ScandAsia South East Asia - December 2014

DEC 2014

Malaysia Indonesia Philippines Vietnam Cambodia Laos

Swedish ERP system helps

companies in South East Asia grow

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Coming Events

Jakarta Vikings Christmas When: December 13, 13.00-16.00 Where: To be announced (Jakarta, Indonesia) Please check the venue with: info@jakartavikings.org Jakarta Vikings is a football club based in the capital city of Indonesia. The club holds Jakarta Vikings Xmas party every year.

Jakarta Vikings Football Club was officially started in 1989 by football players who mostly live in Country Woods Estate (CWE). Many of the players were Danish and other Scandinavian people who live in Jakarta.

Your FREE ScandAsia Magazine

Norwegian Christmas celebration in the Philippines

ScandAsia is the only magazine that covers all the Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish residents in South East Asia.

We also publish a ScandAsia magazine in China, Thailand, and Singapore.

Please sign up for your own FREE copy: www.scandasia.com Publisher : 211 Soi Prasert Manukitch 29 Prasert Manukitch Road Chorakae Bua, Lad Prao Bangkok 10230, Thailand Tel. +66 2 943 7166-8, Fax: +66 2 943 7169 E-mail: news@scandasia.com Editor-in-Chief : Gregers A.W. Møller gregers@scandmedia.com Managing Editor: Thana Poopat thana@scandmedia.com Advertising : Finn Balslev finn@scandmedia.com Piyanan Kalikanon piyanan@scandmedia.com Nattapat Maesang nattapat@scandmedia.com Graphic Designer : Peerapol Meesuwan Peerapol@scandmedia.com Distribution : Wanvisa Rattanaburi wanvisa@scandmedia.com Printing : Advanced Printing Services Co., Ltd.

Daily news and features here: www.scandasia.com

Danish Christmas Gathering in Malaysia When: December 14, 16.00-18.00 Where: Danish Ambassador’s Residence, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Danes in Malaysia are invited to the party hosted by the Danish Ambassador. A variety of finger food and refreshment will be provided in a children-friendly celebration.

When: December 14 at 16.30 Where:The Holy Trinity Church, 48 McKinley Road, Forbes Park, Makati, Manila A Sermon will be given by the Norwegian Seamen’s Church priest, to be followed by social gathering with coffee, cake and cookies.

Lucia celebration/ Christmas party in Myanmar When: Dec 13 where: To be announced For inquiry: http://www.sweden-myanmar.com/ contact.html SwedCham Myanmar – a platform for Swedish and Swedish-related companies and individuals The Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar was started spring 2013 with the sole purpose to support business between Sweden and Myanmar.

We are aiming to hold regular meetings and events with speakers to further build our network but also share our experiences and generate new business.

The Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar gives you and your company opportunities to develop your business relations and to increase your business exposure in Myanmar. We do this through both business related and social events.

Sometimes we do events together with other chambers or just public events where everyone can join.

News Brief

Volvo Buses launches new chassis range for Malaysia

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olvo Buses Malaysia recently unveiled its new chassis range to the Malaysian market the new Volvo B7R and Volvo B11R. Launched in the presence of the Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia, Volvo customers, partners and members of the media, Volvo Buses’ new chassis range are poised to offer the best solutions for next-generation public transport and travel in Malaysia.

The launch of the Volvo Buses Chassis Range today spells an additional significant advancement in the operations of Volvo Malaysia. It also underscores our commitment and deep interest to play an even more active participation in the country’s transportation industry, said Mats Nilsson, Managing Director, Volvo Malaysia.

Both the Volvo B7R and Volvo B11R are chassis models that were designed with versatility in mind and made for efficient, safe, and profitable transport, both of which have enjoyed increased demand in other markets.

David Mead, Vice President, APAC, Volvo Buses Corporation said “This chassis range we are launching today provides first-class driveability, outstanding fuel-efficiency and low on environmental impact.

The versatility of this chassis range allows our customers to customize according to their needs, as they are easily tailored to suit school bus, long distance charter and touring coaches.”

SAAB’s new unmanned ship the Bonefish to be built in Indonesia

S Norwegian firm to install hydropower dam at Philippine reservoir

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he joint venture of Aboitiz Power Corp and Statkraft Norfund Power Invest AS of Norway has broken ground for a new hydropower project in the provinces of Ifugao and Isabela.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, AboitizPower said unit SN Aboitiz Power-Magat Inc (SNAP-Magat) and the National Irrigation Administration have commenced with the improvement of the latter’s Maris Reservoir located between the said provinces.

The project aims to increase the storage capacity of the Maris Reservoir, which is used to irrigate nearby farmlands, and use the same for power generation subject to release protocols.

Emmanuel V. Rubio, SNAP president, earlier said the company aims to draw an additional 7 megawatts (MW) from the Maris Reservoir project, which is estimated to cost between $2.5 million and $3.5 million per MW to put up.

4 ScandAsia.South East Asia • December 2014

aab and PT Lundin have revealed their Bonefish unmanned surface vessel (USV) technology demonstrator at Indo Defence 2014.

Formally unveiled by Indonesia’s defence minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Marsetio in a joint ribbon-cutting ceremony on the first day of the show, the 12m carbon-fibre composite trimaran prototype is set to begin sea trials next month.

Joint development of the Bonefish demonstrator, which can be seen on PT Lundin’s stand (Hall D, 025) began at the start of this year, the concept marrying Saab’s mission systems integration expertise with PT Lundin’s advanced wave-piercing trimaran hullform.

The prototype was built in approximately six months at PT Lundin’s composite boat production facility in Banyuwangi, East Java.

Capable of speeds of up to 40kts, Bonefish is designed to incorporate a wide range of sensors, satellite-based control and a modular payload bay to enable role flexibility.

Potential missions could include anti-piracy, maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasures, search and rescue, and hydrography.

Peter Carlqvist, head of Saab Indonesia (Hall D, Stand 052), said the collaboration between Saab and PT Lundin represented an exciting opportunity for the two companies.

“Saab has identified the need for a USV that is modular and adaptable according to the mission,” he told the Show Daily. “The wave-piercing trimaran platform developed

by PT Lundin is unique with regard to its ability to sustain high speed in high sea states.

That is very important for a craft that is going to be out at sea for extended periods by itself.”

Dan Enstedt, president and CEO of Saab Asia-Pacific, added: “We are extremely proud and happy that we were able to unveil this demonstrator at Indo Defence and show a tangible example of co-operation between Saab of Sweden and Indonesian industry.”

Tests and trials of the prototype are expected to run through 2015.

News Brief

Scania ready for Philippine market in early 2015

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cania trucks, busses and tractors will be sold in Manila from the beginning of next year.

The import of Complete Knock Down kits (CKD’s), needed for final assembly, will commence this month, with the launch of the flagship showroom set for February 5 next year. The showroom will be located at 1132 EDSA Balintawak, Quezon City. “Initially, we will be bringing in tractor heads and dump trucks first,” Scania’s local sales partners, BJ Mercantile, vice president Leilani Lim-Tan told to The Philippine Star.

“Then generator sets in February, then buses.”

The 5,000sqm facility will first feature four truck bays, then eventually grow as the business matures. Scania’s BJ Mercantile has already sunk in P150 million for the undertaking, not counting an even bigger oneto-two-hectare facility in San Simon Pampanga, depending on how the market grows by the end of next year.

Photo: Embassy of Denmark in Malaysia

Novozymes to further develop 2nd-gen biofuel in Malaysia

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takeholders in what may be the first 2nd generation biomass factory in Southeast-Asia – located in Sarawak – gathered in the Danish residence on Monday. The event was honoured by the presence of Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department responsible for innovation, Dato’ Mah Siew Keong, as well as the President & CEO of Novozymes, Mr. Peder Holk Nielsen.

Novozymes is a world-leader in industrial biotechnology, including the production of enzymes which is critical for converting biomass into ethanol, which can be used as a biofuel additive in petrol.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the occasion between the Innovation Agency of Malaysia and Novozymes, co-signed by the Minister and the Ambassador as witnesses. While 1st generation biofuel is based on food crops, 2nd generation is based on non-edible residues (biomass) from for instance palm oil plantations, such as stems, leaves and husks.

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December 2014 • ScandAsia.South East Asia 5

News Brief

Philippine firm granted $315-million loan for Vestas wind turbines

Telenor, Yoma mull mobile banking in Myanmar

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hilippines power producer Energy Development Corporation (EDC) has nailed $315m of finance for its Vestas-built 150MW Burgos project, and said it is on target to commission the nation’s largest wind farm in time to tap into a new feed-in tariff (FIT).

Lopez-led Energy Development Corporation (EDC) signed a $315 million financing agreement with a group of foreign and local banks for the construction of the 150-MW Burgos Wind Project (BWP) in Ilocos Norte. The facility which consists of US dollar and Philippine peso tranches will mature in 15 years.

Eksport Kredit Fonden, Denmark’s export credit agency, guaranteed a part of the dollar loan component. The Mandated Lead Arrangers for the foreign tranche are Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ), DZ Bank AG, ING Bank NV, Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank) and Norddeutsche Landesbank Gironzentrale. The local tranche, meanwhile was arranged by PNB Capital and Investment Corporation and SB Capital Investment Corporation among a syndicate of local lenders namely BDO Unibank, Inc., Land Bank of the Philippines, Philippine National Bank, and Security Bank Corporation.

“This fresh loan is a sign of confidence from funding institutions on EDC’s ability to execute a strategic business plan for our wind project amidst intense competition in the renewable energy industry. With construction in full swing, we are confident that we will meet our target commissioning date and avail of the Feed-in-Tariff,” EDC President and Chief Operating Officer Richard Tantoco said.

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elenor and Yoma Bank are teaming up in mobile banking, aiming to provide basic financial services for millions of unbanked people in the country.

The two prominent firms have already started working together in some areas like hiring skilled workers and selecting an IT infrastructure, though they are now waiting for clarity on the regulatory regime that will govern the service.

Only about 6 percent of the population has a bank account, meaning there is a vast unbanked population in the country, said Yoma Bank chair and CEO Serge Pun. Telenor Myanmar CEO Petter Furberg said mobile banking is a better method of financial inclusion than the banks for people at the lower end of the pyramid.

Swedish book is inspiration for Vietnam’s next blockbuster

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ietnam’s largest film project, is going to be an adaption of the Swedish book “I’m wanted” and the sequel “I’m Daniel” by Swede of Vietnamese descend Daniel Luthman.

Vietnamese firm TNA Entertainment is behind this USD 4 million movie entitled I’m Wanted, which is a joint production by TNA Entertainments, the Sweden Film Institute and Canada Telefilm, Vitenam News reports.

Most of the movie’s scenes will be shot in Viet Nam, with the rest being filmed in Sweden.

The project was initiated by Vietnamese producer and actor Kim Ly after he read the two Swedish novels. He was deeply impressed by the alleged real-life story of Daniel Luthman who was adopted as a child from Viet Nam. Due to certain circumstances, Luthman became a gangster in Stockholm’s underworld.

Celebrated film personalities such as Swedish director Beata Gardeler, Hollywood producer Niv Fichman and Canadian script writer James Schultz are involved in the project.

6 ScandAsia.South East Asia • December 2014

December 2014 • ScandAsia.South East Asia 7

News Brief

Danish firms seek greentech foothold in Vietnam

Finnish online school opens training center in Vietnam

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iope, a Finnish company focused on developing learning solutions in computer programming and mathematics, has cooperated with Vietnamese software company Global Software to establish a vocational online training center in Vietnam.

The agreement was signed last week during the export-promotion visit of Finnish Minister of Economic Affairs Jan Vapaavuori to Vietnam.

The center aims to create a comprehensive training management system for Vietnamese universities and vocational schools and establish a community of various-level schools that will promote distance learning in Vietnam.

Photo: Danish Embassy in Vietnam

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he Danish Embassy is present with a pavilion at the Vietwater 2014 Expo and Forum in Ho Chi Minh City, which brings together more than 300 companies from all over the world. The Danish pavilion focuses on green technology, and 10 Danish companies

are participating, in order to gain new contacts among the 9,000 visitors.

Mr. Rasmus Martensen, General Manager of AVK, who is participating at the expo with the Embassy for the third time says: “We believe there is great value in showcasing our company together with other like-minded companies from Denmark, here at the Danish pavilion”.

Most of the participating Danish companies are focusing on waste water and other areas of cleantech, providing consultancy services. For the Embassy it is a welcome opportunity to create links between Danish and Vietnamese companies: “For us, Vietwater is a great oppor tunity for promoting Danish companies in Vietnam, and the water sector and green technologies in general are areas where Denmark has strong competences” says Mr. Bo Mønsted, Trade Counsellor at the Danish Embassy.

Vietwater takes place November 12th–14th.

Prince Joachim visits Laos’ is Royal Highness Prince Joachim just countryside finished a week long visit to Laos on

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November 19. The Prince is protector for Care Denmark and the focus of the visit was on getting more knowledge about how clima change affects the livelihood of poor farmers in the countryside. The Prince spent more than 24 hours on the road and many hours on rivers to visit remote villages where Care is engaged in supporting poor farmers.

He also had the opportunity to visit Mascot international Laos, Denmark’s biggest manufacturer of work wear and safety shoes, who has been operational in Laos since early 2014.

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8 ScandAsia.South East Asia • December 2014

News Brief

Denmark, US, Japan to raise Myanmar’s labor standard

Nordics, EU coordinate development efforts in Cambodia

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n Thursday 20 November, European partners launched the first joint Strategy for the Development Cooperation with Cambodia.The Strategy covers the period 2014-2018 and is aligned to the key strategic documents defining the development priorities of the Royal Government of Cambodia for the period 2014-2018.

Photo: Embassy of Sweden in Cambodia Within the overall framework of the Strategy, European partners will work in partnership with the Royal Government of Cambodia, civil society, parliamentarians from different political parties and the private sector to reduce poverty; enable equitable and sustainable growth and development; foster respect for human rights, democratic participation and principles, and an active civil society in Cambodia; and to improve the effectiveness and impact of development cooperation. European partners participating in the joint strategy are: the Czech Republic, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

The launch took place at the Palais du Governement and was presided over by H.E. Mr Chhieng Yanara. Minister attached to the Prime Minister and Secretary General of CRDB/CDC. It was made in the presence of European ambassadors of participating countries, representatives of officials from the Royal Government of Cambodia, the private sector, civil society and the media.

Finland’s overture to Philippines Mindanao peace process

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wo officials of Finland were in the city in early October to express suppor t for the Philippine peace process and look at ways to help in the establishment of the future Bangsamoro.

Finnish ambassador to the Philippines Matti Pullinen said their trip is intended to have a feel of the situation on the ground as part of a fact-finding mission.

“We had [a] political consultation last May and we decided to make a fact-finding mission and have a look at what’s going on and meet people in Mindanao,” Mr. Pullinen said during a dinner event.

Dr. Kimmo Kiljunen, a member of parliament, said the government of Finland wants to help not just in ensuring the sustainability of the peace process but also address related economic and social issues.

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apan, the United States, Denmark and Myanmar as well as the International Labor Organization announced an initiative November 14 aimed at improving the labor environment and removing obstacles to foreign investment in the Southeast Asian country.

Photo: ILO The Initiative to Promote Fundamental Labor Rights and Practices in Myanmar is designed to “improve Myanmar’s system of labor administration” through a multiyear labor law reform and “foster strong relations among businesses, workers, civil society organizations and the government” of Myanmar, according to a joint statement.

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December 2014 • ScandAsia.South East Asia 9

Swedish ERP syste companies in South East

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Swedish enterprise resource planning system and company from Sweden called Monitor ERP System, which is now increasing its presence in Southeast-Asia, has a history that speaks volumes. Behind this by now very mature, comprehensive and tried-and-tested business process management software lies 40 years of development dating back to the days prior to the existence of the personal computer.

Following on a successful introduction on the Chinese market (today some 40 clients there based on the many Swedish companies present) Monitor ERP System Southeast Asia is now expanding its customer base within manufacturing in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia under the management of Mr Daniel Häggmark.

A lot of development of this particular ERP system has happened since its launch three de10 ScandAsia.South East Asia • December 2014

cades ago, and fur ther back in time when its owner had started drawing up formulas for measuring production effectiveness within Sweden. By launching a new version yearly, Monitor continued improving its system based on customer’s handson experience and needs and have expanded its operations (with own management or via partners) in Finland, Norway, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Brazil, China, Malaysia and Singapore.

“Why we are so popular is because we are entirely niche, with one product, Monitor, and our focus on small to medium-sized companies, and only within manufacturing. Now the system has 30 years of history, and we have grown based on the needs of our customers, so we have a pretty complete product,” Daniel begins.

Today, Monitor, with its focus on manufacturing resource planning has established itself as a leading supplier of ERP systems in this market

em helps Asia grow

segment, used by more than 2,400 companies and translated into 13 languages.

Malaysia in particular, with its expansive manufacturing sector, is now a core target, where Monitor is making inroads in Penang as its initial focus.

“We found Penang a good place to star t in Malaysia since there are many manufacturing companies there. We have already got customers in Kuala Lumpur as well but our main focus is still in Penang where we also have our local office” Daniel explains their initial focus.

In nearby Ipoh, Monitor also has a great referral in the Swedish client Bromma (Malaysia) that has been using its ERP system for ten years, in the production of spreaders used in ports worldwide.

“So far it’s been a very smooth ride in the fast lane, obtaining new clients with ease. We cannot take anything for granted but so far it’s looking

By Joakim Persson

good. The response we are getting here is overwhelming and we already gained good references that are very satisfied, so they spread the word in their respective network.”

“We have worked like that in Sweden from day one, with satisfied customers. We will try to build a real foothold in Malaysia first and then continue our expansion, since we have also received a customer in Indonesia, through references here.”

“The local systems on the market is not as strong as our product, I feel. And the biggest ERP systems used by all large corporations don’t work for smaller companies here – it gets too expensive and complex. We feel the market here is very big for our product; there are loads of manufacturing companies within the SME sector.”

Monitor’s focus has always been to have a standard system that should work for no matter what you produce, be it cars, furniture, electronics – whatever. So it should be easy to install, and start up.

“That’s why we are so popular; you buy the system and all is there that you need more or less. No need for customization. Since we have focused on the manufacturing business for 40 years we know the requirements.”

The only challenge Monitor had in entering Malaysia was the need for certain customisation to the local market.

“The basic flow in all manufacturing companies is more or less the same no matter if it is in Sweden, Russia, Malaysia or China. But there are always some local standards and requirements that we need to adapt to. By now we have a fully-fledged system fine-tuned for Malaysia and Singapore.”

“Another challenge we face is that companies are not used to use an ERP System so the implementation takes a bit longer than back in Sweden.”

A case in point is the Malaysian customer Prestige Dynamics Industries.

“Before using Monitor, we had difficulties in controlling output and input of production. After starting to use it, we were able to grasp the situation of our stock precisely and also have more control in production to not overbuild,” Prestige Dynamics Industries explains.

“Monitor shows sensitivity to different requirements from different countries.Their consultants always bring solutions to our needs and at times introduce us to new functions or propose a better solution, showing a great interest in improving their clients system in regards to what they can offer,” says its testimonial.

“The highest benefit our customers gets using Monitor concerns the whole material flow: companies get total control of the whole chain, from what and when you need to purchase materials, to what/when something should be manufactured. This leads to much better on-time delivery reliance. Everything is also integrated with the accounting, which saves time,” adds Daniel.

“If they don’t have a system today they spend thousands of man hours on reporting in excel sheets in order for the management to have an overview of the operation. With Monitor one can extract all such reporting directly from the system.”

December 2014 • ScandAsia.South East Asia 11

Asian Tigers Mob moving on up

By Joakim Persson

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ost of us at some point in time, or regularly, if changing posting frequently, have been catered to by one of the relocation companies serving expat clients into Asia or moving elsewhere. Asian Tigers is one of the dominant players with an impressive amount of years on the market and very experienced relocation specialists within the company.

Country Manager for Malaysia, Peter Karlsson shares insights into their relocation services and the somewhat surprising detail that their business in the country has kept on growing in recent years. A certain, and for Malaysia very large, sector is the explanation behind this surge.

Asian Tigers is based near the highway to Port Klang in Selangor, outside Kuala Lumpur, and

where Peter has been in charge since back in 2004. (In fact he came over to Asia, and Taiwan, already back in 1991 and slipped on a banana peel into the relocation sector in 1995, joining Asian Tigers in year 2000.) So instead of moving around he can focus on helping others with such needs.

Look and see One of the needs is so called Destination Services programmes as an add-value service for corporations.These are familiarisation, so called look-andsee, trips, so that a recruited person can come to the destination with his family and explore if they would feel for living there or not.

Asian Tigers takes the client around during a couple of days to schools, apartments, shopping centres etc. – the whole kit.

12 ScandAsia.South East Asia • December 2014

“After that they should have a good feel for if it would be interesting for them – or not.” tells Peter Karlsson.

“A failed assignment costs a company a lot of money! If someone comes here and then after three months the school doesn’t work out as planned, for instance, and that person returns back home.”

“This part of our business is growing very fast actually. We started offering it some fifteen years ago, but we were too early then – no one understood that concept then.”

Business generated two ways The manager continues to list their various core services, offered by their team of around 25 staff.

“Customer Service handles all clients con-

bility

Say an American relocation company contracted with a large American corporation might include DSP as part of the programme. So we have our own section for this.”

There are two ways relocation business is generated.

“First, agent booked business. Look at Sweden, for instance, where one relocation company have contracts already with many corporations, such as Ericsson, handling all their relocation worldwide. Then they use us as appointed agent for Malaysia when someone moves either in to or out from here.This comes to us automatically.”

“This is a very large part of the business so we work a lot with agents, as it’s a significant revenue stream.”

“Second, we have own corporate accounts.

You have some in Malaysia contacting relocation companies here and taking the decision locally.

Then we work with them too, so we have corporate sales frequently visiting these companies and ensuring that they are aware of us when they need relocation.”

Such jobs Asian Tigers bid on with a quotation.

A spanner in the works

tacting us for relocation needs. They set up a premove survey and then turn to one of our sales persons. I have one Dutch, South African, French, Australian, American, and one British lady. These typically handle their respective nationalities.”

“Then we have the import section managing everything that is about moving in to Malaysia.

They do custom clearance, delivery to the house and unpacking etc. And our export section book and ensure the container is at the house when it is time to load after doing the packing.”

This relocation company also has its own warehouse for storage and its own packing crews going out to all the homes of our customers.

Then there is a relocation department doing the Destination Services (DSP.) “This is often booked overseas in advance.

Unsurprisingly, the actual shipping represents the largest part of the cost for relocation. And here market fluctuations can put a spanner in the works.

“Prices are based on demand and we had problems a few years ago, when all the major companies retired many cargo ships, based on the financial crisis. Space problems came as a result of that, and then the freight prices skyrocketed!”

“Four years ago we could not even get any place on the ships during the summer months if we did not book minimum a month in advance.”

Thankfully Asian Tigers is a member of an organisation called OMNI, Overseas Moving Network International.

“They have negotiated with the shipping companies so that we can have even prices throughout the year that do not increase. The problem comes when you reach the summer; we give a quotation around March to April, but then you have the General Rate Increase – Peak Season Surcharge – in July.”

Sometimes the price can increase significantly, says the manager.

And as companies increasingly reduce their expenses individuals increasingly have to pay out of their own pocket.

“A family with two children will have a full household, needing at least a 20-foot container.

But then the employing company may give less and this family has excess weight and must pay for that.”

“So you have more challenges, there is more to take into consideration. And it doesn’t get cheap if you move frequently; a few thousand U.S dollars each time.”

The change pattern is also that there are less Westerners among their customers, as companies nowadays employ a lot from within Asia instead.

“That’s a trend. And then it may differ; Asians

may not have the same allowance as a family from Europe etc. They become customers anyway and it differs from case to case, depending on what employment package they are offered.”

Many people moved in Peter Karlsson recognises as a big trend that international corporations have been scaling down on expats in Malaysia in recent years.

“Companies around the world want to reduce; they don’t want to have a family with perhaps four children here. So they cut down on foreign appointments and localise. So we won’t see more foreigners coming in onwards - it is down trend, absolutely!”

And yet the business for Asian Tigers has grown every year during the past five years.

“When it comes to people moving in to Malaysia and out we are the largest and we have kept that position.”

In fact many people have moved in to the country.

“Some five years ago, we saw many companies moving into here from Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Singapore. So they moved people here instead to ride out the storm instead of sending them all the way back home.”

“Then they have settled down here and manage the region from here and travel around. It’s much cheaper to have an expat in Malaysia than in Singapore, for instance. We are lucky here that we have not been affected too much as we have oil and gas - those companies are very large, employing enormous amounts of expats. So as long as Malaysia has oil and gas there is a large need to have foreigners.”

Committed to quality Asian Tigers’ success in Malaysia also derives from its commitment to quality and consistently delivering industry-leading services.

The manager comments on this: “We reply quickly. And I think it’s of utmost importance in our sector to find out the customer’s needs so that one sets the right expectation. We are absolutely not the most affordable in any sense when it comes to moving, but what we do is more longterm. Buying a service from us you will get it for real; quality service only. No people picked from the street coming in to do the packing and not knowing what they are doing, for example. The same goes for storage: here we offer real storage, with or without air conditioning.”

And offering this level of quality service works; 70 per cent of their clients come through referrals, saying that Asian Tigers helped their friend, who was very happy.

Peter Karlsson and his family (wife and one son) feels happy about life in Malaysia - by now well settled and with no interest in leaving.

“Malaysia is a good place to live which feels stable, and a good location with warm weather all year around. Way of life is easy. That’s also why we’ve been here for ten years. I cannot see any reason to change. And they are increasing the public transportation system, so things will get even better in 2-3 years from now,” he summarizes.

December 2014 • ScandAsia.South East Asia 13

Phuket’s beaches free of vendors

By Joakim Persson

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hen the Danish Hotel Manager, Michael GaardeNielsen at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket on Karon beach told ScandAsia that all of the beaches on the tourist island - including Karon were completely cleared from sunbeds, umbrellas and vendors, it just had to be witnessed. Up until recently what has seemed almost impossible to imagine had become reality! Not just a quick make-over, shifting some sort of control on how much anyone can utilze a public beach for commercial purposes - no, everything had been cleared!

Surin beach had become one of the worst with local media complaining about the uncontrolled activities that had grown out of proportions, to the extent that the entire beach was occupied: beach clubs, buildings and sunbeds all the way down to the shoreline.

An early November vissit confirmed the new situation: below the tiny road along the beach separating the sandy area from the land it was all gone – except the trees and a few removable massage beds!

Completely cleared. Catch Beach Club was busy finalising their new allocated area with bar and DJ booth, now above the road instead. Guests were lying down on the sand under the shade of real trees.

Over at Kamala beach, Johan Magnusson at Sunprime, Tour operator Ving’s adult hotel, confirmed that the situation was the same. As he brought ScandAsia down to the beach he immediately got into conversation on the beach topic with some of the hotel’s guest from Sweden, just as the high-season weather had finally returned to the island after a couple of very rainy months.

“We did not receive any specific instructions or notifications regarding the stricter implementation of the already existing Beach rules and regulations. Big noticeboards with info text in Thai was posted by the government on several places near and along the beach, in order to inform tourists and business operators of the change,” Johan told ScandAsia.

Fortunately for Sunprime/Sunwing - although being beachfront the resorts had not invested in setting up their own beach clubs.

“Several hotels had to remove and close down their beach clubs.

14 ScandAsia.South East Asia • December 2014

Sunwing Kamala Beach didn’t use to have any sunbeds on the beach at all. Sunwing guests either stayed around the many pools or rented sunbeds from the local vendors on the beach. Sunprime Kamala Beach used to have a few big double Sunbeds (only five in the low season and fifteen in the high season), in front of the hotel. Most Sunprime guests however, also used to stay around the pools or rented sunbeds from the locals on the beach.”

No operators are allowed to offer sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach anymore.

“We have received quite a few mails and phone calls from overseas guests enquiring about the beach situation. Some are worried not only for the sunbeds but also that all restaurants, long-tail boats and shops will also be gone.”

“It is still too early to fully say something about the guests’ response regarding the new situation. We’re only in the very beginning of the high season and so far we are getting mixed comments; many think the beaches look serene, relaxed and beautiful, with a pristine and cool atmosphere - others are more negative, missing the possibility to have a sunbed and especially the shadow and protection from the sun that a parasol gives.”

“Of course both hotels now can see an increased demand for sunbeds around our pool areas. To cope with the situation extra sunbeds are added, not only around the pools but also on grass areas that have never been used before.”

The resort also has a rule that its guests cannot pre-occupy sunbeds before 9.30 am, while having breakfast, so that everyone can have a fair chance at the most popular spots.

The big question is, of course, if the current new situation will remain? Or will some kind of organised sunbed/parasol rentals be allowed where badly needed, as on Karon beach? That is another story that only the future can tell…

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December 2014 • ScandAsia.South East Asia 15

New Swedish Chef

in Kuala Lumpur:

A

new Swedish chef arrival to Kuala Lumpur ensures some level of influence from the Swedish cooking traditions and definitely, that some specialties from Scandinavia can still be sourced in this Mecca of food - Malaysia.

Tommy Franssila (with Finnish parents but born and raised in Sweden) has been around since January 2012 as the Executive Chef of the allnew, elegant and luxurious hotel, the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.

This is Tommy’s second stint in South East Asia and by this December, it will mark his 14 years with the Hyatt brand, which began during the previous years he spent in Australia. His most recent position prior to Kuala Lumpur was his first Executive Chef position at Grand Hyatt São Paulo, Brazil for four years.

With the hospitality industry and the international hotel brands in a period of strong growth, becoming a chef seems to increasingly offer great oppor tunities for one to see the world. “It depends on yourself, in what you wish to do and where the career will take you”, says Tommy who has already covered a few of the world’s continents.

“You have to look for your own opportunities, but yes, in a sense it can be a gateway to an international career. Going to the university for those years set you up with a lot of contacts and opportunities as you come in contact with various people from within the industry. If you maintain those contacts, you can possibly use them for your career.”

He took his B.A at the School of Hospitality, Culinary Arts & Meal Science in the mid 1990’s, at the university connected to the legendary Grythyttan Gästgivargård, well known for its inn and well-respected kitchen since years ago, and the Nordic House of Culinary Art, where he had his university studies.

For Tommy, he had already placed much thought in choosing an international path from the very beginning. This started with a sabbatical year, whereby he went to work in the residence for a Minister of the Embassy of Sweden in Moscow. Once he had finished university studies, he started looking for travel opportunities while working at smaller restaurants back in Sweden.

A scholar-ship funded exploration trip to the U.S made him hungrier to travel and there was no turning back.

After returning home, he did not stay long and went for job interviews in London via an agency and landed himself a position at London’s oldest hotel - Brown’s Hotel. From there on, he continued looking for opportunities to further his knowledge.

16 ScandAsia.South East Asia • December 2014

Tommy Franssila

By Joakim Persson

“As a young chef you have very itchy feet.

You just want to go to the next place and see what they are doing.”

Tommy continued working in London for a while and then it was time for Australia and Sofitel Melbourne.

“After eight months, a chef I had previously worked under in London, who was also in Australia at that time asked if I would come and join his team, which was the Grand Hyatt Melbourne.

So I went to work there, and the rest is history, as they say. I’ve been with Hyatt ever since.”

Getting the position in Kuala Lumpur, he had the opportunity to arrive prior to the hotel’s opening and played a major role in the preparations for the opening, including doing all the recruitment.

“We are at anytime, anywhere between 110 – 130 chefs working in the hotel! So we’re quite a big team but we have a lot of students who comes here and have their apprenticeship and so forth.”

“I travelled a bit around Malaysia to try to understand their food culture and flavours to allow us to be as authentic as possible when serving local food in the hotel - which is very important for us.”

Not that the Swedish chef would cook local food himself: “We want the food to be as authentic as possible or have authentic flavour so it has to be cooked by locals for locals.”

Grand Hyatt has no branded restaurants with a uniform formula for its properties, but instead, focuses on local adaptation and each particular hotel’s core guest clientele.

“Yes, we try to be a little different than the other hotels - unique, if you like. Again, authentic is the keyword; real food and authentic flavours.

If we have Indian food, we have Indian chefs cooking it.”

The Indian cuisine plays a big part in the food served at the JP teres outlet on the ground floor, serving the best of Malaysian cuisine.

Malaysians are also known for going the extra mile in order to get an excellent meal. Travelling far for a certain dish in a certain restaurant is not uncommon and Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is no exception to it.

“All dishes are popular but our top seller is the roasted chicken rice - people come from all corners of Kuala Lumpur to try our signature chicken rice in JP teres.”

Adjacent to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the hotel’s lobby is unconventionally placed high up in the building and connects to the top floor restaurant, wine bar and lounge THIRTY8 which offers a great panoramic view, overlooking, and yet looking up on, the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Here, guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner as well as Sunday brunch - with the offer of three cuisines: Japanese, Chinese and Western.

December 2014 • ScandAsia.South East Asia 17

“There was a base concept that we all worked on together [Hyatt, General Manager, F&B Manager...] and it continues to evolve. As you get to know the market better, you tweak it a little bit here and there.”

A lunch buffet was added for business people in a hurry.

“We try to cook - as much as we can - live and freshly hot piping food in front of the guests.

If you head to the Chinese section, there are all the ingredients for you choose and the chef will be there to cook it.”

“We also have afternoon tea: it is also popular to come here in the afternoon, especially sitting against the Petronas Twin Towers and enjoying the view.”

Guest chefs are frequently invited and even for the afternoon tea, one chef from Australia came to do a chocolate promotion.

Also from Indonesia and Thailand, guest chefs have visited.

As for to the influence of his background in Nordic cooking, he adds some flavours into the dishes here and there.

“You cannot have a Swedish chef in a hotel and not have Gravlax somewhere, somehow.

And Swedish meatballs will definitely pop up.

You have to stick to your roots one way or another. In events, when there are coffee breaks, there might be some Swedish items as well as on our buffets and so forth,” states Tommy.

“Sometimes, someone comes here and requests something Scandinavian. Then, it’s very easy for me to design a menu. As long as you have salmon and dill, it’s easy to make a start out of it.”

I believe, being Scandinavian/Nordic, my family is, of course, that there are always these influences from childhood -- maybe not in the restaurant, but we have a Club lounge, where we have breakfast or evening cocktails. So, on a rotational basis it’ll pop up some things.

18 ScandAsia.South East Asia • December 2014

Privately he enjoys eating pretty much everything.

“I enjoy the local food a lot, so being raised and eating Western food predominantly, I go outside to try to eat something local, whatever the mood is in on that day. For me, food is a mood thing; today I feel like Italian, tomorrow Japanese.”

Between 2005 and 2007, Tommy also worked at Grand Hyatt Bangkok, Thailand as Executive Sous Chef. How does the two Asian countries compare?

“There are lots of similarities and there are lots of differences. English, first and foremost: here it’s widely spoken, so it’s easy to communicate if you don’t speak the local language whereas in Bangkok, that was a barrier at times.

But you learn a few words in Thai and also by demonstrating; when in a hurry you just do it hands on, which is fine when it comes to being a chef as most of our work in the kitchen is hands-on anyway.”

“Food is different: if you compare the local Malaysian food to the Thai food, yes, both use a lot of spices, but I find Thai food is maybe a little bit lighter and so forth. It does not fill you so heavily, whereas Malaysian food is heavier because of Indian curries and so on.”

“People-wise, there are very friendly cultures; you’re very welcome in both countries.

You get a smile pretty much everywhere you go.”

“Me and my wife very much enjoyed Bangkok and Southeast-Asia, so when the opportunity came up we were delighted to return to the area.”

“I’m very happy here and have no immediate plans, but then again, in this industry you never know. Maybe they’ll need support somewhere or something like that, so it could happen.”

Rice Porridge (Risengrød)

By Gregers Moller

R

isengrød. It is simply not Christmas without it! I serve it for all our employees in ScandMedia at our year end party every year and they have come to expect it - although not really like it, I suspect. What they do like, though, is the hidden almond in the porridge and the gift that comes with finding it in your portion!

Ingredients: • 1 liter milk • ½ tsp salt • 110 gram rice (1 1/4 dl) (round grains preferrably) Cinnamon sugar mix: • Mix 4 tablespoons of sugar with 2 teaspoons of cinnamon powder.

Almond: • Raw almond with brown shell on (or raw, white cashew nut).

I usually boil up the rice in plain water as the problem is that the milk may easily burn. When the water has boiled a few minutes, I pour in the milk and let it boil while stirring. Then I take it off the burner and pack it in my bed with a few blankets around it and leave it there for a few hours. At the same time I put an unpeeled almond in hot water.

Before serving it, I bring it back on the stove and heat it up while stirring constantly. If it is too thick, I add extra milk. This is when you put in the white almond - the shell will by now be so weak that you can rub it off with your fingers - or one year I used a white, un-roasted cashew nut.

It is served in noodle bowls. Sprinkle it on top with the cinnamon sugar.

Some like a lump of butter in the middle. Whoever finds the almond in their portion wins a gift, that you must have prepared in advance.

December 2014 • ScandAsia.South East Asia 19

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