Annual Report 2020 by German-Thai Chamber of Commerce

ANNUAL REPORT 2020

GTCC ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Contents 01

Executive summary

Highlights of 2020

Executive Director’s report

Membership, Events and Communications

Corporate Services

Trade Fairs and More

German-Thai Dual Excellence Education

GTCC Organisation

139 578

EVENTS

GTCC MEMBERS

233 APPRENTICES

30+ VIRTUAL TRADE FAIRS

GTCC Annual Report 2020

850

BUSINESS AND TRADE REQUESTS

Executive summary Introduction The German-Thai Chamber of Commerce (GTCC) in Bangkok is a member of the German Chambers of Commerce Worldwide Network (AHK), with 140 locations in 92 countries. Since its establishment in Bangkok in 1962, the GTCC has maintained itself as a reliable intermediary between German and Thai businesses, thus contributing to the dynamism of the economic development in both countries. In the course of 2020, GTCC put together about 139 events and activities that encouraged further development and interaction of the German-Thai business community within Thailand and abroad. Thanks to the high level of dedication of the GTCC team, recognition of the Chamber in the business community was heightened enabling GTCC to constantly enjoy opportunities to collaborate closely with various partners and counterparts, who added variety to the nature of GTCC services and activities.

Membership, Events and Communications By the end of 2020, GTCC managed to sustain almost 600 members in the face of the covid-19 pandemic in Thailand and worldwide which largely affected business activities. There were 578 members including 509 members in Thailand, 57 members in Germany, 6 members in other countries, and 6 honourary members. Most of the members who discontinued their membership were SMEs and members in the industry of hotels and accommodation which were severely affected by the pandemic. GTCC had fully supported its members by promoting their activities and connecting them with one another in various ways such as organising vir tual events and executing a new weekly newsletter “GTCC members promotions”. GTCC members actively par ticipated in GTCC’s vir tual and physical events. Although GTCC Ball (formerly GTCC Gala Night) was cancelled and GTCC Oktoberfest could not be organised in the normal format due to the Covid-19 outbreak, GTCC held two-day GTCC Bavarian Beer Fest 2020 successfully with a limited number of 350 guests per day to comply with the Thai government’s Covid-19 safety measures. GTCC continued utilising social media platforms such as facebook, LinkedIn, and twitter, to keep its members, business partners informed about events, activities and key changes in the business community. #PartnerInThailand social media campaign was launched in May 2020 to tell the partner stories of German companies in Thailand. #PartnerInThailand campaign showcased 2-minutes video clips as examples of GTCC member companies’ contribution to the economic development of Thailand and the close cooperation between German and Thai companies. In 2020, GTCC launched a special e-newsletter “GTCC’s update on Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19)” to regularly provide members, partners and customers important updates on Covid-19 situations in Thailand, in addition to the weekly “GTCC members promotions” e-newsletter. Biweekly GTCC e-UPDATE newsletter is the main channel for updated economic and member news. Quar terly UPDATE e-magazine remains a major publication providing essential information about the business and industry sectors in Thailand. Our Membership Directory was under transformation to be fully digitalised on GTCC Website, to enable our database more relevant and up-to-date. With a user account and password, members can get access to information on members’ profiles and contact details in order to facilitate business interaction among them. www.thailand.ahk.de

Corporate services The Corporate Services Department supports the entry of clients to the Thai, German and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) markets through its various services that are flexible and tailor-made to suite the individual needs of companies. Those services include market studies, market information, business research, business matchmaking, technical workshops, conferences, and the organization of exclusive business delegations. In 2020, an increased digital adoption driven by Covid-19 resulted in offering various digital services (e.g., virtual business delegations) that will be part of the portfolio also after the pandemic. In order to support the export activities of German SMEs, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) as well as German Federal States offer various programs. The GTCC is actively involved in these programs: for example, German Energy Solutions Initiative (BMWi) and the Foreign Market Entry Programme (BMWi). The Corporate Services Department plays a vital role in supporting German companies from various industries and the service sector in gaining first-hand experience of the Thai market, thus paving the way for potential future business activities in Thailand as well as in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).

Trade Fairs GTCC is the official representative of leading German trade fair companies with excellent reputations world-wide, including Messe Berlin GmbH, Deutsche Messe AG, Messe München GmbH, NürnbergMesse GmbH and Spielwarenmesse eG. In order to ensure smooth and successful participation in German trade fairs, GTCC offers comprehensive services and provides a one-stop service for Thai companies. Moreover, GTCC acts as the link between Thailand and events in Asia that are organised by German trade fair companies. GTCC also organises comprehensive business delegation packages to trade fairs in Germany, including factory visits and B2B meetings. The trade fair landscape in 2020 has seen great disruption, with shows being canceled or postponed, some gone completely digital or featuring hybrid trade fair concepts. The new trade fair concepts pose new challenges for trade show organizers, but also present unique opportunities, with digital reach in general becoming a key success factor also after the Covid-19 crisis.

German-Thai Dual Excellence Education GTDEE-Thai Dual Excellence Education (GTDEE) is the coordination and consultation office for higher vocational education based on German quality standard in the “Apprenticeship Programme” and is operated by GTCC. Participating in the GTDEE apprenticeship programme, apprentices spend less than 30 per cent of the time at partner vocational colleges and at least 70 per cent in partner companies. Besides the consultation on dual vocational education, GTDEE offers a service called Quality Assurance (QA) for Vocational Educational and Training for Thai vocational institutions. The QA aims to standardise college quality in light of the development and performances of teachers and students. In addition, the GTDEE provides the service for trainers from various companies called “AdA International - Train the Trainer” (copyrights from DIHK, Germany). The main objective is to allow the trainers to learn the important steps in preparing training for their respective companies and to acquire how to create an in-company training plan, define and implement the training goals. “AdA International - Train the Trainer” is required for the German vocational training programme.

GTCC Annual Report 2020

Hightlights of 2020

GTCC recorded yet another eventful year in 2020 with about 139 events and activities. A selection of the highlights is listed below.

Featured events • GTCC Business Luncheon: Thailand Economic Outlook 2020 The German-Thai Chamber of Commerce (GTCC) organised the seventh Thailand Economic Outlook Luncheon on 27 February 2020 at the Rosewood Hotel Bangkok. The luncheon together with a panel discussion attracted about 120 guests from a variety of business sectors as well as from eight bilateral Chambers of Commerce in Thailand. Ms. Birgit Hansl, Country Manager for Thailand, East Asia and Pacific at the World Bank, delivered a keynote speech on “Thailand: A Business Hub Ready for the Future?”, focusing on a global economic outlook and accentuated Thailand’s high integration into the global economy and global value chains. The keynote speech was followed by a panel discussion on “Transformation to Industry 4.0” by Mr. Markus Lorenzini, President & CEO of Siemens Ltd., Thailand (Cambodia, Laos & Myanmar); Mr. Peter Rankl, President ASEAN of Continental Automotive; Mr. Christian Wiedmann, President of BMW (Thailand); Dr. Armin Wiesler, General Manager / Head of Human Pharma of Boehringer Ingelheim (Thai); and Mr. Johannes Von Rohr, Co-Founder & Director Corporate Development of Rabbit Finance. www.thailand.ahk.de

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GTCC Virtual CEO Forum Among several virtual events, GTCC organised a virtual forum for CEO peers on 11 June 2020 to share their best practices and interesting ideas for restructuring / reopening of business operations amidst Covid-19. The GTCC Virtual CEO Forum was hosted by Mr. Guenter Raichle, Managing Director of Rodenstock Thailand.

• GTCC European Wine Dinner GTCC European Wine Dinner on 28 August 2020 took GTCC members, partners and guests on a journey to Europe through a crafted four-course dinner, paired with a fine selection of premium wines, in an elegant and spectacular atmosphere of the Pacific City Club. GTCC President Mr. Andreas Richter opened the event with welcoming remarks to the par ticipants following the wine and cheese tasting reception. German wine was among the European wines served at the dinner, especially Germany’s globally popular white wines produced with many grape varieties, such as Riesling. Mr. Joe Sriwarin, Founder and President of the Thailand Sommelier Association, also joined the dinner during which he provided a brief introduction to the European wines served to the guests. Global Wines & More, KCG Corporation and Serenity Wines kindly supported their delicious food and beverages.

• GTCC Young Professionals Network Evening: What we should know about renewable energy GTCC Young Professionals’ first meetup of 2020 was held on 8 October 2020. Dr. h.c. Harald Link, Chairman of B.Grimm Power PCL, was the event’s speaker on the topic of renewable energy. He also shared with the audience B.Grimm’s success stories since 1878 and fast-growing B.Grimm Power’s green business development as well as the unique vision, philosophy and corporate culture that are the key factors behind the company’s continuing success.

• GTCC Tri-Nation Night GTCC organised its annual Stammtisch to strengthen the German speaking business community in Thailand. The GTCC Tri-Nation Night, held on 12 November 2020, welcomed more than 170 guests including members of GTCC, Advantage Austria and the Swiss-Thai Chamber of Commerce, par tners and friends as well as guests of honour German Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Georg Schmidt, Swiss Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Helene Budliger Ar tieda and First Secretary and Deputy Chief of Mission of the Australian Embassy in Bangkok, Ms. Judith Schildberger. GTCC President Mr. Andreas Richter opened the event and invited Ambassador Schmidt to deliver special remarks.

GTCC Annual Report 2020

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Meeting with Thailand’s Minister of Industry GTCC President Mr. Andreas Richter, Vice President Mr. Michael Welser, Board Members Mr. Peter Rankl, Mr. Krisna Thiengtham, Mr. Roland Folger, Mr. Stefan Molnar and Executive Director Dr. Roland Wein had a meeting with Thailand‘s Minister of Industry H.E. Suriya Jungrungreangkit on 16 November 2020 at the Ministry of Industry. They discussed German-Thai trade and investment and GTCC activities such as the Clean Air Initiative.

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GTCC Partners and Customers Appreciation Event GTCC Par tners and Customers Appreciation Event on 9 December 2020 was organised to express GTCC’s appreciation to partners and customers for their great support in 2020. The event took place at the Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok.

Membership activities • GTCC members exclusive site visit to Häfele Distribution Centre GTCC members had an excellent site visit experience at Häfele Distribution Centre on 15 October 2020. The visit included a tour of various production areas with extensive storage capacity and effective material handling with safety, productivity, flexibility and efficiency as well as the chance to learn extensive useful information. The extension has been built based on consideration of energy savings, such as the installation of 964 solar panels on the roof. Häfele (Thailand) was awarded the Silver DGNB 2020 for this environmentally-friendly and sustainable project.

• GTCC meets the German Ambassador German Ambassador to Thailand H. E. Georg Schmidt‘s shared his assessment and insights with GTCC members on many unprecedented developments and challenges in 2020 through a discussion with Mr. Tom Felix Joehnk, writer at The Economist, at “GTCC meets the German Ambassador”. The event was held on 6 October 2020 at the Carlton Bangkok Hotel Sukhumvit and very well-received.

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GTCC Bavarian Beer Fest 2020 Inspired by the famous Oktoberfest, “GTCC Bavarian Beer Fest 2020” was organised on 30 and 31 October 2020 with special care to ensure guests could enjoy the celebration of Bavarian culture at ease by limiting the number guests to 350 per night. GTCC President Mr. Andreas Richter delivered the welcoming remarks on Day 1, while Vice-President Mr. Michael Welser opened the fest on Day 2. www.thailand.ahk.de

Corporate Services

• Business delegation of German companies and technology conference on “Industry 4.0” The business delegation of German companies on the topic of “Industry 4.0” to Thailand was held in Bangkok and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) from 3 to 7 February 2020 as part of the Foreign Market Entry Programme supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). In addition, GTCC organised the Thai-German Conference on “Industry 4.0” on 4 February 2020 at the Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn in Bangkok. The conference attracted more than 120 par ticipants from various business sectors as well as institutions, who wanted to learn more about the opportunities, challenges, and trends of Industry 4.0 in Thailand and Germany. The conference was followed by individual business-to-business meetings with the German companies represented at the event and an informal get-together.

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Virtual business delegation and technology conference on “Solar PV & Grid-integration” The virtual business delegation on “Solar PV & Grid-integration” was held during 22-26 June 2020 as part of the German Energy Solutions Initiative suppor ted by BMWi. GTCC also organised a Thai-German Virtual Conference on “Solar PV and Grid-Integration” on 23 June 2020 in cooperation with the eclareon GmbH.

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German National Tourist Board (GNTB) Webinar “Travel Destination Germany” GTCC organised the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) Webinar on “Travel Destination Germany” on 10 July 2020, in cooperation with German National Tourist Board (GTNB), to promote Germany as travel destination to Thai travel agencies and tour operators.

• Virtual business delegation and technology conference on “Energy Efficiency in Buildings (including Solar Rooftop)” The virtual business delegation on the topic of “Energy Efficiency in Buildings (including Solar Rooftop)” was held from 21 to 25 September 2020 as part of the German Energy Solutions Initiative supported by BMWi. Regarding the topic, GTCC organised a virtual conference in co-operation with eclareon GmbH on 22 September 2020. Featuring a total of five German company presentations, several exclusive contributions from German and Thai experts as well as recording more than 60 par ticipants, the vir tual conference has driven the momentum of the co-operation between Thai and German companies in the field of energy efficiency even fur ther. During the course of the week, GTCC also organised business-to business meetings, both online and offline, for the five par ticipating German companies to explore potential business opportunities in Thailand.

GTCC Annual Report 2020

• German National Tourist Board (GNTB) Webinar “Germany the Travel Destination in Europe” The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) Webinar on “Germany the Travel Destination in Europe” was organised on 16 October 2020 by the German National Tourist Board (GTNB), in co-operation with GTCC, to enhance the volume of tourist traffic from Thailand to Germany. The webinar featured presentations on attractive travel destinations in Germany, cultural diversity, and German hospitality.

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Virtual business delegation of German companies and technology conference on “Smart City” The virtual business delegation of German companies on the topic of “Smart City” to Thailand had taken place from 2 to 6 November 2020 as part of the Foreign Market Entry Programme supported by BMWi. GTCC organised a German-Thai digital conference regarding the topic on 3 November 2020 which provided valuable insights from the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI), the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) and eight presentations from German companies with a focus on three pillars: Smar t Mobility, Smar t Energy and IT Software Solutions.

Trade Fairs

• Spielwarenmesse 2020, Germany The Spielwarenmesse has once again asserted its position as the world’s leading international fair for toys, hobbies and leisure. From 29 January to 2 February, 2,843 companies from 70 countries showcased their products and innovations to 63,500 visitors from 136 countries around the world. Even surrounding news about Coronavirus start heaping, the business vibe on the trade fair ground were positive vivid and vibrant. The 20 exhibitors from Thailand expressed high satisfaction of par ticipating in this fair, above all, the quality of the visitors. Thai Toy and Children Product Association which has been great support to the Spielwarenmesse for many years assured with their members that Spielwarenmesse is one of the most important toy fair to reach foreign customers. Beside the well responded to lead themes: “Toys for Future,” “Digital goes Physical,” and “Be You!”, environmental aspect was also put in to focus on Spielwarenmesse 2020. “The Spielwarenmesse perfectly reflects our philosophy of sustainability which will play an even stronger role in the industry in the future,” added Ms. De Rauw, International Sales Director of PlanToys Thailand.

www.thailand.ahk.de

• BIOFACH/VIVANESS 2020, Germany BIOFACH, the world’s leading trade fair for organic food, and VIVANESS, the international trade fair for natural and organic personal care, achieved record highs for exhibitor numbers, exhibition space and international attendance at this year’s events. A total of 3,792 exhibitors from 110 countries showcased their products for trade visitors in a display area of 57,609 m² (net area, excluding special shows). With the trade fairs occupying two halls more than last year, more than 47,000 professional buyers from 136 countries were won over by the new developments, trends and innovations from all around the world. Making up the top five countries by visitor attendance this year were Germany, Austria, Italy, France and the Netherlands. And with just shy of 10,000 participants, the accompanying Congress confirmed its position as the largest international platform for knowledge transfer and networking.

In total, 30 Thai companies participated in BIOFACH and VIVANESS 2020. Like in previous years, two Thailand pavilions in BIOFACH 2020 were suppor ted by Depar tment of International Trade Promotion (DITP) and Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) in collaboration with Thai Organic Trade Association (TOTA). The pavilions located in prime location of the extended hall, displayed high quality organic products.

Supporting visitors from Thailand to BIOFACH, GTCC orgnanised a business and study trip from 9-16 February to visit the world renowned organic fair. A holistic delegation program also included site visits to biodynamic farm and community – Dottenfelderhof, Organic microbrewery - Brauerei zum Klosterhof Heidelberg, medicinal plant garden of a organic cosmetic company - Weleda AG.

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International Green Week Berlin 2020, Germany In 2020 the International Green Week Berlin confirmed its standing as the world’s leading trade show for agriculture, food and horticulture. The 85th Green Week took place from 17 to 26 January with a new record of 1,810 exhibitors from 72 countries and occupied a hall area of 129,000 square metres. The attendance at the fair and congresses in the halls on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds exceeded 400,000, including some 90,000 trade visitors from 75 countries.

Discussions focused on the challenges faced by agriculture and the food industry as a result of climate change, and on proposed solutions aimed at finding production methods that are sustainable and ecological and that conserve resources. The quality and safety of foodstuffs, animal welfare and safeguarding world food supplies were the subjects of many discussions at the fair. A high volume of orders and good contacts with the retail food trade were reported by the exhibiting countries. This also included bilateral business deals and contacts between individual countries.

Covering 280 square meters of exhibition space, the Thai Pavilion was held under the main theme of “Happy and Green Market - Sustainable and Innovative Kitchen of the World”. The Royal Thai Embassy in Berlin accommodated almost 20 exhibitors from both government agencies and private sectors to present high quality agricultural products and Thai food produced by modern technology and innovation environmental friendly From Thai entrepreneurs in the age of 4.0 and products from royal projects that create jobs and generate sustainable income for those in rural areas nationwide.

GTCC Annual Report 2020

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INHORGENTA MUNICH 2020, Germany INHORGENTA MUNICH 2020 was the international meeting place for the jewelry, timepiece and gemstone industr y for four days from Februar y 14 to 17. INHORGENTA MUNICH aligned itself with the industry’s current focus topics. The changing consumer behavior and the discussion surrounding sustainability have brought about a major shift in the industry.

The trade fair again proved to be an ideal business platform, as confirmed by numerous exhibitors, 1,055 exhibitors from 44 countries. Around 26,000 trade visitors from more than 80 countries attended the event at the Munich exhibition center and experienced a diverse range of brands, top-flight talks and a dazzling supporting program.

The par ticipation from Thailand included the exhibits of the precious gemstones and diamond jewelries as well as 111 trade visitors from jewelry and gem industry.

German-Thai Dual Excellence Education (GTDEE) •

MoU Teacher and Student Exchange Programme at E.Tech On 8 January 2020, GTDEE members, CIM Integrated Expert and GTDEE Project Director Mr. Markus Hoffmann, Senior Manager Dr. Kamonsak Suradom and the delegation from Vocational College of Technology and Media, Mönchengladbach, Germany, which consisted of College Director Ms. Birgit Battenstein, Head of Metal Working Department Mr. Meinhard Flintz, Head of Metal Technology Department Mr. Matthias Frecking, teacher of English and Sports Ms. Kirsten Meyer, and teacher of Design Technology and Sports Mr. Joachim Pütz, visited the students at Eastern Technological College (E.Tech) as well as talked on knowledge sharing and German-Thai exchange with the teachers and students.

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AdA International – Train the Trainer 2020 (Basic Version), Mechatronics Development Project GTDEE organises the “AdA International – Train the Trainer (Basic Version)” (German: Ausbildung der Ausbilder – AdA) under Mechatronics development project. The 16 practical teachers from Eastern Technological College (E.Tech) and Don Bosco Technological College Bangkok participated in the training. It is being held from 3-12 March 2020 at Eastern Technological College (E.Tech).

On 3 March 2020, CIM Integrated Expert and GTDEE Project Director Mr. Markus Hoffmann and GTDEE Project Senior Manager Dr. Kamonsak Suradom welcomed all the participants attended the training as well as Mr. Markus Hoffmann and Dr. Kamonsak Suradom are the main instructors of the training. Furthermore, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Watcharin Pho-ngaeon, Deputy Dean of Thai-German Dual Education and E-learning Development Institute, KMUTNB, is invited to be the one of the main instructors for the training. www.thailand.ahk.de

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Webinar on securing high quality skilled labourers though dual vocational projects On 1 July 2020, GTCC hosted webinar on “securing high quality skilled labourers though dual vocational projects” for GTCC members, public and private enterprises. GTCC Executive Director Dr. Roland Wein gave welcome remark to the participants and CIM Integrated Expert and GTDEE Project Director Mr. Markus Hoffmann was the moderator of this webinar. The key speakers were Mr. Wichit Tangwongcheunsuk, Training Manager of BMW (Thailand) Co., Ltd.; Francis Wichai Srisura, Dual Vocational Education and Training (DVET) Senior Advisor of Don Bosco Technological College Bangkok; and Dr. Noppadol Piyatrapoomi, Director General of Thailand Professional Qualification Institute (Public Organisation).

The webinar was aimed at introducing the cooperation and partnership between the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce (GTCC), German-Thai Dual Excellent Education (GTDEE) programme and private and public institutions, companies and colleges in overcoming the challenges and providing qualified technicians to the industry in Thailand. The highlights of this discussion included: The development of qualified automotive mechatronics technicians in GTDEE programme; Apprenticeship programme collaboration between GTDEE, colleges and companies in automotive mechatronics and mechatronics professions; and Co-certification between GTCC and Thailand Professional Qualification Institution (TPQI) in the mechatronics profession.

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GTCC certificate handover ceremony to the Mercedes-Benz apprentices Batch 2018 On 25 November 2020, Markus Hoffmann, Dr. Kamonsak Suradom and Mr. Katiphot Kanoknorrasade par ticipated in the Mercedes-Benz Graduation Day 2020 for representing the DIHK cer tificates to Mercedes-Benz Apprentices Batch 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Competency Centre (MBCC).

Mr. Putthi Tulayathun, Vice President of After-Sales Service of Mercedes-Benz (Thailand), delivered a congratulatory speech to the 50 Automotive Mechatronics apprentices who have achieved a Level A certificate “German dual vocational education and training abroad” and a Level B certificate “Local Dual Vocational Education and Training in line with the German model” from the AHK-IHK-DIHK network from Germany under the German-Thai Dual Excellence Education Program (GTDEE) and Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) following speech by Mr. Jan Scheer, Head of Mission and Head of Economic Affairs at the German Embassy in Bangkok and Mr. Marius Mehner, Deputy Director of German-Thai Chamber of Commerce.

The graduates attended the Automotive Mechatronics Technician Dual Training Program offered by Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) under a par tner ship of the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce, Mercedes-Benz dealer ships, Eastern Technological College (E.Tech), Don Bosco Technological College Bangkok, Don Bosco Technological College Banpong and Samutprakan Technical College.

GTCC Annual Report 2020

Executive Director’s report

CLEAN AIR INITIAIVE WORKING GROUP MEETINGS

BOARD MEETINGS

General tasks The general tasks that are the responsibility of the Executive Director’s office include: • General management of the Chamber; • Managing the decline in revenues caused by the Covid-19 situation with cost reductions like downsizing of GTCC office space and staffing adjustments in a socially responsible manner • Initiating a digitalization process for our members, customers and internally • Maintaining close co-ordination with the GTCC Board of Directors; • Representing the GTCC at functions and conferences, delivering speeches and making presentations; • Engagement with DIHK and AHK Committees; • Arranging and coordinating GTCC cluster meetings, membership affairs, media events, trade delegations and visiting German companies, and trade fair representation (together with the relevant managers); • Finance/personnel; • Liaising with government authorities in Germany and Thailand; • Liaising with Business Associations/Chambers of Industry and Commerce in Germany, Thailand and Asia Pacific.

www.thailand.ahk.de

Board meetings Working closely with the GTCC President, during 2020 the Executive Director organised nine board meetings to discuss the initiatives and directions of the Chamber. The Board Meetings were organised as physical and virtual meetings on the following dates:

Meeting No.

Date

Meeting No.

Date

16 January

16 July

20 February

20 August

9 April

15 October

21 May

16 December

18 June

German Chamber ASEAN Business Council The German Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam established the German Chamber ASEAN Business Council (GCABC) in order to provide a dialogue platform, strengthen regional co-operation, and support regional trade and investment. The GCABC provides mechanisms to: • Enable ASEAN policymakers to identify bottlenecks of strategic importance for the implementation of the AEC Blueprint, including economic policies influencing ASEAN’s trade and investment climate; • Exchange information between businesses and Chambers with the objective of improving the institutional representation and, ultimately, institutional support from Chambers to businesses; • Formulate joint positions on issues concerning ASEAN trade and investment, in order to enable companies to adjust their business rationale to current policy thinking of ASEAN key stakeholders as well as expected changes in ASEAN’s trade and investment climate. The Executive Director attended monthly telephone conferences between the Executive Directors in ASEAN. The Executive Director presented the ASEAN market and its growth potential at the following events to German companies interested in expanding to ASEAN: • “Doing Business in ASEAN” Virtual Conference organised by IHK Magdeburg., 16 September 2020 • Country Committee Vir tual Meeting organised by German Asia-Pacific Business Association (OAV), 27 October 2020 The Chamber representatives gave first-hand accounts of recent economic trends and developments in South-East Asia, such as the increasing international integration through free trade agreements. They also provided valuable tips on market entry options for German companies and described the opportunities and challenges of business expansion in this highly dynamic region.

GTCC Annual Report 2020

Co-operation, project activities and meetings In 2020, the Executive Director participated in more than 160 meetings with member companies and counterparts of various business communities to discuss joint initiatives and exchange views.

AHK network Asia-Pacific The Executive Director is a member of the AHK Beirat and since 2016, has been regional speaker of the Asia-Pacific Region. In this function he attended Asia-Pacific Regional Vir tual Conference on 8 December 2020.

GTCC Clean Air Initiative Working Group In 2020 GTCC has initiated GTCC Clean Air Initiative Working Group, in which around 20 representatives from member companies participated. The meetings of the Clean Air Initiative Working Group were organised on the following dates: • 20 August 2020 • 15 October 2020 • 28 October 2020 • 16 November 2020

Staff activities • Staff workshop The Chamber organised a Staff Workshop “GTCC Striving for New Heights 2020 & Beyond” on 10 January 2020 at Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Bangkok Menam Riverside. The group enjoyed many team-building activities and relaxed together. • Staff Christmas Party The Chamber organised a safely celebrating Christmas and bidding farewell to 2020 on 23 December 2020 at GTCC office.

160+

MEETINGS WITH MEMBER COMPANIES AND COUNTERPARTS

www.thailand.ahk.de

Membership, Events and Communications

578 52 139 GTCC MEMBERS

NEW MEMBERS

EVENTS

Membership In 2020, GTCC managed to sustain almost 600 members in the face of the covid-19 pandemic. There were 578 members including 509 members in Thailand, 57 members in Germany, 6 members in other countries, and 6 honourary members. Most of the members who discontinued their membership were SMEs and members in the hospitality industry (hotels and accommodation) which was severely affected by the pandemic. The number of new members in 2020 was 52, slightly more than that in 2019 which was 48. Among the new members, there were 37 ordinary members, 8 associate members, and 7 personal members. The top three industries of new members are: 1) Manufacturing, 2) Hotels and accommodation and 3) Engineering services, respectively. Despite a small growth in overall members network, 52 new members presented 52 new opportunities to the members network. Among them, 26 were represented by Germans, 13 were represented by Thais, and 13 were represented by other nationalities. New members were introduced to GTCC via other chambers services such as business delegations, events, and member referrals. The GTCC Members Speed Networking helped to connect new members with existing members who want to get in touch with new members in an effective speed networking format. There were two GTCC Members Speed Networking events organised in 2020: one physical event prior to GTCC Icebreaker Networking – Welcome New Year and one virtual event.

GTCC Annual Report 2020

In 2020, GTCC European Wine Dinner was organised as a new platform to enhance the German-Thai business community, while GTCC Bavarian Beer Fest was held in replacement for our Oktoberfest, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As a reaction to the Covid-19 outbreak, GTCC introduced a weekly e-newsletter in April 2020 featuring GTCC’s member special promotions in order to support members in food & beverage, hospitality and healthcare sectors. GTCC also launched another special e-newsletter “GTCC’s update on Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19)” in March 2020 to provide members, par tners and customers important updates on Covid-19 situations in Thailand.

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT 2020

578

2019

615

2018

610

2017

598

2016

570

2015

580

2014

550 Effective

Events Following the adoption of precautionary measures, GTCC physical events from 16 March to 30 June 2020 were either postponed or cancelled. Vir tual events were held instead. During 2020, GTCC successfully organised and participated in about 139 events as summarised below: • Nine round tables (three physical and six virtual events); • Five breakfast talks; • One business luncheon; • Seventeen seminars (one seminar and sixteen webinars); • Five community events • Eighteen business networking events (fifteen physical events and three virtual events); • Two site visits; • Five annual events; • Five special event; • Fifteen other co-branded seminars, workshops, conferences and networking events (thirteen physical events and two virtual events); • Nine consultancy conferences/seminars (one physical event and eight webinars) and four business delegations (one physical and three virtual delegations) (see Corporate Services); • Two GTDEE certificate handover ceremony, and forty-two related events (see German-Thai Dual Excellence Education) www.thailand.ahk.de

Physical events • Round tables In 2020, the Chamber organised three physical cluster meetings/round tables to provide a platform for sector-orientated par ticipants and share information about the latest developments in the human resources, and to address the unprecedented challenges brought by the Covid-19 outbreak. Date 24 September

Topics GTCC Round Table on HR: “Challenges of the New Reality Post-Lockdown”

Speakers Mr. Tom Sorensen Managing Partner at Tom Sorensen (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (moderator)

29 September GTCC Round Table on “Solutions for sustainable construction projects in Thailand”

Dr. Robert Himmler Managing Director of EGS-plan (Bangkok) Co., Ltd. Mr. Elmar Kleiner Founder and Director of OIA (Office for Interior & Architecture Co., Ltd.)

24 November GTCC Round Table on HR: “Compensation and Benefits”

Mr. Juckchai Boonyawat CEO of Mercer Thailand Mr. Rapeesak Kesasuwan Head of Commercial Law of Lorenz &Partners (L&P)

• Breakfast talks and business luncheons In 2020, GTCC organised and co-hosted five physical breakfast talks and one business luncheon with its partners on various topics as listed below. These activities serve as efficient and effective business networking platforms for members and their counterparts to meet and discuss matters of mutual interest. Breakfast talks Date

Topics

Speakers/panelists

28 January GTCC Multi-Chamber Executive Breakfast Talk with ChivaCare “2020: Healthier and Pain Free Life”

Dr. Surat Tanprawate Medical Director of ChivaCare Mr. Martin Venzky-Stalling Executive Director of ChivaCare

13 February

Dr. Montinee Sangtian Emergency Physician at Bumrungrad International Hospital

GTCC Exclusive Breakfast Talk on Coronavirus with Bumrungrad International Hospital

28 February GTCC Executive Breakfast Talk with FRANK Legal & Tax “PDPA-What Businesses Need to Know”

Mr. Fabian Doppler Managing Partner of FRANK Legal & Tax Mr. Rangsarit Suwanarat Partner of Frank Legal & Tax

25 August

GTCC Multi-Chamber Executive Breakfast Talk with Lorenz & Partners (L&P): “Companies in distress – how to avoid personal liability as a director?”

Mr. Till Morstadt Managing Partner of Lorenz & Partners (L&P) Mrs. Athitaya Chanthasirichot Senior Lawyer of Lorenz & Partners (L&P)

5 November

GTCC Executive Breakfast Talk: “Structuring trading activities from Thailand into Myanmar”

Mr. Fabian Lorenz Attorney at Law of Luther

GTCC Annual Report 2020

Business luncheon Date

Topic

27 February GTCC Joint Chambers Luncheon Thailand Economic Outlook 2020

Speakers/panelists Ms. Birgit Hansl Country Manager for Thailand, East Asia and Pacific at the World Bank Mr. Markus Lorenzini President and CEO at Siemens Ltd. Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar Mr. Alexander Donau Regional Head Asia-Pacific and Director of the Board at Leschaco (Thailand) Ltd. Mr. Andreas Lettner CEO at Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing (Thailand) Limited Mr. Stefan Molnar General Manager Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and the Mekong Region of the Lufthansa Group

• GTCC seminar During 2020 GTCC organised one physical seminar as below. Date

Topic

25 September GTCC Multi-Chamber Eastern Seaboard Seminar with Lorenz & Partners (L&P)

Speakers Mr. Till Morstadt Managing Partner of Lorenz & Partners (L&P) Mrs. Athitaya Chanthasirichot Senior Lawyer of Lorenz & Partners (L&P)

• Community events In 2020, five community events were organised. • Young Professionals GTCC successfully organised two “Young Professionals” events as listed below. The programme aims to provide a dynamic learning and networking platform for young professionals in the international business community in Thailand. Follow the programme updates at Date

GTCCYP. Topics

8 October

GTCC Young Professionals Network Evening: What we should know about renewable energy by Dr. h.c. Harald Link, Chairman of B.Grimm Power PCL

27 November

GTCC Inter-Chamber Young Professionals Network Evening

Venues Bangkok Marriott Hotel Surawongse

Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit

www.thailand.ahk.de

• Business Women Networking GTCC hosted “Business Women Networking” as a community platform for business women to network with female leaders and young professionals on regular basis. There were three business women networking events organised in 2020 as listed below. Date

Topics

Venues

4 March

GTCC Business Women Networking: “Sustainable Business Innovation”

The Sukhothai Bangkok

30 September

GTCC Business Women Networking: “Essential mindsets/skills in the future”

Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok

2 December

GTCC Business Women Networking: “Conquering 2021’s challenges with 2020’s lessons learnt”

Paradise Lost Bangkok, Siam@Siam Design Hotel Bangkok

• Networking platforms GTCC offers various networking platforms for its members as well as the German-Thai business community overall. Each platform has its own characteristics, resulting in a variety of experiences for the par ticipants. In 2020, fifteen physical networking events were organised. • Members Speed Networking One physical GTCC Members Speed Networking event was organised in 2020 prior to GTCC Icebreaker Networking – Welcome New Year. Date

Venue

30 January

Mövenpick BMDS Wellness Resort Bangkok

• Ice Breaker Networking In 2020, GTCC organised two Ice Breakers as listed below. Date

Events

Venues

30 January

GTCC Ice Breaker Networking - Welcome New Year 2020

Mövenpick BMDS Wellness Resort Bangkok

16 July

GTCC Ice Breaker Networking - Welcome Back

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Bangkok Menam Riverside

• Eastern Seaboard Networking As all physical networking events were cancelled during March and June due to the Covid-19 outbreak, only eight Joint Chambers Eastern Seaboard Networking events were held during 2020 as listed below. Date

Events

Venues

17 January

Joint Chambers Eastern Seaboard Networking by SATCC

Intercontinental Pattaya Resort

21 February

Joint Chambers Eastern Seaboard Networking Evening by BCCT

Siam@Siam Pattaya

17 July

Multi-Chamber Eastern Seaboard Networking by AustCham

Amari Pattaya

28 August

Joint Chambers Eastern Seaboard Networking by BCCT

Holiday Inn Pattaya

GTCC Annual Report 2020

Date

Events

Venues

25 September

GTCC Joint Chambers Eastern Seaboard Networking

Renaissance Pattaya

16 October

Joint Chambers Eastern Seaboard Networking by BCCT

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

27 November

Multi Chambers Eastern Seaboard Networking by NTCC and BeLuThai

Royal Varuna Yacht Club Pattaya

18 December

Multi-Chambers Eastern Seaboard Christmas Networking by BCCT

Royal Varuna Yacht Club Pattaya

• Stammtisch Bangkok get-together The Stammtisch serves as GTCC’s casual get-together platform for the German-Thai business community. This event format is organised every two months in Bangkok. During 2020, GTCC organised four physical Stammtisch Bangkok get-together events listed below. The last one GTCC Tri-Nation Night extended an invitation to Advantage Austria and the members of the Swiss-Thai Chamber of Commerce. The participants at the Tri-Nation Night had an opportunity to meet the guests of honour and other guests from the Austrian-German-Swiss business community in Thailand.

Date

Venues

20 February

Sixty Four Restaurant (Häfele Design Studio, Sukhumvit 64)

20 August

Bei Otto Restaurant

15 October

Sixty Four Restaurant (Häfele Design Studio, Sukhumvit 64)

12 November

Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok

• Site visits GTCC site visits are organised in co-operation with Chamber members. The visits allow members and friends of the Chamber to experience an informative tour around a company’s premises as well as learn about that company operational routine. In 2020, the Chamber organised two site visits as listed below. Date

Sites

15 October

Häfele Distribution Centre

12 November

WE-EF LIGHTING

• Annual events GTCC organised five annual events in 2020 as below to serve its members different platforms in response to their needs. The German Ball was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Date

Events

Venues

12 March

Ordinary General Meeting 2020 (OGM2020)

InterContinental Bangkok

28 August

GTCC European Wine Dinner

06 October

GTCC Meets the German Ambassador

30-31 October

GTCC Bavarian Beer Fest 2020

Conrad Bangkok

16 December

GTCC Family Christmas Party

Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel

Pacific City Club Carlton Bangkok Hotel Sukhumvit

www.thailand.ahk.de

•

Special events GTCC hosted five special events in 2020. One event was organised to express appreciation to our partners and customers for their great support and valuable contributions to the success of our chamber throughout the year. There were four meetings on clean air initiatives (CAI).

Date

Events

Venues

20 August

First meeting of the GTCC CAI Working Group for FCA cooperation

Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit

15 October

Second meeting of the GTCC CAI Working Group for FCA cooperation

Sixty Four Restaurant (Häfele Design Studio, Sukhumvit 64)

28 October

Third meeting of the GTCC CAI Working Group for FCA cooperation

GTCC office (AIA Sathorn Tower)

16 November

GTCC meets Minister of Industry on German-Thai trade and investment as well as clean air initiatives

Ministry of Industry

9 December

GTCC Partners and Customers Appreciation

Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok.

• Other seminars, workshops, conferences and networking events co-branded with partners During 2020, GTCC collaborated with various partners in hosting and supporting about thirteen seminars, workshops, conferences and other networking events listed below.

Date

Events

27 January

Foreign Chambers Alliance (FCA) Dinner with Minister of Education by BCCT

22 January