ADVANCE ~ November 2009

AustChamThailand

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AUSTRALIA THAILAND BUSINESS COUNCIL www.austchamthailand.com November 2009

AustCham Thailand AFL Grand Final Day 2009 IN THIS EDITION

Australian Education Supplement Business Briefs The Transformer Series: dusitD2

6

community services Jesters Care for Kids Charity Drive on 13 September 2009

20

community services CFK Cheque Presentation on 24 September 2009

22

chamber events Sponsors’ Cocktails at the Ambassador’s Residence

28

��������� ��� �������� ������� �����

���������������������������� ���

������

��������������

��� �!��"#��$"#%

���������� &%����

�#$��'�� ��%

��������� ���$��%���$"!�� (��%�� #

�� �%���)� * �� +�%���%����$�,--��.��)�$��'#��$ &% �* �� +�%����$�%��%)��% #�/01��.��)�$��'#��$ &% ��#�'"#$�%#���'����% �%�*���$�)%+���$%�+%��) �#� �������� �������������������������

������������������������������������������� !"�����#��� $%%�����&'��'�������!���(�)��&'��'��&�� ���#����������� !"�����#���

We live in your world.

At ANZ Private Bank we are committed to providing clients with a deeper understanding to make better decisions when it comes to growing and protecting their wealth.

Whether you are looking for lending solutions, financial advisory or investment options, our dedicated experts will take a holistic view of your situation and create solutions that give you access to the right products, services and relationships throughout the region.

Regardless of your financial needs, from a simple solution to a sophisticated wealth plan, ANZ Private Bank will assist you in achieving your individual goals and ambitions. We live in your world.

Contact ANZ Private Bank by calling (65) 6539 8000 or email privatebanksg@anz.com.

anz.com/singapore Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (“ANZ�) ABN 11 005 357 522. The above is published for information and general circulation purposes only and does not constitute nor purport to constitute any form of advice, recommendation or offer to sell or issue, or invitation to offer, or solicitation, to buy, invest in or subscribe for any product or service, and any representation or warranty in respect of any product or service. Please contact your ANZ Private Banker for additional information in regard to prevailing charges, credit criteria, standard terms and conditions. Certain products may be subject to foreign currency fluctuations which may impact your principal outstandings in local currency terms, including the potential for capital losses. We recommend you speak with an ANZ Financial Advisor or seek independent financial advice to take account of your personal needs, financial circumstances and whether such product is appropriate for you (such service may incur fees and/or charges).

Contents

Business Briefs 06 The Transformer Series: dusitD2

chamber Events 24 AFL Grand Final Day 2009 26 ESB Sundowners at Amari Orchid Resort & Tower

PATRON His Excellency Paul Grigson Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand PRESIDENT Andrew Durieux Coverage Portfolio: Key Links VICE-PRESIDENTS Sutipong Ittipong Siam City Bank Portfolio: Community Services John Anderson Meinhardt Portfolio: Strategic Reviews; AFL TREASURER Nigel McKinnon Boral Thailand Portfolio: Treasury DIRECTORS David Armstrong Post Publishing Portfolio: Marketing and PR; SME Services

16 Australian Education Supplement 11 Australian-Thailand Engagement Exemplified Through the Study in Australia 2010 Initiative 14 Tertiary Study in Australia

15 New Juris Doctor Program Recognises Students’ Maturity and Proven Tertiary Success 16 Queensland Focus

Sponsor Advertorial 18 Opus Executive Search

28 Sponsors’ Cocktails at the Ambassador’s Residence 31 Breakfast Briefing 31 2009 Joint Compensation & Benefits Survey 32 Luncheon Meeting 35 Late Lunch with Ron Barassi 35 Chiang Mai Sundowners 36 Bangkok Sundowners at The Westin Grande Sukhumvit

COMMUNITY SERVICES 20 Voluntary English Teaching 20 Jesters Care for Kids Charity Drive on 22 CFK Cheque Presentation

Members’ offers 38 Members’ Offers New Members 39 New Members and Changes

36

From the Chamber Office 42 Message from the ED

Cover Photo: Australian Football Legend – Ron Barassi, AustCham AFL Grand Final Day 2009

Achara Boonyahansa Grant Thornton Portfolio: Alumni Amanda Canavan Energi Design Asia Portfolio: Business Awards; Australia Day M.L. Laksasubha Kridakon Baan Laksasubha Resort Hua Hin Portfolio: Sponsorship; Alumni Anne Lewinski AL Consultancy Portfolio: Sundowners Bangkok Belinda Skinner Talent Plus Portfolio: Communications Ben Yong Baker & McKenzie Portfolio: Governance; JFCCT and Policies Saeed Zaki dwp Portfolio: Industry Groups; Regional Sundowners Ex Officio Maurine Lam Trade Commissioner, Austrade

v From the Board

COORDINATORS Paul Whyte ESB Coordinator Email: esb@austchamthailand.com Paul Wilkinson AGS Four Winds International Moving ESB Coordinator Email: esb@austchamthailand.com Steve Brajak Raimon Land Phuket Coordinator Email: phuket@austchamthailand.com Harry Usher Lady Pie Phuket Coordinator Email: phuket@austchamthailand.com Executive Director Brett Gannaway 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, Robert Taylor, David Dombrovskis, Gregers Moller 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 david@austchamthailand.com by the first day of the month for publication in the following month’s magazine.

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

AustChamThailand Advance

Get Involved!

W

ell we are getting close to Christmas now – soon a chance for all to catch their breathe and review the year gone by and plan for the year ahead.

For publication reasons, I write this report well ahead of time, so I am hopeful that the ASEAN summit in Hua Hin proceeded calmly and various meaningful resolutions were passed and can be implemented by the member countries as soon as possible. The road to ASEAN integration has been rocky and seems to be taking forever. Local politics seem to get in the way in Thailand, and regional integration still seems a world away when individual countries cannot get their acts together. If ASEAN can progress towards a common currency with freer movement of investment and labour, whilst having excess amounts of food and water, being located in between China and India and roughly equal distances from Europe and the US, a population of 600+ million and a younger than average workforce – imagine what could be possible!

Here in Thailand the situation has been somewhat tense and various political issues are again coming to the front of mind. The impact of some of these issues for AustCham and the other Foreign Chambers of Commerce manifests itself through events such as the recent ruling stopping 76 projects on the Eastern Seaboard. This ruling has had a chilling effect on these and other major investments being considered – and has again put a dampener on the mood of local and foreign investors.

I must point out that AustCham supports the rule of law 100% and if indeed there is environmental damage being caused that is different from what was stated then we support having this situation resolved for the good of a sustainable environment for both nature and business. The clear concern in this current situation is that most of the 76 projects already believed they had undertaken the correct studies and had passed and been approved – the issue here is that the rulings seem to have a “retroactive’ effect, and this rings alarm bells for investors as it means that they could do everything correctly today, but tomorrow a law, regulation or ruling could be provided that makes their investment project stop dead.

This is an issue that impacts large companies initially, but many SMEs that supply goods and services to these (and other affected) companies will be affected also, and so this is a concern for all.

Via the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce, and its committees (Labour, Taxation, Property, Customs, ICT, Tourism and Legal), AustCham is raising these concerns with various government departments in the hope of ensuring that situations like this do not occur again.

We are calling for all interested members in these seven areas that would like to become more involved and perhaps get involved on one of the JFCCT committees and the SME sub committee within AustCham. Contact me or the office if you are interested.

On a more positive note – by now the rain should have stopped, in no small part due to our offerings to the water gods during Loy Krathong, and it should start to cool down in time for Christmas – see you all at the next event!

Andrew Durieux President, AustCham Thailand www.austchamthailand.com November 2009

5

Business Brief

The Transformer Series: dusitD2

By Michael Holt

F

or the hotel business, times are a’changing. Guests are now more likely younger generations. They are less likely to go with their parent’s tastes and even less with their parent’s loyalties. Increasingly, they are less likely to be westerners and don’t need a wide array of facilities designed to soothe the western psyche. They are interested in newer experiences... and further, they are increasingly picky about these. And in the modern age, with services such as ‘tripadvisor’ and ‘wotif’ available, the competitive space is wide open.

Dusit is a well known Thai hotelier, enjoying Royal patronage and an elevated esteem amongst most Thai people but like many large hoteliers around the world, the Dusit group faces considerable change in their business and they’ve come up with an array of responses to meet these challenges.

One of these is the dusitD2 brand, presently only with two properties, Chiang Mai and Pattaya, but with plans for more in Thailand and abroad. The dusitD2 brand is an interesting designed response to a rapidly changing business environment.

The generation that underpinned the growth of the major international brands is being replaced by younger people, from differing regions and demographics and informed by a different geopolitical landscape. Hotels no longer need to be a Euro-American respite for western travellers, seeking something safe and familiar, regardless of the location of the hotel. Grand hotels offered a full range of services within each property, so that travellers hardly needed to go off-site, except as a guided, guarded curiosity.

These oases offered an environment aimed for certain definitions of travellers that was strongly geared towards a western market and style of travel.

One strategy available to hotel companies is to specialise... to go ‘boutique’, and dusitD2 is just such an exercise. There are many ways for hotel owners to do

6

November 2009

this, and from a frequent travellers point of view, this is going to make the coming few years very interesting. Personally, I’m looking forward to seeing smaller properties with particular focus on their region, the local culture and environment and within which the local people feature in more ways than simply as waiters and room cleaners. There are many ways this interesting sector has available to

react to these changing times, and one of the most important tools available to them is design.

Hotels have long been aware of the power of design in creating defined, distinguished environments, and how to extend these through branded materials in creating a promise. What is changing now is how this process works and how

AustChamThailand Advance

Comfort defined by trust.

The first internationally managed serviced apartment is now open in Bangna.

Oakwood Residence Garden Towers Bangna Bangkok's combination of well appointed studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments is ideal for both short and long term stays.

A fitness center, aerobics room, outdoor swimming pool, business center with meeting rooms, squash courts, on site restaurant, residents' lounge and basement parking, are located on site to cater to each individual's lifestyle.

The property is in close proximity to restaurants, shops, golf courses, international schools and BITEC. Location wise, the international airport is within a 15 minute drive, whilst central Bangkok is within a 25 minute drive.

Come experience it for yourself, with our exclusive opening offer of THB 2,300* per night, for a studio deluxe and THB 2,700* per night, for a one bedroom superior. *Terms and conditions apply. Valid 31st January 2010

For further details, please visit our website or call (66-2) 769 3131 or e-mail us at sales.resbangna@oakwoodasia.com

BANGALORE. BANGKOK. BEIJING. GUANGZHOU. HANGZHOU. HYDERABAD (2011). JAKARTA. LOS ANGELES. MUMBAI. NEW DELHI (2011). PUNE. SAN FRANCISCO. SEOUL. SHANGHAI (2010). TOKYO. MANILA AND MORE

oakwood.com

Business Brief

much more design-literate newer hotel travellers are.

based architecture and interiors firm, dwp, talked of the primary inspiration for the property coming from the nearby sea, “We wanted to carry this through the design in a new way without cliché.

This included the sensuous underwater experience recreated throughout the spa areas, the pronounced keel lines associated with luxury yachts inclusive of double-stitched upholsteries in the lobby areas, with dipping pools in the suite rooms and the recreation of dusitD2’s own private beach,” says Whittaker.

The Dusit group is no different in facing these issues and has reacted by developing a range of sub-brands, Dusit Thani, Dusit Devarana, Dusit Princess, Dusit Residence and dusitD2. The ‘D2’ derives from Dusit 2nd generation, and represents an interesting response to their shifting market place. The ‘D’ could well also represent Design, and in a very contemporary way.

As with any branding exercise, the key is to properly define the audience, and in this, dusitD2 has done quite well. Too often, managers and accountants fear alienating clients, but this means that they don’t endear themselves to anyone either. Paolo Randone, PR Manager for the Pattaya property explains: “Firstly, we’re not a family hotel. Our guests don’t particularly want to have kids underfoot, and we’re not especially geared for them. Our guests are hip and young, or young at heart. They don’t want rules or to be told something isn’t possible.

Broadband access doesn’t “cost extra”.

They want personalised service, such as sparkling wine for breakfast perhaps and they want design to be a tangible part of the experience.”

There are no string quartets or lounge crooners at the dustiD2, instead guests will find visiting DJ’s, body painting sessions and occasional gay friendly cocktail evenings.

How does this translate visually into a message that speaks to their intended audience and attracts them? In 2005, the first phase brand development was under the name ‘D2 Hotels & Resorts’ and was done by the Thai office of Lowe, an international agency. This was amended in 2008 by a Thai agency, Ruyi, to its present format to align better with the other Dusit sub-brands.

The dusitD2 brand, logo and materials differ considerably from the parent brand and visual styling. Its more edgy and less focused on offering a promise of serene tranquility. The brand employs a very visible orange, a vibrant, energetic colour. Orange was once described by Frank Sinatra as “the happiest colour” (probably because that was the colour he added to his morning vodka).

Traditionally orange is one of the harder colours for printers to easily match, and

8

November 2009

Rachajaibun further speaks of the Dusit group intentions to become established as one of Asia’s leading hotel groups, one that exemplifies the concept of Thai hospitality. Whittaker reinforces this, “These strong hospitality values and the Brand Identity have been incorporated into the spatial design, which really separates dusitD2 from other brands.”

for that reason, it has been lesser used by many corporates, concerned about consistent brand management. The typeface also has been chosen for its simple lines and modern feel, and in many instances through the companies signage and literature, is used in a lower case. Imagery through the materials also reflect a very strong water theme, with even the key brochure photos taken of people whilst underwater.

In fact this offbeat approach to imagery is reflected across other materials, with quite a range of abstracted photography complimenting the more normal shots of plush interiors and fine cuisine.

An aquatic theme regularly appears, informed by perhaps by the nautical styling and lines that feature in the architecture and interior design.

It’s worth discussing how central the spatial design is to bringing the concept to life. Ms Neera Rachajaibun, Dusit’s Design Director describes the Pattaya property as “a new frontier in contemporary architecture and design.”

It’s fair to say that most new hotel developments intend that their interior design is described in glowing terms, but the difference here is how closely linked the design choices are behind the brand thinking. Scott Whittaker of Bangkok-

Like many readers, I’ve stayed in many hotels over recent years, and it is interesting to see how they differ. What are the reasons we may prefer one over another, especially if we are regularly in the same area? Just as many consumer brands are having to reinvent themselves in the face of stiffer competition, a new age of informed buying and a new generation of spenders, so hotel brands are seeking a fresh basis for engagement. dusitD2 have planted their flag in doing this, and have made some interesting choices.

Watch the emergence of Dusit and possibly other Thai or Asian hospitality brands as they face a market becoming increasingly picky, well-informed, pricesensitive and not at all western in their tastes. Watch how they’ll engage design in fresh and interesting ways (including hopefully, better utilisation of the world wide web).

Michael Holt is CEO of gH design, an international branding strategy, design and web agency with offices in Bangkok, Shanghai and Auckland.

Their website is www.ghdesignpartners. com and they are very much open for business. gH design is an emerging design company in Asia, and works in the hospitality sector, amongst others. gH design was not connected in any way with the work discussed in this article.

AustChamThailand Advance

Australian Education Supplement

Australian-Thailand Engagement Exemplified Through the Study in Australia 2010 Initiative

A

ustralian Education International (AEI) the international arm of the Australian Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) was established to develop and strengthen Australia’s role in international education.

AEI manages and maintains Australia’s offshore Governmentto-Government relationship in the education and training field; provides impartial information and advice on the Australian Endeavour Awards scholarships, education exchanges, and education opportunities in Australia, and enhances Australia’s reputation for high quality education and training at all levels of education: schools, vocational and training colleges, English language colleges, and universities. AEI facilitates Australian and Thai institutional linkages across all sectors and maintains effective relationships with agents and representatives supporting the Study in Australia brand.

The AEI network comprises 15 Counsellors for Education and 95 locally employed staff, located in selected Australian Diplomatic Missions

Pre-departure briefing session on 26 May 2009

AustChamThailand Advance

in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North and South America. The AEI Thailand office is located in the Australian Embassy and comprises a Counsellor for Education and locally employed staff.

Study in Australia 2010 is an Australian national initiative aimed at raising the profile and reinforcing the reputation of Australia’s education system and institutions, as students and parents around the world decide on their study options for 2010. The initiative was announced by the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP, in March 2009 and is being implemented

by AEI. Study in Australia 2010 provides targeted support for the Australian international education industry in what is an increasingly competitive marketplace and offers guidance and support in responding to the global economic slowdown.

The strategy aims to ensure that Australia continues to be a leading quality destination for international students. It is underpinned by four key themes:

• showcasing Australian education and training excellence; • positioning Australia in the global market; • enhancing student experience; and • supporting the Australian international education sector.

While the strategy is focusing on six key priority countries (China, India, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand), Study in Australia 2010 will also be rolled out in over 25 countries through Australian Education International.

In developing the Study in Australia 2010 activities for Thailand, AEI Thailand is working closely with key stakeholders including journalists, education agents, media and local institutions to promote Australia as a quality of study destination. Some of the activities implemented by AEI Thailand are outlined below.

Education Journalists Visit to Australia During 1 to 10 June 2009, four journalists from Bangkok Post, Matichon, Kom Chad Luek newspaper

The Journalists in Australia with AEI Thailand and Australian staff

November 2009

11

Australian Education Supplement

and Eduzone website participated in a trip to Australia visiting 14 education institutions across all sectors in Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania.

AEI conducted a pre-departure briefing session about the Australian education system and institutions to be visited, as well as travelling information.

Ms Bronte Moules, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy, met the journalists and discussed their visit with them. An AEI Thailand staff member, Khun Korbua Laorujijinda accompanied the group.

Throughout the 10-day program, journalists interviewed Thai students and met with academics to discuss various matters including institutional specialisations and areas of research, student welfare, academic programs and how Australian institutions ensured, and provided, a quality education service.

The journalists visited facilities, including laboratories, libraries, dormitories and other types of accommodation available to students.

The journalists said they experienced the ‘real study atmosphere’ in each institution they visited and returned with a high regard for Australia’s education system and process.

Print Media Campaign The Print Media Campaign being implemented by AEI Bangkok comprised 16 newspaper articles highlighting 16 fields of study and

commenced on 6 October 2009 in Bangkok Post, 7 October in Matichon, and 8 October in Kom Chad Luek. The articles reinforced the high reputation of Australia’s education system and institutions and gave readers insights from outstanding alumni and Australian and Thai academics about education programs, networking and internship opportunities provided by Australian institutions and current compelling issues such as workforce demand and future trends across a variety of fields of study. The articles are available at: www.ozthaialumni.in.th

To develop the TV campaign, in September 2009, AEI Bangkok Deputy Director Ms Watinee Kharnwong led a TV crew to film at 12 universities in Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth. The TV campaign showcased excellence in the Australian higher education system and the high quality of Australian Universities across various fields of study ranging from medical science to music and fine arts.

In its continuing engagement with agents and representatives who provide services to students (and their parents) looking to study in Australia, AEI Bangkok organised a Special AEI Education Agents Workshop and Focus Group in June 2009. The two day program comprised interactive workshops for new and early career agents addressing issues related to Australia’s regulatory framework which supports studying in Australia, as well as agent’s professional ethics and practices. Principals and owners of agencies shared their expertise and knowledge about the roles and responsibilities of education agents and shared their views about Australia as a study destination through a focus group activity. Opportunities for agents to maintain current knowledge of issues related to studying in Australian was facilitated by the opportunity for agents to complete the Education Agent Training Course (EATC). Over 150 agents attended the two day meeting.

Interviews with Thai students studying in Australia highlighted the friendly environment at Australian universities and allowed Thai students to share their personal experiences of living and studying in Australia. The program was featured as a five minute documentary called “Postcard from Australia”, a part of the Thai travel program called “Travel Note”. Which commenced on Sunday 4 October 2009, the 13 series program was broadcast nationally, as well as on: www.ozthaialumni.in.th

In addition to the workshop and focus group activity, AEI Bangkok together with the Thai International Education Consultants Association (TIECA) organised an Agent Familiarisation Trip for agents to Australia. The Familiarisation Trip was designed to strengthen the relationship between education agents in Thailand and Australian education providers, to provide education agents with first hand experience of the Australian Education System and Australian

TV Campaign

Filming at crayfish lab, School of Environment, University

12

November 2009

Agents and Representatives Engagement

Interview with Thai students at School of Veterinary & Griffith Biomedical Science, Murdoch University

AustChamThailand Advance

Australian Education Supplement

lifestyle, and to provide updated information about course developments and Australian Education policy developments to agents.

Two groups of education agents simultaneously visited Australia in September. Eighteen agents visited 16 institutions in Melbourne and Perth and a second group of seven agents visited 19 institutions in Sydney and Brisbane.

The education agents explored campuses, high technology facilities, and met with international student support units, academics/teachers and alumni across all education sectors.

Agents learned about institutions’ areas of excellence and indicated that the visit will equip them to provide a higher level of information to parents and students, about studying in Australia.

The opportunity to meet with Thai students provided the agents with valuable insights and information about real life experiences of student life in Australia.

International Conference on Learning and Teaching organised by the Thai Ministry of Education in collaboration with Thailand’s Consortium of Education Deans and Council of Education Deans from 15 to 17 October 2009.

Showcasing Australian Excellence

Mr Anthony Mackay, Executive Director of the Centre for Strategic Education, Australia, an expert in the areas of school and system leadership, improvement and innovation, delivered a keynote address on “21st Century Skills and Competencies for New Millennium Learners – the shared challenge for our school education systems – an Australian perspective”. During his visit Anthony will give a luncheon hosted by the Australian Ambassador on ”Learning Environments for our New Millennium Learners – the challenge for our schools” for senior representatives from the Ministry of Education and the Government.

To support the ongoing engagement and collaboration between Australian and Thai institutions, AEI Bangkok is supporting a number of high-profile specialist speakers to deliver keynote addresses, seminars and workshops in a variety of subject areas in Thailand.

This campaign aims to raise awareness of Australia’s excellence in research and policy development across a number of education areas.

Professor Peter Sullivan, from Monash University, a specialist in Mathematics and Science teaching and learning delivered a keynote address on “Strengthening Education in Mathematics and Science: The Australian Excellence”.

Two Australian experts presented at the

In addition, AEI arranged meetings with

Agents, institutional representative and AEI Staff in Melbourne

AustChamThailand Advance

the Ministry to discuss developments in Australia’s Maths and Science curriculum.

Virtually connecting Virtually connecting is a project established by AEI Thailand to encourage Thai and Australian institutions to share expertise, consolidate relationships and build collaboration partnerships via videoconferencing leading to academic links, joint research, joint programs and staff and student exchanges.

Endeavour Awards: Australian Scholarships The second round of the 2010 Endeavour Executive Awards will accept applications from 1 December 2009 to 31 January 2010.

The application period for the main round of the 2011 Endeavour Awards applications (postgraduate studies, research fellowships, vocational education and training, and executive awards) will be in April-July 2010.

Please visit the Endeavour Awards web site at (www.endeavour.deewr. gov.au) for more information.

Australian Education International The Australian Embassy 37 South Sathorn Road Bangkok 10120 Tel: +66 0 2344 6490 Email: enquiry@studyinaustralia.in.th Website: www.aei.dest.gov.au, www.studyinaustralia.gov.au

Agents, institutional representative and AEI Staff in Brisbane

November 2009

13

Australian Education Supplement

Tertiary Study in Australia

T

ravelling overseas to study at university or in a vocational training program is an exciting prospect for increasing numbers of Thai students. Many advantages result from such study ranging from exposure to the most recent advances in a particular field of study to the development of relationships with future colleagues from around the globe.

Australia has 38 public and two private universities and fully one third of these have been ranked in the top 500 universities in the world in a study conducted by China’s Shanghai Jiao Tong University. In a further study, London’s Times Education Supplement rated 17 Australian universities in its top 200 worldwide, with the University of Melbourne and the Australian National University rated in the top 20 [page 74-75, “Australian Education: Passport to a Global Career”(Focus,2006)]. Although criteria differ in the various university rankings made by different organisations around the world, one theme stands out: Australian universities are very highly regarded for their teaching, research and academic excellence.

For these reasons and others, the total number of students from Thailand choosing to further their studies in Australia has continued to grow significantly since 2005, with a little over 80% of students choosing to study in New South Wales or Victoria. It has been very common in the past for graduate students in Thailand taking post graduate study in Australia to major in the fields of management and commerce; however, a recent upsurge in interest and enrolments in both engineering and related technologies and in Arts, Society and Culture has also been observed.

In addition to post graduate study, in the last few years, Thai students have been opting increasingly to enrol in undergraduate degree programs at Australian universities in a diversity of disciplinary areas. This is, in part, explained by a proliferation of high quality international schools teaching I.B., U.S. and U.K. curricula and a select number of high quality Thai public schools which have critically

14

November 2009

increased the number of students with the necessary pre-requisites for overseas undergraduate study.

Unfortunately, there are significant barriers for graduating Thai secondary school students attempting to enter Australian university at the Bachelor level. At all but five Australian universities, Thai students graduating from Matayom 6 (the equivalent of Australian Year 12) must first enrol in a Foundation, Certificate or Diploma program before commencing a Bachelor program. Nevertheless, a number of Australian institutions are developing detailed equivalences between Australian and Thai secondary school curricula for entry to specific university faculties, which will make entry to these universities easier in the future and allow the universities to more accurately asses the abilities of their potential students.

An additional hurdle for both undergraduate and graduate students intending to further their studies in Australia is the requirement that they demonstrate their English language proficiency as determined by the International English Language Testing System or IELTS examination. The average score for Thai students on this exam is around 5.5, although the entry requirement for most undergraduate and post graduate degrees is 6.0 or 6.5 respectively (and can be as high as 7.0 in some faculties at selected universities).

The only assistance students receive in getting over this language hurdle is that most Australian university Foundation courses, which are completed prior to the commencement of a degree program, accept 5.5 as the English proficiency entry level and will package English courses along with a Foundations course for those students unable to achieve 5.5 on the IELTS test.

Anyone thinking about taking the IELTS test for the purposes of study or work in Australia needs to give serious consideration to making their preparations as early as possible in order to learn what is required in the test and what they need to do to achieve the best possible score in the exam. This is true even for people who

are reasonably proficient in English because the exam makes quite particular demands in the skill areas of listening, reading, writing and speaking.

Another area of study that is increasingly in demand is the vocational education and training (VET) course sector which aims to elevate the vocational skills of students. A huge increase in the number of students enrolling in these courses at Australian TAFE colleges has occurred over the last few years with participation doubling between 2004-2008, showing an increased appreciation for the value of vocational education and training.

Although Thai students undertake a wide variety of VET courses, enrolments in management and commerce account for around 76% of VET study programs with Food, Hospitality and Personal Services courses taking 12% of enrolments and studies in Information Technology accounting for another 6% of student interest.

The VET sector of tertiary study offers an enormous range of options from apprenticeship programs to certificate and diploma courses and even selected degrees. TAFE diplomas also can gain up to two years credit for degree courses at particular universities. For instance, some of the Australian universities such as Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Swinburne and Victoria universities have large TAFE divisions while many other TAFE colleges have credit transfer agreements with various universities.

This means that students completing certain VET courses can enrol in the higher education faculties at these universities and receive up to two years credit for a degree.

In the past, Thai students intending to study at tertiary level have often limited themselves to the options provided by degree programs at the traditional universities, with a little investigation of the VET programs available in the TAFE sector of the Australian tertiary education system many other options may present themselves.

(I wish to acknowledge the kind assistance of IDP Education Australia (Thailand) staff Mr. Jeffrey Brown and Ms. Nadchanan Dangkhom for their help with background material for this article.)

Barrie Brown, Director IDP English Language Centre, Bangkok

AustChamThailand Advance

Australian Education Supplement

New Juris Doctor Program Recognises Students’ Maturity and Proven Tertiary Success

W

hen the University of New South Wales Law School in Sydney decided to offer the Juris Doctor or JD program, two years of meticulous planning, research and discussion were undertaken before they had a program which satisfied the exacting standards of academic excellence for which the Law School is renowned.

‘Our combined law degree has been one of Australia’s top law programs for many years,’ said Associate Professor Brendan Edgeworth, Head of UNSW Law School. ‘We are at the forefront of all Australian universities for the quality of learning and teaching law and this has been recognised by the Australian Government with the Faculty of Law achieving the Government’s top A1 rating for the third successive year,’ he said. ‘That means we set the bar very high for any new program that we introduce.’

While the Law School has launched a range of postgraduate masters degree programs for both lawyers and nonlawyers over the years, the School has not launched a new program for those wishing to gain a professional legal qualification in law since the LLB degree was introduced in 1971 – the year the Law School opened its doors.

have a particularly broad range of opportunities for high level experiential learning during their studies. This will help them gain a critical and deep understanding of the law in areas which will especially benefit them in their future careers. Included in the long list of electives are a number of courses which offer direct engagement with legal practice in the form of social justice internships, experience in the Kingsford Legal Centre which is a fully operational community legal centre located within the law building at the UNSW Kensington campus, national and international mooting competitions and an international exchange program. of maturity of the student cohort who will have completed at least one undergraduate degree in a discipline other than law and have proven proficiency with tertiary study.

‘Many of the students coming to the UNSW JD will not only have an undergraduate degree, but multiple degrees, masters degrees and even PhDs in addition to experience in the workplace,’ said Professor Edgeworth.

‘We will have a top quality cohort of students.’

However those coming to the study of law after completing a first degree at university already have experience of work and further education.

The quality of any law degree lies in the structure of the academic program and the strength of the teaching faculty.

The seventeen compulsory courses in the UNSW JD provide comprehensive knowledge of the various areas of law that are fundamental to legal practice and an understanding of the legal system.

Following completion of the compulsory courses, students choose from a very wide array of electives on offer, including courses offered in the Master of Laws program. The JD courses are taught by staff who not only excel in the classroom but who are also researchers and published authors of many of the text studied in law schools around Australia.

The UNSW JD recognises this level

Students in the new program will also

‘We offer the LLB as part of a combined law degree program for undergraduates because it provides students coming to the study of law straight from high school with a broader education,’ Professor Edgeworth explained. ‘The combined degree increases the undergraduate student’s understanding of the wider social implications of law.’

AustChamThailand Advance

“I think one of the distinct advantages of the UNSW JD is the flexibility we’ve built into the program,” said Professor Edgeworth. “Students can commence the program in either February or July and undertake courses over three semesters. This means that they can complete the JD in the standard three years or accelerate their studies by taking courses over the Summer Semester and complete the JD in two years.”

Professor Edgeworth said that the Juris Doctor is internationally recognised as a graduate level law degree and can be used as a basis for seeking admission to the legal profession.

‘Our JD students will be well placed for future career success,’ he says. ‘We are very excited and proud to be offering the UNSW JD.’ The UNSW JD launches in 2010. Applications are now open with the first cohort of students scheduled to commence classes in February 2010.

UNSW (Thailand) Ltd 28th Floor U Chu Liang Building 968 Rama IV Road, Silom Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: +66 0 2632 4477 Email: chutikarn@unswthailandoffice.com Website: www.unswthailandoffice.com or www.unsw.edu.au November 2009

15

Australian Education Supplement

Queensland Focus

U

Q Business School’s MBA program has once again been awarded five stars – the highest possible – by the Graduate Management Association of Australia (GMAA).

Acting Head of School Associate Professor Fiona Rohde said she was delighted the School had done so well for the fifth consecutive year.

“The GMAA uses data submitted to the Good Universities Guide – which includes information from the official Graduate Destinations Survey,” she said.

“In addition to the five star rating for the MBA, the Good Universities Guide also awarded the School five stars for industry links and staff academic qualifications.

“The ratings show we’ve been able to combine the strong research tradition of the University of Queensland with the extensive corporate links you need in business today.”

The GMAA rating is published in the Good Universities Guide 2010 to MBA and Management Courses released early September.

Language Study at UQ, Griffith University and QUT A collaborative language learning alliance between three of Queensland’s top universities provides greater choice and flexibility for students.

Formed between UQ, Griffith University and QUT, the Brisbane Universities Languages Hub allows students to study the language they want, regardless of which university they attend.

Students enrolled in any of the three universities can study Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Spanish, even if their chosen language is not provided by the university at which they are studying.

16

November 2009

A shared web portal will provide convenience for students and can be accessed at: www.bulh.edu.au.

Two-thirds of the world’s population do not speak English and studying a language can open many doors and enhance graduate career opportunities in an era of globalisation and the increasing importance of international networks.

Language study undertaken as part of a degree at UQ is offered through the School of Languages and Comparative Cultural Studies. The School promotes intercultural communication and understanding as well as language learning. Applied Linguistics, Linguistics, translation and interpreting training in Chinese and Japanese are also offered at Masters coursework level.

UQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Debbie Terry said there were many benefits of bilingualism and multilingualism, for individuals and society.

“Proficiency in more than one language can be an advantage for graduates and students seeking to establish or progress their careers, or to gain internships and scholarships

in this globalised era,” Professor Terry said.

“It is a valuable social skill, an enhancer of intercultural and international relations, and an asset for a community’s or a nation’s economy,” she said.

Language skills are an asset in a wide range of careers including, but not limited to: international relations, diplomacy, international business, tourism, interpreting and translation, teaching, international law and commerce.

The Brisbane Universities Languages Hub is supported by $2.3 million from the Australian Government.

For more information on studying language at UQ, contact the School of Languages and Comparative Cultural Studies on (07) 3365 6311 / 3365 2013 or go to: www.slccs.uq.edu.au or www. bulh.edu.au.

The University of Queensland UQ International Level 2, JD Story Building Brisbane QLD 4072 Australia Tel: +61 3 8676 7004 Email: study@uq.edu.au Website: www.uq.edu.au/international

AustChamThailand Advance

Sponsor Advertorial

Opus Executive Search

O

pus Recruitment Ltd was formed in 2003 to service the needs of local and multinational companies that seek to recruit high quality people. Excellent human resources are essential for all organisations that are serious about competing in an increasingly difficult business environment: Opus specialises in identifying and recruiting senior level business people who will help to lead an organisation to achieve its full potential. An integral part of our reputation is the contribution to business success made through search assignments undertaken with clients.

Top quality human resources are vital to any organisation striving to develop and succeed in its chosen field. Opus’ consultants have an average of eight years’ experience in executive search and have a reputation for professional integrity, delivering a high quality product to clients and candidates. Our executive search service aims to ensure that the most appropriate people are matched to our clients’ business strategies. Across the region and worldwide – via our association with Horton International – we offer consistent high quality executive search.

Our philosophy is to work with our clients to identify clearly their needs and then develop a strategy tailored according to the specifics of each assignment. Opus’ consultants take the time to understand a client’s business, resulting in the recruitment of the best-qualified candidate. Our approach is simple: we employ the classic search methodology, with no short-cuts, while making use of our extensive market knowledge and comprehensive database. By following this exhaustive process, we aim to deliver those candidates who are not only best-qualified to carry out the role, but who also fit the corporate culture of the client. During the search we maintain on-going dialogues with clients and potential candidates; our consultants also act as counsellors, guiding candidates through the available career options.

By focusing on areas where our consultants have prior work experience or particular skills, we are able to specialise in various disciplines. This helps in the process of building relevant market knowledge – we provide our clients with timely and accurate advice on matters of interest to them. As a result, consultants filter out confusing or irrelevant details during the recruitment process, concentrating on finishing the job to the client’s complete satisfaction.

Opus’ clients are represented in most business and industry sectors, including oil and gas, and range from some of the world’s leading organisations to major local and regional companies to new business ventures. Wherever there is a need for top quality human resources, we are able to apply our expertise, drawing where necessary on the collective resources of our international partner firms and specialist knowledge in almost any industry.

For further information, please visit www.opusasia.net, call +66 2 636 2323 or email info@opusasia.net. Horton International’s website is www.hortoninternational.com 18

November 2009

AustChamThailand Advance

Community Services

Voluntary English Teaching On Saturday 12 September 2009, volunteers (together with AustCham staff), visited Baan Khao Din School, Chonburi. It was a successful day enjoyed by all. Thank you to Toll Logistics (our English Teaching sponsor) for their continued support.

Jesters Care for Kids Charity Drive AustCham Thailand was proud to sponsor this year’s Jesters Care for Kids Charity Drive on Sunday, 13 September 2009 in Pattaya. The Jesters Care for Kids Charity Drive is an annual effort to raise money for underprivileged children on the Eastern Seaboard and tsunami orphans in the south. Since 1998, the Jesters Care for Kids Charity Drive has raised over 44 million baht. The Jesters organising committee is comprised of Jesters Motorcycle Club members and various honorary members.

20

November 2009

AustChamThailand Advance

Community Services

CFK Cheque Presentation on 24 September 2009

O

n Thursday, 24 September 2009, the Chairman of the CFK Subcommittee, David Mills, presented a cheque for 800,000 baht to the President of the Foundation for the Welfare for the Crippled, Khun Araya Arunanondchai.

policy has helped them, help themselves, to face up to their handicaps, enabling them to become less dependent on their families and society for support, gaining self confidence, leading more meaningful lives and becoming useful members of society.

Members of the CFK Sub-committee present at the ceremony included David Mills – Geodis Wilson (Chairman of Convoy for Kids); Kititeb Jintaworn – Eternity Grand Logistics; David Dombrovskis, AustCham.

The help extends not only to treatment, but to education, welfare and job placement.

The Foundation for the Welfare for The Crippled in Thailand is a non profit organisation established in 1954. The Foundation was originally set up to support the young victims of a polio outbreak which swept through Thailand in the early 50s. With a widespread inoculation program making polio a thing of the past, The Foundation’s efforts today are principally concentrated on

22

November 2009

helping children suffering from cerebral palsy, spina bifida and congenital deformities, which perhaps present a greater challenge to both sufferers, care givers and the families involved. In recent years more and more Thai people have taken an interest in helping the handicapped, with growing numbers of university students visiting the Foundation’s facilities.

Since its start, it has provided help for countless numbers of handicapped people, providing them with treatment, welfare and education. The Foundation’s

The Foundation is an attractive building with many good facilities, thanks to the generosity of many companies, charities and individuals. A minimum of Baht 18,000,000 is required annually to run it effectively and it still needs continuous private support to carry on doing its good work. It has a modest annual allocation of 150,000 baht from the government and thereby relies on private support.

For more information please visit www. convoyforkids.com

AustChamThailand Advance

This year we will hold the 10th Convoy for Kids Day in Thailand.

This year we have decided on a new venue for the kids.

It is Muang Boran or Ancient City in Bangpoo, Samutprakarn.

See the web site at http://www.ancientcity.com We will be taking a total of over 100 children from the Foundation School in Tiwanon Road and Sister Joan’s Foundation in Klongtoey.

Since the start of Convoy for Kids in 2000 we have raised over 10 million baht thanks to the generous donations received from supporters. The monies we raise this year will be put towards the repair and refurbishing of the rehabilitation centre at the Foundation School. We would also like to repaint the bus we purchased for the school eight years ago.

The rehabilitation centre is an important asset for the school and has helped countless handicapped children improve their mobility and gain self confidence, helping them to cope with life outside of the school.

This year as always, we will be seeking support from freight industry colleagues, our clients, friends and the occasional total stranger!

The financial strain on most companies has been substantial this year, but it has been even tougher on charitable organisations.

This is why this year we have cast a wider net to include more companies and we appeal to you to please give something for this worthwhile cause.

Any donation will be gratefully received and you may submit donations by bank transfer. Donations from Bangkok can be collected by our messenger team and tax receipts will issued if required.

You may also pledge on line at our web site www.convoyforkids.com/Donations.htm Alternatively you may send an email to donations@convoyforkids.com confirming your pledge and giving your contact details.

We would also be happy to receive donations in kind such as building materials, professional advice etc.

We do hope you will be able to help us help them The Convoy for Kids Committee

www.convoyforkids.com

Chamber Events

AFL Grand Final Day 2009 Proudly sponsored by dtac On 26 September 2009, AustCham’s AFL Grand Final day was held at Amari Watergate Hotel. AustCham would like to thank our sponsor dtac and all attendees who helped to make the day a great success.

Special thanks to our guest of honour, the legendary, Ron Barassi, whose presence was greatly appreciated.

24

November 2009

AustChamThailand Advance

Chamber Events

AustChamThailand Advance

November 2009

25

ESB Sundowners at Amari Orchid Resort & Tower on 11 September 2009 On Friday 11 September 2009, Eastern Seaboard Sundowners (ESB) was held at Ice Bar, Amari Orchid Resort & Tower. We thank Meinhardt (corporate sponsor) and Amari Orchid Resort & Tower (catering and venue sponsor) for their generous support.

5

26

November 2009

AustChamThailand Advance

Chamber Events

Sponsors’ Cocktails on 15 September 2009 at the Ambassador’s Residence On Tuesday 15 September 2009, AustCham Thailand was pleased to invite sponsors to cocktails, hosted by HE Ambassador Paul Grigson at the Ambassador’s Residence, Australian Embassy Bangkok.

2

1

4

3

5

6

7

8

1) ML Laksasubha Kridakon - AustCham Director, Baan Laksasubha Resort Hua Hin; HE Paul Grigson - Australian Ambassador to Thailand. 2) Dr. Peter Morley - Bumrungrad International; Valerie McKenzie - Thana Burin. 3) Khun Yuthyong Sudharatna - Siam City Bank; Anne Reynolds - AEI. 4) Dr. Peter Morley - Bumrungrad International; Peter Skinner - HASSELL; Sam Mizzi - McConnell Dowell Constructors; David Armstrong - AustCham Director, Post Publishing. 5) Khun Khaliun Sukhbaatar - Raimon Land Khun Kwanrudee Mameewongwatthana - Raimon Land Antonio Calderazzo - Designers Bathware Khun Kenrak Mukdasanit - Raimon Land 6) Philip Hannaford - Hassell; Ben Yong - AustCham Director, Baker & McKenzie. 7) Gary Woollacott - Past AustCham President, Opus Recruitment; Khun Pornthip Thawinthikhakun - Opus Recruitment.

28

November 2009

AustChamThailand Advance

Chamber Events

9

10

12

14

11

13

15

16

8) Michal Zitek - Pan Pacific; Graham Spillane - Toll Logistics; Alistair Taylor - Central Food Retail. 9) Khun Sutipong Ittipong - Siam City Bank; Andrew Durieux - AustCham President, Coverage. 10) Neil Ager - Qantas Airways; Ross Edward Marks - Central Food Retail. 11) Khun Achara Boonyahansa - Grant Thornton; Paul Patelis - Kimberly Clark. 12) Warwick Baglin - Meinhardt; Louise Taylor - Servcorp; Jayne Bruce - Australian Embassy. 13) Michaela Browning - Australian Embassy; Warwick Kneale - Baker Tilly Thailand; Gareth Hughes - RSM. 14) Paul Gambles - MBMG; Gareth Hughes - RSM.15) John Anderson - AustCham Vice President; Meinhardt Maurine Lam - Austrade. 16) Anjarat Na Ayuthya - dtac; Brett Gannaway - AustCham Executive Director; Khun Thidaporn Suwanmanon - dtac.

AustChamThailand Advance

November 2009

29

30

November 2009

AustChamThailand Advance

Chamber Events

Breakfast Briefing 8 September 2009 On Tuesday 8 September 2009, AustCham Thailand was pleased to invite members and guests to a breakfast briefing at the AustCham office.

This Breakfast Briefing was also broadcast live over the internet to viewers across Bangkok and the Eastern Seaboard. Guest Speakers, Sven Koops and Phil Bell (Directors – Customs and International Trade Thailand, Ernst & Young) spoke on ‘Customs, Excise And Trade Issues’.

The presentation file can be downloaded from the AustCham website under Reports & Updates, and a video recording of the webinar can be viewed under News.

2009 Joint Compensation & Benefits Survey This year survey participants were asked for their opinions on a number of business issues (HR and other) in addition to the latest compensation and benefits information. The results provided an interesting story of how companies are approaching business and HR issues in these challenging times.

On Thursday, 17 September 2009 the “2009 Compensation and Benefits Survey” Breakfast Presentation was held at the Westin Grande Sukhumvit. The Presenters were Mr Tim Beevor, Director – Aon Consulting

AustChamThailand Advance

(Thailand) Ltd, Mr Chris Thatcher, Chairman Sutlet Group and Chairman BCCT SME Committee and David Bell, Managing Director and CEO of Ra-Kahng Associates, Training, Education and Management Consultants.

Special thanks to Tim Beevor of Aon Consulting (Thailand) Ltd for his time and energy in designing and developing the new survey and Tony Erswell of Management and Executive Recruitment Consultants Ltd (MERC) for his work collecting and compiling specific compensation data.

The report is available on the AustCham website under Publications – Reports and Upates.

November 2009

31

Chamber Events

Luncheon Meeting on 22 September On Tuesday, 22 September 2009 AustCham Thailand was pleased to invite members and guests to attend a luncheon meeting at the Landmark Hotel, Bangkok.

Guest speaker Graham Bibby (Past Chairman of the Hong Kong Technical Analysts Society and CEO and CIO of Richmond Asset Management) discussed “Coming out of a crisis in financial markets and the road out of recession - is this still the buying opportunity of a lifetime?”

Graham is a frequent investment commentator on CNBC, BBC, Bloomberg TV and guest speaker at international conferences for the investment industry. The presentation file can be downloaded from the AustCham website under Publications – Reports & Updates.

Blood Donors Registry

Computers Needed for Schools

AustCham has set up a database of rare blood types: A neg; B neg; AB neg; and O neg. If you would like to volunteer as a blood donor, please email your name, address, mobile no., email and blood type to: admin@austchamthailand.com

Have you recently upgraded your computer or are planning an upgrade? AustCham can provide a convenient way for you to donate your unused computer to a needy school.

Your name will remain confidential and volunteers will only be approached in an emergency.

For further information please email: david@austchamthailand.com

AustChamThailand

AustChamThailand

Regional AustChams and Related Business Associations •

•

•

•

•

•

•

32

AustCham Beijing www.austcham.org AustCham Shanghai www.austchamshanghai.org AustCham Guangzhou www.austcham-southchina.org AustCham Hong Kong www.austcham.com.hk Australian Business Association of Cambodia (ABAC) www.abac.com.kh Australia East Timor Business Council (AETBC) www.aetbc.net Indo-Australian Chamber of Commerce in Chennai

November 2009

www.indoaustchamber.com • Indonesia Australia Business Council (IABC) www.iabc.or.id • Australia & New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ANZCCJ) www.anzccj.jp • Australia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Korea (ANZCCK) www.anzcck.org • Australia New Zealand Business Association – Laos (ANZBA – Laos) www.anzba.org • Malaysia Australian Business Council (MABC) www.mabc.org.my

•

•

•

•

•

Australia-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Philippines (ANZCham Phillippines) www.anzcham.com AustCham Singapore www.austcham.org.sg The Australian and New Zealand of Commerce in Taipei (AnzCham Taipei) www.anzcham.org.tw Australian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AusCham HCMC Chapter) www.auschamvn.org Australian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AusCham Hanoi Chapter) www.auschamvn.org

AustChamThailand Advance

Chamber Events

Late Lunch with Ron Barassi On Friday, 25 September, AustCham (in conjunction with The Lighthouse Club) was privileged to host a late lunch with Ron Barassi at The Huntsman Pub, Landmark Hotel Bangkok.

Ron is a former Australian rules football player and coach. During a long and brilliant career, Ron has been one of the most important figures in the history of Australian football.

At the lunch, Ron gave an entertaining and humorous talk, this was followed by an auction of autographed Barassi memorabilia by MC Justin Karcher.

Proceeds of which were donated to Lighthouse Club

Chiang Mai Sundowners on 1 October On Thursday, 1 October 2009 AustCham Thailand in conjunction with Networking One was pleased to invite AustCham members and guests to attend our inaugural Chiang Mai Sundowners at Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang Mai. We would like to thank Peter Smith (AA Insurance Brokers) and Shangri La for their support. All profits raised from the night were donated to UNICEF.

AustChamThailand Advance

November 2009

35

Chamber Events

Bangkok Sundowners at The Westin Grande Sukhumvit on 7 October 2009 On Wednesday 7 October 2009, Bangkok Sundowners was held at The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok.We thank BNH Hospital (corporate sponsor) and The Westin Grande Sukhumvit (catering and venue sponsor) for their generous support.

1

2

3

4

1) Brett Gannaway - AustCham Executive Director; Andrew Durieux - AustCham President, Coverage; Dr Noppadol Mingchinda - Grande Asset Hotels and Property; Charles Jack - The Westin Grande Sukhumwit. 2) Angela Stafford - BNH Hospital; Khun Jutharat Tangtammakorn - BNH Hospital; Udo Kim - BNH Hospital; Khun Jumpol Thammakun - BNH Hospital. 3) Mark Cope - Downer EDI Engineering; Warwick Baglin - Meinhardt; Matthew Bruggen - HighPoint Asia. 4) Rick McGill - SafeComs; Gerry Healy - Raimon Land; Silvio Reale - VDA; Khun Chonnica Chaiwichit - SafeComs; Peter Ley - Aurecon Consulting. 5) Gary Woollacott - Past AustCham President, Opus Recruitment; Peter

36

November 2009

AustChamThailand Advance

Chamber Events

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

Maplethorpe - Colliers International; Tony Emmett - infostar. 6) Khun Karouna Manikhot - dwp; Leah Kertesz - Servcorp; Caryn Taylor Servcorp. 7) Charles Jack - The Westin Grande Sukhumwit; Angela Stafford - BNH Hospital. 8) Peter Read - Meshtec; Michael Clarke - Australian Embassy. 9) Clinton Ribbon - Complete Chemical Manufacturing; John Anderson - AustCham Vice President, Meinhardt. 10) Andrew Durieux - AustCham President, Coverage; Anthony Mugg - Datone. 11) Siti Survo - Bumrungrad; Andrew Cornelio - Dusit Thani; Khun Waransara Boonlerd - Dusit Thani.

AustChamThailand Advance

November 2009

37

Members’ Offers

Members’ Offers Amari Hotels and Resorts Special Sivara Spa Promotions: Rejuvenation Package 4 hours Baht 5,500++; Buy 2 get 1 free on all oil massages. Available at Sivara Spa until 30 November 2009 at Amari Orchid Resort and Tower, Pattaya. Call for details or reservations on 038 418 418. For more information email: sivaraspa@orchid. amari.com or visit www. sivaraspa.com.

Anantara Resorts Book a last-minute break at Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa and benefit from great rates especially created for Thailand residents. Enjoy the beauty and laid-back luxury of a room or a suite plus delicious daily breakfast for two people. Anantara Hua Hin has fully-trained babysitters and childcare staff available. Rates start at Baht 3,999 net per room per night. Book your experience now by calling 0 3252 0250 or by email to huahin@ anantara.com.

Chiva-Som International Health Resorts Exclusive rates for residents of Thailand. Includes accommodation, 3 ChivaSom spa cuisine meals per day, two 50 minute massages, individual health and wellness consultation, participation in our daily

fitness and leisure activities and complimentary use of our water therapy. 1 October-15 December 2009. Starts from Baht 10,815++ /person/ night.

Call for details on 032 536 536 or email reservation@ chivasom.com.

Coverage Ltd. Free! Coverage will provide one free 3 hour crisis management, disaster recovery workshop to all AustCham member companies (within Bangkok) senior management teams. Focus can be a crisis scenario of your choice such as Pandemic, Fire, Bomb, IT Failure etc. Tel: +66 2 261 8485.

Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya Get your gear ready for Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya From as low as THB 2,100++ per room/ night. Enjoy a Rockin’ stay at Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya.

For more information or reservations please call 03842 8755-9 or email: rooms. pattaya@hardrockhotels.net.

Please visit our website: www. hardrockhotels.net.

Holiday Inn “Holiday Inn 1 Plus 1 Escape”.

Starting with the destination of your choice, book one night and get the next night on us!

You have the option to build your own holiday package

by selecting from any of our participating hotels and resorts throughout Thailand.

Rates starting from Baht 3,199 net / room / night. For more information, please visit: www.bangkok-silom.holidayinn.com.

InterContinental Bangkok Special privileges for preferred dining available now. Have lunch in one of our fully participating city hotels and your party of up to eight will enjoy a 50% discount off food.

For dinner your party of two to four will receive 50% discount.

You will receive 18 vouchers including buffet for two people for all our city properties, and buy-one-get-one-free room nights.12 month membership is Baht 6,800 which includes a complimentary partner card. For further information simply email: preferreddining@ ihgbangkok.com or call Preferred Dining Service Centre 02 656 0444 ext. 3515 or 3517.

Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square InBalance Fitness Centre nine month membership is available for Baht 9,999 net only. Take advantage of the new “Splash and Cleanse” promotion that offers full access to both the swimming pool and sauna/steam rooms for Baht 2,000 net per month only. For more information please call: 02 209 8888.

Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel Pastries & Cakes Buffet at Le Gourmet, including your choice of drinks Baht 240 net/person Every Wednesday & Thursday from 2 pm - 5 pm. For reservations please call 02 131 1111 or visit www. novotelsuvarnabhumi.com.

President Park Group President Palace Hotel is located in trendy Sukhumvit Soi 11 (BTS Nana). It is also home to Thailand’s very first Manchester United Restaurant & Bar. Special offer Superior Room at Baht 2,599 with buffet breakfast. For more exciting offers, please visit: www. presidentpalacehotel.com.

Resource Link Consulting Group Special promotion for AustCham members only.

We will provide a 10% discount on our Standard Service Fees for any company who chooses our Search Recruitment Service. The offer is valid for the remainder of 2009. For more information, please contact Markus on 08 9500 9770 or email markusw@ resourcelinkaustralia. com or Khun Navaporn on 02 260 6393 or email ns@resourcelinkthailand. com Website: www. resourcelinkthailand.com

Please note, all details are subject to change, please contact respective businesses directly for latest details.

38

November 2009

AustChamThailand Advance

New Members and Members’ Changes

NEW CORPORATE ORDINARY MEMBERS

A++ Software Phuket Programmers Co., Ltd. 249/11 Moo 8 Thepkrasatri, Phuket 83110 Tel: +66 76 512 746 Fax: +66 76 512 747 Email: info@aplusplussoftware.com Website: www.aplusplussoftware.com

Principal: Mick Tonkin Alternate: Carol Fryer Phuket Programmers Co., Ltd. is a Thai software development company, trading as A++ Software. We have been developing business accounting programs in Thailand over the past six years. Our primary programmers have over 25 years experience in the UK, including producing award winning accounting software. Our team includes several Thai programmers who have provided focus for the Thai market.

A++ Software Co., Ltd. is based in Bangkok, and was formed recently with BOI approval. The company objectives are to market and sell our products, plus additional services, such as training.

We are, however, focusing on setting up a comprehensive network of business partners, who will form the basis of a countrywide operation. They will be able to offer local support and training as a backup to our professional and experienced centralised support team.

Contact Network Group Co., Ltd. 94/15 Soi Sena Nikhom 1 Phaholyothin Road, Chankasem Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900 Tel: +66 2 941 5225-9 Fax: +66 2 941 5225 Email: alan@contactnetworkgroup.com Website: www.contactbangkok.com

Principal: Alan Johnston AustChamThailand Advance

Contact Network Group is an International group of user friendly country based websites that combine the most comprehensive local company directories, with a unique business to business portal for member lead generation and Web 2.0 interactions.

We began in June 2006 as a two man team adding companies to a very basic website that we had gathered by networking within the business community in Bangkok Thailand. We realised the benefits of a site like this, by the rapid growth of people accessing our information. In 2006 we started receiving 30,000 unique visitors every month by July 2009 we have grown to 600,000 unique visitors every month.

In 2008 we formed a new partnership and teamed up with Techhammer Asia Co Ltd who built a new interactive version of our site that capitalises on all our present features and added many more to bring real benefits to the user.

IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd. 99 Popular Road, Banmai Subdistrict Parkkred District, Nonthaburi 11120 Tel: +66 2 833 44555 Fax: +66 2 833 4456 Email: info@impact.co.th Website: www.impact.co.th Principal: Jintana Phongpakdee Established in 1998, IMPACT Arena, Exhibition and Convention Center is managed and operated by IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Bangkok Land Public Company Limited. We are an integrated venue management offering diversity of events with versatile facilities and services.

IMPACT Arena, Exhibition and Convention Center is one of Asia’s largest and most modern exhibition and convention centres with usable indoor space of over 140,000 square meters comprising a variety of venue sizes to meet all types of event requirements.

With 2 grand ballrooms, 14 multipurpose halls, 34 meeting rooms and various resourceful facilities, IMPACT has positioned itself as a key MICE venue.

Situated near the “City of Angels” Bangkok, where more than 15 million visitors come every year for business or pleasure, the location of the Exhibition and Convention Center is easily

accessible to Bangkok’s major arteries and city attractions. This gives IMPACT clear advantages to be the preferred venue for organisers, exhibitors, incentive travellers and visitors.

IMPACT is now constructing the 4-star contemporary style hotel which will be completed by early 2011. IMPACT Hotel is located at the heart of IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center connected to the exhibition halls.

Jus Laws and Consult International Law Firm 54 BB Building 14th Floor, Suite 1408 Sukhumvit 21 (Asoke) Road Klongtoey Nue Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 2 260 5818-9 Fax: +66 2 260 5817 Email: yuthana@juslaws.com Website: www.juslaws.com

Principal: Yuthana Promsin Alternate: Kunnika Limkul Jus Laws & Consult Co., Ltd is a dynamic law firm formed in 2004 by an experienced team of lawyers.

The firm has grown by enhancing its corporate, commercial, financial and property Practices in Bangkok and Phuket with teams of highly qualified and trained professionals specialising in all fields of law. The teams take an active participation in the process of high quality legal solutions.

Ramada Plaza Menam Riverside Bangkok Menam Hotel Co., Ltd. 2074 Charoenkrung Road Bangkorleam, Bangkok 10120 Tel: +66 2 688 1000 Fax: +66 2 291 9400 Email: menam@ ramadaplazamenamriverside.com Website: www.ramadaplazamenamriverside.com

November 2009

39

New Members and Members’ Changes

Principal: Mr. Michael Alan Long Alternate: Ms. Prantip Jirachaising The Ramada Plaza Menam Riverside Bangkok, elegantly situated on the banks of the River of Kings. A five star hotel in the heart of Bangkok offering magnificent views over the River of Kings and the Bangkok City Skyline.

In the heart of Bangkok, the “City of Angels”. 40 minutes from Bangkok’s International airport via the new Express way and minutes away from Bangkok’s famous shopping and entertainment on Silom Street by skytrain.

River transportation from the hotel’s pier to the Grand Palace, Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn, Snake Farm etc. as well as connections to shopping centres and other hotels along the river is available.

Free shuttle boat service connecting within minutes to the BTS Sky Train station Saphan Taksin bridge. The Sky Train is the most efficient way to travel to many parts of Bangkok.

Xen Hotels and Resorts 13F, BB Building 1315 54 Sukhumvit 31 (Asoke) Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 2 260 3060 Fax: +66 2 260 6026 Email: michael@xenhotels.com Website: www.xenhotels.com

Principal: Michael Thomas We are a young and highly energetic hotel management company, helping hotel owners succeed with our in -depth knowledge of the industry and management systems. The team consists of highly motivated professionals with different backgrounds but sharing the same values and the same vision.

40

November 2009

We are committed to “The Spirit of Hospitality” anticipating and exceeding the needs of our guests, owners, partners and employees. We aim at succeeding by ensuring the satisfaction and by meeting the expectation of each partner.

Change of Representative Mr. Stephen Holroyd, Principal is a new representative of Shrewsbury International School.

Mrs. Heather Preen, Director of Marketing is a new representative of Shrewsbury International School.

Dr. Jingjai Hanchanlash, Director is a new representative of Loxley Public Company Limited.

Mr. Nontakan Treekalnont, Sale Manager is a new representative of The Aetas Hotels and Residences.

Mr. Thirachai Jotikabukkana, Hospital Deputy Director, Marketing & Business Development is a new representative of Piyavate Hospital PCL.

Mr. Phil Bowles, Engineering Manager is a new representative of ANCA Manufacturing (Thailand) Ltd. Mr. Animesh Mukherjee, Senior Consultant is a new representative of Hewitt Associates (Thailand) Ltd. Mr. Detlef Sudmann, Managing Director is a new representative of Uhde Shedden (Thailand) Ltd. Mr. Teerachate Kenthaworn, Sales & Marketing is a new representative of Uhde Shedden (Thailand) Ltd. Mr. Bruce Gordon Ogden is a new representative of Standard Chartered Bank (Thai) PCL. Ms. Jirapa Eawsakul (Sii), Executive General Manager, Asian Business Unit is a new representative of Wotif.com Holdings Limited.

Mr. Tae il Chung, Managing Partner is a new representative of TRANSEARCH. Mr. Benjaphon Angsaengtham, General Manager is a new representative of Ocean Property Company Limited.

Ms. Naowarat Namtian, Western Marketing Manager is a new representative of Piyavate Hospital PCL.

Ms. Kanuengnij Runruangchaikit, Sales Manager is a new representative of Ocean Property Company Limited.

Mr. Mikkel Larsen, General Manager is a new representative of Clarity IT Co., Ltd.

Mr. Kang Wee Peng, South East Asian Resource Manager is a new representative of Lionbridge (Thailand) Ltd.

Khun Kritikar Thananan (Eric), Marketing & Relationship Manager is a new representative of Engel & Volkers (Thailand) Ltd. Mr. Ian Ferguson, Regional Director is a new representative of MBMG Group.

Mrs. Lavan Chancharoensin, Finance Director is a new representative of Strategic Catering Co., Ltd. Mr. Bob Bedford, Branch Manager is a new representative of Westinghouse Rail Systems Australia Pty Ltd. Mr. Vincent Gillet, Chief Commercial Officer is a new representative of Six Senses Resorts & Spas.

Mr. Robert Oates, Senior Vice President Credit Risk Management is a new representative of HSBC.

Mr. Robert O’Kennedy, Director of Sales & Marketing is a new representative of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

Khun Dhapananya Asawisaraporn is a new representative of Molly Malone’s Irish Pub Bangkok.

Mr. Rob Hurenkamp, Managing Director is a new representative of Mazars Double Impact Ltd. Mr. Jerome Kelly, Managing Director is a new representative of LawtonAsia Insurance Brokers Ltd. Mr. Colin Broadhurst, Director of Investment Services is a new representative of LawtonAsia Insurance Brokers Ltd. Mr. David Ash, Fabrication Manager is a new representative of McConnell Dowell Constructors Thai Ltd.

AustChamThailand Advance

New Members and Members’ Changes

Mr. Thomas G. Christiansen, General Manager is a new representative of Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok.

Khun Arthapol Vithayakritsirikul, Business Development Affiliate is a new representative of Mobile Human Zone Ltd. Khun Kulpravee Phongnatthaphas, Quality and Communications Manager is a new representative of Chubb (Thailand) Limited.

Mr. Mr. Jerasak Tronato, Sales & Marketing Manager is a new representative of Dana Spicer (Thailand) Ltd. Khun Chaiyod Chirabowornkul, Division Head – dtac Business is a new representative of dtac.

Change of Company Address i-Vision Solutions Co., Ltd. Unit 1401, 14th Floor, Serm-Mit Tower 159/21 Sukhumvit 21 Road North-Klongtoey Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 2 661 7898 Fax: +66 2 661 7899 Plexal Group (Thailand) Ltd Unit 1401-1404, 14th Fl., Rasa Tower I 555 Phaholyothin Road Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900 Tel: +66 2 793 8900 (same number) Fax: +66 2 793 8901 (same number) AustAsia-Connextions (Thailand) Co., Ltd 79/10 Ramkhamhaeng 76 Soi Bangkapi, Bangkok 10240 Tel: +66 2 305 6663 Andrew Biggs Academy 3rd Floor, Major Cineplex Ekamai 1221/39 Sukhumvit Road North Khlong Ton Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 2 714 2838 (same number) Fax: +66 2 714 2846 (same number) MBMG Group 75/56 Ocean Tower II, 26th Floor Soi Sukumvit 19 (between Soi 19 and Asoke) Klongtoey Nua Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Tel: + 66 2 665 2534-9 Fax: + 66 2 665 2996

AustChamThailand Advance

Blue Wave Watersports Co. Ltd. changed company name to be Blue Seas Marine Asia Co Ltd. Head Office: 225/6 Moo 9, Najomtien Sattahip, Chonburi 20250 Marina Branch: Skop 9 & 10 Ocean Marina 167/3 Moo 4 Sukhumvit Highway Km 157 Sattahip, Chonburi 20250 Tel: +66 38 237 730, +66 81 622 9372 Fax: +66 (0) 38 238 570 Email: Info@blueseas-marine.com Website: www.blueseas-marine.com

BDA International, Ltd. 23rd Floor, M Thai Tower All Seasons Place 87 Wireless Road, Lumpini Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Tel: +66 2 627 9327 (same number) Fax: +66 2 711 9210 (same number)

November 2009

41

Calendar of Events

From the Chamber Office

Message from the ED

F

irstly, I would like to say a huge thank you to everybody who helped make the AFL Grand Final Day a great success with a special thank you to our event sponsors dtac who put on a fantastic day for the Chamber.

As always, our major events could not run smoothly without all our sponsors, so thank you to the following companies for their continued support; Allied Pickfords for logistics support; Cargo Partner and World Link for making sure that the Records got here in time; Lady Pies for supplying the half time treats; PCS for providing security on the day; Rajas Fashions for the portrait photography and of course the Amari Watergate for providing such a great venue.

I would also like to thank all the companies who donated prizes for lucky draw and the raffle. Monies raised from the sale of the raffle tickets are donated to our charity services and community services program.

This year we raised Baht 100,000 to go toward our kindergarten charity project in Kanchanaburi. Last but not least I would like to thank the AustCham office staff. The staff really do work hard to co-ordinate all of the chamber events such as the AFL Grand Final Day so thanks team for another job well done!

The Australia Day Ball subcommittee headed by Amanda Canavan is busy at work preparing another fantastic evening for next year’s Ball. The event will be held on Saturday, 30 January 2010 at the Dusit Thani Grand Ballroom and promises to

WEDNESDAY, 4 NOVEMBER Bangkok Sundowners

be a night full of fantastic food, great entertainment and plenty of dancing.

The theme of next year’s event will be Hero’s: Unleash the hero within – just for one day. So let loose that inner hero and come as your favourite super, historical or even political hero.

This year’s Convoy for Kids outing will take place on Sunday, 22 November at the Ancient City (Muang Boran). The convoy will be taking children from the Foundation School in Pakred as well as Sister Joan’s Klong Toey facility for an outing and day’s activities. Please look at the website www.convoyforkids.com for further details.

AustCham is now planning our events and sponsorship program for 2010. If you are interested in taking advantage of the great exposure and great value by becoming one of the AustCham Corporate sponsors for 2010, a Sundowners or even major event sponsor don’t hesitate to contact me directly at execdirector@austchamthailand.com.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you soon.

18.00 – 21.00 Corporate Sponsor: Qantas Venue: “Lotus Garden”, Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld FRIDAY, 13 NOVEMBER ESB Sundowners

18.00 – 21.00 Corporate Sponsor: dwp; Tinfish Catering & Venue Sponsor: dusitD2 baraquda pattaya SATURDAY, 14 NOVEMBER Voluntary English Teaching

Venue: Wat Pra Pathranporn School, Sri Ra Cha THURSRDAY, 26 NOVEMBER NZTCC Networking

18.30 – 20.30 Venue Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit (Please contact NZTCC) WEDNESDAY, 2 DECEMBER Christmas Sundowners

18.00 – 21.00 Catering & Venue Sponsor: The Sukhothai SATURDAY, 12 DECEMBER Voluntary English Teaching

Venue: Baan Khao Huay Mahad School, Rayong

Brett Gannaway Executive Director, AustCham Thailand www.austchamthailand.com

Thank you to all October event sponsors

c 60 y 95 Pantone 361 PC

42

November 2009

AustChamThailand Advance