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Chamber Activities
Green Hydrogen H2UPPP 2nd Business Round Table on Transportation
The second Business Round Table on Transportation, focusing on the topic of "Green Hydrogen H2UPPP", was hosted by GTCC on 5 April 2023, in collaboration with GIZ Thailand, and with valuable support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).
The event functioned as an exclusive platform for discussions on recent market studies, demonstration projects and stateof-the-art technologies pertinent to the implementation of Green Hydrogen, SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) and e-fuel within Thailand's transportation sector.
Several experts from prominent transportation corporations in Thailand, alongside relevant public and private stakeholders, graced the event with their presence. The primary objectives of these discussions were to foster collaboration and facilitate the exchange of valuable information, with the ultimate aim of promoting the economically viable utilization of alternative sustainable fuels.
GTCC AFTERWORK April
The fourth GTCC AFTERWORK networking event took place on 20 April 2023 at the Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, at which it welcomed nearly 70 guests. GTCC would like to express its sincere gratitude to: the esteemed Event Partners, Bangkok Hospital and Luther; Beverage Partner, Paulaner by Flow Inter; and Venue Partner, Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok for their generous support.
GTCC Delegation Trip on “Electromobility” & HANNOVER MESSE
The GTCC Business and Study Trip to Germany on "Electromobility – driver of the future" during 14-23 April was successful. By visiting Germany's leading EV automotive manufacturers –Volkswagen, BMW, Porsche and Schaeffler – as well as HANNOVER MESSE, the trip provided the participants with invaluable insights into the production of electronic vehicles and their components, courtesy of esteemed industry leaders.
At the HANNOVER MESSE 2023 on the Trade & Investment Stage, GTCC Executive Director Dr. Roland Wein joined the ASEAN Forum organised by DIHK as a speaker discussing on how Thailand remains the primary country for trade and investment in Southeast Asia on 18 April 2023. Top managements from various German chambers of commerce in Southeast Asia participated in the event to exchange their outlooks, opportunities, and challenges for doing business in ASEAN countries and to provide a clearer picture for the future.
GTCC Open House
The Chamber hosted a GTCC open house event on 25 April 2023, to which it invited its members and neighbours to visit its new office space on the same floor at AIA Sathorn Tower. This gathering offered them an opportunity to get a close glimpse of the upgraded facilities.
First GTCC Young Professional Networking with OOZOU
The first GTCC Young Professional Networking of 2023, in collaboration with OOZOU, took place on 27 April. We were delighted to have Mr. Constantin Hofstetter as our speaker on the topic of "Bootstrapping a Tech Company in Thailand." He provided valuable insights and success stories, illustrating how he had led a startup to become a medium-sized firm in Thailand.
We are grateful to Mr. Hofstetter for sharing his experiences and expertise. We would also like to express our appreciation to our Venue Partner, Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok Sukhumvit 15, for their support in hosting this event. Thanks are due to almost 60 guests for making the event a success.
GTCC Multi-chamber Eastern Seaboard Briefing with Rhenus Logistics
We are pleased to announce the successful hosting of the first GTCC Multi-chamber Eastern Seaboard event on Friday, 28 April 2023, at the Hilton Pattaya. The event featured five distinguished speakers from Rhenus logistics, who shared their insights on the topic "The Future of Sustainability and Talent Strategy Trends in the Supply Chain Industry."
We would like to express our sincere thanks to the following five speakers, who shared their invaluable perspectives with guests:
• Tim Burger, Managing Director, Rhenus Logistics Co., Ltd.;
• Klaus Hofmann, Vice President/General Manager, Safran Cabin Cargo;
• Richard Jackson, Managing Director, Jackson Grant Recruitment Co., Ltd.;
• Santosh Poojari, President Automotive Technologies Southeast Asia, Schaeffler Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd.;
• Timo Herbst, General Manager Business Development, Rhenus Logistics Co., Ltd.
GTCC Multi-chamber Eastern Seaboard Networking
On 28 April, GTCC successfully hosted the first GTCC Multi-chamber Eastern Seaboard Networking event of 2023 at the luxurious Hilton Pattaya with participation by almost 200 guests. We would also like to extend our gratitude to: our valued Event Partners, Bumrungrad International Hospital, Rhenus Logistics and Schaeffler; Beverage Partner; Paulaner by Flow Inter; Venue Partner, Hilton Pattaya; and, of course, all our esteemed guests.
AHK World Conference
The German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK) World Conference took place during 8-10 May 2023 at the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) in Berlin. On the second day, AHK Executive Directors from the Asia-Pacific region met with the representative of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).
GTCC President at AHK Board Members’ Day
GTCC President Mr. Michael Welser participated in the AHK Board Members’ Day of the AHK World Conference 2023 on 11 May 2023. He shared his perspectives on “From the everyday life of an AHK Board Member” together with board members from other German Chambers of Commerce Aboard (AHKs).
The event was opened with welcoming speeches by: Dr. Volker Treier, Chief Executive of Foreign Trade and Member of the Executive Board, DIHK; Mr. Benjamin Leipold, Managing Director of the German Chambers of Commerce Aboard (AHK), DIHK; and Mr. Jan Nöther, AHK World Spokesperson and Executive Director of AHK Egypt.
The discussion by several experts, including Dr. Jörg Kukies, State Secretary, Federal Chancellery, Dr. Martin Brudermüller, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, BASF SE and Dr. Martin Wansleben, the Chief Executive Officer, DIHK, was moderated by Ms. Melanie Vogelbach, Managing Director of International Economic Policy, Foreign Trade Law, DIHK.
ASEAN Conference on “30 Reasons for ASEAN” at IHK Hannover
GTCC Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Marius Mehner, and GTCC member STARTEAM Global Germany GmbH, represented by General Manager Mr. Peter Metzger, participated in the ASEAN Conference on "30 Reasons for ASEAN" on 12 May 2023, at IHK Hannover. The event brought together representatives from various German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs). During the conference, they provided insights into business opportunities, challenges, strengths and market entry strategies for their respective countries.
GTCC Board of Directors Luncheon with German Ambassador
GTCC hosted a Board of Directors Luncheon with German Ambassador H.E. Georg Schmidt on 31 May 2023, at the Bistro De la Mer Restaurant, Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok. During the event, the GTCC President and Board members bid farewell to Ambassador Schmidt, expressing gratitude for his unwavering support and dedication to the GermanThai business community. Best wishes were extended to him for his future endeavours.
“H2 for Railway Sector” with PTT and SRT
GTCC, represented by Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Marius Mehner, participated in a meeting on “H2 for Railway Sector” with PTT and State Railway of Thailand (SRT), together with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the German-Thai Railway Association (GTRA), Siemens Mobility and Siemens Energy at the PTT Head office on 6 June 2023.
GTCC Gala Night 2023
On Friday, 26 May 2023, GTCC is proud to have organized and hosted the return of the highly anticipated "GTCC Gala Night 2023" after a four-year break, capturing precious memories that will last a lifetime.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the approximately 250 esteemed guests as well as guests of honour from the German Embassy in Bangkok, including German Ambassador H.E. Georg Schmidt and his spouse, Madame Yuet Lin Fong, for gracing us with their presence. In addition, we would like to express our appreciation to our 18 generous partners who provided invaluable support, who were:
• [Gold Partners] Lufthansa and Schaeffler Manufacturing;
• [Silver Partners] BMW Group, DACHSER, Ebner Stolz, Luther, Mazars in Thailand, Mercedes-Benz Thailand, Kärcher, and Rhenus Logistics;
• [Beverage Partners] Global Wines & More, and Paulaner by Flow Inter;
• [In-kind] Bumrungrad International Hospital and Maikhao Dream Villa Resort & Spa,
• [Media Partners] The BigChilli, FocusMedia Thailand and Prestige Thailand; and
• [Venue Partner] Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.
We also want to extend our gratitude to our exceptional MC, Mookfee Nantanapramoth as well as Jazziam and DJ Kenny for creating a lively and unforgettable atmosphere throughout the event.
GTCC AFTERWORK Briefing with LUTHER
GTCC organised an informative Briefing with LUTHER on “employment and HR matters” on 8 June 2023 at the ASCOTT Thonglor Bangkok. GTCC would like to express its sincere appreciation to the speakers from LUTHER – Partner Mr. Fabian Lorenz, and INC Corporate Services (Thailand) Attorneyat-Law and Senior Associate Ms. Arunrat Rattanaarun for sharing their insights with about 40 guests at the briefing event
GTCC AFTERWORK Networking in June
Following the GTCC AFTERWORK Briefing with LUTHER, GTCC successfully organised a networking session by the swimming pool of the ASCOTT Thonglor Bangkok, at which we welcoming nearly 90 guests. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our valued partners: Event Partner Luther Thailand; Beverage Partner Paulaner by Flow Inter; and Venue Partner ASCOTT Thonglor Bangkok.
GTCC supports the student delegation of HHU Düsseldorf
GTCC Deputy Executive Director Mr. Marius Mehner delivered a presentation on Thailand on 8 June 2023 to a student delegation of the Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf (HHU Düsseldorf) at Chulalongkorn University.
The student excursion to Thailand was aimed at preparing the students for differences in management/cooperation/leadership between Germany and Asia. The delegation was led by Ms. Victoria Berg and Prof. Dr. Andreas Engelen (Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Fakultät, Lehrstuhl für BWL, insb. Management).
GTCC Business Women Networking Open and Indorama Ventures on “DEI in Practice”
GTCC organised a special GTCC Business Women Networking Open on 14 June 2023 in cooperation with Indorama Ventures, which was open to all genders celebrating Pride Month together. The topic of "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in practice" was moderated by Cristy Aphimonthol, Managing Director at Coachology, and discussed by the following speakers from Indorama Ventures:
• Natineeporn Rattanawichai [Vice-President, Head of Human Resources, Head Office and Thailand];
• Boriboon Sangiambut [Vice-President, Business Development];
• Wan Norashikin Mohd Nasir [Vice-President, Global Head of Risk Management and BCM];
• Harsha Reddy [Vice-President, Global Head of Sustainability Development]; and
• Eric Delattre [Vice-President, Group Head of Digital]
We are grateful to the speakers and moderator for sharing their valuable insights and experiences and would like to express our sincere gratitude to: Event Partner, Indorama Ventures; Beverage Partner, Serenity Wines Asia; and Venue Partner; Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit. Thanks are also due to about 70 guests for making this event successful.
Thailand briefing for delegates from Germany
GTCC hosted a Thailand briefing session on “Waste Management & Recycling” on 12 June at the Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park. The event brought together industry experts and professionals, including Mr. Mike Busse-Lepsius from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action of Germany (BMWK), Mr. Markus Leichum from AHK Singapore, Mr. Hans-Ulrich Südbeck from the German Embassy in Bangkok, and Mr. Thomas Hundt from Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI). Delegates from leading German companies included Mr. Frank Hoof from Albert Hoffmann GmbH, Mr. Javier Koo from
Allweiler GmbH, Mr. André Grave from PEINER SMAG Lifting Technologies GmbH, Mr. Augustine Aw from Zeppelin Systems GmbH and Mr. Hien Hoang from TIETJEN Verfahrenstechnik GmbH.
Thai-German conference on “Waste Management & Recycling”
On 13 June 2023, GTCC successfully organised a Thai-German conference on "Waste Management & Recycling" at the Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park Hotel. The event was held as part of the Market Entry Programme for SMEs, supported by the BMWK (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action).
The conference commenced with opening remarks from GTCC Executive Director, Dr. Roland Wein. Mr. Johannes Kerner, Economic and Commercial Counsellor from the German Embassy Bangkok, delivered a warm welcome to the attendees. Keynote speeches were delivered by Dr. Chindarat Taylor from the Solid Waste Management Association of Thailand (SWAT) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Montri Wiboonrat from the Waste to Energy Trade Association (WETA).
With more than 100 participants, the event showcased presentations on approximately 20 advanced waste management and recycling technologies by renowned German companies, including:
• Albert Hoffmann GmbH,
• Allweiler GmbH;
• PEINER SMAG GmbH;
• Zeppelin Systems GmbH;
• ERK Eckrohrkessel GmbH;
• TIETJEN Verfahrenstechnik GmbH.
Thai companies were also represented by:
• Global Power Synergy Public Co., Ltd. (GPSC)
• Wongpanit International Co., Ltd.
The conference concluded with a productive panel discussion on "Waste Management – The Pathway to a Circular Economy." Esteemed panelists included Ms. Suchintana Viraratt from INSEE Ecocycle Co., Ltd., Ms. Sawita Tinsuntisook from the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), Mr. Patarapol Tularak from the Solid Waste Management Association of Thailand (SWAT) and Mr. Chaiya Boonchit from the Pollution Control Department.
Site visits to ENVICCO and Global Power Synergy
GTCC Deputy Executive Director Mr. Marius Mehner, Mr. Mike Busse-Lepsius from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action of Germany (BMWK) and Mr. Johannes Kerner, the Economic and Commercial Counsellor from the German Embassy in Bangkok, together with delegates from German companies, travelled to Rayong to visit (a) the plant of ENVICCO Ltd, SouthEast Asia’s largest integrated line of a plastic recycling plant, and (b) the Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) Power Plant of Global Power Synergy Public Co., Ltd. (GPSC).
At ENVICCO, the delegates gained valuable insights into the advanced plastic recycling process and the market for Post-Consumer Recycled Pellets in Thailand. ENVICCO's collaboration with local communities, schools and universities showcases their dedication to sustainability. At the RDF Power Plant of GPSC, a comprehensive overview of the Rayong Waste to Energy Project (WtE) and their operations was provided to the delegates. The operation involves the transformation of sorted solid waste into a fuel resource known as RDF.
Site visit to INSEE Ecocycle
GTCC Deputy Executive Director Mr. Marius Mehner and Mr. Busse-Lepsius from the BMWK, together with delegates from German companies went to Saraburi Province on 14 June to visit INSEE Ecocycle Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Siam City Cement Group, that offers sustainable solutions to a range of industries in various sectors. The delegates had an informative and captivating tour of the plant, where they were introduced to the alternative fuel production process. INSEE Ecocycle focuses on utilizing waste as an alternative fuel for cement production, thereby eliminating the need for coal.
Site visit to 78 Transform
On 15 June, GTCC Deputy Executive Director Mr. Marius Mehner and Mr. Busse-Lepsius from the BMWK, together with Mr. Augustine Aw from Zeppelin Systems, visited 78 Transform Limited in Samut Prakan Province. This leading pyrolysis company specializes in the recycling of waste tyres, transforming them into valuable industrial raw materials such as wire steel, pyrolysis oil and carbon black. The delegation gained firsthand insights into the production line for pyrolysis oil through the pyrolysis method. In addition, they observed the manufacturing of carbon black, which would subsequently be sent to tyre manufacturers to facilitate the production of new tyres. This innovative approach creates a circular economy, wherein waste tyres are effectively recycled, thereby contributing to sustainability efforts.
