Beruflich Dokumente
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07 / 2012
Corporate
Premier Sponsors
Partnership
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Calendar
Calendar of events:
2012/2013 TCCC Executives
His Excellence Ambassador of Canada President Peter van Haren Vice President Derek van Pelt Vice President John Casella Secretary Dr. Tim Cornwall Treasurer Michael Howard
TCCC
Patron:
Officers:
WHEN: Wednesday, July 18, 2012; 6:30 pm 8:30 pm WHAT: TCCCs 9th Annual Maple Leaf Bowling Tournament WHERE: Blu-O Rhythm & Bowl, 5th Floor - Siam Paragon Cineplex PRICE: Bowlers: Individuals - 1,000 baht; Team (4-persons) - 3,600 baht; Non Bowlers 100 Baht WHEN: Thursday, July 26, 2012 (6:30 pm 9:00 pm) WHAT: Joint TCCC & NZTCC Networking Night WHERE: Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit PRICE: Special pricing for this joint event: 300 baht Members; 500 baht Non Members; price includes snacks, beer & wine. WHEN: Friday, July 27, 2012; 11:30 am 2:00 pm WHAT: Joint Chambers Speaker Luncheon: Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will speak on Thai Politics: Friend or Foe of Business? WHERE: Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok PRICE: 800 baht Members; 1,200 baht Non Members WHEN: Friday, August 8, 2012; 11:30 am 2:00 pm WHAT: Speaker Luncheon: How to Avoid Being Ripped-Off By Your Accountant & Run-Over by the Revenue Department WHERE: Dusit Thani Hotel - Bangkok PRICE: 700 baht Members; 850 baht Non Members WHEN: Wednesday, August 15, 2012; 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm WHAT: Canuck Connections Networking Night WHERE: Tenderloins Sukhumvit Soi 33 PRICE: Members & Non Members 200 baht
Executive Board:
Ali Fancy Derek van Pelt John Casella John Stevens Neil Chiu Michael Howard Peter van Haren Ron Livingston Scott Coates Sranyoo Chanate Dr. Tim Cornwall Todd Switzer Ping Kitnikone
Don Lavoie Geoff McIntyre Michael White Picharn Sukparangsee Raymond Bodemer Sam Cohen Surachit Chanovan
CCBA
Executive Director:
Randy Shockley
Vietnam: http://www.canchamvietnam.org When: Wednesday, July 18, 2012; 7:00 9:00 am What: The Breakfast Club: Hour of power of FIVE presentation x 5 Minutes Where: Jaspas Restaurant , 33 Dong Khoi, D1, HCMC Price: 220,000 VND for member, 270,000 VND for non-members (Include a buffet breakfast) Hong Kong: http://www.cancham.org When: Wednesday, July 18, 2012; 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm. What: Shadow Banking In China: The Development of China's Trust Sector Where: The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, 1301 Kinwick Centre, 32 Hollywood Road, Central. Price: 150 HK$ for members, 250 HK$ for non-members. Japan: http://www.cccj.or.jp When: Thursday, August 2, 2012; 7:00 - 9:00 pm. What: Floating Lounge Summer Networking Where: Waterline, Tennozu Isle Price: 5,500 yen for members, 7,500 yen for non-members (includes 1 drink, buffet-style of a delicious selection of food, 500 Yen cash bar.)
The Voyageur is the monthly magazine of the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce, covering all Thai-Canadian business, legal and social news of interest to the members and others who are active in expanding Thai-Canadian bilateral trade. Editor: Randy Shockley, Executive Director, Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce Publisher: Scandinavian Publishing Co., Ltd. 211 Soi Prasert-Manukitch 29, Prasert-Manukitch Rd., Chorakeabua, Ladprao Bangkok 10230 Tel: +66(0) 2943-7166-8 Fax: +66(0) 2943-7169 Design: Disraporn Yatprom Email: disraporn@scandmedia.com Advertising Contact: Mr. Finn Balslev, Marketing Director Scandinavian Publishing Co., Ltd. Tel: +66(0) 2943-7166 ext.116 or 08-1866-2577 Email: finn@scandmedia.com
Chamber News
Members of the local Canadian community and their friends gathered at the British Club on Saturday, June 23 to conduct an early celebration of Canadas 145th Birthday. This years Canada Day event offered a great opportunity to connect with old friends, express some national pride and to enjoy some great Canadian comfort food and drinks.
hile our day started off with a beautiful blue sky, Mother Nature made sure we were blessed with a short and humidity breaking rain around 4:30 pm. In the end, everyone took the short monsoon down pour in stride and we never missed a beat. We even conducted our annual boat races under dry conditions with the Flying Farangs taking this years honours. In total, 329 adults and kids turned out to share in this years festivities. The front and rear lawns of the British Club were a hot bed of activity with Don Lavoie and Ali Fancy supervising volleyball, ball hockey, tug-of-war games and a pickle eating contest, while BNH Hospital, Michael Albert and the Right To Play crew managed all of the childrens games. One clear winner with the kids at this years Canada Day event was the British Clubs all new and massive Bouncy Castle. The late afternoon rain helped turned the castles slide into one super 'Slip & Slide' event. This years buffet offered some Canadianized dishes with the support of Bernie and Pauline Tweedie. Their efforts are worthy of special recognition since Bernie served his committee support role from a far in Afghanistan, while Pauline handled the local logistics support. Additionally, no Canada Day event would be complete without our traditional Bloody Caesar Bar which was manned by John Stevens and Yves Gaboriault who poured over 60 liters of Clamato Caesars from 3pm to 5:30 pm. This years guests were also treated to an endless supply of Singha draft as well as specially flown-in Moosehead beer. We wish to thank the Canada Day 2012 Committee members of Sam & Sumon Cohen, Don & Daniele Lavoie, Claudia van der Heyden, Michael Albert, Germain Bergeron and Randy Shockley, as well as Delphine & Walter Jamieson, Claudia & Andre van der Heyden, Eva Dagmar, Sranyoo Chanate, Fang van Haren, Kay Stevens, Yui and Aomy for helping to staff the events registration desk. And to the British Club and its staff, we say thank you for delivering a great 145th birthday party for Canada.
Presentation of RT Hong Kong to Canada airline ticket by Khun Varitephas Tuppasutti, S&M Executive - Air People International, Air Canadas new GSA for Thailand.
Presentation of two Air Asia domestic tickets to Michael Howard by Derek van Pelt
Derek van Pelt presenting the Loy Nava dinner cruise prize
Khun Vanida Kasemsri of Tours R Us presenting the Air Asia prize for two international tickets
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Chamber News
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1. Tug of War - Men 2. Tug of War Ladies 3. Tug of War - Kids 4. British Club Bouncy Castle 5. Pattaya Pickle eating contest 6. Daniel & Don handling drink ticket & T-shirt sales 7. Canadas 145th birthday cake cutting ceremony 8. Preparing for the start of this years boat race 9. Flying Farangs winning this years boat race
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July 2012
Chamber News
Manulife Insurance
NIST
Santa Fe
Qatar Airways
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsors
True Clarity Prize and Product Donors Air Canada Air Asia Tours "R" Us Vacances Siam (Club Med) Ltd. Natee International Law Office Ltd. Singha Smiling Albino Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok Grand Millennium sukhumvit Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom Crepes & Co Foodland Supermarket Co., Ltd. The Thai Silk Co., Ltd. (Jim Thompson) Shangri-la Hotel, Bangkok Genesis Skin Klinik Rajawongse Oakwood Apartments Dusit D2 Chiang Mai Loy Nova Dinner Cruises Courtyard By Marriott Bangkok Conrad Bangkok Spice Roads Company Limited Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Anantara Bangkok Riverside Amari Atrium Hotel Bangkok Neil's Tavern Spice Roads Company Limited The Sukhothai Bangkok Bumrungrad International Hospital Raja's Fashion
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Economic News
he report offers a somewhat optimistic picture for the region, while recognizing the challenges and risks that continue to be posed by the overall external environment, notably in Europe. The East Asia Pacific Region today has the strongest growth of any other region, as shown in World Bank Figure 2 below. While developing East Asia grew by 8.2 percent in 2011, it was nevertheless a drop from growth of nearly 10 percent in 2010, although this is explained in part due to the supply disruptions caused by the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan and flooding in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. Despite the weaker demand coming from the United States and Europe, as these regions continue a slow recovery from the global financial crisis, the East Asia and Pacific region managed strong growth in 2011 as domestic demand, supported by easing of monetary policies, took up the slack. World Bank Figure 10 clearly shows the declining emphasis on exports. The report does note, however, that the EU, US and Japan account for more than 40 percent of the regions exports and that European banks provide one third of trade and project finance in Asia. Most East Asian economies are well positioned to weather renewed volatility. Domestic demand has proved resilient to shocks. Many countries run current account surpluses and hold high levels of international reserves. Banking systems are generally wellcapitalized, said Bert Hofman, World Bank Chief Economist for the East Asia and Pacific Region And at the same time that domestic demand has been increasing there is a notable decrease in the regions poverty levels. The number of people living on less than US$2 a day is expected to decrease in 2012 by 24 million. Overall the number of people living in poverty has been cut in half in the last decade in East Asia and Pacific, said Pamela Cox, World Bank East Asia and Pacific Regional Vice President. This increased domestic demand is something that the Bank sees as the best prospect for maintaining high growth, job creation and poverty reduction, along with investment in productivity increases and continued international integration. This outlook bodes well for Thailand which not only has a vibrant domestic market, but is also moving away from economic
growth that is based on the attraction of low wage employment towards increased productivity through technology and increased value-added products from the creativity and knowledge of the workforce. All of this should put ASEANs second largest economy in a good position when the ASEAN Economic Community emerges in 2015. The 4.5% GDP growth forecast for Thailand is somewhat lower than that issued by the Bank of Thailand in May 2012, which sees growth for the year coming in at 6%, with other forecasts as high as 6.5%. Looking at Thailand, the World Bank counts among its reasons for growth: lower global prices, government corporate tax reduction, which is now at 23% and will reduce to 20% at the end of the year, as well as the nations strong banking sector and high international reserves. Also having a positive effect on Thailand is the growth in China and signs of recovery in Japan and the US. Confidence in Thailands economy has been supported by the flood recovery and
For more information about investment opportunities in Thailand, click www.boi. go.th The BOI Investment Review is a monthly publication of the Thailand Board of Investment. Any questions or comments regarding content may be addressed to marketing@ boi.go.th or the BOI Marketing Division at Tel. 66 2553 8217. July 2012
Member News
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NIST launches its one-to-one iPad Programme in its Elementary School in August
What this means for students, teachers, administrators, and ICT support teachers is that the focus is to use technology to facilitate learning not just to have technology. The NIST framework for technology learning goes beyond the use of the computer or device into the conceptual areas of Communication, Collaboration, Creation, Investigation, Organization, and Being Responsible. When students have technological understanding at conceptual levels, they are better able to apply them to new situations and even new devices. NIST remains committed to its tablet programme and the introduction of iPad is an extension of that commitment. Tablets or slates, such as the iPad, have come a long way in a short space of time. Having emerged as media consumption devices, they have transformed into capable, mobile computing devices. The form factor of a tablet such as the iPad is a perfect fit for younger children who need lightweight devices that do not get in the way. The touch-screen is very age-appropriate. Additional features, such as battery life and instant start-up, make them easier to use flexibly within the IB PYP (Primary Years Program), inquiry-based, classroom. For more information, please contact: Thitiphon Untrakul , 02 651 2065 ext 125, thitiphonu@nist.ac.th Supranee Taecharungroj, 02 651 2065 ext 100, supraneet@nist.ac.th
In August 2012, NIST will introduce a bold new iPad programme in its Elementary school, equipping Year One to Year Three classrooms with sets of Apple iPads and providing one iPad per student in Years Four to Six. Over 500 iPads will be launched to complement the school-provided, PC laptop or tablet computers used in its secondary school 1:1 programme.
NIST has been amongst the leading international schools in the region for the past 7 years to embrace technology-enhanced learning, with its one-to-one tablet programme, interactive whiteboards and Front Row audio amplification system.
Although we would never advocate pursuing every new technology for the sake of technology, we are very convinced that the iPad offers a unique opportunity to impact teaching and learning. NISTs Vision for Technology is to develop responsible global citizens equipped with the critical thinking and technological literacy skills necessary to participate effectively in the worldwide community of learners. To this end NIST seeks to use technology as a cognitive tool to support teaching and learning, said Jay Priebe, NIST Technology Director.
oi Chaang Coffee Company was shortlisted in the top 10 Small & Medium Sized Enterprises and was the only Canadian Company to berecognized at the WBDA held June 19th in Rio de Janeiro at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). These awards given by the International Business Leaders Forum, the International Chamber of Commerce and the United Nations Development Program are recognition of the crucial role the private sector plays in achieving the millennium goals: eight internationally-agreed targets to reduce poverty and environmental degradation and improve education, health conditions and
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Business News
Why People Become Negative and What You Can Do About It!
On June 13, 2012, the TCCC supported a joint foreign chamber speaker luncheon in which AmCham, AustCham, BCCT and TCCC all participated.
n total, 90+ individuals participated in this mid-year luncheon with AmCham contributing over half of the events attendees. The featured presenter, Chrie Carter-Scott, defined Negaholism, the climate conducive to creating and fostering negativity, and showed the way to overcoming it. As a professional, you might encounter negative executives or employees who have Negaholic tendencies in the workplace. People arent born negative, and most negative people do not perceive themselves that way. You may not be negative, however, you probably encounter and interact with negative people in your work or personal life. In a climate of sufficiency, there is little negativity, however, when scarcity becomes the norm, negativity starts to creep into even the most positive of situations. Change is an invitation to Negativity, especially significant change. When approaching the ASEAN Economic Community of 2015, this is the type of significant change that can summon the naysayers to come forward. Understanding where Negativity comes from, knowing how to detect it, and determining how to effectively change the behavior of an individual or an entire culture is critical to embracing major change. If people buy-in to the change, it will be effective, and if they dont, it will fail. Leaders must know how to effect buy-in to change if they are to be successful. We thank Chrie for supporting this unique joint chamber luncheon and for sharing her insights on why it is so difficult for people to make the shift from Negativity to a positive, optimistic, hopeful mindset. The TCCC also wishes to thank AmCham, AustCham and BCCT for their strong support of this joint chamber event.
he ASEAN Community will enhance the cooperation among ASEAN countries in various aspects. This will be based on three main pillars: ASEAN Political-Security Community, ASEAN Economic Community, and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. As one of the ASEAN members, the integration and the cooperation of the ASEAN Community 2015 will greatly impact Thailand by increasing people mobility (workforce, students, and tourists), increasing trade, and increasing investment, etc. Hence, it is essential that we prepare ourselves well for the next three years. Many organizations both in the private and public sectors have been alerted to this fast-approaching ASEAN Community. As a result, many companies have set their strategic goal in human resource development in order to prepare their companies and their employees to be competitive in the ASEAN market. Language skill has been emphasized as one of the keys to the success of the ASEAN Community. Increasing in regional trade and investment due to this cooperation will require the workforce to have a much higher level of English skill. Education First (EF) is the largest language education institution which has been founded since 1965 in Sweden. Now we have over 400 offices and 40 schools all over the world. We have been working with many large multinational organizations, including DHL, Accenture, P&G, Sony, Nestle, IBM, Volvo, HP, Google, Beijing Olympics game 2008, to help them breakdown the language barrier in workplace, to enhance international trade, and to support the company global mobility program. Not only at the corporate level, students and young professionals also need to be prepared for the ASEAN Community 2015 as well. The liberalization of trade in education services and the future employment in ASEAN will enhance the mobility both for the higher education and workforce in this region. To address all these needs, EF offers in-house online corporate language training, short-term language course for both adults and students, long-term language course, English for Business course, summer language camp for children, university preparation course, and internship program. EF does offer up to seven different languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, and Dutch. In addition, EF has an exclusive promotion to the members of the Chamber of Commerce. If you would like to obtain more details, please contact Mr. Shane Wanniwat Lersnimitthum, a Business Development Manager at EF. We will be able to address all your language needs both at the corporate level or individual level. Contact: Mr. Shane Wanniwat Lersnimitthum Tel: +66 (0) 81-376-1989, E-mail: wanniwat.lersni@ef.com www.ef.com, www.youtube.com/ef
July 2012
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Member Profile
Global Union Express Co., Ltd., a wholly Thai-owned company, was started by Mr. Charin Nukornavarat in Bangkok in 1980, initially handling Aeroflots passenger and cargo business with great success. Khun Charin started his career in the aviation business as a ground service officer working at Don Mueang International Airport for several European airlines. He quickly understood the significance of Thailand as the centre for air traffic in Southeast Asia, and as an attractive destination for tourists from around the world. He realized that the airline business was essential to the development of Thailands economy especially in the tourism and export sectors.
Khun Charin with daughter Charunya UE quickly expanded its services in outbound and inbound tourist movement to and from Russia, Eastern Europe and Thailand. In 1982, it became one of the first accredited IATA agents in Thailand. The company also expanded its network of branches throughout the country to Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Phuket, and has ventures with partners in Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Taipei. GUE has extended its services to other areas of travel and transportation in its three
decades of operations. In 1986, it established Air People International and in 1989 this company started acting as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Czech Airlines. From 1989-2001 it provided an online service for Czech Airlines from Prague-Dubai-Bangkok and today it still act as an offline GSA for that airline, and as a preferred agent of Transaero Airlines, and Vladisvostok Air. In 1987, GUE set up its next company Asian Flight Services. It was established to develop inbound business to Thailand, Indochina and Myanmar. Its representatives
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Member Profile
also handle chartered air companies ground handling and related services in major airports in Thailand too. In 1990, it set up Global Express Center as an air-sea cargo forwarder and customs services to facilitate the prompt and reliable delivery of goods. Then in 1991, it established Aeroglobal Company Limited to act as a GSA for Aeroflot-Cargo and to help promote Aeroflot passenger sales. Russians love Thai hospitality Khun Charin says so in 2003, GUE established Destination Paradise to specifically deal with inbound Russian Market tour operators in Thailand and Cambodia as well. Today, Global Union Express is one of the top IATA travel agents in Thailand, leading the industry into a new era of IT services. The companys corporate division has built a reputation for providing high quality and professional service with the association of its international partner, the global travel company, Radius. Services including worldwide online hotel accommodation and high-standard customer services to satisfy corporate customers. The RADIUS International Hotel Program is one the industry's most comprehensive hotel programs. It provides substantial discounts guaranteed to be the lowest available from any travel company. It also features several innovative discount programs, all of which add up to superior value for travellers. This years program has more properties than ever beforeover 32,000! This compre-
hensive program includes hotels all around the world, in every class of service, so youll be sure to find exactly what youre looking for. Each hotel offers the best room rates available as well as additional amenities and services including last room availability. GEUs Leisure Division (Flying Orange) represent a wide spectrum of products from regular tours to Russia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Turkey and all parts of Europe. It also designs attractive tailored-made incentive programs around the globe for corporate companies and individual package tours are available to Indochina, Myanmar, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Singapore, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, and of course, throughout Thailand. On March 2012 GUE became the GSA for Air Canada. Since the airline doesnt fly to Bangkok, you need to take another airline to either Hong Kong or Tokyo to grab your Air Canada flight home. When asked why so few Thais travel to Canada, Khun Charin says Theres very little promotion about Canada here and many Thais think that Canada is very far away, further even than the United States. The cost of accommodation and transportation is also very expensive unless you stay in one place. He says that Thais favourite Canadian location of choice is the Rockies, or more specifically Banff. Charin is trying to arrange package tours for Thais during Thai school holidays (April & May and October), when ticket prices are a little lower. Hes also going to start promoting Canada
through a number of posters Air Canada will be delivering to him soon. GUE sells about 100,000 tickets annually and has a turnover of two billion baht (ranked five in the business). This global group of companies provides a very comprehensive service in the travel and air transportation business. The company has many satisfied and happy customers, why not be one of them? www.guetravel.com
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