Advance March 2014

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

The Changing Faces of Risk and Reward in this edition

How Resilient is Your Business in Thailand?

Business brief Partnering with the Thai government – the new PPP Act

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community services AustCham Breaks Community Services Records

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Chamber events Australia Day Golf Tournament

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FROM THE CHAMBER Belinda Goodbye message

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Contents PATRON His Excellency James Wise Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand PRESIDENT Leigh Scott-Kemmis DBM (Thailand) Ltd. VICE PRESIDENTS M.L. Laksasubha Kridakon Baan Laksasubha Resort Hua Hin Belinda Skinner TopTalentAsia TREASURER Warwick Kneale Baker Tilly Thailand Limited

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DIRECTORS David Bell Crestcom-Ra-Kahng Associates Ltd. Josh Hyland AEC South East Asia Co., Ltd.

business briefs 6 How Resilient Is Your Business in Thailand?

8 Partnering with the Thai Government – The New PPP Act

Brenton Mauriello dwp Sam McMahon NS Bluescope (Thailand) Limited Alan Polivnick Watson, Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited

Community Services 10 AustCham Breaks Community Services Record chamber events 12 Multi-Chamber Manufacturers Group Get Serious about Employee Drug Use

Rananda Rich Blackmores Ltd.

12 14 Australia Day Golf Tournament 16 Bangkok Sundowners 18 Vinarco International Tri-Nations “Braai” BBQ

AUSTCHAM MEMBERS 20 New Members

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From the Chamber Office 22 So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish: A message from Belinda Skinner 24 Tribute to Dr Valerie McKenzie 26 Message from the Executive Director

Charles Wrightman Natural Ville & Lenotre EX OFFICIO Greg Wallis Senior Trade Commissioner, Thailand COORDINATORS Paul Wilkinson JVK International Movers Ltd. ESB Coordinator Email: paul.wilkinson@jvkmovers.com Trevor Dick Indochine Asset Management ESB Coordinator Email: trevor@indochine-asset.com Harry Usher Lady Pie Phuket Coordinator Email: phuket@austchamthailand.com

From the Board

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

President’s Message

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he protests in Thailand continue, but so does a full calendar of AustCham activities with all of our recent social and business functions being fully attended. It’s very pleasing that members are finding value in the Chamber’s activities. Any ideas for future events and subjects are always gratefully received.

On that note, last month we had the pleasure of hosting a luncheon address on the economic outlook provided by Christopher Wang from ANZ Singapore and Dr Kirida Bhaopichitr from the World Bank. The interesting feature from both speakers is how quickly they see Thailand bouncing back to robust growth once the current political situation is resolved. I suppose this is a great example of what “happened in the past, happens in the future”. The speed of the economic rebound following upheavals in the past is indeed impressive. Let’s hope that also happens this time, whenever that may be.

Editorial Committee Belinda Skinner, 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 by the first day of the month for publication in the following month’s magazine.

Dr Kirida raised the so called middleincome trap challenge for Thailand. She pointed to how countries such as South Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia - who were similar to Thailand in GDP per capita – are now significantly ahead of Thailand on that measurement. This is a complex issue, and one that Thailand needs to address with vigor. I think it is an area where Australian experience can be of assistance. Hopefully implementation of the agreements supporting the ASEAN Economic Community will help put some fire into this challenge.

Information is critical to understanding risks in Business, and at time like this information of all types is critical. Not only in respect of Thailand’s political issues, but also for global and regional operating conditions, both economic and regulatory. It’s not easy. The Chamber sees its role in helping members

have access to effective information.

In our view, that is forming and fostering effective networks and then providing forums to share this information.

We have a variety of interest groups and therefore recognize that different groups need different networks and forums to meet their specific needs.

Creating networks that draw on this resource is exactly what AustCham has been doing with the Australian Business Forum – we have encouraged and, as it seems from the great interest, generated an in-market community that effectively shares knowledge and information about business in Thailand and Australia.

By the time this goes to press the Chamber would have completed the 5 March Annual general meeting of members. Of course a major feature of the AGM is the election of a board of directors for the 2014/15 year. Judging by the expressions of interest and applications on the table to date, your goal of having an effective, diverse yet fully represented board should be achieved.

One of my goals was to try and have a strong Eastern Seaboard presence on our board, which we should be able to achieve that goal. Diversity of networks should be a feature of the new board.

On a final note, I would like to very much thank the retiring board for their untiring efforts through the year. A year that I believe was a positive one for the chamber and big thank you to all of our members for their support and encouragement, it’s greatly appreciated.

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

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

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business brief

How Resilient Is Your Business in Thailand?

By Rupert Evill and Jeremie Duthel

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he international business community in Thailand often say they’re no strangers to upheaval.

The managing director of an FMCG distributor, in country since 2006, recently ironised on the fact that since the beginning of his tenure, there have been “a military coup, six prime ministers, the seizure of the airport, the torching of a mall, major floods and recurrent protests”. And yet, his business has been growing steadily.

Nonetheless, profound uncertainties are now prompting businesses to consider three crucial questions: How vulnerable is my organisation to disruptions? Could my business partner become embroiled in the ongoing political rift? On what intelligence shall I base strategic decisions?

What could the impact of disruptions be on my business in thailand?

Answering this question requires us to look back at precedents and ahead to potential scenarios.

Sathorn) needed to be vacated. Despite the fact that protests had been mounting, lots of organisations were caught off-guard because they had no business continuity arrangements in place.

For example, some of them didn’t have proper IT capability to ensure their staff could work from home. Others were much better prepared and allowed staff to work from alternative locations.

and devise suitable plans. Manufacturing sites, for example, need to think about contingencies for denial of supply of logistics services (customs clearance, freight forwarders, and transporters). But equally, they must consider denial of access to their facility, or denial of workforce: what if staff fail to show up for work because they need to look after dependents if schools close as the crisis exacerbates?

The crux is for businesses to understand what type of disruptions may impact the future of their activities in Thailand. The response will vary according to the criticality of the assets in Thailand and the location. Of course, tourism and the hospitality industry are particularly vulnerable, but so is any group relying on Thailand for its global supply chain.

While some businesses can simply tolerate the situation without reinforcing their resilience capabilities, they seem to be the exception now. Most businesses now want to ensure they have a plan to account for employees (and respond to an escalating security situation), that they have proper business continuity arrangements should their premises become inaccessible, and that they’re equipped with the right decision making tools should the situation worsen.

Businesses rely heavily on the good infrastructure available across Thailand. But scenarios involving its critical infrastructure – roads, ports, airports – being impaired by the conflict can no longer be entirely ruled out. Resilient businesses will analyse external dependencies with a focus on infrastructure and public services and the potential impact that their unavailability would cause,

Could Commercial Prospects Be Impacted By The Political Rift?

Testing your business resilience in Thailand requires you to consider the standing of your key stakeholders, especially your

In November 2008, during the seizure of Suvarnabhumi, no businesses expected that peaceful yellow shirt protesters could be let into a critical piece of infrastructure, causing air traffic on Thailand’s international routes for cargo and passengers to come to a complete standstill for a week.

This halt to air cargo caused US$93m in losses to high-tech electronics manufacturers. Businesses coped by rerouting air cargo through Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, which increased costs dramatically, while lots of businesses were left with few options due to the limited capacity offered by freight forwarders.

In May 2010, during the occupation of Ratchaprasong, the heart of Bangkok’s shopping district, it is estimated that retailers in the area lost US$6m per day.

By mid-May 2010, most office buildings in downtown Bangkok (Sukhumvit, Silom,

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business brief

business partners, with the various protagonists. Was the crucial concession or award granted by a politician, or organisation, that the opposition may seek to persecute? Are any of your business partners aligned, or financially supporting, one side or the other? Where do your employees’ sympathies lie, and those of any relevant unions? How does this sit with the stakeholders – including local politicians, bureaucrats, businesses and residents – in your principal areas of operation? The same considerations should be afforded your key customers, partners and suppliers.

mous in victory and may seek to pursue vendettas, making spurious (or perhaps legitimate) allegations and mounting investigations, instigating purges, forcing revocations and, at worst, imprisonment.

These worst case scenarios should not be overstated given the pluralistic nature of commerce, but some businesspeople, companies and organisations have taken sides (publicly, privately or tacitly). Understanding the exposure within your immediate commercial ecosystem will help you navigate the coming months and make the requisite contingency plans.

Understanding the answers to these questions will help you prepare for, manage and avoid potentially debilitating problems. With considerable polarisation on the factory floor, but also in the boardroom, whatever the outcome of the current political machinations there will be losers. Those losers may not accept the new status quo, further exacerbating tensions. The victors may not be magnani-

On what intelligence should I base strategic decisions?

AustChamThailand Advance

How do you make all these decisions when information in the media and on the street is asymmetric, rabid or muzzled? How do you determine if what you are told is true? How do you find out about issues that are intentionally kept discreet, like undisclosed links between politicians and businesspeople?

Some of the information will be very hard to access, as people are reticent about talking and have vested interests in keeping their counsel. Other morsels of salient commentary will be lost in the din of opprobrium and rhetoric. As you know your markets and have extensive networks and deep knowledge, you need a trusted advisor to work with you to identify any gaps in your existing knowledge, or the assumptions you want tested. We’ve been answering these questions for decades, contextualising and qualifying information, to ensure you access highly reliable and balanced intelligence.

This article is contributed by Rupert Evill, Director of Global Risk Analysis, and Jeremie Duthel, Senior Crisis Consultant at Control Risks. Control Risks is an independent, global risk consultancy specialising in helping organisations manage political, integrity and security risks in complex and hostile environments. For more information, please visit www.controlrisks.com.

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business brief

Partnering with the Thai Government – The New PPP Act

By Chris Larkin

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Key features of the new PPP Act

ast October saw the new Public Private Partnership law come into effect in Thailand. Unfortunately the events of recent months have largely overshadowed what is, we think, a substantive piece of legislation which will change how the private sector partners and shares risk, with the Thai government - regardless of who is in power.

According to the Ministry of Finance (“MOF”), the PPP Act represents a fundamental change by introducing clear systematic guidelines and proper risk allocation and management to implement PPP projects, enhancing national competitiveness and fiscal discipline. The new framework, according to the MOF, will provide the following structure and benefits:

This article will provide our take on some of the issues - and risks - both the Thai government and international investors might face as the new law and legislation are bedded down.

1. A Public Private Partnership “Master Plan”; 2. The establishment of a PPP Policy Committee to define the PPP Master Plan and Secretariat to operate as the policy advisory body to the Committee; 3. Streamlined procedures; 4. Clearer time frames; 5. Standard contract terms and guidelines on post-contract management of projects; 6. Provision for detailed and rigorous project calculation; and 7. A “Project Development Fund” aimed at providing seed money for PPP feasibility studies.

PPP Act – an overview The new Act, aptly titled the Private Investment in State Undertaking Act B.E. 2556 (“PPP Act”) replaces the 20-year-old Public Participation in State Undertaking Act B.E. 2535 (more commonly known as the “Joint Venture Act”).

The PPP Act covers investments of one billion Baht (US$33m) and above, though we understand consideration is being given to broadening the Act to cover budgets under this threshold.

The main feature of the PPP Act is that it seeks to streamline project approval processes. Under the old Act, investment was held hostage to multi agency processes, inter-agency rivalry and the need for repeat submissions and approvals to cabinet during project development phases. These obstacles created the incentive to avoid the requirements of the JV Act by artificially splitting major contracts into smaller contracts under the one billion Baht JV Act threshold.

These artificial contract splits were often flagged by the Office of the Attorney General and the NESDB, rendering them illegal. This slowed down progress as projects were halted and contracts redone according to the requirements of the JV Act, which included submitting the project for cabinet approval – a lengthy process.

The new legislation should, in theory, speed up and facilitate private investment spending into the country, particularly in public infrastructure. We also expect the Act to facilitate opportunities in other areas such as service, management and lease contracts, as well as B.O.T arrangements. Concessions as well as joint ventures will also be on the table for investors to consider, providing a broader range of partnering options with the government.

In all, such legislation will provide more sophisticated ways for both the government and private sector to better identify and allocate projects and financial risks.

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One of the major criticisms of the previous JV Act revolved around the lack of specificity surrounding what projects qualified as joint ventures between the state and the private sector. The new PPP Act defines a “State Undertaking” as involving activities which either involve both local and national government agencies and SOE’s, or activities which utilise the “natural resources or assets” of one or more of these agencies.

To a large extent, on paper at least, the PPP Act has attempted to address a number of criticisms and deficiencies of the old Joint Venture Act. As such, the new Act provides for: a) Comprehensive institutional and regulatory framework; b) Methodology for the allocation of risk and / or project evaluation; c) Value for Money (‘VfM) Analysis; d) Contract Management; and e) A Central Agency – in this case the State Enterprise Policy Office (“SEPO”) at the MOF to oversee investments.

The consideration period for new projects has also been reduced to seven to 12 months, instead of 20 to 30 months currently.

Helping shorten this timeframe are reduced requirements for consulting cabinet during the project development phase.

Additionally, the new law provides for the establishment of a ‘Project Development Fund’ to support PPP projects. The MOF plans to establish a venture fund worth 2 billion Baht to be used as seed money for investment projects. Private firms can borrow money from the fund to conduct feasibility studies and are required to pay back the money only when they receive profit from projects.

AustChamThailand Advance

business brief

Finally, there will be scope in the new law to require agencies to consider PPP alternatives and justify non-PPP options. This will force government agencies to seriously analyse whether they will be getting ‘value for money’ from PPP proposals, by comparing those to the ‘value for money’ that might be achieved via financing from the central budget.

Thailand’s new PPP czar – SEPO The new Act mandates that the PPP Committee will be supported by State Enterprise Policy Office (“SEPO”) at the MOF. The body will responsible for drafting guidelines to encourage PPPs, recommending selection methods to the PPP Committee, studying and analysing projects, preparing a draft PPP Strategic Plan, and related matters, all at the approval of the PPP Committee.

This change represents a significant power shift from sector or line Ministries to the MOF. With the core participation in the Committee by finance and legal related personnel, it can be assumed that over time, this structure will result in a more expeditious process as well as, hopefully, a more hard-nosed look at infrastructure policy proposals, especially from a ‘Value for Money’ perspective. However, we do expect there to be some significant growing pains in the interim. These include: • SEPO initially being significantly under resourced to properly assess new PPP projects, slowing the anticipated approval time frames.

• Lack of specific guidance. SEPO have yet to make clear to the public how investment decisions will be assessed.

We understand the Asian Development Bank has offered AustChamThailand Advance

assistance in developing these guidelines, though investors should not be expecting detailed guidance provided by other PPP agencies, such as Partnerships Victoria in Australia.

• Creating such a powerful infrastructure body creates a set of unintended consequences. These include SEPO becoming the target of internal power plays and empire building by ambitious, but not necessarily technically competent officials, as has been seen in some other parts of government, particularly in Energy and Telecoms regulators.

Conclusion We think that the new PPP Act represents a massive step forward in the way the government will be able to work and share risk with the private sector. The new law then is a substantial achievement, many years in the making under governments of both stripes. Current political turmoil will mean that the ‘bedding down’ of the legislation will take time, and we have also outlined some of the growing pains likely to be encountered internally.

Nevertheless, we think investors should feel hopeful as this will more effectively facilitate investment into Thailand in areas where government is required as a partner.

This article was contributed by Chris Larkin, Managing Director of CLC Asia. Chris is a former internal Thai government advisor, and still regularly consults back to government. CLC Asia is a government affairs and corporate advisory firm, headquartered in Bangkok. The company provides services in four key areas: Market and industry analysis, political and country risk analysis, government relations and communications, and policy advisory.

For more information about CLC Asia, please visit www.clcasia.com or email Chris at chris@clc-asia.com .

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community services

AustCham Breaks Community Services Record

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hen we announced AustCham’s community services success at the end of 2013, even we were a little surprised! AustCham – with the invaluable help from members and friends – raised the most money it has ever raised for its community services programme, including one million Baht in cash. It goes without saying that 2013 was an extremely busy but equally positive year for AustCham’s community services; and this deserves a little attention.

In 2013, AustCham’s main community services focus was on The Beaumont Partnership Foundation, which opened the Beaumont Ruan Pattana School in Chaiyaphum Province last May. The school was established to help underprivileged rural communities in their struggle to improve standards of living by offering free high level education to enable students to maximise their potential. In return for this free education, family members of the students contribute a minimum of ten hours a month to the school’s activities and administrative responsibilities.

By May 2013, the school had completed Phase One of the three-part project. This included a fully-operating Kindergarten and Primary Year One classroom along with an administration block and library.

Phases Two and Three will see the school expand to include a Community Centre, Swimming Pool, Canteen, Hard Court and additional Primary as well as Secondary classrooms. A number of business enterprises have been set up within the community to ensure that the school becomes fully self-sustainable in a number of years.

On the evening of our February Sundowners, AustCham President, Leigh ScottKemmis, proudly presented a cheque of one million Baht to The Beaumont Foundation. AustCham raised the staggering sum by selling raffle tickets, auctions and promoting member contributions throughout 2013. In addition, AustCham members and friends also sponsor 11 students for a six-year study period at the school.

In total, this means that AustCham raised

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more than 3 million Baht for The Beaumont Foundation in 2013!

AustCham’s community service efforts do not end there, however. We also strongly support the Convoy for Kids charity, which aims to put some fun into the lives of handicapped and underprivileged children as well as give them financial support. This year, AustCham organised a fun day out to Safari World for over 150 children from The Pakred School in Nonthaburi and Sister Joan’s Klong Toey Slums project, and held a Convoy for Kids Golf Day from in honour of the charity.

AustCham also sponsors a number of schools in Chonburi and Rayong provinces.

Once a month, a number of volunteers from the AustCham community visit one of the schools and teach English language to the students. This not only encourages the children to be enthusiastic about learning English, but it also exposes them to a multicultural environment from a young age.

Finally, AustCham provides an opportunity for charities to receive publicity and donations at its monthly Sundowner events through the Sundowners Community Services Sponsor programme. All charities can apply for this sponsorship opportunity.

Those selected will have the chance to display promotional material at Sundowners and receive 50 Baht per guest.

AustCham would like to thank all of its members and friends for their continued support throughout 2013. As we move further into 2014, we would also like to thank and introduce our Community Services Partners, PeopleServe Asia Ltd and PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited, and our Community Services Supporters, BSL Leasing Co., Ltd, Thai-Australian Technological Services Center (TATSC), TICON Industrial Connection Public Company Limited and Mr Angus Kent, for their kind donations. We look forward to another successful community services year!

For more information about AustCham’s community services, please visit https://www.austchamthailand.com/ communityservices To donate or become a Community Service Sponsor, please visit www. austchamthailand.com/donations

AustChamThailand Advance

Chamber Events

Multi-Chamber Manufacturers Group Get Serious about Employee Drug Use

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rug use amongst employees is a growing concern for manufacturing businesses in Thailand. Aside from the obvious workplace health and safety issues, drug use and possession is a serious offense. In response to growing addictions, the Thai Government has implemented a strict Drug Testing Protocol. It allows local officials and enforcement personnel to conduct random, unannounced drug testing in both Thai and Foreign manufacturing companies that are under reasonable suspicion of employing drug-users. This can pose major disruptions to factory operations and result in staff absences for those who test positive. It also presents a moral dilemma for company executives in dealing with drug users.

In recognising the magnitude of this issue, AustCham facilitated its first meeting for the Multi-Chamber Manufacturers Group (MMG) on 17 January at the Marriot Hotel in Pattaya. With a focus on knowledge sharing and addressing common industry issues, the first MMG attracted professionals from more than 20 manufacturing companies operating across Thailand.

Ben Mitchel, Managing Director of ARB, spoke candidly about his recent experience with the Thai Government’s Drug Testing Protocol. ARB, a world leader in off-road accessories design, was unexpectedly approached by local authorities to undergo random drug testing after allegations about possible illegal drug dealing within the company’s premises. What at first seemed like a daunting experience, proved worthwhile in allowing ARB to address the issue head-on. All employees, including senior management, underwent drug testing without prior notice. Of the 290 employees, 37 (12.75 per cent) tested positive to ‘ya-baa’, a popular methamphetamine. Although this figure was lower than expected, ARB have contin-

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ued to carry-out random drug-testing each month. They also offered rehabilitation to those employees who tested positive on a first occasion.

Khun Malai Tongkum, Assistant District Chief Officer in the Pluak Daeng District, joined the MMG to provide further insight into government policies. The Drug Testing Protocol allows local officials and enforcement personnel to conduct random, unannounced drug testing in both Thai and Foreign manufacturing companies that are under reasonable suspicion of employing drug-users. During the tests, all employees are searched and tested for illegal drugs. Those found to be carrying drugs are arrested on the spot, while those who test positive are removed from the premises and offered rehabilitation.

Since on-the-spot urine tests are not 100 per cent accurate, employees who test positive have the right to request a secondary drug test at a local medical facil-

ity. If however the subsequent test proves positive, the individual is charged with a criminal offense.

Khun Malai emphasised that cooperation with local authorities is highly recommended. ”If you suspect anyone of dealing, holding or using illegal drugs in and around your premises you should contact local authorities directly” Khun Malai said. The authorities will deal with the matter in accordance with Thai law. If no criminal charges are laid, i.e. drug testing proves positive but no drugs are found on the person, it is up to the company’s discretion and employment policy of how to proceed further.

For more information about the topic and the MMG, please contact the MMG facilitators and representatives, Neal Brazel (Bladerunner Consulting Asia Co. Ltd) at neal@bladerunnerconsulting.com or Trevor Dick (Australasia Holdings Ltd) at trevor@ausasiah.com .

AustChamThailand Advance

Women With a Mission is delighted to invite friends and supporters to join their Chamber Events

5TH ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

Proudly supported by Aust ChamThailand

Australia Day Golf Tournament Date: Friday, 18 October 2013 Friday 24 January 2014 at Muan Kaew Golf Oasis

12:00 Noon shotgun start (registra�on from 11:00am - 11:45am) Time: This year, AustCham heldPhoenix Golf Club (Sukhumvit Road, KM158, Huai Yai) Loca�on: its first ever Australia Day Golf Tournament at the Muan Kaew Golf Oasis in Bangkok. As a business chamber, AustCham endeavours to facilitate professional connections and strengthen the Australian-Thai business community.

The Golf Tournament is just one example of the new initiatives AustCham is taking in 2014 to stay true to its “Business.

B3,500 per golfer or B14,000 per team of 4. OPEN TO MEN AND WOMEN. Player Fee: Connections.

Community” motto. A total of 122 members and friends joined this great opportunity to enjoy a day of golfing, develop new connections and simultaneously celebrate Australia’s national day. We would like to thank all those who joined us in this special celebration. We would also like to extend a special thank you to our naming rights sponsor, Natural Ville, and our hole sponsors, Baker Tilly Thailand Limited, NS BlueScope, CEVA Logistics, MBTI, Meinhardt (Thailand) Ltd, Rose Marie Academy, Syntex, VAST Consultant, and Western Digital (WD), for their wonderful support.

Includes green fee, caddy, goody bag & tournament golf shirt. Dinner and award ceremony at Phoenix Golf Course from 6pm, free-flow beer & wine.

Cart and �p not included. Non-golfers welcome to join buffet, cost B500.

All proceeds from the event will benefit children in Women With a Mission's NOURISH, EDUCATE and CARE programmes in Thailand.

See www.mywwm.org for more informa�on.

For bookings or further informa�on, please call Kylie 087-482 3520, Rosanne 081-865 0714, or Bronwyn 089-898 0658, or email info@mywwm.org.

PREMIUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE STILL AVAILABLE! Being an event sponsor provides addi�onal support to this great cause and is a great way to promote your company. For more informa�on on the packages available, please contact Kylie Grimmer (087-482 3520); Rosanne Diamente (081-865 0714) or Paul Wilkinson (081-903 9477).

Title Sponsor Organised By:

Hole Sponsors Proudly Supported By:

Media and Hole Sponsors:

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AustChamThailand Advance

Chamber Events

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Chamber Events

Bangkok Sundowners Wednesday 5 February 2014 at Hilton Sukhumvit Hotel Hosted by the Hilton Sukhumvit Hotel, the first Sundowners of 2014 was a great start to the new year. Guests were welcomed to the hotel’s elegantly decorated function hall and treated to a large selection of delicious foods and drinks. The night was filled with lucky winners as five guests won special vouchers from the generous Hilton Team. The Australian Ambassador, HE James Wise, and AustCham President, Leigh Scott-Kemmis, added to the excitement by presenting a cheque of one million Baht cash to the Beaumont Partnership Foundation, highlighting AustCham’s 2013 community service success. We would like to extend a very special thank you to the Hilton Sukhumvit, our venue sponsor, for their exceptional hospitality and wonderful service. We would also like to thank all of our guests for joining us in celebrating our first Sundowners of the year!

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Chamber Events

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1) Peter Skinner, The Beaumont Partnership Foundation; Chris Ehmann, Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok; Belinda Skinner, TopTalentAsia, AustCham Vice President; Australian Ambassador to Thailand HE Mr James Wise; Leigh Scott-Kemmis, DBM (Thailand), AusCham President. 2) John Pollard, Meinhardt; David Mills, Convoy for Kids; Evan Gillanders, Thai Leighton Limited; John Gillies, Thai Leighton Limited. 3) Evan Gillanders, Thai Leighton Limited; Tony Cain; John Sands, John Jenner International. 4) Pakin Chanmeesri, The Sukhothai Bangkok; Santisuk (Sunny) Vuttara, The Sukhothai Bangkok; Phamondate Rukdee, AES Group. 5) Anutra Khamthian, Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok; Elizabeth Dass-Brown, Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa; Dollada Thamtanakorm, Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok. 6) Jennifer Allen, Australian Embassy; Neungreuthai Yu-lam, Antares Leasing Limited; Tim Jackson, Australian Embassy; Nishant Mitra, L-Tag Technologies. 7) John Anderson, Meinhardt; Kochakorn Sookprayoch, Meinhardt; Sirisopa Tanbunpherum, KU DE TA (Thailand); Shane Burt, CEVA Logistics. 8) Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok Team. 9) Peter Skinner, The Beaumont Partnership Foundation; Leigh Scott-Kemmis, DBM (Thailand), AusCham President; Australian Ambassador to Thailand HE Mr James Wise; Belinda Skinner, TopTalentAsia, AustCham Vice President. 10) Renee Bowman, AustCham Executive Director; Josh Hyland, AEC South East Asia, AustCham Director. 11) Happy Sundowners guests.

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Chamber Events

Vinarco International Tri-Nations “Braai” BBQ Tuesday 11 February 2014 at The Sukhothai Hotel Bangkok

AustCham and the New Zealand and South African Chambers of Commerce once again put on a spectacular TriNations BBQ this year. Held at the beautiful Sukhothai Hotel in Bangkok, the Vinarco International Tri-Nations “Braai” BBQ welcomed members and friends to an evening of multi-cultural fun. Our guests enjoyed fabulous selections of food and wines in the outside garden, while mingling with friends and peers. We would like to extend a special thank you to our naming-rights sponsor, Vinarco, for their exceptional support. We would also like to thank our event sponsors, MBMB, Meinhardt, Samitivej Hospital and Sri Ayudhaya, for making this evening possible.

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Chamber Events

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AUSTCHAM MEMBERS

AustCham Welcomes New Members BluFox (Thailand) Co., Ltd Unit 348-9, 4th Floor, 145 Racquet Club Bldg III, Sukhumvit Soi 49/9 Klongton Nua, Wattana,Bangkok,10110 Phone: +662 762 7844 Fax: +662 762 7845 Email: info@blufoxrelocation.com Website: www.blufoxrelocation.com Representatives: Nick Chomonter - General Manager Erik Dahlstrom - Managing Director Company Profile: BluFox is an international moving company with offices in Bangkok and Singapore, utilising the latest transportation software and some of the most experienced personnel and management in the industry.

Products and Services: International moving, relocation, marine insurance, storage, pet relocation.

Neon Group Co., Ltd 1213/184 Soi Latprao 94 (Panjamit), Phlubphla, Wang Thonglang, Bangkok 10310 Phone: +662 559 2330 Fax: +662 559 2350 Email: service@neongroup.co.th Website: www.neongroup.co.th Primary Representative: Tony Wright - Managing Director Jarntharat Chomthong - Sales Manager Company Profile: Neon Group is a manufacturer’s representative and marketing and distribution company. We are presently the exclusive distributor for Air Aroma products

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and services in Thailand. We are experts in the use and application of scent marketing concepts and equipment for special events and permanent space scenting, odour control and aroma marketing.

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- Booking Engine software for hotels Change of Representative • Mr Viroj Piyawattanametha, Partner is a new representative of Baker & McKenzie • Mr Nick Reitmeier, Vice President - Buying, Own Brands, and Premium Format Development is a new representative of Central Food Retail Co., Ltd. • Ms Chanida Phuensaen, General Manager - Marketing Communication is a new representative of Central Food Retail Co., Ltd. • Mr Damien Kerneis, Key Account Manager - Vertical Market is a new representative of Geodis Wilson Thai Ltd • Mr Pichain Datedecho, National Sales Manager is a new representative of Geodis Wilson Thai Ltd • Mr Thomas Schmelter, General Manager is a new representative of Intercontinental Bangkok • Mr Santisuk Vuttara, Director of Sales & Marketing is a new representative of The Sukhothai Bangkok • Ms Nawaporn Purananda, Director of Sales is a new representative of The Sukhothai Bangkok Change of Company Name • Bangkok Base has changed company name to Antares Group Change of Company Address • Parker Bridge Recruitment Co., Ltd. Unit 1206 12th Floor One Pacific Place, 140 Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey Wattana, Bangkok 10110 • Transpo International Ltd. (Head Office) 3388/9, 74-77 Sirinrat Building 3rd B, 21st Floor, Rama IV Road, Klongton Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110

AustChamThailand Advance

AustCham Annual Gold Sponsor: NS BlueScope (Thailand)

From the Chamber

So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish: A message from Belinda Skinner After six years, AustCham Thailand says goodbye to Vice President Belinda Skinner. Belinda has been involved with the Chamber, both behind the scenes and in the public eye, and we extend our sincere thanks for everything she has done and accomplished. It is fitting that this month’s Q&A explores Belinda’s time with the Chamber.

During your time on the Board, what has been your involvement?

Most people know me for sticking my nose into everything!

For most of the time, I was involved in everything I could be.

I helped organise the AustCham Balls, AFL events, and Business Awards. I have acted as HR representative for the office and have been involved in the recruitment of Executive Directors. I have also been fortunate to represent the board on several occasions for various events with visiting dignatories etc.

I am on the Community Services Committee and also head the English Teaching program, for which I actually write the lesson plans. I also oversee AustCham communications, including Advance magazine, the handbook, the website, and emails. The role that I have loved this year was being MC for Sundowners and other events. I am very proud of the fact that I now actually get a room full of quiet people at the Sundowners! It’s a respect I have been trying to give our generous sponsors for years.

How did you balance your day job with all those responsibilities?

I’m sure my boss was going to ask me the same question for a while there! No seriously, as much as I love the board, it is a volunteer position and we cannot forget our main priority is our full time employment. I am the Country Manager of a specialist recruitment company, TopTalentAsia, we look after mid to senior level executive positions. I have a great, successful team and they are very supportive of my role on the Board.

What is special to you about AustCham?

I think we are different from all other Chambers. We aren’t the biggest, but we are very active. I may sound like a broken record when I say that I’m proud of our diversity. Just look at the Board – we have such a mix of people. We have young, experienced, male, female, Western, Thai. We also have representation from small, medium and large companies across a wide variety of industries. Each board member has unique qualities and opinions – which makes for interesting meetings sometimes!

We also have the best networking function in Thailand! Our monthly ‘Sundowners’ is the biggest and most successful net-

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working event. I’ve met many business people from around the world who will say to me they have been informed that they must attend the AustCham ‘sundowners’!

What changes have you seen in AustCham in the past six years?

Many! As each Executive Director or President has come and

AustChamThailand Advance

From the Chamber

gone, they changed the Chamber in some way. Our latest change was to introduce our motto “Business. Connections.

Community”. I think it’s great and makes us more focused. Everything we do now we ensure we cover off on these important aspects. We don’t want to sway too much to one area – we don’t want to focus on too many social events to the detriment of business; we don’t want to focus too much on business and forget to have fun; we don’t want to forget how lucky we are to be in this country and to be able to give something back. We are about bringing people together, connecting people in some way, growing their business and looking after our community.

During your time as a board member, have you met any interesting or special people?

Many. Everyone is interesting and unique I suppose. During my six years, I have served with four Presidents and four Executive Directors. Each one has had a distinct style and personality. Each one has offered the Chamber something different and has advanced it in some way. Each one has devoted so much of their time and this is something many people don’t appreciate. I don’t think there will ever be two people the same and I hope not.

I’ve made some great business connections for my business certainly and I’ve been able to connect many people too. The office staff are a wonderful bunch too. They are extremely loyal and will undertake any task put to them. They work hours outside the normal office hours to ensure our functions run smooth as possible.

However there was one very special person I met through the Chamber, and sadly we’ve just lost her. Dr Valerie McKenzie was a lovely special lady who gave a great deal of time to the Chamber. I owe her a lot and sadly I never got the opportunity to thank her. She was a very proud lady and wanted people to remember her the way she was. We will all miss her very much.

As you step down from the Board, what is next for you?

Good question. I will still be involved with teaching and Community Services for sure. If the Chamber wants an MC, they can always call. You can’t keep me away from the mic! I will certainly still attend many of the functions etc. In my spare time I think I may go back to stage with the Bangkok Community Theatre; something which I gave up when I joined the Board.

Do you have any parting words for us?

A huge thank you to everyone I have met and worked with during my tenure. I’ve learnt an incredible amount and I think I’ve grown as a person and in business. The board members I have worked with have been great and certainly interesting, and I have learnt a lot from the EDs and Presidents. Lastly the office staff, what a great bunch – thank you for your hard work and for being so accommodating.

I’ll still be around and remain involved in various things. You can’t get rid of me that easy!

AustChamThailand Advance

March 2014

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From the Chamber

Tribute to Dr Valerie McKenzie It is with great sadness that we advise of the passing of Dr Valerie McKenzie.

Valerie was a lovely lady with a heart of gold and a long term supporter of the Chamber as well as Convoy for Kids. We will deeply miss her.

Valerie was a long term resident in Thailand and declared Bangkok her home. She migrated to Australia with her family as a young girl, boarding a ship for the long journey to Fremantle. On arriving in Fremantle, Val’s vivid experience of Australia was tasting ice cream for the first time – and passionfruit at that. She thought Australia had ice cream with bugs in! Something she said she would never forget.

Valerie was a huge supporter of AustCham, attending most events and functions, and promoting AustCham wherever possible. She also assisted with the PR and became a trusted advisor during difficult times when media statements or releases were needed.

The Board and Chamber staff send their condolences to Valerie’s family and friends. She will be deeply missed.

AustCham Bronze Corporate Sponsor: Toll

From the Chamber

An extensive network in Thailand matched with global reach Toll operates one of the largest and most extensive logistics networks in the Asia-Pacific region and employs 45,000 people via a network of 1200 sites in over 50 countries.

Toll first started providing logistics services in Thailand in 2002 – since then, we’ve built an extensive network across the country, including distribution centers in key locations.

We offer multinational corporations operating in Thailand and local companies the convenience of a full suite of supply chain solutions from a single provider.

Our scope of services include express delivery, freight forwarding, specialised logistics and 3PL services, enabling us to provide end-to-end supply chain management.

Call +66 2769 8900 #111/200 bd.thailand@tollgroup.com www.tollgroup.com/tollgloballogistics

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AustChamThailand Advance

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

From the Chamber Office

Message from the Executive Director

Calendar of Events Wednesday 5 March AustCham Annual General Meeting

Time: 17:00 – 18:00 Venue: Ballroom II, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok Bangkok Sundowners

Time: 18:00 – 21:00 Venue: The Campus, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok Corporate Sponsor: Meinhardt (Thailand) Ltd Friday 21 March Eastern Seaboard Sundowners

Time: 18:00 – 21:00 Venue: Centara Grand Phratamnak, Pattaya

R

isk, in the context of business, encapsulates many elements; financial and legislative risks; technical risks such as inadequate processes; political and environmental risks like changes in government or extreme weather conditions; and organisational risks such as poor leadership and governance, a lack of strategic direction, damaged reputation or having a high turnover of staff.

In the March edition of Advance we feature a number of articles on managing risk and making your business more resilient. A business that doesn’t plan for risk ends up dealing with it in a reactive manner by trying to minimise injury, damage or loss. A well prepared business proactively identifies critical business functions, resources and infrastructure which, if disrupted, would have an impact on operations and assets. It attempts to foresee all potential outcomes and has a continuity plan in place to minimise the impact of threats whilst simultaneously maximising opportunities.

For AustCham, risk has been a key consideration for many operational decisions over the past few months. Political uncertainty, civil demonstrations, and indications of an economic downturn have presented AustCham with an array of challenges. In spite of this, membership is at an all-time high and attendance at AustCham functions continues to thrive. Our inaugural Natural Ville Australia

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Day Golf Tournament saw 121 golfers endure challenging conditions to compete for victory and prizes at the Muang Kaew Golf Club. A special note of thanks is extended to our sponsors Natural Ville, BlueScope, Meinhardt, Baker Tilly Thailand, CEVA, Mbti, Rose Marie Academy, Syntec, Western Digital and Vast Consultants.

Over the last few months, many people have asked what I hope to achieve in my new role. Listening, observing and learning about AustCham‘s business, culture, people and processes has allowed me to conduct a thorough appraisal of the business and identify key challenges and opportunities in 2014. What is apparent is the fine balance between engaging effectively, maintaining the needs of a diverse range of stakeholders, anticipating environmental trends, seeking opportunities for growth, moving from talk to innovative action, achieving operational efficiency, and weighing up the impact of decisions against the bottom line. In the coming weeks, I look forward to sharing with you more details about AustCham’s key priorities for the year ahead.

Thank you to our February sponsors

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

AustChamThailand Advance

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