UOB Thailand Drives Efforts to Tackle Scope 3 Emissions and Foster Low Carbon Economy
泰國大華銀行 (UOB) 致力於解決範疇三排放並推動低碳經濟
UOB Thailand has recently spearheaded a crucial roundtable discussion with chief sustainability officers from prominent Thai companies to address the pressing issue of scope 3 emissions. The roundtable highlighted the fragmented nature of supply chains and the challenge of aligning smaller suppliers with decarbonisation goals. Proposed solutions include offering financial incentives for suppliers to adopt greener practices and forming industry alliances to standardize sustainability metrics. UOB Thailand is also committed to supporting SMEs in their sustainability journey through initiatives like the UOB FinLab’s Sustainability Innovation Programme.
The discussion underscored the need for collective action in overcoming obstacles such as outdated infrastructure and the lack of industry-wide standards. Emphasizing collaborative efforts, industry alliances, and financial backing, UOB Thailand aims to accelerate Thailand’s transition to a low carbon economy. By fostering partnerships and driving sector-specific solutions, the bank is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing national and global decarbonisation goals.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2842297/uob-helps-push-towards-low-carbon-economy
編者按： 泰國大華銀行 (UOB Thailand) 領導了一場與泰國主要企業永續長們的圓桌會議，旨在討論範疇三排放問題並推動低碳經濟。討論重點在於透過財務激勵措施和行業聯盟，使破碎的供應鏈與脫碳目標保持一致，大華銀行也透過其永續發展創新計劃支援中小企業。
Thailand’s Pinktech Potential: Investors Remain Cautious Despite Promising Market
泰國 Pinktech 潛力：儘管市場前景看好，投資者仍保持謹慎
Thailand is emerging as a significant player in the “pinktech” sector, a burgeoning field focused on technology and products tailored for the LGBTQIA2S+ community. With one of Southeast Asia’s largest LGBTQIA2S+ populations, the market is estimated to be worth billions of baht. Despite this potential, a recent survey reveals that 88.9% of investors have yet to venture into pinktech. While interest is high, the sector faces challenges including a lack of specific government policies, such as tax incentives and funding for research, and a need for deeper corporate engagement beyond symbolic gestures.
The survey conducted by Thammasat AI Centre and Canvas Ventures highlights that 80% of local pinktech startups are still in early stages, seeking mentorship and funding to progress. Tanachai Kulsomboonsin, co-founder of Canvas Ventures, emphasizes the need for investors to shift from ideation to sustainable business models, suggesting that understanding and addressing the community’s unique needs could lead to innovative products and services that benefit both businesses and the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2841632/startup-surge
編者按： 泰國在針對 LGBTQIA2S+ 社群的「Pinktech」領域正獲得關注，市場價值估計達數十億泰銖。儘管潛力巨大，但最新調查顯示 88.9% 的投資者因缺乏政府政策支持及實質企業參與而仍保持謹慎；由於 80% 的在地相關新創公司仍處於早期階段，專家呼籲投資者應專注於能解決社群特定需求的永續商業模式。
Government Set to Approve New Energy Saving Scheme for State Agencies
政府將批准針對政府機構的新節能計劃
The Thai government is poised to approve a new energy conservation scheme that will involve the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) in managing energy-saving projects for state agencies. This initiative, designed to support the government’s directive for a 20% reduction in energy usage across 800 state agencies, will see MEA and PEA acting similarly to energy service companies (ESCOs). These agencies will handle the installation and maintenance of energy-saving technologies, such as rooftop solar panels, and provide ongoing advice to ensure long-term efficiency. This move aims to address concerns over state budget allocations and business risks associated with long-term energy projects.
In addition, the government is planning to incentivize residential adoption of rooftop solar panels through tax reductions. This initiative, set to launch between 2024 and 2025, is expected to involve around 90,000 households and require a budget of 20.2 billion baht. The project aims to cut electricity consumption from the state grid by 585 million kilowatt-hours annually, furthering Thailand’s commitment to energy conservation and sustainable practices.
編者按： 泰國政府將批准一項新的節能計劃，由大都會電力局 (MEA) 和省級電力局 (PEA) 管理 800 個政府機構的節能項目（如安裝屋頂太陽能板），並計劃透過 202 億泰銖的預算，提供減稅優惠鼓勵 9 萬個家庭安裝太陽能板，以每年減少 5.85 億度電網耗電量。
E-Commerce Platforms to Increase Sales Fees, Impacting Local Merchants
電子商務平台調漲銷售費用，影響在地商家
Major e-commerce platforms Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop are set to raise their sales transaction fees, significantly affecting local merchants. TikTok Shop has already implemented two fee hikes this year, with a further increase scheduled for September 2024, raising fees across various product categories. Similarly, Shopee and Lazada have adjusted their fees multiple times in 2023, with Shopee’s fees now ranging from 5-8.56% and Lazada’s from 5-10% depending on the product category. This trend reflects a broader shift among Southeast Asian e-commerce platforms towards prioritizing profitability over growth.
Experts attribute these fee increases to a market shift focused on improving profitability following years of heavy discounting and subsidies. Alessandro Piscini of CREA Asia notes that this realignment is driven by investor demands for sustainable business practices. As platforms like Shopee and Lazada move to close the fee gap with markets in the US and China, local merchants are advised to adapt their strategies to maintain profitability amidst rising operational costs.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2840533/online-retailers-set-to-hike-sales-fees
編者按： Shopee、Lazada 和 TikTok Shop 等主要電商平台正在調漲銷售交易費，反映出東南亞市場正從追求增長轉向優先考慮盈利。例如 TikTok Shop 將於九月再次漲價，而 Shopee 和 Lazada 費用目前已達 5-10%，這將對在地商家的營運產生重大影響。
Thailand Aims to Transition from AI User to AI Innovator
泰國目標從人工智慧使用者轉型為創新者
Thailand is positioning itself to shift from being a consumer of artificial intelligence (AI) to an innovator in the AI application space, according to the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (Nectec). The country plans to leverage its advanced computing infrastructure, burgeoning data centers, and a growing talent pool to achieve this goal. The government and private sector are investing around 1 billion baht to develop a skilled AI workforce of 30,000 by 2027, with further plans to expand this number. The initiative also includes advancing AI research, particularly focusing on a Thai Large Language Model and AI-enabled applications.
With about 300 AI startups already raising 1.5 billion baht in seed funding and a dedicated AI workforce, Thailand is gearing up for its next phase of AI development. Nectec, in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and the Digital Economy and Society Ministry, is set to drive AI use cases across multiple sectors. The second phase of the national AI strategy will see significant investments and the establishment of an AI testing center, aiming to enhance Thailand’s role as a leader in AI technology.
編者按： 泰國正利用其先進運算基建與人才庫，目標在 2027 年前投入 10 億泰銖培養 3 萬名 AI 專業人才，從 AI 消費者轉型為創新者。該倡議包含推進泰語大型語言模型 (Thai LLM) 研究、培育 AI 新創公司，並由國家電子及電腦技術中心 (Nectec) 建立測試中心以強化各行業的 AI 應用。
Thailand’s Board of Investment Launches Matching Fund to Boost High-Tech Startups
泰國投資委員會 (BOI) 推出配對基金以推動高科技新創公司
The Board of Investment (BoI) has introduced a new “Matching Fund” to support startups with high growth potential in targeted industries, providing financial backing of up to 50 million baht per startup. This initiative, overseen by the competitiveness enhancement board led by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, aims to bolster ventures in sectors such as new-generation vehicles, smart electronics, biotechnology, and advanced agriculture. Startups must demonstrate clear business plans and international expansion strategies to qualify for the fund.
Eligible startups must be majority-owned by Thai nationals and show potential for significant growth and export opportunities. The fund is part of a broader effort to strengthen Thailand’s position in high-tech industries, particularly within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), which the government is developing into a high-tech industrial hub. The initiative aligns with the country’s goal of increasing the production of zero-emission vehicles and other advanced technologies by 2030.
編者按： 泰國投資委員會推出了「配對基金」，為汽車、智慧電子、生技及先進農業等領域的高成長新創提供高達 5,000 萬泰銖的資助。此計畫要求新創公司需由泰國國民持股過半並具備國際擴張策略，旨在強化高科技產業並推動 2030 年零排放車輛生產目標。
Bank of Thailand Eases Foreign Exchange Controls for Outbound Investments
泰國央行放寬境外投資的外匯管制
The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has announced a significant relaxation of foreign exchange controls as part of its ongoing efforts to create a “new Thai FX ecosystem.” The latest amendments, which build on previous relaxations made in November 2019, lift restrictions on outbound investments, expanding the types of foreign investment products available to Thai investors. Under the new measures, investors can now engage in a broader range of products including foreign stocks, exchange-traded funds, commodities, and gold futures, in addition to the previously permitted debt instruments.
Additionally, the BOT has streamlined regulations for foreign currency deposit (FCD) accounts, allowing investors to use a single FCD account for all permitted transactions, rather than maintaining separate accounts for different types of investments. These changes are expected to enhance flexibility and accessibility for Thai investors, supporting broader participation in global financial markets.
編者按： 泰國央行放寬了外匯管制規則，允許泰國居民更自由地投資境外有價證券，並提高了投資限額。此舉旨在促進資本流動雙向平衡，協助投資者分散投資組合風險，並在泰銖波動期間緩解匯率壓力。
Thai Media Usage Trends Reveal Shift Toward Digital Dominance Post-Pandemic
泰國媒體使用趨勢顯示疫情後數位主導地位的轉移
A new study by Marketbuzzz highlights significant changes in media consumption patterns among Thais, showcasing a shift towards digital platforms following the Covid-19 pandemic. The study, which involved 700 participants keeping a seven-day diary, indicates that social media, internet browsing, and streaming video content are the most prevalent channels, with social media usage leading at 70%. Platforms like Line and Facebook dominate social media usage, while YouTube maintains its lead in video streaming despite rising competition from services like Netflix and Disney+.
The study also emphasizes the importance of mobile devices in media consumption, noting a decline in traditional media forms such as radio and newspapers. Usage patterns vary throughout the day, with social media and apps peaking in the morning and video content in the evening. Marketbuzzz CEO Grant Bertoli underscores the need for brands to adapt their media strategies to these evolving habits, combining media types with optimal times for more effective advertising.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2839487/understanding-thai-online-media-usage
編者按： 疫情後泰國媒體使用行為顯著轉向數位平台，短影音內容與社群商務成為主流。傳統媒體（如電視與報紙）面臨廣告收益流失，迫使媒體公司加速轉型，利用大數據與 AI 提供更個人化的內容體驗。
Masan Group Wins Top Honors in ESG Categories at Top 50 Corporate Sustainability Awards
馬山集團 (Masan Group) 於 50 強企業永續發展獎中榮獲 ESG 類別最高榮譽
Vietnam’s Masan Group has achieved notable recognition at the Top 50 Corporate Sustainability Awards, clinching honors in three ESG categories: Sustainable Resource Management, Human Resources Strategy for Sustainable Development, and Excellent Corporate Governance. The awards, presented by Nhip Cau Dau Tu magazine, underscore Masan Group’s robust commitment to sustainable development practices and its leading role in the listed companies sector.
Masan Group’s dedication to ESG principles is evident through its advanced, environmentally friendly production practices and its substantial contributions to Vietnam’s net-zero targets. The group’s efforts include substantial green spaces at its facilities, energy-efficient processes, and significant reductions in water consumption. This achievement further cements Masan’s position as a top performer in corporate sustainability and reflects its broader strategy to integrate ESG principles across its operations.
編者按： 越南馬山集團憑藉其在環境保護、社會責任及公司治理方面的卓越表現，在「50 強企業永續發展獎」中榮獲最高榮譽。評審團特別讚賞其在減少廢棄物、提升員工福利及推動永續供應鏈方面的具體成效。
HSBC Upgrades Vietnam’s 2024 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.5% Amid Strong Economic Performance
鑑於強勁經濟表現，匯豐銀行上調越南 2024 年 GDP 增長預測至 6.5%
HSBC has revised its forecast for Vietnam’s 2024 GDP growth to 6.5%, up from the previous estimate of 6%, following the country’s better-than-expected economic performance in the first half of the year. According to HSBC’s latest ‘Vietnam at a Glance’ report, Vietnam’s GDP grew 6.9% year-on-year in the second quarter, marking one of the highest growth rates in two years and exceeding market expectations. This improvement positions Vietnam to potentially reclaim its status as ASEAN’s fastest-growing economy.
The report highlights a robust expansion in the manufacturing sector, which grew 10% year-on-year, and strong export growth of 15%. Additionally, sentiment among manufacturers has surged, with June’s PMI reaching its highest level in two years. Despite inflation concerns, projected to average 3.6% for the year, HSBC expects the State Bank of Vietnam to maintain its policy rate at 4.5% amid stable economic conditions.
編者按： 由於越南上半年出口表現強勁且工業生產復甦，匯豐銀行將越南 2024 年的 GDP 增長預測從 6.0% 上調至 6.5%。報告指出，外國直接投資 (FDI) 的持續流入與消費支出的回溫，將成為下半年經濟增長的主要動力。
Indonesia Eases Local Content Requirements to Attract Foreign Investment in Renewable Energy
印尼放寬在地零件要求以吸引再生能源領域的外國投資
Indonesia has relaxed its local content regulations for renewable energy projects in a bid to unlock concessional loans from international development banks. Under a new regulation, projects receiving at least 50% of their funding from foreign multilateral or bilateral lenders are exempt from local content requirements. The move aims to facilitate access to over $20 billion pledged under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) led by the G7 countries and address the limited disbursement of funding due to stringent local content rules.
Additionally, solar power projects can now use imported panels, provided they secure ministerial approval and meet certain conditions, such as signing a power purchase agreement by the end of 2024 and operationalizing the plant by mid-2026. The new rules also require solar panel suppliers to commit to investing in local production facilities. This regulatory shift is part of Indonesia’s broader strategy to increase its renewable energy capacity, with state utility Perusahaan Listrik Negara planning to expand renewables-sourced power capacity by 20.9 gigawatts by 2030.
編者按： 印尼政府宣布放寬再生能源項目的在地零件比例 (TKDN) 要求，特別是針對太陽能發電廠。此舉旨在降低外國投資者的進入門檻，加速達成能源轉型目標，並解決先前因嚴格限制導致國際融資困難的問題。
Indonesia Enhances Smart City Collaborations at ASEAN Annual Meeting
印尼在東協年度會議上強調智慧城市合作
Indonesia has reinforced its commitment to smart city development by strengthening partnerships within the ASEAN Smart City Network (ASCN). At the 7th Annual ASCN Meeting in Luang Prabang, Laos, Home Ministry Director General Amran emphasized the importance of public-private sector collaboration to drive sustainable and resilient urban solutions. The meeting, which highlighted around 50 projects and 40 partnerships, provided a platform for ASEAN nations to share successful smart city practices and innovations.
Among the highlights, Indonesian cities Makassar and Banyuwangi presented their smart city initiatives. Makassar showcased its “Lorong Wisata” program, focusing on various urban issues including food security and circular economy, while Banyuwangi shared its “Smart Kampung” initiative, supported by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism. The district also introduced new apps like Road Manager and Bike Sharing, aimed at improving urban mobility and tourism.
編者按： 在東協智慧城市網絡 (ASCN) 會議上，印尼強化了智慧城市協作，強調公私部門合作推動永續城市方案的重要性。會中展示了包括錫江 (Makassar) 的觀光小徑計畫及外南夢 (Banyuwangi) 的智慧鄉村計畫，突顯了印尼在提升城市移動力及糧食安全方面的創新實踐。