AUG 2017
From exchange student
to Finnish-Thai book translator BUSINESS Scandinavia at Propak Asia, Bangkok
MANUFACTURING Swedish Industry 4.0 solutions
START-UPS
LIFESTYLE
Sweden and Thailand
Agneta’s World
19th ANNUAL
LIVING IN BANGKOK 2017
A f re s h ta k e on Bangkok.
A co mmu n i ty e v e n t for Thailand’s e xpatr ia te s to e x p l ore t he cit y’s n ew po s s i b i l i ti e s .
2 ScandAsia.Thailand • August 2017
Se p t em b er 2 3 rd , 9 am to 5 pm
21 s t f l o o r C o n f eren ce C en t er, Bu m r u n g r ad C l i n i c B u i l di n g S uk h u m v i t R o ad, So i 3
Shuttle bus is available from Nana BTS station exit 1.
www.bumrungrad.com/livinginbangkok
17 AUG 20
Past Events
dtac accelerate start-ups awarded at Start-up Thailand 2017
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p-and-coming star t-ups from dtac accelerate’s batch 5 group won multiple awards at Start-up Thailand 2017 held on July 6-9 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Tixget (Travel Tech) received a special prize from Creative Business Cup (CBC) to par ticipate in the star t-up competition in Copenhagen, Denmark in November 2017. Seekster (Property and Urban Tech) and Ricult (Agriculture Tech) won the Thailand Top Tech Entrepreneur Under 35 Awards. This is a significant early milestone and award-wining success at a national level for the new batch of start-ups from the dtac accelerate program. “It is a great honour that start-ups from the dtac accelerate batch 5 have won awards from a national start-up platform ‘Start-up Thailand
2017’. Each of the award-winning teams has unique identity and strong commitment in creating a successful business. Tixget is a travel tech start-up that provides travellers with an enhanced travel experience by offering special priced tickets to various tourist destinations, such as theme parks, water parks, and museums from around the world. Seekster understands the problems and needs of modern society and offers cleaning and repair services for homes, offices, and condos. Ricult is a social enterprise that uses machine learning and satellite images to help Thai farmers improve agricultural productivity and quality as well as provide access to funding sources. These 3 start-ups are part of the dtac accelerate family, seen as new economic warriors who will contribute to the country’s drive towards Thailand 4.0,” said Mr. Sompoat Chansomboon, Director of dtac accelerate. dtac Accelerate isThailand’s no.1 accelerator hothouse that empowers early-stage start-ups through mentorship and financial support. This incubator programme has grown into a very significant initiative – for dtac, for Thailand and beyond.
‘Sweden - The Start-up Hub of Europe’ presented in Thailand
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t a seminar on 26 July in Bangkok, the Swedish Embassy Bangkok’s Charlotta Schlyter, Deputy Head of Mission; and Vivianne Gillman, Trade Commissioner at Business Sweden, shared the Swedish experience of what can stimulate IT start-ups. The exchange addressed key factors that have boosted innovation and contributed to make Sweden an IT startup hub. These include a strong collaboration between government, industr y and academia, but also impor tant “atmospherics” such as a global outlook, freedom of expression and on- and offline, and gender equality. The seminar was hosted by the Nation Building Institute-NBI’s senior executive programme.The seminar was held in preparation for an upcoming study tour to Sweden later this year with the purpose to exchange and share experiences with organizations in Sweden in the
area of IT start-up.The programme for NationBuilding includes persons from public, private and civic sector, including former ministers, executives from listed public companies, director-general’s, university presidents and deans, senior media professionals. Source: Embassy of Sweden, Bangkok
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to Finni ESS BUSIN at Propak ia Scandinav kok Asia, Bang
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Your FREE ScandAsia Magazine in Thailand ScandAsia is the only magazine that covers all the Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish residents in Thailand. We also publish a ScandAsia magazine in China, Singapore and the rest of South East Asia.
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- , Fax: +66 2 943 7169 E-mail: news@scandasia.com Editor-in-Chief : Gregers A.W. Møller gregers@scandmedia.com Managing Editor: Joakim Persson Joakim@scandmedia.com Journalist: Nadja Dam Jensen Advertising : Finn Balslev finn@scandmedia.com Joakim Persson Joakim@scandmedia.com Piyanan Kalikanon piyanan@scandmedia.com Nattapat Maesang nattapat@scandmedia.com Graphic Designer : Peerapol Meesuwan Peerapol@scandmedia.com Printing : Inthanon Interprint Co., Ltd.
Daily news and features here: www.scandasia.com
August 2017
ScandAsia Stories
6 Kids’ Corner 16 Agneta’s World 18 Thai Language Corner
Mr. Søren Falck
12
International Market Adviser, Danish Industry
10 Finnish translator Kunthida Rungruenkiat
ScandAsia Business 3 Dtac accelerate start-ups Awarded at Start-up Thailand
12 Scandinavia at Propak Asia, Bangkok
6
Mr. Anders Andrén
13
Product Manager Plant Integration and Automation, Tetra Pak
16
Ecolean, Danish Pavilion and Tetra Pak
15 Norway’s new seafood trademark
Country of origin mark launched
14
Mr. Pontus Rosengren Virtual Manufacturing
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4 ScandAsia.Thailand • August 2017
August 2017 • ScandAsia.Thailand 5
B how to play football Kids’ Corner
Learning
in Bangkok
6 ScandAsia.Thailand • August 2017
angkok Soccer Schools aims to inspire children of all ages to learn to play football. “We provide an environment that fosters player development by setting challenging but realistic targets that keep players motivated,” explains Stuart Welham who runs the school. As players progress through the ages they will move from 3 a side, 5 a side, 7 a side, 9 a side before children start 11 a side matches at around the age of 12. “New techniques, skills and tactical ideas are put into practice in specially designed skill games, conditioned games and small sided games. We do not give children the answers to situations within these games, but instead encourage them to make their own decisions. This ensures that when targets are reached, children feel a great sense of achievement and that any learning is permanent.” S we d i s h p e r m a n e n t r e s i d e n t B j ö r n Richardson who has his son Shawn in this school commented: “In my opinion this is the best football academy by far in Bangkok, as focus lies on developing kids to their full potential while having FUN in a truly international setting. The kids also learn the impor tance of playing as team and doing their best, not simply focusing on winning but on performing and having fun. The courses at BSS are designed for all levels of players, from
Kids’ Corner simply having fun up to more serious coaching in the academy teams, and there is great bonding between the different age-groups within the academy, enabling kids to meet many new friends from all over the world, and to forge new and strong friendships as well.” “The journey for Shawn in BSS has been brilliant, he star ted out as a 5-6 year old at BSS, and has enjoyed learning individual skills and techniques as well as tactics, all in a very structured way with skilled coaches who recognize individual needs and levels among the players. I cannot recommend BSS strongly enough, it’s truly been a privilege to have the opportunity for Shawn to foster his love for football in the unique environment provided by BSS, and their professional coaching staff and methods, and we look forward to many more years with BSS.” BSS has experienced and professionally qualified coaches from around the world. All coaches are cer tified with their respective countries Football Association (FA), all are trained and qualified in first aid as well as having been police checked enabling them to work with children. All coaches have completed child protection courses at the best international schools in Bangkok. They also offer week long soccer camps at each of these venues during school holidays. More info: www.bangkoksoccerschools.com, coaching@bangkoksoccerschools.com
The British School of Bangkok Ltd.
August 2017 • ScandAsia.Thailand 7
Living in Bangkok: Bumrungrad Hospital How to Get the Most Out of Living in Bangkok.
Bangkok is a unique and exciting city, equal parts an old kingdom and modern metropolis with its interesting mix of old town charms and the latest trends diverse crowds from all over the world crowding its streets. From ancient temples to gourmet street food, Michelin-starred restaurants, and a burgeoning arts scene, there’s something for everyone. So, how do we make the most out of living in this city? The simple answer is through building a strong and well-connected community based on well-being and access to the information we all need.
Start (and stick to) a health routine.
A healthy lifestyle in Bangkok can be surprisingly hard to come by, given that there is access to all sorts of food and plenty of time to sit around and do little more than enjoy a few drinks with friends. And while a healthy social life is an important component of a healthy life, balance and moderation is an even bigger component. Of course, being a health-conscious person doesn’t mean spending hours at the gym and missing out on all the exciting flavors of cuisines from all over the world that are available to us right here in Bangkok. Simply, it’s a balance between the two extremes, and can include joining Meetup groups that are dedicated to a sport you enjoy or have been meaning to explore, or getting a membership at one of the city’s many exciting fitness centers and clubs. At the very least, grab a bike and cycle around one of Bangkok’s many parks, or even go for a leisurely stroll around your neighborhood. 8 ScandAsia.Thailand • August 2017
Get in Touch with Your Community.
One of the joys of living in Bangkok is the diversity of the people with whom we come in contact every day. Whether it is the locals, long-term expats who have been here for decades, tourists who are trying to “see and do everything,” young professionals who plan to make this city home for a couple of years before moving on, or the digital nomads who come and go as they please, the Bangkok community of residents is anything but boring. One of the ways that this community has been coming together is under the umbrella of the Bangkok Farmer’s Market, which seeks to connect smallscale producers with the residents of the city. The Farmer’s Market is one of the most popular regular events in the city, bringing all of us closer to each other through the simple act of buying and selling. Offering us access to natural and sustainably produced goods by people who translate their passion for a craft into a way of bringing people together, the Farmer’s Market is one of the best ways for a new or seasoned resident of Bangkok to really get to know the community. From coffee grown right here in Thailand, ar tisan bread from a master baker, sustainably-caught fresh fish from the waters of Thailand, and some of the finest Italian cheese produced right here in Bangkok, to a great deal of handmade personal and homecare products, the Farmer’s Market offers each shopper an incredible opportunity to taste the flavors of the world right here in Bangkok while connecting with the people who are working to bring new tastes and experiences to the city.
Connect with Others Like You.
Now in its 19th year, Living in Bangkok is an annual event that aims to fulfill one mission: to connect Bangkok’s diverse residents with their local community, thus giving a chance for families and individuals to come into contact with the businesses and organizations that aim to make life in Bangkok a more fulfilling and convenient reality. Living in Bangkok began very humbly as a simple gathering between a few friends, who, nearly two decades ago, did not have the resources we now take for granted. Today, Living in Bangkok exists to continue to create an integrated community and a platform for expats and other residents of Bangkok to explore their community and meet others who may be experiencing a similar life journey. The event typically features a number of independent vendors, community organizations, international schools, travel and hospitality service providers, specialized retailers, and much more. This year, Living in Bangkok is taking its community-centered focus to even higher plains by partnering with the Bangkok Farmer’s Market. In many ways, this partnership is a return to the roots of what makes Living in Bangkok such an important event for all of us. It’s more than just a day of shopping and fun among friends old and new; it’s an opportunity to make connections that may last well into the future, while helping us define what a healthy, wellconnected, and diverse community looks like. We hope to see you at this year’s Living in Bangkok and Farmer’s Market Event, on the 21st floor of Bumrungrad International Hospital’s Clinic Building, on Saturday, September 23rd, from 9 am to 5 pm.
Bumrungrad International Hospital certified by Norway’s DNV GL
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n Friday 23 June, H.E. Ambassador Kjetil Paulsen attended a cer tificate presentation ceremony at Bumgrungrad hospital in Bangkok. The hospital is the first hospital in Asia and the first hospital outside Nor th America to be cer tified to DNV GL’s Managing Infection Risk standard. The area of risk prevention and control is becoming more important than ever before. The Norwegian company DNV GL has therefore
Business
developed the Managing Infection Risk standard, a methodology and approach that is aligned to current best practices in modern safety management. Certification by DNV GL, a world leading cer tification body, is a key step towards strengthening Bumrungrad’s reputation as leading in the field of managing infection risk. Source: Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bangkok
August 2017 • ScandAsia.Thailand 9
Community
From exchange student to Finnish-Thai book translator
10 ScandAsia.Thailand • August 2017
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Text and photos: Nadja Dam Jensen hat started as a fascination of snow and Santa Claus turned into a career of working with the Finnish language for 33-year-old teacher and translator Kunthida Rungruenkiat, better know as Ida, from Thailand who has translated several books from Finnish to Thai. When 16-year-old Ida told her Thai parents that she wanted to go to Finland for a year as an exchange student, her parents could not really agree on whether it was a good idea or not. “I told them it was completely safe and they should not worry about me going for a year,” tells Ida. Her father agreed on the idea, but her mother thought it was better for Ida to stay closer to home, and was not at all fond of the idea. The conflict on whether Ida should be allowed to go or not ended up with her parents not speaking to each other for a week. But regardless, Ida was going to Finland.
Lost with map and compass
Ida always wanted to go on exchange in high school. Her reason for choosing Finland was firstly her fascination with Santa Claus and the snow. “I’d seen snow in Canada before, but not enough.” One of the first things Ida learned when she moved to a small Finnish town of just 3000 residents, less than the number of students in Ida’s previous Bangkok High School, was that she never really knew silence before. “It sounds very Scandinavian, but what I in Bangkok thought was silence, was really not.” The next thing she learned was how to use a map and a compass. Orientateering, where you with a map and compass run around in a forest or elsewhere to find control points, is a very common activity in Finland, but not something Ida had experience with from Thailand at all. As she on one of her first days of high school, after arriving in Finland in August, found herself standing with a map in one hand and a compass in the other, she had to admit that she had no idea how those things worked. “The others were quite surprised that I had never tried it before, but we just do not do that in Thailand. That’s also how I made my first friends,” says Ida, and the confusion that luckily had a happy ending.
From Kunthida to just Ida
Life in Finland was in many ways different from what Ida had been used to in Thailand. In Thailand it would be normal to just go to the mall and hang out with friends all the time. But in Finland people met in different ways; often out in nature, where they could play sports, or they just had a spot where they would meet and hang out. It was in many ways a much quieter life than what she was used too, but luckily her host family was very active, taking Ida around Finland to experience the beautiful nature and the more lively cities. The many adventures together brought Ida very close to her host family, who also came up with calling her the more Scandinavian name
Ida, instead of Kunthida. Even today, they are like another family for Ida, who still calls her Finnish host parents ‘mom’ and ‘dad’. “Scandinavian people have pictures of their children in their homes. I am one of those pictures. Both my mom and grandmother in Finland have them,” says Ida.
Learning the Finnish language
Although quite different from her mother tongue, Ida quickly picked up on the Finnish language. Already around Christmas on her exchange year she was able to keep up with everyday conversations. But it did not stop there. Six years later, Ida came back and studied in Finland, where she also took advanced Finnish classes. Today she has translated several books from Finnish to Thai. Among them is the ‘Snow White’ trilogy by Salla Simukka, one of the titled ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ for young adults, which show a darker side of life in Finland. Ida said she liked that book so much that she basically begged to translate it. “Reading it, I recognized a lot of things in the book from when I was a teenager I Finland 17 years ago. It is really fun to sort of go back.”
Sharing Finland
Although Ida recognises some of the dark stuff, and remember spending time locked into her room almost like a hermit during cold winters, she mainly has good memories and experiences with Finland, experiences which she wants to share. Ida was the one who came up with the idea of the Finnish Embassy in Bangkok celebrating SF100 at the Bangkok International Book Fair as guest of honour, and worked closely with the Embassy to set up everything. At the Finnish pavilion literature, design and much more was shared with the many book fair visitors. The good education system of Finland was also a big focus point. Having experienced how it works first hand, as well as having done thorough research on Finnish education, Ida tries to promote their system of education in Thailand. In her job as a teacher she also tries to share her experience with her students and implement some Finnish ways. A year as an exchange student turned into a lifelong connection to Finland. Ida says she goes back to Finland every year, where she often meets her Finnish family, who has also visited in her in Thailand. Someday, she might want to move back there again, back to the true silence and the snow. August 2017 • ScandAsia.Thailand 11
Business
Denmark’s Ambassador to Thailand, H.E. ambassador, Uffe Wolffhechel; Cotes Area Sales Manager Mr. Peter Lange; and Søren Falck, Dansk Industri
Scandinavian brands and Den
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Text and photos: Joakim Persson s ProPak Asia 2017 celebrated 25 years Scandinavia had relatively strong presence there, with Tetra Pak and a Denmark Pavilion of companies in the Processing Tech Asia exhibition, as well as Swedish brand Ecolean par ticipating in a ‘Let’s Drive Your Innovation’ seminar within Food Innovation Asia Conference 2017. Denmar k (pavilion or ganised by Confederation of Danish Industry) and Tetra Pak presented significant and many established solutions and innovations at this huge (25% increase in size) international packaging and processing event for Asia held at Bitec in Bangkok on 21-24 June. Propak Asia is undoubtedly a good platform to reach out for both big companies and SME’s, where extra attention is now also there thanks to Thailand driving its Industry 4.0 ambition in order to meet the need for expanded industrial capabilities. “Why Propak is so interesting is that it reaches a lot of countries, it’s a hub exhibition. So it’s a good way to get contacts in different countries and when we did Propak Asia last year some companies got Vietnamese contacts. Then when we did Propak Vietnam, so it gives them an impression on what markets that are interesting and can then follow up. I would say, without doubt, the most interesting countries are Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand in terms of purchasing power, Vietnam is up-and-coming but our recent visits there points to that there are clients able to buy European standard solutions,” commented Søren Falck, International Market 12 ScandAsia.Thailand • August 2017
Adviser at Danish Industry for Asia. Previously, he said Vietnam prospects were interested but didn’t have the funding, or the cash to buy Danish products and solutions, or needed some sort of external funding. “So we can see a switch there now. And Thailand is for this sector tremendously interesting as it has such a big food production. Also Malaysia with its coconuts and palm oil industries, and having the purchasing power to buy the more expensive equipment that Europe usually offers.” “Next year we will do Propak China,Vietnam and Thailand. There is definitely a larger focus on Asia from Danish companies now.” “Propak Asia is also a good platform for the SMEs because maybe they don’t have time to go travel every month to Asia, but that they are present at major exhibitions in the area each year shows to the customers that they want to do business in Asia.” Søren Falck said that Danish Industry has a really large group of small and mid-sized companies and for those it’s a fairly big task to be part of an exhibition. At Propak in Bangkok some of them can meet customers all the way from China and Japan. SiccaDania is one such industrial equipment supplier, founded only back in March 2015 (and already employing 60) but based on established Danish, so called, separation technology. Displaying the ‘Small Scale Spray Dr yer’ Christine Holt told ScandAsia that they are establishing themselves globally, and have, in Asia, opened offices in Shanghai and Singapore. “We develop all the technology and do engineering and design in Denmark and then use
workshops globally, considering where the plant is going to be because some plants are so big they have to be built on site.” The spray dryer exhibited at Propak is their smallest one. In Southeast Asia they so far have a project in Sri Lanka for milk, a protein plant in Thailand and a coffee plant in Vietnam. Evita Rosdahl, CEO of Jeros attended to promote their utensil washers, tray cleaners and crate washers for the food industry, as well as the retail branch. The products of Jeros are based on more than 50 year’s of experience and knowhow, from a company characterized by focusing on high quality and customized solutions. “The solution has changed over the years, also from the customer side of view. But the basic is still what we started up with, but also the demand from the customer side is also increasing. They are looking very much at the logistics. We can provide them with an accessory that brings down the washing down-time in general but also secures safe handling of items.” This is combined with the secureness of the hygiene because the machine, versus a human being, can achieve precisely the same result every time. Attending Propak (second time for Jeros) also gives insights into the market by talking to visitors. “We are very satisfied with the exhibition that also shows us what level in general the market are at the moment.” Evita was also looking for a local partner: “We need to go with someone who is in the market to take care of customers, with after sales service and also to make the customer feel comfortable.
Team of Dairy Tech
Evita Rosdahl, Jeros
Christine Holt, SiccaDania
Tetra Pak’s team of experts, including Anders Andrén (2nd from left)
nmark pavilion at Propak Asia A machine like this has a long lifetime and you can only keep that level if you have also a good spare part delivery. That is prolonging the brand name, because it is also about good service.” Dair y Tech was another company in attendance that is much more established in Thailand. With a long tradition as a total solution engineering company in the dairy industry owner/ CEO Allan Jensen is now out to target the coconut industry. “In Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Philippines and in Thailand the production of Desiccated Coconut Powder is getting more and more costly. They can’t make ends meet so they need value added products, which we provide solutions for. We can make 3-4 products out of the kernel where there is a higher value return of the product,” said Allan. “One of the things I have discovered over the years is that the equipment used by the dairy industry fits very well into the coconut sector.” “That is a very big growth market in all these countries,” he added. “Then, we still also have the milk market where organic milk will be the next big thing, no doubt about it. If they could control it, they would all like to make that, but how do you control the farmers, that they don’s use any fertiliser and all these things? That’s the big thing… We are working together with somebody in Vietnam on such a project.” This represents adjusting businesses’ way of thinking to achieve new business success, and find solutions from existing and new methods and solutions. Innovation can be the game-changer at the
heart of this, and often a crucial survival option amidst fierce competition. Ecolean, a Swedish producer of lightweight packaging solutions for distribution of liquid food, highlighted this in the ‘Packaging Innovation: Productivity, Efficiency and Eco-fr iendly’ presentation, by Tanan Sodsangsuk Countr y Manager, Thailand for Ecolean SE Asia. With a fundamental focus on innovation Ecolean offers a new packaging format that can strengthen brands to stand out both in terms of product and packaging, now with offices in Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, aside in China. Tetra Pak also held presentations in the form of their ‘Knowledge Sharing Seminars’ with industry exper ts’ insights on their innovative products, solutions, and food processing that helps their customers innovate and grow their businesses. The Swedish world-leader in food processing and packaging solutions showcased their processing solutions as well as automation and service solutions. Ashish Dahiya, Cluster Leader Marketing, Por tfolio & Category Management said: ”We are trying to better showcase and communicate our capabilities outside our core areas – dairy and beverages – for which customers know us best. So on the food processing side we are also active in ice cream and prepared food categories. We want to showcase what we have done in Europe and in the U.S and are now bringing those solutions also into Asean.” “And we want to showcase the experts we have not only in the market but at Tetra Pak, so customers get the opportunity to talk to and
hear from those from our centre of expertise in Sweden.” One of their experts flown in from Sweden, Anders Andrén, Product Manager Plant Integration and Automation, also presented something new; namely the MES (Manufacturing Execution System) solution ‘Tetra Pak Plant Master’. This is their next-generation automation and info solution, which allows customers to control endto-end operations. Anders said that this system also positions their unique functionality based on food production know-how to the industry. “There are many MES systems suppliers but only Tetra Pak bases it on food production needs linked to food safety, product quality and traceability demand on top of the traditional KPIs, reporting etc. and making it available for the total operation, e.g. processing, packaging, ware-housing etc. “Now, with Industr y 4.0, it’s about connecting all the dots together to have data available at all points; both in the operation, linking the fact that you get modern equipment that comes with connectivity, industrial IoT. And as you are digitalising more and more of your manual repor ting and analytics of the food and beverage industry – all of this we merge together into Tetra Pak’s Plant Master, linking it to the capital equipment supply – through plant automation.” “What is most interesting is that you do not replace the existing plant automation, as that is typically very costly. You can implement our MES system on top, and get the data management layer, the information layer, that in many cases is missing.” August 2017 • ScandAsia.Thailand 13
Business
“Amazing” Manufacturing Expo 2017 for Swedish industry 4.0 consultant, ERP provider
Daniel Häggmark, Monitor ERP System Southeast Asia (2nd from left) with parts of this team
Pontus Rosengren, Virtual Manufacturing
Text and photos: Joakim Persson
O
n 21-24 June 2017 two Swedish solutions providers within manufacturing, one being a production improvement consultant and the other an ERP system service, successfully exhibited at the Manufacturing Expo 2017 in Bangkok. They are Virtual Manufacturing (now with offices and personnel in both Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur) and Monitor ERP System Southeast Asia (with presence here since 2013), both enablers of the path towards Industry 4.0. Exhibiting within the ‘Smart 4.0 Zone’ they enjoyed huge interest for their services during the four days at Thailand’s largest Manufacturing and Supporting Industries Event. “This was our second fair in Thailand but our first with a separate booth. We could see a really big interest,” Pontus Rosengren of Virtual Manufacturing reports to ScandAsia. “We got close to 300 leads so the interest was huge, with the trade show full of people and buzz the whole fair from day one up until the end of day four.” Many wanted to start basically right away: “Two companies booked time and date for the next meeting on the spot.” So being in the Smar t 4.0 Zone clearly benefited these Swedish companies. Daniel Häggmark, Monitor ERP System, can only agree:“We have attended similar fairs in Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta.This is the biggest we’ve seen so far and the response was amazing, especially around our partner Virtual Manufacturing, which is really positive for us too. That very fact, that companies are so interested in becoming more efficient, having better control of their processes, etc. ultimately means that we come into the picture.” Industry 4.0, including the ‘Smart industries’ concept, represents the coming four th industrial revolution and the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. It includes cyber-physical systems, the Internet of things, cloud computing and cognitive computing, and aims at more efficient, 14 ScandAsia.Thailand • August 2017
more flexible production. For instance, the Swedish government has adopted a new industr y strategy aiming to strengthen the industrial sector’s competitiveness and reinforce the countr y’s position as an attractive location for industrial production. The strategy includes Industry 4.0. Also Thailand is highly focused on wanting to enhance their automotive and electronics manufacturing sectors, as well use as a basis to develop new industries from, and to elevate the country to a new level in industrial development. “We are seeing interest in the entire region to raise the level of manufacturing and Thailand is at the forefront. The whole industry 4.0 hype makes companies actively looking for an ERP system that we claim is the cornerstone of the process business needs to go through to even start talking about Industry 4.0,” comments Daniel of Monitor ERP System that has rapidly gained customers and foothold in Southeast-Asia. “An ERP system, we believe, is the hub of this, if you can call it, Industrial Revolution. It’s all about being able to connect all processes; everything from purchase to that the product reaches customer. In that chain, you need to be able to connect with suppliers, freight transport, storage machines, sensors/scanners, machines and finally customers. If you do not have a central system that can hold this together, it will be very ‘spread out’. That’s why an ERP system is the very root of this.” For Vir tual manufacturing, they relate to Industr y 4.0 by being technical exper ts (consultants) who have standardized tools and methods to guide companies towards Industry 4.0. “Among other things we lead two of Sweden’s largest companies in how to reach Industry 4.0: Where are we now? What can we do in the near future? What investments must be made? etc.,” says Pontus. “Our aim with the fair is seeing that there is
a great will and interest from the Thai market at the moment to work with Industry 4.0-related projects – which in many cases actually only deals with the improvement of their production under the name 4.0 but that we find to be positive. Companies have begun to realize that they can increase their margins by becoming better within production.” Virtual Manufacturing, a complete supplier of lean-based production and logistics development services, is focused on bringing value in production, working with development before and after start of production. Through new technologies, and perspectives, their manufacturing clients can achieve “operational excellence” in a faster way. Pontus says that values is key to the great interest and that can meet the needs of the market. “It’s not technology or cool software without seeing values such as reduced lead time and reduced manufacturing time (e.g. removing waste, reduced claims on products); using its factory area in a more efficient way; being able to increase uptime on their machines without overproducing by reducing downtime; and being able to share with our customers how to do this daily with standardized tools and methods.” \“Our target group is really all manufacturing companies from big giants in the automotive industry to SME companies who want to get better.” Monitor ERP’s success, meanwhile , is explained by sticking to their niche with their ERP: We have only focused on small to mediumsized manufacturing companies for over 40 years. This makes our product unique in comparison with our competitors who try to offer a solution for all different industries. Thanks to this we have a complete system that fits the manufacturing industry without having to adapt the system. After 3500 installations in over 30 countries, we have the functionality and experience required to make successful implementations,” stated Daniel.
Business
Norway’s new seafood trademark launched in Bangkok
O
n 18 July 2017, the Norwegian Seafood Council launched the new country of origin mark for Norwegian seafood, ‘Seafood from Norway’, in Bangkok. The new mark guarantees the origins of seafood from Norway and contributes towards a stronger position for Norwegian seafood globally. It por trays uniqueness about Norway, which associates with the rough climate and nature in which Norwegian seafood is raised. Norway is a small country but still the second largest seafood exporter in the world.The unique combination of cold climate and crystal clear waters gives our seafood its superior quality and the unmistakable taste. Norway was built on its seafood industry with solid traditions of craftsmanship and care for nature. Today the Nordic countr y is known all over the world for the way it manages ocean resources in a sustainable manner, writes Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce The new trademark is addressing these matters, founded on a genuine concern for environment and sustainability. The new origin mark was first introduced on 25 April, when Renate Larsen, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council said: “Seafood is one of Norway’s most important export industries, and has the potential to become our strongest brand globally. With the new mark, we position Norway as the origin and guarantor of the world’s best seafood. Our objective is to build a brand the whole seafood industry can be proud of, and which will further develop the industry towards a future in where seafood is our most important export product.” “Norway has natural prerequisites for delivering the world’s best seafood; The cold and clear sea provides a unique flavour. Norwegian authorities play an active role in sustainable management of seafood resources. The people who work in this industry with long traditions are creating new innovations.The industry is benefiting from world-class research, management and technology development. We have much to be proud of as a seafood industry and as a seafood nation,” he added.
Norwegians have exported seafood products for thousands of years. Dried fish followed the journeys of the Vikings both as a core part of their diet, and as a trading commodity. Bacalhau da Noruega, the authentic clipfish, dates back to the 1690s. In modern times, Norwegian salmon can be found in 140 markets worldwide. Live king crab is today sent to discerning and qualityfocused customers in Dubai, New York and Seoul. From Norway, skrei, cod, saithe, herring, mackerel and cold water prawns have found their way to dinner tables all over the world. The Norwegian Seafood Council wants the new mark to help increase visibility and recognition globally across markets, products and species. It gives a clear signal of Norwegian origin, and is different from most other labels of origin, which is a deliberate choice. Norwegian seafood should appear as a part of Norwegian’s nature
and deeply connected to the people who work in the industry. Norway is the second largest seafood exporter in the world, after China. For nearly 70 per cent of consumers, in the most important markets for Norwegian seafood, country of origin is an important factor in choosing what to buy. The Norwegian Seafood Council administrates the use of the country of origin mark, which is a common, voluntary branding scheme for the entire Norwegian seafood industry. The Norwegian Seafood Council previously promoted the origin of Norwegian seafood through the NORWAY mark, which has been a significant part of the brand and reputation portfolio for Norwegian seafood.The mark was launched 17 years ago, and so the timing is right for revitalisation. Sources: norcham.com, Norwegian Seafood Council
August 2017 • ScandAsia.Thailand 15
Agneta’s World Photographer: Daniel Herron
Eat around the world while staying in Bangkok part II
In part two Agneta de Bekassy continues her exploration of Bangkok’s internationally diverse restaurants, which includes most cuisines of the world. Rang Mahal
Maybe you suddenly feel like Indian food. This is also easy to find. Bangkok has plenty of excellent Indian restaurants (Maya was covered in part 1 in the June edition). The absolute top ranked Indian restaurant is Rang Mahal, at Rembrandt Hotel, Sukhumvit soi 18. This restaurant has won many awards, year after year, for being one of the best in the world. It’s located on the top floor, has a very nice private room and a big terrace with an amazing view. On Sundays, you can enjoy their rich brunch with specialties like Roganjosh Kashmir, the signature dish made of lamb, or why not try Mungh Tikka Masala or vegetarian Palak Mattar, spinach with green peas and garlic, Kebab of chicken or lamb etc. while listening to live Indian music. The Chef, Mr. Vikrant himself, overlooks everything and willingly explains the different dishes to you. There is a very rich offer of the most traditional Indian dishes and it’s a dream for vegetarians! The young kids are offered a special menu with French fries, spaghetti, fish sticks etc. The atmosphere is elegant and the table settings inviting. When we visited, a group of Sari dressed women from Nichada Thani were visiting and celebrating an anniversary. They just loved the food and atmosphere. It’s a place where you feel most comfortable and you are treated like VIP’s.
Mexicana
And continuing with more Mexican or Spanish, again Hotel Rembrandt has a good Mexican named Mexicana (previously Senor Pico) with music and you can also learn some hot Latino dances during some of their evenings. Here you have all the classic Mexican dishes. Some dishes are prepared at the table. Chose between a cold beer or why not trying a classic Sangria? It’s a cozy atmosphere, worth trying.
16 ScandAsia.Thailand • August 2017
Tapas Y Vino
In Hotel Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit, you have a small, but very nice tapas restaurant named Tapas Y Vino. It’s the “red bar/restaurant”, my nickname, as the main colour is red. They offer a discount if you book online and SWEA members and some other women’s groups will have a discount, by showing the member cards. At Tapas Y Vino you will find Chef Pedro Carrillo from Madrid. Chef Pedro went to the culinary school in Alcala de Henares. He has been working in Paris, in several US cities, Cuba, Africa and Myanmar before he ended up in Bangkok. I am not exaggerating, when I say his Bruschetta’s and Crocettas are mouthwatering, not to forget the Paella! Here you will find most of the classic Spanish dishes. I also suggest you try the Iberico Ham. This special ham can be cured up to 48 months. The main characteristic is that the black pigs are walking around free and eat a corn named Bellotas in Spanish. If you want to be a little more private and share an evening with a few friends, you can book the “Chambre Separe”. It’s a small, round room with a beautiful chandelier and the walls are filled with exquisite wines. You just have to close the curtains and you are hidden from other guests. It’s a really nice place for an evening with your best friends or for closing a business deal. Tapas y Vino is only open for dinner. They also organize wine tastings and other events. This hotel offers a lot and has great brunches with plenty of Seafood. If you have eaten too much, book a relaxing massage – just because you are worth it!
August 2017 • ScandAsia.Thailand 17
มุมภาษาไทย l mum pha:să: thai l Thai Language Corner
More Education
P
By Klavs Johansen (thai@snakthai.dk) icking up from last month’s column, where we covered primar y and secondar y education, including vocational training, we shall this month further our studies and have a look at some more vocabulary associated with education, in particular tertiary education. The word for university is มหาวิทยาลัย / máhă: wíttháya:lai /, where วิทยาลัย / wíttháya:lai / is a college, or a college level institution of higher learning. You will find it in e.g. วิ ท ยาลั ย เทคนิ ค / wíttháya:lai théknìk / ~ technical college, and วิทยาลัยครู / wíttháya:lai khru: / ~ teacher’s college. The first part of the Thai word for university is มหา / máhă: /, a Pali/Sanskrit derived prefix meaning great, and, as such, found in many words, มหานคร / máhă: nákhor:n / ~ metropolis, to give but one example. Some of the most prestigious Thai universities are จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย / jùla:longkor:n máhă: wíttháya:lai / ~ Chulalongkorn University, the countr y’s oldest, founded in the early 20th Century, มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์ / máhă: wíttháya:lai thammásà:t / ~ Thammasat University, originally focused on law and political science, but now with a full range of faculties, มหาวิทยาลัยเกษตรศาสตร์ / máhă: wíttháya:lai kàsè:t sà:t / ~ Kasetsart University, an agriculture and forestry university, today, expanded to offer education in a much wider field, and, finally, มหาวิ ท ยาลั ย มหิ ด ล / máhă: wíttháya:lai máhìdon / ~ Mahidol University, specializing in medicine and healthcare sciences, but also with many more subjects on the palette. To enter these institutions, the hopeful young Thai having completed, or about to complete, secondary education, must สอบเอ็นทรานซ์ / sòr:p en thra:n / ~ take entrance examinations. สอบ / sòr:p / means to take a test or examination, while the origin and meaning of เอ็นทรานซ์ / en 18 ScandAsia.Thailand • August 2017
thra:n / should be obvious. A genuine Thai word for the same is สอบเข้า / sòr:p khâo / where เข้า / khâo / means to enter. In this, as in any other examination, you can either สอบผ่าน / sòr:p phà:n / ~ pass, or สอบตก / sòr:p tòk / ~ fail. In Thailand, performance is generally graded using a scale from 0 to 4 with 4 being top grade. The scale deserves to be outlined, if alone for its useful vocabulary: 0 - ต่ำ�กว่าเกณฑ์ขั้นต่ำ� / tàm kwà: ke:n khân tàm / ~ failure (substandard), 1 - ผ่านเกณฑ์ขั้นต่ำ� / phà:n ke:n khân tàm / ~ very poor (just passing), 1.5 - พอใช้ / phor: chá:i / ~ poor (acceptable), 2 - น่าพอใจ / nâ: phor: jai / ~ fair (satisfactory), 2.5 - ค่อนข้างดี / khôrn khâ:ng di: / ~ fairly good (rather good), 3 - ดี / di: / ~ good, 3.5 - ดีมาก / di: mâ:k / ~ very good, 4 - ดีเยี่ยม / di: yîam / ~ excellent! At English language schools, you may see these numbers replaced with F, D, D+, C and so on until A. Academic degrees ปริญญา / pàrinya: / are ordered as follows: ปริญญาตรี / pàrinya: tri: / ~ bachelor’s degree, ปริญญาโท / pàrinya: tho: / ~ master’s degree, and ปริญญาเอก / pàrinya: è:k / ~ doctor’s degree. Note, what faithful readers may recall from a previous column, how the Indo-European origin of the suffixes ตรี / tri: / ~ three, โท / tho: / ~ two and เอก / è:k / ~ one, make them quite recognizable for us and thus easy to remember. Another example of their use is: วิชาเอก / wícha: è:k / ~ major (subject of study), วิชาโท / wícha: tho: / ~ minor (subject of study). At the universities some of the same fields, mentioned in last month’s column as vocational fields, are covered at the academic level, many of them within engineering, วิศวกรรม / wísàwákam / or just colloquially วิศวะ / wísàwá’ /. เรียนวิศวะ / rian wísàwá’ / ~ (I) study engineering,
เป็นวิศวะ / pen wísàwá’ / ~ (I) am an engineer. Engineering science is known as วิศวกรรมศาสตร์ / wísàwákam sà:t /, where -ศาสตร์ / -sà:t / is a
suffix meaning science which you will recognize from two of the university names mentioned above. It is also part of the names of most other fields of university education, some of which are: รัฐศาสตร์ / rátthásà:t / ~ political science, สังคมศาสตร์ / săngkhom sà:t / ~ social science, ประวัติศาสตร์ / pràwáttìsà:t / ~ history, คณิตศาสตร์ / khánít sà:t / ~ mathematics, พาณิ ช ยศาสตร์ / pha:nít cháya: sà:t / ~ commerce, ภาษาศาสตร์ / pha:să: sà:t / ~ linguistics, นิติศาสตร์ / nítìsà:t / ~ law, ภูมิศาสตร์ / phu:mísà:t / ~ geography, แพทยศาสตร์ / phâe:t tháyásà:t / ~ medicine, and ศิลปศาสตร์ / sĭnlápàsà:t / ~ liberal arts. The word for graduating is เรียนจบ / rian jòp / ~ completing studies, or just จบ / jòp / ~ to complete, to end. So you may ask จบอะไรมา / jòp àrai ma: / ~ in what did you graduate? and answers could be จบปริ ญ ญาตรี / jòp pàrinya: tri: / ~ (I) graduated as a bachelor, จบปริญญาตรีนติ ศิ าสตร์ / jòp pàrinya: tri: nítìsà:t / ~ (I) graduated as a bachelor of law,
จ บ ป ริ ญ ญ า ต รี นิ ติ ศ า ส ต ร์ จ า ก ม ห า วิ ท ย า ลั ย ธรรมศาสตร์ / jòp pàrinya: tri: nítìsà:t jà:k máhă: wíttháya:lai thammásà:t / ~ (I) graduated as a bachelor of law from Thammasat University.
ขอแสดงความยินดีดว้ ย / khŏr: sàdae:ng khwa:m yin di: dûai / ~ Congratulations! You have just graduated from this month’s column, and, now, let’s not forget มหาวิทยาลัยชีวิต / máhă: wíttháya:lai chi:wít / ~ the University of Life. Do go out there and study Thai! See you same place next month or, in between, at the Thai Language Corner on Facebook.
August 2017 • ScandAsia.Thailand 19
BANGKOK PATANA SCHOOL CLASS OF 2017 152 42 CANADA
Celebrates Global
USA
USA
210
1
UK 1
RUSSIA
9
IRELAND
1
THE NETHERLANDS
1 SWITZERLAND 2
SPAIN
JAPAN
8
6
HONG KONG
1
THAILAND 1
GRADUATING STUDENTS HAVE RECEIVED
437 OFFERS From 185 Selective universities and colleges (Data correct as of 19/05/17. Southern hemisphere applications are still in process)
PHILIPPINES
SINGAPORE
2
Australia
NUMBER OF OFFERS BY COUNTRY
Over 70 offers were made by the following institutions listed
in the Top 50 of The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2016-2017 UK Universities
USA Universities
Imperial College London
New York University
King’s College London
Northwestern University
London School of Economics and Political Science University College London
University of California, Los Angeles
University of Cambridge
University of California, San Diego University of California, Santa Barbara
University of Edinburgh
University of Pennyslvania
University College London
University of Washington
Rest of the World
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology McGill University University of British Columbia University of Hong Kong University of Toronto
Celebrating 60 Years of British International Education in Thailand Bangkok Patana School is a not-for- profit, IB World School, accredited by CIS and NEASC
643 Lasalle Road, Bangna, Bangkok | T: +66 (0) 2785 2200 www.patana.ac.th | admissions@patana.ac.th