ScandAsia IndoChina October 2013

OCT 2013

Vietnam Cambodia Laos

Danish-Cambodian partnership to handle bunker fuel for shipping in the Thai Gulf operating out of the Cambodian port city of Sihanoukville.

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Past Events

Crayfish party a boys night

C

rayfish Party in Saigon had this year strange positive influence on some of the male participants. They started dancing together. In the photo attached this article, it is Flemming, Blue Water Shipping and Klaus from Storm P. who hit the dance floor together.

It is not know how their wives reacted to the news, but it was definitely a good party for 150 members with their employees. The party was held in Petro Tower in Saigon where it was moved from the Brazilian restaurant since that restaurant has recently been sold.

The menu included many delicious dishes and of coirse Line Aquavit and Red Aalborg snaps

October 2013 • ScandAsia.Indo China

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Past Events

A visit with high commercial focus

P

resident Truong Tan Sang’s recently ended State Visit to Denmark is historic. It is the first State Visit from Vietnam to Denmark ever.

During the visit, President Truong Tan Sang also signed a partnership agreement with Denmark.

The agreement promises cooperation between Denmark and Vietnam on a higher political level and brings together all the elements within a single framework. The focus of the agreement is: 1) an enhanced political dialogue and cooperation on issues of common global and regional interest, 2) an expanded commercial cooperation, focusing on the areas highlighted in the Government’s emerging market strategy for Vietnam; 3) continued cooperation in climate, energy and green growth, as well as 4) cooperation within education, culture and research. In addition, a cross-cutting issues on the promotion of good governance is part of the agreement.

In addition to the partnership agreement, 13 other agreements were signed during the state visit, predominantly commercial agreements and contracts with a focus on green growth.

The Vietnamese President was during the State Visit accompanied by a large business delegation. The commercial focus makes sense. Trade between Vietnam and Denmark is growing and with the launch of the Danish government’s emerging strategy for Vietnam released in November last year the expectations are really turned up.

There are challenges, but conversely also great opportunities. Danish competencies in a wide range of areas, match perfectly the challenges Vietnam faces in the coming years.

With the State Visit and the conclusion of the Partnership and the many commercial agreements an important step was taken in the right direction.

Nordcham 15 year’s Anniversary to be celebrated with a big Viking party

T

he great Viking feast in Nordcham, Saigon will be the frame for the celebration of Nordcham’s 15th anniversary this year. The party will take place on Saturday 9 November and for the many participants, members and their employees in the various companies it will be a celebration with a number of surprises. ”Some of the surprises we keep a secret, but I can already here reveal that there will be served real Viking mead at the party. One of the local breweries has promised to produce mead as the Vikings drank it over 1000 years ago,” says chairman for Nordcham, Sigmund Stromme.

He continues: ”The partyy will have a great buffet barbecue with lamb, pork and beef. There will be dancing girls that warms everyone up to dance. It will be a grand anniversary celebration.”

Nordcham is the voice of the Scandinavian firms in Vietnam. The members support the good cooperation between the Vietnamese government agencies and participate in many studies for projects which the Vietnamese government wants to implement. Nordcham arranges site visits where companies are presented to other members and hold lunch seminars and other discussion for the members. ”Company visits are better than seminars,” says Sigmund Stromme.

4 ScandAsia.Indo China • October 2013

News Brief

Swedish Clean Motion to produce electric 3-wheeler in Indonesia

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he Swedish company Clean Motion behind the Zbee electric 3-wheeler has established a local manufacturing partnership with PT Lundin Industry in Indonesia With the locally made electric vehicle the company is looking to enter the Indonesian market with a more competitive pricing. The estimated price stands at 80 million Indonesian rupiah (around 7,000 US dollars). The production of the first 100 units is expected to commence in the second week of September.

The urban runabout targets to replace the numerous Bajaj auto rickshaws that ply on the roads of Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. The Zbee was showcased in the country yesterday at the Ritech Technology Expo-18 in Jakarta. Indonesian President Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono unveiled the EV. The three wheeler is powered by a 4 KW electric motor that consumes 40 Wh of electricity per km. On a full charge the Zbee can travel up to 50km. The three-seater weighs a mere 230kg and has a top speed of 45kph and is suitable for short distance urban transportation.

Just like the Bajaj rickshaw, the Clean Motion Zbee can be maneuvered with the help of a handlebar. Apart from Indonesia, Clean Motion is also looking to enter other Asian markets as well.

Danish ambassador visits Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia

O

n September 3, the Danish Ambassador to Malaysia Nicolai Ruge met with some of the key persons in Carlsberg’s Asia section. The purpose of the visit was to learn about the multi-brand strategy and discuss opportunities for collaboration with the Danish Trade Council.

Besides Head of Trade Joakim Larsen, he met with Managing Director & Regional CEO in South East Asia Henrik Andersen, Supply Chain Director Kristian Dahl, and Business Development Manager Frederik Grumpel at the Carlsberg factory, which is one of the oldest Danish subsidiaries in Malaysia.

October 2013 • ScandAsia.Indo China

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News Brief

UMA opened 8th design furniture shop in HCMC

H

er Excellency Mrs. Camilla Mellander, Swedish ambassador to Vietnam attended yesterday the opening of the 8th design shop in the UMA chain in Vietnam.

The Swedish partner in UMA, Mr. August Wingardh indicated at the event, which was attended by many Scandinavians, that UMA’s shop number 9 is already on the way. That means UMA will soon have five shops in HCMC and four in Hanoi.

“In our designs we focus on Swedish design with a taste of Vietnamese furniture design. It is seven years ago since we started up in Hanoi and I am happy to say that we since then have been successful with our shops and the good design,” says Mr. August Wingardh.

At the opening of the new shop in Big C in Phu Nhuan district, UMA presented a new sofa-design which was named Camilla after Ambassador Cammila Mellander. In her speech, the Ambassador among others said: “I am happy to open this new UMA shop. UMA is one of the symbols in the business relationship between Sweden and Vietnam.”

The Ambassador added, that Sweden og Vietnam will next year celebrate the 45 Anniversary for diplomatic relations between the two countries and this occasion will be celebrated throughout 2014.

Scandinavians among the fastest runners in mountain marathon

W

hen the first international mountain marathon in Vietnam took place in Sa Pa in the weekend, Denmark and Sweden dominated the top 3 time list.

On 6 October Vietnam’s first international marathon took place in Sa Pa in the northern province of Lao Cai in Vietnam. It was the local ethnic runner Ly A Song who was the first to reach the finish line in the 21km half-marathon distance in the time 1h 54m, followed by Sweden’s Joakim Esaiasson and Philip Martien Eggold of the US. Denmark’s Camilla Nielsen finished as number three in the women’s category.

In the 42km full marathon race Denmark’s Jacob Green finished as number two after the Singaporean Yong Wai Cheng.

Annemette Skov, also from Denmark, was the first woman to reach the finish line in the full marathon race in the time 5h 25m 40s.

In the 70km ultra-marathon it was also a Dane named Simon Grimstrup who scored the best time in 7h 48m 40s. In the women’s category the winner of the ultra-marathon was an American, but she was followed by Denmark’s Camilla Gry and Nora Barbara from Sweden.

The marathon was hosted by the Danish Embassy in collaboration with Topas Ecolodge and Danish Novo Nordisk – the world leading company in diabetes prevention.

Danish Ambassador and Head of the marathon’s organizing board, John Nielsen, said to VietnamNet: “Runners from 28 countries participated and many have travelled far to come to the event. Most of the people have been preparing themselves for many months for the tough routes. Next year, I would like to see more Vietnamese runners, but I am happy to see that a Vietnamese runner won one of the categories.”

The ambassador, who ran the half marathon, said he expects the race to be an annual event in the coming years.

Map showing the route of the 70km ultra-marathon 6 ScandAsia.Indo China • October 2013

News Brief

Denmark opens visa application office in Ho Chi Minh City Palsgaard opens new factory in Malaysia

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anish emulsifier specialist Palsgaard has announced that the company’s new factory is open and ready for business.

The facility is able to produce various single emulsifiers as well as a variety of emulsifiers and stabilizer blends and has a capacity of 20,000 MT per year.

The factory is located in Nusajaya, Johor, in the southern part of Malaysia and has cost approximately US$36 million to build.

The location for Palsgaard’s new facility was chosen specifically for its proximity to the source of raw materials, such as palm oil and its derivatives. Additionally, Palsgaard says that the infrastructure is very developed and the location is great as it offers easy access to the harbour as well as to Palsgaard Singapore’s Innovation Centre for dairy, ice cream, soya, bakery, and confectionery applications.

The new factory covers an area of around 7,300 square metres, comprising a high tech manufacturing plant and R&D facility, laboratory, warehouse and administration centre. It is said to be a highly automated plant with integrated energy saving functionalities to ensure the continuation of Palsgaard’s dedication to CSR.

D

enmark opened a new Visa Application Office in Ho Chi Minh City on September 3 in an effort to strengthen exchanges with Vietnam, according to a press release.

All applications for short-term Schengen visas to Denmark, Iceland and Lithuania as well as to Greenland and the Faroe Islands should be submitted at this center.

People who want to apply for work and residence permits to Denmark should also submit their applications at the center.

The opening of the office will facilitate a smoother process for applicants as it offers longer opening hours and no appointment is needed.

Additional services such as online application tracking and courier delivery are also available.

“With the new Visa Application Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, we improve the consular service. Smooth and effective visa handling is key to strengthening the increased exchange – commercially, culturally and politically – between Vietnam and Denmark,” said Danish Ambassador to Vietnam John Nielsen.

The office will be operated by the international company VFS Global.

Another visa application office will open in Hanoi on November 1.

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Sweden to help solve traffic problems in Jakarta

T

he Swedish Government will introduce the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) in Jakarta. That was the message from the Swedish Ambassador to Indonesia spoke at the JakartaCity Hall on September 13, Antara News reported.

“We come here to offer a solution to traffic jams in Jakarta through the Electronic Road Pricing system,” Ewa Polano said.

The ERP system and technology, which has been used in Sweden, is the best method to resolve the traffic problems in Jakarta, the ambassador noted after meeting with the Deputy Governor of Jakarta, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama.

“We hope to begin using this system in Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya and other cities in Indonesia because we have the best system and technology in the implementation of ERP,” she said.

Basuki Tjahaja Purnama is welcoming the offer from the Swedish Government.

“We are actually ready for the implementation of the ERP system along main roads in Jakarta, but we also will make every effort to increase the number of public buses,” he said.

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October 2013 • ScandAsia.Indo China

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News Brief

Danish politician concerned over the disappearance of Laotian social leader

T

he Danish politician and member of the European Parliament, Søren Søndergaard, was key speaker at an event at Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand (FCCT) on 28 August about the disappeared Laotian social leader Sombath Sombone.

Søren Søndergaard had just returned from a visit to the Laotian capital on August 25-27 where he together with other members of a parliamentary delegation had tried to push the authorities to resolve the case.

Sombath Somphone disappeared on 15th December 2012. The international delegation of parliamentarians and civil society networks that visited the capital of Lao PDR was arranged by family and friend. The delegation met with senior government officials and members of the Lao National Assembly and expressed their deep concern with the disappearance of Sombath.

Søren Søndergaard is currently the vice-chair of the European Parliament’s Special Committee on Organised Crime, Corruption and Money Laundering, and it might be in his title of that in which he was speaking. sombathMore about Sombath Sombone and details of his possible abduction is found here: http://sombath.org/ and here: http://www.humanrights.asia/news/forwarded-news/AHRC-FPR-039-2013

8 ScandAsia.Indo China • October 2013

Norway to improve conditions for textile workers in Asian countries

T

he Norwegian government has committed up to NOK14.3m (US$2.3m) in funding to improve conditions for textile workers in China, Vietnam, India and Bangladesh, the Norway Post reported.

The money will go to the Ethical Trading Initiative Norway (ETI) and will fund courses for manufacturers on decent work.

It will see employers and employees come together to practise how to have a constructive dialogue.

Courses have been developed for manufacturers in China, India and Vietnam, with the programme now being expanded to include Bangladesh as well.

The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the goal is to have 700 manufacturers attend courses held by the ETI between 2013-2015.

“We must do whatever we can to ensure that the textile industry has safe workplaces with decent pay and good working conditions – for both men and women,” said minister of international development Heikki Eidsvoll Holmås.

The ministry said that increased trade is crucial for development, and the country’s imports of textiles and other goods creates thousands of jobs in developing countries.

The move is in response to the Rana Plaza building collapse, which killed more than 1,100 people.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the victims were nonunionised workers who had “had no means of resisting the pressure from their employers to return to a building where the floors and walls had deep cracks” and from which other employees had been evacuated.

“Suppliers, consumers and we politicians all have a responsibility to act to prevent a disaster of this kind from happening again,” emphasized Holmås.

News Brief

Swedish Jonas Engwall new CEO of RTL CBS Asia

LEGOLAND celebrates first birthday

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sia’s first LEGOLAND marked a very successful year when it celebrated its first birthday on September 15. The Danish concept family theme park, which has become a key driver of tourism to Southern Malaysia, offered visitors three full days of family fun from September 14 - 16.

One year old LEGOLAND is growing up fast and plans are already afoot to transform it into a resort comprising a Theme Park, Water Park and Hotel.

Special celebrations took place around a giant LEGO® cake, which Park visitors have been helping to build in the beginning of September. It is made from over 300,000 bricks and measures three metres wide.

“It has been an extremely successful year for Asia’s first LEGOLAND. In the last twelve months we have added two new attractions and our visitors are enjoying the Park more than ever. As we celebrate one major milestone we are already anticipating another, because in October we will open our brand new Water Park,” says Siegfried Boerst, General Manager of LEGOLAND Malaysia.

A whole host of birthday entertainment included dance performances, a children’s disco party and unique 3D-LEGO fireworks displays, where bricks appeared to be falling from the sky. On Sunday September 15, slices of a birthday cake were available for sale at the café throughout the day.

All proceeds from sales of the cake would go to Merlin’s Magic Wand, a worldwide charity for underprivileged children.

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wedish executive Jonas Engwall has been appointed the new CEO of RTL CBS Asia Entertainment Network, the recently formed joint venture between CBS Studios International and panEuropean broadcaster RTL targeting the Asian market.

Jonas Engwall will be based in Singapore, reporting to the new company’s Board of Directors.

He will oversee the launch of two branded RTL CBS thematic channels — RTL CBS Entertainment HD and RTL CBS Extreme HD — in up to 29 Asian markets including Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

The channels will combine programming from CBS such as hit series “Under the Dome” and “Elementary” with that of RTL. “This is an unprecedented partnership between two leading global broadcasters in a region with huge growth potential,” says Engwall.

“Our new channels will offer world-renowned content including exclusive first runs of some of Asia’s favourite reality programmes America’s Got Talent, Fear Factor and

The X Factor USA; dramas Under the Dome, Elementary and Beauty and the Beast and daily shows Entertainment Tonight and Late Show with David Letterman. I am very confident that these programmes will prove extremely popular across our footprint and represent a highly valuable proposition for all our partners. We have already had very positive feedback from all premier platform owners in the region.”

For the past three years, Engwall has led RTL’s expansion into India and Asia, which included the launch of RTL’s Indian channel, Big RTL Thrill, last year.

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October 2013 • ScandAsia.Indo China

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10 ScandAsia.Indo China • October 2013

Danish-Cambodian partnership to handle bunker fuel for shipping in the Thai Gulf operating out of the Cambodian port city of Sihanoukville.

T

ommy Christensen, GO4 Bunker Cambodia Co., LTD is more than close in realizing a pilot project in Cambodia. A project that will also generate new employment. The license to handle bunker fuel for shipping in the Thai Gulf is expected within a few month times.

The base will be Sihanoukville, Cambodian port city with growing activities.

An agreement between GO4 Bunker and the Danish oil company Monjasa has been signed. According to the agreement GO4 Bunker will be responsible for the supply of bunker fuel, while Monjasa will take care of marketing, financing and sale of fuel. Cambodian company EP Oil Cambodia is the local party of the agreement.

The agreement includes a capital investment of up to 16 million USD which will fund the establishing of GO4 Bunker Cambodia in Sihanoukville. The implementation of phase one will cost up to 15 million USD and an additional 45 million USD to finance raw materials and marine heavy fuel oil. The agreement was signed at the first meeting in Denmark Cambodia Business Club, where Danish and Cambodian leaders from industry and government departments participated.

“It has taken more than two years to get the project air born, and it will function under the auspices of GO4 Bunker Cambodia. In total it has taken 12 years to develop the project,

which will operate globally, when we have proved that it can work in the Thai Gulf,” said Tommy Christensen. He denies it has been hard work, it’s a way of life for him to make the project work.

Apart from establishing GO4 Bunker Tommy Christensen has made great efforts to enhance road safety in Cambodia. He sees to that children wear helmets when riding on motorbikes with mum and dad. When he really needs to relax he takes a ride on his motorbike, a Harley-Davidson.

That cleans your brain, he says.

Tommy Christensen has known Ian Jacobsen, director of Monjasa, for more than 15 years. The company, which is headquartered in Fredericia, sells bunker oil for shipping in the U.S., UAE and Singapore. And soon also from Sihanoukville in Cambodia.

Ian Jacobsen and Tommy Christensen have worked together the last 15 years, mainly in Africa. So Ian Jacobsen was just the right man when Tommy Christensen needed a partner for the project in Cambodia.

“Monjasa has signed an agreement that will demonstrate to the authorities that the project is healthy and sound. This will lead to GO4 Bunker Cambodia getting the final approval within two to three months of time. According to the agreement GO4 Bunker makes investment of up to 16 million after which the project is outsourced to Monjasa. During the implementation phase Monjasa will invest 15 million USD followed by an investment of 45 million dollars in raw materials and fuel. We need two smaller tankers to supply the fuel for the shipping. In addition a tanker for storage capacity will be bought”, says CEO Ian Jacobsen, Monjasa, adding: “GO4 Bunkers is taking care of daily operations in Thai Gulf. It costs a lot of money to invest in a location like that. So far we are in the Emirates, Singapore, United States and Denmark. We have developed quietly over the last 11 years, and are now employing a staff of 80 in our offices.”

Mikael Hemniti Winther, Danish Ambassador to Thailand and Cambodia says: “The work Tommy Christensen has done to get GO4 into Cambodia is great. This is a good example of how Danish companies can enter the country while getting support from us and especially Denmark Cambodia Business Club. We work closely with the club. And our collaboration with Tommy Christensen is good.

He has made gigantic efforts in supporting the work for better road safety in Cambodia.”

The man behind the whole pilot project, Tommy Christensen, Dr. Men Den, EP oil and with Jan Jacobsen, Monjasa.

October 2013 • ScandAsia.Indo China

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Vietnam, Sweden to mark 45 years of diplomatic ties

T

he Swedish Embassy in Vietnam is planning a wide range of activities, including technology and trade promotion, to celebrate 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2014.

A series of events will be held in all parts of Vietnam toconfirm the long standing and strong relationship.

“Every month during the year, there will an event on a different theme in order to show what Sweden canoffer. We are now working on an ambitious plan that will also highlight the uniquerelationship betweenVietnam and Sweden,” says Ms. Maria Selin, deputy head of the Swedish Embassy.

Selin said the embassy would seek to promote collaboration between Vietnamese and Swedish companies by improving and deepening businessrelations. Vietnam is an interesting market with opportunities for a widerange of Swedish companies, not least in the area of green technology, she said.

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Swedish Green tech roadshow in Vietnam a resounding success

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hirteen companies from Sweden’s environmental sector have recently concluded a successful roadshow to promote technical cooperation and explore business opportunities in

Vietnam.

Tomas Hertzman, director of Swedish Centec, which organized the tour of the Southeast Asian country for the 30-member Swedish trade delegation,said group had met with potential Vietnamese business partners from both the public and private sectors during the week-long trip.

“It has been a great success for the companies doing business in the environment sector. Both in HCMC, Hoi An and Hanoi. And the promotion ended at Green Business Fair in Hanoi,” Hertzman said.

Swedish firm clinches polymer compounds deal in Vietnam

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aia Holding AB Sweden has reached an agreement with Vietnamese company, Lotus Chemical Technology Ltd., to develop polymer compounds, especially the fully biodegradable biomaterials with local ingredients.

The material shall contain as muchrenewable raw materials as possible. The plant will be located at “Saigon Hi Tech Park”. The system shall be a development centre for the whole of Asia and the global market.

To be more completed regarding bio environmental system even developments of suitable biogas system will be included in the project. The biogas can be used for renewable energyand pollution-free fuels.

October 2013 • ScandAsia.Indo China

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Aiming for the best Air France and KLM’s new Commercial Director, Mr. Matthieu Tetaud, has recently moved to Singapore. He shares with ScandAsia the airline’s vision and talks about its expansion in Scandinavia.

By Wachiraporn Janrut

A

IR FRANCE and KLM, the FrenchDutch airline group, on 1 August 2013 welcomed Mr. Matthieu Tetaud as its new Commercial Director for Air France and KLM Singapore, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand.

“We cannot only be good - we have to be among the best,” says Matthieu when asked about his new role. “That’s the vision that our CEO is pushing, which I aim to bring it to the team here especially for the corporate segment. My experience at the headquarters will help make it happen here.”

Extensive experience Originally from France, Matthieu joined Air France in New York in 2003 as Business Analyst where he worked with all the departments to develop new IT applications for the airlines in the US, Mexico and Canada. In 2005, he moved back to France to manage a project for the sales and service centre there. Matthieu enjoyed his first experience in managing a team to deliver customer service. And later on, his responsibility extended to include managing Air France and KLM’s sales and service centres worldwide.

In 2009, Matthieu felt the need to be even closer to customers so he decided to work as Global Account Manager, where he managed a portfolio of Top Global Corporate Accounts for AFKL and also Delta Airlines and Alitalia. The job gave him strong sales & marketing experience as

14 ScandAsia.Indo China • October 2013

well as allowing him to work on partnerships with other airlines. With his extensive experience, in 2012 he joined the Asia Pacific management team of Air France and KLM where he was responsible for the performances of Japan, Korea, and South Pacific routes.

“Air France and KLM offers a unique travel experience, while respecting the cultures, the environment and the people of the country where we have the chance to land our aircrafts,” Matthieu says.

Expanding the network in Scandinavia In April this year, KLM expanded its footprint in Scandinavia by adding Alesund in Norway to its network, serving a total of seven KLM destinations in Norway. Currently, the airline’s network covers seven destinations in Sweden, nine destinations in Finland and three destinations in Denmark.

“Travelling to the destinations in Scandinavia through the award-winning Amsterdam Schiphol airport is easy. Our major strengths are a strong network and two efficient hubs; one in Paris and one in Amsterdam,” says Matthieu.

With its sleek design and friendly efficient service, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is regularly voted the best airport in Europe. It is a major transport hub with a variety of shops, services and entertainments. The famous airport annex of the Rijksmuseum houses art from the Dutch Golden Age, including paintings by some of the most famous Dutch Masters. Also, the airport is only

15km from central Amsterdam, which is accessible by train in less than 20 minutes.

“The addition of Alesund to the network further strengthens KLM’s position in Norway,” says Matthieu.

Moving to Singapore To take up the new position, Matthieu moved to Singapore with his Spanish wife and two young daughters in the middle of July 2013.

“The team and people here are very welcoming. I plan to get to know them more, and then meet as many customers as possible to better understand their needs. I also try to eat local food, participate in local activities and attend business platforms to understand the people and the business dynamics here,” says Matthieu.

Based on the east coast of Singapore, Matthieu says that his location is close to East Coast Park and the sea, which is convenient for the family to enjoy outdoor activities. The Tetaud family seems to be well-adapted and enjoys living in Singapore.

“The weather here reminds me of summer holidays in Europe. My wife plans to enjoy many social activities here, and my daughters just love the swimming pools,” says Matthieu.

Matthieu also plans to explore other destinations in the region. One of the destinations he is keen to travel to is Bali. “It’s a bonus that we have a daily KLM flight between Singapore and Bali. I’m a surfer so that’s like the holy grail for me,” he says.

October 2013 • ScandAsia.Indo China

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SKAGEN DENMARK Boosting Danish Design in Asia

Beyond a sleek minimalist look, Danish design encompasses a mindset, a philosophy which adds new dimensions to the general perception of design worldwide.

With its distinctive Danish design, SKAGEN DENMARK aims to be a leading lifestyle brand, inspiring the global community.

By Wachiraporn Janrut

16 ScandAsia.Indo China • October 2013

F

or over 24 years, Skagen Denmark has been a lifestyle brand offering engaging, elegant and superbly designed accessories to its customers at accessible prices.

Since 2003, Skagen Denmark has been available in major retailers across Asia Pacific. Today, the brand’s products ranging from watches to jewellery are sold in more than 1,600 retailers in Asia.

“We are currently working on expanding our

sales network to 2,000 retailers in Asia in 2014,” says Anita Jensen, Skagen Denmark’s Brand Director for the Asia Pacific Region, based in Hong Kong.

Born and raised in Naestved in Denmark, Anita has been working for Skagen Denmark since 2003.

“I love Danish design and feel very privileged to work with Skagen Denmark. The past 10 years has been a truly inspiring journey for me,” she tells ScandAsia.

About Skagen “Skagen” takes its name from an old fishing village located at the Northern tip of Denmark. For many centuries, many artists have travelled to Skagen to experience and find inspiration from the stunning natural light, beautiful nature and unparalleled blue sky. Additionally, the town is full of fascinating contrasts, such as the cozy traditional yellow houses with red tile roofs located just around the corner from world class modern architecture.

Skagen Denmark Many people might not know that the logo of Skagen Demark is a symbol of ‘Kattegat’ and ‘Skagerrak’ – the two seas meeting at Skagen. The striking blue colour in Skagen comes from the salt crystals thrown into the air at the meeting point of the seas.

“With our anchor solidly planted in Skagen, our scope of inspiration is not only the beach and the sea in Skagen, but also the whole village of Skagen and its rich history and texture, as well as its duality as a remote fishing village and an international cultural epicenter,” says Anita.

“Moreover, our scope includes how Skagen Denmark is part of Denmark and how this society has spawned the institution that we know as Danish Design,” she adds.

Anita Jensen Skagen Denmark’s Brand Director for the Asia Pacific Region

Less is more

Danish design Danish design is a style of functional design and architecture that was developed in the mid-20th century. Focusing on the ideas of simplicity and functionalism, Danish design’s key element is the genuine interest in the users of a product and its functionality. The characteristics developed are user-friendliness, respect for materials, simplicity, and a desire to achieve a certain honesty and simple beauty.

“We strive to inspire our global community, showing the utmost hospitality, warmth, and respect to all,” says Anita. “Caring is the ultimate competitive advantage.”

To achieve its goal of becoming a leading lifestyle brand, Skagen Denmark continuously launches new distinctive design classics with an emphasis on unique Danish expression.

For its Fall Winter 2013 collections, Skagen Denmark offers pure aesthetics with a global influence. Anita reveals that consumers can expect the colours to be clean, the unadorned palette reflecting the simplicity and imperfection of nature.

“We are conscious of when to use colour and when to hold back. We want to reflect the Danish design with the mindset that less is more,” says Anita. “The brand will move closer to being a lifestyle brand with leathers and possibly home goods in the future. We want our fans to see us as the curator of Danish design in an array of categories.”

Skagen Denmark & Fossil Group In 2012 the Fossil Group, the S&P 500 company based in Dallas, Texas, saw a big business oppor-

tunity and acquired Skagen Denmark. For Skagen Denmark, it meant that the brand could increase its presence and expand into more markets.

“We now have access to 400 more retail locations and 13,000 employees supporting the brand venture. Next year we will reveal to the public what we have been working on in the past year. It’s a very exciting brand journey,” says Anita.

2014 will also be a big year for Skagen Denmark as it will mark the brand’s presence of 25 years.

The company plans to celebrate its 25th birthday in grand style.

“It’ll be a big celebration featuring lots of new concepts,” says Anita with excitement. “Highly anticipated, the event will have something to wow consumers all around the world.”

Skagen Perspektiv Launched in April this year, Skagen Perspektiv is a new lifestyle collection of men’s and women’s timepieces featuring an uncomplicated, minimalist design in a sophisticated style. Inspired by elements in nature, this collection presents more daring colours, distinctive materials and new evolution in Danish design.

For men, Skagen Perspektiv introduces durable genuine leather bands in an earthtone palette of stark black, soft gray, classic brown and natural green. Keeping with a sleek urban feel, watch dials are encased in a 42mm diameter matte black case with matching black faces and indicators.

For ladies, Skagen Perspektiv introduces high-quality genuine leather straps in pebble gray, dark brown, camel and burgundy. A slim case design in polished silver, ion-plated gold or rose-gold features a 34mm case diameter and 7mm depth with reflective glass dials in silver, rose-gold and gold, lending an air of clean sophistication.

October 2013 • ScandAsia.Indo China

17

Medium

Homemade bounty bars

By Sine Neuchs Thomsen Evil

Ingredients • 15 oz milk cooking chocolate • 3 cups shredded coconut • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk

Directions • Mix coconut and sweetened condensed milk to make a thick and sticky paste.

Shape the paste to the wished size. If you use your hands, make them a little wet before, so the paste will not stick on your hands.

• After shaping the bars put them in the freezer for at least 20 minutes. It will make it easier to dip them in chocolate.

Are you done?

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hen you have completed the above puzzles, please send your solution by fax to +66 2 943 7169 or scan and email to puzzles@ scandasia.com. We will make a lucky draw among the correct answers. Five lucky winners will receive a ScandAsia polo shirt.

Name:

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Deadline for submitting your solution is 15 November 2013 18 ScandAsia.Indo China • October 2013

• Meanwhile you melt 2/3 of the chocolate (avoid contact with water and steam whilst melting). Add the remaining 1/3 chocolate and keep stirring until it is fully melted. This process is called tempering chocolate which allows the chocolate to have a glossy texture and the right “crack”.

• Now you can start dipping. Use two forks and roll the coconut rectangle to cover all sides with chocolate. Lift the bar from the chocolate and place it on a baking sheet covered with baking paper. Put it back in the freezer and the chocolate will get “shocked” and get stiff.

• Your homemade bounty bars will keep fresh in up to five days in an air tight container.

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