Advance ~ July 2011

July 2011 1AustChamThailand Advance

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN-THAI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AUSTRALIA THAILAND BUSINESS COUNCIL

July 2011 www.austchamthailand.com

embassy newsThailand Played Host to Cervical Cancer Vaccine Creator

community servicesConvoy for Kids Golf Day 2011

austraLian aLumni Nikki Lohitnavy Presents at StudyAdelaide Dinner

8 12 18 21

In This EditionWhat Warehouse Management Software (WMS) Can Do for You?

austChamThailand

business briefWould Anyone Sell One of Their Kidneys to Buy Your Products?

AustCham Masked Ball 2011

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ContentsPatronHis excellency James wiseAustralian Ambassador to the Kingdomof Thailand

PresiDentJohn andersonMeinhardtPortfolio: Regional Links

vice PresiDentsm.L. Laksasubha KridakonBaan Laksasubha ResortPortfolio: Alumni

belinda skinnerTop Talent AsiaPortfolio: Communications and English Teaching

treasurerLeigh scott-KemmisDBMPortfolio: Advancing Trade and Commerce

DirectorsDavid bellCrestcom – Ra-Kahng AssociatesPortfolio: Speakers and Talks

andrew DurieuxCoveragePortfolio: Member Benefits

Khun Jurairat JammaneeHASSELLPortfolio: AustCham Ball

warwick Kneale Baker Tilly Portfolio: Community Services

sam mizziMcConnell Dowell Portfolio: AFL and Eastern Seaboard Industry

Khun suganya ransiguttaTMFPortfolio: Business Awards

ben yongBaker McKenziePortfolio: Legal

saeed Zaki , Ph.D.dwpPortfolio: Breakfast Briefings

eX officiomaurine LamRegional Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, ASEAN

embassy news12 Thailand Played Host to

Cervical Cancer Vaccine Creator Professor Ian Frazer

austcHam baLL14 AustCham Masked Ball 2011

members aDvancing17 Sally Holloway to join the IB

Board of Govenors

community services18 The 10th Volvo Convoy for Kids

Charity Golf Event20 Voluntary English Teaching

at Baan Khao Din School, Chonburi on 18 June 2011

aLumni news21 StudyAdelaide Dinner with

Nikki Lohitnavy on 14 June at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit

business brief 6 Congratulations To Visy

Packaging, Recipient of the AustCham Business of the Year Award

8 Would Anyone Sell One of Their Kidneys to Buy Your Products?

10 What Warehouse Management Software (WMS) Can Do for You?

24 cHamber events22 Rod William Beatie Receives the

Order of Australia22 Australia: The Lucky Country?

Luncheon on 10 June 201122 Joint SME Dinner at The British

Club on 12 May 201122 Key Issues Dinner: Thailand’s

Political Outlook on 19 May 201124 Bangkok Commonwealth

Sundowners on Wednesday 2 June 2010

new members26 AustCham’s New Members

members’ offers28 AustCham Members’ Offers

from tHe cHamber office30 Message from the AustCham

Office


nial sunset and lowering of the ensign. A little known fact is that when you are onboard an Australian Naval Ship – you are on Australian Sovereign territory! AustCham Thailand is a member of Aus-tralian Business Asia (ABA). The ABA groups Australian Chamber of com-merce throughout the region. Recently the Executive Director and I partici-pated in a tele-conference call with other ED’s and Presidents. Amongst the various issues discussed, was one that we raised regarding the retendering of the “Australian Television Network” by DFAT. The contract is currently held by the ABC. The ABC and Fox Network are both bidding for rights to the broadcast. One key condition of the tender that has gained the attention of the expatriate Australian community is that the suc-cessful bidder will be required to show less Australian sport content. Many of our members are concerned that they will no longer be able to watch Austral-ian Football League (AFL) matches. The ABA has taken action and raised this issue in a letter to the Australian Foreign Affairs Minister the Hon Kevin Rudd MP.

Finally, following the elections in Thai-land we look forward to a long period of peace and prosperity. We hope that the Thai people can reconcile their differ-ences and move forward.

John AndersonPresident, AustCham Thailandwww.austchamthailand.com

FROM THE BOARD

coorDinatorsPaul whyteNew Asia PacificESB CoordinatorEmail: [email protected] Paul wilkinsonCEA ProjectsESB CoordinatorEmail: [email protected]

steve brajakRaimon LandPhuket CoordinatorEmail: [email protected] Harry usherLady PiePhuket CoordinatorEmail: [email protected]

australian-thai chamber of commerce20th Floor, Thai CC Tower889 South Sathorn RoadBangkok 10120Tel.: +66 2 210 0216 Fax: +66 2 675 [email protected]

editorial committeeBelinda Skinner, Robert Taylor,Josh Hyland, Gregers Moller,Gary Woollacott

marketing & Production Scand-Media Corp. Ltd4/41-42 Moo 3, Thanyakarn VillageRamintra Soi 14, BangkokTel.: +66 2 943-7166/8 Fax: +66 2 [email protected]

advertisingFinn BalslevEmail: [email protected]

Contributions to Advance magazine are welcome. Please submit content to [email protected] by the first day of the month for publication in the following month’s magazine.

Opinions expressed in Advance do not necessarily reflect the views of the Chamber.

President’s Message

I had a lot of fun this year at our Aust-Cham Ball. From the photographs in this edition of Advance it is evident I

was not alone. Held on June 11 at the Intercontinental Hotel, we had over 350 persons in attendance including His Excellency the Australian Ambassador to Thailand and his wife and the NZTCC President. I am so glad that we man-aged to hold the event this year – be it five months later than usual. Thank you so much to Jurairat Jammanee, Belinda Skinner, Gary Woollacott, Anne Lewin-ski, Anne Hutton, Veronique Sirault and Chales Wrightman for delivering such a fantastic event. Of course none of it would have been possible without the tireless efforts of our AustCham staff in particular Khun Chanakarn Lim. I wish to also thank the support of our sponsors Strategic Airlines, Diageo Moet Hen-nessy and Natural Ville & LeNotre. After such a successful event, the question begs – do we hold the event in 2012 on Australia Day – or should we continue to hold it mid year? This is something the ball committee and board will need to deliberate soon.

Sundowners continues to be well attended. This month we will be inviting the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) to our “Star and Stripes” Sundowners at the Centara Grande on 6 July. One thing I would ask is that every-one is mindful of our sponsors and pay them respect by being quiet for five min-utes during speeches. If not, we may need to put you in the naughty corner where no drinks will be served for at least half an hour!

As President I attend quite a few func-tions. Recently, the AustCham board was invited for cocktails aboard the Australian Naval frigate HMAS Ballarat in Satahip. The HMAS Ballarat together with the HMAS Parramatta were both in Thailand to do joint naval exercises with the Thai navy. I had never been aboard a naval ship and it was an absolute privi-lege to be invited onto this ship, hosted by the two ship commanders Guy Black-burn and Heath Robertson. The crew were most hospitable and dedicated. We were served emu, kangaroo, croco-dile and other Australian wildlife which proved interesting, watching the reac-tions from the Thai navy officers. The night was capped off with a ceremo-

6 July 2011 AustChamThailand Advance

congratulations to visy Packaging, recipient of the austcham business of the year award

Visy Packaging (Thailand) Ltd is subsidiary of Visy Industries in Australia. Visy is the largest pri-

vately owned packaging and recycling company in the world. As a major global influence in the areas of Fibre chain opti-misation and environmental sustainabil-ity; Visy is also a manufacturer of plastic container in Australia, whilst the growing Food Plastics business brings a new dimension to the Plastic offer through its footprint in both Australia and Asia.

formuLa for success

Visy is committed to being a first-choice employer by creating a safe, inclusive and inspiring workplace nearly one-third of our current employees globally have been with Visy for more than ten years.

Visy Packaging (Thailand) Ltd’s key is quality of our submission, customer led, low cost and inspired by innovation. Visy strives to be the most advanced factory in the world of our sector, the thermo-formed barrier plastic cups. They pride themselves on their unique manufac-turing ultra-high-technology, breadth of long term strategic, scientific and equip-ment as well as manufacturers bringing the very latest best practices to Thailand.

They also convert waste into value, manage and minimise their impacts on the environment by creating environ-mentally sustainable products and ser-vices. More than 98 per cent of Visy’s products have recycled content and are fully recyclable.

comPetitive aDvantages in tHe tHai marKet

Their achievement is the highest tech-nology in Thailand. The plant uses Aus-tralian technology and research and development work. They have an excel-lent, world class technical team, strong research and development support-ing our Thailand plant. They share the knowledge and transfer the know-how to Thailand. They continually search for better ways of doing things. They are never satisfied with the status quo. Food Plastics - delivers shelf stable and

BUSINESS BRIEF

preservative free contents that do not require refrigeration until opening. The world first - inspection line using state of the art camera technology is able to 100 percent inspect 360 degrees of every cup made.

current marKet Position anD future PLans

Visy Plastic’s manufacturing footprint includes all states in Australia as well as a presence in New Zealand, Thailand, Vietnam and a joint venture business in Malaysia. This provides Visy with a great platform to meet the needs of customers in the entire Asia Pacific region.

Their aim is to become the market’s leading provider of sustainable packag-

ing solutions covering a range of tech-nology platforms in the food, beverage, household, personal care and pharma-ceutical categories.

cLear communication anD LeaDersHiP

They continue to engage, encourage and develop their people. They are com-mitted to sharing our talents and capa-bilities across businesses and regions. Their best people are recognised, sup-ported and challenged to achieve beyond their initial expectations. Value starts within – Employees, customers, our environment and all shareholders must experience value from any Visy footprint, anywhere around the globe.

a winning concePt

They strive to build strong relationship with their customers and make them profitable. When customers succeed so do they. They will never stop driving to achieve lowest cost across the entire business. They are relentless to meet all customers need. Their production line is fully automated and optimal lean-manu-facturing – their employees are empow-ered and their presence in Thailand is for their customers ensuring 100 per cent defects free supply.

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would anyone sell one of their Kidneys to buy your Products?

By: Marc Smith, Very Useuful Company

You may have read in the news recently about a teenage boy, from Hunan in China, who sold

one of his own kidneys to get the cash to buy a new iPad. The young boy said, “I really wanted an iPad2 at that time, but I didn’t have enough money. When I got on the Internet, an agent promised me 20,000RMB if I sell one of my kidneys.” What’s going on here? What makes people become this irrational about a product?

What is it that makes hundreds of people queue up every day just to buy a box of Krispy Kreme donuts? Are the donuts really that special? No! What makes McDonalds successful when arguably there are far better burgers around? And what makes people spend more than the recommended retail price just to get their hands the first of the new iPads?

What we’re talking about here is good branding – the magic that not only makes some people become crazy, but more importantly, it’s what helps compa-nies maintain their premium prices, while staying above and beyond their compe-tition and keep their customers loyal.

branding is still widely misused and misunderstood here.

One of the biggest reasons for this is

that many companies still see branding as an expense and part of their market-ing budget. And of course most market-ing budgets are linked directly to sales. They want return on investment when they do ‘promotions’. But this is some-thing that must change if a company is to start creating their own brand and get out of the cycle of price and product ori-entated marketing.

It’s not just about groovy logos, graph-ics or ad campaigns either. You can’t just stick your logo on everything and expect to be a brand. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had clients insisting to make their logo bigger, or repeated more, as if somehow this will make them a brand. This is delusional.

A brand must be the whole company and in every customer touch point from top to bottom. In short, the brand must be the raison d’être of the whole organi-sation. Therefore, it must start from, and be embraced by, the board of directors or the owner of the company, not just rel-egated to the marketing department to sort it out.

Branding is an investment and therefore it must be required to deliver ROI and value just like any other business activ-ity. It must appear on the left side of the balance sheet as an intangible asset and its value is subject to change (either upward or downward).

When we look at brand-orientated com-panies, we can see three distinct things that set them apart from others: They have the right boardroom beliefs about brand-ing; they have in place the right skill sets to build and manage their brand; and they allocate the right resources to build and sustainable their brand equity. The advantages for a company to become a strong brand are profound. The biggest advantage of course is that customers are often willing to pay substantial and consistent premium prices.

People (you included) associate them-selves with a good brand and its attrib-utes in their lives and they build strong emotional relationships and loyalty. And overall, a great brand drives share-holder and company value. It’s therefore valued in financial terms and as such lives on the asset side of the balance sheet. Look at Apple for example – their brand value alone is now the highest in the world at around US$153 billion and climbing. Do you really believe that they have achieved this with just price strat-egy and retail marketing?

so why aren’t more companies in thailand creating their own powerful brands?

Historically, a large part of Asia’s eco-nomic development can be attributed to low-cost advantages that have enabled a lot companies to gain their market share in the past.

But low costs alone can’t keep providing a significant advantage. What’s more, the cutthroat competition in many indus-tries, and the world economy taking a nose dive recently, have been putting huge pressures on margins and forcing companies to look for additional ways to survive and grow.

To be fair, there are some companies here who have put their focus towards creating their own brands, and they are gaining the rewards from premium pric-ing and less competition. Banyan Tree Hotels (Singaporean owned), The Ori-ental, CP Group, DTAC, Redbull, Jim

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Thompson, to name a few, have put branding at the core of their businesses. You don’t have to be big or global to start creating your own brand, you just need to start with the right mindset.

But why has this been so slow for so many other companies here and why do we see so much ugly, price-orien-tated advertising everywhere we look in Bangkok?

There are some basic reasons for this, and it’s not just Thai companies; some of this also rings true for many Western businesses here.

The first reason is economics. Broadly, as developing countries move from low tech to high tech, and start to move up the value chain, they generally become more inclined to supplement their low cost advantages with some sort of value perspective. This is where brands often start to emerge to play their role as key drivers of value through better price pre-miums and enhanced customer experi-ence and loyalty.

Lack of innovation is another big reason. As low cost ceases to provide a sus-tainable competitive edge for compa-nies, being different and standing out by enhanced innovation will be essential for their future success. Innovation needs to become a top priority for any company aspiring to build a strong brand.

Also, the prevalent mindset across Asia is largely based on a trading mentality, rather than branding, and the generation of revenues, rather than profits. Many companies have chosen to diversify and spread their profit centers, rather than try to add better values to their core business. For many of these companies, it’s hard to create a relevant, clear and differentiated brand strategy, and build a corporate brand that encompasses all areas, when a business is so focused on trading and has its hands dipped in many different pies.

The Asian business structure is another important reason for the lack of strong brands because many business struc-tures here often consist of many small or family-owned businesses. It’s much harder to begin to build a brand when resources are limited. In these cases, the management would usually favour short-term business wins rather than

brand strategies that require more resources and long-term perspectives.

And finally, there is rampant copying. We’ve all seen how, as soon as one busi-ness becomes successful here, others rush in to copy them. Many companies have faced rampant counterfeiting or infringement of IP rights. Unless legisla-tion and law enforcement improve in the region, it may be a hurdle that prevents many companies to try to build unique brands here. meanwhile, the consumer has become king.

Look around Bangkok and we see most companies still using the same kind of marketing from decades ago, even though the world has changed significantly. When I see so much discounting and price orien-tated marketing, I see a kind of despera-tion and I know it’s inevitably a losing battle for most of these companies. Essentially, they are just giving away their hard-earned profits to try to lure more customers. This is lazy marketing. But, today, consumers are placing ever more importance on brands rather than price; and no more so than here in Asia.

Unlike Westerners, Asians place far more importance on status, affiliation and social interaction as their highest aspirations, so the good brands really play into these needs very well. Thai cul-ture is essentially collectivist in nature, so the social aspect of good brands plays a big role in its success. Brands provide competitive advantages as they create strong bonds and loyalty with customers while also creating barriers for competition.

Brands give people a sense of identity, stimulate their senses and enrich their life experiences. People have a basic need to affiliate and surround them-selves with things they know well, trust and aspire to be.

From a customer viewpoint, a brand is a ‘badge’ of quality and creates a bond of trust. It has little to do with price and even less to do with the old style adver-tising that we see everywhere. I wonder just how much money is wasted every day on all of this.

What’s more, society today is overloaded with information, and the average person

receives far more information than one can possibly digest. Therefore, people are trying to simplify their world by rely-ing on a variety of heuristics t o minimise the amount of searching and information processing needed to make reasonable decisions. This means that, once people believe that a brand works for them, they are less likely to seek out new informa-tion that challenges that assumption.

And if that’s not enough, with the mas-sive growth of the Internet, combined with the explosion of smart phones and devises in the past two years, people (your customers) now have all the power. The old marketing tricks that companies once had don’t really work as they once did. You see, anyone can now search for information about anything on Google then ask their friends for opinions, all without ever contacting your company.

It is predicted that by 2012 more people will be connected to the Internet via their mobile devices than from their desk-top computers. If your company isn’t embracing this major issue, along with good branding, then you will probably be left behind in the dust.

Where once it was companies that were king of the market place, now it’s con-sumers who are in full control.

take a look at your own business and ask yourself some questions.

You don’t need to be a big company to start creating a good brand. You don’t even need to brand your whole com-pany. Perhaps you have a product that’s in need of good branding. But if you get your brand right and it truly resonates with your customers, you will surely reap the rewards and elevate yourself above your competition and constant price wars.

So ask yourself: would your customers line up in the streets for hours, or climb over your competition to get to you? Or would they even sell one of their kidneys to buy your products? If not, why not?

Marc Smith runs Very Useful Company, a Creative Branding company based in Bangkok. He has spent 32 years in the advertising industry as Creative Direc-tor and Strategist and 16 of those years in Asia. For more information go to www.very-usefulcompany.com He can be contacted at: [email protected]

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what warehouse management software (wms) can Do for you?

By Geoffrey Storey

A properly selected and imple-mented warehouse manage-ment system can easily increase

productivity by 20 to 30 per cent whilst producing inventory accuracy rates that exceed 99 per cent.

Warehouse management systems were first introduced back in the mid 1970’s to enable real-time material tracking and resource management in conventional warehouses, based on mini-computer platforms. These early WMS packages featured the use of radio frequency data communications that allowed direct online communications with lift truck operators and other warehouse employ-ees. Most of these early systems were custom-developed to meet user speci-fications, but today these systems are a lot more flexible and customisation to fit an organisation’s requirements and needs is very easy.

The system requires the careful bal-ancing of competing objectives such as space utilisation versus organisa-tional flexibility, picking speed versus accuracy, and increasing throughout versus minimising labor costs.

Today’s economic environment has only heightened this challenge, with increased scrutiny of capital expendi-tures, and more demanding require-ments for return on investment (ROI).

We all use banks to hold our money and they have well trained staff and a bank vault to protect the assets, so why does industry use a warehouse to house their assets but does not have the systems or trained personel to pro-tect their assets and improve their effi-ciencies?

Through the use of WMS which is a seamless flow of real time information, every step of the fulfillment process is tracked and traced from begin-ning to completion. The client can securely access data 24 hours a day, seven days a week via the internet

with secured passwords. This enables customers to view real time activity on the web rather than having to trans-act during customer service personnel hours. Shipment tracking and detail, real-time order picking, product allo-cation, ship confirmation, and report-ing all can be seen by the user through the system.

Other features that WMS offer include:

• Purchasing – The system integrates purchasing with your inventory to reduce unwanted carrying costs and data-entry errors and these updates are done in real time;

• Receiving and Put-Away;• Inventory Control;• Order Fulfillment Shipping;• Integration;• Radio Frequency;• Cross-docking;• Bar coding stock;• Stock rotation;• Physical inventory/cycle counting;• Kit Building if required – This can be

used to do a lot of other functions”;• Track and trace; and• Assembly module for co-packing

and production – is available with some software systems.

The programming and mapping of transactional data between software and customer is critical to success. The interface process is the foundation of the IT functionality of the service pro-vider, who can help you do this func-tionally.

The software may need to interface with Oracle, JD Edwards, SAP, Mincom, Prism, PeopleSoft, and many others. The IT and resources in-house can accommodate and interface with any and multiple order management sys-tems. Working to ensure that the flow of information is smooth and allows for a collaborative solution.

wHo uses tHis software?

Manufacturers are considered to be the main user of this software. The func-

tions that WMS provide, enable them to become world class and fully func-tional and efficient in their operations.

The software gives input to a produc-tion on the amount of raw materials that are available to meet the produc-tion schedules. It also gives sales the amount of stock on hand that is avail-able to be sold and the locations of the stock if there is more than one loca-tion or warehouse. But what is some-times overlooked is its ability to record all the maintenance spare parts and track insurance spares – all from one software system. It a very versatile tool when implemented and integrated into an organisation correctly.

Even those who are very experienced in the field of manufacturing would be surprised at how much benefit a well configured WMS could add to their business. WMSs are also able to func-tionally contribute to all organisations. Slightly altering the system makes them of great value to industries such as:

• Third Party Logistics (3PL);• Food Service;• Healthcare Inventory;• Hospitalty; and• Wholesale Distributors.

Solutions for food services organisa-tions is used as an example below.

Success in the food service business is about timeliness and quality. Run-ning an efficient food service opera-tion requires tracking fresh ingredients and perishable food inventory. You also need to remain flexible and adaptable to ensure that all recipes and menus are executed and delivered without a glitch.

Using a Warehouse Management System to create complete control for food service operations by eliminating manual data entry, countless paperwork and any guesswork in determining what food is in stock. It needs to be enhanced by the client to show stock and mate-rial visibility and control, updating your

BUSINESS BRIEF


food inventory levels as recipes are pro-cessed. This allows you to remain in control and on time. With the warehouse management system as an on demand solution, you can see and control your entire food service inventory from any-where at anytime of the day.

Benefits: • Maintain real-time inventory of food,

beverages, and supplies;• Automate recipe and menu execution;• Eliminate overstocks or expired ingre-

dients;• Eliminate duplicate data entry errors;• Improve staff productivity;• Improve supplier management; and• Streamline inventory management,

storage, and preservation across kitchens and pantries.

Features:• Plan and track cost of goods for reci-

pes and menus;• Review, verify, and reconcile quanti-

ties received against bills of lading,

contracts, purchase requests, and shipping documents;

• Share stock records and other docu-ments such as inventory, material con-trol, accounting, and supply reports across operations and accounting departments; and

• Perform inventory and financial man-agement procedures, including order-ing, receiving, and storing supplies.

software as a service (saas)

Many companies today are finding that they do not wish to invest in such a soft-ware system because of cost, having to maintain the system and the need to have staff to provide the IT support. In today’s market, you don’t have to. SAAS providers are a cheaper alternative – only payment to rent the software is required and no software upkeep is required. The supplier of the software provides all the support and enhancements.

Some advantages to SAAS include that it:

• Eliminates 95 per cent of IT expenses;• Helps in speeding up the implemen-

tation of change; and• Makes implementation of web

access for customers easy.

Implementing a WMS that is modern and up to date gives one the compet-itive edge of being able to respond to market trends a lot quicker. If their company grows then the system that grows with them and is capable of multi site operations. With the supplier being responsible to upgrade the software functional operation is maintained at a very small fee.

Savings, efficiency and the elimination of waste. Can you afford to miss the boat?

Supply Solutions, with its review, can show you just what your savings will be, so contact us: [email protected]

BUSINESS BRIEF


EMBASSY NEWS

Creator of the HPV vaccine against cervical cancer and 2006 Australian of the Year,

Professor Ian Frazer visited Thailand recently for a science diplomacy tour of South East Asia. During his stay in Thailand, Professor Frazer conducted special talks and screenings of the ‘Catching Cancer’ documentary at uni-versities in Bangkok as well as meeting with Thai scientists and researchers.

Speaking at Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and Siriraj Hospital, Profes-sor Frazer shared his knowledge about the developments in cancer research in Australia with an enthusiastic audience in the health and medical field.

“Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital take pride in hosting this special event that brings together medical profession-als to meet with a world-renowned researcher, to exchange experience in cutting-edge research, and to share expertise and profound perspectives. I hope that this will lead to a deeper understanding of our commitment,

thailand Played Host to cervical cancer vaccine creator Professor ian frazer

as well as encourage more effective responses to the existing threats to public health.” Dr Vorasuk Shotelersuk MD, Professor of Pediatrics, Director of the Center of Excellence for Medi-cal Genetics, Department of Paediat-rics and Assistant Dean on Research Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalong-korn University, said as part of the wel-coming speech.

Unfortunately, cancer continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide. In Thailand, the latest statistics show that cancer is the number one cause of death, ahead of accidents and heart disease.

“According to the 2009 statistics of the Thai Society of Clinical Oncol-ogy, over 56,000 Thais die of cancer annually, with more than 80,000 new patients diagnosed each year. Unfortu-nately these numbers are still climbing, with the most vulnerable group being people aged 45 years and above.” Dr Vorasuk said.

“According to Thailand’s National Cancer Institute, around 6,000 Thai women develop cervical cancer each year, and about half die from the dis-ease, largely from a failure to detect the cancer early. The work done by people such as Professor Frazer can undoubt-edly help to reduce the terrible effects of this disease,” he said.

In Australia, likewise, cancer is a lead-ing cause of death with more than

Viruses can cause cancer. And, believe it or not, that’s good news.

From left: Mr Mark Wood, Counsellor of Austrade; Ms Elodie Journet, Trade Commissioner, ASEAN Health & Medical Team Leader; Mrs Caroline Frazer; Prof. Vorasuk Shotelersuk M.D. ; Prof. Ian Frazer; Mr Simon Farbenbloom, Deputy Head of Mission of Australian Embassy and Prof. Emeritus Charas Suwanwela, Vice President for Medical Affairs of Chulabhorn Research Insttitute


EMBASSY NEWS

43,000 people estimated to have died from the disease in 2010. Fortunately with advances in medical research, the survival rate for many common cancers has increased by 30 per cent in the past two decades.

Recognising these facts, Australia con-siders that sustained research and development is the key to managing cancer. Australia is a world leader in medical research generally, with most of our 11 Nobel Prize winners being from the medical and scientific fields.

“The Australian Government is commit-ted to ensuring that Australia remains at the forefront of research and dis-covery regarding cancer, its origins and treatment, and the care of people affected by it. The Australian Cancer Research Foundation was established in 1987, and in 2006 ‘Cancer Australia’, a national government cancer agency was set up to reduce the impact of cancer on all Australians and to manage specific programs under the Australian Government’s National Cancer Plan.” Mr Simon Farbenbloom, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy, said in

his opening speech at King Chulalong-korn Memorial Hospital.

“Over the last three years, the Austral-ian Government has committed $2.3 billion, or close to 70 billion baht, in infrastructure, medicines, screening and research to build a world class cancer care system in Australia, includ-ing new Integrated Cancer Centres in Sydney and Melbourne. Australia also has a significant number of world class biotech companies in the cancer field.” Mr Farbenbloom said.

The talks also included the screening of ‘Catching Cancer’ the Australian docu-mentary that investigates emerging evi-dence linking viruses and bacteria to an increasing number of cancers. The document featured Prof. Frazer as a major character of the film and includes interviews with Australian and interna-tional scientists.

“Worldwide, cervical cancer kills about half a million women every year, and since it’s an infectious disease effectively, what that really says is that this is an epidemic of infection. Now if any other infection

were killing half a million women world-wide every single year, there would be an outcry about doing something about it.” Professor Frazer, said.

Professor Frazer’s ground breaking work has been rewarded with many prizes from countries around the world including Australian of the Year and the William B Coley Award from the US Cancer Research Institute in 2006; and the Balzan Prize for Preventive Medi-cine and the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science in 2008. He is president of the Cancer Council Australia, and advises the World Health Organisation and the Bill and Melissa Gates Foundation on papilloma virus vaccines.

Professor Frazer visit to Thailand high-lighted Australia’s scientific achieve-ments and supported the increased cooperation between Thailand and Australia in the area of health and med-ical research.

The visit was hosted by the Austral-ian Embassy, Bangkok, the Australian Trade Commission, Chulalongkorn Uni-versity and Mahidol University.

Prof. Ian Frazer discussed with Assoc. Prof. Chaiyoth Theerapakawong, president of Thai Gynecologic Cancer Society.

Professor Ian Frazer (Centre) with medical professionals and academic members of Obstetrics and Gynecology department, Mahidol University

Mr Simon Farbenbloom, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy, gave opening speech at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.

Prof. Ian Frazer received souvenir from Assoc. Prof. Anupan Tantiwong, Deputy Dean of Siriraj Hospital

Professor Ian Frazer conducted special talk at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital


AUSTCHAM BALL 2011

AustCham Masked Ball 2011

Saturday, 11 June 2011 saw the renowned AustCham Ball – an evening to dress up and celebrate

Australia. This year’s ‘masked’ theme saw guests arriving to the party in an array of creative and amusing masks.

Special thanks go to Gary Woollacott and Andrew Biggs who did a fabu-lous job at emceeing. The night was packed with great entertainment and fantastic fun. From the costume con-test and Raja’s photo shoot corner to

frozen drinks by juicyFX, cocktails by Diageo Moet Hennessy, divine desserts by Le Notre, and many special prizes donated by generous companies all made the evening a succcess and a great time was had by all.

An enormous thank you must go to our hosts, Strategic Airlines for their spon-sorship of the evening and prize give-aways; two return tickets to Australia. Thanks also to the Westin for donating accommodation at Westin Melbourne.

baht 100,900 raised for charity.

AustCham has begun a project to pur-chase 15 heavily subsidised comput-ers from SVOA. The computers will be donated to “The Hub” – an Australian-backed youth center in Bangkok that provides basic needs to underprivileged children. With funds raised on the night of the Masked Ball alone, just over 50 per cent of the total cost (Baht 200,000) has been raised. Thanks and congratu-lations to all the lucky raffle winners!

Proudly Sponsored by Strategic Airlines and Supported by Natural Ville & LeNotre and Diageo Moet Hennessy on

Saturday, 11 June 2011 at the InterContinental Hotel


Strategic Airlines Natural Ville & Le Notre Diageo Moet Hennessy juicyFX Westin Melbourne


AUSTCHAM BALL 2011



THE BRITISH CLUBBANGKOK

AUSTCHAM BALL 2011


AustCham Masked Ball


MEMBERS ADVANCING

KIS International School is very proud to announce that Mrs. Sally Holloway, founding Head of

the school, has been invited to occupy a position on the IB Board of Gover-nors. Previously Mrs. Holloway was an elected member for the Heads Council of the IBO from 2008-2010 and served on the IB Board as Chair of the Heads Council from 2009-2010.

IB was founded in 1968 and is currently working with 3,250 schools in 141 coun-tries to develop and offer three chal-lenging programmes to over 939,000 students aged three to 19 years. The IB Board of Governors is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the IB organization, appointing the Direc-tor General, adopting a mission state-ment, making policy, overseeing the IB’s financial management, and ensur-ing the autonomy and integrity of IB diploma examinations and other stu-

Sally Holloway to join the IB Board of Govenors

dent assessment. Mrs. Holloway will be joining the Board which comprises 20 or more members from various backgrounds including other Heads of School, educational consultants, those with strong financial or leader-

ship expertise and others in high profile positions in both government and non-government organisations.

Mrs. Holloway says of her nomination “I am very pleased to be able to continue supporting the IBO, all IB students and IB schools globally and to continue to work with the IBO in maintaining the commitment to and development of high standards”. She will bring to the IB Board of Governors a deep under-standing of IB Schools in general and in particular IB Schools in Thailand and the Asia Pacific region.

KIS International School has been actively involved in the continued development of IB programmes includ-ing a current extensive review of the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and in a pilot programme to develop a joint Primary Years Programme (PYP) and MYP Planner.


COMMUNITY SERVICES

The 10th Volvo Convoy for Kids Charity Golf Event

On Friday, 10 June 2011, the tenth Annual Volvo Convoy for Kids Golf Day was held at the pictur-

esque Siam Country Pattaya Club. Once again the golf day was supported by a long list of sponsors and donors. The Chamber and the Convoy for Kids Sub-committee would like to thank everyone involved for helping put on such a suc-cessful day. The proceeds made from the Golf Day go to support the Founda-tion for the Welfare of the Crippled as and, of course, the Convoy for Kids fun day out for the kids in November.

what is convoy for Kids?

Convoy for Kids was started in 2000 by a few transport and logistics com-panies which form The Logistics Sub Committee of AustCham. The main event each year is the Convoy Day in November when a total of around 250 children are taken out for a day of fun. Coming from Pakred School in Non-thaburi, Sister Joan’s Klongtoey Slum Project and other deserving causes.

The Golf Day was started in 2003 to

increase revenue and it has been suc-cessful in achieving this. Over the years – thanks to contributions by the transport companies, their clients and the many golfers who participate in our events –we have raised a total in excess of Baht nine million which has gone to finance many projects and has put a great deal of happiness into the lives of children who have not had a great start in life.

For more information about Convoy for Kids please visit: www.convoyforkids.com


COMMUNITY SERVICES

Thank you to the Sponsors and Donors for their contributions to this Year’s Golf Day


voluntary english teaching at baan Khao Din school, Chonburi on 18 June 2011

Thanks again to all volunteers for joining AustCham for another day of Volunteer English teaching. Special thanks go to Bangkok Hospital for providing transport to Chonburi on the day, as well as John Duke and

Gina Galvin for bringing snacks for the students.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

For details about our next Bangkok Session in August please email to: Nick Cartledge (Managing Director)at Email:[email protected]: +61 3 9 700 200 Mobile: +61 418 580 060 www.avionproperties.com.au


ALUMNI NEWS

In a dinner held by StudyAdelaide, the first Thai overseas-trained oenologist and first qualified winemaker in Thailand, Nikki Lohitnavy, shared her experiences studying in Australia and some of the fine produce of her hard work. Following her study in Australia, Nikki has grown her family vineyard into an international brand, her wine winning many awards in Thailand and overseas. Achieving such great success despite some miscalculated advice, Nikki encouraged attendees to work hard and follow their dreams, saying “If your guidance teacher ever tells you can’t do something, go out and prove them wrong!” Thanks must go to Nikki, as well as StudyAdelaide for holding this event with Australian Alumni (in Association with AustCham and TAA).

studyadelaide Dinner with Nikki Lohitnavy on 14 Juneat Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit


rod william beatie receives the order of australia

This event was a joint initiative by AustCham, the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand and the New Zealand-Thai Chamber of Commerce. David Bell, Managing Director of CrestCom Ra-Kahng Associates and AustCham Director, and Chris Bruton, Director of Dataconsult, shared their joint 70 years of expat business in Thailand, focusing on major business planning issues for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). AustCham would like to thank them both for sharing their insights.

AustCham members and friends had the rare opportunity to hear from one of Australia’s former leading Chief Executive Officers and Chairman of the Business Council of Australia, Mr Greig Gailey, during a luncheon function at the Hyatt Erawan hotel. With the recent feature story on Australia in the Economist magazine, and debate about Australia’s economic future reaching fever pitch in Australia, the timing of Greig’s address couldn’t have been better. He did an outstanding job of outlining the economic and political challenges facing Australia, not the least of which was how Australia can make the most of a booming resources sector while at the same timing managing the inevitable challenges that flow from a high dollar and uneven growth across Australian industry sectors. Greig concluded that Australia really was the lucky country and that Australia remained a highly attractive destination for investment and business opportunities. Australians too continued to be sought after on the world stage for their business acumen and technical expertise. We thank the Australian Trade Commission for facilitating Greig’s presentation to AustCham.

Guest speaker at our last interactive Key Issues Dinner, Chris Baker, is a renowned political writer who has written extensively on Thai politics and economics. Chris’s analysis of the current political situation showed a great understanding of Thailand – this was truly a rare opportunity to gain such perceptive analysis. Keep your eye on our calendar of events. We are planning to hold another seminar with Chris following the Thailand elections.

Manager of the Hellfire Pass Museum in Kanchanaburi, Rodney William Beatie was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Queens Brithday Honours on 13 June 2011. The award was given to Rodney for service to former prisoners of war and their families through roles with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Thailand Burma Railway Museum. AustCham would like to congratulate Rod on receiving this prestigious award.

Joint sme Dinner at The British Club on 12 May 2011

australia: the Lucky country? Luncheonon 10 June 2011

Key Issues Dinner: thailand’s Political outlook on 19 May 2011

CHAMBER EVENTSCHAMBER EVENTS


CHAMBER EVENTS

1) Peter Skinner - HASSELL; Denis Martin - Grand Millennium; Louis Cheng - Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Hotel; Peter Ong - STCC President; John Anderson - AustCham President, Meinhardt; Belinda Skinner - AustCham Vice-President, Top Talent Asia; Deepak Mittal - ITCC President; Maurice Bromley - SATCC President; Winai Sachdev - ITCC Past President; Ron Livingston - TCCC Director. 2) Shane Torr - AustCham Past President, ISM Technology Recruitment; Simon Moran - Manheim Asia Pacific. 3) Khun Pichaya Wongdhanachai - KPMG; Khun Pichaya Clayhan - KPMG; Lillian Sheard - KPMG. 4) Andrew Durieux - AustCham Director, Coverage; Saeed Zaki - AustCham Director, dwp. 5) Jason Chen - Ascott; Martin Fabiano - Park Plaza; Mark Bulmer - Radisson Suites; Nathalie Post - Pachara Suites. 6) Khun Ekjaree Thanasawangkul - Dataconsult; Ali Adam - Halcrow; Khun Picharn Sukparangsee - Siam City Law Offices. 7) The Hassel Team – Craig Blackie; Philip

Bangkok Commonwealth Sundowners on Wednesday, 1 June 2010

1

2

5 6

3 4

HASSELL hosted AustCham’s Commonwealth Sundowners at The Pan Pacific Hotel. The Cham-ber would like to thank HASSELL for their support, as well as the Commonwealth Chambers as list-ed: British Chamber of Commerce Thailand; In-dia-Thai Chamber of Commerce; Irish-Thai Cham-ber of Commerce; Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT); Malaysian-Thai Chamber of Commerce; New Zealand-Thai Cham-ber of Commerce; Singapore-Thai Chamber of Commerce; South African-Thai Chamber of Com-merce; Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce; Thai-Ghana Chamber of Commerce; Thai-Hong Kong Trade Association; Thai-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce; Thai-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce; Thai-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce.


CHAMBER EVENTS

Hill; Peter Skinner; Khun Supkanya Lindsay; Khun Tanya Suvannaong; Khun Jurairat Jammanee – AustCham Director; Khun Ronachai Leopairoja; Philip Hannaford; Khun Teerachai Manomaiphibul. 8) Kun Porntip Utsahaphan - Samijivet; Marcel Grotz - Asian Tigers Mobility; Jed Hansen - Asian Tigers Mobility. 9) Steve Griffin - Asia Forestry; Les Weaver - Asia Forestry. 10) Sine Chonnicha - PeopleServe; Martin Kyle - BioGas. 11) Russell Pang - CEVA Logistics; Kris Snidvongs - Asian Tigers Mobility. 12) Dr.Valarie McKenzie - Thana Burin; David Armstrong. 13) Khun Orawan Chimkleeb - Grand Millennium; Denis Martin - Grand Millennium; Khun Nitnatcha Pachapongporn - Grand Millennium. 14) Khun Dhapananya Aswisaraporn - Eclipse Restaurants; Khun Somying - KONE; Khun Rujirake Sakdapipanich - Meinhardt. 15) Debbie Steel - Crown Worldwide; Sansanee Hataisan - Crown Worldwide ; Karen Hochhauser - SantaFe.

13 14 15

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9 10 11 12

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CEA Projectsc/o Cranes and Equipment Asia Ltd.41/13 Moo 1 Ao-Udom RoadSriracha, Chonburi 20230Tel: +66 38 354 019 Fax: +66 38 354 772Website: www.ceaprojects.com

Mr Kevin Fisher, Managing DirectorMr Andy Hall, Projects Director

BackgroundThe company was formed ten years ago by Kevin Fisher to provide heavy lift, shipping and land transportation ser -vices to the oil and gas fabrication, con -struction, and manufacturing industries on Eastern Seaboard.

Their client list includes Chevron, CBI, CITIC Ming, Ford Motor Company.

Products or ServicesProject logistics, vessel chartering, land transport, heavy lift and related engineering, AGIS Quarantine, cargo consolidation and laydown, project management.

St Andrew International SchoolBritish Education Management Systems Co., Ltd.7 Sukhumvit 107, BangnaBangkok 10260 ThailandTel: +66 2 393 3883 Fax: +66 2 393 3925Email: [email protected]: www.standrews-schools.com

Jaemi Hodgson – Marketing DirectorIain Colledge – Head of School

Background

1995. St. Andrews now operate three UK-type international schools in Bang -kok and one in the Rayong province. St. Andrews International Schools in Thai -land o�ers an education that extends beyond the English National Curriculum and embraces the learner-centred prin -ciples of the International Baccalaurate.

The St. Andrews philosophy encom -passes the whole child and each campus is small and exclusive by design. This allows the students to get to know all the sta� in the school and our teachers are very aware of each child and their particular gifts. We place a great deal of emphasis on the develop -ment of social skills and the importance of valuing individual talents. Our teach -

-lish speakers and are recruited for their special talent and enthusiasm for teach -ing using child centred approaches and come with a very wide range of profes -sional experience. Products or ServicesHigh quality teaching and learning is a consistent element within the St. Andrews group of schools. We rec -ognize this in the way we recruit our teachers and in the ethical principles of management that we operate once they are working with us. We ensure that every child, in every classroom, in every St. Andrews school, experiences the curriculum and standards we promise in our promotional literature. All of our teachers understand that we intend to deliver all that we claim.

Trakblaze International5 Sara Grove, Tottenham VIC 3012 AustraliaTel: +61 3 9318 927Fax: +66 3 9318 9533Website: www.trakblaze.com

BackgroundTrakblaze is a rail and road weighing systems group with over 80 years expe -

C HAMBER E VENTSNEW MEMBERS AND MEMBERS ’ CHANGES

rience in designing and manufacturing rail, road and general weighing systems worldwide. Static and in-motion (WIM) train and vehicle weighing is a very spe -cialised hi-tech area. Trakblaze has a very comprehensive well proven range of rail and road scales including high/low speed in-line and portable systems for passenger, freight, minerals, train workshops, highways and most rail and road vehicle applications. All Trakblaze systems are based on proven load cell technology. Our systems are used in rail, mining and many other industries throughout the world.

Products or ServicesAll Trakblaze systems involve “load -cell” technology. This is the only genu -inely recognised method of long term accurate and reliable weighing and is the expat principal that weighbridges and general electronic scales are based upon. Trakblaze International o�ers the choice of portable or permanent sys -tems. Our products are well knows and proven in the following industries:

• Passenger, Freight and Mineral Oper -ators

• Rail Vehicle Maintenance Workshops and Rolling Stock Manufacturers

• Mining/Grain/Cement and Steel Industries

• Highways & Trucking/Transport indus -tries

AustCham is looking for a volunteer to join the editorial committee and assist proofreading Advance magazine on a monthly basis. Attention to detail is important and past experience in writing / editing is desireable. Only a couple of hours are required each month. Please email expressions of interest to: [email protected] or call the AustCham

Aus tCham Thailand

International School BangkokA leader in education and education technology

since 1951.

www.isb.ac.th


Amari Orchid PattayaSivara Spa is offering a special two and a half hour package for only Baht 2,999. It includes a mint foot scrub, feeling fruity body scrub, aromatic oil massage and manicure or pedicure. For more informa-tion, contact [email protected].

Baan LaksasubhaBaan Laksasubha at Hua Hin is delighted to offer readers two nights stay in the Garden Veranda for only Baht 7,000. Set in plush landscaped gardens, spacious guestrooms are ideal for a romantic geta-way or weekend retreat with the family. Enjoy dining at our Costanera Beach Restaurant and Tapas Bar which over-looks a private beach and serves a vari-ety of culinary delights. To book this offer, kindly email [email protected] or contact us on 032 514 525-31 and quote ACOO1.

Centara Grand Stay at Centara Grand for a minimum of two nights and receive a special rate of only Baht 4,500 single or 4,900 for a Deluxe World Room or Baht 5,900 single or 6,300 double for a Premium World Room per night. This package is inclusive of breakfast, late checkout and your choice of a complimentary limousine to Suvarnab-humi International Airport, or an upgrade to the World Club Executive Floor with execu-tive club benefits. For further details, call 02 100 1234 or email: [email protected] Offer valid until 30 September.

Clarity ITClarITy will visit your office (CBD area) and carry out a half day audit and review for your use of IT (based on well proven principles) and then brief on ways you can improve your overall IT. Please contact: + 66 (0) 2 650 4770 or email: [email protected]

CoverageSARS, Tsunami, Bird Flu, Coup, Swine Flu, Riots, - what’s the next X for Thailand? What’s next for your business? Are you pre-pared? Coverage knows and understands

AUSTCHAM MEMBERS’ OFFERS

all parts of your business and can help pro-vide a plan, training and exercise for you and your staff in English and Thai. Andrew is offer-ing a 20 per cent discount for all AustCham members. Call 02 261 8485.

Four Points Sheraton BangkokJoin us for delicious food and refreshing drinks during happy hours at BeerVault and AmBar with our buy one, get one free promotion on selected drinks. Dips and Dash tapas is on the house! BeerVault happy hours are from 17.30 to 19.30 pm every day. AmBar happy hours are from 23.30 until closing every night. For more information or reservation, please call +66 2 309 3000.

Hilton PattayaWe’re offering AustCham members a lunch special at Latest Recipe for only Baht 600.Book a table for 10 persons and get free lunch for two persons. 20 per cent discount on bev-erages. Book a table for two to eight persons and get a complimentary four hours usage of a meeting room with maximum capacity for eight persons. (Meeting room reserva-tion is subject to availability at the time of the booking.) Celebrate your special day with a minimum of four friends and eat for free (e.g. graduation, jubilee etc.) For more information or reservation, please call 02 232 8888

Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom AustCham members can now receive a spe-cial 25 per cent discount on food and bev-erages. Enjoy our sumptuous international buffet at The Brasserie, Northern Indian Cui-sine at Tandoor, an outstanding a la carte selection for afternoon tea at Orchid Lounge, or relax after a long hard day of work at Hari’s Bar with tasty snacks and great music. For more information please call 02 238 4300 or email: [email protected]

IMPACT Arena, Convention and Exhibition Center Convention Package: Make your conven-tion an utmost success with our modern and integrated facilities, together with additional service as you wish. Complete convention packages to serve all your convention require-ment for even thousand or just selected a few

delegates for more information call +66(2)-8335252, or email: [email protected]

Hua Hin Marriott Resort & SpaChoose and enjoy between a set menu of four or seven courses on the beach that fuse the finest ingredients and most tantalizing flavors of Italian and Mediterranean special-ties. Prices are Baht 1,800 per person for four courses and Baht 2,000 per person for seven courses. For more information and reserva-tions, please call: +66 32 511 881 ext. 1804

InterContinental Hua Hin ResortThai residents can enjoy a grand deluxe room with daily breakfast and late check-out, with prices starting at Baht 5,500 for weekdays or Baht 8,000 for Saturday and Sunday, per room, per night. For bookings and enquiries, please call +66 32 616 999, or email: [email protected]

IntrepidWe would like to offer 20 per cent discount on all Intrepid Urban adventure tours worldwide. These are unique day trips ranging from three hours to full day in over 100 cities around the world. To make a booking simply go to our website: www.urbanadventures.com when you make a booking, enter the promotion code ‘AUSTCHAMTH’. This discount is open ended with no end date and no limit on the number of bookings.

I VisionsWe are offering a ten per cent discount off all software packages for AustCham Members. For more information, please contact: +66 2 661 7899 or email: [email protected]

LeMeridienWe are offering a 20 per cent discount on food (only) at Latest Recipe, Bamboo Chic, Tempo and Latitude13, for one to 20 guests. Children between 3 - 12 years old receive 50 per cent discount and below three years old dine for free. This promotion cannot be combined with any other promotions. Please provide you member Name and card number when you


AUSTCHAM MEMBERS’ OFFERS

make a reservation and present you card for identification at the venue. This offer is valid until 31 December 2011. For reservations, please contact 02 232 8888 or email [email protected]

Mainstay Property SolutionsIn-conjunction with Loxley, MPS is now selling an energy saving device called the Aircon-Miser. The AirconMiser can save between 30 – 60 per cent on air conditioner power con-sumption and generally pays for itself within 6 - 12 months. They are offering an introductory price of Baht 10,000 which is 20 per cent off the RRP. AustCham members will also benefit from free installation. Further discounts are available for volume sales. To purchase, or for further details, call: +66 2 735 6823-5

Manohra Dining CruisesBoard a Manohra Dining Cruise beautifully restored antique rice barge and take advan-tage of our silver selection which is now avail-able at an incredible price of Baht 1,400 per person, promising a sumptuous variety of seven memorable courses. Our Gold set menu of nine courses is also available at Baht 1,990 per person. For further information or reserva-tions, please call +66 2 476 0022 Ext. 1416 or email: [email protected]

Marriott Resort and SpaBook any luxurious spa treatment and extend your relaxation with a complimentary neck and shoulder massage for additional 30 minutes. Offer from now until the end of 2010. This pro-motion can be used between 10.00 and 14.00 hrs. For further information or reservation, please call 02 476 0022 Ext. 1563, or email: [email protected]

Millenium Hilton Thai residents can take advantage of Baht 3,000 for room and breakfast with complimen-tary upgrade to Executive Room or Baht 3,500 for room and breakfast with Complimentary upgrade to Executive Suite and Thai Massage for two persons. For information and reserva-tion please call 02 442 2000.

Nai Lert Swissotel Bangkok

Free Night Promotion! Valuable offers rarely knock on your door. Stay in the oasis hotel of Bangkok, Swissôtel Nai Lert Park, Bangkok and get the third night for free. Plan your urban escape from now until 31 October 2011. For more details, please call 02 253 0123.

Novotel SiamAreeba Areeba - It’ Mexico Night!Get hot every Wednesday night throughout May with the spicy Mexican Buffet for only of Baht 850. For those who want to know how to prepare Mexican cuisine such as Tacos and Tostadas at home, The Square’s talented chef offers a live Mexican cooking demonstration. For more information, please call 022098888

Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom Until the end of July 2011, we are offering a 15 per cent discount from regular buffet prices to all AustCham members. Buffet lunch is only Baht 540, buffet dinner only Baht 640 and Sunday brunch only Baht 760! For res-ervations, please call 02 206 9100, or email: [email protected]

Phachara Suites Strike when the deal is hot with our unbeatable exclusive deal starting at Baht 2,500.For more information or reservation please call +66 2 262 9888.

Raja’s FashionsBuy any suit at Raja’s Fashions and get a shirt for free! Dress sharp – Look sharp – Feel sharp. For further details, call 66 2 253 8379 or email: [email protected].

Shangri LaExperience exciting nautical-themed interac-tive live cooking where the freshest harvest of the sea is prepared for you á la minute. It’s fast, fun and fabulously delicious. Dine on Friday night for just Baht 2,100 per person or Baht 2,900 with a free-flow of selected bever-ages. To book, call: +66 2 236 9952.

The Aetas Baht 2,750 is being offered to celebrate the opening of “The AETAS Bangkok”. This Superior Room offer comes with ABF and internet and will be upgraded to a Delux Room with a 20 per cent discount on food and beverages at ‘Moments’ and ‘Pause’ if staying for three consecutive nights. For more information or to make a reservation, please call: +66 2 618 9000 or email: [email protected].

The Landmark BangkokSunday Roast Buffet, a traditional British main meal served every Sunday lunch, is now available at the Huntsman Pub. The original British Pub located on Basement level of The Landmark Bangkok. Enjoy the incredible Sunday Roast Buffet, fea-tures roasted meat, roast potato, smoked salmon, prawn cocktails, fish and chips, yorkshire pudding and much more. From 11.30 - 14.00 this buffet is only Baht 490 net per person. Call for reservation at +66 2 254 0404 ext 7777.

The Sukhothai BangkokTo celebrate 20 years of excellence, The Sukhothai Bangkok is offering Baht 5,500 per room per night in a Superior Room or Baht 6,500 in a Deluxe Studio including buffet breakfast, one complimentary wel-come drink at The Zuk Bar and a choice of either Chocolate Buffet for two persons at the Lobby Salon or “Krawaan” Thai set lunch or dinner (food only) for two persons at Celadon restaurant. This offer is for dis-criminating Thais and Thai residents and can be enjoyed from now until 30 Novem-ber 2011. For further details and reserva-tions, please call 02 344 8888

Tiny Seeds International SchoolWe would like to offer to waive our regis-tration fee worth Baht 40,000 for all Aust-Cham members who enroll their child(ren) at The Tiny Seeds International Preschool. For more information, please contact: +66 2 260 2926-7 or email: [email protected]



increasing number of businesses – some Australian – are setting up their manufacturing bases here. Indeed, it is hard to see why anyone would look past Thailand with its welcoming Board of Investment program, strong workforce, warm and friendly people and great cities and countryside.

I took the opportunity to ask Greig for his view on manufacturing and his response was spot-on. He said Aus-tralians shouldn’t be worried about its manufacturers relocating to countries such as Thailand, adding that it’s only natural for manufacturers to move their operations to countries with a compet-itive edge. He emphasised, however, that countries like Australia needed to ensure that although they may not be ‘making things’ they were still ‘inventing them’. Innovation was a key and that required a strong educational base that encouraged innovation and advanced skills development.

I guess that’s where we come full circle with the resources boom and the hope that some of the investment will go into tertiary and other educational institu-tions. From the AutCham office per-spective, we want – with your help – to do more to highlight the success story of manufacturing in Thailand and to encourage more Australians to set up shop here.

Mark CarrollExecutive Director, AustCham Thailandwww.austchamthailand.com

FROM THE CHAMBER OFFICE

Calendar of Events

weDnesDay, 6 JuLystars and stripes sundownersThis month we are inviting colleagues from the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM) to join us for our Stars and Stripes Sundowners event to acknowledge the 4 July US national day.17.00 – 18.00Venue: Centara Grand

tHursDay, 7 JuLyJoint chambers Luncheon: the thai Chamber of Commerce and Its Roles in the Development of ThailandGuest Speaker: Khun Dusit Nontanakorn, Chairman of Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and Board of Trade of Thailand (BoT)11.45 – 14.00Venue: Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit

saturDay, 9 JuLyvoluntary english teachingBus departs from the Thai CC Building at 8.00Venue: Wat Phra Pathranporn,Sri Ra Cha

friDay, 15 JuLyAustCham Office Closed for Asarnha Bucha Day

Message from the Executive Director

I’ve never thought of myself as the sort of bloke that enjoys balls. So why was it that I had so much fun at the AustCham and

Strategic Airlines masked ball on 11 June? Was it the fine Chandon Australian sparkling wine provided by Diageo Moet Hennessy? The more than 70 raffle and other prizes that we gave away, including three nights at the fabulous Westin hotel in Melbourne and a flight to Australia with Strategic Airlines? The delectable NaturalVille & LeNotre desserts accompanied by soul-warming Australian port? Or perhaps it was just the great bunch of AustCham members and their friends?

Either way, the ball was a great success and we would like to thank everyone for joining the party. We’ll be doing it all again next year!

Although busy in the lead-up to the ball and the Convoy for Kids charity golf day, the AustCham office also continued its pro-cess of reviewing our work practices and processes. This will be an ongoing activ-ity as we seek to enhance and expand the value we provide to our members. We held an office review session where we recalled valuable advice from a presentation to AustCham earlier this year by Nick Henley (Talent Technologies) on the three building blocks to highly effective teams – particu-larly how we ‘played to our strengths’. The review was a good opportunity to reflect on and set some goals for the future.

We recognised also that members want more from their AustCham membership than just events and activities. They want us to be able to shape and understand the commercial environment both in Thailand and Australia. The office agreed that we need to do more in this area and included this as one of key targets for 2011.

One event that did boost our knowledge of contemporary business issues was an excel-lent luncheon presentation by former mining Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Business Council of Australia, Mr Greig Gailey. Greig’s comments on the economic and polit-ical environment in Australia, particularly the challenges and opportunities of the renewed resources boom, were truly insightful.

Part of the debate centers on Australia’s eroding manufacturing base and whether Australia will continue to be a country that ‘makes things’. This issue is particularly rel-evant to us here in Thailand given that an

Thank you to all June sponsors:

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CMYK grey logoPantone warm grey 11 c

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Inside Backcover

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Documents

Advance ~ July 2011