Equinix to Invest $500 Million in Thailand to Meet Rising Digital Demand
Equinix將在泰國投資5億美元以滿足日益增長的數位需求
Equinix has announced plans to invest $500 million in Thailand over the next decade, responding to the growing demand for digital services driven by Thailand’s “Cloud First” policy. This strategic investment includes a recent $34 million land acquisition in Bangkok’s Bangna area, where the company will establish two International Business Exchange (IBX) data centers, offering over 3,375 cabinets upon full completion. Located near Bangkok’s existing interconnection ecosystem and key transport routes, this location is positioned to enhance digital connectivity across Thailand and neighboring CLMV countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam).
Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary general of the Thailand Board of Investment, highlighted the strategic appeal of Thailand as a major hub for digital and cloud services in the region. Equinix’s Asia-Pacific vice president, Cyrus Adaggra, emphasized the company’s dedication to creating a robust digital ecosystem that integrates leading cloud providers and businesses. This expansion marks Equinix’s ongoing efforts to extend its Asia-Pacific footprint, with existing facilities across key metros in Australia, China, Japan, Singapore, and more.
小編點評： Equinix將在未來10年內於泰國投資5億美元，以因應雲端優先政策驅動的數位服務需求。此項投資包含在曼谷耗資3,400萬美元購置土地，建立兩座新數據中心，藉此強化泰國與鄰近CLMV國家的數位連網能力。
Thai Government to Amend Trade Laws, Address Economic Hurdles
泰國政府將修訂貿易法規以應對經濟障礙
Thailand’s government has committed to amending laws that hinder trade following a private sector proposal highlighting economic barriers. Spokesman Jirayu Houngsub stated that legal obstacles are costing the economy an estimated 100 billion baht annually. In response, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra tasked Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira with coordinating solutions with businesses, focusing on economic stimulus, support for SMEs, water management, and competitiveness. Additionally, the Public Sector Development Commission Office has been asked to streamline procedural steps and address delays in licensing, which have affected the nation’s growth.
The prime minister also directed officials to counter the influx of low-cost Chinese products in the domestic market by requiring online importers to register and adhere to Thai tax and certification standards. This move comes as the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) projects Thai economic growth to reach 2.3-2.8% in 2024, driven by tourism, increased consumption, and a gradual export recovery. However, the NESDC noted that political stability, swift budget disbursement, and climate change monitoring are essential for sustaining this growth.
小編點評：泰國政府因應私營部門建議，將修訂每年造成經濟損失1,000億泰銖的貿易法規。總理白東丹已要求財政部長協調加強經濟刺激、支援中小企業並縮短許可核發延遲。此外，政府計畫要求跨境電商進口商必須符合泰國稅收與認證標準，以遏止低價中國產品湧入，並維護市場競爭力。
Thailand to Leverage AI for Competitive Edge in Free Trade Areas
泰國將利用AI提升自由貿易區的競爭優勢
Thailand is set to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance trade competitiveness and optimize free trade area predictions, according to Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan. At the Southeast Asia Trade and Development Forum 2024, Pichai highlighted Thailand’s position as a leader in AI and AI-based data center investments, with over 160 billion baht invested in data centers this year alone. The country aims to leverage AI for trend analysis and to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to improve product quality and marketing efficiency with minimal costs. The Board of Investment recently reported significant investments, including Equinix’s 16.5 billion baht commitment to Thai data centers, as well as expanded manufacturing bases from global companies like HP Inc.
Pichai emphasized that AI could drive ASEAN integration by streamlining cross-border trade standards and reducing barriers. With AI-powered tools for analyzing market trends, trade flows, and investment risks, Southeast Asia has a unique opportunity to enhance productivity and leapfrog traditional development stages. According to a Google and Temasek report, AI could add up to US$1 trillion to Southeast Asia’s GDP by 2030. By equipping businesses and policymakers with advanced data insights, AI is expected to improve strategic decision-making, fostering growth across the region.
小編點評：泰國計畫利用人工智慧提升貿易競爭力並優化自由貿易區的預測能力，並對AI驅動的數據中心進行重大投資。商務部長強調AI將協助中小企業、精簡跨境貿易並強化東協整合，預計到2030年能為東南亞GDP增加高達1兆美元。
Thai Government Launches Digital and Green Funds to Boost SME Competitiveness
泰國政府啟動數位與綠色基金以提升中小企業競爭力
The Industry Ministry of Thailand has allocated over 10 million baht to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in embracing digital technology and eco-friendly practices, with an eye on enhancing their competitiveness amid economic challenges. Assistant permanent secretary Nirada Visutthichardtada announced that 200 SMEs would be chosen to benefit from two new funds: the 5-million-baht Digital Transformation Fund, aimed at helping SMEs adopt appropriate digital tools, and the Sustainable Productivity Fund, also worth 5 million baht, to promote environmentally friendly operations. Targeted sectors include farm produce processing, fashion, and lifestyle businesses, with an expected economic boost of over 54 million baht from the digital fund alone.
The Sustainable Productivity Fund will focus on helping SMEs implement energy-saving and eco-friendly practices, aligning with Thailand’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Through better energy management, participating SMEs will not only cut operational costs but also contribute to reducing the country’s carbon footprint. Nirada emphasized the critical role of SMEs, which account for 35% of Thailand’s GDP, noting that these funds will support their adaptation to green and digital practices essential for future growth and market competitiveness.
小編點評：泰國政府啟動兩項總額1,000萬泰銖的新基金，協助中小企業轉型數位技術與永續經營。數位轉型基金與永續生產力基金旨在支援農產品加工與時尚產業，預計帶動超過5,400萬泰銖的經濟效益。這些舉措透過推廣節能與環保營運，符合泰國碳中和目標並提升企業競爭力。
Thailand Emerges as Key Hub for PCB Manufacturing with Mektec’s $920 Million Investment
Mektec投資9.2億美元，泰國成為PCB製造關鍵樞紐
The Board of Investment (BoI) is optimistic about the growth of Thailand’s printed circuit board (PCB) industry, as Mektec Manufacturing Corporation, a subsidiary of Japan’s NOK Corporation, recently invested 920 million baht to expand operations in the country. This makes Mektec the largest PCB manufacturer in Southeast Asia. Thailand, now among the world’s top five PCB manufacturing hubs, has attracted new investors and seen existing companies increase their local investments. The BoI has supported this growth by offering incentives to companies like Mektec, which specializes in flexible PCBs (FPCBs) for products such as electric vehicles (EVs), telecom, medical devices, and complex electronics.
Somchai Asawarungsaengkul, managing director of Mektec Thailand, stated that the company’s expanded production will meet rising demand, particularly in the EV industry. Mektec’s factory in Ayutthaya’s Bang Pa-in Industrial Estate, which employs 3,000 workers, sources 2.5 billion baht annually in local raw materials. The expansion aligns with Mektec’s vision to establish a smart factory and reinforce Thailand’s position in the global electronics supply chain, driven by advances in 5G, IoT, and artificial intelligence.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2891266/boi-upbeat-on-outlook-for-pcb-sector
小編點評：Mektec投資9.2億泰銖擴大在泰國的業務，使泰國成為印刷電路板（PCB）製造的關鍵樞紐。憑藉此次擴張，Mektec成為東南亞最大的PCB製造商，滿足電動車領域日益增長的需求。在投資委員會的支持下，Mektec位於大城府的智慧工廠強化了泰國在5G、物聯網與AI創新驅動的全球電子供應鏈中的地位。
Thailand Targets Digital Growth with Infrastructure Upgrades Announced at Bitkub Summit
泰國於Bitkub峰會宣布升級基礎設施以推動數位成長
Thailand is accelerating its push toward a digital-driven economy, with a major focus on upgrading its digital infrastructure. At the Bitkub Summit 2024, held in Bangkok on October 19-20, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Prasert Chantararuangthong, outlined the government’s plans to enhance the nation’s digital tools and infrastructure, strengthen data security regulations, and prioritize initiatives like the “cloud first” policy and e-government services. Prasert emphasized that these efforts aim to boost Thailand’s global competitiveness and support economic growth through a robust digital economy.
Echoing the government’s vision, Topp Jirayut Srupsrisopa, founder of the cryptocurrency exchange Bitkub, highlighted the digital economy’s role in helping Thailand overcome the middle-income trap, noting examples from China and Vietnam. Jirayut expressed hopes for the Bitkub Summit to become Thailand’s premier tech event, fostering public awareness and knowledge-sharing. This year’s summit featured over 20 global speakers and encouraged a sustainable approach to digital transformation, showcasing a collaborative effort between government initiatives and private-sector innovation as central to shaping Thailand’s economic future.
Reference: https://www.nationthailand.com/business/digital-assets/40042500
小編點評：在2024年Bitkub峰會上，泰國政府概述了升級數位基礎設施、強化數據安全並優先推行雲端優先政策的計畫，以促進經濟增長。副總理與Bitkub創辦人強調數位經濟是克服中等收入陷阱並讓泰國成為區域技術領導者的關鍵。
Thailand Rolls Out Biometric ID System at Major Airports for Streamlined Passenger Experience
泰國主要機場啟用生物辨識身分系統以優化旅客體驗
Airports of Thailand (AOT) is launching an automated biometric identification system to enhance boarding procedures at six major airports, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Muang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai. From November 1, domestic passengers can use facial recognition technology to verify their identity, while the system will be fully available to international travelers by December 1. Passengers opting into the system can clear checkpoints without presenting passports or boarding passes, making check-in smoother and quicker, as each registration will be valid for one journey only.
AOT President Kirati Kitmanawat noted that the new system aligns with AOT’s goal of offering world-class travel experiences, adding that the biometric technology will free up passengers’ time to explore airport amenities. The shift comes amid rising travel demand, with AOT expecting passenger numbers at the six airports to reach nearly 130 million between October 2024 and September 2025, an increase of 8.95% year-on-year. Flight numbers are projected to rise to 808,280, with major growth anticipated at Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports due to the influx of international travelers, particularly from China, India, South Korea, Russia, and Japan.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40042801
小編點評：泰國機場公司在6大機場引入生物辨識身分系統，國內旅客自11月1日起可使用面部識別快速登機，國際旅客則於12月1日起啟用。新系統無需護照或登機證即可完成登機流程。受國際旅遊增長帶動，泰國機場預計2024至2025年度旅客量將升至1.3億人次。
Nvidia Eyes Major Investment in Thailand, CEO Jensen Huang to Visit Bangkok in December
Nvidia看好泰國並計畫重大投資，執行長黃仁勳12月將訪曼谷
Nvidia, a global leader in chip technology, is considering a significant investment in Thailand to promote the country as a regional hub for data centers and artificial intelligence (AI). According to Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan, the investment aligns with Thailand’s ambitions to attract top tech companies, joining the ranks of Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, which have already invested in the nation. The move is expected to strengthen Thailand’s digital ecosystem and position it as a strategic player in the region’s tech landscape.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is scheduled to visit Bangkok in December, where he is expected to announce further details about the company’s plans. While specifics regarding the investment amount and operational focus remain under wraps, the Commerce Minister noted that Nvidia’s entry could encourage other tech companies along the supply chain to invest in Thailand, further enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure and economic potential. More information about the venture is anticipated within the coming months.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40042592
小編點評：Nvidia正考慮在泰國進行重大投資，以提升泰國作為數據中心與人工智慧區域樞紐的地位，跟隨亞馬遜、Google與微軟等巨頭的步伐。執行長黃仁勳將於12月訪問曼谷揭曉細節，此投資預計將增強泰國數位生態系統並吸引更多科技公司進駐。
Vietnamese Firms Struggle Against Low-Cost Chinese Products Flooding E-commerce Platforms
越南企業在電商平台難以對抗湧入的中國低價產品
Vietnamese businesses are grappling with an influx of low-cost goods from Chinese e-commerce giants such as Temu, Taobao, and 1688, which are rapidly gaining popularity among local consumers. The availability of these affordable products, often with free delivery and competitive return policies, has made it difficult for Vietnamese companies to compete on price, as well as on quality and service. With Chinese products priced significantly lower than similar Vietnamese items, local companies are being forced to reduce their prices, eroding profit margins and market share. This trend has raised concerns about the long-term viability of Vietnamese enterprises in sectors such as household goods, fashion, and electronics.
Experts warn that, despite benefiting from low prices, Vietnamese consumers may face a weakened domestic market if local businesses cannot keep pace with their Chinese counterparts. The dominance of Chinese e-commerce platforms, which benefit from extensive logistics networks and subsidies, has fundamentally altered the Vietnamese retail landscape, spurring calls for improved infrastructure and government support for local firms. Industry leaders suggest that Vietnamese enterprises should focus on strengthening logistics, enhancing product quality, and exploring international markets to mitigate risks. Additionally, there are calls for a legal framework to protect Vietnam’s domestic market from foreign competition, as the presence of Chinese e-commerce platforms continues to grow.
小編點評：越南企業正艱難對抗湧入Temu、淘寶與1688等電商平台的低價中國產品。這些平台提供低廉價格與極具吸引力的配送政策，導致本土公司利潤萎縮並引發對國內市場長期健康發展的擔憂，促使各界呼籲加強基礎設施、政府支援及法律保護。
German Firm PNE AG Plans $4.6 Billion Offshore Wind Farm in Binh Dinh, Vietnam
德國PNE集團計畫在越南平定省投資46億美元興建離岸風場
Germany’s PNE AG is set to invest $4.6 billion in an offshore wind power project in Binh Dinh Province, south-central Vietnam, with plans to develop a facility capable of generating 2,000 megawatts of electricity. The project, which is expected to be executed in three phases, will see over $1.5 billion allocated to each phase, with the aim of significantly boosting the province’s renewable energy capacity. Provincial leaders have been collaborating with PNE AG since 2019 and have gained insights into the company’s technology through visits to its projects in Germany.
Binh Dinh’s Secretary Ho Quoc Dung highlighted the province’s favorable conditions for renewable energy development, citing its 134-kilometer coastline as ideal for offshore wind power. Once operational, the project is anticipated to generate approximately 7.1 billion kWh of electricity annually, enhancing national power security and supporting economic growth in the region. Additionally, it is expected to contribute about VND1.6 trillion ($62.9 million) to the provincial budget each year, marking a significant step forward for both Binh Dinh and Vietnam’s energy landscape as PNE expands its operations in Asia.
小編點評：德國PNE集團在越南平定省投資46億美元建設離岸風場，計畫分三階段產生2,000兆瓦電力。該項目預計將提升該省再生能源產能，每年為地方預算貢獻6,290萬美元，並增強越南國家能源安全。
Ho Chi Minh City Launches SoiHub: A New Innovation Ecosystem for Businesses
胡志明市啟動SoiHub：企業創新開發的新生態系統
Ho Chi Minh City has officially launched SoiHub, an innovative ecosystem designed to support businesses and foster high aspirations within Vietnam’s Startup and Innovation Ecosystem (S&I). Inaugurated at the Tech Valley building in Quang Trung Software City on October 25, 2024, SoiHub is the result of a 15-year partnership with Finland, aimed at addressing challenges in innovation, policy, and human resources for both domestic and international companies. The center will provide a unique talent incubation space and prototype technologies, emphasizing green growth initiatives that differentiate it from other hubs across the country.
Key features of SoiHub include its role as an international gateway connecting various stakeholders, such as government entities, tech startups, and educational institutions. With partnerships established with major corporations like Samsung and Qualcomm, as well as collaborations with 20 local governments and 75 universities, SoiHub aims to develop a talent sandbox for startups to engage with advanced technologies and innovative business models. The ecosystem will also facilitate favorable conditions for tech companies setting up in the Quang Trung Software City, including tax exemptions of up to 11 years, ensuring easy access to critical areas of the city and accelerating Vietnam’s development in key sectors.
小編點評：胡志明市在光中軟體園區啟動SoiHub創新生態系統，旨在支援企業並促進綠色增長。透過與芬蘭長達15年的合作關係，SoiHub連結了新創企業、政府機構與三星、高通等大企業，提供人才孵化、先進技術與稅收優惠以推動越南科技發展。
MARC and Impac+ Forge Partnership to Enhance ESG Advisory and Sustainable Finance in Indonesia
MARC與Impac+建立合作夥伴關係以強化印尼的ESG諮詢與永續金融
Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad (MARC) and Indonesian sustainability consultancy Impac+ have signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) to strengthen their alliance in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) advisory services and sustainable finance solutions. The signing ceremony, held in Jakarta on October 18, 2024, signifies a pivotal step in addressing the increasing demand for innovative and localized sustainable finance initiatives in Indonesia. The partnership will focus on bespoke consulting services and upskilling initiatives, aimed at empowering businesses and industries to effectively integrate ESG principles into their operations.
Both Arshad Mohamed Ismail, Group CEO of MARC, and Rizky Wisnoentoro, CEO of Impac+, expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration. Ismail emphasized MARC’s commitment to promoting sustainability best practices and contributing to a holistic sustainability landscape in Indonesia, while Wisnoentoro highlighted the significance of combining resources to address the country’s unique sustainability challenges. This partnership reflects MARC’s dedication to expanding its influence in the regional ESG landscape, supporting the development of a robust ESG ecosystem through strategic collaborations that align with the growing emphasis on sustainable finance and responsible investment.
小編點評：MARC與Impac+建立合作夥伴關係，旨在強化印尼的ESG諮詢服務與永續金融，專注於客製化諮詢與技能提升計畫。此合作旨在賦能企業將ESG原則整合至營運中，並解決印尼特有的永續發展挑戰。
Indonesia Bans iPhone 16 Over Unfulfilled Investment Commitments by Apple
因蘋果未履行投資承諾，印尼禁止銷售iPhone16
Indonesia has officially banned the import and use of Apple’s iPhone 16, as announced by Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita. The decision comes in light of Apple’s failure to meet its promised investments and requirements for locally produced components in the country. While Apple holds a leading position in the premium smartphone segment, the ban is indicative of the new government’s assertive stance on enforcing regulations and compliance, particularly as the country grapples with its evolving economic landscape.
Although the ban is not expected to significantly impact Apple’s overall revenues, it highlights Indonesia’s determination to bolster its domestic technology sector and ensure compliance with investment commitments from foreign companies. As the world’s fourth most populous nation, Indonesia is seeking to promote local production and sustainable growth, emphasizing the need for multinational corporations to align with national development goals. The recent political changes, with a new government in place, signal a shift toward a more assertive regulatory environment in the tech industry.
https://www.theregister.com/2024/10/27/asia_tech_news_in_brief
小編點評：由於蘋果公司未履行投資承諾及在地零件生產比例要求，印尼已禁止進口與使用iPhone16。此舉反映了印尼政府加強執法並推動在地生產的立場，特別是在科技領域。這項禁令凸顯了印尼追求永續增長及要求企業遵守國家發展目標的決心。