Thailand extends visa waiver for Indians and Taiwanese
泰國政府已批准延長印度和台灣旅客免簽證六個月
Thailand’s cabinet has greenlit a plan to prolong visa exemption initiatives for travelers from India and Taiwan by six months, aiming to stimulate foreign arrivals and bolster the country’s sluggish economy. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced that tourists from these nations can enter Thailand visa-free until November 11, extending the current waiver set to expire this week. Under this scheme, visitors are permitted a maximum stay of 30 days per entry, compared to the usual 15-day allowance granted through the visa-on-arrival program.
This temporary extension builds upon the success of the initial waiver implemented in November the previous year, with Thailand strategically relaxing visa regulations for travelers from key markets such as China and Russia. Notably, the first four months of 2024 witnessed a substantial surge in foreign tourist arrivals, totaling over 12 million visitors, marking a significant 39% increase from the same period in the preceding year. With tourism contributing around 20% of total employment and constituting approximately 12% of the nation’s $500 billion economy, Thailand aims to attract 80 million tourists by 2027 under Srettha’s administration.
小編點評: 泰國內閣已批准延長印度和台灣旅客免簽證六個月，旨在促進旅遊業並振興經濟。此舉是在旅遊者到來大幅增加後進行的，顯示了泰國旅遊業的積極動力。ctor.
True Digital Group introduces a green platform to cut costs for companies
泰國True Digital Group 推出綠色平台幫助泰國企業節省成本
True Digital Group, a subsidiary of True Corporation, has launched a pioneering platform-as-a-service named a climate tech platform, strategically leveraging Alibaba Cloud’s AI-driven sustainability solution to tap into Thailand’s green transition among businesses. The initiative aims to facilitate Thai enterprises in slashing energy expenses by an ambitious 300 million baht over the coming three years, as outlined by Ekaraj Panjavinin, True Corporation’s chief digital officer. This collaboration introduces Alibaba Cloud’s Energy Expert software-as-a-service to Thailand, offering sophisticated data analytics and intelligent energy management capabilities crucial for identifying energy efficiency challenges, adopting sustainable technologies, and propelling Thailand’s green evolution.
This endeavor arrives amidst Thailand’s concerted efforts to curtail greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40% by 2030, with aspirations for carbon neutrality by 2050, as highlighted by Mr. Ekaraj. With Thailand’s energy landscape witnessing a 3.4% annual surge in electricity consumption, the platform’s integration of cloud, IoT, big data analytics, and Alibaba Cloud Energy Expert technologies emerges as a comprehensive solution. It enables the digitalization of physical systems, streamlines energy management by connecting diverse energy sources, facilitates real-time energy control with AI-driven insights, and ensures compliance with sustainability objectives. True Digital Group targets various sectors, prioritizing food and agriculture, transport, manufacturing, the built environment, and the circular economy, in its mission to drive sustainable practices across industries, fostering economic growth while mitigating environmental impact. platform to reduce companies’ costs.
小編點評：True Digital Group（True Corporation的子公司）與阿里巴巴雲計算合作，推出氣候科技平台，旨在幫助泰國企業在三年內節省3億泰銖的能源成本。利用人工智能驅動的可持續解決方案，此舉與泰國的綠色轉型目標相符，支持減少溫室氣體排放並促進各行業可持續實踐。
Krungsri hosts “Krungsri ESG Awards” & “Krungsri ESG Academy” for Thai SMEs
曼谷銀行為泰國中小企業舉辦「曼谷銀行ESG獎」和「曼谷銀行ESG學院」
Krungsri (Bank of Ayudhya PCL) continues its commitment to promoting sustainable business practices through the second edition of the “Krungsri ESG Awards” and the introduction of the inaugural “Krungsri ESG Academy 2024.” Designed to acknowledge and support SME entrepreneurs aligning with the Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, these initiatives aim to empower businesses with the knowledge and tools necessary for sustainable growth. Miss Duangkamol Limpuangthip, Krungsri Head of SME Banking Group, emphasizes the importance of supporting SMEs in their journey towards sustainability, offering financial support and initiatives that promote ESG business development. The Krungsri ESG Academy 2024, in collaboration with esteemed partner organizations highly qualified in ESG practices, provides expert-led training courses to equip entrepreneurs with in-depth ESG knowledge, facilitating the creation of actionable transition plans aligned with sustainability goals.
Partnering with organizations such as the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and Thammasat University’s Centre for SDG Research and Support, Krungsri aims to recognize excellence in ESG practices through the Krungsri ESG Awards. Over 60 organizations, including SMEs and non-existing Krungsri customers, have been selected to participate in the training program, covering topics such as supply chain management, climate and risk management, and ESG-based business transition planning. Through these initiatives and a target of sustainable finance over 4,500 million baht for SME customers, Krungsri is committed to fostering sustainable business transformation, ensuring every business thrives towards sustainability in Thailand’s evolving economic landscape.
小編點評:曼谷銀行（Bank of Ayudhya PCL）推出「曼谷銀行ESG獎」和首屆「曼谷銀行ESG學院2024」，以支持中小企業採用永續實踐，提供專家主導的培訓和財務支持。 Krungsri 與知名組織合作，旨在為企業家提供 ESG 知識和工具，以在泰國不斷變化的經濟格局中實現永續成長。
Microsoft to establish an AI and data facility in Thailand
微軟將在泰國建立人工智慧和數據設施
Microsoft recently unveiled substantial commitments to bolster Thailand’s data and artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, marking a pivotal step towards fostering a digital-first, AI-powered future in the nation. Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, emphasized the vast potential for Thailand to embrace AI technology, announcing plans to provide AI skilling opportunities for over 100,000 individuals while bolstering support for the country’s burgeoning developer community. This initiative includes the establishment of a new datacenter, reinforcing Microsoft’s longstanding dedication to Thailand and poised to empower organizations across the public and private sectors to drive innovation, impact, and economic growth.
In addition to facilitating AI skilling and infrastructure development, Microsoft is collaborating closely with Thailand’s National Cyber Security Agency to enhance internet safety and cybersecurity resilience in the AI era. Furthermore, partnerships with entities like the Ministry of Finance underscore Microsoft’s commitment to leveraging AI for cross-agency data collaboration, thereby enriching policy creation processes and fostering a financially inclusive economy. With growing demand for cloud computing services and the transformative potential of AI technology, Microsoft’s initiatives not only address immediate needs but also position Thailand to harness significant economic and productivity opportunities, ultimately shaping a digital-first, AI-powered future for the nation.
小編點評: 微軟宣布了在泰國建立人工智慧和數據設施的計劃，標誌著該國在促進數位轉型和創新方面邁出了重大一步。 Microsoft 承諾為超過 10 萬人提供人工智慧技能機會並增強網路安全彈性，旨在為泰國不斷發展的數位環境中的組織提供支援並推動經濟成長。
EGAT, EDL, Mitsubishi, And Chiyoda Form An Alliance For Green Hydrogen And Ammonia in Thailand
EGAT、EDL、三菱和千代田在泰國組成綠氫和氨聯盟
In a landmark move towards advancing green energy, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), Électricité du Laos (EDL), Chiyoda Corporation (CYD), and Mitsubishi Company (Thailand) Ltd. (MCT) have forged a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC), signaling a significant step in propelling Thailand closer to its Carbon Neutrality and Net Zero Emissions targets. The agreement aims to explore the utilization of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) across borders, leveraging renewable energy from Laos for the production of green hydrogen and ammonia in potential sites across Thailand. Formalized at the EGAT Headquarters in Nonthaburi Province, the ceremony witnessed by key stakeholders underscores the strategic importance of the collaboration, emphasizing EGAT’s commitment to harnessing hydropower resources to drive down clean energy production costs and enhance competitiveness in domestic and international markets.
Mr. Thepparat Theppitak, EGAT Governor, and Mr. Vongsakoun Yingyong, Managing Director and CEO of EDL, highlighted Laos’ potential as a renewable energy source and the significance of international collaboration in realizing a greener future. With CYD providing technical support and Mitsubishi emphasizing Thailand’s role as a hub for green hydrogen production, the partnership aims to bolster clean energy development and align with global ambitions for Carbon Neutrality. This collaboration signifies a pivotal step towards a sustainable energy future, fostering transformative change in the region and beyond.
https://solarquarter.com/2024/05/07/egat-edl-chiyoda-and-mitsubishi-forge-alliance-for-green-hydrogen-and-ammonia-in-thailand/
小編點評: EGAT、EDL、三菱和千代田已結盟，推動泰國綠色能源發展，並專注於利用寮國的再生能源生產綠氫和氨。 此次合作強調了對實現碳中和目標的承諾，並標誌著該地區朝著永續能源未來邁出了重要一步。
HCM City aims to use digital data to propel intelligent urban development
越南胡志明市致力於利用數位數據推動智慧城市發展
Ho Chi Minh City is ambitiously setting its sights on a digital economy, aiming for significant contributions of approximately 25% and 40% to its gross regional domestic product (GRDP) by 2025 and 2030, respectively. Duong Anh Duc, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, outlined key initiatives including schemes for transforming the city into a smart city, implementing digital transformation programs, formulating data governance strategies, and launching research and development efforts for artificial intelligence (AI) applications spanning from 2020 to 2030. These strategic measures are not only geared towards achieving set targets but also seek to elevate the city to the ranks of its regional counterparts and other nations with robust digital economies.
Emphasizing the crucial role of databases, speakers at a recent workshop on smart city strategy highlighted the importance of efficient data management and linkage for realizing economic and social value. Dr. Hoang Huu Hanh stressed the necessity of high-quality databases for effective digital models and applications, underscoring their pivotal role in driving digital transformation efforts. Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, Pham Duc Long, emphasized the importance of a common understanding among localities regarding smart urban development, emphasizing the need to address major issues such as transport, environment, energy, and social security. With the ministry actively drafting government decrees on regulations for shared databases, the endeavor towards a digitally empowered future is envisioned as a continuous and long-term process, necessitating substantial resources from the social community.
小編點評：胡志明市正在推進利用數位數據促進智慧城市發展的計劃，目標是到2025年和2030年為其地區國內生產總值做出重大貢獻。並強調高效數據管理和連結對於推動經濟和社會價值的重要性。
FPT, Nvidia collaborates on a $200 million AI facility in Vietnam
FPT 與 Nvidia 合作，將在越南投資 2 億美元建立一座“人工智慧工廠”
FPT, a prominent Vietnamese tech giant, has announced plans to establish a US$200 million “AI factory” in collaboration with Nvidia, aiming to fortify Vietnam’s position as an AI powerhouse and accelerate AI adoption throughout the region, notably in Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea. This initiative seeks to create a comprehensive hub for AI and cloud services, encompassing AI products, GPU infrastructure, expert technical support, and domain expertise, providing clients with a one-stop solution for their AI needs.
The partnership also signifies a significant boost to FPT’s AI research and development endeavors, particularly focusing on generative AI, autonomous driving, and sustainability initiatives. By joining the Nvidia partner network and leveraging Nvidia’s programs to enhance its AI workforce, FPT aims to strengthen its capabilities in delivering cutting-edge AI solutions. With a market valuation of US$5.5 billion and a strong track record of growth, including a notable 20.6% year-on-year revenue increase in the first month of 2024, FPT is poised to solidify its position as a leading player in various industries, ranging from telecommunications and education to IT services and retail.
小編點評: FPT 與 Nvidia 合作，將在越南投資 2 億美元建立一座“人工智慧工廠”，旨在增強該國的人工智慧能力並擴大該地區的人工智慧應用。 該計畫旨在創建一個人工智慧和雲端服務的綜合中心，將菲亞特動力科技定位為各行業的領先者，並專注於人工智慧研發。
Indonesia and the UAE aim to lead the world’s Green Aluminium Market
印尼和阿聯酋宣布合作，期待引領世界綠色鋁市場
Indonesia is actively pursuing collaboration with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to bolster its aspiration of becoming a leading producer of “green aluminum,” a term denoting aluminum manufactured through processes utilizing renewable energy or recycled materials. With abundant bauxite resources, Indonesia aims to process its natural reserves domestically to drive economic growth and supply green aluminum to global automotive manufacturers. Pradana Indraputra, a special advisor at the Investment Ministry, highlighted Indonesia’s push to attract UAE investment, particularly in the aluminum sector, emphasizing the significance of producing environmentally sustainable aluminum to meet the demands of global automotive giants like BMW.
The Dubai Chambers has facilitated discussions between Indonesian officials and visiting UAE companies, including Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA), to explore investment opportunities in Indonesia’s aluminum industry. Notably, EGA previously signed a deal with Indonesia’s state-owned aluminum smelting company Inalum to conduct a feasibility study for incorporating EGA’s technology at the Kuala Tanjung smelter in North Sumatra. This collaboration aims to enhance production capacity using sustainable energy sources such as solar and hydropower, aligning with EGA’s commitment to producing aluminum using solar power and Indonesia’s reliance on hydropower at the Kuala Tanjung smelter. Despite significant investments like the Cirata floating solar plant in West Java by UAE’s energy giant Masdar, the UAE’s FDI in Indonesia remains modest, underlining the potential for further collaboration in advancing Indonesia’s green aluminum ambitions.
https://jakartaglobe.id/business/indonesia-hopes-to-lead-global-green-aluminum-market-with-uae
小編點評：印尼和阿聯酋正在合作，利用印尼豐富的鋁土礦資源和阿聯酋在永續能源方面的專業知識，將自己定位為全球綠色鋁市場的領導者。 杜拜商會促成的討論旨在吸引阿聯酋全球鋁業公司 (EGA) 等阿聯酋公司的投資，以加強印尼的鋁業，並專注於環境永續生產。
Indonesia and the US Trade and Development Agency Collaborate on Smart City Innovations for the Future Capital City 印尼和美國貿易發展署合作開發未來首都的智慧城市創新
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has signed a technical assistance grant with Indonesia’s Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) to develop priority smart city infrastructure in Indonesia’s new capital city, Nusantara. This collaboration aims to leverage U.S. technology to enhance the creation of a sustainable, efficient, and connected world-class capital city. The assistance will focus on integrating smart city applications such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, and the internet of things to optimize government resources, increase sustainability, and improve the quality of life for residents of the new city. USTDA’s support includes developing detailed designs, technical specifications, procurement documentation, and a capacity-building strategy to aid in the adoption of smart city technologies.
The initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s priority initiatives, including the Indo-Pacific Strategy and the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment. It underscores the commitment of the United States to collaborate with Indonesia in pursuit of shared priorities, such as inclusive economic growth and a just energy transition. U.S. businesses interested in contributing to the development of smart city infrastructure in Indonesia are encouraged to participate by submitting proposals for USTDA-funded technical assistance, further facilitating international collaboration in advancing sustainable and technologically advanced urban development.
小編點評：美國貿易和發展署（USTDA）與印尼努桑塔拉首都管理局（OIKN）合作，在印尼新首都努桑塔拉開發智慧城市基礎設施，重點關注美國技術整合。 此次合作旨在創造一個可持續、高效和互聯的首都，與包容性經濟成長和公正的能源轉型的共同優先事項保持一致。
Empowering Malaysia’s digital transformation
微軟在馬來西亞的 投資可望帶來巨大效益，加速該國的數位轉型
MICROSOFT’S plan to invest RM10.5 billion over the next four years to support Malaysia’s digital transformation is poised to develop Malaysia into a hub for cloud computing and related advanced technologies such as generative artificial intelligence (AI).
During a recent visit here, Microsoft president and chief executive officer Satya Nadella said the company aims to develop “world-class infrastructure” for Malaysia that will help local businesses, communities and developers apply the latest technology to bolster economic growth nationwide.
Editor’s Note: 微軟在馬來西亞的 105 億令吉巨額投資可望帶來巨大效益，加速該國的數位轉型，並將其定位為雲端運算和人工智慧等先進技術的區域中心。 該措施將加強基礎設施、促進經濟成長，並為 20 萬人創造巨大的技能提升機會。 透過 AI Teach Malaysia、Ready4AI&Security 和 AI Odyssey 等舉措，微軟將培養強大的人工智慧人才庫、促進創新並提升馬來西亞的全球技術競爭力。 此次合作也強調了微軟致力於透過與 NACSA 合作增強網路安全，確保數位經濟的彈性。
https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/bots/2024/05/1050016/empowering-malaysias-digital-transformation
The spate of investments in semiconductor signals Malaysia’s shift to high-end manufacturing
Sulaiman Mahbob表示：對半導體的大量投資表示馬來西亞轉向高端製造業
KUALA LUMPUR: A series of investments in Malaysia that focused on the semiconductor industry signals the country’s shift to attracting investors in high-end manufacturing. Malaysian Investment Development Authority chairman Tan Sri Sulaiman Mahbob told the NSTP group that Malaysia had shifted from a nation that does assembly to one that manufactures high-end products which require more high-skilled workers.
“If you view it from a structural perspective, we have elevated to a more high-end industry. This can be seen in the technology industry, among which includes the semiconductor sector which has seen an increase in demand for high-skilled workers. “We are not merely in the assembly line anymore. All the investments that were announced showed that we have shifted to producing high-end products,” he said.
小編點評: 馬來西亞向高端製造業（特別是半導體產業）的轉型代表了重大的經濟進步，促進了高技能就業機會的創造並吸引了大量外國投資。 這一轉變不僅增強了國家的競爭優勢，而且還透過提高當地人才庫的技能和促進創新來確保永續成長。 英飛凌科技股份公司的承諾等著名投資進一步凸顯了馬來西亞成為半導體製造全球領導者、推動經濟成長和技術進步的潛力。
QR code immigration clearance timely
馬來西亞入境將引入QR碼通關免用護照以加快陸路通關速度
KUALA LUMPUR: The Quick Response (QR) code-based Immigration clearance system is a move in the right direction that could ease congestion at entry points and enhance security, say experts.
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia defence and security expert Professor Dr Mohd Mizan Mohammad Aslam said the clearance system was the first step towards creating a holistic regional system in easing congestion and travel in the Asean region.
He said the decision to implement the QR code clearance system would see Malaysia being one of the first few countries to adopt the technology.
小編點評：在馬來西亞入境使用QR碼通關免用護照以加快陸路通關速度是一項前瞻性舉措，預計將減少擁塞並增強安全性。 透過採用生物辨識和即時資料同步等先進技術，馬來西亞不僅簡化了旅行流程，而且與全球最佳實踐保持一致，促進東協內部更大的區域整合。 此舉反映了邊境管制現代化的必要且漸進的轉變，最終使旅客和國家安全框架受益。
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/1050290/qr-code-immigration-clearance-timely
IBM Malaysia plays major role in country’s aerospace hub aspirations
IBM 馬來西亞公司在將馬來西亞定位為航空航天創新中心方面發揮了重要作用
KUALA LUMPUR: IBM Malaysia has played a significant role to position Malaysia as a hub for aerospace innovation, citing the transformation of Turkish Aerospace Malaysia (TUSAS Malaysia) in Cyberjaya as a recent “success story”.
“From a modest beginning, TUSAS Malaysia has expanded into a major engineering hub specialising in various aerospace projects,” new managing director and technology leader Dickson Woo said in a statement today.
“A prime reason for its rapid growth was the adoption of IBM’s Engineering Lifecycle Management (ELM) technologies, which significantly enhanced productivity and compliance with stringent international standards,” he said.
小編點評：IBM Malaysia 將 TUSAS Malaysia 轉型為主要的航空航天工程中心，展示了 ELM 等先進技術的優勢。 這提高了生產力、合規性，並使馬來西亞成為航空航天創新領導者，與經濟彈性和永續性的國家目標保持一致。 IBM 利用人工智慧和混合雲推動數位轉型，促進經濟成長和永續發展。
Pro-Net gets RM200mil loan from CIMB for green mobility efforts
馬來西亞寶騰新能源科技（Pro-Net）從馬來亞銀行（CIMB）獲得2億令吉貸款，用於綠色移動計畫
KUALA LUMPUR: Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (Pro-Net) has secured RM200 million in funding from CIMB Bank Bhd to support its green mobility initiative.
The financing will support the importation and distribution of smart #1 electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia.
“The company will also be in charge with fulfilling national carmaker Proton Holdings Bhd’s commitment to its EV agenda and is set to play a pivotal role as it leads the transition towards the production of New Energy Vehicles (NEV) and the development of the Automotive High Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjong Malim,” it said.
小編點評：聯昌國際銀行向寶騰新能源科技（Pro-Net）提供的2億令吉資金極大地推動了馬來西亞的綠色移動計劃，促進了智慧電動汽車的進口和分銷。 這項財政支持加速了向電動車的過渡，符合國家碳中和目標，並增強了客戶信心。 透過增強其數位生態系統和供應鏈，Pro-Net 已做好充分準備，可以滿足對電動車不斷增長的需求，從而提升馬來西亞在永續汽車技術方面的地位。