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Tag: bangkok

  • Singapore Targeted By Cybercriminals with Banking Trojans

    Singapore Targeted By Cybercriminals with Banking Trojans

    IT Threat Evolution report of Kaspersky for the third quarter of 2015 reveals that Singapore suffered maximum attacks from banking Trojans during second quarter of 2015 with 496 individuals reporting attacks.

    It is not a coincidence that Singapore is one of the ASEAN countries with the highest rates of digital banking.

    According to an A.T.Kearney and EFMA global retail banking study, Singapore has the highest inclination for digital banking in the global arena.

    Computerweekly.com published news during the last week of October, 2015, quoting Jimmy Fong, Channel Sales Director Southeast Asia, at Kaspersky Lab, as saying “The nation was also placed among the top three in banking capabilities which included technological developments, a strong financial environment and digital infrastructure”.

    Computerweekly.com published news during last week of October 2015 quoting Michael Yeo, Senior Market Analyst at market research firm IDC, as saying “Singapore is a magnet for such banking Trojans because of combination of the country’s general wealth levels and growing use of associated services like e-commerce and mobile commerce”.

    Yeo added that Singapore is one of the nations which use maximum online banking services with 74% of the population using it.

    The statistics also reveal that patrons in Austria were targeted by banking Trojans excessively than in any other region: Around 5% of all Kaspersky Lab patrons in Austria faced this malware during the quarter. Turkey (3%) was placed at number three.

    Geographically most of countries in the top ten lists of information-stealing malware attacks during Q3 have a large number of users of online banking. Trojan-Downloader.Win32.Update was the most rampant malware used to target users of online banking, as it is being employed in 63.1% of attempted assaults to embezzle payment credentials of users.

    In third quarter, the Kaspersky Lab Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) identified a number of advanced cyber-espionage operations. Amongst others, comprising of the infamous Turla gang that employs satellite communications to administer traffic of its command-and-control server for subsequent operations known as Darkhotel APT, which penetrates Wi-Fi networks of hotel to put backdoors on target systems and fresh activity of the Blue Termite APT focusing on embezzling information from establishments in Japan.

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  • Siam Center fashion pop up Asian labels

    Siam Center fashion pop up Asian labels

    ‘A-very-wear’ – a new exclusive multi-label Siam Center fashion pop-up store – aims to showcase Asian designers in Thailand.

    Located in the Ideapolis A-very-wear, bears the motto of “A piece that is very you to wear” on the Siam Center’s first floor.

    Parisa Chatnilbandhu, group senior VP – retail business development of Siam Piwat says fashion plays a major role in youngsters’ lifestyle, especially in Asia.

    “As we can see, the Fashion Week in each season in Korea, Japan and Singapore attracts hipsters from around the world, including Thai celebrities who fly to these countries just to bring the fashion items back.”

    A-very-wear 5

    Responding to the trend, Siam Center has created A-very-wear as a first exclusive multi-label fashion pop-up store of Asian designers, to “bring the ultimate Asian fashion experience to Thailand”.

    Siam Center has carefully selected a wide variety of well-designed products and introduces Absolute Siam items, which are exclusively available at Siam Center, to help the fashionistas make the style statement of their own under the motto of “ A piece that is very you to wear”, Parisa said.

    A-very-wear 4

    A-very-wear carries apparel, accessories, including eyeglasses, watches and more, from 15 renowned Asian fashion brands from six countries: Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Taiwan.

    “Each designer is very popular on social media, with many followers on Facebook and Instagram. During the first six months, the hipsters can update the trend from four countries, namely Korea, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan, while the other two, Hong Kong and Indonesia, will join in the next six months.”

    For its opening, A-very-wear introduces six well-known Korean brands:

    • Fleamadonna, launched in 2007, has bold style and unique characteristic. It was well received by fashionistas and celebrity fans including Pink, Paris Hilton, Miranda Kerr and Girl’s Generation girl band.

    Fleamadonna- A-very-wearFleamadonna3-A-very-wear

    • Low Classic by Lee Myoung Shin presents the simple and classic ready-to-wear perfect for any occasion.

    Low Classic-A-very-wearLow Classic 2-A-very-wear

    • Drink Beer Save Water is originated from the fun idea of the designer Jim Park, who thought “Why don’t we drink beer to save the water?” From this extreme idea, he presents the unisex collection under the same name as his brand, which has been growing both male and female fan base. The clothes reflect their true personality, having fun dressing.

    Drink Beer Save Water- A-Very-wear

    • Rocket x Lunch is a woman’s fashion brand designed by the talented Jin Won Woo. The brand is popular among hipsters for its minimalist style that can be worn on any occasion. It also showcased its creation in “Who’s Next in Paris 2015 Spring Summer” in France.

    Rocket x Lunch - A-very-wearjpgRocket x Lunch A-very-wear

    • A.Bell Korean accessory brand was established in 2010. It includes bag decorations, necklaces and bangles to create a glamorous, trendy look.

    A.Bell 1- A-very-wear
    A.Bell- A-very-wear

    • Minuit Moins Sept, another chic Korean accessory brand, has the French name means ‘seven minutes to midnight.’ It indicates the beginning of a new day when good things are about to happen. Popular among male and female wearers, the simple yet elegant geometric design are made of silver 925 as the key material, with the key shade of gold, silver, dark blue, red and white.

    31.Minuit Moins SeptMinuit Moins Sept 1- A-very-wear

    Singaporean fashion labels include:

    • Mash-up, popular among fashion-forward people in Singapore, is the brainchild of three talented designers; a street fashion brand which incorporates inspiration from music, movies and the designers’ travelling experience.

    Mash ñ up-A-very-wear

    • Yesah, established by Linda Hao, a Chinese Singaporean-born designer, who combines her experience in modelling and an education in fashion. In 2013, she launched the brand with distinctive characteristic, to serve the lifestyle of confident ladies who enjoy life.

    Taiwanese brands include:

    • Momo’s March by Christina Lu, a Taiwanese American-born designer, who put together a range of materials, such as Russian diamond, brass, seashell, pearl and gemstones, into exquisite accessories under the concept of “Wearable thought,” practical for any time of day.

    Momoís march -A-very-wear

    • YU Square by Ringo Yu is famous for its sewing technique, which integrates the embroidery into the design. Furthermore, the fashionistas can mix and match its colorful blouses, skirts and socks to suit each occasion.

    YU Square A-very-wear

    From Japan:

    • Normal Timepieces, a minimalist-style Japanese watch brand, was brought to life by American designer Ross McBride. Having spent years in Japan, he was influenced by Japanese culture and incorporates it into his creation, which projects simplicity with a great sense of style.

    Normal Timepieces A-very-wear

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  • Marie France Van Damme Announces The Opening Of Its Fifth Boutique In Singapore In November

    Marie France Van Damme Announces The Opening Of Its Fifth Boutique In Singapore In November

    Marie France Van Damme, the Hong Kong-based designer known for her globally influenced line of luxury resort, swim, and ready-to-wear, announced today the opening of a fifth boutique in Singapore’s Takashimaya Shopping Centre in November 2015. Since launching in 2011, Marie France Van Damme continues to expand her presence worldwide, focusing on cities that not only inspire the designer, but also appeal to her sophisticated, jet-set clientele.

    “From a global perspective, this is a milestone for the brand. We are excited to bring the Marie France Van Damme collection to life in this vibrant city,” said Marie France Van Damme. “I couldn’t imagine a better location for our first store in Singapore.”

    Located on the third floor of the Takashimaya Shopping Centre on Orchard Road, the 1000 square foot boutique will evoke Marie France Van Damme’s signature style, which blends subtle Asian influences and elegant simplicity. Also available at the boutique will be the brand’s assortment of accessories, including candles, handbags and a special home collection created exclusively for this location.

    Marie France Van Damme will celebrate the flagship opening with several events in the Fall 2015.

    The company currently has 100 retail locations. The Singapore store will mark the company’s fifth branded boutique worldwide. Marie France Van Damme opened her first store in 2013 at the International Finance Center (IFC) in Hong Kong.

    About Marie France Van DammeMarie France Van Damme is a Canadian-born, Hong-Kong based fashion designer, celebrated hostess and author, whose luxury lifestyle resort wear brand is inspired by her travels and personal style. Marie France Van Damme introduced her eponymous label in the summer of 2011.  The Marie France Van Damme line is defined by an edited collection of elegant and seasonless staples with every piece designed to transition seamlessly from city to resort.

    Marie France Van Damme is available at her other retail locations in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Phuket and London, Bergdorf Goodman, Harrods, Selfridges, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and exclusive resorts such as Amanresorts and the One & Only.  She is also the author of the coffee table book RSVP: Simple Sophistication, Effortless Entertaining (Thames & Hudson) featuring her effortless style and entertaining tips with photographs by Herbert Ypma of the Hip Hotels series. 

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  • Mobile commerce on rise

    Mobile commerce on rise

    Mobile commerce in Thailand has continued to cement itself as a significant online marketplace thanks to the greater availability of high-speed wireless broadband internet and affordable smartphones, say global internet and online retail companies.

    Attractive mobile commerce campaigns by e-commerce operators is also attributed to the surge in mobile commerce.

    Compared with the US, Japan and South Korea, Thailand’s online retail industry remains tiny, accounting for less than 1% of the total retail market, Lazada Thailand chief executive Alessandro Piscini told a seminar yesterday entitled “E-Commerce: The Secret Success for the Online Generation”.

    However, he said imminent fourth-generation commercial wireless broadband service was expected to boost the number of mobile internet users and lower mobile tariff rates.

    “Half of Lazada Thailand’s total online sales came from mobile phones, a five-fold increase from last year,” Mr Piscini said, adding that health and beauty products, mobile devices and fashion items were the top-three sellers.

    To further boost sales, Lazada Southeast Asia and its partners will hold its biggest sale of the year, Online Festival, from Nov 11 to Dec 12, providing up to 10 million products in 13 categories.

    Ratthasart Korrasud, senior director of the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA), said it encouraged retailers and manufacturers to comply with the UN Standard Products and Services Code, a taxonomy of products and services for use in e-commerce, for more efficient and accurate classification of products and services.

    The ETDA is also promoting the use of its online complaint centre among e-commerce users to ensure consumers’ trust and confidence in e-commerce.

    Wanna Swuddigul, director of digital and online business at Ek-Chai Distribution System, said local retailers must quickly expand to the online channel to accommodate rapidly changing consumer lifestyles.

    Thailand’s e-commerce is among Southeast Asia’s top three for growth potential thanks to its population, greater development of wireless infrastructure and Thais being highly engaged online.

    Tesco Thailand’s online sales, expected to account for less than 1% of total sales this year, are forecast to rise to 5% of the total by 2020, said Ms Wanna.

    Deepesh Trivedi, Facebook’s head of retail and e-commerce for Southeast Asia, said Thailand’s e-commerce would continue growing, driven mainly by the increasing number of mobile internet users.

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  • 4G auctions set to generate B1.3tn

    4G auctions set to generate B1.3tn

    A woman walks past telecom and cable lines along Phahon Yothin road. The 4G auction is expected to spur huge investment in telecom lines. PATTARAPONG CHATPATTARASILL

    The imminent fourth generation (4G) spectrum auctions could stimulate direct and indirect investment valued at 1.3 trillion baht over the next five years.

    The development will also transform Thailand into an internet-empowered economy and add impetus to the country becoming an Asean digital infrastructure hub by 2020, said Takorn Tantasith, secretary-general of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

    The private sector, meanwhile, believes that having faster high-speed mobile network technology will promote the country’s e-commerce.

    The NBTC expects to receive at least 73 billion baht from the 4G spectrum auctions of four licences in November. The revenue will pass directly to state coffers, Mr Takorn said at a seminar entitled ‘4G: the turning point of the country’.

    The winning bidders of the 4G auctions must roll out networks worth a combined 160 billion baht in 2016.

    An additional 260 billion baht will come from telecom-related businesses and employment in 2017, plus another 300 billion baht in 2018.

    Based on an internal estimate, Mr Takorn said all direct and indirect investment stemming from the 4G auctions would reach 1.3 trillion bay by 2020, in line with a study by the economics faculty of Chiang Mai University.

    “Thailand can no longer afford to lose this opportunity for the sake of our country and our people,” he said.

    There are 104 million mobile subscribers in Thailand, only 4 million of whom are 2G users.

    Worawoot Aunjai, chief executive of Central Online Plc, said having a 4G infrastructure would directly benefit the local e-commerce and online trading industry. It will also encourage small and medium-sized enterprises to grab a bigger slice of the e-commerce market.

    “Companies without technology will find it nearly impossible to flourish in the current business environment,” he said.

    Mr Worawoot said development of the 4G infrastructure was essential to accommodate the rapidly changing needs and growth of businesses.

    He said Thailand’s retail trade via online transactions accounted for only 1% of total retail trading value, compared with 5.8% of the average global retail market and 12% in China.

    Global online trading is expected to account for some 20% of total retail trade by 2020.

    Mr Worawoot said online trading was expected to reach 8% of the total retail trade in Thailand by 2020.

    “The growth of online trading will be in line with the quality of wireless connection and affordable mobile devices,” he said, adding that 4G service will play a crucial role in driving the local e-commerce industry.

    Mr Worawoot said Central Group’s annual retail sales were expected to reach 260 billion baht this year, half of which will be conducted via mobile devices.

    Ariya Banomyong, managing director of Line Thailand, said the quality of wireless connections and telecom infrastructure could attract foreign investment from global tech companies such as Google, Facebook, Amazon and Apple.

    “This will promote Thailand as a regional digital infrastructure hub,” he added.

    Vichai Bencharongkul, honorary president of the Telecommunications Association of Thailand, said developing an internet-based economy would essentially need a high-speed telecom infrastructure, developing knowledge workers and building organisational confidence with digital practices.

    4G service is expected to ensure wireless service continuity and provide business recovery experience, thanks to the greater speed of wireless data services, said Mr Vichai.

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  • King Power duty free sales +47% in Thailand

    King Power duty free sales +47% in Thailand

    Forward bookings from airlines and indicators from leading travel agents suggest that Chinese arrivals to Thailand will reach record levels in 2015, as the King Power International Group reports sales up by 47% this year.

    Speaking to TRBusiness in a detailed interview this month, she said: “With the exception of the tragic bombing in August, 2015 to date has been a very good year for the group. Traffic to Bangkok particularly has increased very significantly.

    “Overall traffic at Suvarnabhumi is up 19.16%, to the end of August, and traffic at Don Muang is up 65%. Within those overall traffic numbers there are specific nationality changes that have generally had a very positive impact on sales.

    “Total Chinese traffic at Suvarnabhumi is up 151% to 5,651,591 passengers. Indian passengers are another very important customer group for us and the traffic with them is up by 20% – and of the other key customer groups, Korean and Japanese traffic levels are up 38% and 13.3% respectively.”

    She added that these positive increases have offset the decrease in Russian passengers (-49.8%) and Thai nationals, who are down by 14.73%. more happily she said: “Overall group sales are up 47%, versus the same period last year.”

    Whelan pointed to an outstanding +72% sales performance by the cosmetics and skincare category, followed by watches (+76.68%), Jewellery (77.05%), tobacco (+ 30.08%) and leather goods(+ 30.94%).

    She says this impressive growth has been driven by a combination of factors, including organic passenger growth and aforementioned rises in high spending overseas visitors.

    An interview with Susan Whelan appears on page 30 of the October Cannes exhibition issue of TRBusiness and also on pages 81-85 in the bonus retail section of the Top 10 International Retailers 2015.

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  • Who needs Santa when there is lalamove ?

    Who needs Santa when there is lalamove ?

    lalamove, the leading professional on-demand delivery service throughout Asia, has added new features to its mobile and web application to handle increased delivery demand in Bangkok during the upcoming holiday season.

    “The holiday season is a busy time for gift-giving and many companies struggle with ensuring that their gifts are delivered on time and handled with care – which are two areas that lalamove has extensive experience with” said Santit Jirawongkraisorn, Co-founder and managing Director of lalamove Thailand.

    “We have added more bikes, MPVs and pick-up trucks to ensure timely deliveries during the busy holiday season. We have also introduced the “route optimization” feature, which saves clients time in having to plan the routing.

    “With this feature, clients just have to type in the addresses where the gifts need to delivered and within minutes, the app with automatically schedule the quickest and shortest route. This is most practical especially when companies are looking at delivering corporate gifts or perishable goods like food hampers and festive cookies to their clients,” added Santit.

    Hiring freelance couriers or motorcycle taxis can be tiresome and sometimes unreliable, but thanks to lalamove, clients now have a delivery service which is fast, cost-effective, transparent and professional.

    lalamove allows personal users and businesses to quickly find a professional driver anytime of the day to help move their goods with a few clicks on their smartphone. By typing the vehicle type, location, destination, the weight of the physical goods, and other information and special instructions via the app, users will be notified within minutes if a driver is available.

    In addition to the driver verification feature, lalamove also has a driver rating system, a GPS tracking which allows full transparency on the route, on-demand booking and an insurance protection of up to Baht 2000 for each delivery, ensuring that delivery via lalamove is both easy and safe.  It is also the only delivery app offering 24/7 service and advance booking.

    In September, lalamove secured an investment of USD 10 million led by Mindworks Ventures as well as  AppWorks, Crystal Stream and individual investors. lalamove is preparing for the advanced stages of its expansion — adding 50 cities throughout Asia to the company’s delivery network by the end of 2016. 

    The number of registered users regionally has grown to 435,000 while over 23,000 drivers have been registered. The app has been downloaded more than half a million times in the past year.

    In Thailand, the number of download is currently 27,000 with over 1,600 drivers registered drivers.

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  • “A-very-wear” the first exclusive multi-label fashion pop-up store of Asian designers launched at Siam Center

    “A-very-wear” the first exclusive multi-label fashion pop-up store of Asian designers launched at Siam Center

    Siam Center, as the center of endless imagination and creativity in arts, fashion, technology and lifestyle, always captures the latest fashion trends and Influences to bring Thai fashion industry to the next level. The Ideapolis is now debuting “A-very-wear”, the first exclusive multi-label fashion pop-up store of Asian designers launched in Thailand under the motto of “A piece that is very YOU to wear” on the 1st floor of Siam Center.

    Ms.Parisa Chatnilbandhu, Group Senior Vice President – Retail Business Development of Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., said that the fashion industry has grown rapidly in U.S.A., Europe or even Asia. Currently, fashion plays a major role in youngsters’ lifestyle, especially in Asia. As we can see, the Fashion Week in each season in Korea, Japan and Singapore attracted the hipster from around the world, including Thai celebrities who flew to these countries just to buy the fashion items back. Siam Center, in response to this up-and-coming movement and the needs of fashion-forward people, debuts “A-very-wear”, the first exclusive multi-label fashion pop-up store of Asian designers, to bring the ultimate Asian fashion experience to Thailand. Siam Center carefully selects a wide variety of well-designed products and introduces Absolute Siam items, which are exclusively available at Siam Center, to help the fashionistas make the style statement of their own under the motto of “ A piece that is very YOU to wear”.

    Ms. Parisa continued that, to bring a hip spirit to Thai fashionistas, “A-very-wear” carries apparel, accessories, including eyeglasses, watches and many more, of 15 renowned Asian fashion brands from six countries, namely Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Taiwan. Each designer is very popular on social media, with many followers on facebook and Instagram. During the first six months, the hipsters can update the trend from four countries, namely Korea, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan, while the other two, Hong Kong and Indonesia, will join in the next six months.

    During the opening, “A-very-wear” introduces six well-known Korean brands. Fleamadonna, launched in 2007, has bold style and unique characteristic. It was therefore very well received from numerous fashionistas and celebrity fans including Pink, Paris Hilton, Miranda Kerr and Girl’s Generation girl band. Low Classic by Lee Myoung Shin presents the simple and classic ready-to-wear that is perfect for all occasions. Drink Beer Save Water is originated from the fun idea of the designer Jim Park, who thought “Why don’t we drink beer to save the water?” From this extreme idea, he presents the unisex collection under the same name as his brand, which has been growing both male and female fan base.  The clothes reflect their true personality, having fun dressing. That is why the wearers of DBSW always capture attention and stand out of the crowd. Rocket x Lunch is woman’s fashion brand designed by the talented Jin Won Woo. The brand is popular among hipsters for its minimalist style that can be worn on any occasions. It also showcased its creation in “Who’s Next in Paris 2015 Spring Summer” in France.

    A.Bell Korean accessory brand was established in 2010 under the claim of “Made It Korea” to guarantee that every single item is made in Korea. The brand decorates crystal on the bags, necklaces and bangles to create the glamorous and trendy look.  Minuit Moins Sept, another chic Korean accessory brand, has the French name means ‘seven minutes to midnight.’ It indicates the beginning of a new day when good things are about to happen. Adhering to this concept, Minuit Moins Sept creates the accessories that are perfect for both daytime and nighttime. Popular among male and female wearers, the simple yet elegant geometric design are made of silver 925 as the key material, with the key shade of gold, silver, dark blue, red and white.

    Besides Korean brands, the shop carries Singaporean fashion labels. Mash – up, very popular among fashion-forward people in Singapore, is the brainchild of three talented designers. This street fashion brand incorporates the endless inspiration from music, movies and the designers’ travelling experience. With its strong characteristic, the brand had a chance to produce the collaboration with UNIQLO, TOPSHOP, Lomography and Pioneer. Yesah is established by Linda Hao Chinese Singaporean-born designer, who combines her experience in modeling and educational background in fashion. After her education in 2013, she launched this brand, with distinctive characteristic, to serve the lifestyle of confident ladies who enjoy life. It is no wonder why Linda Hao has become the leading figure in Singapore in no time.

    Moreover, “A-Very-Wear” presents hand-made accessory brand from Taiwan like Momo’s march by Christina Lu, Taiwanese American-born designer. The brand puts together a range of materials, such as Russian diamond, brass, seashell, pearl and gemstones, into exquisite accessories under the concept of “Wearable thought”, which are practical for any time of day. YU Square by Ringo Yu is famous for its sewing technique, which integrates the embroidery into the design. Furthermore, the fashionistas can mix and match its colorful blouses, skirts and socks to suit each occasion.

    Normal Timepieces, minimallist-style Japanese watch brand, was brought to life by American designer Ross McBride. Having spent years in Japan, he was influenced by Japanese culture and incorporates it into his creation, which projects simplicity with a great sense of style.

    Unleash your style with chic items, along with Absolute Siam collection, from “A-very-wear” the first exclusive multi-label fashion pop-up store of Asian designers launched in Thailand on the 1st floor of Siam Center.

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  • Matsumotokiyoshi set to open first drugstore abroad in Bangkok

    Matsumotokiyoshi set to open first drugstore abroad in Bangkok

    Japan’s largest drugstore operator, Matsumotokiyoshi, will open a store in Bangkok this week, its first abroad, and a second one by the end of the year, the head of the company’s new joint venture here said Tuesday.

    “We are confident to be successful here,” Junichi Tateno, chief executive officer of Central & Matsumoto Kiyoshi Corp., a joint venture between Matsumotokiyoshi Holdings Co. and Thailand’s Central Food Retail Corp., told a press conference.

    He cited Thailand’s status as Southeast Asia’s leading health-and-beauty market, worth 85 billion baht ($2.4 billion), and one that has been growing steadily despite periods of political instability.

    Noting the Thai people’s fondness for Japanese culture and products, Tateno said the store will initially introduce around 2,000 Japanese health-and-beauty products to Thai customers.

    The new store will be the first to be opened abroad by Matsumotokiyoshi, which has more than 1,500 branches in Japan, since the company was founded 85 years ago.

    Since 2014, the company has done market testing in Central’s 23 supermarkets in Bangkok and other major cities and some 200 daily-use products and cosmetics being sold were received well by customers, according to Tateno.

    He said the marketing data helped the company to cater suitable products for Thai customers.

    Central Food Retail Co., the largest supermarket chain in Thailand with around 150 branches, has a 51 percent stake in the joint venture, with Matsumotokiyoshi holding the remainder of shares.

    The first branch will be opened at Central Plaza Ladprao, offering commodities and beauty products from Japan and other countries. Another will be opened at Central Plaza Pinklao by year-end, with plans to expand to other department stores in the future.

  • Thailand’s first Decathlon store opens in Bangkok

    Thailand’s first Decathlon store opens in Bangkok

    People in Thailand are particularly passionate about football, water sports, trekking, running, road biking and golf. As of 22 October, they’ll have access to a wide range of technically sophisticated products available in Decathlon stores designed to help them enjoy these sports. Operational in Thailand for around twenty years with its production activities, the company has now swung its distribution arm into action!

    “We’re opening five stores in Bangkok, whose surface areas range from 1,700m2 to 2,700m2. They’re nicely spread out across the capital, including one right in the centre,” explains Decathlon Thailand boss Frédéric Bichet. These stores will be exclusive retailers of Decathlon’s Passion brands.

    Team recruitment based on sporting values
    In order to provide the best possible service for Thai customers, we had to attract new employees who weren’t yet familiar with the company. In total, 120 new team members will be joining the latest stores to serve our customers. So we could share our company values with them, they were recruited locally at sports events, at sales and retail workshops and at interviews with directors appointed to run the new stores.

    Just like the business itself, these teams have a strong international flavour. Decathlon’s new employees have come from Belgium, China, Romania and even Russia, looking to be part of the company’s next growth phase. One of the new store directors is even a former employee of the Thai production office, where he worked for twenty years. “It’s a great asset being able to benefit from all of these viewpoints and experiences brought to us by such international profiles,” insists Frédéric, “and it’s also important for the countries where these employees hail from. It’s proof that it is possible to successfully run this type of international project at Decathlon.”

    Thailand’s first Decathlon store opens in Bangkok

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  • Thai Hubba is building a marketplace of fully-automated offices

    Thai Hubba is building a marketplace of fully-automated offices

    Thai co-working space Hubba has raised a pre-series A funding round, it announced yesterday. The company got US$350,000 in a round led by US-based venture capital firm 500 Startups. The round was joined by 500 Startups’ Southeast Asian fund 500 Durians and Thai fund 500 Tuk Tuks.

    Singapore-based VC Golden Gate Ventures and Thailand-based VC Ardent Capital also participated. Several local angel investors got involved as well, including Computerlogy CEO Vachara Aemavat, Playlab CEO Jakob Lykkegaard Pedersen, and Stock2morrow CEO Piyaphan Wongyara.

    Under the deal, Ruangroj “Krating” Poonpol, venture partner at 500 Tuk Tuks, will join Hubba’s board of directors.

    Hubba’s investors will be working with startups that use the company’s spaces to help mentor them, and even to potentially invest in some of them, Amarit says. The company will also work together with its investors on joint programs and activities going forward.

    Working together

    Hubba was the first co-working space in Thailand, founded by brothers Amarit and Charle Charoenphan in 2012. Today the company has a presence in seven locations and holds minority stakes in other co-working spaces like Punspace in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Toh Lao in Vientiane, Laos.

    In the last three years, it has worked to build up the country’s startup ecosystem through its co-working space business as well as community activities and events. Last year, it also launched Pah Creative Space, a co-working space for designers and other creative freelancers.

    Hubba will use the new funding to fuel two new projects, Amarit says. One of them is Hubba-to, a planned artisan co-creation community that the company plans to launch in partnership with Thai real-estate developer Sansiri. The other is Node, a prototype for an “automated office” that will “enhance efficiency and reduce unnecessary expense.”

    “It’s going to work like Airbnb for private rooms and office spaces,” Amarit says. Node offers spaces that can be rented out for specific time slots and used for offices, meeting rooms, and so on. Landlords can list their properties on the site and wait for bookings to come. Payment via credit card is handled by the site. The listings include WiFi and amenities such as pens and notepads, and are cleaned by Node staff after use.

    Node (Airbnb for working space) screenshot

    “Our killer feature is that we will have what is called Node Plus,” Amarit explains. “[Those] are spaces that have been fully equipped with IoT (internet of things) and technology that allows spaces to be fully booked on-demand and managed remotely with no need for staff (locks, lights, AC, WiFi, and security).”

    The automation will help keep operating costs and booking fees down, Amarit says. Node takes a 20 to 30 percent commission from property owners.

    Taking the Airbnb approach to professional spaces is an interesting twist on the model used by Wework, the US-based co-working space decacorn, which sub-leases existing office space to entrepreneurs and freelancers.

    “I think everyone in the co-working world is amazed and in awe of Wework and its lofty projections,” Amarit says. “However, I think the markets we work in are definitely different from Wework, so we can’t just clone it. We need to find our own Southeast Asian model and Hubba-to and Node may be the way forward.”

    Hubba expects the funding to give it enough time to pursue “multiple growth trajectories.”

    “We will look to raise again in 2016 as we build traction and momentum for both projects,” he says.

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  • Iconic Bangkok market faces bulldozers

    Iconic Bangkok market faces bulldozers

    Famous Bangkok market Saphan Lek is to be destroyed by order of the city’s Metropolitan Administration.

    According to reports, stallholders have just 15 days to pack up and vacate before authorities force their removal. It alleges the market has caused “water management issues” for the whole city.

    Popular with students, locals and tourists alike for products as diverse as computer games, imported toys and fresh foods, the market is one of a string closed down in recent years as city officials try to “clean up” the town’s waterways and streets.

    Authorities have told traders from Saphan Lek and another recently closed market Khlong Thom – that they can relocate to other locations at SC Plaza Mall near the Southern Bus Station and Chulalongkorn University. But traders are unenthused – and shoppers, especially students – say other locations are too far away to travel to.

    “The canal is part of Bangkok’s water system. It is 20 metres wide and two kilometres long. It connects to all the other canals on the system,” Pol Maj-Gen Wichai Sangprapai, an adviser to the Bangkok Governor said, defending the decision. “These people have built into the canal with metal and concrete, which obstructs the flow of water.”

    Described in some media as “an Aladdin’s Cave’” of electronics and games well know among regional tourists, the 50 year old market is located in the heart of ‘old city’ Bangkok.

    It’s name, which translates to “metal bridge” refers to its construction over a canal.

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  • Judges ready and excited for Thailand’s first Entrepreneur Now Awards 2015

    Judges ready and excited for Thailand’s first Entrepreneur Now Awards 2015

    The winners of Thailand’s very first Entrepreneur Now Awards (ENA) 2015 are soon to be announced and the judges are now faced with the daunting task of selecting the winners from over 100 nominations.

    The winners will be announced on November 17th at the ENA Awards Night at Four Points By Sheraton Bangkok.

    The ENA is the brainchild of Pacharee Pantoomano Pfirsch, founder of Bangkok Now (BNOW), one of Bangkok’s networking communities. Pacharee is also an entrepreneur and co-founder of Brand Now, a boutique marketing and PR company based in Thailand.

    “I am honored to have such a prominent panel of judges from the local and international business community, many of who are entrepreneurs with years of experience,” said Pacharee.

    “We have such a wide spectrum of both Thai and foreign nominees from various industries, making the selection of winners a challenging feat,” pointed out Pacharee, adding that the entry deadline for ENA had to be extended by two weeks due to overwhelming response and the high level of interest.

    Through ENA, Pacharee wants to recognize Thai and foreign entrepreneurs operating in the Kingdom of Thailand, as Thailand opens its doors to ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).  The award’s objective is to promote entrepreneurism, attract investors to Thailand and the ASEAN region, and revitalize the Thai economy and the SME sector.

    Judges include Pawoot Pongvitayapanu, Managing Director of founder of Thailand’s largest e-commerce service Rakuten TARAD Co., Ltd serial entrepreneur Fred Mouawad of Synergia One group of companies, Paul Robere, Managing Director of quality management consulting firm Robere & Associates, Lay Cheng Tan, Programme Officer at UNESCO, Michael I. Waitze, Managing Partner, Asia at ventureLab Growth Partners, Juthasree Kuvinichkul of GrabTaxi Thailand and   Conor Bracken, Founder and CEO of localization company Andovar.

    The ENA also hopes to champion the entrepreneurial spirit, cultivate the entrepreneur culture and support the eco-system to sustain it.

    The ENA is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to highlight their creations and gain recognition for their achievements, said Pawoot, who also serves as ENA’s honorary advisor.

    “Innofficiency is the key to entrepreneurism. This term is derived from the words Innovation and Efficiency. Entrepreneurs are not only creative, but also possess great management skill that leads to efficient management. Entrepreneurs should also think beyond profits and create something that can make a difference in the world while at the same time, pursing their passion,” explained Pawoot.

    The judges applaud the ENA project for its recognition program and for focusing on the achievements of specific individuals and their contributions to the world of business and their society.

    Paul Robere and Fred Mouawad added that the ENA was a wonderful opportunity to recognize, encourage, and promote entrepreneurs in Thailand.  “There is no better way to build the start-up ecosystem than by encouraging budding entrepreneurs to interact, learn, and get inspired by their peers.  Success breeds success, and ENA is a boost to the entire ecosystem of entrepreneurs,” said Fred.

    This was echoed by venture capitalist Michael I Waitze, who added that the entrepreneurial and start up ecosystem is moving from a disjointed collection of participants to a connected group of professionals.  UNESCO’s Lay Cheng observed that globally, entrepreneurship is attracting a lot of attention from policy makers, educators and particularly among the young people, who are drivers of economic growth and innovations.

    Speaking from personal experience, Conor Bracken pointed out that a successful entrepreneurial ecosystem requires more than good ideas and talent. Access to capital and credit, infrastructure, and mentors are equally important.

    “The ENA is a great initiative to promote the ecosystem, providing entrepreneurs with opportunities to learn, fine-tune their business models and open more doors toward their goals,” added GrabTaxi Thailand’s Juthasree Kuvinichkul.

    The nominees will be judged on the following criteria: uniqueness, vision and potential growth, value in Thailand & ASEAN, eco-sustainability, striking achievements and how they overcame challenges.

    A total of 11 awards will be handed out to the following categories: Most Outstanding Male / Female Entrepreneur, The Eco Entrepreneur, The Creative Entrepreneur, The Social Enterprise Entrepreneur, Student Plan,  The Exceptional ASEAN/Foreign Owned Company, The Exceptional Thai Owned Company, The Most Entrepreneurial Team, SME (30 to 100 employees) and Micro Enterprise (less than 30).

    Sponsors for ENA include Thai AirAsia X, Acer, YouGov, Big Picture, Avon and Brand Now.  Partners include the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM), Bangkok Entrepreneurs, Bangkok University, Irish Thai Chamber of Commerce, Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce and UNESCO. Class Act Media is the media partner and Friends include Busy Bees @115, Kliquedesk, ONEDAY, 63 Bangkok and The Hive Bangkok.

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  • Siam Paragon announces Bt100m sales campaign

    Siam Paragon announces Bt100m sales campaign

    Siam Paragon yesterday announced it would invest about Bt100 million in its biggest campaign of the year, “Siam Paragon 10th Anniversary: The Prismatic Phenomenon”.

    There will be two thank-you campaigns: a 10-week promotion with 100 prizes running from tomorrow to December 18 and a 10-day celebration including a series of “world-class” events and gifts.

    Siam Paragon is one of the major shopping centres on Bangkok’s Rama I Road, jointly developed by Siam Piwat Co and The Mall Group, Thailand’s two giant retail developers. The 10th-anniversary campaign is aimed at increasing customer traffic at Siam Paragon by 5 per cent and to increase spending per transaction by 10 per cent.

    Mayuree Chaipromprasith, senior executive vice president for marketing at Siam Paragon Development, said the strong partnership between Siam Piwat and The Mall Group had made Siam Paragon a retail phenomenon and a true “world-class shopping destination” that attracts more than 200,000 local and international shoppers a day.

    “Our loyal customers who have high purchasing power and are members of our Platinum and Scarlet cards have not been significantly affected by the prolonged economic difficulty. We have seen their purchasing value and earning of points on their cards increase a significant 24 per cent year on year in the first three quarters of this year.”

    Chamnarn Maytaprechakul, executive vice president of Siam Paragon Retail, who is also chief marketing executive of The Mall Group, said the explosion that hit Ratchaprasong Intersection in the middle of August had little impact on the number of foreign tourists coming to downtown Bangkok. Foreign visitors disappeared from the Ratchaprasong and Rama I areas for only few weeks and traffic is now back to normal.

    “However, with Thailand’s GDP anticipated to increase by only 2.5 per cent this year, we believe that the overall retail sector in Thailand will increase by no more than 5 per cent in total sales this year,” Chamnarn said.

    He added that people’s shopping behaviour had changed along with the economic difficulty, as they come to the shopping malls to eat and buy only necessary goods. The launch of attractive value-for-money campaigns will allow shoppers to decide more quickly what they plan to buy in the future.

  • Siam Piwat, launches Siam Piwat Academy

    Siam Piwat, launches Siam Piwat Academy

    Siam Piwat Company Limited the leader of innovative retail and real estate business – launches Siam Piwat Academy. The academy is Thailand’s first in collecting and gathering every aspect of shopping mall and property facility management, which will be shared by professional executives who are specialized in the area. Moreover, Siam Piwat collaborated with Thailand’s two leading educational institutions: Chulalongkorn University and Thammasat University, introducing Thailand’s first specific course of facility management.

    Chanisa Chutipat, President of Siam Piwat Co., Ltd. said: “Siam Piwat’s 56 years of success in shopping mall and retail business has led the company to the creation of Siam Piwat Academy – Thailand’s first leading educational institution offering Shopping Mall and Public Assembly Facility Management. The academy proceeds on the company’s vision of sharing the knowhow and long experiences of the company with retail business people through Siam Piwat’s high executives who have long been in the business. By introducing Siam Piwat Academy, the company has emphasized its main strategy of being the advanced creative leader, and strengthened the capability of those high executives, who are the main supporters in driving business to success. The essential goal of the academy is to give back to the society by enhance the quality of life and education standard for Thais. We expect to share our business knowhow to support the development of retail business industry, to increase Thais’ competitiveness for them to be ready for global platforms – thus, leading to the strong and sustainable retail business management.”

    Assist. Prof. Vorapat Inkarojrit, Distinguished Scholar Mr. Wicha Hanamornroongruang, Mrs. Chanisa Chutipat, Assist. Prof. Jittaporn Sribonnjit

    Mr. Wicha Hanamornroongruang, Distinguished Scholar, Faculty of Architecture and Siam Piwat’s Advisor, revealed that: “Siam Piwat Academy is established with Siam Piwat’s determination in sharing its excellent knowhow collected for 56 years, along with the willingness to develop the project until it is internationally recognized by retail and real estate industry. Our executives has often been invited to give lecture to business personnels. We foresee that such business expansion will call for an increase in human resources. Thus, in 2015, we decide to officially launch the course of Public Assembly Facility Management for the first time in Thailand. The course is the result of Siam Piwat’s collaboration with two leading educational institutions: Chulalongkorn and Thammasat Universities. The course will feature both theoretical knowhow taught by honorable professors of each university, and real and practical working experiences by Siam Piwat’s executives. By enrolling in the course, one will also be granted a chance to observe businesses in Siam Piwat Company Limited. In the next three years, we plan to elevate such vocational education to the level that Thailand becomes ASEAN’s largest learning center in shopping mall and retail business management, along with to collaborate with more of international institutions and the company’s partners in order that the course will be developed to efficiently cover all dimensions of shopping mall and retail business management.”

    Siam Piwat academy has opened a short 3-month intensive program for executives in Shopping Mall Facility Management in collaboration with the Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University, on 15th August – 10th October 2015. Next on schedule is Public Assembly Facility Management course – the collaboration with Thammasat University – which will start in November 2015 to February 2016. Siam Piwat academy expects about 100 persons who will graduate from Facility Management course, and within 5 years Siam Piwat Academy will empower people in the major of Facility Management over than 500 persons.

    Assist. Prof. Vorapat Inkarojrit, Ph.D., Deputy Dean of Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University comments on the importance of Shopping Mall Facility Management study:  “The University foresees that well-rounded knowhow and understanding in business are what will significantly drive the business forward. Our Faculty of  Architecture works with Siam Piwat to develop academic knowhow in architectural researches, industrial design, physical environment, real estate, and urban planning design. The collaboration aims to share useful knowhow with the public, society, and country, in order to elevate retail and real estate industry, and trigger the development in retail and real estate human resources to achieve competitiveness with global platforms.”

    Assist. Prof. Jittaporn Sribonnjit, Lecturer of Real Estate Business Program, Thammasat University says “The University is pleased to collaborate with Siam Piwat in human resource development. The courses co-created by the university will provide understanding in public facility design, commercial marketing and trade development and standardized management, for the sustainable business growth. The curriculum does not only include lecture from honarary professors and instructors, but also field observation, and group project activities supervised by instructors.”

    Thailand’s current retail market is growing and expanding so fast that it becomes yet another business with high competitiveness. Siam Piwat’s role as the innovative leader in retail and real estate business, along with its long expertise in the business, and the establishment of Siam Piwat Academy, are regarded as significant step to drive Thai retail industry towards international standard equivalent, and to create quality human resorce to respond to the expansion of retail business, and the role of being ASEAN’s largest learning center in the near future.

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