UOB Thailand Drives Efforts to Tackle Scope 3 Emissions and Foster Low Carbon Economy
泰國大華銀行致力於解決範圍 3 排放問題並促進低碳經濟
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The discussion underscored the need for collective action in overcoming obstacles such as outdated infrastructure and the lack of industry-wide standards.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
小編點評：泰國大華銀行公司與泰國主要公司的首席永續發展官舉行了圓桌會議，討論解決範圍 3 排放問題並促進低碳經濟。討論的重點是透過財政激勵和產業聯盟使分散的供應鏈與脫碳目標保持一致，大華銀行泰國也透過其永續發展創新計畫支持中小企業。
Thailand’s Pinktech Potential: Investors Remain Cautious Despite Promising Market
泰國 Pinktech 潛力：儘管市場前景廣闊，投資者仍保持謹慎態度
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
小編點評：泰國的「粉紅科技」領域正在獲得關注，該領域的目標是為 LGBTQIA2S+ 群體提供技術和產品，市場估計價值數十億泰銖。儘管潛力巨大，但最近的一項調查顯示，88.9% 的投資者仍持謹慎態度，理由是缺乏政府支持政策以及需要更實質的企業參與等挑戰。由於 80% 的當地 PinkTech 新創公司仍處於早期階段，因此呼籲投資者超越構想，專注於滿足社區特定需求的永續商業模式。
政府將批准國家機構新的節能計劃
Government Set to Approve New Energy Saving Scheme for State Agencies
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.
小編點評：泰國政府即將批准一項新的節能計劃，該計劃將由大都會電力局 (MEA) 和省電力局 (PEA) 管理 800 個國家機構的節能項目，包括安裝屋頂太陽能電池板。此外，政府計劃透過減稅鼓勵住宅採用太陽能板，目標是9萬戶家庭，預算為202億泰銖，旨在每年減少國家電網用電量5.85億度。
電商平台提高銷售費用，影響當地商家
E-Commerce Platforms to Increase Sales Fees, Impacting Local Merchants
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
小編點評：Shopee、Lazada、TikTok Shop 等主要電商平台正在提高銷售交易費用，對當地商家造成重大影響。 TikTok Shop 今年已經實施了兩次費用上漲，另一次計劃於 2024 年 9 月進行，而 Shopee 和 Lazada 在 2023 年多次調整費用，目前根據產品類別在 5-10% 之間。這種向更高費用的轉變反映了東南亞電子商務的更廣泛趨勢，即在投資者對永續商業實踐的需求的推動下，將獲利能力置於成長之上。
泰國致力於從人工智慧用戶轉變為人工智慧創新者
Thailand Aims to Transition from AI User to AI Innovator
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.
小編點評：泰國利用其先進的運算基礎設施和不斷增長的人才庫，正在從人工智慧消費者轉變為創新者，併計劃投資10 億泰銖，到2027 年培養3 萬名熟練的人工智慧勞動力。舉措包括推動人工智慧研究、例如開發泰國大語言模型，以及培育人工智慧新創公司，這些新創公司已經籌集了 15 億泰銖的種子資金。 Nectec將與主要部門合作，推動人工智慧在各個領域的應用，並建立人工智慧測試中心，以增強泰國在人工智慧技術方面的領先地位。
泰國投資委員會推出配套基金以促進高科技新創企業
Thailand’s Board of Investment Launches Matching Fund to Boost High-Tech Startups
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.
小編點評：投資委員會 (BoI) 推出了一項新的“配套基金”，為新一代汽車、智能電子、生物技術和先進農業等領域的高增長初創企業提供高達 5000 萬泰銖的財務支持。為了獲得資格，新創公司必須由泰國國民持有多數股權，展示穩健的商業計劃，並制定國際擴張策略。該倡議支持泰國加強其高科技產業（特別是東部經濟走廊 (EEC) 內的高科技產業）以及到 2030 年推進零排放汽車生產的目標。
泰國央行放寬境外投資外匯管制
Bank of Thailand Eases Foreign Exchange Controls for Outbound Investments
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.
Bank of Thailand Further Relaxes Foreign Exchange Controls for Outbound Investments
小編點評：泰國央行（BOT）放鬆了外匯管制，允許泰國投資者獲得更廣泛的國際投資產品，包括外國股票、ETF和大宗商品。新措施還簡化了外幣存款帳戶的監管，增強了靈活性並支持更多參與全球金融市場。
Thai Media Usage Trends Reveal Shift Toward Digital Dominance Post-Pandemic
泰國媒體使用趨勢揭示了疫情後向數位主導地位的轉變
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
Editor’s Note: A Marketbuzzz study reveals that post-pandemic, Thai media consumption has shifted predominantly to digital platforms, with social media leading at 70% and video streaming via YouTube remaining strong despite competition. The study highlights a decline in traditional media and stresses the need for brands to adapt their strategies to these evolving digital habits and usage patterns throughout the day.
Masan Group Wins Top Honors in ESG Categories at Top 50 Corporate Sustainability Awards
Masan Group Wins Top Honors in ESG Categories at Top 50 Corporate Sustainability Awards
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.
小編點評：馬山集團榮獲「企業永續發展50強獎」中的「永續資源管理」、「永續發展人力資源策略」、「優秀企業治理」三項最高獎項。這些榮譽凸顯了 Masan 對 ESG 原則的堅定承諾，包括環保生產實踐以及對越南淨零目標的重大貢獻。
經濟表現強勁，匯豐銀行將越南2024年GDP成長預測上調至6.5%
HSBC Upgrades Vietnam’s 2024 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.5% Amid Strong Economic Performance
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.rowth 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.
小編點評：由於經濟表現強於預期，匯豐銀行將越南2024年GDP成長預期從6%上調至6.5%，其中第二季GDP較去年同期成長6.9%。該報告強調了製造業的強勁成長和出口成長 15%，以及兩年來最高的 PMI 反映出製造商信心的改善。儘管預期通膨平均為 3.6%，但匯豐銀行預計穩定的經濟狀況將導致越南國家銀行維持 4.5% 的政策利率。
印尼放寬本地含量要求以吸引再生能源領域的外國投資
Indonesia Eases Local Content Requirements to Attract Foreign Investment in Renewable Energy
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.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.
小編點評：印尼放寬了再生能源專案的本地含量要求，以吸引外國投資並獲得國際開發銀行的優惠貸款。由外國貸款機構資助至少 50% 的項目現在可免除這些要求，從而有助於獲得正義能源轉型夥伴關係 (JETP) 承諾的超過 200 億美元資金。新法規還允許在滿足某些條件的情況下使用經部長批准的進口太陽能電池板，並要求供應商投資本地生產，支持印尼到2030年將再生能源產能擴大20.9吉瓦的目標。
Indonesia Enhances Smart City Collaborations at ASEAN Annual Meeting
印尼在東協年會上加強智慧城市合作
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.
小編點評：在印尼瑯勃拉邦舉行的第七屆東協智慧城市網路 (ASCN) 年度會議上，加強了智慧城市合作，強調需要建立公私夥伴關係來推動永續城市解決方案。印尼城市望加錫和外南夢展示了他們的智慧城市舉措，望加錫展示了其“Lorong Wisata”計劃，外南夢介紹了日本支持的“智能甘榜”計劃，以及用於城市交通和旅遊的新應用程式。會議強調東協國家之間分享成功實踐和創新，約50個項目和
東協數位經濟框架預計將在 2025 年東協峰會上完成
ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Expected to Conclude at 2025 ASEAN Summit
UALA LUMPUR: The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework, a crucial effort aimed at promoting digital integration and economic collaboration among ASEAN member states, is expected to be completed by the ASEAN Summit in 2025. The framework will serve as a template for the region’s digital transformation, with a focus on cross-border e-commerce, digital payments, data governance, and cyber security.
This effort is part of ASEAN’s larger plan for increasing regional connectivity and competitiveness in the global digital economy. By adopting uniform rules and regulations, the framework intends to make ASEAN’s digital economy more coherent and efficient, benefiting both enterprises and consumers.
小編點評：東協數位經濟框架的創建是區域經濟合作向前邁出的一大步。一旦採用，它有能力為整個東南亞的成長和創新開闢新的前景。該框架將在將東協打造成全球數位經濟的重要參與者方面發揮重要作用，鼓勵成員國加強合作和經濟彈性。
成功公司將轉型為人工智慧驅動的企業集團
Berjaya Corporation to Transform into AI-Powered Conglomerate
KUALA LUMPUR: Berjaya Corporation Bhd (BCorp) has unveiled an ambitious goal to become an AI-powered conglomerate. The transformation strategy will prioritise the integration of artificial intelligence across the company’s many business divisions in order to improve efficiency, innovation and competitiveness. This move is part of BCorp’s larger strategy to dominate in the digital age, which includes using AI to optimise operations, improve customer experiences, and drive new business prospects.
The company’s leadership believes that embracing AI is critical to staying competitive in the fast-changing global market. BCorp’s goal in implementing cutting-edge AI technologies is to streamline operations, decrease costs, and build an organisational culture of constant innovation.
https://thesun.my/business-news/berjaya-corporation-to-transform-itself-into-ai-powered-conglomerate-ON12790619
小編點評：成功公司計劃成為一家由人工智慧驅動的企業集團，這代表了其業務方式的根本轉變。這項雄心勃勃的決定凸顯了人工智慧在影響商業未來方面日益增長的相關性，使BCorp成為行業領導者。該計劃的有效實施可以為其他尋求利用人工智慧力量的企業提供藍圖。
馬來西亞積極應對AI產業的永續發展問題
Berjaya Corporation to Transform into AI-Powered Conglomerate
吉隆坡：馬來西亞通訊與數位部副部長張念群表示，馬來西亞正在採取積極措施解決資料中心產業的永續發展問題。隨著對資料中心的需求不斷增長，對減少環境影響的可持續措施的需求也在增長。政府正在與產業領導者合作實施綠色技術和節能解決方案。
The Deputy Minister emphasised the necessity of striking a balance between technical innovation and environmental stewardship in order to ensure that the data centre business contributes to Malaysia’s sustainability goals. This project is consistent with the country’s broader initiatives under its green economy plan, which seeks to position Malaysia as a pioneer in sustainable industrial practices.
小編點評：馬來西亞在AI產業的可持續發展方面採取的積極措施表明了其將環境議題納入高科技公司的堅定承諾。這項政策對於國家的長期經濟和環境健康至關重要，因為它確保數位產業的擴張不會危及永續性。
Artificial Intelligence Set to Transform Malaysia’s Factories: Lenovo
聯想表示：人工智慧將改變馬來西亞工廠
KUALA LUMPUR: Lenovo believes that artificial intelligence (AI) will revolutionise Malaysia’s manufacturing sector. As AI technology progresses, it is projected to boost productivity, efficiency, and innovation in factories across the country. Lenovo emphasises that AI-powered automation and predictive analytics would help Malaysian firms optimise production processes, cut operating costs, and maintain a competitive advantage in the global market.
The integration of AI in manufacturing is consistent with Malaysia’s Industry4WRD program, which intends to move the country to the forefront of Industry 4.0. Malaysia’s factories may move towards smart manufacturing by embracing AI, where data-driven insights lead to better decision-making and more efficient operations.
The implementation of AI in Malaysia’s manufacturing industry represents a transformational move towards sophisticated industrial techniques. This progress not only increases the country’s global competitiveness, but also lays the groundwork for future growth and innovation. The strategic application of AI will be critical to Malaysia’s sustained economic development and goal to dominate in the industry 4.0 age.
Selangor Should Leverage National Policy Push and Enablers to Reach Full Potential
雪蘭莪應利用國家政策推動來充分發揮潛力
KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor, Malaysia’s most economically advanced state, is urged to capitalize on the national policy push and available enablers to fully realize its potential. Industry experts highlight the importance of aligning state initiatives with national strategies, such as the Twelfth Malaysia Plan and Industry4WRD, to accelerate economic growth and innovation within Selangor.
The state is positioned to benefit from federal initiatives aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure, fostering innovation, and supporting sustainable development. By leveraging these enablers, Selangor can strengthen its role as a leading hub for investment, technology, and talent in the region.
小編點評：呼籲雪蘭莪州與國家政策保持一致並利用現有資源強調了策略規劃對於實現長期成長的重要性。如果採取正確的方法，雪蘭莪不僅有可能維持其經濟領先地位，而且有可能在創新和發展方面樹立新的基準，進一步鞏固其作為馬來西亞經濟格局中關鍵參與者的地位。
https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2024/07/1081364/selangor-should-leverage-national-policy-push-and-enablers-reach