Voyageur july august 2017 6 july

Free Copy

July - August 2017

ISSUE

#04/2017

a publication of CanCham Thailand

John Stevens CanCham President

2017-2018 CanCham Thailand Board Members Patron: H.E. Donica Pottie, Ambassador of Canada to Thailand

Executive Board: John Stevens, President Dean Outerson, Vice President Derek van Pelt, Vice President Dan McKay, Treasurer Sunny Patel, Secretary

Board of Directors: Peter Baines David Beckstead Nitipong Boonsong John Casella Surachit Chanovan Lawrence Cordes Caroline Kwan Ron Livingston Michael White

Advisors: Yvonne Chin Don Lavoie Joni Simpson Marisha Shibuya Peter van Haren

Executive Director: Kelly Cailes

Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce 139 Pan Road, Sethiwan Tower 9th floor, Bangkok 10500 Tel: +66(0) 2266-6085-6 Fax: +66(0) 2266-6087 Email: info@tccc.or.th Website: www.tccc.or.th

The Voyageur is the monthly magazine of the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce, covering all Thai-Canadian business, legal and social news of interest to the members and others who are active in expanding Thai-Canadian bilateral trade.

Editor: CANCHAM Thailand

Publisher: Scandinavian Publishing Co., Ltd. 211 Soi Prasert-Manukitch 29, Prasert-Manukitch Rd., Chorakeabua, Ladprao Bangkok 10230 Tel: +66(0) 2943-7166-8 Fax: +66(0) 2943-7169 Design: Disraporn Yatprom Email: disraporn@scandmedia.com

Advertising Contact: Mr. Finn Balslev, Marketing Director Scandinavian Publishing Co., Ltd. Tel: +66(0) 2943-7166 ext.116 or 08-1866-2577 Email: finn@scandmedia.com

Dear CanCham Members and Friends,

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This year is a special one for Canadians – as we celebrate our 150th anniversary of confederation – our sesquicentennial birthday. Travel publications, such as Lonely Planet, have named Canada as the number one destination to visit in 2017 and describe the event as “an elongated birthday party which promises to be heavy on bonhomie and highly welcoming to international gatecrashers.” So if you’re planning a vacation or a trip home, this is a great year to visit Canada!

CanCham celebrated Canada Day on June 17 in Bangkok. With over 600 revelers, this year marked our largest Canada Day party since the closing of the Siam Intercontinental Hotel in 2002. We did things a bit differently this year, with an international market place featuring a dozen food vendors – including Greek, Italian, Thai, Mexican and American fare. Of course, we kept the beverages purely Canadian with Moosehead Beer and Caesars on offer. Canada Day would not have been possible without the generous support of our Title Sponsor, Canadian International School of Thailand, our Gold Sponsors, ISB, KIS International School, Trends Digital and ReDev Properties and our Bronze Sponsors, BNH Hospital, Hainan Airlines and Bumrungrad International. Special thanks are in order to our legion of volunteers, organizers and the Chamber team who pulled off a fantastic event.

The upcoming months will be busy at the Chamber. Following on our commitment to organize our Canuck Connection events around commercial themes, CanCham recently hosted an informative session on digital and influencer marketing. We are now planning the second in the series on corporate governance and directors’ liability. In addition, we will have a special premier screening of the movie “Dunkirk” on July 19th, as well as a Canadian Food Promotion event in September. For more information about CanCham and our initiatives and upcoming events, please visit the Chamber’s recently re-launched website at www.canchamthailand.org.

Finally, congratulations are in order to Peter Van Haren, who has been appointed as an Advisor to the CanCham board, and to Ron Livingston who recently won election to the position of Vice Chair of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce.

I would like to also express sincere thanks to Sean Brady – a founding father of CanCham and great supporter of our Chamber, and Angus Mitchell one of our Directors and former Vice President who are stepping down from the Board – we wish them both well on their next chapters.

Yours Sincerely, John Stevens

Member News

Why a Canadian International Is there a place for another school proposing a truly unique approach to learning?

What are the current options in Thailand for parents who wish to send their children to an international school?

Among all the old-fashioned and well-established international schools operating in Thailand and newcomers offering a system based on sacred traditions and legacies from their country of origin, is there a place for another one proposing a truly unique approach to learning?

Being a Canadian from the province of Quebec, I come with a positive bias about Canadian education and the dual-language model. I experienced it. I did all my degrees in French while honing my English, our other official language, in my home life and in professional circles. I studied Business Administration and became a marketing and communications entrepreneur. But that’s just a little about my experience.

I am privileged to have seen the potential of the Canadian system and our

“We wanted to offer our own son the chance to get a Canadian education.”

Dr. Nahathai Thewphaingarm, Director of CIST, with Ty, her 5-year-old son at their lake house in Montreal’s West Island.

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bilingualism in my own daughter. Did I tell you that I like Thailand? Actually, I love Thailand. I fell in love with its beauty, culture and people. In 2003, we moved the family from Bangkok to Montreal, Canada. My daughter was only 4 years old at the time, and was only speaking Thai. 15 years later she’s now a global citizen holding two passports. She speaks Thai, French and English… way better than myself!

She travels in many countries with me as well as by herself. She is studying to become an accomplished designer and I believe she has all the skillsets to attain her goals. Would I have liked her to study something else? Maybe, but I’m proud of her and supportive because she’s doing what she loves and she’s very good at it.

In 2008, I met Mr. Tan Soamboonsrup, a very interesting young business and IT mogul. Born from Thai parents in Canada, Tan did all his elementary and high school in Hamilton, Ontario before going to McGill University in Montreal, Quebec to become a software engineer. From the mid-90s to today, he grew a successful software and data center company with a web development branch in Bangkok.

What does this have to do with the future of your child? Well, let me tell you a story that had a big impact on my perception of others. It involves a group of people that were so inspired to make a difference and create positive changes that they went the extra miles and continue to do so with great success.

Wondering how they could apply the Canadian model to teaching language in Thailand, and both respectfully passionate about education technology, Nahathai and Tan started a new endeavour in 2014. They founded Braincloud Learning, a language teaching approach based on the successes of

Over the years operating a business on two continents, he met and married his soulmate Dr. Nahathai Thewphaingarm. Nahathai is the head of Thewphaingarm Group of Schools which was founded 40 years ago by her father, Narong Thewphaingarm, the chairman of the board.

Member News

School in Thailand?

BANGKOK CAMPUS | Thewphaingarm Group of Schools – Bang Phlat

Quebec’s language teaching system.

As of today, English is remotely taught from Braincloud’s live TV studios in Bangkok to nearly 5,000 students in various regions across Thailand – and most teachers are native Canadians.

The students get to follow a personalized curriculum using tablets and also get to interact with their English-speaking teachers on a daily basis. It’s a truly inspirational approach. McGraw Hill studies have proven that this new method delivers outstanding results as it appeals to the various skillsets of young learners. In fact, students learn faster and are much more fluent. Compared to their peers studying with more traditional approaches, Braincloud students are outperforming students 2-3 grade levels above themselves.

Why is the method working so well?

First, because the personalized approach makes learning fun and engaging.

It appeals to all types of learners by the variety of activities that allow students to practice and reinforce their skillsets.

Second, it enables individuals to work at their own pace. Third, the children get regular contact with native speakers, therefore receiving an immersive and authentic learning experience.

“If it doesn’t exist, build it! Capitalizing on the Thewphaingarm legacy of 40 years experience in education, the Canadian International School of Thailand (CIST) will open this coming September.”

And yet, this innovative power couple didn’t rest on their laurels. In 2016, Nahathai and Tan were unsatisfied with the international school options available in Bangkok for their young son Ty, now 5 years old. You know the saying… “If it doesn’t exist, build it!”. That’s exactly what they decided to do. Capitalizing on the Thewphaingarm legacy of 40 years experience in education, they will open the Canadian International School of Thailand (CIST) this coming September.

This new school will offer an early-childhood program, as well as an elementary and secondary program following a Canadian curriculum and leading to a Canadian High School Diploma (Quebec). The school has been structured upon 4 founding principles.

Outdoor Pool and Tennis Courts

Science Lab

Robotics Classroom

Sports Facilities

MONTREAL CAMPUS | Lakeside Academy – Lester B. Pearson School Board

Mirroring an identical curriculum, CIST students study at the Montreal Campus one term per year starting from Grade 7 to 11.

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Member News

The Canadian International School of Thailand’s Four Founding Principles: 21ST CENTURY LEARNING The skills required for future success are broad and ever-changing. Ability to harness new technologies, new ways of working and global citizenship are just some of the challenges students face. In response, schools must provide learning experiences that prepare students for an uncertain future. This is the basis of a 21st century education.

Likewise, the traditional school model fails to cater to all types of learners.

To deliver effective outcomes, schools must recognize and respond to individual differences. CIST offers each individual a seamless tailor-made experience that will support their overall development and prepare them for future success.

CANADIAN CURRICULUM The Canadian education system has a distinguished reputation. In 2016, Canadian 15-year-olds were among the highest achievers in the world.

On a global scale, Canadian students placed 4th overall in tests of Math, Science and Reading (see http:// www.oecd.org/pisa/). Incidentally, the province of Quebec was the top performer, with students from the province outperforming their peers.

Not only is Canada near the top in every domain, the country has increased their ranking since 2012. Clearly, a Canadian education will open the door to major universities around the world.

and international-mindset to facilitate their integration into another country, CIST truly delivers. CIST Secondary Program recognizes that important aspect of each child’s development by embedding 2-month academic stays in Canada into the core curriculum. Starting at Grade 7, each student will get to spend one term per year at Lakeside Academy in the Metropolitan region of Montreal, Quebec. Staying in their own facility, each child will be in full-time schooling, experience another culture first-hand and improve language skills by speaking daily English as well as French. Additionally, they will make long lasting friendships and get to explore what Canada has to offer in various seasons such as hiking, biking, skating and skiing.

CANADA – A COUNTRY OF OPPORTUNITIES Celebrating its 150th anniversary, Canada is a young country with a rich

history and cultural diversity. This vast land offers so much to discover, from the beauty of its natural attractions to its four colourful seasons and friendly inhabitants. Canada is a safe and politically stable country that has a sustained economic growth. With such wonders, long-term stays in Canada are an attractive and viable option.

As mentioned before, during their secondary schooling, CIST students will spend 2 months per year on academic stay at their Canadian Campus, Lakeside Academy. In Grade 10, they will opt for one of two pathways; a Canadian High School Diploma that can be obtained at the end of a oneyear stay at the Canadian Campus; or, an IB Diploma which can be attained at the end of Grade 12 after a twoyear program at the Bangkok facility.

Whichever pathway the student chooses, they will have access to any prestigious university in Canada or around the globe.

Inquiry-Based Learning Experiences

A TRUE INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM OFFERING A RICH IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE Where many international students may struggle with mastering second languages and with acquiring the skills

Grade 7 students exploring the effects of the water cycle with miniature terrariums.

Hands-On Play-Based Activities

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Experiential Learning: Kindergarten children making smoothies while learning about the benefits of healthy eating.

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Member News

One School. Two Countries. Global Opportunities.

Preparing students to be responsive global citizens.

Early Childhood Classroom — Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten

Interestingly, Dr. Nahathai Thewphaingarm shared that, having herself studied abroad, she believes a Canadian education offers the best opportunities for Thai and Thai-based foreign parents who are considering university options abroad. She also pointed out that CIST aims to provide a fully-accredited international education at competitive tuition fees.

I feel privileged to contribute to what I consider an upcoming education game changer. I’m proud to be Canadian and I’m excited by the future opportunities that will be created by the Canadian International School of Thailand between my two favourite countries: Canada and Thailand!

— Martin Beaulieu President, Virage Branding & Storytelling www.linkedin.com/in/beaulieumartin

To learn more about CIST: Canadian International School of Thailand Elementary Classroom — Grades 1-6

A world-class innovative 21ST century learning approach

1001 Charan Sanitwong 46 Charansanitwong Road Bangyeekhan, Bang Phlat District Bangkok 10700 T: +66 2 886 9464 info@canadianinternationalschoolth.com www.canadianinternationalschoolth.com

Secondary Classroom — Grades 7-11

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Social & Digital Strategy

Based in Bangkok, Thailand and with a team of 40+ members, we provide Digital Advisory services to International clients such as: Digital Strategy, Media Advisory, Social Management, and Creative Content Production.

About TRENDS Digital

Effectively targets & engages audiences Builds lasting communities Increases awareness Strengthens sales & ROI

We provide creative and effective concepts, then devise strategic plans to execute. No excuses.

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Our goal is to create content that

- We develop content based on your target demographics your qualitative and quantitative data - is important

We create relevant content

At Trends, we ensure your online strategy synergise with your offline communication & branding

Creating Social Strategy, Branding, Content, Media Planning, and Results for our Clients

TRENDS TEAM | OUR SERVICES

DIGITAL / SOCIAL 2017

Our Core Pillars

Digital Landscape Member News

Member News

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Live Video on Social

• Organic reach is still declining, Paid & Influencer support to reach consumer remains important 4

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• Original and Captivating Content is a must

• Collect and Interpret Data, this will help you understand who your customer is and learn / adapt / optimize your strategy

• Create a Digital /Social Strategy first and then find the best Platforms & Content that match your Business Objectives 3

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• Go with a Mobile First Approach, but understand that consumers are using multi-devices throughout the day

• Social & Digital media is here to stay - and growing!

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Summary & Takeaways

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linkedin-users-millions-global-380-india-31-q2cy2015-release-anand

Now over 500 Million Registered Members

Canada Day 2017

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Canada-ASEAN Trade Deal Could Add C$11 Billion to Trade: Report - With a population of over 600 million and combined GDP of over US $2.5 trillion, ASEAN represents a logical opportunity for Canada’s trade diversification into Asia

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The Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC) today announces the release of the ASEAN Advantage, a new report providing a compelling argument for the implementation of a Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement. The report is a joint project between the CABC, the Asia Pacific Foundation (APF), the Business Council of Canada (BCC), the University of British Columbia (UBC), and with the support of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).

The report indicates that a trade deal with ASEAN, benchmarked on the terms of the successful Australia – New Zealand – ASEAN agreement (AANZFTA) reached in 2012, could add an additional C$11 billion in annual bilateral trade between the two regions by 2027, with roughly equal benefits to both trading partners.

The findings are a timely support for the ongoing drafting of terms of reference for a free-trade agreement between Canada and ASEAN, announced following the ASEAN Economic Minister’s (AEM) meeting in Laos, August 2016.

A Canada-ASEAN agreement should push for a more modernized agreement than AANZFTA, to ensure deeper benefits for key sectors to Canadians, such as services. The implementation of a robust trade promotion program with ASEAN by the Canadian Government in advance of an agreement would also be key to maximizing its benefits.

“In a time of increasing protectionism and sluggish global growth, it’s crucial for Canada to maintain a competitive edge by pursuing meaningful agreements with like-minded trading partners,” mentioned CABC President

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Wayne Farmer. “Our report highlights the great success that iconic Canadian companies such as Manulife, with its 116-year history in the region, can find in ASEAN. Besides supporting these Canadian champions in the region, a Canada-ASEAN agreement will also serve as a catalyst for greater success for Canadian SMEs.” ASEAN’s 10 member-states, many with deep people-to-people ties to Canada, represent a key pillar of the Asia economic growth story. The report’s results also posit the impact of a Canada-ASEAN agreement as comparable to that which Canada could seek to achieve with other major partners/agreements, including the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) or a Canada-China deal.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Canada-ASEAN diplomatic relations, in addition to Canada’s 150th anniversary – an opportune moment for the Federal Government to double down in pursuit

of an ASEAN trade deal, and to capitalize on the Canadian public’s general favourability towards the region to build broad support for a formal agreement.

Key Facts: • The ten ASEAN member-states include: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

• ASEAN has a population of over 600 million, with combined GDP of over US $2.5 trillion.

• Canada has strong people-to-people ties with ASEAN – for example, there are over 660,000 ethnic Filipinos living in Canada • ASEAN is young (median age of 28.8 in 2015), with three of the word’s ten fastest growing economies: Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.

• Canada has diplomatic representation in all ten ASEAN nations, including a dedicated Canadian Ambassador to ASEAN, based in Jakarta.

For Further Information, please contact: Wayne C. Farmer, President president@canasean.com Greg Ross, Executive Director greg.ross@canasean.com Canada-ASEAN Business Council #08-47 Ubi Road 1, Oxley BizHub Singapore, 408732 +65 8339 5457 Visit the CABC at www.canasean.com Twitter: @CAN_ASEAN LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canada-asean-business-council

EDC in the Asia-Pacific

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Export Development Canada (EDC) has an important role to play in growing Canadian trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region. In addition to partnering with other local financial institutions on syndicated loans, here are three innovative ways that Canada’s export credit agency supports its Canadian and Asia-Pacific customers.

Financing hub in Singapore

In December 2016, EDC opened its first financing branch outside of Canada in Singapore, a logistics and financial hub for Asia, ASEAN and Australia. The increased presence enables EDC to bring its global-scale financing business closer to projects and companies by processing all financing transactions in real Asia time, eliminating the previous 12 hour delay to connect back to the financing teams in Canada.

EDC’s new branch in Singapore encourages local and regional banks to be involved at the very start of a financing transaction and allows Asian and Canadian companies to do business their way, in their currency, in their time zone.

Innovative financial solutions

Facilitating business relationships

EDC developed a currency swap solution in conjunction with Canada’s Scotiabank in November 2016, disbursing a rupee loan to Mumbai-based Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS). This marked the first time that EDC provided financing denominated in rupees, responding to the needs of an Indian company and making it easier for Canadian companies to win new business with one of India’s largest infrastructure developers.

In collaboration with Global Affairs Canada and the Trade Commissioner Service, EDC helps corporations across the Asia-Pacific reduce costs, increase efficiency, and innovate by introducing them to Canadian companies with the exact capabilities they need or want. The companies are introduced during matchmaking events and missions with the goal of finding a successful match, thus facilitating business between Asian-Pacific and Canadian companies.

The ‘Masala loan’ is mutually beneficial.

Indian companies that do business with, or want to do business with, Canadian companies now have the option to receive financing in the currency of their choice, avoiding having to convert funding to Indian rupees and eliminating currency risk entirely. EDC is working towards opening a permanent rupee bank account in India and developing a Renminbi (RMB) financing solution in China to foster stronger growth in trade between Asia-Pacific and Canada.

In 2017, EDC will be providing matchmaking services in over 12 of these events across India, China, and Southeast Asia. Noteworthy examples are CommunicAsia 2017, which just occurred in Singapore, and Agri Tech 2017, India’s largest agri-food event.

To find out more, visit edc.ca or call tel: +65 6513-5886

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CanCham News

Taxing foreign buyers won’t deflate

By Paul Gambles

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Governments love their silver bullets, don’t they?

No, I’m not talking about the Orange One’s latest ploy to invade a country he’d never even heard of before he caught a 30-second clip on Fox News, whilst using the West Wing men’s room.

The latest catch-all solution is in fact tax.

That’s right. Apparently the 1970s and 1980s have been wiped from everyone’s memories and tax policy can save us all, one way or another. Yippee!

The first whiff we got of this was when the US government started drafting FATCA – the law which enables the IRS to look at Americans’ financial details, no matter where they live or where they have bank accounts. After waiting for the door to be opened, OECD countries then pushed it further by creating CRS, allowing tax authorities across the globe to exchange information on their citizens. A system that wouldn’t look out of place in the super-state of Oceania in George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four.

Now, the sages of Washington are embarking on another spate of low tax = better economy policy. This would be entirely laughable, were it not so damaging to ordinary people’s lives.

The likes of Arthur Laffer – who I think should be put before the International Criminal Court on the charge of crimes against humanity – are once again being listened to; despite their obvious failings in the 1980s. It’s no great surprise that the main beneficiaries of the proposed tax breaks will be the wealthy. After all, they’re the ones who bankroll presidential campaigns – even ones which promise to drain swamps.

However, Canada (or at least the provinces of BC and Ontario) is actually embarking on the polar opposite tactic to the US. When it comes to economics, there are certainly instances when that

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might be a pretty sensible way to draft policy. However, this time, although the aims may be honourable, it’s not clear to me that this will work either.

Ontario is mainly targeting the speculator. The assumption is that the main reason for a housing bubble is that foreign money is pushing up property prices.

In order to tackle the scary-looking housing bubble, the government of British Columbia decided last year to impose a 15% tax on foreigners who buy homes in and around the Vancouver area, which had apparently become popular with Chinese investors.

But how do they know that? The price surge is so recent that there are, as yet, no reliable statistics available to tell us who is actually buying the properties.

The market has been on an almost constant, significant rise over at least the last two decades. Surely, that’s not just the doing of a few nouveaux riches Chinese businessmen? Although they can make handy scapegoats, foreign buyers often tend to be very marginal.

House prices in Vancouver had been on an upturn since 2002 – rising an average of 10.9% year-on-year between 200203 and 2007-08. The 2008-2009 global financial crisis proved to be no more than a blip: average year-on-year house price rises since 2009-10 have been to the tune of 7.2%. The biggest rise came in 2015-16, with a huge 18.3%; prompting BC to act.

Toronto’s house-price hike has been similar. However, its sharp upturn has come a year later and a lot sharper – a 24.3% increase between May 2016 and April 2017. So, Ontario recently announced that it was following BC’s example and has taken certain measures: the same 15% tax on non-Canadians, non-permanent residents and nonCanadian companies.

Consequently, all those foreign speculators, who are riding the wave of the Canadian housing bubble, will be put off from entering the Ontarian market by this unquestionably well-intentioned plan. Along with the tax scheme, Ontario intends to implement 15 other measures to make housing more accessible to local people. These include development charge rebates on specific rental apartment buildings, taxing vacant properties and trying to prevent flipping.

There are, however, one or two slight flaws in this cunning plan. To start with,

To get a better view, the province needs to look at the demand market for housing in the metropolitan area. It’s all very well making assumptions over demographics and demand numbers, but it’s important to investigate what kinds of residences are being built. Is there a heavy lean on luxury properties, for example?

The number of overseas buyers, local demographics and demand by type/ affordability of residence will give the government a clearer idea of what is really going on and what it can do to intervene. Still, if it becomes more advantageous to build cheaper properties, will that just shoulder people with even more debt?

And that’s where the problem truly lies.

All initiatives will be in vain if Ontario concentrates on just the house prices.

They are, after all, the symptom rather than the actual disease. The disease is private debt. In the third quarter of 2003, household debt overtook government debt levels (in C$ terms) for the first time since 1990 (when government debt figures started to be kept). At the last count, Q3 2016, household debt was over 38% greater than government debt.

CanCham News

the property bubble That’s what needs to be tackled. It has come about through banks giving people easy access to credit, through low mortgage rates, credit card promotions, overdraft facilities etc. It is easy money for banks as the money they lend out never previously existed – they create that money from nowhere and it never exists in notes, just numbers on a screen.

So, making housing more accessible to one group of people over another, merely feeds the disease. The real solution is to regulate banking activity more vigorously, raise the Bank of Canada’s ridiculously low base rate of 0.50% (to encourage the banks to raise their own lending rates) and rescue the public from the vicious debt circle through a modern debt jubilee.

The cracks are beginning to appear, with the collapsing share price of HCG, the largest non-bank mortgage lender in Canada, which fell 60% after it emerged that HCG had arranged an emergency liquidity line via a C$1.5 billion loan facility. Shares are now 85% below the 2014 high.

These are not measures which can easily be taken at provincial level.

They require national and international co-operation to change our whole relationship with money. A big task. But the longer we leave it….the worse the problem becomes.

Paul Gambles co-founder of MBMG Group MBMG Group is an advisory firm that assists expatriates and locals within the South-East Asia Region with services ranging from Investment Advisory, Personal Advisory, Tax Advisory, Corporate Advisory, Insurance Services, Accounting & Auditing Services, Legal Services, Estate Planning and Property Solutions.

For more information: Tel: +66 2665 2536 e-mail: info@mbmg-group.com Linkedin: MBMG Group Twitter: @MBMG_GROUP Facebook: /MBMGGroup

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CanCham News

Q&A

with Eric Seldin Eric Seldin is a recently retired freelance broadcast cameraman during a 35-year career, for disparate clients such as CBC, CTV, NHK, AP, Reuters, and corporate entities. Residing in Thailand since 1992, he is married to Sorathorn Vichaino. A past Executive Board Member of the Foreign Correspondent’s Club of Thailand, he developed a traditional bagel bakery in Bangkok named Feedpoint Cafe (www.facebook.com/feedpoint/) after years of pining for something other than “a roll with a hole”. It specializes in hand-rolled, kettled Montreal and NY style bagels, smoked meat and salmon sandwiches, and homemade baked goods. Feedpoint offers a 10% discount for CanCham members, businesses.

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Please tell us a little about where you are from, where you grew up and how you became interested in broadcasting.

“I grew up in central New York State, and after a year in Japan as a high school exchange student, I majored in International Relations/East Asian and Cuban studies at American University.

Being a generally poor student, in 1982, I parlayed my photography hobby into a job at CNN as a cameraman/soundman and moved on from there.”

Scariest broadcasting moment?

“Being in Port Au Prince with CBC in 1986 when Duvalier fled the country.

Violent mobs tried to flip our Land Cruiser with us inside while we saw people being “necklaced” around us. We were shaken but not stirred, thankfully.”

Funniest broadcasting moment?

“Watching Mr. T sit on Nancy Reagan’s lap during a White House photo-op.”

Saddest broadcasting moment?

“Covering both Tsunamis in their aftermaths. The magnitude of nature’s ability to destroy everything within the space of minutes was humbling.”

Most interesting broadcasting moment?

“So many, but every occasion I had to film surgical operations was a unique opportunity to see the inner workings of the human body and to view the everyday miracles performed by the medical community.”

What do you miss most about broadcasting?

“I miss the camaraderie of a full crew working hard together to bring current events into viewers’ living rooms.”

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Do you have any media heroes and if so why?

“Joe Schlesinger of CBC and Mike Wallace of CBS. The most consummate professionals who practiced their crafts, despite the risks involved, to the best of their abilities so that their audiences could form the most educated decisions about world affairs. My working experiences with them were master classes in journalism.”

Most interesting political figure you’ve met?

“South Korea’s Kim Dae-Jung, who tried in vain to bring lasting peace to the Korean Peninsula”.

Most fascinating place you’ve visited?

“A tie between the Mongolian steppes and Far Eastern Russia.”

What places do you still want to visit and why?

“North Korea; it’s been my “holy grail” for decades because it remains unimaginable to me.”

Why did you decide to stay in Thailand?

“I moved here in 1992, and have always found it to be an exciting base for working in the television industry. I retired from active news coverage in 2016 so as I now have our Bagel shop, this will be my home. Plus, the desire to return to the USA waned a long time ago.”

What are your favourite hobbies?

“Photography and (embarrassingly) Twitter.”

Favourite author(s)?

“Christopher Hitchens, P.J. O’Rourke, and almost everyone who writes for the New Yorker”.

Favourite film(s)?

“Apocalypse Now (the original).”

Non-media hero and why?

“Malala Yousafzai. Her bravery and commitment are what everyone should aspire to.”

If you hadn’t been in broadcasting, you would have been…?

“A travel agent.”

Do you notice any similar character traits between Canadians and Thais?

“Love of beer.”

What do you miss most about North America?

“The vastness, the wide-open geographical areas, the abilty to hop in the car and just drive aimlessly for hours.”

What is special about the Feedpoint Café?

“We try to be laid-back and remind our patrons of lunch at home. We encourage discussions of current topics in an open and free space, much like “chatting around the old pickle barrel.”

What’s your idea of a perfect day?

“24 C, billowy clouds in azure blue skies, the wind at my back, drinking a Bloody Caesar on the balcony.”

What is the perfect bagel?

“A light but moderately crunchy crust, a bit of a struggle to pull apart, a chewy and firm interior. “If it’s not boiled it’s not a bagel”

Canada keen to turn a page, and rejuvenate linkage with AIT

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Story by Bajinder Pal Singh “Today should make a change and a turning of a page in our relations with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT).”

Stating this, Canadian Ambassador to Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, H.E. Ms. Donica Pottie, described her maiden visit to AIT on 2 June 2017 as an opportunity to catch up with the past, and work towards creating a collaboration in the future.

Stressing that Canada has enjoyed a “longstanding relationship with AIT” in the past, the Ambassador said she was keen to explore as to how the two could work together in the new global environment. “We are looking at areas to collaborate, and explore things we could do to support AIT,” she remarked.

There is a global rethink on development assistance, as Canada is focusing on regional programs rather than bilateral programs, she added.

Welcoming the Ambassador, AIT President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai spoke of the deep relations that AIT had enjoyed with Canada. Thanking the Ambassador for her encouraging remarks, Prof. Worsak informed the visiting Canadian delegation that former AIT President Prof. Roger G. H. Downer (who assumed office in August 1996) joined AIT from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. Canadian support led to the establishment of the Human Settlements Development (HSD) Division at AIT in 1977, and the development of Habitech Technology in the mid-1980s, Prof. Worsak said. He also mentioned that in 2015, support from Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) had helped 30 Afghan students to study water resources at AIT.

Prof. Worsak added that AIT is a neutral platform for international cooperation and that it serves as a global platform on global issues like climate change, urbanization and disasters among others. “AIT is a truly independent and international

AIT President Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai (left) with H.E. Ms. Donica Pottie. institute hosted in Thailand,” the AIT President added.

The Ambassador was accompanied

by Ms. Nitchawan Sriviboone, Trade Commissioner, and Ms. Pattana Vongratanavichit, Development Officer from the Embassy of Canada.

The Canadian delegation was also informed of various academic and research projects conducted at AIT with collaborative support from Canada.

Emeritus Professor Karl Weber spoke about the historical context of Canada’s relationship with AIT. Prof. Kyoko Kusakabe, Dr. Philippe Doneys, Dr. Nophea Sasaki, and Dr. Vilas Nitivattananon — all from AIT’s School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD) elaborated on their ongoing and recent research work.

A highlight of the Ambassador’s visit was an interaction with students from Afghanistan, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, where students informed the visiting dignitary about their life and experience at AIT.

A recipient of Canada’s DFATD scholarship informed everyone of how he was born in a refugee camp in Iran, since his family had to flee Afghanistan after the 1979 invasion. “As refugees, we had little rights and education was non-existent,” he told a stunned audience. He resumed education after his family returned to Afghanistan in 2001, and today, he was a proud recipient of a Canadian-funded, ADB scholarship to study Water Resources Engineering at AIT. The Ambassador described the story as “moving” and “inspiring,” and admired the student for his fortitude and commitment. She also interacted with students from Cambodia and Laos in her capacity as Canada’s Ambassador to Cambodia and Laos.

At the AIT library, the Canadian Ambassador was guided by an AIT robot through the library corridor.

July - August 2017

21

CanCham News

Pattaya ice rink opens with thrilling Gulf of Siam Classic

P

Photos by Naz Brown

Pattaya’s first ice skating rink had only been opened for two weeks, before it hosted the city’s first ice hockey tournament, the inaugural Gulf of Siam 2017 Ice Hockey Classic. Staged at The Rink, on the 5th floor of the new Harbor Mall on Pattaya Klang Road, the 3-on-3 competition proved to be a thrilling format for fans and players alike.

Four teams competed in the tournament: the organizer, Jogsports Sweaters; along with Jellonas, a Finnish team; the SHL Selects; and the hometown Pattaya Pirates. The Pirates had some stars in their line-up including Oleg Kabokov, who played in the KHL and with NHL star Jaromir Jagr. They also iced Reine Rauhala, who played on the Swedish junior national team with NHL great Peter Forsberg and played against the great Finnish line of Ville Peltonen, Jere Lehtinen and Saku Koivu.

Pattaya went 1-2 in the round-robin stage, so they faced Jellonas in the consolation final beating them 10-6 (they beat the same team 11-5 in the round-robin round). Alexi Makhonin was the Pirates’ player of the game in

their consolation triumph. Their leading scorer was Kabokov with 13 goals and 7 assists.

Jogsports went undefeated to capture the round-robin tourney, but things looked bleak two-thirds of the way through the championship game as they were down 5-0 to the SHL Selects near the end of the second period. Then they launched what can only be described as “one of the most remarkable comebacks in recreational hockey history”, as they fought back to tie the SHL Selects

6-6 in regular time, before going on to win 7-6 in extra time.

Jogsports’ Gregory Thoma was the star of the tournament. When he turned on the jets, no one could touch him, He finished the tourney with 10 goals and 10 assists, including a spectacular 3 goals and 3 assists, including the tournament winner, in the final game to lead the Jogsports comeback. The Swissair pilot played in between flights, and soon after the tourney, he was back in the cockpit piloting a 777-300ER back to Zurich.

When he played for Schwenningen in the Bundesliga, he was coached by former NHL 50-goal scorer Mike Bullard.

The Jogsports team consisted of Scott Whitcomb, Adrian Meyers, Simon Rindlisbacher, Mike Forbes, Alastair Fawcett, keeper Yves Gaboriualt and captain Scott Murray.

You can pleasure skate and rent skates every day at the Rink while the Pattaya Pirates hold practices every Tuesday night (https://www. facebook.com/pages/The-Rink-IceArena/1740468452911818).

22

Voyageur

nspiring ndividuals

At KIS International School all students can shine. The midsize, caring community allows KIS students to be confident and to be appreciated as an individual, with unique dreams and strengths. The school is a full IB school, offering the International Baccalaureate Programmes for all age groups (IB Primary Years Programme, IB Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma), ensuring an academically rigorous curriculum that not only prepares students to be successful at university, but also teaches important life skills.

KIS, it’s all about Knowledge, Inspiration and Spirit.

Check out the students’ videos to learn more about their passion www.kis.ac.th

Tel: +66 (0) 2274 3444 Email: admissions@kis.ac.th

“If you do things with passion, your audience can feel it ” Anthea, Grade 3.

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