ceremonial dig by VIP guests and exploding cannons of confetti, before guests convened to the Lilanz HQ, which also recently received a brand new façade and interior design from dwp. There, guests were able to view the interactive model of the project and be entertained with an exclusive Lilanz fashion show and lunch, with live band.

AustChamThailand Advance

The entire Lilanz architecture and interior design development project by dwp is being headed up by award-winning Yu Jordy Fu, and her dedicated team members include Manfred Schabl, Jon Sealey, Nichary Pongsomboon, Nattavadee Peanpanichskul, Benyatip Manajitt,Danai Arayawonkul, Jakcapong Luangprasert, Visoot Kritwong, Anja Beniko Lorenz, Mahatthana Phukulsub and Phongsakorn Arjkon.

For more information from dwp on this release and hi-res images, contact Group Communications Consultant, Ms Nikki Busuttil, nikki.b@dwp.com or call the dwp Thailand local office: dwp | The Dusit Thani Building Level 11, 946 Rama IV Road Bangkok 10500 Thailand T: +66 2 267 3939 F: +66 2 267 3949 E: thailand@dwp.com W: www.dwp.com

March 2012

23

MEMBERS ADVANCING

Outstanding Thai Graduates from Australian Secondary Schools Recognised

W

ith the launch of the ASEAN Community in 2015 just around the corner, CETA Worldwide Education (CETA), with a support from the Australian Embassy and its marketing arm, Austrade, was proud to hold its first Valedictory Luncheon and Award Presentation for Thai students who have completed their education from Australia.

CETA, as a Specialist Education Agent for students under 18 years of age in Southeast Asia, has been involved, in the promotion of secondary school study in Australia for Thai students for many years. Australia is internationally recognised for its education excellence across a wide range of program and disciplines.

Australia is trusted by parents and students as a reliable, safe and high-quality choice for education. With its geographical proximity to ASEAN countries and multi-cultural environment, Australia provides a first-rate setting for Thais to deepen their academic knowledge, and to develop English language and crosscultural skills in preparation for the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.

Each year approximately 21,000 Thai

AustChamThailand Advance

nity to study in their chosen course in top universities in Australia. One such example is a student at Firbank Grammar School, Khun Thanawan Chirakijja, who has been offered a place to study Bachelor of Medicine at The University of New South Wales.

students enrolled in courses across Australia, making it Thailand’s preferred education destination.

CETA was honored by the participation of Australian Embassy’s members, Simon Farbenbloom, Deputy Head of Mission, Tom Yeats, Trade Commissioner, Khun Pattarin Wirojchoochut and Khun Busarin Sinthunavarat, Education Managers.

This year, 21 Thai students associated with CETA, have completed their high school certificate from both government and private schools in different Australian states. Many students achieved outstanding results on many levels, high academic score, participating in school activities, and being a valuable member in their school communities.

CETA believes the Thai students who have graduated from Secondary School in Australia will have the necessary competitive and communication skills to succeed in the new ASEAN community in 2015 and world environment of the future. Their experiences in Australia in mastering English, developing their critical and strategic thinking, and furthering their cross-cultural skills means that they are not only ready to adapt to changes, but excel.

Some of the students have won academic excellence awards from their schools, and have had a high opportu-

Tel. +66 2 665 8100 Email: study@ceta.co.th Website: www.ceta.co.th

March 2012

25

CHAMBER EVENTS

Alumni Entrepreneurs: an evening with Khun Mechai on 8 February at Glowfish A graduate of the University of Melbourne, Khun Mechai is perhaps not an entrepreneur in the traditional sense of the word. Rather, he has developed his own brand of world-leading social entrepreneurship which blends commercial success with community mindedness, individual responsibility and continual personal development.

This event was the first in a series of AustralianAlumni presentations focussing on the achievements of Australian alumni leaders for 2012. In his inspirational presentation, Khun Mechai Viravaidya discussed his innovative and enormously successful approaches to community and social development. The event included an opportunity for alumni to network with one another over a glass of Australian wine and finger-food courtesy of our fantastic venue sponsor Glowfish. The AustralianAlumni launch event is scheduled for Wednesday 21 March. Please visit www.australianalumni.com for further details.

26

March 2012

AustChamThailand Advance

CHAMBER EVENTS

Boardroom Brief: Australian-Thai & World Economy on Wednesday, 25 January at Pacific City Club At a time when traditional markets continue to be buffeted by financial turbulence, both Thailand and Australia are poised to buck the trend with strong economic growth and accelerated investment opportunities. Or are they?

On Wednesday 25, AustCham members and guests heard from two highly-respected economic commentators: Paul Gambles, Managing Partner of MBMG Group and Carey Ramm, Chairman of leading Australian consultancy AECgroup. Paul and Carey provided an update on the global economic outlook with a particularly focus on Thailand and Australia. With economic volatility becoming the norm, this briefing was a great opportunity for attendees to get a head start preparing for the forthcoming year.

Business in Burma on Thursday, 9 February at Pacific City Club Overtures to political normalisation by Burma suggest a new era of business opportunity in this ancient and often difficult-to-understand country. Sharing his experiences of doing business in Burma over two decades, founder and Managing Partner of West Indochina, Luc de Waegh, delivered a brief to AustCham members and friends on the outlook for Burma, its business potential and the political and historical context of recent developments there. Please see Page XXX for an article written by Luc.

UN at the Sharp End: Office on Drugs and Crime Wednesday, 18 January at Servcorp The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is the UN’s centre in the fight against “uncivil society”. UNODC leads global drug control and transnational organised crime prevention efforts and works with law enforcement, governments and NGOs on the front lines of human and drug trafficking, migrant smuggling, corruption and in the Golden Triangle.

Providing a rare insight into the UN’s efforts at the sharp end of drugs and crime, Gary Lewis, UNODC Regional Representative East Asia and the Pacific, talked on transnational crime prevention in South-East Asia. Gary discussed the trafficking of children, drug treatment in Thailand, and the implications of the recent changes in Myanmar.

AustChamThailand Advance

March 2012

27

CHAMBER EVENTS

Bangkok Sundowners on Wednesday, 1 February at Natural Ville and Lenotre Sponsored by and hosted at the venue of AustCham Gold Sponsor, Nautural Ville and Lenotre the first Sundoweners for 2012 was a great success. Thanks go to our generous hosts for a spectacular evening and their generous ongoing support.

1

2

3

4

6

7

5

8

1) John W. Hancock – John W. Hancock & Associates; Charles Wrightman – Natural Ville & Lenotre; H.E. James Wise – Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand; John Anderson – AustCham President, Meinhardt; Robert Murray – Accor South East and North East Asia; David Bell – AustCham Director, Crestcom Ra-Kahng Associates; David Armstrong. 2) Khun Pataraporn Ongarjphunchai – iHR Asia Pacific; Micheal C. Usher – iHR Asia Pacific, and guest. 3) Khun Seksan Kuntiyoo – Baan Laksasubha Resort Hua Hin; Dorothy Valerio – NLP Top Coach. 4) Shane Torr – PeopleServe Asia, Greg Wallis – the Australian Embassy; David Armstrong. Wayne Bannon –

28

March 2012

AustChamThailand Advance

CHAMBER EVENTS

9

10

11

12

13

AustCham Vietnam; Dr Valerie McKenzie – Thana Burin; Leigh Scott-Kemmis – AustCham Treasurer, DBM Thailand. 6) Khun Sine Chonnicha – PeopleServe Asia; David Cramond – Wall Street Institute. 7) Khun Panarat Nualma – Schaeffler; Jesper Pedersen – ARMA Group; Phichananti N. – Capital Relocations. 8) Leigh Wilmott – the Australian Embassy; Ben Yong – AustCham Director, Baker & McKenzie; Ellison Mouncey – MHG Plastic Industries. 9) Ido Berger; Khun Rinyaphat Dumruk – Hotel Bangkok Fenix; Henny Beeber – AES Group; Markus Wehrhahn – Resource Link. 10) Khun Tuangporn Sunetar – Crown Worldwide; Josh Hyland –AustCham Thailand; Khun Rhynlapas N. – Invensys Property. 11) Charles Wrightman - Natural Ville & Lenotre, Gareth Hughes – RSM Advisory 12) Belinda Skinner – AustCham Vice President, TopTalentAsia; Jaqui Kyle – NIST; Pam Torr. 13) Nick Henley – Talent Technologies Asia; Khun Rungnapha Kaewduangsri – SantaFe; Warwick Kneale – AustCham Director, Baker Tilly.

AustChamThailand Advance

March 2012

29

CHAMBER EVENTS NEW MEMBERS AND MEMBERS’ CHANGES

Akzo Nobel Coating Ltd 34 Moo 4 Petchkasem Road Km.28.5, Omyai, Sampran, Nakornpathom 73160 Bangkok 73160 Tel: 66 2 361 4500 Fax: 66 2 361 4501 Website: www.akzonobel.com/international Email: jeff.james@akzonobel.com Representatives:

Silver Gum, Peter Lehmann, Seppelt Coffee: Vittoria Coffee, Vittoria Chocochino Pasta & Mineral Water: Imported from Cantarella Bros., Australia

Chamber Representatives

Indochina Healthcare Ltd 23rd Fl., Olympia Thai Tower 444 Ratchadapisek Road, Samsennok, Huay Kwang, Bangkok 10320 Tel: 66 2 513 0682 Fax: 66 2 513 2304 Website: www.ihl-thailand.com Email: ihl@csloxinfo.com

Mr Duncan Mackew Mr Eric de Ghellinck

Chamber Representatives Mr Jeffery Charles James Mr Anawat Chakranont Akzo Nobel’s coatings business in Thailand touches many Australian companies and projects largely in construction of oil and gas and mining infrastructure.

Products/ Services: Industrial paint and protective coatings Special plastic, coil, wood, powder coatings Ownership: Senior Management: Ms Patchara Thongprapai Mr Witthaya Thongfak Mr Taweesak Woottipornpan

Bangkok Beer & Beverages Co.,Ltd 2467,2 467/1 New Phetchaburi Road Bangkapi, Huay Kwang, Bangkok 10310 Tel: 66 2 716 5521-4 Fax: 66 2 716 5525-6 Website: www.bbb.co.th Email: pc@bbb.co.th, jutamas@bbb.co.th Chamber Representatives

Mr Pongchalerm Chalermsaphayakorn Mr Shin O’Charoen Starting in 2002 as an importer of specialty beers, Bangkok Beer & Beverages Co.,Ltd (BB&B) has developed into one of Thailand’s foremost suppliers of beverages, confection and accessories to food and beverage traders.

Today the company represents more than 500 wines from 10 countries. BB&B is also an importer at glassware, coffee, mineral water, pasta, tableware, spirits and confectionary products.

Products/Services: Australian Wines: Penfolds, Lindemans, Wynns Coonawarra, Rothbury, Eye Spy, 30

March 2012

Dr Ian K. Brookes Indochina Healthcare Limited (IHL) was formed in 1994 by Mr S. Douglas Sheldon, a former multinational pharmaceutical company executive with many years of experience in Asia. The objective of IHL was to provide high quality and good value medical products to patients in South East Asia (Indochina) with a particular focus on providing medicines to Thai patients.

Currently IHL’s main business is the registration, distribution and marketing of prescription medicines to Thai hospitals (both public and private). These medicines are of high quality in that they are approved for use in developed markets with a high standard of GMP inspection – such as USA, EU and Australia; where they are recognised as equivalent to the original brand name product.

This provides confidence to the medical profession that their patients are receiving the best quality treatment; at a reasonable cost.

IHL sources medicines from its Joint Venture partner, Hospira of the USA, as well as supplying medicines from other high quality suppliers.

Products/Services: Currently IHL’s medicines are concentrated in the oncology, critical care and anti-infective therapeutic categories. IHL also offer a range of market leading IV infusion systems and other medical devices; mainly produced

by Hospira.

MPO ASIA Co., Ltd Bangkok Cable Building #2 231/9 Rajdamri Road, Lumpinee, Pathumwan 10330 Bangkok 10330 Tel: 66 2 651 9151 Fax: 66 2 651 9154 Website: www.mpoasia.com Email: duncan@mpoasia.com

MPO ASIA Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of MPO International having global presence in Europe and Asia has been established in Asia since 1994 as the leading optical media manufacturer supporting the Asia region. Our factory in Thailand provides high quality products and services of CD, DVD and BLURAY, together with the tightest security protection to meet every stringent requirement of our customers. With the full dedication of all management and staff, the company was awarded ISO 9001:2008 certification by BVQI and TLS.8001-2003 by the Ministry of Labour. The ISO 9001:2008 quality management system is an indication of the company’s sincere intention to assure customers that quality is of the highest priority at MPO, as reflected in the company’s quality policy; “MPO ASIA: Always moving towards Customer Satisfaction. Excelling in quality, service and intellectual property protection.”

Products/Services: MPOWER is one company of MPO International. MPOWER propose a broad portfolio of high quality photovoltaic solution: • Innovative floating photovoltaic (PV) system • Solutions for both commercial and industrial sectors • Private house owner roof PV installation • Building integrated solution Our commitment is to define a customised solution so that the best system has been installed. Moreover a turnkey solution, we also propose operation and maintenance service as a careful monitoring is the best action to guarantee you an optimum production and the fastest investment return.

CD/ DVD/ Blu-Ray MPO has been at the service of the music industry and its professionals. From vinyl to DVD, MPO technology provides the ultimate sound quality. In less than a decade, MPO has successfully mastered each successive technology in the evolution of optical media for video: Laser Disc, Video CD and DVD Video. MPO invested in Blu-ray production chain with mastering and 2 BD lines for 25 and 50 GB Blu-ray disc.

Value Added Service (VAS) MPO ASIA’s Value Added Services Department offers total turn dey production services to the likes of the Video, IT and Audio Industries in Asia. Being centrally located in Asia, we are uniquely positioned to take AustChamThailand Advance

NEW MEMBERS AND MEMBERS’ CHANGES

advantage of a wealth of local high quality print and associated production ability.

Adding value to your CD and DVD based products via packaging, print logistics and fulfillment to South East Asia on time and at better than expected price points, allow higher returns with superior inventory control abilities.

Prospect Development Co.,LTD 48/23 Tisco Tower fl. 12A, North-Sathorn Rd. Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Bangkok 10500 Tel: 66 2 697 3860 Fax: 66 2 697 3869 Website: www.prospectd.com Email: pornsarin.p@prospectd.com Representatives:

137 Pillars House revives the old world elegance of the Orient and invites guests to enjoy every modern luxury. You are our personal guests. As such, we will be honored to lead you through the surrounding charms of Chiang Mai and welcome you home into pampered privacy. The home-style residential concept allows our visitors to participate and share in the richness of a likeminded international community while creating plenty of space for sublime intimacy in our sumptuous suites and throughout our tropical grounds.

Products/Services: Architectural historians and conservationists worked meticulously to reinforce the integrity of the original 1889 structure at 137 Pillars House. Our guests can expect the same nostalgic ambience in all 30suites, along with the latest modern comforts and conveniences.

Ownership: Wongphanlert Holding Co., Ltd

Products / Services: Warehouse and factory for rent Land for lease

137 Pillars House 2 Soi 1, Nawatgate Road, T. Watgate Muang, Chiangmai 50000 Tel: 66 5 324 7788 Fax: 66 5 324 7780 Website: www.137pillarshouse.com Email: info@137pillarshouse.com Chamber Representatives

Miss Bobbie Jane Skews Ms Alissa Tangsanga AustChamThailand Advance

ers.

Ownership: Public Company Ltd on Stock Exchange of Thailand Change of Company Name Kone Thai Lift PCL has changed company name to be KONE Public Company Limited.

Change of Company Address Management & Executive Recruitment Consultants Ltd. 82/2 Soi Sukhumvit 61, Sukhumvit Rd., Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 2 714 1326

Mr. Vorasit Pokachaiyapat Ms. Pornsarin Maethivacharanondh Prospect Development Co., Ltd. is an associated company with Finansa PLC., which is a major shareholder with a registered capital investment of one billion baht. Prospect Development has foreseen potential demand of industrial and trade development in Thailand. Prospect Development acquired Bangkok Free Trade Zone Project (BFTZ) in 2010 and continued investing in standard warehouses and factories for rent in both existing free zone and newly established general zones. In addition, an inland container yard was introduced. We also offer build custom warehouses and factories for our clients on our 1,000 rai of land.

systems.

2. Software Division: Both standard and customised software products for warehouse management, sales force and logistics companies.

3. Serving Division: Provides servicing for hardware devices sold by the company.

Also provides software support for software sold.

4. Manufacturing Division: Manufacture and sales of sticky labels and barcode stick-

Simat Technologies,PCL No. 123 Soi Chalongkrung 31 Ladkrabang Industrial Estate Chalongkrung Road Lamplatew Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520 Phone: 66 2 326 0999 ext 3522 Website: www.simat.co.th Email: baileymark@simat.co.th Chamber Representatives

Siam Gazette Co., Ltd. (Bangkok Trader) Room number 17/490, 23rd Floor, Saranjai Mansion, 17 Soi Sukhumvit 6 Sukhumvit Rd., Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Fax: +66 2 626 0244 Website: www.bangkokbusinessbrief.com Peopleserve Asia Ltd. 153/3, 4th Floor, Goldenland Building Soi Mahardlekluang 1, Rajdamri Road Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Change of Representative

Mr Mark Christopher Bailey Ms Chadaporn Singloylom

Mr Tony Harvey, General Manager is a new representative of Thai Leighton Ltd.

The principal business of Simat Technologies is a mobile computers provider and an integrated mobile computing solution provider for Enterprise Data Collection and Collation Systems (EDCCS) which are connectable with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as SAP, Oracle and BAAN. The EDCCS system that the company provides mainly uses barcode technology. The company is currently growing rapidly both domestically and internationally.

Mr Thomas Anthony Donatelli, Managing Director is a new representative of Santa Fe (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Mr Jetwong Ketnima, Director of Sales is a new representative of Swissotel Le Concorde Bangkok.

Mr Brett Gannaway, General Manager is a new representative of Pacific City Club.

Products / Services: 1. Hardware Division: The sales of mobile or hand-held computers and devices that support barcode and RFID technologies.

The company has developed its own software called “MobileNet” which enables mobile and hand-held barcode and RFID scanners to connect with customer’s ERP March 2012

31

MEMBERS’ OFFERS

BBQ a Fish Must be cooked under a hooded or kettle barbecue PREP: 15 minutes COOK 10-15 minutes SERVES: 4 • • • • •

1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil 250g jar tomato pasta sauce Whole fish, such as Barramundi (available in Thailand as Pla Krapong Kao) or snapper, scaled and gutted 1 onion sliced. Freshly ground black pepper and sea salt Lime wedges, to serve, optional

Make a double layered piece of aluminum foil, large enough to completely enclose the fish. Brush the foil with oil so the fish doesn’t stick. Spread a big spoonful of sauce down the centre of the foil, then put the fish on top and paint inside and out with more sauce. Place the onion rings inside and out, add a good sprinkling of cracked pepper and sea salt and completely enclose the fish.

Preheat your barbeque to medium and place the fish directly on the hot plate or grill. Cook the fish for five minutes. Then, carefully, using a fish slice, or similar, turn the fish over and cook for a further five or so minutes. Carefully open the foil and check if it is cooked. It should flake easily, if not cook it for a minute or two longer.

Trading in Thailand since 1998, The Barbecue Store imports, wholesales and retails award winning premium barbecue grills and accessories, manufactured to

TOP TIP: The Fisharoo Simply place your fish inside the Fisharoo which allows you to turn the fish without worrying about it breaking or sticking to the hotplate or griddle.

Available from The Barbecue Store www.bbqthai.com the highest quality and safety standards. Products are sourced directly from the manufacturers. Showrooms are located in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui and Hua Hin. There are Agents in other locations and the company will deliver to all parts of Thailand.

The Barbecue Store is the exclusive agent in Thailand for Barbecues Galore, Australia’s largest retailer and exporter of barbecues and outdoor furniture and past recipient of an AustCham Business Award.

AUSTCHAM MEMBERS’ OFFERS Four Points by Sheraton Sukhumvit 15 Six days. Six ways to enjoy the week of St.Patrick at BeerVault’s Share a pint of smiles every day. Meet Patty the Laprachaun and try your luck in the Pot of Gold. Baht 250,000 worth of value in prizes to be won!

Offer Valid: 12 - 17 March Call: 02 309 3000 Email: fourpoints.sukhumvit15@fourpoints.com

Novotel Bangkok Fenix Ploenchit 15 percent discount on dining and accommodation.

Exclusively for AustCham members, Novotel Bangkok Fenix Ploenchit is offering a 15 percent off your food bill when you dine at The Square. We’ll also discount 15 percent when you book accommodation (Best unrestricted rate). Terms & conditions apply.

Valid: 1 January – 30 April 2012 Call: 02 305 6000 Email: H7176-RE@accor.com

Park Plaza Open Kitchen Cooking Class AustCham members can now enjoy a ten

32

March 2012

percent discount on our Thai Cooking Class!

Choose a two or three course dish package and enjoy cooking in our interactive open kitchen.

Offer Until: 31 March 2012 Call: 02 263 5000 Email: fb.bangkok@parkplaza.com

Strategic Migration Special Rates on Australian Visa Assistance Strategic Migration specialise in business and partner visa’s and can also assist other family members. In 20 years we have never lost an application. We offer a 10 percent discount to all AustCham members.

Valid Until: 31 March 2012 Call: +66 2 231 8138 Email: ps@strategicmigration.com.au

Siam@Siam Design Hotel and Spa Mezzawine Membership Benefits Sign up Sign up for Mezzawine Membership at Siam @ Siam and receive great benefits including a 20 percent discount at all hotel food and beverage outlets, spa treatments and wine purchases. You will also receive free wine tasting for two guests, complementary cake and sparkling wine for when you hold a birthday or anniversary celebration at Siam @ Siam AND one night’s free accommodation.

Offer Until: May 2012 Call: Khun Pongsak 081 8873978

Email: pongsak@siamatsiam.com Singapore Airlines Awaken Your Senses!

Now’s the time to create your very own Australian adventure. Fly to Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney with our special all-inclusive fares starting from Baht 22,800 (terms and conditions apply). Experience the comfort of one of the most modern aircraft fleets in the world and enjoy the inflight service that even other airlines talk about. The great fares are available for bookings made before 31 March 2012 departing from Thailand until 31 August 2012. Book now at singaporeair. com or our appointed travel agents.

Swissôtel Nai Lert Park Bangkok The complete meeting package at THB 999++ For a successful and efficient meeting that is easy to budget, Swissôtel Nai Lert Park Bangkok offers a full day meeting package for local companies with a minimum 20 of delegates at Baht 999++ per person inclusive of two coffee breaks, international lunch buffet, free use of meeting room and swimming pool, 20 percent discount on additional breakout room and food at ISO and Noble House restaurant as well as at Amrita Fitness and Spa. Offer Until: 30 June 2012 Call: 02 253 0123 or 02 8677000 Email: Catering@nailertpark.swissotel.com AustChamThailand Advance

Transform Performance with the World’s Leading Personality Instrument Now Available in Thailand

P

otentia Thailand, in conjunction with CPP Asia Pacific, is delighted to announce that effective immediately, the full range of MBTI® products and services is available in Thailand. It has also been confirmed that the official Thai translation of the MBTI® instrument will be available in 2012. As part of the official launch of the CPP in Thailand, Potentia Thailand and CPP Asia Pacific will be hosting a series of events that you and your HR leadership team should not miss.

1

Event Date: Time: Who should attend: Cost:

2

Event Date: Time: Who should attend: Cost:

3

Event Date: Time: Who should attend: Cost:

MBTI® Step I and II Certification Program This four day course is intensive and highly interactive, and covers the newly revisedtopics, such as using the MBTI® results for conflict resolution, team building and leadership development. Attendees will learn about the theory on which the MBTI® is based, how to administer the various forms of the instrument, and how to interpret the results. Accredited participants are qualified to purchase all the restricted items in the MBTI® range of products.

26 - 29 March 2012 08.45 - 17.30 hours HR professionals, HR consultants, business managers, team leaders, executives and life coaches Please contact customerservice@potentia.co.th

Using the MBTI® to Create a High Performance Culture In this comprehensive seminar you will learn about how the power of the MBTI® coupled with the latest in strategic research and development and how insights from the MBTI® can add positive transformations to your organization’s change management strategies, as well as enhancing employee engagement, leadership development, and talent management efforts.

30 March 2012 10.00 - 12.00 hours HR professionals, HR consultants, business managers, team leaders, executives and life coaches Entrance to this event is open to the public and is complimentary

MBTI® in Thailand This session will update all accredited administrators of the MBTI® on the latest developments of the instrument, including its new online features and reports. In addition to this, a comprehensive update on the upcoming Thai translation of the MBTI® will be released during this session.

30 March 2012 13.30 - 15.00 hours Accredited administrators of the MBTI® Entrance to this event is complimentary and is open to all current accredited administrators of the MBTI®

Lead Facilitator: Dr. Martin Boult Divisional Director, Professional Services and International Training Psychologist, CPP Asia Pacific Venue: Pacific City Club 28th Floor, Two Pacific Place, Emperor Room 1-3, 142 Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110

For information and registration please contact Khun Usawadee at customerservice@potentia.co.th or tel: +662 653 2450-63 / fax: +662 653 2473

FROM THE CHAMBER OFFICE

Message from the Executive Director

F

TUESDAY 6 MARCH AustCham Annual General Meeting (AGM)

or me the last few weeks have been dominated by a series of meetings and discussions associated with AustCham’s study into Australian business in Thailand. It’s been an illuminating exercise, and has also allowed me to introduce the Chamber to a range of people – some of them at very senior levels – who weren’t aware of the breadth and depth of AustCham’s activities.

17.00-18.00 Venue: Grand Hyatt Erawan TUESDAY 6 MARCH Bangkok Sundowners

18.00-21.00 Venue: Grand Hyatt Erawan Corporate Sponsor: Meinhardt Ltd.

We’ve of course heard a diverse range of views, but there have also been some common themes. Almost universally, the message is that for the foreseeable future Asia is going to dominate as a region of business opportunity. Moreover, Thailand is a great place to capitalise on that reality. Most of the businesses we spoke to had plans for expansion – some of them large-scale. Corporate responsibility (including repudiating corruption), safety and employee welfare were also high priorities for the businesses we visited.

Overall, I was most struck by how passionate our interlocutors were about the Australia-Thailand commercial relationship. I was humbled by their experienced and insightful views. Australian business professionals in this region have an enormous knowledge of how Asia operates, and how to do business here. It makes we wonder what more we can do to leverage this valuable asset, and to help shine a spotlight on business in Thailand, and the opportunities that are here.

The AustCham office has otherwise been heavily engaged in preparing for the Annual General Meeting – which is a larger logistical and administrative exercise than may appear.

We are also preparing for some of our other big events such as Sponsors Cocktail party and the Ball. Naming rights sponsorship for the Ball – which will have a diamond theme this year in recognition of the 60th anniversary of Australia-Thai diplomatic relations – is still up for grabs. It’s a great brand promotion opportunity so if you are interested please get in contact.

34

March 2012

Calendar of Events

SATURDAY 17 MARCH Voluntary English Teaching

8.00 – 15.00 Venue: Baan Khao Huay Mahad School, Rayong FRIDAY, 30 MARCH Phuket Sundowners Venue: SKIPPERS Bar & Restaurant, Royal Phuket Marina

Given the 2011-12 Austcham membership year closes at the end of March we’ve also dusted off the membership dues renewal letter and are preparing invoices. Chasing membership renewals is a time-consuming task and takes away from our focus on delivering for members. It would be enormously appreciated if you were able to settle your account as soon as possible after receiving our notice. Although new membership of the Chamber all but dried up during the last quarter of 2011 due to the floods, it has now bounced back strongly. We look forward to welcoming back members for the 2012-13 year as well as introducing them to a host of newcomers to the AustCham family.

THANK YOU TO FEBRUARY SPONSORS:

Mark Carroll Executive Director, AustCham Thailand www.austchamthailand.com

AustChamThailand Advance

Curriculum in English now open for enrollment from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 4 (in German to Grade 12) www.swissschoolbangkok.org +66(0) 2518 0340, 42-44, +66(0) 8 9044 8554, admin@swissschoolbangkok.org Swiss School Bangkok, 6/1 Ramkhamhaeng 184 Road, Minburi, Bangkok 10510 Affiliated with