Voyageur, October-December 2021 issue by FlyingFarang

a publication of CanCham Thailand

October-November-December 2021 Issue

Theme:

Brand Canada

Platinum Partners

Gold Partners

PERFORMANCE WORTHY OF THE WORLD’S TOP UNIVERSITIES #NordAngliaWay

Discover Sixth Form at Regents International School Pattaya.

admissions@regents-pattaya.co.th +66 (0) 93 135 7736 regents-pattaya.co.th

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CanCham Board Members & Advisors 2020-2021 Patron: H.E. Dr. Sarah Taylor Canadian Ambassador to Thailand Executive Board: Derek van Pelt President John Stevens Vice President Amélie Desjardins Vice President Robert Woodrich Secretary Dan McKay Treasurer Board of Directors: David Beckstead Director Rob Candelino Director John Casella Director Surachit Chanovan Director Michael Currie Director Ophat Kittitanarux Director Sunny Patel Director Natasak Rodjanapiches Director Ron Livingston Director Dean Outerson Director Embassy Representative Sanjeev Chowdhury Advisors Caroline Kwan Francis Zimmerman Lynn Tastan Robert Kief Daniel Lin Yvonne Chin Executive Director Jen Meckhayai Editor-in-Chief Scott Murray

CanCham Thailand 139 Pan Road, Sethiwan Tower 9th floor, Bangkok 10500 Tel: +66 2266-6085-6 Fax: +66 2266-6087 Email: info@canchamthailand.org Website: www.canchamthailand.org

Publication Design: Publisher / Advertising Finn Balslev, Marketing Director Tel: +66 2943-7166 MB: +66 81 866 2577 Email: finn@scandmedia.com Design: Disraporn Yatprom Email: disraporn@scandmedia.com

President’s MESSAGE I recently read about a Harvard University study that has been running for more than 80 years. Researchers began tracking the health of 268 Harvard sophomores in 1938 in order to search for clues about how people can lead happier and healthier lives. They discovered that the thing that keeps people happiest throughout their lives is close relationships. Close relationships were found to more important to happiness than social class, fame, IQ, or even money. Most of us have made the decision to forge a life abroad. One of the biggest downsides to that choice is having to say goodbye a lot more often than we’d like. People come and go with alarming frequency when you live the expat life, and even though it happens often, it never really becomes easier. This revolving door of friendships can have a tremendous impact on your sense of community and relationships; and therefore on your overall health and wellness. This past quarter has seen the departure of two tremendous individuals who have contributed greatly to your CanCham community, and it is a great loss to us all that they have returned to Canada. Yvonne Chin was introduced to us through her posting at the Embassy of Canada and immediately put her entire being into everything that she did. Caroline Kwan is a true force of nature and similarly brought nothing but her best to every event that she became involved with. The energy, spirit, and dedication that Yvonne and Caroline brought to CanCham is a model for us all. I will miss them, and their example of commitment to our community is one I am inspired by. I am eager to forge renewed and deeper friendships with more of you in the year ahead. As the research from Harvard shows us, nothing is better for happiness and health than a sense of belonging, and this is especially important now, after nearly two years of the COVID grind. Please, if you are not yet a CanCham member, reach out and join us (ed@canchamthailand.org). If you are a current member, please participate in as many events as you can and engage with others in the networking opportunities as they arise. If you have more money than time, we are always grateful for donations from the community to support our mission to serve you. Everyone can find their place at CanCham. Canada’s strengths in diversity, inclusivity, and belonging are exemplified by our community and we are better (and healthier!) together. Derek van Pelt President | CanCham Thailand

Cover page: The photographic images belong to the Canadian Space Agency October-November-December 2021

It’s official! Canada is the best country in the world

anada took first place in the recently released 2021 Best Countries Report from US News & World Report. This is the first time Canada has claimed the top spot in the annual ranking. The country placed second in the 2020 report and was in third place in 2019. Canada ranked #1 out of 78 countries, beating out Japan, Germany, Switzerland and Australia, which rounded out the top five. The United States came in sixth. The ranking measures the global performance of each country based on a variety of metrics – Adventure, Agility, Cultural Influence, Entrepreneurship, Heritage, Movers, Open for Business, Power, Social Purpose and Quality of Life. Canada got full marks for Quality of Life – which reflects political and economic stability, public safety and a good job market – and Social Purpose, which looks at social justice, human and animal rights, racial equity, gender equality and religious freedom. The country also received high marks in the Agility, Entrepreneurship and Open for Business categories. The rankings are determined through a survey of 4

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more than 17,000 people “who are broadly representative of the global population, with an emphasis on those who would deem the topic and findings most relevant to their lives.” The analysis uses data and anecdotal evidence to determine how countries compare on several different global issues, such as racial equity and corruption. The report notes that Canada is “perceived as having a good job market, caring about human rights, and is committed to social justice.” The top 10 Best Countries in the World: 1. Canada 2. Japan 3. Germany 4. Switzerland 5. Australia 6. United States 7. New Zealand 8. United Kingdom 9. Sweden 10. Netherlands You can see the full 2021 Best Countries Report at usnews.com/news/best-countries.

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY

Jimmy Chiu’s 12 years at Bangkok Patana led him to Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering at Purdue University, then to prototype projects for Honda Research Institute, USA and AI. For fun he still races cars and works on pit crews. From the Design+Technology rooms at Bangkok Patana to the excitement of the race track, Jimmy embodies our definition of a life long learner.

Read Jimmy’s full story:

admissions@patana.ac.th www.patana.ac.th Tel: 02 785 2206 Bangkok Patana is a not-for-profit, IB World School accredited by CIS October-November-December 2021

EduCanada: A World of Possibilities

Why Study in Canada? Canada consistently ranks as one of the best countries in the world—and is currently the #1 ranked best country in the world for quality of life[1]. Study in Canada, and you’ll receive an internationally recognized education from some of the top educators and academics in the world. There are many reasons why you should consider Canada as a study or research destination. Let’s look at some reasons. We’ll welcome you with open arms We’re proud to say that the ‘warm and friendly’ stereotype about Canadians is true. When you come to Canada, you’ll find a welcoming country with a unique Canadian culture that embraces diversity. From urban centres to small towns, Canada is considered one of the safest countries in the world for international students. You’ll learn with the best and brightest Canada is recognized worldwide for our outstanding quality of education—from elementary school to post-secondary studies. Canadian students have consistently been among the top performers in the world and rank 8th in science, 6th in reading, and 12th in mathematics (OECD, PISA 2018). It is important to note that there are no official rankings of Canadian universities. However, the highly qualified educators and field-leading professors have created a learning environment that nurtures creativity and intellectual development. The cost to study and live here is affordable Canada is known for having some of the lowest university tuition fees among English-speaking countries[2]. Whatever your budget may be, you’ll find something just right for you in our diverse range 6

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of education options. Research the cost of post-secondary programs and living expenses in the city or town of your choice so you can prepare your budget. Admission to Canadian Post-Secondary Education Programs • The official Government of Canada website EduCanada.ca provides a wealth of education-related information, as well as the latest updates on COVID-19 for international students. The website features a search engine that helps in researching college and university programs in Canada that best match their interests and career goals. • As the Canadian education sector comes under provincial and territorial jurisdiction, there are notable differences in admission procedures across the country. • Although Canada does not have a centralised admission system, some provinces have created central sites for their institutions. Please visit these websites for more details: o Ontario: ouac.on.ca o British Columbia: applybc.ca o Alberta: alis.gov.ab.ca o For other provinces or territories, it is best to apply directly to the institution being considered. Working in Canada Many international students decide to work part-time while they attend university or college in Canada. Many begin to find local leads to a successful career after graduation. Visit EduCanada.ca which lead you to information about working during and after your studies, wages in Canada, opportunities for your future career and advice to guide your job search and work life. Find out more at www.educanada.ca

Studying in Canada By Edy Wong, Ph.D, Associate Dean International, Alberta School of Business

ending one’s children abroad to study is a big decision. My parents made just such decision and chose Canada as the destination for my post-secondary education when I was 18. Canada was their choice because of its reputation as a safe, friendly and welcoming culture. Besides, Canadian universities were known for their quality education and fair treatment of international students. In hindsight, my parents could not have made a better choice. Canada and the University of Alberta, my alma mater, have proven these popular attributes of Canada to be spot-on in my personal experience. Universities are often a reflection of their societies. The Canadian values of fairness, equality and openness are firmly entrenched in the culture of Canadian universities. I have experienced them both as an international student and an administrator. Indeed, academic excellence and a safe student environ are found on most campuses in Canada. The welcoming and harmonious social atmosphere in Canada provides just the necessary environment for international students to thrive and excel while studying abroad. As for academic quality, a defining characteristic of Canada’s post-secondary education system is its

consistent academic quality of undergraduate programs across the country. A Canadian undergraduate education is a good undergraduate education. These are the reasons why I often recommend Canada to my friends as a destination for their children’s education overseas. Canadian universities have many strengths and advantages that I can share. However, as a first-person narrative, I will confine my comments to the University of Alberta where I currently work as an associate dean in the School of Business. As a top-ranked university in Canada, the University of Alberta was founded in 1908 and is located in Edmonton with an Augstana campus in Camrose. It is a comprehensive, research-intensive university with more than 200 undergraduate and 500 graduate programs in its 18 faculties. The University currently has 40,061 students from Canada and 156 other countries. It is one of the top five research universities in Canada with an international reputation for excellence in many disciplines such as engineering, business, science and creative arts. In 2020-21, The University of Alberta is ranked at #81 globally and #4 in Canada by the Centre for University Ranking, with Paleontology at #3, petroleum engineering, forestry and geology at #5 globally. October-November-December 2021

A comprehensive university like the University of Alberta clearly has many advantages to offer its students. The large array of expertise across the 18 faculties and many (professional and academic) disciplines cannot help but create a rich environment for intellectual exchange and learning. Students are able to access classes from a wide spectrum of disciplines and tailor-make a program that suits their interests and professional needs. For example, at the Alberta School of Business, we offer joint programs with faculties like Medicine, Law, Science, Engineering and Arts to enable a well-rounded education for students in these faculties. Our curricula are designed not only to offer students access to the latest academic research, but also current professional knowledge. Our accounting, finance, marketing and supply chain management curricula are designed with significant professional inputs. This is important because many of our students are expected to pursue a professional designation in accounting and supply chain management upon graduation. In fact, a co-operative program is available to our students who are interested in acquiring a practical professional experience during their undergraduate studies. Similar programs are available in the engineering and science faculties at the University of Alberta. With students from 156 countries represented on campus, the university offers also a fertile environment for global learning and exchanges. Aside from engaging in an exchange program overseas, there is a myriad of student activities and forums where students can engage directly and make friends with their colleagues from around the world. There are 425 student clubs on campus. We not only aim for academic excellence, we also want to cultivate and nurture global leaders of tomorrow at the University of Alberta. 8

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As part of the University of Alberta family, the Alberta School of business offers students an opportunity to acquire a world-class education and study under world-class researchers and with students from around the world. The School offers 12 majors from Accounting and Finance to Strategic Management. Our students’ academic experience is supplemented by personal growth opportunities made possible by our co-operative education programs and various student clubs and community activities. The latter are important training tools in encouraging and cultivating leadership qualities in our students. As for formal assessment in 2021, Shanghai Jiaotong University Ranking ranks the School #4 in Canada, and #90 globally, and Times Higher Education Ranking ranks the School #2 in Canada, and #36 globally. Above all, it is the caring attitude and excellent teaching records of my colleagues that make University of Alberta a university that I would recommend unreservedly to anyone considering Canada as a destination for a post-secondary education. A Canadian education is more than a degree. It is a chance to experience the Canadian lifestyle and values first hand, and make friends from around the world.

Edy Wong For more information, please contact Edy at: edy@ualberta.ca, or Jane Ji at: yji6@ualberta.ca

Canadian inventions

Dianne Croteau invented Actar 911, the CPR mannequin to teach people the techniques of CPR.

Fredick Creed invented a way to convert Morse code to text in 1900 called the Creed Telegraph System.

Five-pin bowling is a simpler version of ten-pin bowling which is mostly played in Canada. Thomas F. Ryan created the first 5-pin bowling in 1909, in response to his Toronto Bowling Club’s customers who complained that the ten-pin bowling was too hard. Thomas cut five pins down to about 75% of the regular size, and used hand-sized hard rubber balls.

On May 4, 1892 Thomas Willson, a Canadian inventor accidentally found the method to yield large amounts of calcium carbide for making acetylene. Acetylene is a colorless gas which is widely used as a fuel and a chemical building block. By 1895 Thomas had founded a company that eventually became Union Carbide, one of the globe’s biggest chemical companies.

Canadian inventor Edward S. Rogers created the world’s first Alternating Current Simple Rectifier Tube when he was 24-year old. The invention permitted the heater in the radio tube to operate from household electric light sockets rather than large batteries.

Thomas Ahearn, among many of his achievements, such as the introduction of electricity for streetlights and street cars, invented the electric cooking range in 1892. He installed the first ever electric cooking range in the Windsor Hotel.

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The Canadian inventor F. Morse Robb invented one of the first electronic organs ever made called the Robb Wave Organ in 1927.

Hugh Le Caine created the first synthesizer known as the Electric Sackbut. Le Caine was a trained musician and a physicist who had begun working on Sackbut in 1945.

Cluny Macpherson was a physician and the inventor of an early gas mask. Macpherson began his research of protection against poison gas in 1915. In the same year, Macpherson invented the gas mask made of fabric and metal.

The Crop Cold Protector was co-invented in 1967 by D. Siminovitch & J.W. Butler.

Kerosene, also known as lamp oil, is widely used as fuel in aviation and households. Its name derives from Greek, meaning “wax,” and was registered as a trademark by Canadian geologist and inventor Abraham Gesner in 1854.

Andormonon is a three-wheeled vehicle invented in 1851 by Thomas Turnbull. Only 300 people saw the ardromonon and a news reported said that it could travel almost up to the speed of a train, 50 km.

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Marquis Wheat was developed by Dominion Agriculturalist Charles Saunders in 1904. It was selected for superiority in milling quality for bread flour and the advantage of maturing 10 days earlier than its competitors.

The McIntosh Red apple is the national apple of Canada. In the 20th century, it was the most popular cultivar in Eastern Canada and New England, and is considered an all-purpose apple. Fun fact: Apple Inc. employee Jef Raskin named the Macintosh line of personal computers after the fruit.

The Multi-Dynamic Image Technique was created by a Canadian creator name Christopher Chapman. It is a film innovation technique which shows several images shifting simultaneously on panes, with some panes containing a single image and other forming part of an image completed by other panes.

The invention of the odometer was in 1854. Samuel McKeen of Nova Scotia thought to attach a device to the wheel of a carriage, thereby measuring distance as the wheel turned.

The potato digger was invented by Canadian Alexander Anderson in 1856.

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In Drummondville, Jean-Paul Roy claims that he invented poutine at his drive-in restaurant Le Roy Jucep in 1964. He had been serving fries in a special sauce since 1958, in a dish he called patate-sauce. However, there are several competing claims of having invented the dish.

The quartz clock was the invention of a Canadian engineer, Warren Marrison. He discovered he could use quartz crystals’ vibration in an electric circuit to be able to tell time. It became the normal timekeeping device from the 1930s and on.

In 1913, George B. Dorey created the first successful braking system that made possible safe, regular travel in Canadian winters.

Neil Harpham invented the highly reflective safety paint used to illuminate street lines at night.

The Navigation System was invented to enable polar coordinate aviation navigation by J.E.G. Wright in 1958.

Reginald Aubrey Fessenden was recognized as the “father” of radio and as the first to actually transmit the sound of the human voice without wires. On December 23rd, 1900, he had successfully transmitted the sound of the human voice between two 50-foot towers on Cobb Island located in the Potomac River.

Elijah McCoy patented an important improvement to rubber heels in 1879.

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John Patch was a Canadian fisherman who invented one of the first versions of the screw propeller.

Joseph-Armand Bombardier, a mechanic from Valcourt, Quebec, developed a propeller-driven sled in 1922. This was the first of many vehicles that could travel over snow.

Synthetic Sucrose was invented by Dr. Raymond Lemieux in 1953.

Stereo-Orthography Map Making System was Invented by T.J. Blachut, and Stanley Collins in 1965. 14

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BASIS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BANGKOK APPOINTS ALAN WILKINSON AS NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL

ASIS International School Bangkok (BISB) has announced the appointment of Mr. Alan Wilkinson as the new Head of School.

Born in Shrewsbury, England, Alan has 25 years of leadership experience in international schools in Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and China – a long track record with a strong focus on excellence in all aspects of education. In addition to his school leadership, Alan is also experienced as an international school inspector for the Council of International Schools (CIS). He will relocate to Bangkok from Hangzhou, China after three years as the Founding Head of School at BASIS International School Hangzhou. Alan will be responsible for continuing the implementation of the mission and vision of the world-acclaimed BASIS Curriculum at BASIS International School Bangkok. He succeeds Ms. Elizabeth Thies, who will relocate to the United States and transition to her new role

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Alan Wilkinson New Head Of School

work with such outstanding teachers, staff, students and especially to have the chance to get to know the BASIS Bangkok community. BASIS Bangkok has had an impressive start in its first two years and I am excited to take on the challenge of leading the school to the next phase of development. I have visited Bangkok several times and have enjoyed the unique culture especially Thai food very much. I look forward to living in Thailand and having the opportunity to learn more about its culture.”

as a Head of School at a new BASIS Independent School. Elizabeth will be with BASIS International School Bangkok to begin the 2021-2022 school year and smoothly transition her leadership role to Alan. “Alan Wilkinson has an outstanding reputation leading BASIS International School Hangzhou and a proven track record of running successful international schools. He is the kind of leader who engages within the school and community in pursuit of educational excellence in a familial atmosphere. We are thrilled to welcome Alan to the BASIS International School Bangkok Community,” noted Mr. Jonathan B. Schwimmer, Managing Director of BASIS International School Bangkok. “It will be a privilege for me to serve the school community and I look forward to building on the successful foundations Ms. Thies and the team have set, ensuring BASIS International School Bangkok continues to be recognized as one of the top schools in both Bangkok and the region,” said Alan. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the school and

Alan was born, raised, and educated in England and has twenty five years of experience leading both BASIS Curriculum and international schools. While Alan began his teaching career in Liverpool, England and spent the majority of his career outside of England in places like Budapest, Abu Dhabi, New York and Hangzhou. He has a wide variety of interests, reflected in his educational background with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology with Economics, a Bachelors of History with Education Specialism and a Postgraduate Masters Degree in Education from Liverpool John Moores University.

About BASIS International School Bangkok BASIS International School Bangkok opened in August 2019 and is the 35th school in the BASIS Curriculum School network. Our network is established as the gold-standard American K – 12 educational community across the United States and around the world. For more information regarding BASIS International School Bangkok, please visit www.BASIS.ac.th October-November-December 2021

What’s Canada’s Identity in Thailand? By Greg Beatty

anada’s identity is maybe better defined by what it isn’t, rather than what it is. We’re a country born without a mission statement. Fame is not a Canadian experience. We go south for that. Neil lives on a California ranch, Celine resides in Vegas, and Bieber lounges at Snoop Dogg’s house. We’re the hole in the donut. But without it, Tim Hortons can’t call it a donut. Canada hardly has an identity beyond its borders. But more than any time in history, Thais may know our PM by name, if only for his great head of hair. Canada barely made the Top 25 arrivals by nationality in 2019, eking in at 22. We were sandwiched between Sweden and Switzerland. Each of them has a quarter of our population, yet they have a strong identity through their branded products. Sweden has IKEA, Volvo, and H&M. Switzerland: Lindt chocolate, Rolex watches, and the Swiss army knife. Canada? Our great beers, superlative ice-wines, and maple syrup are largely untested on the Thai palate. Our woolly blankets, wheat and whisky will never reach a tipping point in Thailand, a term coined by Malcolm Gladwell, a Canadian. (We’re quick to claim our Canadians!) Canucks are a modest bunch. No soaring eagle emblazons our minted coins. It’s the lowly but industrious beaver that shines on our nickel. Our

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dollars don’t carry the crude slang of “bucks.” Ours have a cartoonish droll: loonie and toonie. We don’t pound our fist and say, The buck stops here! We say, thank you to ATMs. Yet we’ve invented things that Thais use regularly - the concept of standard time, the telephone, IMAX film; some they hope to never use – insulin, the pacemaker, Superman; and some they surely never will – we’ve invented pretty much anything to do with the cold. Though we’ve certainly never been fashionable with our wintry contributions. The rustic cowboy-hat wearing Marlboro man would never have become iconic wearing a soft mitten-like toque (rhymes with fluke), that is popular in Canada. Our culture is usually not for export. So, short of marital unions, we can’t blame Thais for not distinguishing us amongst other foreigners living in Thailand. When Thais come to Canada, however, they see what makes us remarkable. To know the Canadian identity and imagination, is to know that it is grounded in reaction to the Canadian environment. This is especially true during winter. Summer temperatures fluctuate wildly from 35 Celsius at lunch time down to 18 by dinner, but winters capture the same temperate readings with a minus sign.

On our annual visits, my Thai wife and daughter are in awe of our geography – from the snowcapped Rockies of the West to the scenic sandy beaches, bays, and estuaries of the Atlantic East. They’ve heard the deafening thunder of Niagara Falls, and fought off blackflies (more hostile than black bears) in our wooded national parks, and portaged canoes through a scant few of our two million lakes and rivers. (Canada has 20% of the world’s freshwater). But do landscape and latitude really shape the Canadian identity? Literary critic Northrup Frye called it a “garrison mentality”, the attitude of a community that feels isolated from cultural centres and besieged by a hostile landscape. Frye argued that such communities were peculiarly Canadian, and fostered literature that was formally immature, displayed moral discomfort with "uncivilized" nature, and whose narratives reinforced social norms and values. The evergreen Canadian author, Margaret Atwood, adopted Frye’s approach and elaborated on this theme in her book Survival. To Atwood, the central image of Canadian literature is the notion of survival and its central character the victim. By extension, Canadian identity is defined by a confrontation with nature, striving for greater control over the environment, the history of settlement, and by unquestioned adherence to the community and growing urbanization. Primary influences on our identity trace back to the arrival of early settlers, the French and the British. Two themes unfolded: first, the often-conflicted relations between these two dominant groups for cultural and linguistic survival; second, the generally close ties to the British Empire, eventually resulting in a gradual independence from the "mother country".

For the early settlers, it was a hard grubbing, lonely, impoverished existence. Survival was a preoccupation, to be achieved only through relentless, back-bending labor. There were riots, hard drinking, and barn burnings. Women often faced life and even the terrors of childbirth without a neighbor to help. The first epidemic invaded Canada in 1832. Hundreds died miserably from a plague no medical knowledge could cure. From the 16th through the 19th centuries, First Nations, Canadian indigenous peoples, played a valuable part in the development of European colonies in Canada, from their role in assisting exploration of the continent, the fur trade, and inter-European power struggles to the creation of the Metis people. Canadian aboriginal art and culture continues to exert a marked influence on Canadian identity. During the twentieth century immigrants from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean have reshaped the Canadian identity, a process that continues today, adding the theme of multiculturalism to the debate. We have a diverse makeup of ethnicities and cultures rather than a single national myth. In a recent census, there were more than 250 ethnic groups in Canada. The idea of a cultural mosaic suggests a form of multiculturalism, different from other systems such as the melting pot, often used to describe nations like the US. In a melting pot, immigrants are encouraged to cut off ties with their countries and cultures of origin to assimilate into the new way of life. History is another word for experience, not prophecy. The past tells Canadians that they live in a tough country with a tradition of compromise, an aversion to violence, and a gift for survival. Under a shell of self-deprecation, Canadians are unified in a sense of fairness, inclusion, democracy, sustainability, and diversity. When it comes to land, we’re still mostly an empty country. But not when it comes to values.

Greg Beatty Greg Beatty is Canadian with a US law degree. He has worked in Asia for several multinational companies and law firms. He is member of the Advisory Council of Thailand Regional Forum (gregfieldbeatty@gmail.com).

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A Pair of Skates By Greg Beatty Illustration by Natchariya “Mai” Beatty

f you give a boy a pair of skates, he’ll want a stick and a puck to go with it. You’ll buy him a stick, and then a helmet, gloves, and the rest of the equipment. The boy will ask you to drive him to practice, and to watch his games. The games will be played in different towns and cities, and each year they’ll be further and further away. Sometimes, it’ll take longer to drive to and from the games than the one-hour game that is played. You’ll start the car on cold winter mornings and clear the ice from the windshield for weekend practices. Hauling hockey equipment will stink up the car on the way home, and maybe it’ll be the boy if there were no showers at the rink. You and the boy will arrive home late in the evening. Dinner will be waiting, maybe cold on a plate at the table. Weekends are spent freezing in hockey rinks. The dank smell hangs heavy in the air, dim lights cast shadows on the few people in the windowless rink. The hockey seasons get longer every year, more games and practices interrupt your hobbies, interrupt your social commitments, and interrupt your work deadlines. Office parties will be excused, maybe your birthday too. You’ll do the right thing, and your sacrifices won’t be recognized. You and the boy will talk about the game, and it will be fine if he doesn’t thank you for your time. The years will pass by. The boy will wear a new team jersey each year, with matching socks. You’ll complain about the cost of equipment, especially hockey sticks. It seems the boy breaks one every week. But the boy will be learning new skills and, playing on a team, he’ll be dedicating himself to something bigger than himself. The boy is learning about teamwork, having fun, getting good coaching, and occasionally a bad referee that shows him life isn’t always fair. As a goalie, the boy will make the big save. In the boy’s mind, he’s just like Tony “O” Esposito, and he beams with pride. Games will be lost, sometimes on the boy’s account. You know, but the boy doesn’t, that the boy will learn more about himself from the losses than the wins. The boy will learn too, foul jokes and a mouthful of swear words in the dressing room. You’ll learn something else that you didn’t want to know. This is no longer your generation. Your adoles-

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cent dreams have become as cold as the rinks you wait around for the boy. If you’re marking time, you’re making a scrap book of photos and news clippings like the one your father made for you. Occasionally, you’ll go downstairs to the basement, turn on the light, open the closet door, and look at the row of skates that you’ve been keeping. None of them will be worn again. But you don’t throw them out. You pick them up, one by one, and wipe off the dust. You think to yourself that first pair looks smaller each year. And then you stop putting skates in the closet. The boy has become a man and laid his hockey stick to rest. And the father knows that the boy-man might feel that time has been wasted. The boy’s dream ended; the boy-man didn’t make a career in hockey. But you knew that didn’t matter long before the boy did. When you give a boy a pair of skates, you give him a chance to live a dream, and friends, and teams, and to develop a talent, and a chance to make his name public, and a chance to fail, and to pick himself up and try again. And the boy will have this journey because you gave the boy a pair of skates. And then, many years later, the boy will write this to say, thanks for the skates, Dad.

MAGNA TO BRING DRIVER ASSISTANCE INTO THE DIGITAL AGE WITH INDUSTRYFIRST CAPABILITIES IN 2022 we expect digital radar to transform the way we think about radar’s role in road safety – today and in the future.” Magna and Austin, Texas-based Uhnder partnered to develop the technology, which continuously scans its full environment in four dimensions, resulting in higher resolution and better contrast than analog radar. As a result, ICON Radar has the power to sense moving or standing objects, large or small, at both short and long distances.

Magna’s ICON Digital Radar detects pedestrians up to 150 meters away

• ICON™ Digital Radar takes advanced driver-assistance technology to new levels • Latest advancement helps address industry challenges for safer driving and higher levels of autonomy • Developed in partnership with technology startup Uhnder, Inc. When Magna International’s ICON Radar debuts on the Fisker Ocean next year, it will mark the first application of digital radar for driver-assisted technology. The new digital radar enhances a vehicle’s ability to “see” its surroundings and detect potential dangers, from a stalled car in a dark tunnel to a pedestrian up to 150 meters away. “ICON Digital Radar dramatically improves performance over today’s analog radar, bringing it to levels which have not yet been experienced in automotive applications,” said Boris Shulkin, Executive Vice President, Technology and Investment at Magna International. “Similar to other digital breakthroughs in the consumer electronics and mobile phone industries,

In addition, ICON Radar eliminates interference concerns experienced by today’s analog radar. Each digital radar has a quintillion unique codes embedded into the signal it transmits, helping minimize the negative effects of mutual interference. Effectively, no two radars in the world would have the same code. “We believe the time is right to make a paradigm shift toward digital radar systems enabling our customers like Magna to have more accurate information from their radar sensor so they can develop sophisticated algorithms to help save more lives,” said Manju Hegde, CEO and Co-founder of Uhnder. ICON Radar helps address key industry challenges today and paves the road toward higher levels of autonomy in the future. In addition to vehicle and pedestrian detection, it can identify low-lying objects and open pathways on crowded, multi-lane roads. Magna’s recent agreement to acquire Veoneer will further strengthen the company’s radar portfolio. Veoneer brings more than 10 years of program execution and experience producing more than 40 million radar sensors. ICON Radar is one part of the full portfolio of ADAS sensor solutions that Magna has to offer, providing automakers a full-systems approach to bringing ADAS technology to their vehicles.

ABOUT MAGNA Magna is more than one of the world’s largest suppliers in the automotive space. We are a mobility technology company with a global, entrepreneurial-minded team of 158,000 employees and an organizational structure designed to innovate like a startup. With 60+ years of expertise, and a systems approach to design, engineering and manufacturing that touches nearly every aspect of the vehicle, we are positioned to support advancing mobility in a transforming industry. Our global network includes 347 manufacturing operations and 84 product development, engineering and sales centres spanning 28 countries. For further information about Magna (NYSE:MGA; TSX:MG), please visit www.magna.com or follow us on Twitter @MagnaInt. October-November-December 2021

Voyageur Q & A with Marisha Wojciechowska A) Please tell us a little about yourself: where you were born, where you grew up, what you studied & where. I was born in Quebec City and grew up mainly in Toronto and Ottawa as both my parents were professors; one at the University of Toronto and the other at the University of Ottawa. We spent our summers on the bucolic banks of the St. Lawrence River just outside Quebec City. I also spent a year of primary school, a year of high school and a year of University in Paris, during my parents’ sabbatical years. I then moved to Montreal to attend McGill University, followed by the University of Quebec in Montreal, where I majored in Sociology and then in Environmental Sciences. I also earned a second Masters degree at Tulane University, in International Development. B) Please tell us about your experience in Thailand and how you ended up here. I lived for almost 10 years in Thailand. We first arrived with my husband and our one-year-old son, in January 2005, from New York City where we had been living. After about a year-and-a-half, we moved to Tokyo for seven years, and returned to Bangkok in 2013, which we happily called home for another seven years. Life in Bangkok is as good as it gets for me! I love the energy and the chaos of the city. I love the many hideaway gems that abound throughout this bustling metropolis. I love the character of the Thai people who are kind, pleasant and accommodating to us foreigners. I love the rich culture that you can find in every corner of Thailand. And now, after 22 years of life abroad, we find ourselves on a lakeside just outside Montreal. C) How did you become involved with CanCham Thailand? Ms. Yvonne Chin, our fabulous Senior Trade Commissioner at the Embassy of Canada at the time, first approached me to seek out my interest to join the CanCham Board as an Advisor. She was determined to attract more women to the Board, a feat that she pulled off with brio! D) Did you always want to be an author, or is it just something that happened along the way? So it is, that I now unexpectedly have the title of author next to my name…! My mother is in fact a recipient of the Governor General’s Award for her poetry (Canada’s highest literary prize), and I had, as any typical rebellious fiercely independent daughter would, sought to carve out my own lane. Hence, I went into the environmental 22

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field, and as an international advisor and consultant in water resources policy, I have had (and continue to have) the privilege of a rich and very interesting career in the field, with mandates for the United Nations, the Asian Development Bank, the Asia-Pacific Water Forum, and the Government of Japan, among others. But the idea for My Globetrotter Book came to me, and I just couldn’t chase it away. Slowly, I set about following the nudge. I now am deeply passionate about broadening horizons for our kids. Let’s transform them into global citizens…and the world will be a better place! And so, My Globetrotter Book was born. We now have six published titles, with more on the way. The books are available in bookstores in Canada, Thailand, France, Belgium, and just recently I have launched them on the Singapore market! But Thailand remains very special in My Globetrotter Book’s journey, as Asia Books were the first to take us on-board (to whom I remain eternally grateful)! E) Please name a few of the authors that have inspired you & why. I am a big fan of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the French author of The Little Prince. I just adore the poetry and imagination in this masterpiece! Doesn’t it just make your mind dream and your heart sing?! I also typically enjoy Harumi Murakami’s works, as they typically transport me into his surreal worlds profuse with extraordinary imagination. And Margaret George for her tales of strong historical women. F) How did the idea for the Globetrotter Books come about & is every book based on a city that you have lived in? My son was about 10 years old when I first had the

while opening their minds to the great big world out there. They can support their practice of English (or French), inspire them to discover new foods, explore history, and so much more. Let’s not let the horizons close-in onto this generation of kids! Let’s keep alive their sense of awe and wonder about the world! H) I believe Bali is the next destination in your series, any others planned? Indeed, Bali is the next in production. After that, I will probably return to a European city. Rome, London, Prague, Lisbon…which to pick? And then, surely, I would need to do another Canadian city, shouldn’t I? There is just so much of the world out there to marvel at!

idea of My Globetrotter Book. The idea came to me after we had traveled to the Rocky Mountains in the U.S., where we had participated with him in their wonderful Junior Ranger Programs. Every time we entered a park, he would receive a little booklet to fill out and upon completion would be given a Junior Ranger badge and certificate. He loved it, and was so engaged in each park’s discovery, learning, and having so much fun along the way. Upon returning home to Bangkok at the end of the summer break, I had an A-HA moment in my living room one day: why don’t booklets like this exist for every destination we go to?!! He would be so much more engaged in visiting new destinations and discovering new cultures if he could be exploring them on his own terms, while having fun!

I) Please tell us a little bit about the joys & difficulties of being an expat and living & raising a family abroad. Our family has thrived through expat life. We always embraced the opportunities to explore the world and open our minds. I have also found that there is a precious sense of community that develops among expats, as we’re living a pretty unique lifestyle, and in time, we see each other through the hard and of course, the fun times, that inevitably befall along the way. You share the trials and joys of this exciting expat adventure together in a fairly tight-knit community, raise your families alongside each other, and forge enduring ties as you journey through life together. As for the difficulties, of course, one of the challenges is to provide our children with a sense of belonging and roots. Though, I must say, I never worried all that much about that, being myself the product of a bi-cultural marriage and knowing that Canadian society would always welcome us back openly due to the exceptionally diverse makeup of our society. I was also emboldened by seeing many hugely successful stories of other expat kids who turned out astonishingly well!

I sat with the idea for some time before finally mustering up the courage to try doing one myself. Over a year passed, and I finally set down to paper some preliminary thoughts, starting with Tokyo, a city we had lived in 7 years as a family and slowly I came up with a draft. In time and through many iterations, my graphic designer and I came up with a concept for that first manuscript. We then immediately set out to make another manuscript on New York City, the city my son was born in. And then, Bangkok and Paris. Quebec and Montreal. All cities that I had lived in. Singapore is the first title that I’ve not lived in, though it is a city I have enjoyed travelling to often. G) How do you hope to inspire young people with the books? I must say that My Globetrotter Book is not solely are travel companion. The books are truly intended to be unique and distinctive tools to transform kids into citizens of the world! So, while we all await to resume traveling, the books can be used in this stay-at-home period to occupy kids for a few hours here and there, October-November-December 2021

The risks of Thai Savings being unprotected might only become apparent later… By James Fraser & Paul Gambles

n the 11th of August, the Deposit Protection Agency (DPA) in Thailand reduced the protection offered per individual account holder per financial institution to THB 1,000,000. This isn’t because of the Covid crisis and was according to a pre-Covid timeline. Is Thailand safe for deposit holders? We review the differences between Thailand’s and Canada’s deposit protections, as well as how safe the banking system in each of these countries. In Thailand, we will also review how the latest changes might cause unintended issues for the Thai banking sector and could cause THB to depreciate further versus the USD and finally how this could be a wakeup call for investors to ensure that their assets and currencies are appropriately diversified.

The CDIC insures Canadians’ bank deposits up to $100,000 (about THB 2.7 million) per insured category held in member Canadian banks to protect against losses, in the event that one fails.

The Deposit Protection Act took effect on August 11, 2008. Since then, the initial full-coverage protection limit of THB 100 million per depositor per financial institution was reduced to THB 50 million on August 11, 2012, then to THB 15,000,000 on August 11th, 2016, and to THB 5 million on August 11, 2019. This protection does not cover mutual funds or foreign currency accounts.

As in Thailand, Canadian depositors don’t have to apply for coverage at CDIC member banks, nor do they have to file a claim if there is a bank failure as money will be paid out automatically in case of a default.

The Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) was formed by Parliament under the Financial Administration Act and Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation Act more than 40 years before Thailand enacted its similar legislation and, based on the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in the United States, is a private insurance company, not a bank. The CDIC is funded by premiums paid by member institutions and does not receive public funds to operate.

Between 1967 and 1996, Canada experienced the failure of 43 financial institutions, all of which were CDIC member banks. There have been no failures since

Thailand’s Capital Adequacy Ratio 1998 – 2021 – Above 12% is considered reasonable. The 2011 floods caused more damage to the CAR than Covid-19 in 2020 but 2021 will likely be worse.

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Calgary-based Security Home Mortgage Corporation closed its doors in 1996. As the Canadian corporate lending market is larger and less concentrated than in Thailand, it is possible that in a financial crisis, bad debt and strategic bad debt (healthy borrowers who exploit lenders during a crisis) may not be as contagious as it could be in Thailand, although the Canadian financial system has been identified as facing a high level of risk, one of the 7 debt zombies identified in Professor Steve Keen’s ‘Can we avoid another financial crisis?’ (which concludes that we probably won’t), due to over 200% private debt to GDP and an accompanying asset, especially property bubble. Thai banks have been adequately capitalized since about 2003 and the BOT has over the past 10 years put in place some of the most stringent measures in the world to protect the Thai banking system which can help justify the step-by-step process to lower the Thai deposit protection rate. But these measures may not be enough to see Thailand through its largely unprepared for 2021 Covid crisis. In 2020 and this year, the BOT announced several relief measures for borrowers and especially for riskier SME’s which essentially relax and extend debt repayments, and the true extent of an increase in bad debt this year may not be readily known. With extended debt repayment and other restructuring terms being accepted by the BOT without recourse, banks have been encouraged to provide business continuation assistance which in normal times they might not do. Given the likely high NPL environment, one might argue that the DPA should wait until the Covid crisis is over before reducing the protection level again. Thailand’s Capital Adequacy Ratio 1998 – 2021 – Above 12% is considered reasonable. The 2011 floods caused more damage to the CAR than Covid-19 in 2020 but 2021 will likely be worse.

The Capital Adequacy Ratio data for all Canadian banks was reported at 16.3 % in March 2021 and this is an increase from 16.1% for Dec 2020 and it fell below 15% during the early stage of the Covid-19 crisis exemplifying what could be happening in Thailand if extra capital isn’t continually reserved to cover emerging late payments. There are arguments as to why Thailand’s CAR is likely to drop more than it did in Canada in a severe in a crisis. Canadian banks reached a record low of 12.2% in Dec 2008 but just within the acceptable standard. If Thai banks were to fail, then the main concern would likely be the sudden and deep depreciation of the THB to the USD, and don’t be surprised if (like any government faced with a major crisis), the Thai government issues a moratorium so that the DPA didn’t need to protect even THB 1,000,000, or not pay it out within 30 days as the DPA stipulates. The Thai government may also decide not to protect deposits belonging to foreigners just as the Social Security Fund (SSO) decided to only pay Thais the THB 2,500 in Covid relief even though all working nationalities pay the monthly contribution. The loonie is widely seen as a commodity currency due to the historic significance of resources in Canada’s export mix; not only does oil & gas remain the leading export industry, with petroleum refining in 3rd place, but copper, zinc & lead refining, mineral & phosphate mining, aluminium processing, meat, beef & poultry processing, and sawmills & wood production also make the top ten. This creates an additional risk of cyclical weakness in the Canadian economy and the financial system as well as the CAD. The THB versus the USD has been remarkably resilient in recent years largely due to the country’s relatively low public debt to GDP and very limited corporate and individual investments made abroad. This October-November-December 2021

static and localized nature of the economy has meant that the government has been able to cheaply raise all its funding needs within Thailand (yields of Thai bonds on occasions have been less than their equivalent US treasuries). As Thailand has a wide proliferation of sunset industries and limited high-end manufacturers this has also resulted in trade surpluses and these factors combined have helped push up the THB. However, raising funds inexpensively at home might become more challenging in the months ahead given the severity of the latest Covid-19 wave and the need for huge public relief measures. With borrowing between banks are likely to become more expensive and liquidity less forthcoming in a high NPL environment (which tends to feed on itself) then investors will lose confidence and be more willing to invest abroad and diversify their currency risk. Sooner than later, the government will be forced to pass legislation that will enable it to raise public debt beyond 60% of GDP and we expect that this will further weaken the THB, and further exacerbate investment abroad.

THB begins depreciating

Whilst Canada and Thailand both benefit from commodities and higher commodity prices, which increases cyclical risk, this is more nuanced for Thailand, which, unlike Canada, remains a net oil importer, raising the risk of a double whammy of higher commodity prices in the event of idiosyncratic THB weakness. The combination of higher oil prices and a weaker Baht could potentially turn the current account surplus into deficit, dramatically increasing downward pressure on Baht and generating further economic headwinds in the Kingdom. The general perception is also that the Thai economy, financial system, and currency may be more vulnerable to political risk but that’s a whole other topic.

account or investments in local THB mutual funds. One simple way we sometimes advise to diversify deposits, is to purchase US treasury notes, typically via an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF). While US Treasury ETFs aren’t available to purchase on the Thai Stock Market, they are available through Canadian and offshore investment platforms. There are significant differences in the tax treatment of Canadian residents and non-residents in respect of income generated on US fixed interest, that can give rise to significant tax-planning opportunities. Of course, US Treasuries aren’t completely default free, but their categorization as risk-free assets perhaps denotes that the chance of a US government US treasury note default is exceedingly low.

The strength of financial regulation in both Canada and Thailand has improved immeasurably in recent decades and in both jurisdictions generally robust protections are afforded to clients of regulated or licensed financial institutions. The range of possible outcomes highlights that, even in ‘normal times’, it’s prudent to diversify assets and currencies and that this includes institutional default risk attaching to the banks where deposits are held in Thailand, Canada and elsewhere. We often find entrepreneurs who own businesses in Thailand that are carry significant Thai economic and currency risk, also have all their savings in a Thai deposit

Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/quote/THBUSD:CUR

We regularly consult clients on risk and portfolio asset class allocation, including the security or otherwise of counterparties such as bank deposit accounts. We also review suitable and cost-effective investment platforms, including those offered by private banks and brokerages, in Thailand, Canada and overseas. A proper diversified portfolio within the boundaries of appropriately defined individual risk parameters is the best way for you to stay safe during the next financial crisis whether that event turns out to be global or localized in Thailand. This should at least prevent any unexpected surprises rearing their heads after engaging in any ‘unprotected’ activities!

Paul Gambles, Managing Director MBMG Group is an advisory firm that assists expatriates and locals within the South East Asia Region with services ranging from Personal Advisory, Insurance Services, Private Equity, Accounting & Auditing, Legal Services, Property Solutions and Estate Planning.

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For more information: Tel: +66 2665 2536 e-mail: info@mbmg-group.com Twitter: @MBMG_GROUP LinkedIn: mbmg-group Facebook: MBMGGroup Instagram: mbmg_group

Greetings from the Phuket Sandbox By Robert Kief

hat better way to open the Phuket sandbox then with a celebration! Canadians from around the island trekked to Phuket Town to celebrate our National Day. Despite only having days to prepare and advertise our Canada Day celebration the event was attended by a large number of resident Canadian’s and a few commonwealth members eager to get there hockey gossip and Caesars’ fix. The tourists have definitely arrived. Days of old when unconfident scooter riders and people faces buried in their Google maps can be seen around the island. Though the total number of arrivals for the month of July was equal to the daily arrivals pre-Covid, fresh faces were a welcome sight. Those that traveled to be the first arrivals on the island were treated to a Phuket that has not been seen in over 25 years. Impeccably clean beaches, marine and native wildlife reappearing on a regular basis and for those businesses that have endured, featuring the best that Phuket has to offer in gastronomy delights. As many Soi’s and laneways remain bare and unoccupied the occasional flicker of life can be seen. Most people agree that this would be the worst time globally to start a business. Yet despite all the doom and gloom heard on a daily basis a few people have decided to disregard this and forge forward. And forge forward they have done! Knowing that they truly only have one chance at success what is brought forward is the best that Phuket can offer. Gone are the days of putting out a good product with ok service. Staffing

is top notch and everyone is at peak performance. Owners are ensuring what goes out is to the standard that they envisioned and not one degree less. Businesses are not trying to be everything to everyone. They are focused on one product, one group segment and delivering it well. If this pandemic has one positive note, it has shaken all the dead wood out of the forest and allowed the trees to grow. Now….if we can only do something about the taxis!

Robert Kief Robert Kief is the Cancham South Representative, Tel: 095 257 3525; Email: robertkief@outlook.com; Facebook: Canadians in Phuket

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University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy T

he University of Toronto, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy offers two professional master’s degree programs – The Master of Global Affairs & The Master of Public Policy. These programs attract an extraordinary group of students and position them to become outstanding leaders and effective problem solvers. Students will be taught by leading faculty members from a wide range of disciplines. These programs combine rigorous coursework, professional internships, and capstone courses to give students the tools they need to address the problems of a rapidly changing world.

The Master of Global Affairs (MGA) degree positions graduates to accelerate their careers in business, government, and NGOs, as these sectors pursue their strategies in an interconnected and multipolar world. The 2-year program is grounded in the five pillars of global affairs: Global Security, Global Development, Global Justice and Human Rights, Global Markets, and Innovation Policy. Currently, 40% of our class are international students, from all parts of the world (for example, Africa, India, China, South America, US, Europe, other parts of Asia, and some from the Caribbean). We wish to increase the number of students from all parts of the world, including throughout Asia. MGA Internship: The internship is a core part of the MGA program. You will have the opportunity to gain real-world experience in top-tier corporations, international and national institutions, and civil-society organizations. 28

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Our Global Internship Coordinator is dedicated to supporting our students in securing their internships with 100% of students placed each year. You will have the opportunity to work with our MGA internship partners or find your own role with the support of the MGA team. Some MGA Internship partners have been the World Bank, OECD, UNICEF, Global Affairs Canada, Manulife, and the American Chamber of Commerce in Morocco. You will also be able to leverage your MGA degree to secure internships with organizations such as: KPMG, Committee on Human Rights in North Korea, Atlantic Council, Building Markets, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), WHO Japan - the possibilities are endless! Internship facts - Did you know? Our students have completed internships in more than 63 Countries.

We have over 320 placement hosts based on data collected over the years since the program began. We send an intern to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Thailand every year! The MGA Program offers Dual Degrees with global partner institutions: If you enroll in any of these dual degrees you will benefit from the unique academic strengths of each institution, the depth of the networks centered in their geographic regions, their distinct professional training, and internship resources. You will gain complementary perspectives on the pressing challenges of the 21st century and benefit from the distinctive academic strengths of each institution.

MPA/MGA: Master of Public Administration (London School of Economics)/Master of Global Affairs (University of Toronto)

The MGA program also has very high employment statistics after graduation. Our overall employment rate after graduation (2012-2021) is 93%.

The dual degree between the University of Toronto and the London School of Economics and Political Science will allow you to gain two distinct and complementary degrees — a Master of Global Affairs (MGA) from the Munk School and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in LSE, by spending a year in London and Toronto.

The MGA also offers two Combined degrees, three Collaborative Master’s Specialization options that can be completed within the MGA degree and exchange programs.

MPP/MGA: Master of Public Policy (Sciences Po) / Master of Global Affairs (University of Toronto) This two-year program combines the strengths of the Sciences Po School of Public Affairs and the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy to create another unique graduate program combining a Master of Public Policy and a Master of Global Affairs, by studying in Paris and Toronto. MIA/MGA: Master of International Affairs (Hertie School) / Master of Global Affairs (University of Toronto) This two-year program allows you to gain two distinct and complementary degrees – a Master of Global Affairs (MGA) from the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy and a Master of International Affairs (MIA) from the Hertie School, by studying in Berlin and Toronto.

If you are interested in learning more about the Master of Global Affairs Program and our admissions process, please visit our website (https://munkschool. utoronto.ca/mga/). The Master of Public Policy degree is a two-year, fulltime professional master’s degree program at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. In this rigorous program, you will learn the core tenets of the policy process and address key topics - modern economies, polities and societies that bridge Canadian and global policy. As we recover from the global Covid-19 pandemic and grapple with urgent calls for equity and justice in the face of systemic and anti-Black racism, the importance of bold, creative, and effective public policy has only become clearer. Public policy plays a critically important role in shaping our everyday lives and the future in Canada and globally. While studying in the MPP program, you will also be required to complete a paid policy internship between your first and second year of study. Under faculty supervision, the internship offers you a chance to apply your knowledge to issues in the public, private or non-profit sectors. We have dedicated staff to help student secure their internship position and employment after graduation. The MPP program has a 100% internship placement rate and 3 months after graduation in 2021, 89% of our graduating class were employed in the public policy field. The MPP program also offers a combined Juris Doctor/Master of Public Policy degree program (JD/MPP), four collaborative programs and exchange programs. You can visit our Master of Public Policy website to learn more about our program and our admissions process.

Rejeanne Puran Rejeanne is a graduate of the University of the West Indies (B.A. English; 1993) and the University of Toronto, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (M.Ed. 2007). After being a High School Teacher in Trinidad & Tobago for 3 years, she migrated to Canada and started working at the University of Toronto, as an administrator in 1998. She has since worked in various capacities and in various faculties and departments across the University of Toronto both at the undergraduate, graduate and professional school levels. Rejeanne joined the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law as the JD Admissions and Financial Aid Coordinator in 2010. She sat on the Law school’s Admissions and Financial Aid Committees and recruited for Faculty of Law, JD program for the past 10 years before joining the University of Toronto, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, as the Graduate Program Recruitment and Admissions Officer for the Master in Global Affairs and Master of Public Policy programs in March 2021. Her role there is to recruit top tier students, nationally and internationally, for both programs who are interested in global affairs and public policy and who care about making a real impact in the world. Please feel free to contact her at recruitment.munk@utoronto.ca. October-November-December 2021

Brand Canada’s Competitive Advantage By: John Evans, Managing Director Paulo Guedes Moreau, Research Analyst Tractus Asia Ltd.

anada is much more than hockey and maple syrup. Many executives underestimate the competitive advantage of “Made in Canada” and the power this messaging can have in attracting and keeping customers in emerging markets like Thailand. According to market research conducted by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada is perceived by foreigners as “a model country” with a pristine natural environment and a populace that is open and trustworthy. Canadian made and grown and products also have a reputation of being safe and of the highest quality. These perceptions are backed by the research conducted by Export Development Canada (EDC). The EDC found that the top international perceptions of “Brand Canada” around the globe are: 1) Land of natural resources and open spaces; 2) Resource rich; 3) Good reputation; 4) Innovative; 5) Trustworthy; and, 6) Multicultural. Canada is building on these perceptions and developing a unique and growing brand on the global stage as illustrated by its climb up FutureBrand’s Country Index (CI). Canada’s brand strength ranked 8th in 2019 but has moved up three spots to 5th place in 2020. This index which interviews 2,500 influential individuals including C-Suite Executives, Presidents, and Managing Directors as well as top-level civil servants from across the world measures the strength of a country’s brand from a pool of 75 nations. The most recent study was conducted six months into the coronavirus pandemic (June 2020) and found that respondents perceived products labeled as “Made in Canada” to be of higher quality and more authentic than many domestically produced products. The report found that Canadian companies are recognized as experts in three sectors: (1) Energy with leading companies like Husky Energy, Canadian Natural Resources, EnCana, Cenovus, BC Hydro and Suncor Energy; (2) Technology innovators in telecoms BlackBerry, Telus and Shaw

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Communications), automotive (Magna) and aerospace and rail (Bombardier); and, (3) Food & Beverage (F&B) leaders such as McCain Foods, Saputo, Maple Leaf Foods and Tim Hortons. There are tremendous opportunities throughout the ASEAN markets to bring in not only Canadian products in these three sectors, but also technologies and solutions. In Thailand there is a particular opportunity for the F&B sector. A recent Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) research study showed that 91% of the Thai consumers surveyed planned to spend more or about the same as they do now, on packaged food and beverages in the next three years. The study highlighted the following three Thai consumer trends that offer opportunities for Canadian F&B companies. • Small Indulgences. The responses from those in the focus groups reflected the desire among mid-

Exhibit 1. Canada’s Exports of Prepared Foodstuffs & Beverages to Thailand (Canadian Dollar)

Source: Canadian International Merchandise Trade Database (September 2, 2021)

dle‑class consumers for small indulgences when it comes to food. One respondent commented “I prefer imported items as there are many different tastes from all over the world and it’s exciting to find something new and special from abroad.” • Connecting People. Most respondents in the focus groups view food as a great unifier that allows people to connect and relate to one another across cultures. Food also operates as an expression of cultural identity and it can propel people to another time, place or culture without having to leave their home. • Healthier Eating. The consumer survey found that health and wellness is a dominant trend in Thailand. Increasingly health‑conscious consumers are trying to take care of themselves through their food choices, driving demand for products that are low in sugar, high in fibre, low‑calorie, and free from additives and preservatives.

• Chilled Food. In 2020, the Thai market for chilled food expanded by 10.3% to THB 5.6 billion. Domestic demand is forecast to strengthen by an average of 3-13-14% per year. • Frozen Food. In 2020, the Thai market for frozen food expanded by 11.3% to THB 13 billion. Domestic demand is forecast to strengthen by an average of 12-13% per year. The forecast increase in Thai consumption of readyto-eat meals may be opportune as Canadian companies can supply many of the food raw material and technologies needed to meet Thailand’s increased demand. This is especially the case for instant noodles where 70% of the raw material costs derive from the price of wheat flour which may be supplied from Saskatchewan’s picturesque crop fields.

Canada is already exporting prepared foodstuffs and beverages into Thailand. Exports to Thailand grew by 2% in 2020 despite challenges brought on by COVID and Canada’s overall drop of 7% in F&B exports to ASEAN (exhibit 1). If imports from Canada continue at the same pace this segment will double in 2021. According to a recent Krungsri study, sales of readyto-eat food received a strong boost from the outbreak of Covid-19 and is forecast to gradually rise over the three years from 2021 to 2023: • Instant Noodles. In 2020, the domestic market recorded growth of 11.9% by to THB 19 billion. Domestic demand is forecast to strengthen by an average of 3-4% per year.

Source: Canadian International Merchandise Trade Database (September 2, 2021) Canada’s growing brand strength coupled with a Thai consumer preference for high quality safe prepackaged F&B products offers opportunities for not only Canadian businesses offering these types of products, but broader opportunities for Canadian companies serving the agro-food chain from commodities through to retail and supporting technologies and support services such as logistics or cold chain management. The label “Made in Canada” can help your products and services stand out not just in Thailand but in the greater region as well.

John Evans Managing Director (john.evans@tractus-asia.com)

Exhibit 1. Canada’s Exports of Prepared Foodstuffs & Beverages to Thailand (Canadian Dollar)

Paulo Guedes Moreau Research Analyst (paulo.guedes@tractus-asia.com)

Tractus Asia (www.tractus-asia.com) is a leading Pan-Asian strategy advisory and consulting firm helping executives make informed decisions to achieve their business goals and objectives in Asia and beyond.

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Meaningful connections and engagement at UVic Written by Caylee Maclean

he University of Victoria (UVic) is located on beautiful Vancouver Island, on Canada’s west coast and is home to numerous dynamic learning programs, impactful research collaboration and a campus community with commitments to ongoing truth, respect and reconciliation. UVic welcomed the university’s new president, Kevin Hall last fall. Early on President Hall made clear his intentions to further the ongoing work of truth, respect and reconciliation at UVic. In early 2021, a new associate vice-president Indigenous (AVPI) position was announced with the intentions of bringing an important perspective to decisions made across all areas of the university. Well respected leader, Qwul'sih'yah'maht (Robina Thomas) was appointed as the founding AVPI and stepped into this role in April 2021. Thomas has been a valuable member of the UVic community since 1998 and brings her wealth of personal, academic and professional knowledge to the important role.

“As a Coast Salish woman working as the first Associate Vice President Indigenous on Coast Salish land, I have a responsibility to my ancestors and my grandmother whose name I carry, and to the Coast Salish communities. It’s equally important to 32

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be accountable to both types of leadership—community and institution.” —AVP Indigenous, Qwul’sih’yah’maht Robina Thomas. The ongoing Indigenization at UVic is represented across multiple programs and positions. Ry Moran joined UVic last fall in another inaugural role, as Associate University Librarian - Reconciliation. The position is the first of its kind among Canadian post-secondary institutions. Moran leads the Library in decolonizing approaches to archives and collections, as well as support and guide integration of Indigenous ways of knowing and being into the Library’s portfolio. The role of Indigenous Resurgence Coordinator was established in December 2020 within the Faculties of Science, Social Sciences and Humanities. UVic alumna and current graduate student, Lydia Toorenburgh stepped into the role and will work with staff and faculty to enable systemic changes that will further support Indigenous students. The joint degree program in Canadian Common Law (JD) and Indigenous Legal Orders (JID) is the first program of its kind in the world. Co-founder

UVic is situated on the traditional territory of the ləkʷəŋən peoples. We acknowledge and respect the ləkʷəŋən peoples on whose traditional territory the University of Victoria stands, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

of the Indigenous law degree program at UVic, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Law and Professor at UVic, John Burrows was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada (O.C.) earlier this year. The Order of Canada celebrates innovators and change-makers in Canada and is one of Canada’s highest civilian honours. UVic’s Co-op and Career program is one of Canada’s largest and well established co-operative education programs and sees upwards up 4,000 placements each year. Almost half of UVic undergraduate students include a co-op work term in their degree program, many taking up work terms outside of Canada and with 75% of co-op students with job offers upon graduation. The Indigenous International Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Exchange program was established at UVic in 2015 and is the first of its kind in Canada. The program, a result of collaboration at UVic between the Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement and Co-operative Education Program and Career Services, has partnered the Wollotuka Institute, University of Newcastle; the Walanga Muru, Macquarie University; and the Ngarara Willim Centre, RMIT University. Indigenous students studying at UVic are connected with Indigenous-focused work experiences in Australia. To date, 9 Indigenous students have gone abroad to complete work terms with Indigenous centres at the one of the three partner institutions in Australia. UVic has welcomed 6 Australian students from the partner universities who take part in LE,NON _ ET which provides a series of programs designed to welcome and support Indigenous students throughout their educational journey at the University of Victoria. Inbound students also complete a community-engaged learning experience. The program has been recognized widely and was awarded the Canadian Bureau of International Education’s (CBIE)

Panorama Award and the 2019 British Columbia Council for International Education’s (BCCIE) Award for Outstanding Program in International Education. The Co-op and Career program sends numerous UVic students to international destinations each year and welcomes many international students as co-op interns at UVic. Over 60 co-op work terms have taken place in Thailand in the last five years alone. UVic has had the opportunity to host 5 students from Thailand institutions as co-op work term interns, one of which who received prestigious funding from the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) program through Global Affairs Canada. The 2022 QS World University Rankings recognized UVic as a leader in research impact, ranked at 120 globally for the number of citations per faculty member, which is a testament to UVic’s high level of research output. Additionally recognized as one of North America’s top universities for published research based on international collaboration, UVic faculty members are actively engaged in collaboration with their peers around the globe. As the world looks towards the resumption of international travel and recovery from the global pandemic, UVic will continue to foster engagement with global partners, provide opportunities for our students to adopt new perspectives from first hand international experiences, and continuously look for ways to further our collective efforts and commitments to honouring the important work of truth, respect and reconciliation in Canada.

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CANADA’S “SUCCESSFUL AGING” DEBUTS AT BANGKOK COMMUNITY FOR HEALTHY LIVING AND LIFETIME CARE “ BAYCREST’S CENTURY OF EXPERIENCE FROM TORONTO LETS US OFFER THAILAND’S FIRST COMMUNITY WITH EVERY ELEMENT FOR WELL-BEING AFTER 50 ”

Arrival Ring Road

Computer-generated imagery for advertising purposes only.

s we grow older, where in the world can we find the best model for our home and community? Tasked with developing a new community in Bangkok for people aged 50 and over, The Aspen Tree looked around the globe for best practice - and found it in Toronto. “Thailand – like the rest of Asia – is aging fast but its market is yet to adjust,” said its President, Ms. Hye June Park. “The country needs a new approach that combines an outstanding lifestyle with full-spectrum support. And we found the perfect partner to realize this holistic vision in Canada with Baycrest Centre.” Baycrest has been looking after older adults in Toronto for over 100 years. Set up for the city’s Jewish community in 1918, the center is now a global authority in “successful aging”. With a distinctive model combining research, training, and care, the center today looks after 1,500 older adults every day. Through its global subsidiary Baycrest Global Solutions, the center’s generations of insight will be applied at The Aspen Tree in residences, facilities, and services for healthy living and lifetime care. All text and images are for advertising purposes only. The company reserves the right to amend the details specified herein without prior notice.

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Aging-in-Place Guided by Baycrest’s science- and evidence-based approach, The Aspen Tree offers mid- and low-rise active-living condominiums built with universal design. A multitude of subtle features, such as space for guide rails, let residents stay in the homes they love for as long as they like.

The Forestias

This “aging-in-place” concept extends to full-spectrum support in design, services, and care.

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Back to the Trees The Aspen Tree’s debut community will welcome its residents in 2024 at The Forestias, a new green district across 64 hectares at Bangna in South Bangkok. “The Forestias provides the ideal place for the debut community as it will be part of a sustainable green district,” said Ms. Park. “With 56% of its area devoted to forest and green spaces, The Forestias also offers an overarching dedication to ‘intergeneration’ design that brings all generations together.”

Healthcare programs apply the latest research insights. You can enjoy life to the full in a community complete with care, activities, and matchless service, with specialist assistance whenever it might be needed. A 6,000 sqm Clubhouse features an indoor wellness center and outdoor pool, a fitness center, a library, a meditation room, a café and multi-cuisine restaurant, a media and theater room, an arts and craft area, a spa and salon. Amenities include a concierge and call center, daily wellness and activity programs, and housekeeping services. Every aspect of The Aspen Tree, from the first foundation block to the user-friendly lights, has been well thought out to take the current and future needs of its residents into account. Wellness Clubhouse

The Forestias is the flagship project of MQDC, whose portfolio includes landmarks such as ICONSIAM on the Chao Phraya River as well as “smart city” complex of 101 True Digital Park, connected by skywalk to Punnawithi Skytrain station. A Green District The new neighborhood is based on a masterplan from the famed UK architect studio Foster + Partners. Inspired by MQDC’s concept of “For All Well-Being”, to benefit all life on Earth, the innovative design features a host of eco-friendly features. Residents will even benefit from a microclimate 3-4°C cooler than surrounding areas. The urban heat island is reversed through tree cover and technology such as stack ventilation and a district cooling network. As part of its eco-friendly concept, The Forestias is a complete mixed-use district with medical centers, malls, and cultural venues alongside its extensive green spaces. All are easily accessed through a green transport system.

Computer-generated imagery for advertising purposes only.

A VIP Lifestyle Services to underwrite a VIP lifestyle range from dining to transport, security, housekeeping, and healthcare. Residents enjoy daily healthy breakfast, weekly housekeeping, concierge service, 24-hour security, valet parking & buggy service, the Wellness Clubhouse, shuttle buses, Smart Home technology. For active living and healthy aging, you can enjoy a wellness program of daily activities for fitness, brain health, and overall well-being. Lifelong learning opportunities await with classes to uncover hidden talents and explore new interests. With nature all around, residents have enchanting gardens and shady forest glades to enjoy and explore. Their warm community centers on events, activities, and meeting spots to share fun times and stay in touch. In addition to preventive care, with programs and services for healthy aging, you also have the safeguards of insurance cover, 24-hour support, and onsite healthcare. To learn more about life at T h e A s p e n Tr e e : w w w. t h e a s p e n t r e e . c o m , Contact Center 1265

MS. HYE JUNE PARK PRESIDENT THE ASPEN TREE All text and images are for advertising purposes only. The company reserves the right to amend the details specified herein without prior notice.

July-August-September2021 2020 35 3 October-November-December

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