advance march 2014

www.austchamthailand.comA MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AUSTRALIA THAILAND BUSINESS COUNCILMarch 2014

CHAMBER EvENTSAustralia Day Golf Tournament

FROM THE CHAMBER Belinda Goodbye message

8 16 22

COMMUNITY SERvICESAustCham Breaks Community Services Records

10

BUSINESS BRIEFPartnering with the Thai government – the new PPP Act

How Resilient isYour Business in Thailand?

in this edition

The Changing Faces of Risk

and Reward

ATS specialistmortgage

ATSspecialistmortgage

ContentsPATRONHis Excellency James WiseAustralian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand

PRESIDENTLeigh Scott-KemmisDBM (Thailand) Ltd.

vICE PRESIDENTSM.L. Laksasubha KridakonBaan Laksasubha Resort Hua Hin

Belinda SkinnerTopTalentAsia

TREASURERWarwick KnealeBaker Tilly Thailand Limited

DIRECTORSDavid BellCrestcom-Ra-Kahng Associates Ltd.

Josh HylandAEC South East Asia Co., Ltd.

Brenton Mauriellodwp

Sam McMahonNS Bluescope (Thailand) Limited

Alan PolivnickWatson, Farley & Williams (Thailand) Limited

Rananda RichBlackmores Ltd.

Charles WrightmanNatural Ville & Lenotre

EX OFFICIOGreg WallisSenior Trade Commissioner, Thailand

COORDINATORSPaul WilkinsonJVK International Movers Ltd.ESB CoordinatorEmail: [email protected]

Trevor Dick Indochine Asset ManagementESB CoordinatorEmail: [email protected] Harry UsherLady PiePhuket CoordinatorEmail: [email protected]

14

16

12

BUSINESS BRIEFS6 How Resilient Is Your Business

in Thailand? 8 Partnering with the Thai

Government – The New PPP Act

COMMUNITY SERvICES10 AustCham Breaks Community

Services Record

CHAMBER EvENTS12 Multi-Chamber Manufacturers

Group Get Serious about Employee Drug Use

14 Australia Day Golf Tournament16 Bangkok Sundowners18 Vinarco International Tri-Nations

“Braai” BBQ

AUSTCHAM MEMBERS20 New Members

FROM THE CHAMBER OFFICE22 So Long, and Thanks for All the

Fish: A message from Belinda Skinner

24 Tribute to Dr Valerie McKenzie26 Message from the Executive

Director

March 2014 5AustChamThailand Advance

have access to effective information. In our view, that is forming and foster-ing effective networks and then provid-ing forums to share this information. We have a variety of interest groups and therefore recognize that different groups need different networks and forums to meet their specific needs.

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

By the time this goes to press the Chamber would have completed the 5 March Annual general meeting of mem-bers. Of course a major feature of the AGM is the election of a board of direc-tors for the 2014/15 year. Judging by the expressions of interest and appli-cations on the table to date, your goal of having an effective, diverse yet fully represented board should be achieved. One of my goals was to try and have a strong Eastern Seaboard presence on our board, which we should be able to achieve that goal. Diversity of networks should be a feature of the new board.

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

Leigh Scott-KemmisPresident, AustCham Thailandwww.austchamthailand.com

The protests in Thailand continue, but so does a full calendar of AustCham activities with all of our

recent social and business functions being fully attended. It’s very pleas-ing that members are finding value in the Chamber’s activities. Any ideas for future events and subjects are always gratefully received.

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

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

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

FROM THE BOARD

Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce20th Floor, Thai CC Tower889 South Sathorn RoadBangkok 10120Tel.: +66 2 210 0216 Fax: +66 2 675 [email protected]

For more information on individual Board Member focus please visit www.austchamthailand.com/boardmembers

Editorial CommitteeBelinda Skinner, Rananda Rich,Janna De Vos, Gary Woollacott

Marketing & Production Scand-Media Corp. Ltd4/41-42 Moo 3, Thanyakarn VillageRamintra Soi 14, BangkokTel.: +66 2 943-7166/8 Fax: +66 2 [email protected]

AdvertisingFinn BalslevEmail: [email protected]

Contributions to Advance magazine are welcome. Please submit content to [email protected] 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.

President’s Message

6 March 2014 AustChamThailand Advance

BUSINESS BRIEF

Sathorn) needed to be vacated. Despite the fact that protests had been mount-ing, lots of organisations were caught off-guard because they had no busi-ness continuity arrangements in place. For example, some of them didn’t have proper IT capability to ensure their staff could work from home. Others were much better prepared and allowed staff to work from alternative locations.

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

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

How Resilient Is Your Business in Thailand?

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

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

Could Commercial Prospects Be Impacted By The Political Rift?

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

By Rupert Evill and Jeremie Duthel

The international business commu-nity in Thailand often say they’re no strangers to upheaval.

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

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

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

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

In November 2008, during the seizure of Suvarnabhumi, no businesses expected that peaceful yellow shirt protesters could be let into a critical piece of infrastructure, causing air traffic on Thailand’s interna-tional routes for cargo and passengers to come to a complete standstill for a week. This halt to air cargo caused US$93m in losses to high-tech electronics manufac-turers. Businesses coped by rerouting air cargo through Kuala Lumpur and Singa-pore, which increased costs dramatically, while lots of businesses were left with few options due to the limited capacity offered by freight forwarders.

In May 2010, during the occupation of Ratchaprasong, the heart of Bangkok’s shopping district, it is estimated that retailers in the area lost US$6m per day. By mid-May 2010, most office buildings in downtown Bangkok (Sukhumvit, Silom,


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

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

BUSINESS BRIEF

mous in victory and may seek to pursue vendettas, making spurious (or perhaps legitimate) allegations and mounting investigations, instigating purges, forcing revocations and, at worst, imprisonment. These worst case scenarios should not be overstated given the pluralistic nature of commerce, but some businesspeople, companies and organisations have taken sides (publicly, privately or tacitly). Under-standing the exposure within your imme-diate commercial ecosystem will help you navigate the coming months and make the requisite contingency plans.

On what intelligence should I base strategic decisions?

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

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

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


BUSINESS BRIEF

Partnering with the Thai Government – The New PPP Act

Key features of the new PPP Act

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

1. A Public Private Partnership “Master Plan”;2. The establishment of a PPP Policy Committee to define the

PPP Master Plan and Secretariat to operate as the policy advisory body to the Committee;

3. Streamlined procedures;4. Clearer time frames;5. Standard contract terms and guidelines on post-contract

management of projects;6. Provision for detailed and rigorous project calculation; and7. A “Project Development Fund” aimed at providing seed

money for PPP feasibility studies.

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

To a large extent, on paper at least, the PPP Act has attempted to address a number of criticisms and deficiencies of the old Joint Venture Act. As such, the new Act provides for:

a) Comprehensive institutional and regulatory framework; b) Methodology for the allocation of risk and / or project evalu-

ation;c) Value for Money (‘VfM) Analysis;d) Contract Management; ande) A Central Agency – in this case the State Enterprise Policy

Office (“SEPO”) at the MOF to oversee investments.

The consideration period for new projects has also been reduced to seven to 12 months, instead of 20 to 30 months currently. Helping shorten this timeframe are reduced requirements for consulting cabinet during the project development phase.

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

By Chris Larkin

Last October saw the new Public Private Partnership law come into effect in Thailand. Unfortunately the events of recent months have largely overshadowed what is, we

think, a substantive piece of legislation which will change how the private sector partners and shares risk, with the Thai govern-ment - regardless of who is in power.

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

PPP Act – an overview

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

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

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

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

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

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


BUSINESS BRIEF

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

Thailand’s new PPP czar – SEPO

The new Act mandates that the PPP Committee will be sup-ported by State Enterprise Policy Office (“SEPO”) at the MOF. The body will responsible for drafting guidelines to encourage PPPs, recommending selection methods to the PPP Commit-tee, studying and analysing projects, preparing a draft PPP Stra-tegic Plan, and related matters, all at the approval of the PPP Committee.

This change represents a significant power shift from sector or line Ministries to the MOF. With the core participation in the Com-mittee by finance and legal related personnel, it can be assumed that over time, this structure will result in a more expeditious process as well as, hopefully, a more hard-nosed look at infra-structure policy proposals, especially from a ‘Value for Money’ perspective. However, we do expect there to be some signifi-cant growing pains in the interim. These include:

• SEPO initially being significantly under resourced to properly assess new PPP projects, slowing the anticipated approval time frames.

• Lack of specific guidance. SEPO have yet to make clear to the public how investment decisions will be assessed. We understand the Asian Development Bank has offered

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

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

Conclusion

We think that the new PPP Act represents a massive step for-ward in the way the government will be able to work and share risk with the private sector. The new law then is a substantial achievement, many years in the making under governments of both stripes. Current political turmoil will mean that the ‘bedding down’ of the legislation will take time, and we have also outlined some of the growing pains likely to be encountered internally. Nevertheless, we think investors should feel hopeful as this will more effectively facilitate investment into Thailand in areas where government is required as a partner.

This article was contributed by Chris Larkin, Managing Director of CLC Asia. Chris is a former internal Thai government advisor, and still regularly consults back to government. CLC Asia is a government affairs and corporate advisory firm, headquartered in Bangkok. The company provides services in four key areas: Market and industry analysis, political and country risk analysis, government relations and communications, and policy advisory. For more information about CLC Asia, please visit www.clc-asia.com or email Chris at [email protected] .


When we announced AustCham’s community services success at the end of 2013, even we were

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

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

By May 2013, the school had completed Phase One of the three-part project. This included a fully-operating Kindergarten and Primary Year One classroom along with an administration block and library. Phases Two and Three will see the school expand to include a Community Centre, Swimming Pool, Canteen, Hard Court and additional Primary as well as Secondary classrooms. A number of business enter-prises have been set up within the com-munity to ensure that the school becomes fully self-sustainable in a number of years.

On the evening of our February Sundown-ers, AustCham President, Leigh Scott-Kemmis, proudly presented a cheque of one million Baht to The Beaumont Foun-dation. AustCham raised the staggering sum by selling raffle tickets, auctions and promoting member contributions through-out 2013. In addition, AustCham mem-bers and friends also sponsor 11 students for a six-year study period at the school. In total, this means that AustCham raised

Finally, AustCham provides an opportunity for charities to receive publicity and dona-tions at its monthly Sundowner events through the Sundowners Community Ser-vices Sponsor programme. All charities can apply for this sponsorship opportunity. Those selected will have the chance to dis-play promotional material at Sundowners and receive 50 Baht per guest.

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

For more information about AustCham’s community services, please visit https://www.austchamthailand.com/communityservices

To donate or become a Community Service Sponsor, please visit www.austchamthailand.com/donations

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

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

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

AustCham Breaks Community Services Record

COMMUNITY SERVICES


CHAMBER EVENTS

Multi-Chamber Manufacturers Group Get Serious about Employee Drug Use

Drug use amongst employees is a growing concern for manufactur-ing businesses in Thailand. Aside

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

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

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

ued to carry-out random drug-testing each month. They also offered rehabilita-tion to those employees who tested posi-tive on a first occasion.

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

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

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

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

For more information about the topic and the MMG, please contact the MMG facilitators and representatives, Neal Brazel (Bladerunner Consulting Asia Co. Ltd) at [email protected] or Trevor Dick (Australasia Holdings Ltd) at [email protected] .

Bumrungrad Hospital 1/1

Note: Waiting for Artwork


[email protected] | www.mywwm.org

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

5THANNUALCHARITYGOLFTOURNAMENTAustChamThailandProudly supported by

B3,500pergolferorB14,000perteamof4.OPENTOMENANDWOMEN.

Date: Friday,18October2013Time:Loca�on:

12:00Noonshotgunstart(registra�onfrom11:00am-11:45am)PhoenixGolfClub(SukhumvitRoad,KM158,HuaiYai)

PlayerFee:Includesgreenfee,caddy,goodybag&tournamentgolfshirt.DinnerandawardceremonyatPhoenixGolfCoursefrom6pm,free-flowbeer&wine.Cartand�pnotincluded.Non-golferswelcometojoinbuffet,costB500.

AllproceedsfromtheeventwillbenefitchildreninWomenWithaMission'sNOURISH,EDUCATEandCAREprogrammesinThailand.

Seewww.mywwm.orgformoreinforma�on.Forbookingsorfurtherinforma�on,pleasecallKylie087-4823520,Rosanne

081-8650714,orBronwyn089-8980658,[email protected].

ProudlySupportedBy:OrganisedBy: MediaandHoleSponsors:

PREMIUMSPONSORS GOLDSPONSORS SILVERSPONSORS

SPONSORSHIPOPPORTUNITIESARESTILLAVAILABLE!Beinganeventsponsorprovidesaddi�onalsupporttothisgreatcauseandisagreatwaytopromoteyourcompany.For

moreinforma�ononthepackagesavailable,pleasecontactKylieGrimmer(087-4823520);RosanneDiamente(081-8650714)orPaulWilkinson(081-9039477).

Australia Day Golf Tournament

CHAMBER EVENTS

Friday 24 January 2014 at Muan Kaew Golf oasis

This year, AustCham held its first ever Australia Day Golf Tournament at the Muan Kaew Golf Oasis in Bangkok. As a business chamber, AustCham endeavours to facilitate professional connections and strengthen the Australian-Thai business community. The Golf Tournament is just one example of the new initiatives AustCham is taking in 2014 to stay true to its “Business. Connections. Community” motto. A total of 122 members and friends joined this great opportunity to enjoy a day of golfing, develop new connections and simultaneously celebrate Australia’s national day. We would like to thank all those who joined us in this special celebration. We would also like to extend a special thank you to our naming rights sponsor, Natural Ville, and our hole sponsors, Baker Tilly Thailand Limited, NS BlueScope, CEVA Logistics, MBTI, Meinhardt (Thailand) Ltd, Rose Marie Academy, Syntex, VAST Consultant, and Western Digital (WD), for their wonderful support.

Title Sponsor Hole Sponsors


[email protected] | www.mywwm.org

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

5THANNUALCHARITYGOLFTOURNAMENTAustChamThailandProudly supported by

B3,500pergolferorB14,000perteamof4.OPENTOMENANDWOMEN.

Date: Friday,18October2013Time:Loca�on:

12:00Noonshotgunstart(registra�onfrom11:00am-11:45am)PhoenixGolfClub(SukhumvitRoad,KM158,HuaiYai)

PlayerFee:Includesgreenfee,caddy,goodybag&tournamentgolfshirt.DinnerandawardceremonyatPhoenixGolfCoursefrom6pm,free-flowbeer&wine.Cartand�pnotincluded.Non-golferswelcometojoinbuffet,costB500.

AllproceedsfromtheeventwillbenefitchildreninWomenWithaMission'sNOURISH,EDUCATEandCAREprogrammesinThailand.

Seewww.mywwm.orgformoreinforma�on.Forbookingsorfurtherinforma�on,pleasecallKylie087-4823520,Rosanne

081-8650714,orBronwyn089-8980658,[email protected].

ProudlySupportedBy:OrganisedBy: MediaandHoleSponsors:

PREMIUMSPONSORS GOLDSPONSORS SILVERSPONSORS

SPONSORSHIPOPPORTUNITIESARESTILLAVAILABLE!Beinganeventsponsorprovidesaddi�onalsupporttothisgreatcauseandisagreatwaytopromoteyourcompany.For

moreinforma�ononthepackagesavailable,pleasecontactKylieGrimmer(087-4823520);RosanneDiamente(081-8650714)orPaulWilkinson(081-9039477).

Australia Day Golf Tournament

CHAMBER EVENTSCHAMBER EVENTS


Bangkok Sundowners

CHAMBER EVENTS

Wednesday 5 February 2014 at hilton sukhumvit hotel

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

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

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CHAMBER EVENTS

vinarco InternationalTri-Nations “Braai” BBQtuesday 11 February 2014 at the sukhothai hotel Bangkok

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


AUSTCHAM MEMBERS

AustCham Welcomes new Membersand services in Thailand. We are experts in the use and application of scent marketing concepts and equip-ment for special events and permanent space scent-ing, odour control and aroma marketing.

Products and Services: - Equipment for scent branding- Equipment for scenting large spaces- Essential and Aroma Oils for ambient scenting- Malodour removal products and systems

siteMinderLevel 32 Interchange Building399 Sukhumvit, North Klongtoey Wattana, Bangkok 10110Phone: +66 2 660 3734Email: [email protected]: www.siteminder.com

Representatives:Glenn Andrews- Sales & Marketing Director AsiaKevin Tatem - Head of Sales Asia

Company Profile: Specialists and industry leaders in Channel Manager Software and Online Hotel Booking Systems across the globe. SiteMinder assists properties in gaining more online bookings and managing their online room dis-tribution by implementing the best Property manage-ment solutions and Distribution channel management principles. Contact us today for a chat about our com-mission-free solutions or a free trial of our award-win-ning products.

Products and Services: - Distribution Channel Management software for hotels

BluFox (thailand) Co., LtdUnit 348-9, 4th Floor, 145 Racquet ClubBldg III, Sukhumvit Soi 49/9Klongton Nua, Wattana,Bangkok,10110Phone: +662 762 7844 Fax: +662 762 7845Email: [email protected]: www.blufoxrelocation.com

Representatives:Nick Chomonter - General ManagerErik Dahlstrom - Managing Director

Company Profile: BluFox is an international moving company with offices in Bangkok and Singapore, utilising the latest transportation software and some of the most experienced personnel and management in the industry.

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

neon Group Co., Ltd1213/184 Soi Latprao 94 (Panjamit),Phlubphla, Wang Thonglang, Bangkok 10310Phone: +662 559 2330 Fax: +662 559 2350Email: [email protected]: www.neongroup.co.th

Primary Representative:Tony Wright - Managing DirectorJarntharat Chomthong - Sales Manager

Company Profile: Neon Group is a manufacturer’s representative and marketing and distribution company. We are pres-ently the exclusive distributor for Air Aroma products

- Booking Engine software for hotels

Change of Representative• Mr Viroj Piyawattanametha, Partner is a new repre-

sentative of Baker & McKenzie• Mr Nick Reitmeier, Vice President - Buying, Own

Brands, and Premium Format Development is a new representative of Central Food Retail Co., Ltd.

• Ms Chanida Phuensaen, General Manager - Mar-keting Communication is a new representative of Central Food Retail Co., Ltd.

• Mr Damien Kerneis, Key Account Manager - Ver-tical Market is a new representative of Geodis Wilson Thai Ltd

• Mr Pichain Datedecho, National Sales Manager is a new representative of Geodis Wilson Thai Ltd

• Mr Thomas Schmelter, General Manager is a new representative of Intercontinental Bangkok

• Mr Santisuk Vuttara, Director of Sales & Marketing is a new representative of The Sukhothai Bangkok

• Ms Nawaporn Purananda, Director of Sales is a new representative of The Sukhothai Bangkok

Change of Company name• Bangkok Base has changed company name to

Antares Group

Change of Company Address• Parker Bridge Recruitment Co., Ltd. Unit 1206 12th Floor One Pacific Place, 140 Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey Wattana, Bangkok 10110• Transpo International Ltd. (Head Office) 3388/9, 74-77 Sirinrat Building 3rd B, 21st Floor, Rama IV Road, Klongton Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110

AustCham Annual Gold Sponsor: NS BlueScope (Thailand)


FROM THE CHAMBER

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

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

Many! As each Executive Director or President has come and

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

Most people know me for sticking my nose into everything! For most of the time, I was involved in everything I could be. I helped organise the AustCham Balls, AFL events, and Busi-ness Awards. I have acted as HR representative for the office and have been involved in the recruitment of Executive Direc-tors. I have also been fortunate to represent the board on several occasions for various events with visiting dignatories etc.

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

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

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

What is special to you about AustCham?

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

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

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

So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish: A message from Belinda Skinner


FROM THE CHAMBER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you have any parting words for us?

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

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


FROM THE CHAMBER

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

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

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

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

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

FROM THE CHAMBER An extensive network in Thailand matched with global reach

Call +66 2769 8900 #111/[email protected]/tollgloballogistics

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

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

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

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

AustCham Bronze Corporate Sponsor: Toll

International School BangkokA leader in education and education technology

since 1951.

www.isb.ac.th


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

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

Warm Regards,

Renee BowmanExecutive Director, AustCham Thailandwww.austchamthailand.com

Risk, in the context of business, encapsulates many elements; financial and legislative risks; technical risks

such as inadequate processes; political and environmental risks like changes in government or extreme weather conditions; and organisational risks such as poor leadership and governance, a lack of strategic direction, damaged reputation or having a high turnover of staff.

In the March edition of Advance we feature a number of articles on managing risk and making your business more resilient. A busi-ness that doesn’t plan for risk ends up deal-ing with it in a reactive manner by trying to minimise injury, damage or loss. A well pre-pared business proactively identifies critical business functions, resources and infrastruc-ture which, if disrupted, would have an impact on operations and assets. It attempts to fore-see all potential outcomes and has a con-tinuity plan in place to minimise the impact of threats whilst simultaneously maximising opportunities.

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

FROM THE CHAMBER OFFICE

Calendar of Events

WEDNESDAY 5 MARCH AustCham Annual General Meeting Time: 17:00 – 18:00 Venue: Ballroom II, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok

Bangkok Sundowners Time: 18:00 – 21:00 Venue: The Campus, Grand Hyatt Erawan BangkokCorporate Sponsor: Meinhardt (Thailand) Ltd

FRIDAY 21 MARCHEastern Seaboard Sundowners Time: 18:00 – 21:00 Venue: Centara Grand Phratamnak, Pattaya

Message from the Executive Director

thank you to our February sponsors

Backcover Inside

KIS1/1

Note: ......................................

Exceptional people. Outstanding opportunities. Academic excellence.

www.shrewsbury.ac.th

Shrewsbury International School helps children achieve the very highest academic success and to grow into balanced, happy, confident young people ready for the challenges of life at university and beyond.

We are currently accepting applications for Year 7 and Year 12 in August 2014. A limited number of places is available in other year groups.

Call 02 675 1888 or email [email protected]

Be part of the Shrewsbury success story.

advance march 2014

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