UPDATE Q2/2018: SME & STARTUPS

2/2018 http://thailand.ahk.de

T H E M AG A Z I N E O F T H E G E R M A N - T H A I C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

SMEs & STARTUPS Thailand intensifies initiatives and funding for SMEs and innovative start-ups PREMIUM PARTNERS 2018

Recent developments of Thailand’s SME landscape

GTCC Ordinary General Meeting 2018

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Friday, 25 May 2018, Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok

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FROM THE EDITOR Dear readers, In Germany, more than 99 percent of all firms belong to the “German Mittelstand” (SMEs) which has become the backbone of the German economy (BMWi, 2012). In Thailand, SMEs also account for 99 percent of the country’s enterprises and 78 percent of its total employment.

Therefore, they are regarded as a key driver of Thailand’s economy towards the new economic model “Thailand 4.0”. (Thailand’s Public Relation Department, 2017).

GTCC presents the theme of “SMEs/Startups” for this issue of UPDATE magazine. Thanks to the contributors from GTAI, CRM and Cloud Consulting Co., Ltd., Ninive Games Co., Ltd., and Thai Nakon R.O.P. for sharing their insights and perspectives as experts and SMEs. Our highlights in the Q2/2018 issue include exclusive interviews with Mr. Michael Welser, Managing Director of leading engine assemblers Powertech 2004 Co., Ltd. (PT4) and Powertech Engine Assembly Co., Ltd. (PTA); and Mr. Decha Metprapha, Managing Director of Srithai Engineering Products Co., Ltd., the 600th member of GTCC. GTCC has already organised various activities during the first quarter of 2018, particularly “Joint Chamber Luncheon on Thailand Economic Outlook 2018” and “GTCC Icebreaker Networking: Welcome New Year” which celebrated our new milestone of reaching 600+ members. They all were very well received by our members and sponsors.

Congratulations to the newly-elected Board of Directors for 2018/2019! Our gratitude goes to all Board Members for their devotion and continued contributions to the success of the chamber. We also would like to thank Mr. Matthias Hoffrichter, who served as Director of the GTCC Board from 2015 to 2017 with a strong commitment. The results of our Ordinary General Meeting 2018 are detailed in the Chamber Activities Section.

I trust you will enjoy an interesting and informative read.

Dr. Roland Wein

UPDATE is published quarterly by the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce and distributed free of charge to members and qualified non-members in Thailand and abroad.

Subscription is also available at an annual rate of US$75 (airmail). Payment can be made in cash or by cheque to the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce, 14Fl., AIA Sathorn Tower, 11/1 South Sathorn Rd., Bangkok 10120, Thailand. Tel.: +66 2 055 0600. Fax: +66 2 055 0601. info@gtcc.org.

Any opinions expressed in articles in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the Chamber.

UPDATE welcomes story and photo contributions from members and non-members alike. Articles may be reproduced with acknowledgement, except for those taken from other sources.

Circulation per issue : 2,000

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Roland Wein Editor & Communications Director: Chadaphan Maliphan Advertising Director: Ganya Aparaks Design & Layout: Sorapol Liengboonlertchai Sub-Editor: Tony Oliver

GTCC UPDATE Magazine is printed on recycled paper supported by OIA - OFFICE FOR INTERIOR & ARCHITECTURE and EGS-plan - YOUR GERMAN EXPERT TEAM for INTEGRATED SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING

CONTENTS

06

Thailand intensifies initiatives and funding for SMEs and innovative start-ups

18 Interview: Mr. Michael Welser,

Managing Director of Powertech 2004 and Powertech Engine Assembl

25 33 BIOFACH 2018 exhibitor delegation trip 30

by GTCC Thailand Economic Outlook 2018

SMEs & STARTUPS 10 Recent developments of Thailand’s SME landscape 12 Thai Nakon: Keeping the art of high-quality Nielloware creation alive and well

37 GTCC Quality Assurance Certificate Presentation Ceremony

27 GTCC Young Professionals Network Evening 28 GTCC Ordinary General Meeting 2018

GTDEE INSIGHT

14 Ninive Games Thailand: From an idea to a real

32 GTCC Certificate Presentation Ceremony for

16 Interview: Mr. Decha Metprapha, Managing Director

35 GTCC Certificate Presentation Ceremony for

BUSINESS BRIEFS 22 New General Manager at the Bangkok Marriott

MEMBER’S CORNER

business

of Srithai Engineering Product Co., Ltd.

Hotel

23 New President at BMW Group Thailand CHAMBER ACTIVITIES 24 GTCC Ice-breaker Networking “Welcome New Year”

24 GTCC "Business Women Networking" event 25 AHK APC Meeting 2018

BMW Service Apprentices Batch 2015

Mercedes-Benz Apprentices Batch 2015

38 New GTCC members 43 GTCC Member Speed Networking

TRADE FAIRS 44 45 46 47 48

SPIELWARENMESSE CE CHINA 2018 automatica 2018 GaLaBau 2018 IAA 2018

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06 SMEs & STARTUPS

THAILAND INTENSIFIES INITIATIVES AND FUNDING FOR SMES AND INNOVATIVE START-UPS Dr. Waldemar Duscha

The suppor t for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as pioneering startups plays a key role in the long-term development concept, Thailand 4.0.

Regionally, Thailand focuses innovative industries and products in the Eastern Economic Corridor. Due to state subsidies and the growing attraction for investors the sector of star tups is showing dominant contours. Thailand’s stock market established the platform, LIVE, for support by the capital market.

The launch of the new economic system, Pracha Rath (State of the People), is considered to be the bir th of a concer ted advancement of SMEs, startups and social companies. Due to this initiative, which was introduced by the Government of Thailand, more than 60 private and public organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2016 on closer co-operation in changing Thailand into an “Entrepreneurial Society” that also involves the development of a widely attractive infrastructure for a start-up environment.

UPDATE 2/2018

The Government has provided support of about US$3 billion for SME advancement as a stimulating measure as well as soft credits to simplify investments. As part of this special support, the Ministry of Industry plans to provide help for around 50 local and international large-scale enterprises. The natural gas and petroleum multi-industry company, PTT of the Charoen Pokphand food group, and the Siam Cement Group have already joined the programme. Currently, the total enterprise stock is valued at about baht 3.3 million SMEs. Since 2015, a total of 38 product categories—e.g., automobile components, glass, jewellery, software, pharmaceuticals, print and movie production—benefitted from public sponsorship.

The prime benefits comprise two additional tax holidays and the use of pre-owned machinery.

To qualify, the basic requirements are having a Thai majority interest (51 per cent), an outside equity capital ratio of 3:1 and investment of at least US$6.2 million.

The regional focus is on the Eastern Economic Corridor, which is spread over the three provinces of Rayong, Chonburi and Chachoengsao. The National Innovation Agency hopes to

SMEs & STARTUPS 07

achieve the foundation of 5,000 SMEs and 400 star t-ups as well as for large-scale enterprises within the next three years. If this goal is reached it is expected to generate additional profits totalling US$550 million US$ after five years, of which a contribution around a tenth of that amount would come from startups.

START-UPS TO CREATE A NEW ERA The development of technical and innovative star tups is largely aimed at creating a promising future. With that objective in mind, in 2017 the Ministry of Science and Technology sent one of the most significant signals with its Start-Up Thailand: Scale-Up Asia programme. As suppor t, the Ministry plans to provide funding for technology and innovation amounting to about US$77 million.

The number of publicly-supported start-ups is said to have more than doubled in 2017 to about 1.500 projects. A total of 700 startups with 7.500 employees were provided with suppor t in 2016. In the same year, the Ministry estimated the capital inflow from various sources to be some US$ 86 million.

The current available capital for investments in startups is reported to be as much as US$300 billion.

"500 TukTuks", which was floated by in 2015, is numbered among the most active hedge funds and has total capital of US$12 million for supporting 60 to 70 start-ups from 2016 to 2018. At the end of 2017, 46 start-ups were operating, of which almost half were

expanding. They included such as Skootar, Claim Di Bike, Seekster, Pomelo and Fastwork. “500 TukTuks” is a micro-fund that focuses on promising start-ups. (The title “TukTuks” is drawn from comparison with Thailand’s three-wheel vehicles of the same name, which are also small, lean, fast, agile and dangerous— just like start-ups.)

The Thailand Tech Start-up Association stresses that its sector made a vital contribution to the creation of increased employment, professional careers and business opportunities in the past year. Start-ups have played a key role in the digital transformation of SMEs, thus directly and indirectly creating jobs. The main focus so far has been on properties, logistics, banking, financing and health care.

“The Government has provided support of about US$3 billion for SME advancement as a stimulating measure as well as soft credits to simplify investments.

As part of this special support, the Ministry of Industry plans to provide help for around 50 local and international large-scale enterprises.”

According to the Association, about 100 technical star tups were founded at a cost of US$310 million in 2016. By 2018, the total value could rise to US$1 billion—not least because of increasing interest among global risk investors. The first start-ups were in the telecommunications sector and were driven by large mobile telephone companies with projects such as AIS The Start-up and DTAC Accelerate. The FinTech sector includes Kasikornbank, Siam Commercial Bank and Bank of Ayudhya, which are encouraging the use of smartphones for mobile banking and investing services.

Techsauce Media (media, research, events), founded by the digital marketing company, Thumbsup, as well as HUBBA, a provider of co-working space for start-ups, are numbered among the pioneers in this field. Another success story is that of InVent and its startup, Ookbee, which is a Thai equivalent of Amazon for literature, comics, music and magazines.

Further commitments have been made by Meditech Solution, Computerlogy, Infinity Levels Studio, Sinope, Playbasis and Golfdigg. A famous new example of efficiency improvement in the building and real estate industry is BuilkOneGroup, through its development of software, big data analytics and platforms for communication and e-Commerce.

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08 SMEs & STARTUPS

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Under the Thailand 4.0 concept and as part of the effort to improve the service quality of small retail stores, trade giant Tesco Lotus has created "Hackathon 2018" a new platform for students, young entrepreneurs and start-ups to co-operate in innovation, technology, applications and solutions. Tesco Lotus will elaborate on the changes in customer needs in areas such as digital changes, a healthier life style, new family structures and the ageing population.

FUTURISM AT SIAM SQUARE In the heart of Bangkok, covering 10,000 square metres and with an investment of US$30 million, Siam Innovation District has been established by Chulalongkorn University, together with private companies, under the Public-Private Partnership scheme.

This hub of innovation includes four main floors comprising the Marketplace, Futurium, Industry Liaison and Talent-Building. As a prime One-Stop Service Centre the network includes start-ups, entrepreneurs, investors, inventors and designers. The Futurium is devoted to the future of Thailand by promoting Smart Cities and exhibitions for game-changing innovations. Industry Liaison simplifies access to innovative products and services for industry and markets. The ageing population, sustainable development, robots and digital economy are said to be highly focused on innovation on all four floors. In this context, several business opportunities, such as ASEAN lifestyle, fashion and cultural design, creative tourism, innovative food, bioenergy and smart farming, are incorporated.

HUMAN CAPITAL A HANDICAP It is undeniable that star t-ups have clever and original ideas. The challenge lies in entrepreneurial implementation, especially with regard to occupational qualifications. That fact is the core subject of a seminar organised by Asia Capital Market on the topic of the “Driving Force for Start-ups in Bangkok”, which was held in July 2017 with professional exper tise from Japan and the Republic of Korea. Whilst national and regional funds are available, there is a shortage in related education and training and, consequently, in the ability to monitor the company and the entrusted risk capital. To help this situation, the Ministry of Science and Technology, together with 28 universities, initiated training courses for entrepreneurs and start-ups in 2017. The courses attracted more than 3,000 students. In addition, co-operation has been provided so far by 20 countries in providing start-up training and business matching.

UPDATE 2/2018

As par t of the effor t to regulate the investment of private capital in risk funds, in the middle of 2017 the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has introduced LIVE, the first trade market platform for star t-ups and SMEs. The platform, which is supported by the National Start-up Committee, is operated by the LiveFIN Cooperation with SET as the only par tner. The concept of LIVE is to simplify access to working capital by start-ups via fund-raising and to increase the liquidity of trade, with the objective of strengthening long-term business growth.

Contact details: Dr. Waldemar Duscha Representative in Thailand Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI) www.gtai.de/thailand www.gtai.de/asien-pazifik

10 SMEs & STARTUPS

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS OF THAILAND’S SME LANDSCAPE Philipp Hacker

Since 2012, Thailand’s SME landscape has seen changes in many of its aspects. The modern start-up business is beginning to become the norm for new companies in Thailand, with “tech” companies leading market development. Venture capital companies are investing more than ever before, and even traditional businesses are modernising as the millennial generation is taking over their parents’ businesses.

START-UPS EVERYWHERE. Before going any further, I would like to address the simple question: What is a “start-up”?

How does it differ from just a regular new company? The catch is that there is no clear definition. For some, it just means “new company” for others, it’s a “mindset” or “a way of thinking”. I have mostly seen people refer to a star t-up as “a small company that has been recently established”. Let’s stick with that view for this article.

Four out of 10 of my customer visits are to so-called start-ups. This is not hard scientific evidence but it does indicate that the shift in, and impact on the market is tangible. These new companies do not shy away from investments, trying new things and going new ways. This makes them more attractive to the younger generation of upcoming employees compared to big and “boring” enterprises.

Furthermore, the small energetic companies do not shy away from paying above-market salaries, which makes them a “go-to” place for the talents of Thailand. This causes a scarcity of quality human resources, as the lar ge number of new companies are competing together with the established business over every single employee. Older SMEs that are established in the IT sector are especially impacted, as they have difficulties in coping with the new situation and cost adjustments, thus losing valuable market opportunities.

We all can learn from those new companies and should adopt some of their actions. To star t, let’s look at what makes a star tup successful. Having worked with several successful newcomers, let me share some of the attributes that I have seen”

Image credit: www.techsauce.co.

UPDATE 2/2018

Speed. The companies I have worked with were fast and highly efficient. While other companies were still discussing plans in the meeting room, the former were already setting their plans in motion;

SMEs & STARTUPS 11

Under the radar. Established companies often ignore or underestimate the competition, which gives a newcomer room to grow and quietly overcome the market entry barrier set by existing enterprises; High-risk takers. While the fail rate is relatively high, companies that do make it are usually taking higher risks with higher rewards that give them the head-star t needed to succeed; A leader. Every company I have worked with had a leader with passion and clear vision, and who knew how to benefit from criticism. The leaders could hold their egos in check when it was necessary; Capital. It is difficult enough to raise investment funds, but it is even more difficult to spend such money wisely.

Funds need to be raised at the right time and spent in the right way; Customer-centric. The days of transactional business are (mostly) over. The thinking of the new generation is completely customercentric, as they are trying to provide the best possible customer experience.

These attributes are not the “holy grail” of how to be successful and are nothing new.

Unfortunately, many of the companies that I meet on a regular basis have none of the above attributes. In order to survive as an SME in today’s business environment, adoption of a new approach is a must.

MORE VENTURE CAPITAL BEING INVESTED THAN EVER Based on numbers released by Techsauce Co., Ltd., since 2011 funding of new companies has been strongly increasing (2015 being the exception), with 2017 having a record breaking US$ 105.55 million.

Although these numbers are mostly drawn from the tech market, they certainly indicate that the willingness to fund new businesses is higher than in 2011, thus further motivating the growth of the start-up market.

Why is such funding increasing? There are many reasons, which would be topics in themselves for ar ticles such as this one.

However, one of the key factors is that there are now more companies capable of investing venture capital. Just look at the real estate industry – it can be seen that many of the real estate developers started by heavily

“The younger generation, comprising mostly millennials, is not only active in the startup market but is also slowly taking over of traditional businesses in Thailand.” investing in start-ups that opened new business opportunities. In addition, success stories, such as that of Lazada, have encouraged venture capital investors to take higher risks that eventually stimulate the market even further.

Image credit: www.techsauce.co.

A NEW GENERATION IS TAKING OVER The younger generation, comprising mostly millennials, is not only active in the startup market but is also slowly taking over of traditional businesses in Thailand. By traditional, I refer to SMEs that have been established for 10-20+ years. The younger generation tends to be willing to take higher risks, such as rebranding, company restructuring or investments in new projects that had previously been deemed as too cost-intensive. This generation is willing to spend money where they see fit while in the past, companies were managed mainly by tight budgets in effor ts to save money wherever possible. There is nothing wrong with that approach, but it does hold up the development of a business.

It will take some time to complete this transition. At the current stage, the experience and norms of the elite are still irreplaceable and will still be required for quite a few years to come. However, start-ups and company restructuring are going to steadily continue to carve their way into markets everywhere.

The future for star t-ups looks promising, so let’s hope that the next big start-up story will come along soon.

Contact details: Philipp Hacker General Manager CRM and Cloud Consulting Co., Ltd., 1054/8 New Petchburi Road, Rachatevee, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.

Tel: 66 2 030 0072 philipp@crm-c.com www.crm-c.com

www.thailand.ahk.de

12 SMEs & STARTUPS

THAI NAKON: KEEPING THE ART OF HIGH-QUALITY NIELLOWARE CREATION ALIVE AND WELL Krisna Thiengtham

Although Thai Nakon R.O.P. (registered ordinary partnership) was registered in 1933, the company was actually established a few years earlier by Mr. Somjit Thiengtham and Mrs. Pranee Thiengtham as a silverware and nielloware producer. Considered as the firstchoice source for silverware and nielloware, the company’s regular and honoured customers included Bureau of the Royal Household, the Office of Prime Minister, as well as ministries, banks and elite customers.

Due to the company’s high-quality silverware, the Royal Garuda was graciously bestowed on Thai Nakon by His Majesty King Rama VIII in 1946 and was granted His Royal Patronage.

Thai Nakon silverware products were the first to be exported worldwide following the end of the Second World War. Then, in 1966, Thai Nakon opened three tin mines in Nahuk Wang subdistrict of Thapsakae district in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. However, in 1985 the company discontinued producing tin and in 2015 began operating a sand mine.

UPDATE 2/2018

A subsidiary company, Thai Nakon Intimex Co., Ltd., was founded in 1986 to operate the international export and import business as well as act as buying agent. In addition, Thai Nakon Intimex began managing agricultural and consultancy businesses.

However, as many companies in Thailand market silverware products, Thai Nakon decided to become the country’s leading nielloware producer in Thailand. Although the history of nielloware does not specify exactly when it was introduced, historical anecdotes indicate that in 1448 A.D. nielloware already existed in the Srivijaya Kingdom and Nakhon Si Thammarat province was the central area of the Kingdom.

The first time that Thai nielloware became known in foreign countries was when the Siamese ambassador to France presented nielloware items as a tribute to King Louis XIV and to the Pope in Rome. In fact, Thai nielloware generally came to be used as

gifts for Royal Families, both in Thailand and overseas. Nakon Si Thammarat is the Thailand’s main source of nielloware production, hence the company’s name of Thai Nakon.

Due to the complexity of nielloware production, it is both a provider of opportunities and challenges for Thai Nakon.

OPPORTUNITIES Nielloware production has provided Thai Nakon with four main opportunities:

SMEs & STARTUPS 13

“...the challenge here is how to combine this ancient style with the needs of modern customers as well as convince all craftsmen to learn to adapt their art to contemporary styles or to a mixture of ancient and modern designs.”

As all nielloware products require finishing by hand, the company is able to ensure meticulous design and quality for each and every item; Thai Nakon is now working more with academics and GIT to create lead-free niello sticks. Many experiments have been carried out on the development of this formula; The company is co-operating with Thai universities and the Niello-Silverware Association of Thailand in establishing a Bachelor Degree course for silver and nielloware design and production in order to produce greater numbers of skilled craftsmen. Thai Nakon, objective is to change the perception that they are artists or designers, not labourers in order to give the students more confidence and selfesteem.

As mentioned above, nielloware is an ancient Thai silverware art form. Therefore, the Government of Thailand is now supporting Thai Nakon’s efforts to preserve this ar t from generation to generation.

Support is also being provided by Royal projects, Thailand’s Professional Qualification

Institute and universities to help save and preserve this ancient skill.

CHALLENGES Thai Nakon also faces the following four major challenges: All products are handmade, even though molds or blocks can also be used. Also, the polishing and knurling process must be done by highly-skilled craftsmen; The European Union and the United States of America have banned nielloware due to lead contamination from niello sticks, even though the level is harmless to humans; Less than 500 skilled craftsmen are now available in Thailand who can produce nielloware; The older gener ation of nielloware craftsmen are unable or unwilling to adapt their styles or designs to contemporary designs, as they prefer to keep to the traditional Thai designs. This prevents the expansion of the tar get group for nielloware sales. Therefore, the challenge here is how to combine this ancient style with the needs of modern customers as

well as convince all craftsmen to learn to adapt their art to contemporary styles or to a mixture of ancient and modern designs.

BUSINESS EXPANSION Thai Nakon will increase output through mass production using a molding and blocking process together with research by academics on the use of more stable machinery and tools for the enamelling/inlay process with lead-free niello sticks, the creation of younger modern craftsmen who are able to improvise and apply a greater variety of designs that will attract a wider customer market.

Administration and management will continue to be run by the experienced owner of the company because Thai Nakon is a family business. Family ownership and operation is given priority as this philosophy ensures profit for the business by providing the best possible quality products and services to customers.

Contact details: Krisna Thiengtham Deputy Managing Director Thai Nakon R.O.P. 79 Prachatipatai Road, Banpantom, Phranakorn, Bangkok 10200 Tel: +66 2 282 8948 KrisnaT@thainakonintimex.com www.thainakon.com www.thainakonintimex.com

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14 SMEs & STARTUPS

The first Thailand Catan Champion in 2014.

NINIVE GAMES THAILAND: FROM AN IDEA TO A REAL BUSINESS Fabian Weiner

Ninive Games, our company, started first as an idea and later turned into a proper company. This is a short story of how that happened and why the company is a GTCC member.

In 1998, I was an AFS Cultural Exchange Student. I lived with a Thai family and went to a Thai School in the Bankwhao District of Chaiyaphum Province in the north-east of Thailand. Due to the fact that there was no Internet or mobile phone service available back then, and because almost nobody (including me) spoke fluent English, I learned Thai and the country’s culture and life in general from a totally indigenous perspective. Nowadays such an opportunity has almost disappeared due to economic development, globalization and, of course, the advent of the Internet and mobile phones.

Fast forward to 2012, when I had returned to Thailand. My Thai host brother, who had also been a student in Germany, and I were thinking about ideas that would be cool and could work in Thailand.

2013 finally opened a small board game cafe, the Ninive Game Store in Phra Khanong.

The idea behind this move was that with board games you can learn problem-solving, strategic thinking, tactics, the ar t of negotiation, logical reasoning and so much more. Well yes, we thought that maybe some of these were traits that were not taught much or were rather under-appreciated in the general Thai education system.

Over the years we frequently heard big and small companies alike stating that they were looking for Thai employees, who knew how to solve problems by themselves, think outside the box, could come up with their own ideas and strategies etc. That’s what board games enable you to do. So in some ways, we helped to teach young Thais the skills that our fellow GTCC members look for in new employees.

Being two life-time board-game lovers, the question popped up: Why was the famous German board game Die Siedler von Catan (The Settlers of Catan) not available in depar tment stores or anywhere else in Thailand?

So, we decided to send an e-mail to the Kosmos Publishing House in Germany asking them: “Dear Kosmos. Catan is available in China, Japan, Taiwan, Republic of Korea….why not Thailand? We can help you to bring it here if you want.” To cut the story short, we all of a sudden received the exclusive distribution rights for this game, produced 2,000 copies of the Thai Version of it in Germany and brought them over to Thailand. From that point on, we tried to sell it. So we started teaching the game to schools, universities, went to events and in June

UPDATE 2/2018

Teaching Catan in Sathit Kaset School back in 2013.

SMEs & STARTUPS 15

“Over the years we frequently heard big and small companies alike stating that they were looking for Thai employees, who knew how to solve problems by themselves, think outside the box, could come up with their own ideas and strategies etc. That’s what board games enable you to do.”

From there, we expanded the business to teaching more in schools and universities and distributing the games to other board game stores, coffee shops, bookstores etc. We also organized events at our board-game café in Bangkok, and slowly but surely more and more people became interested –not only expatriates but also Thais.

After about two or three years of these activities, in 2015 we thought “hey, it’s slowly catching fire – more and more people are opening board-game cafés and want to buy from us”. So, we expanded our portfolio of available products and tried to become a proper company, with professional accounting, real employees and a real office and warehouse.

What about the problems that Start Ups or SME’s like Ninive Games face in Thailand? Well, from the start, the problems included: How does accounting work? What are the importing requirements? Where to get a bank loan? And many more...

Every day, something unexpected happens and then you have to find a solution as fast and as cheaply as possible. Start-ups usually don’t have many cash reserves if they are not financed by investors or venture capitalists. At least, we didn’t. But we loved what we did, and with motivation and persistence you can solve almost all problems.

Today, we are the exclusive distributor for many German and other international board game publishing companies. Although we are now much bigger than in those early start-up years, we are still growing. However, this growth, like in many start-ups, often comes with a cash-flow problem. We now think that we should have had a better business plan right from the beginning. But how does one do that when there is no way of knowing what will happen or what direction the business will take? We could have just as easily sold the first batch of games and then given up because of the initial difficulties in making the business successful.

But now, in March 2018, there are 135 board-game cafés in Thailand. We are also expanding to the neighboring countries Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia and are probably much more experienced than when we started. However, that doesn't mean we are very professional yet. There are still frequently new opportunities, difficulties, changes in the law or other events happening that we have to react to.

In hindsight one big stepping stone for us was to become a member of the GTCC. Initially we applied to be a member just to try and see and attend some events. Looking back today, what helped us a lot were the numerous informal business connections and friends we made by attending events held by the GTCC . A lot of problems are just more or less the same no matter which field of business your SME or Start Up in Thailand operates in and it is really helpful to just call someone and ask him how his company handled this issue and who you should contact for help or legal advice or business counsel etc.

So, we are very flattered to have been invited as an exhibitor at Ice-Breaker Networking: GTCC-FTCC-TICC Innovation & Lifestyle Night 2018 on the 7th of June 2018 and to host a special German Young Professional board-gaming night at our Ninive Game Store in Phra Khanong, Bangkok, on 9th of June this year.

To sum up – the initial idea was to introduce a board-gaming culture and awareness to Thai people . In that, we have already succeeded as the market is now there and growing. Let’s see what the future brings.

Last question: Anyone up for playing a board game or two?

Contact details: Fabian Weiner CEO Ninive Games Co., Ltd 254/14 Nakornchai Villa Muang District, Chaiyaphum Province Tel: +66 84 796 3180 fabian@ninivegames.com www.ninivegames.com At the GTCC Family Christmas Party in December 2017.

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16 INTERVIEW

WELCOME OUR 600TH MEMBER SRITHAI ENGINEERING PRODUCT TO GTCC BUSINESS COMMUNITY! GTCC is very pleased to introduce Srithai Engineering Product Co., Ltd. as its 600th member. Thanks are due to Mr. Decha Metprapha, Managing Director of the company, and his team for sharing with us useful information about their corporate profile, industrial insights and membership expectations. Mr. Decha graduated from the Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep in Electricity Power in 1980 and established Srithai Engineering Products Co., Ltd. in 1992.

What do you expect from GTCC membership?

Srithai hopes to benefit from the GTCC membership network as well as gain new knowledge. Other member companies can be business models for different types of investment as well. There are also many potential and ideal opportunities for future co-operation.

In the manufacturing industry, in particular, we can see clearly that German companies are very successful.

Tell us more about your company's history and key business activities.

Srithai Engineering Products is a leader in the sheet metal processing industry. We can support the market in cutting, folding, punching and V-cutting for general metal processing, especially products related to control cabinets, elevator equipment, escalator belts, switchboard cabinets, decorative work as well as products for the elevator and

UPDATE 2/2018

escalator industry. To gain greater capacity, the company expanded its business to cover control cabinets, electrical cabinets, telephone boxes, airpor t extension projects and decorations with sheet metal to satisfactorily meet the requirements of customers.

What are your business strengths and opportunities?

Thailand’s economy this year is expected to grow compared to 2017.

Most industries have established plans to increase machiner y investment. We see the opportunities in the expansion of Bangkok city along the BTS routes. In addition, several expansion mega projects are being implemented from 2017 to 2020, such as those for the BTS, MRT, Metro and Suvarnabhumi Airport. As a result of these projects’ increased demands for elevators and escalators, the company can sell more spare par ts and provide production ser vices for fully equipped elevators.

In addition, the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) provides us with strong potential to extend our market and customer bases, especially in neighbouring countries such as Myanmar and Cambodia. Srithai Engineering Products is currently in the process of factory expansion in order to increase our production capacity in 2018, for which we have received investment support from Thailand’s Board of Investment Thailand (BOI).

As for our strengths, we have established a customer base in the elevator and escalator industr y such as Mitsubishi and Hitachi.

INTERVIEW 17

“We plan to invest in advanced technology in order to expand our production process.

We believe that we will be able to track industry trends and meet the transitional needs of our customers by leveraging our production capacity and expertise.�

Therefore, we have strong potential to expand in that sector. In this regard, we have a good reputation in the production of metal parts, installation and decoration of elevators and escalators due to our more than 20 years of experience. Our personnel are knowledgeable and highly experienced in manufacturing, installing and decorating.

The company is also well-equipped with an ERP system for data production management as well as machinery and modern technology that cover all aspects of metal processing and metal welding, such as elevator equipment, control cabinets, electrical cabinets, switchboards etc. Our production, parts and installation work are delivered on time.

Our company also has a decoration department that has the capacity and experience to decorate elevator cabinets to meet all the related needs of customers.

What support did you received from the Government as an SME? We have been supported by the Government of Thailand in acquiring adequate knowledge in business operations and business management skills. Our knowledge of modern technology helps us to improve the efficiency of our work. Knowledge and understanding of the business world can enable our company to compete with international businesses. State-of-the-ar t technology, innovation capacity and government support in increasing commercial value, and leverage technology and innovation can be used as a tool to increase competitiveness, add value to the development of products and different services.

What are your company's future plans?

We plan to invest in advanced technology in order to expand our production process. We believe that we will be able to track industry trends and meet the transitional needs of our customers by leveraging our production capacity and expertise. This year, the company aims to build a green factory. Therefore, to support this initiative, we have started a project for the installation of solar cells to save energy. We have also received ISO 14001 cer tification for our environment management system, and we have star ted a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, that includes helping disadvantaged children in remote areas.

What is your industrial outlook for 2018?

Due to the development of the Eastern Special Economic Corridor, which includes the dual-track train project, 2018 is considered to be the golden year for Asian countries. The Thai economy will develop accordingly, while the global industrial sector will continue to improve.

These factors significantly suppor t Thai industrial production and overall production capacity. The Special Economic Zone will help attract investment in the manufacturing sector and will support the growth of the real estate sector.

To foster our goal to expand our domestic and regional markets, Srithai Engineering Products has expanded its production bases and markets to support the economic growth of Thailand, especially in the real estate sector which has been strongly rising.

www.thailand.ahk.de

18 INTERVIEW

AN INSIDER’S VIEW OF THE “SECRETS” FOR BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS With the theme "SMEs and Startups" in this issue of Update, the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce (GTCC) is delighted to present an interview with Mr. Michael Welser, Managing Director of leading engine assemblers Powertech 2004 Co., Ltd. (PT4) and Powertech Engine Assembly Co., Ltd. (PTA). Mr. Welser is also a member of the GTCC Board of Directors. A Master’s Degree graduate in business, Mr. Welser successfully brings engineers together to effectively deliver quality outputs. His companies assemble engines for the two prestigious German vehicle brands of Mercedes-Benz and BMW. PT4 authorised by Mercedes-Benz in April 2011, assembles four- and six-cylinder diesel and gasoline engines for the Mercedes-Benz CKD manufacturing plant in Samut Prakan, while PTA is an authorised car and motorcycle engine assembler of two, three and four-cylinder diesel and gasoline engines for BMW Assembly Thailand plant in Rayong.

Both companies have received several quality certifications and awards.

Why did you start your business in Thailand?

In 1992 I started to work for a Thai company which was involved in the sales, after sales support and service of diesel engines. Not long in my new job I was promoted to leading and being responsible for twenty Thai employees. This was the first time I had to lead staff and as a result communicated and interacted with management level of our suppliers and of customers. Apart from this, I fell in love with this beautiful country and its people. I started establishing my own company to stay in Thailand for as long as I could sustain myself.

What were your business opportunities and the inspiration to start Powertech 2004 Co., Ltd.?

First of all it was largely due to good luck in my private as well as business life. I was offered the opportunity to become a partner in the company, which I accepted, thus realising one of my biggest goals in life. I developed Powertech from a small business into a reliable partner within the automotive industry and beyond. Moreover, I received good co-operation from

UPDATE 2/2018

the local Thai partner, which I believe is one of the most important facets that is needed by anybody who wants to start a business in Thailand.

What has been the most important element in enabling your company to be successful?

For us, there are actually two important elements. For one thing, we have set great value on teamwor k, recognition and interaction with the local culture. I know it sounds like a stereotype, but when I started my business I was the only foreigner in the company. However, talking about recognition and interaction does not mean becoming a

INTERVIEW 19

Thai, but rather adapting certain elements of the Thai culture. We also integrated this approach into our company’s values and policies.

“ I developed Powertech from a small business into a reliable partner within the automotive industry and beyond. Moreover, I received good co-operation from the local Thai partner, which I believe is one of the most important facets that is needed by anybody who wants to start a business in Thailand.”

Our customers require from us total commitment to quality and the products.

We always focus on our core requirements for total commitment to ensuring quality. We remain a steadily forward-looking company.

As a result, we have received several awards for quality and reliability, of which we are very proud, but we can’t afford to relax on these achievements. Apart from ISO 16949 and ISO 14001 certification that is required by our customers, we have also received the Green Industry Level 3 environmental certificate from the Thai Ministry of Industry.

How competitive is the motor vehicles sector?

The vehicle sector is very competitive, but we have to look at the different market segments.

In 2013, the motor vehicle sector reached a sales peak of more than two million cars for both domestic and export because of the Government’s “First-Car Scheme” incentive. When the incentive ended, vehicle sales dropped significantly but slowly recovered in the following year.

The forecast for 2018 is projected to reach more than two million vehicles again.

We are focusing on the luxury car market segment, which was less affected by the downturn of the industry in general. The vehicle sector is very competitive, however, we must look into different segments and niches of this market. We are an engine assembly company catering for the luxury car segment, which as already mentioned was less affected by the overall downturn of the market.

What is the greatest challenge for your company and what has been the most valuable lesson for you since you started your business?

Our company has been confronted by many challenges. I would like to highlight the internal challenges. We are always concerned about keeping the balance between internal motivation of our highly-skilled workforce. Our companies assemble engines for our clients, not massmanufactured products. That is why our employees are very well-trained and are not easily replaceable. Due to the range of production tasks, we need to train employees for several months and have them work under supervision until they are able to perform independently.

We also want them to stay motivated so we keep the work environment clean and safe.

Our core values lie in the teamwork and to involve all employees in certain decision making process. “One Team-One Spirit-One Goal” is our company motto, which we live on a daily basis. As a result of this we enjoy a very low fluctuation.

Our most valuable lesson occurred during Thailand’s great flood in 2011. As we are part of a supply chain handled by contracts, problems can occur when dealing with external factors. At that time, our customer had to close its factory and thus stopped the production of cars, and we had to pay for the CKD kits impor ted from Germany.

However, it turned out to be a positive experience when our partner helped us to buy the engines during the plant shutdown and stored them in our warehouse.

What are the benefits you received from the Thai Goverment’s incentives/promotion policy? Do you have any suggestions for other SMEs? We are operating in a Customs Free Zone Industrial Estate, which means that we are not subject to pay tax or duties for imported products that are mainly completely knocked down engine kits (CKD) from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in Germany.

This incentive helps us in terms of cash flow, but also requires additional administrative effor ts to comply with the r ules and regulations set by the Customs Department.

www.thailand.ahk.de

20 INTERVIEW

addition the good working conditions and atmosphere in our company, fair treatment, fair payment was spread around the area.

Powertech has gained a very good reputation as a good employer, resulting in many people interested in joining our team.

How would you describe your leadership style?

We also applied for BOI promotions (BOI Zone 2) which gave us tax privileges. I strongly recommend every company and potential investor to check the possibility of BOI support.

The approval of applications for tax exemption is very quick, straightforward and efficient.

The duration of investment incentives is dependent on location and industry.

What are your future plans? Do you intend to expand your business?

Engines are constantly being improved not only in terms of lowering exhaust emissions, reduction of fuel consumption as well as increasing the overall performance. We therefore need to improve our production lines constantly and invest in developing lines with new technologies. At the moment, PT4 operates four hot test cells but plan to replace two of them with one multi-engine, multi-fuel hot test cell. This test facility will be one of the most modern hot test cells in Thailand. Moreover, we are planning to set up a third assembly line within the third quarter of this year. For 2018-2019 we plan to invest a total of about 200 million baht.

At PTA we will establish a third assembly line for big bike engines that will require a 150 million baht investment. For both of our operations, we will employ new staff, numbering about 20 per cent of our present workforce. We will send some of our Thai engineers to Germany for extensive training. Upon their return they will then train our operators, as part of what we call “train the trainers” concept.

What type of person will be successful in your company?

Successful people at PT4 and PTA can be anybody who can think “outside” the box and take part in open discussions. The Thai culture evolves, however, the respect for seniority. Saying that it takes time to encourage our staff to express different opinions than mine.

I encourage my staff to do so as this is one means to bring us forward, listening to all different ideas and opinions. People who are not shy to express their opinions and propose different approaches to various issues have my highest respect. They will thrive and be successful in my companies.

How could you attract skilled workers to work with you? Have you ever encountered any labor shortage?

First we are lucky and proud to supply our engines to some of the top brands in the automotive industry, namely BMW and MercedesBenz. We require highly skilled people and this requires extensive knowledge and pinpoint accuracy during the assembly process.

Most of our staff who work with us since we began our operation are proud to work on the “heart” of the car. In addition the work environment is exceptional, i.e. all of our assembly lines are fully air-conditioned, providing a comfortable and clean work place. In

UPDATE 2/2018

Very democratic. For example, we nominate a project leader—not necessarily a manager or assistant manger to handle a project from the planning up to the implementation phase.

In this context, we experiment to establish— project related—the formation of a form of “reverse hierarchy”, which implies that a project leader can overrule a manager or deputy manager in a project and take part in the decision-making process. This approach will increase honesty, creativity and intelligent thinking among our staff, which is a fundamental par t of our company policy already mentioned above. We want our staff to adopt this as a common place approach.

I know that not everybody will do this but at least some of them adopt this practice and that makes us proud.

For more information, please contact Mr. Michael Welser, michaelw@powertech2004.com.

SPECIAL REPORT 21

INTEGRATED DESIGN FOR PRODUCTION FACILITIES

Dr.-Ing. Robert Himmler (EGS-plan) and MA Dipl-Ing. Elmar Kleiner (OIA) Many international manufacturers prefer to locate their production facilities in Thailand over other Southeast Asian countries, due to the country’s central location in the region, the excellent infrastructure, tax incentives, a well-trained work force and a developed network of suppliers and buyers.

After choosing the country, companies have to decide on the location of their factory in the country. But the real hassle starts with the design and construction of the actual factory and production buildings.

Considering the fact that budgets are being spent on “big” decisions, client requirements should be placed on the table in the early days of a project. Alternative layouts and designs, cooling load and lighting calculations require detailed analysis and assessments.

This is crucial in order to avoid future negative consequences in floor layouts as well as higher operational costs or reduced lifetimes of technical systems in order to ensure an improved overall building quality.

In addition, an integrated team approach is a recommended remedy for avoiding the risk of loss of information during the process from design to construction.

The German-Thai sustainability exper ts at the Office for Interior and Architecture Co., Ltd. (OIA), and the energy and sustainability engineers of EGS-plan (Bangkok) Co., Ltd. strongly believe in such integrated design services. One of their outstanding examples of this approach is a new production facility in La mph u n , n o r th e r n Th a i l a n d , fo r PANDORA, the world largest jewellery manufacturer.

As the chief design mastermind, OIA abandoned mundane factory stereotypes

andturned this enter pr ise on approximately 79.000 m2 into a state-of-the-art industrial lifestyle complex. Unique elements, such as a large elliptical shading roof fashioned after the company's famous beaded br acelet, tie individual gem-like buildings together and provide natural cooling around a central feature of water and trees. This breathes life into a quality working environment with a strong increase of production efficiency. The sustainability engineers of EGS-plan designed an energy concept which focuses on reducing the cooling load, not only through external shading and thermal insulation but also through designing an innovative fresh-air ventilation system with energy recovery for the more than 3,500 workers. LED lighting provides glare-free illumination in the workplaces and a 1 MWp photovoltaic system that meets par ts of the building’s energy demand, thereby reducing the factory’s electricity consumption by 18 per cent compared with a conventional factory. In addition, with the careful selection of water fixtures and a custom-designed water management system, the facility can reduce water consumption by 45%. Around 30 per cent of the facility’s construction materials comprised recycled content and 75 per cent of the project’s construction waste was diverted to recycling facilities. This outstanding green factory ultimately earned a valued LEED award with a distinguished GOLD certification.

Another example of OIA and EGS-plan collaboration is the new zinc die casting factory designed for GROHE, the world’s leading provider of sanitary fittings, in Klaeng, Thailand covering an area of 14.800 m2. The

main design goal of this factory was to achieve a balance between functional, economical and ecological qualities. For sufficient thermal comfort in the non-air-conditioned production area, the climate concept combines thermal insulation under the roof to reduce long-wave radiation, enhanced natural ventilation and a balanced windowto-wall ratio with excellent daylight quality throughout the building. Further sustainability features include an ecological water concept, green resting areas indoors and outdoors together with a 1,200 kWp photovoltaic system. The building is currently undergoing the certification process and is expected to achieve DGNB (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen) silver cer tification, making the factory the first DGNB certified production facility in Southeast Asia.

Contact details: Dr.-Ing. Robert Himmler Managing Director EGS-plan (Bangkok) Co., Ltd. info@egs-bkk.com www.egs-bangkok.com ELMAR KLEINER, ma dipl. ing. architect OIA founder & director OFFICE FOR INTERIOR & ARCHITECTURE CO., LTD. elmar@o-i-a.com, www.o-i-a.com

www.thailand.ahk.de

22 BUSINESS BRIEFS

NEW GENERAL MANAGER AT THE BANGKOK MARRIOTT HOTEL SUKHUMVIT Mr. Thomas Christiansen has been appointed as General Manager of the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit and Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok, effective 1 February 2018. Originating from Denmark, Mr. Christiansen started his career in the Front Office team at Sequoia Lodge in France. He moved to Asia in 1997 and had extensive experience in both resort and city hotels in China, Hong Kong, Phuket, Pattaya, Bangkok and Cambodia. Mr. Thomas began his journey with Marriott International in 2002 in the role of Director of Front Office Operations at the Marriott Grand Hotel Moscow. Later, he held the position of Resident Manager and Hotel Manager at the Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa, Bangkok Marriott Resort and Spa, and JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa. In 2009, he became General Manager at the Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok. His position prior to moving to the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit and Marriott Executive Apartments Bangkok was Area General Manager of the Raffles Hotel Le Royal and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Cambodia.

UBM BES/UBM ASIA (THAILAND) RELOCATES OFFICE

As of 26 February 2018, UBM BES was renamed UBM Asia (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and its office was relocated to the following address.

UBM Asia (Thailand) Co., Ltd. 428 Ari Hills Building, 18th Floor, Soi Phahonyothin 10, Phahonyothin Road, Samsen Nai, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400 Thailand Tel.: +66 2 036 0500 Fax: +66 2 036 0588 and +66 2 036 0599 info@ubm.com www.ubm.com/thailand

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UBM Asia (Thailand) is part of UBM Asia, the largest trade show organiser in Asia, with more than 290 events. Owned by UBM and listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2016, UBM Asia helped almost 50,000 exhibitors to do business in 11 niche sectors. Most of the company’s events have existed for decades and are the mustattend event in their sectors in a country, region or the world.

BUSINESS BRIEFS 23

JUNGHEINRICH LIFT TRUCK RECEIVES PROMINENT STRUCTURE AWARD 2018

Jungheinrich Lift Truck Ltd. joined MHE Exhibition 2018 during 22-25 February 2018. The company was awarded the 2nd runner-up by the exhibition organizer for the Prominent Structure Award 2018 and received the trophy handed over by Chairman of Federation of Thai Industries Mr. Chen Namchaisiri during the Exhibition’s opening ceremony. The highlight of Jungheinrich in MHE exhibition was Li-ion Technology. Electric counterbalance truck model: EFG320 LI and Reach Truck model: ETV216 LI equipped Li-ion batteries were brought to display officially the first time in Thailand. During 4 days exhibition, there were various activities such as product introduction for Display trucks, Fleet Management System, Logistics Systems, Racking Systems and Aftersales Service and also activities with visitors for various corporate gifts. For more information, please visit www.jungheinrich.co.th.

NEW PRESIDENT AT BMW GROUP THAILAND BMW Group has appointed Mr. Christian Wiedmann as President of BMW Group Thailand, effective 1 April 2018, succeeding Mr. Stefan Teuchert, who will take up a new position as CEO of BMW Group Russia.

A 17-year veteran of the BMW Group, Mr. Wiedmann previously served as Managing Director and CEO at BMW Group Financial Services Australia in 2016 after having spent several years in South Korea to oversee the overall financial operations as CEO of BMW Financial Services Korea. In his new position, Mr. Wiedmann’s responsibilities will cover the management of all BMW Group Thailandbusiness divisions—including BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad. He joined the BMW Group in 2001 and has since served various functions in BMW Group in many

regions across the globe including Germany, Japan, Austria, Greece, South Korea and Australia.

His previous roles have taken him to Thailand on two occasions—in 2003 for one year and again in 2011 for three years—to supervise financial operations at BMW Financial Services Thailand.

www.thailand.ahk.de

24 CHAMBER ACTIVITIES

GTCC ICE-BREAKER NETWORKING “WELCOME NEW YEAR”

The German-Thai Chamber of Commerce (GTCC) welcomed 120 members, distinguished guests and friends at the GTCC Ice-Breaker Networking “Welcome New Year 2018” at the Waterfront Promenade, Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside on 25 January 2018.

In celebration of reaching the Chamber’s new 600+ membership milestone, the 600th member, Srithai Engineering Products Co., Ltd.,

was invited to this event. We offer our sincere gratitude to our partners EventBank, LB Brewing Co., Lufthansa Group, Mercedes-Benz Thailand and Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside for their great support of this event.

GTCC BUSINESS WOMEN NETWORKING EVENT GTCC's first "Business Women Networking" event, on the theme of "Exchange of Experiences as Business Women in the International Context” welcomed about 50 female business leaders, young professionals and expatriates on 2 February 2018 at the Mode Sathorn Hotel Bangkok. The event was moderated by GTCC Board Members Ms. Anja Heck, Ms. Piyakanit Yen-Ura and Asst.

Prof. Dr. Monpilai Narasingha. Thanks are due to all the participating business women for the overwhelming responses and exchanges of their experience as well as their ideas for the next get-together. Special thanks to our event partner Fin (Fabulous is Needed), an exclusive lifestyle company specialising in wine, food, events and deluxe travel.

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CHAMBER ACTIVITIES 25 The AHK Asia-Pacific Coordination (APC) Meeting 2018 was organised by the GTCC on 4 and 5 February 2018 at The Sukhothai Bangkok Hotel.

GTCC Executive Director Dr. Roland Wein and other AHK Executive Directors and delegates of German businesses in the Asia-Pacific region exchanged information updates and discussed the preparations for the AHK Asia-Pacific Conference 2018. The meeting included a global video conference with Mr. Benjamin Leipold, Managing Director of DIHK Service GmbH, and Dr. Michael Blank, Head of AHK Membership, New Economy and Star t-ups of DIHK. In the evening of 4 February, the participants were invited to join distinguished guests, GTCC President Mr. Markus Lorenzini and GTCC Board Members, at a reception kindly hosted by the German Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. Peter PrĂźgel, at his residence.

AHK APC MEETING 2018

BIOFACH 2018 EXHIBITORS DELEGATION TRIP BY GTCC For the third time, the GTCC, in co-operation with the Thai Organic Trade Association (TOTA), organised a BIOFACH 2018 Exhibitor delegation trip to Germany on 12 February 2018. The trip featured site visits to Dottenfelder Schulbauernhof (a bio-dynamic collective and school for organic farming) and Maschinenfabrik Schmotzer GmbH (Machinery Factory: Sprayers, Cultivators, Seeders). The 40 participants focused on the topic of how the organic farming can compromise with mass agriculture.

www.thailand.ahk.de

26 CHAMBER ACTIVITIES

GTCC SITE VISIT TO LSG SKY CHEF The GTCC, in co-operation with the Lufthansa Group, organised an exclusive site visit for about 50 GTCC members on 20 February 2018 to LSG Sky Chefs (Thailand) Co, Ltd., at Suvarnabhumi airport.

Thanks are due to Mr. Luca Folin, General Manager of LSG Sky Chefs, and Mr. Stefan Molnar, General Manager, Sales in Thailand, Vietnam and the Mekong region for Lufthansa Group Airlines, together with their teams, for welcoming the group with delicious, high-quality food and for providing us with the opportunity to explore the operation site. International in-flight services provider LSG Sky Chefs (Thailand) Ltd. is part of the Lufthansa Group and operates a state-of-the-art catering facility for servicing 32 customer airlines with an average of 20,000 meals per day. The meals comprise a variety of cuisines that include Thai and other Asian, Indian, European and Middle Eastern food. Currently, the service centre delivers to 32 international airlines, including Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Japan Airlines, Etihad Airways and Finnair.

GTCC STAMMTISCH BANGKOK AT BEI OTTO

The first GTCC Stammtisch Bangkok of 2018 was organised on 20 February 2018 at the Bei Otto Restaurant. GTCC President Mr. Markus Lorenzini welcomed about 70 guests from the German-Thai business community and was followed by the Stammtisch tradition of bell-ringing by Bei Otto Owner Mr. Sven Michel.

UPDATE 2/2018

CHAMBER ACTIVITIES 27

GTCC YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK EVENING

The GTCC organised the first GTCC Young Professionals (GTCC YP) event in 2018 on “How to compete with robots in the future job market” on 15 March 2018 at R Bar in the Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel, which attracted more than 100 participants.

Speaker Mr. Tom Sorensen, Executive Headhunter and Partner at Boyden Associates (Thailand) Limited, shared his insights and provided tips on how to prepare your career to compete with robots in the future and become a successful stakeholder in the new economy.

The live talk session was followed by an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas during the fruitful network evening.

GTCC EXECUTIVE BREAKFAST TALK A GTCC Executive Breakfast Talk on " Trading in Thailand through a foreign-owned entity— avoiding legal and taxation pitfalls” was o r ganis e d o n 28 Marc h 2018 at t he Pullman Bangkok Hotel G. Mr. Till Morstadt, Equity Partner of Lorenz & Partners Co., Ltd. (L&P), presented key insights into trading houses, foreign-invested entities and after-sales services, including challenges and oppor tunities. L&P is one of the leading German law firms in Thailand.

www.thailand.ahk.de

28 CHAMBER ACTIVITIES

ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING 2018

GTCC held its Ordinary General Meeting 2018 on 29 March at the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, with the participated about 80 representated of GTCC member companies. GTCC was honoured to welcome German Ambassador H.E. Peter Prügel and our keynote speaker Ms. Sonklin Ploymee, Executive Director of the Foreign Investment Marketing Division at the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) giving a presentation on “Thailand’s Investment Policies for Thailand 4.0”.

The election of the new board members was conducted successfully. The GTCC congratulated Mr. Markus Lorenzini, President and CEO of Siemens Ltd., on his re-election as the GTCC

UPDATE 2/2018

president and Mr. Andreas Richter, Managing Partner of Blumenthal Richter & Sumet Ltd., on his election as the new GTCC Vice President. The Chamber also congratulated the four newly-elected Directors for 2018/ 2019, Mr. Michael Grewe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) Ltd.; Asst. Prof. Dr. Monpilai Nar as ingha, De an o f the Si r indhor n International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS); Mr. Krisna Thiengtham, Deputy Managing Director of Thai Nakon R.O.P.; and Mr. Marc Watzal, Plant Manager of Umicore Autocat Thailand.

The GTCC wishes to express our sincere gratitude to out-going Director Mr. Matthias Hoffrichter for his valuable contribution to the success of the Chamber.

30 CHAMBER ACTIVITIES

THAILAND ECONOMIC OUTLOOK 2018 EXPERTS’ VIEWS ON THAILAND’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL TRENDS The German-Thai Chamber of Commerce (GTCC), in co-operation with 12 leading foreign Chambers of Commerce, organised a luncheon talk on “Thailand Economic Outlook 2018” at the Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park Hotel Bangkok on 22 February 2018. The luncheon attracted more than 150 guests from various business sectors in Thailand.

GTCC President, Mr. Markus Lorenzini, gratefully welcomed all the guests, par ticularly H.E. Peter Prügel, German Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand, and H.E. Paul Robilliard, Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand. He expressed sincere gratitude to the keynote speaker, panelist, event partners Adecco, EventBank and Hammelmann and joint Chambers for their great support. Mr. Lorenzini delivered an opening address in which he underlined Thailand’s efforts in pursuing its “Industry 4.0” strategy through large infrastructure investments, specifically in the “S-Curve” industries. Thus, he concluded, 2018 would be a strong year for Thailand’s economy, with prosperous export growth and intensified trade with Germany.

Keynote speaker Mr. Werner Steinmueller, CEO APAC, and Member of the Management Board of Deutsche Bank AG in Hong Kong, opened his presentation by reviewing the global perspective. He emphasised the interconnectedness of the international business environment, which was especially visible in ASEAN. After 50 years of successful co-operation within ASEAN, Thailand has emerged as a key player characterised by stable growth.

Due to strong exports, efficient manufacturing and booming tourism, Mr. Steinmueller said Thailand’s GDP could grow by 4.1 per cent in 2018. Thus, the country’s overall stability was already attracting foreign investments, he said, adding that the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), in particular, was attracting Japanese and Chinese investors.

In addition, he noted that the emerging trend of e-commerce including banking with China and its Alibaba Group taking on a pioneer role. The company plans to focus on Thailand

UPDATE 2/2018

as one of its main markets since e-commerce acceptance here is with 2 per cent at a very low level. In this sector, he said, there were

CHAMBER ACTIVITIES 31

huge opportunities for Thai businesses and start-ups. He urged Germany to increase its investments in Thailand, and encouraged closer co-operation between the 600 German companies operating in Thailand.

The three-course lunch was followed by a panel discussion on the “Industrial Outlook: Insights into key industry sectors in Thailand, and challenges to face in 2018”, which was moderated by Mr. Joerg Ayrle, Group Chief Financial Officer at Thai Union Group PCL. He was joined by panelists GTCC President Mr. Markus Lorenzini, President and CEO of Siemens Ltd. for Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia Dr. Armin Wiesler, General Manager at Boehringer Ingelheim (Thai) Ltd., Dr. Daniel Koch, Managing Director of Covestro (Thailand) Co., Ltd., and Mr. Michael Grewe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) Limited.

The participating representatives of different industries agreed that the past year had been very successful, with record growth, intensified research and development (R&D) activities, and investments.

Dr. Wiesler stressed the importance of medical tourism for Thailand.

He said that he was satisfied that the Government was pursuing reforms that would liberalize this highly-regulated industry, which would further strengthen Thailand’s competitive advantage. In view of Thailand’s ageing population he urges the industry to guarantee comprehensive access to medical services and to provide adequate information for patients through various channels.

For the Chemical sector, Dr. Koch elaborated on the importance of his company’s R&D activities for innovating the product portfolio such as, for example, Covestro’s development centre in Rayong. He noted that one exemplary outcome had been the company’s marine anti-littering project aimed at recycling old plastic bottles by reusing them in new products.

Mr. Grewe reviewed insights on the potential of electric vehicles in Thailand. He noted that the Government had identified nextgeneration automotive industry as one of the “S-Curve” sectors targeted under Thailand 4.0. Specifically, he pointed out, the Government had stressed quality growth as well as giving incentives and tax breaks to companies and consumers.

The goal is to have 1.2 million electric vehicles on the road by 2036.

Finally, the panelists agreed that the education level, and hence the availability of a skilled and productive workforce, would be one of the key challenges facing the Thailand 4.0 project. Moderator Mr. Ayrle closed the panel discussion by asking for recommendations for successful business practices in Thailand during 2018. Efficient par tnering and open dialogue were seen as the most vital components by the panel participants.

Written by Jennifer Weisenhorn and Tilman Henschke, Consultancy Services Trainees

Mr. Lorenzini was convinced that the EEC would be the future driver of development for Thailand. He noted that the Thailand 4.0 project offered good oppor tunities for Siemens to become involved. Furthermore, he explained how Chambers of Commerce could help companies to enter the EEC project. He stressed that the Chambers were responsible for aligning possibilities and giving advice to businesses on their positioning in the market.

www.thailand.ahk.de

32 GTDEE INSIGHT

GTCC CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR BMW SERVICE APPRENTICE PROGRAMME BATCH 2015 On 7 November 2017, German-Thai Dual Excellence Education (GTDEE) Project Director Mr. Markus Hoffmann, and GTDEE team members Dr. Kamonsak Suradom and Mr. Panuwat Jaitham, together with Mrs. Ramona Neuse, Head of the DIHK VETnet Project, Germany, supported by the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), participated in the GTCC certificate presentation ceremony for 20 BMW apprentices of Batch 2015 in automotive mechatronics.

Twelve students were from the Kanchanapisek Technical College Mahanakorn (KTCM), four were from the Bangkaewfa Industrial and Community Education College and four were from Chumphae Technical College. The apprentices received their GTCC certificates from Mr. Hoffmann as well as BMW certificates from Mr. Cesar Badilla, Aftersales Director of BMW (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Furthermore, the teachers from the three colleges and the BMW trainers participated in the ceremony, which was held at the BMW Training Academy Center, Pathum Thani.

ROUND TABLE MEETING

On 8 November 2017, GTDEE Project Director Mr. Markus Hoffmann, together with GTDEE team members Dr. Kamonsak Suradom, Mr. Panuwat Jaitham, Mr. Katiphot Kanoknorrasade, Ms. Apinya Amporn and Mr. Ansgar Schaefer, participated in a round table meeting organised by the German Embassy in Bangkok to discuss “Quality development in vocational education” and “How to reach a better quality in vocational education”.

UPDATE 2/2018

The discussion was led by Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Thailand, Mr. Peter Pr uegel at the Ambassador’s Residence. In addition, Mr. Jan Lars Christian Scheer, Minister Counsellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, and Mr. Karl-Heinrich Helmut Ewald Herbert Adam, Third Secretary (Economic and Commercial) of the German Embassy in Bangkok, attended the meeting.

Associate Professor Dr. Khunying Sumontha Promboon, President of Chitralada School, and the management team of the Chitralada Vocational School and the Chitr alada Technology College, par ticipated in the meeting.

In addition, more than 30 other participants participated in the discussion, including the representatives from DIHK, GIZ, MercedesBenz (Thailand) Co., Ltd., BMW Group (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch Automotive Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd., KMUTNB, Eastern Technological College (E. Tech), Don Bosco Technological College, Institute of Vocational Education Bangkok, and the Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (Public Organization).

GTDEE INSIGHT 33

TRAINING PLAN DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP On 21 November 2017, GTDEE team members Dr. Kamonsak Suradom, Mr. Panuwat Jaitham, Mr. Katiphot Kanoknorrasade, Ms. Apinya Amporn and Mr. Ansgar Schaefer organised a Training Plan Development Workshop for the trainers of GTDEE’s partner companies. The trainers participating in the workshop were from BMW Group (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Rober t Bosch Automotive Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Boon Rawd Brewery Co., Ltd., Grohe Siam Limited and Protech Transfer Co., Ltd. The workshop focused on how to create a training plan following the German curriculum in the professions of mechanics, mechatronics, automotive mechtronics, electric power, electronics, logistics and production techniques. Furthermore, the support of teachers from Eastern Technological College (E.Tech) who were invited to par ticipate in the workshop was greatly appreciated. The workshop was held at E.Tech.

COPYRIGHT PATENT OF QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

BY GERMAN-THAI DUAL EXCELLENCE EDUCATION On 28 November 2017, GTDEE received the copyright patent of Quality Assurance for Vocational Education and Training from the Department of Intellectual Property under supervision of the Ministry of Commerce. The patent grants all rights reserved on GTCC Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training for Schools and Colleges in 111 countries around the world. The exclusive rights comprised the external assessment of teachers and school management as well as school environment. Quality Assurance aims to standardise school quality with regard to development, internal management system, and performances of teachers and students. "GTCC QA in VET" is a new service provided by GTCC.

www.thailand.ahk.de

34 GTDEE INSIGHT

MEETING WITH AMATA B.GRIMM POWER On 1 December 2017, GTDEE team member s Dr. Kamonsak Sur adom and Mr. Katiphot Kanoknorrasade participated in a meeting with trainers on preparation for the GTCC Final Examination 2018 in electric power. They also visited apprentices Batch 2016 from Chonburi Technical College who were trained at the company. The meeting was held at Amata B .Grimm Power, Chon Buri.

GTDEE MATHEMATICS WORKSHOP On 7 December 2017, GTDEE Senior Project Manager Dr. Kamonsak Suradom organised a GTDEE Mathematics Workshop at the GTCC office for apprentices Batch 2016 from Boon Rawd Brewery Co., Ltd. and Aapico Hitech PLC., from Kanchanapisek Technical College Mahanakorn at GTCC. In addition, the workshop helped to prepare them for their preparation for the GTCC Final Examination 2018.

UPDATE 2/2018

GTDEE INSIGHT 35

GTCC CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR MERCEDES-BENZ APPRENTICES BATCH 2015 On 13 December 2017, GTDEE team leaders Mr. Markus Hoffmann and Dr. Kamonsak Suradom, together with GTCC Executive Director Dr. Roland Wein, participated in the GTCC

cer tificate presentation ceremony for Mercedes-Benz apprentices Batch 2015.

Dr. Roland Wein delivered a congratulatory s p e e c h to the fir s t 30 aut om ot ive mechatronics apprentices in Thailand who had received the "local dual vocational education and training in line with German model certificates" from the AHK-IHK-DIHK network from Germany. The certificates were presented at the Mercedes-Benz Competency Centre (MBCC) by the President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) Mr. Michael Grewe, following a speech by Third Secretary, Economic and Commercial Section of the German Embassy in Bangkok, Mr. Karl-Heinrich Adam.

EIGHTH VEC MEETING On 22 December 2017, GTDEE Project Director Mr. Markus Hoffmann and GTDEE team members Dr. Kamonsak Suradom, M r. Panu w at J aith a m , M r. K a t i p h ot Kanoknorrasade and Ms. Apinya Amporn organised the eighth Vocational Education Committee Meeting held at Easter n Technological College on the summary of the GTDEE activities in 2017, the overview of the activities in the first quarter of 2018, and GTDEE consultation fees and payment.

Representatives of the company partners who participated in the meeting were from Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) Co., Ltd., BMW Group (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Rober t Bosch Automotive Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Grohe Siam Limited and AAPICO Hitech PLC.

www.thailand.ahk.de

36 GTDEE INSIGHT

PRE-SELECTIONS OF THE APPRENTICES BATCH 2018 In December 2017 and January 2018, the GTDEE team organised the pre-selection of apprentices Batch 2018 for the GTDEE company partners listed below,

GTDEE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME BATCH 2018 Date

Company

College

18 December 2017

BMW Group (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Eastern Technological College

22 December 2017

Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Eastern Technological College

11 January 2018

Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Samut Prakan Technical College

15 January 2018

Grohe Siam Limited

Eastern Technological College

22 January 2018

Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Don Bosco Technological College, Bangkok

29 January 2018

Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Don Bosco Technological College, Ratchaburi

PREPARATION FOR GTCC FINAL EXAMINATION 2018 In January 2018, the GTDEE team participated in meetings and site visits at the par tner colleges as part of the preparations for the professions listed below:

PREPARATION FOR GTCC FINAL EXAMINATION 2018 Date

16 January 2018

Meeting Five-party meeting with Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) Co., Ltd. BMW Group (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Eastern Technological College Samut Prakan Technical College

Professions

Automotive mechatronics

19 January 2018

Meeting with the examiner’s board from Don Bosco Technological College

Electric power

24 January 2018

Meeting with KMUTNB Rayong campus

Logistics

29 January 2018

Meeting with Eastern Technological College

Production techniques

UPDATE 2/2018

GTDEE INSIGHT 37

GTCC QUALITY ASSURANCE CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY On 25 January 2018, the ceremony for awarding the GTCC Quality Assurance Certificate to Eastern Technological College (E.Tech) took place at the college. Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Economic Affairs of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to Thailand, Mr. Jan Scheer, presented the certificate to the representative of college, Advisor and Chairman of executive board of E.Tech General Dr. Terdsak Marom. The presentation was witnessed by Thailand’s Vice Minister for Education, Dr. Sophon Napathorn, together with the members of the executive board, teachers and students of

Eastern Technological College. In addition, GTDEE Project Director Mr. Markus Hoffmann and GTDEE team members Dr. Kamonsak Suradom, Mr. Panuwat Jaitham, Mr. Katiphot Kanoknorrasade and Ms. Apinya Amporn attended the ceremony.

During the earlier three-day assessment, from 12 to 14 September 2017, the GTDEE team visited classrooms and workshops, inspected the college grounds and safety provisions, interviewed the students and met with their parents.

www.thailand.ahk.de

38 MEMBERS’ CORNER

NEW GTCC MEMBERS up to 31 March 2018

German-Thai Chamber of Commerce warmly welcomes 28 new members!

AWP Services (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

BAK Asia Co., Ltd.

7th Floor, City Link Tower, 1091/335 Soi Petchburi 35, New Petchburi Road, Makkasan, Rajthevi, Bangkok 10400 Thailand Tel: +66 2 305 8555 Fax: +66 2 305 8556 www.allianz-assistance.co.th

723 Supakarn Building L18, Soi Charoennakorn Road 15A, Klong San, Bangkok 10600 Thailand Tel: +66 2 437 4510 Fax: +66 2 437 4510 www.hotairtools.in.th info@bak-asia.com

Activities Provide Emergency Assistances such as Roadside Assistance, Travel Assistance or Medical Assistance, etc. Provide brokerage services (Life and Non-Life Insurance Products) within the territorial of Thailand

Activities BAK Asia Co., Ltd. is a leading importer of Swiss and German Made Plastic welding machines, Plastic Extruder machines, Hot air Blowers, Industrial Heaters and PX Tools for Plastic- and Pipe Fabrication, Roofing, Civil engineering, Tarps, Process Heat, Packaging and Shrinking.

Chamber Representative Dr. Johannes Bayer

Mr. Anil Upadhyaya GTCC MEMBER 2018

5/50A Viraj Khand 5, Gomtinagar, Lucknow 226010, Upstate, India Tel: +91 9793 546246 Skype: anil.upadhyaya8 au03976@gmail.com Activities Consulting german/asian companies for marketing expansion/market study/market connect/trade cooperation/FDI investments/leadership training program/ political-economic risk analysis reports for client companies.

Chamber Representative Daniel Gisler

BAMIK GmbH FriedrichstraĂ&#x;e 90, 10117 Germany Tel: +49 30 762 392 000 Fax: +49 30 762 392 009 bangkok@bamik.net www.bamik.net Activities BAMIK is a course provider and business consultancy with special focus on intercultural management, Diversity & Inclusion, as well as train-the-trainer programs. Our network of experts supports public and private institutions worldwide. We develop and implement in-company training programs and course material in 12 languages.

Chamber Representative Wolfgang Jockusch, Th.M.

UPDATE 2/2018

MEMBERS’ CORNER 39

BSI Broker (Thailand) Limited

Charoenchai Transformer Co.,Ltd. 9 Soi Prachautis 21, Prachautis Road, Rajburana, Rajburana, Bangkok 10140 Thailand Tel: +66 2 409 6655 Fax: +66 2 409 6613 www.charoenchai.com prasong@charoenchai.com, cecilia@charoenchai.com

152 Chartered Square Building 12 Ath Floor, Room 12A-15B, North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Thailand Tel: +66 2 634 5200 Fax: +66 2 634 5202 Moblie: +66 61 614 1006 bsi@bsibroker.co.th www.bsibroker.co.th

Activities Charoenchai Transformer Co., Ltd. has been one of the leading transformer manufacturers of Asian Region with the capacity of manufacturing 50 kVA-30000 kVA, voltage upto 36 kV transformers under the name of “Charoenchai” for over 40 years.

Activities Your insurance specialist because “It’s always smart to compare “ Please call for your quote today, we speak Thai, English and German. Many years’ experience and a wide network of insurers. Health, Group insurance, Motor/Home/Liability/Personal Accident insurance, Travel insurance, Special Solution’s for small/medium sized SME’s

Chamber Representative Prasong Kittiratanaviwat and Cecilia Tsui

Chamber Representative Roland Sensch and Sairung Thonganan

Chiangmai Lanna Business Services Ltd

BUZZWOO Asia Co., Ltd.

92/1 Mahidol Road, Haiya, Muang, Chiang Mai 50100 Thailand Tel: +66 53 904 748 Fax: +66 53 904 750 info@clbs.co.th www.clbs.co.th

149/7 Moo 2, Chang Puak, Muang, Chiang Mai 50300 Thailand Tel: +66 53 214 149 or +66 83 323 4043 www.buzzwoo.de sven.ernst@buzzwoo.de Activities BUZZWOO! Asia is specialized in web and software development services for global brands and large corporations.

Offering tailor made software solutions and consulting we enable businesses to create value from the digital economy.

Activities CLBS is an International Business Process Outsourcing (IBPO) Company which assists small and medium-sized companies as well as freelancers throughout Europe and Asia.

Chamber Representative Matthias Schenk

Chamber Representative Sven Ernst and Claudius Philippin

Mr. Dirk Salaw Chance Inter Group Co., Ltd. 2 Ngamwongwan Soi 9 Yek 7 Road, BangKrasor, Muang, Nothaburi, 11000 Thailand Tel: +66 2 952 5704, +66 86 160 9199 Fax: +66 2 952 5689 sasithorn@chanceintergroup.com Activities Spare parts sale and repair service, Mercedes-Benz Special Truck Refurbishment for Royal Thai Army

GTCC MEMBER 2018

The Residence, Apartment 27 J, 92 Soi Sukhumvit 24, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Thailand Tel: +66 97 071 7040 dirk.salaw@nexgo.de Activities Commercial responsible for a Bosch company in Thailand

Chamber Representative

Chakrit Netsavang and Putsawat Sattarwut

www.thailand.ahk.de

40 MEMBERS’ CORNER

G.M. Tour & Travel Co., Ltd.

Global Wines & More Co., Ltd.

11/1 AIA Sathorn Tower, 14th Floor, Room 1403, South Sathorn Road, Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120 Thailand Tel: +66 2 838 1555 Fax: +66 2 838 1500 www.gmtour.com agentcenter@gmtour.com

185/76 Moo4, Don Jom Tao Road, Thepkrasattri, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Thailand Tel: +66 76 311 509 Fax: +66 76 311 510 www.globalwines.co tobias@globalwines.co

Activities G.M. Tour & Travel is a wholesale travel agency that offers premium, innovative solutions for travel agencies and corporations. Our travel services include air tickets, hotels, and travel insurance.

Operating for 30 years, we take pride in our skilled teams with unique industry expertise.

Activities Wine import, wine distribution (Champagne, German Beer)

Chamber Representative Kit Sananwathananont and Narissara Sananwathananont

Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit 1, Sukhumvit Soi 13, Bangkok, 10110 Thailand Tel: +66 2 168 7800 (Pre-opening) Fax: +66 2 168 7807 https://bangkoksukhumvit.regency.hyatt.com/ en/hotel/home.html bangkoksukhumvit.regency@hyatt.com Activities Centrally situated at Sukhumvit Road Soi 13 with direct sky bridge to BTS Sky Train Nana Station, Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit features 273 well-appointed rooms including 21 suites. Facilities also include a Thai restaurant, Regency Club Lounge, swimming pool, fitness centre, and more than 1,000 m² of event space, including a ballroom, Sky Garden and roof-top bar.

Chamber Representative Sammy Carolus

Chamber Representative Tobias Lauinger

K. General Equipment Co., Ltd. 107/24-25 Pracharaj 1 Road, Bangsue, Bangkok 10800 Thailand Tel: +66 2 587 1249, +66 2 587 0930 Fax: +66 2 587 5995 info@hammelmannthailand.com www.kgeneral.co.th, www.hammelmannthailand.com Activities A representative of HAMMELMANN GmbH – HAMMELMANN High Pressure Pumps up to 4000 bar are in use in many fields of industry such as Petrochemical, Energy, Ship Repair, Construction, Automobile, Steel, Offshore, Food & Beverages, Paper Industry, industrial cleaning etc. Our team provide distribution and technical services covering Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos.

Chamber Representative Wanlapa Tamtai and Krid Tamtai

Logistic People Recruitment (Thailand) Ltd. 571 RSU Tower, 9th Floor, Sukhumvit 31, Sukhumvit road, Klongton-Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 Thailand Tel: +66 2 117 9535 Fax: +66 2 662 3416 www.logistic-people.co.th Activities The premier recruitment company for all Logistics and Supply Chain needs. Founded in 1997, with 11 offices in Germany, Singapore and now Bangkok. We established in Thailand 2017 to provide tailor-made services for our clients. With worldwide networks and academies, we will find right person at right time.

Chamber Representative Nuttacom Rungrassamee and Akachai In-aum

UPDATE 2/2018

MEMBERS’ CORNER 41

Kaizen Institute Thailand

Sivatel Bangkok Hotel

Level 8 & 9, Zuellig House, 1 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500 Thailand Tel: +66 2 231 8030 www.kaizen.com th@kaizen.com

53 Wittayu Road, Lumipini, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330 Thailand Tel: +66 2 309 5000 Fax: +66 2 309 5050 Website: www.sivatelbangkok.com Email: sales@sivatelbangkok.com

Activities Authentic: The KAIZEN™ methodology was introduced by us to the world in 1985.

Practical: We make our clients experts in KAIZEN™ at their Gemba. Holistic: We apply KAIZEN™ everywhere, by everybody and every time. Worldwide: Our expertise can be applied to any business, in any country of the world.

Chamber Representative Peter Weiss and Apichai Ruangsuriyakit

NEOS IT Services Co., Ltd. 89 AIA Capital Center, 11th Floor Unit 1105, Ratchadapisek road, Dindaeng, Bangkok 10400 Thailand Tel: +66 2 017 0500 Fax: +66 2 017 0529 www.neosit.com info@neosit.com Activities Neos IT Services is a leading managed IT service provider that provides multi-scale IT services starting from the platform level (customized design), operational level (hosting data center) until the application (website etc.) with more than 100 experts from 20 nations working in five locations across Europe and Asia.

Activities Standing tall in one of the greenest areas and right in the center of Bangkok. All-suite hotel offers an oasis like escape of the city easy access to major luxury shopping complexes, business district and foreign embassies, only a 5minute walk from PloenChit BTS Sky Train station.

Chamber Representative Thanankorn Rattana-asanarom and Alisara Sivayathorn

soffico (Thailand) Limited AIA Sathorn Tower, 11/1 Sathorn Tower, 6th Floor, South Sathorn Road, Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120 Tel: +66 2 126 7658 www.soffico.com metha.prompayuch@soffico.com, rica.holzmann@soffico.com Activities soffico develops individual, future-proof and innovative software solutions. We enable customers to efficiently and securely solve their compatibility issues through secure interoperability between different IT systems and industries. We connect people, machines and processes!

Chamber Representative Sascha Modersitzki and Nareevisut Temchum

Chamber Representative Metha Prompayuck and Rica Holzmann

P.C.S. Machine Group Holding PCL

Srithai Engineering Product Co., Ltd.

2/1-4 Moo 3, Kokgroad, Muang, Nakorn-Rajsima 30280 Thailand Tel: +66 044 701 300 Fax +66 044 701 399 www.pcsgh.com Activities P.C.S. Machine Group Holding PCL. and its subsidiaries are leading manufacturers in the automotive parts industry in Thailand.

The company capabilities include precision machining of steel and iron cast parts, die casting and precision machining of aluminium parts and forging of steel parts.

Chamber Representative Prasong Adulratananukul and Athiwat Apichote

105 Soi La Salle 42, Bangna, Bangna, Bangkok 10260 Thailand Tel: +66 2 337 1056 to 65 Fax: +66 2 337 1068 to 69 www.srithaiengineering.com hr@srithaiengineering.com Activities Manufacture and assembly of general machinery and metal parts. Manufacture and assembly of electricity control cabinets.

Installation, maintenance Chamber Representative Decha Metprapha and Pornphon Metprapha

www.thailand.ahk.de

42 MEMBERS’ CORNER

Thai Jewelry Manufacturer Co., Ltd. 620/74-75 Sathupradit 44, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120 Thailand Tel: +66 2 294 0020 to 2 Fax: +66 2 682 1112 www.thaijewelrymfr.com tjm@thaijewelrymfr.com Activities Manufacture fine jewery in silver gold platinum set with natural gemstone and diamond also export to global market and local market Chamber Representative Samrit Siriaramsakul and Porntirat Siriaramsakul

Mr. Ulrich Rosenbaum GTCC MEMBER 2018

Tel: +66 88 884 5353 urosenbaum@gmail.com https://tanglescanner.com

Am Bahnhof 10, 49424 Lutten, Germany Tel: +49 4441 8705 654 Mobile D: +49 172 710 4028 Mobile TH: +66 82 2711 604 Fax: +49 4441 5500 info@weda.de www.weda.de Activities Developer, manufacturer and full solution provider of advanced farming technology for modern pig production Chamber Representatives Jan Bernd Diekhaus-Roettger (D) and Thomas Lang (TH)

Wongwaiwit Industrial Supply Corporation Ltd.

The Siam Cement Public Company Limited (SCG)

89/1-2 Moo 4, Taeparak Road, Bangplee, Samutprakarn 10540 Thailand Tel: +66 2 385 5962 Fax: +66 2 755 4465 www.wongwaiwat-industrial.com veeraphol@wongwaiwit-industrial.com

1 Siam Cement road, Bang Sue, Bangkok 10800 Thailand Tel: +66 2 586 4444 Fax: +66 2 586 2974 info@scg.com

Activities Import and distribution UNIFLEX: Hydraulic Crimping Machine, SPIRSTAR: Ultra High Pressure Hose, ARCO: Hydraulic Hose Adaptor

Activities SCG, a leading business conglomerate in the ASEAN region, currently conducts three core businesses, namely, SCG Chemicals, SCG Cement-Building Materials and SCG Packaging -- in line with good corporate governance and sustainable development principles. It has been relentless in organizational and employee development which helps drive innovation to create higher value and address the needs of all parties concerned.

Chamber Representative Veeraphol Wongwaiwitand Sudaporn Wongwaiwit

Activities Employee in a Fintech BOI company

Chamber Representative Anont Bukkanasuta and Aungsuma Krueathep

Uptrade Assets Co., Ltd 7/41 Moo9, Bangkuay-Sainoi road, Sainoi, Nonthaburi 11150 Thailand Tel: +66 2 101 9788 Fax: +66 2 101 9688 uptradeassests@gmail.com Activities Import, distribution kitchen ware

UPDATE 2/2018

WEDA Dammann & Westerkamp GmbH

Chamber Representative Ganyaphat Nunkaeothonithi

X2 Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel 10, 20 Sukhumvit 52, Phra Khanong, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10260 Thailand Tel: +66 2 331 9091 Fax: +66 2 331 9092 www.x2vibe.com book.suk@x2vibe.com Activities Located 300 meters walk to Onnut BTS Station, X2 Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel features 266 hotel rooms & residences.

We offer free Wifi, free shuttle, free access to Fitness, pool & onsen and free parking.

Restaurant and bar are available on-site.

There are shopping malls, supermarket, restaurant & bar nearby.

Chamber Representative Charin Tuncharoen and Palsupa Iamjitsopa

MEMBERS’ CORNER 43

Front row, from left – Karun Pantong, EGS-plan (Bangkok) Co., Ltd.; Sirikarn Katesuwan, Logistic People Recruitment (Thailand) Ltd.; Palsupa Iamjitsopa, X2 Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel; Roland Sensch, BSI Broker (Thailand) Limited; Wanlapa Tamtai, K. General Equipment Co., Ltd.; Aiyavee Yaibua, Sivatel Bangkok Hotel; Athiwat Apichote, P.C.S. Machine Group Holding PCL; Dr. Somsak Chaiyaporn, TICON Industrial Connection Plc. Back row, from left – Axel Hluchy, Siam Makro Public Company Limited; Bernd Clauss, Light Style (Thailand) Co., Ltd.; Dr. Johannes Bayer, AWP Services (Thailand) Co., Ltd.; Horst Wiezorrek, Bei Otto Company Ltd.; Peter Weiss, Kaizen (Thailand) Limited; David Brett, NEOS IT Services Co., Ltd.; Paul Brailsford, Wisdom Guardian Intellectual Property Consulting; Ramesh Raju, Kaizen (Thailand) Limited.

GTCC MEMBER SPEED NETWORKING On 15 March 2018, GTCC brought together to GTCC Member Speed Networ king nineteen representatives from sixteen new and renewal member companies from various industries at Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel. The event is designed to foster the development of exclusive connections among par ticipants and to smoothen their transition to the GTCC community.

“I thought it (GTCC Member Speed Networking) was pretty good, and that the format was much better than simply networking. I would be interested in future networking events.”

Tim Golding, Managing Director Peak Recruitment Consulting

“A quick introduction to other members during the speed networking was very useful. We’re looking forward to joining more networking events from GTCC.” Peter Weiss, Managing Director and Ramesh Raju, Senior Consultant Kaizen (Thailand) Limited

“The meeting was very fruitful, in fact one of the most useful meetings of this type I have attended for a long time. Of course, it was also quite tiring, but it served the purpose of really getting to know about other businesses and informing about ours. Very well organised and executed also. Well done!”

David Brett, Head of Sales NEOS IT Services Co., Ltd.

“It's my pleasure to join the event. The speed networking is very useful for us, and we would love to join again if there is any new opportunity.

Palsupa Iamjitsopa, Director of Sales X2 Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel

www.thailand.ahk.de

44 TRADE FAIRS

SPIELWARENMESSE 2018: THE WORLD’S LARGEST TOY FAIR DRAWS A RECORD 71,000 VISITORS 31 January-4 February 2018, Nuremberg

The 69th Spielwarenmesse, the world’s largest trade fair for toys and leisure products, maintained its leading global position as well as growth in international exhibitors and visitors. Held from 31 January to 4 February 2018 at Nuremberg’s Exhibition Centre, this year’s Spielwarenmesse again recorded an increase in international exhibitors and visitors. A total of 2,902 companies from 68 countries, up from 63 countries in 2017, exhibited their products to a record 71,000 retailers and buyers from 129 nations A total of 63 per cent of the visitors came from Asia, Eastern Europe and South America, regions which accounted for the highest visitor growth rates. Although the duration of Spielwarenmesse has been cut by one day, the amount of time visitors spent at the fair remained unchanged at an average of 2.8 days. The event attracts high-quality visitors – of which 86 per cent are decision-makers.

However, the most important reason for visitors to attend the Spielwarenmesse is to find new products, followed by the need to make new business contacts and gain a general overview of the market. A total 83

UPDATE 2/2018

per cent of the visitors stated that they would attend next year’s show.

The organiser, Spielwarenmesse eG, offered not only trends and innovations, but also a carefully crafted supporting programme that received an extremely positive feedback from the trade. Tech2Play, the activity area for electronic toys, and the Special Area for Baby and Infant Articles were once again a renowned success. The special show Toys Meet Books attracted many booksellers. The programme’s presentations and daily guided tours also met with overall approval.

TrendGallery in Hall 3A provided retailers and buyers with extensive inspiration, not only in the three Spielwarenmesse trends – “Explore Nature”, “Just for Fun” and “Team Spirit” – but also by showcasing the nominees and winners of the ToyAwards. This event is the internationally recognised award presented annually by a Spielwarenmesse expert jury. This year, the winners of four categories were selected from 643 entries, up from 635 in 2017.

The next Spielwarenmesse will take place from 30 January to 3 February 2019. More details about Spielwarenmesse 2019 can be found online at www.spielwarenmesse.de. For additional information and inquiries, please contact GTCC’s official representative of Spielwarenmesse in Thailand, Ms. Chonlagorn Loypetch, by tel. +66 2 055 0642 or by e-mail at chonlagorn@gtcc.org.

TRADE FAIRS 45

CE CHINA 2018: LINKING GLOBAL EXHIBITORS WITH LOCAL RETAILERS 3-5 May 2018, Shenzhen

Consumer Electronics China (CE China) is a global IFA event that is organised as China's premier trade show for consumer electronics and home appliance brands in China. The objective of this trade show is to link international exhibitors with Chinese retailers who are keen to provide new products for their customers.

In addition to being among China's most successful retailers, Suning, Tmall/Alibaba and JD.com are the official partners for CE China 2018.

These retail giants offer international brands and a full range of services, simplifying access to the Chinese market. Haier, Midea, Huawei (all China), LIFA Air (Finland), GYPI (Belgium), Richmond & Finch (Sweden), Fakir and CASO Design (Germany) are just a few of the international brands that will take the opportunity to present their products and innovations at CE China in Shenzhen from 3 to 5 May 2018.

By participating in CE China, exhibitors have the opportunity to place their products in front of valuable channel partners who can help to expand sales in China as well as the rest of Asia. CE China is not just a technology or export fair; it also has a strong focus on the needs of international brands, products and customers. Based on the IFA concept, CE China focuses on comprehensive co-operation with leading trade groups, strong global industrial par tners and the presentation of innovative branded products.

quality products to its customers. That is why Suning and CE China have forged in-depth collaboration. During the 2017 show both parties signed a three-year strategic co-operation agreement. In the future, the two sides will join hands to introduce global cutting-edge technologies, products and services in the fields of smart home, virtual reality, intelligent health, technology innovation and more, to give Chinese consumers a smarter, high-quality life experience.

Huawei, Fakir and CASO Design will be exhibiting at CE China 2018 together with the IFA Retail University. This new approach will provide international brands gain maximum attention from major retailers in China with “short and sweet” 20-minute Power Briefings. The IFA Retail University will create great value by bringing together international brands and Asian retail representatives, including China’s retail giant, Suning. Retailers and buyers will benefit from the demand among the growing Chinese middle class for international brand products.

More details on CE China are available at http://www.cechina-ifa.com/ index. For fur ther information, please contact GTCC’s official representative for Messe Berlin GmbH in Thailand, Ms. Patamaporn Wasuwat, by tel: +66 2 055 0641 or by e-mail at berlin@gtcc.org.

In 2017, 120 exhibitors presented their latest products, innovations, and services on 15,000 square metres to more than 11,500 visitors at the second CE China, of whom 8,600 were trade visitors from 38 countries. The 6 per cent increase in trade visitors at the 2017 event demonstrated once more that CE China was moving ahead at full steam. The range of global brands also inspired more than 140 journalists, 15 per cent of whom came from abroad.

As the largest commercial retailer in China, Suning shoulders the responsibility of leading industrial advances and for providing high-

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automatica 2018: LEADING SHOW FOR AUTOMATED PRODUCTION 19-22 June, Munich Ever y two year s, the key player s and decision-makers in industry meet in Munich at automatica, which is the most important innovation platform for automated production processes. Participants from all branches of industry who want to invest in future technologies effectively attend this event. This year’s automatica will take place from 19 to 22 June at the Messe München Exhibition Centre.

significantly advances the realization of smart production scenarios.

Featuring the world's largest range of robotics, assembly solutions, machine vision systems and components. automatica gives companies from all branches of industr y access to innovations, knowledge and trends with a great deal of business relevance. As the digital shift continues, automatica ensures market transparency and provides orientation with a clear objective of being able to manufacture higher-quality products with greater efficiency.

Companies from the automation technology sector present the entire range of industrial automation solutions in six exhibition halls: Assembly and handling technology (Integrated assembly solutions) Industrial robots and professional service robotics Machine vision Positioning systems Drive technology Sensor technology Control system technology and industrial communications Safety technology Supply technology Software and cloud computing Services and service providers Research and technology

This is the only event that brings all pioneering key technologies together at a single location.

After all, intelligent industrial operations are only possible when the right hardware is combined with appropriate software and specific know-how. That is how automatica

In 2016, automatica exceeded all expectations – around 43,000 visitors (+25 per cent) and 833 exhibitors from 47 countries (+15 per cent). One-third of the visitors came from abroad. The majority of the foreign visitors were from China. The key issues of

UPDATE 2/2018

automatica 2016 included clear human-robot collaboration, professional service robotics and the digitalization of the automation sector. In addition, young children and teenagers had an opportunity to experience technical features for the first time at automatica.

This year’s automatica will include a new integrated subject area with the IT2 Industry Conference, which will focus on the interplay between automation and information technology, which is a core component of digital automation and robotics. The IT2 Industry Conference provides companies with guidance on current digitalization trends in industry, promising strategies and important IoT technologies.

More details on automatica are available at https://automatica-munich.com. For further information, please contact GTCC’s official representative for Messe München GmbH in Thailand, Ms. Patamaporn Wasuwat, by tel: +66 2 055 0641 or by e-mail at muenchen@gtcc.org.

TRADE FAIRS 47

GaLaBau 2018: GARDENING. LANDSCAPING.GREENDESIGN

12-15 September 2018, Nuremberg, Germany GaLaBau, the leading trade fair for landscaping, maintenance and construction of urban green spaces and sports grounds, golf courses and playgrounds, will open its doors for the twenty-third time from 12 to 15 September 2018 in Nuremberg. It is the only exhibition in the world to offer the entire range of gardening and landscaping products, from plants to machines, in one place. GaLaBau’s high standing in the booming gardening and landscaping segment is underscored by the numbers recorded at the 2016 event – more than 64,000 visitors and more than 1,300 exhibitors in 13 halls Trade visitors are companies from the horticulture, landscape gardening and open spaces construction sectors, landscape architects, and planners from government, state and municipal authorities. GaLaBau features exciting presentation areas, special shows and lectures. The product range at GaLaBau 2018 will lead visitors along the process chain of landscape gardening. This highly specialized event is the leading

European exhibition in its field. A visit is a must for everyone professionally concerned with green spaces.

Demand for products and services for the design, construction and maintenance of green spaces is growing all the time – likewise, the public’s longing for natural and urban green spaces. Green stands for a better quality of life. This sector has proved to be a successful one with excellent future prospects.

GaLaBau is the optimum platform for all decision-makers in this growth sector. During the four-day show, exhibitors and visitors will be able to discuss the latest developments within the landscape gardening industry.

GaLaBau’s concept is sophisticated, tried and tested, and convincing. The exhibition includes many special areas and presentations that provide information on innovations, products, trends, services and possible solutions. Additional events such as the Garden of Dreams or Tree Care LIVE demonstrate the diversity of the green industry.

The German-Thai Chamber of Commerce is organizing an exclusive delegation trip to GaLaBau from 9 to 16 September 2018. For additional information and other inquiries, please contact GTCC’s official representative of Nürnberg Messe in Thailand at tel. 02 055 0643 or by e-mail at nuernberg@gtcc.org.

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IAA 2018: A MUST FOR SUPPLIERS IN THE VEHICLE INDUSTRY 20-27 September 2018, Hannover IAA Commercial Vehicles is the world’s leading trade show for mobility in the field of commercial vehicles, transportation and logistics. It is the platform where the most important and the most numerous world product premieres are displayed – a large propor tion of which are exhibited by su pp lier s . T h e I A A , u n l i ke a ny ot h e r automotive trade show, demonstrates both high quality and quantity as it reflects the industry’s entire value-added chain.

This year’s event, which is the 67th IAA, will be held from 20 to 27 September 2018 in Hannover. Traditionally, suppliers are by far the largest exhibitor group at the IAA. The highly innovative products and the appealing stands quickly catch visitor’s eyes. The IAA is also the most international commercial vehicle trade show, with 60 per cent of the exhibitors coming from abroad.

At the IAA, exhibitors pursue the primary objective of making personal contacts with existing and potential customer s. The exhibitors’ expectations are fulfilled in every respect at the IAA. The proportion of trade visitors, which is 85 per cent on average is just one piece of supporting evidence.

UPDATE 2/2018

The IAA serves as the platform for exchanges between customers, journalists, trade visitors from OEMs and suppliers, and representatives of academia and politics. Furthermore, the IAA has a strong reputation as a communication and information-exchange platform among the exhibitors themselves. Thus, the IAA is hugely important to visitors and exhibitors alike for sharing news, views and information.

For additional information about IAA, please contact the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce, which is the official representative of Deutsche Messe AG in Thailand, at tel: 02 055 0643, or by e-mail at hannover@gtcc.org.