Duo prepares for the hydrogen economy
Duo準備迎接氫能經濟
Thailand is advancing towards a hydrogen economy with efforts from both business and the state. PTT Global Chemical (PTTGC) and Bangkok Industrial Gas, the largest producers of petrochemicals and industrial gas in Thailand respectively, have partnered to explore hydrogen fuel development. This initiative aligns with the Energy Policy and Planning Office’s (Eppo) plan to incorporate hydrogen fuel in the revised power development plan (PDP), aiming for hydrogen to constitute 5% of the total power supply between 2024 and 2037. Initially, blue hydrogen, produced from natural gas with carbon capture and storage, will be utilized. The collaboration aims to help both companies achieve a net-zero target by 2050, with a focus on developing infrastructure and stimulating demand and supply within the hydrogen business chain to support future demand in sectors like automotive and aviation.
Bangkok Industrial Gas, affiliated with US-based Air Products, the largest hydrogen business operator by investment, is keen on hydrogen fuel technology. Air Products has invested in the world’s largest green hydrogen production complex in Neom, Saudi Arabia, which uses renewable energy for green ammonia production. This ammonia, produced through electrolysis and bonded with nitrogen, can be shipped safely and cost-effectively, with hydrogen being separable for use as fuel. The Thai collaboration is still deciding whether to pursue blue or green hydrogen, which is produced using renewable energy to split water molecules.
https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/duo-gears-up-for-hydrogen-economy/ar-BB1mUdb1
小編點評: 隨著泰國推動氫能經濟，PTT全球化工和曼谷工業氣體等主要企業聯手探索氫燃料的發展。此計劃與能源政策和規劃辦公室的目標一致，旨在將氫能納入電力供應，目標是在2037年達到5%。無論是選擇來自天然氣並配備碳捕捉的藍氫，還是來自可再生資源的綠氫，這一合作都致力於為可持續未來鋪路，重點在於基礎設施建設並促進各個行業的需求。
Widodo meets with Elon Musk to talk on digital acceleration and investments
Widodo與Elon Musk會面討論數位加速和投資
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, discussed accelerating Indonesia’s digital transformation and potential investments in a meeting in Bali. President Widodo highlighted the country’s rapid digital advancement and investment opportunities in infrastructure, government technology, digital economy, and digital society sectors. He encouraged investment from Musk’s companies, including SpaceX, Tesla, Neuralink, and Boring Company. Widodo also expressed hopes for Starlink to partner with Indonesian Internet providers to offer affordable Internet access, prioritize consumer protection, and provide cheaper rates for public services, such as community health centers and remote schools. Additionally, Widodo praised Musk’s participation as a speaker at the 10th World Water Forum, emphasizing the significance of water management.
Elon Musk expressed his honor at participating in the forum and his enthusiasm for his visit to Bali. He mentioned the goal of providing Starlink connectivity to support education and health facilities in Indonesia. His visit underscored global investors’ interest in Indonesia’s digital economy and potential collaborations to enhance digital infrastructure nationwide. Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, State Secretary Minister Pratikno, and Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia accompanied Widodo during the meeting. The previous day, Musk and Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin conducted a Starlink Internet trial at Sumerta Klot Community Health Center in Denpasar to support health services, particularly in remote areas without Internet access, by enhancing the uploading of medical records and disease screening processes.
小編點評：印尼總統佐科·維多多（Joko Widodo）和埃隆·馬斯克（Elon Musk）在巴厘島會面，討論了印尼的數位加速和潛在投資，重點關注基礎設施、政府技術和數字經濟等領域。維多多鼓勵馬斯克的公司，包括SpaceX和特斯拉（Tesla），進行投資，同時希望合作能改善互聯網接入並支持公共服務，如醫療和教育。馬斯克熱衷於提供Starlink連接，強調加強全國數字基礎設施的重要性，並指出全球投資者對印尼數字經濟的興趣。
Senior Official says Musk will “consider” opening a Battery Plant in Indonesia
印尼官員表示馬斯克將“考慮”在印尼開設電池工廠
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, is considering Indonesia’s proposal to establish an EV battery pla
nt in the country, according to Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the coordinating minister for maritime affairs and investment. This proposal was made during a meeting between Musk and Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo at the World Water Forum in Bali. Jokowi also proposed investments in an artificial intelligence center and a SpaceX launchpad on Biak island. Since taking office in 2014, Jokowi has aimed to turn Indonesia into a global hub for EV battery production, leveraging the country’s vast nickel reserves. Indonesia has imposed a ban on raw nickel ore exports to encourage local refining and has sought foreign investment in nickel processing and battery manufacturing.
Indonesia has been courting Musk and Tesla for several years, with Jokowi meeting Musk at SpaceX in Texas in 2022 to discuss integrating Tesla’s supply chain in the country. During Musk’s first visit to Indonesia, he launched the Starlink network, providing internet connectivity to remote areas of the archipelago. While Musk has not made formal investment announcements, he indicated a likelihood of investing in Indonesia. A Tesla investment would significantly boost Indonesia’s EV ambitions, complementing investments from Chinese and South Korean firms in nickel processing and battery production. Other U.S. tech firms, such as Microsoft and Apple, have also shown interest in Indonesia, with Microsoft planning a $1.7 billion investment to expand cloud services and AI infrastructure.
Musk to ‘Consider’ Opening Battery Plant in Indonesia, Senior Official Says – The Diplomat
小編點評：印尼海事與投資協調部長盧胡特·賓薩·潘賈伊坦（Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan）透露，埃隆·馬斯克正在考慮印尼提出的在該國建立電動汽車電池工廠的建議。此提議是在與印尼總統佐科·維多多會晤期間討論的，與印尼成為全球電動汽車電池生產中心的目標一致，利用其豐富的鎳儲量。儘管馬斯克尚未正式宣布，但來自特斯拉的這類投資可能極大地支持印尼在電動汽車領域的雄心，並補充來自其他國家和科技巨頭如微軟和蘋果的現有投資。
Draft law seeks to limit profit shifting
泰國稅務局將立草案旨在對跨國企業徵稅，限制利潤轉移
The Revenue Department anticipates that draft legislation aimed at taxing multinational enterprises (MNEs) to curb profit shifting to low-tax countries will be implemented by 2025, potentially increasing tax revenue by 12 billion baht annually. Director-general Kulaya Tantitemit stated that the draft, which includes the Top-up Tax Act, aligns with the OECD’s Pillar 2 principles and involves secondary legislation. The draft has been submitted to the Office of the Secretariat of the Cabinet, awaiting inclusion in the cabinet agenda. Subordinate laws are also being drafted, expected to be ready before the Top-up Tax Act’s enactment. The legislation, aligning with OECD and G20 resolutions, aims to prevent tax base erosion and profit shifting by setting a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15%.
Under this framework, MNEs shifting profits to subsidiaries in countries with tax rates below 15% would pay the difference in taxes. The cabinet approved the legislation’s principles in March 2023, and the Revenue Department has since drafted the legislation, conducting public hearings as required by the constitution. These hearings indicated that MNEs are prepared to comply with the new rules, as they align with international standards. Discussions during the hearings addressed practical issues, including differences between Thai accounting standards and those used for calculating the Top-up Tax. The draft law stipulates that companies benefiting from the BoI’s Investment Promotion Act remain unchanged, but MNEs with an effective tax rate below 15% in Thailand will need to pay a top-up tax to meet the 15% threshold.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2795880/draft-law-aims-to-curtail-profit-shifting
小編點評： 泰國稅務局預計將於2025年實施一項草案立法，旨在對跨國企業（MNEs）徵稅，以防止其將利潤轉移至低稅國家。該立法預計每年將增加120億泰銖的稅收收入，並符合經濟合作與發展組織（OECD）“支柱2”原則，涉及的次級立法正在等待內閣議程的納入。根據該框架，將利潤轉移至稅率低於15%的國家的跨國企業將被要求支付稅差，以防止稅基侵蝕和利潤轉移。
Solar rooftop purchasers will receive a tax break
泰國政府鼓勵安裝太陽能屋頂將推出稅收減免計劃
The Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) plans to finalize a new tax reduction scheme for households installing rooftop solar panels by mid-year to reduce electricity bills and carbon dioxide emissions. Households purchasing solar panels with a power generation capacity of less than 10 kilowatts, costing under 200,000 baht, are eligible to participate, according to DEDE director-general Wattanapong Kurovat. The Revenue Department will determine the tax reduction calculation for the scheme.
DEDE anticipates that 90,000 households will join the program between this year and next, requiring a budget of 20.2 billion baht. The initiative is projected to decrease electricity consumption by 585 million kilowatt-hours annually, significantly contributing to energy savings and environmental benefits.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2794574/solar-rooftop-adopters-set-to-win-a-tax-break
小編點評: 永續能源開發與效率局（DEDE）計劃在年中推出一項稅收減免計劃，針對安裝太陽能屋頂的家庭，旨在降低電費和碳排放。購買容量低於10千瓦且價格低於200,000泰銖的太陽能板的家庭可以參加，具體的稅收減免計算方法將由稅務局決定。稅收優惠
Firms get ready for the next CBAM phase
泰國企業準備迎接下一階段的歐盟碳邊界調整機制(CBAM)
Local businesses, particularly SMEs, need support to enhance their manufacturing environmental standards in light of the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), says the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB). The CBAM, aimed at promoting the use of renewable energy to lower carbon footprints, began its transitional phase last October, requiring importers of specific goods to report greenhouse gas emissions without financial adjustments. Starting January 1, 2026, importers will need to pay a levy for CBAM certificates.
The JSCCIB, in collaboration with the International Chamber of Commerce-Thailand, is taking steps to mitigate CBAM’s impact on Thai exports, according to Montri Mahaplerkpong, vice-chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries. The second phase of CBAM in 2026 will affect more products, with the third phase covering all EU exports. To help Thai manufacturers, particularly SMEs, adapt to these changes, the JSCCIB plans to establish new environmental standards and educate businesses on international laws. This process, expected to take three years, involves setting standards addressing carbon dioxide emissions and other CBAM-related measures through discussions among businesses and state agencies.
小編點評: 泰國當地企業，特別是中小企業，正在為歐盟碳邊界調整機制（CBAM）的下一階段做準備，該機制將要求進口商從2026年1月1日起為CBAM證書支付徵費。為減少對泰國出口的影響，商業、工業和銀行聯合常設委員會（JSCCIB）計劃在未來三年內與國際商會泰國分會合作，制定新的環保標準並教育企業國際法。
Bangkok Land plans to build a smart city in Mueang Thong Thani
曼谷地產計劃在芭堤雅同塔尼建設智慧城市
Bangkok Land, listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), is set to transform Mueang Thong Thani into a smart city district, including a new seafood and fruit center to attract tourists to Nonthaburi. The development aligns with the launch of the Pink Line monorail service next year. CEO Paul Kanjanapas highlighted that this initiative aims to boost revenue for local businesses and residents while promoting sustainable practices and leveraging artificial intelligence technologies. The company is collaborating with food delivery and ride-hailing services to develop an application to create job opportunities and address taxi scams. Additionally, they plan to encourage exhibition organizers to use local restaurant catering services.
In the short term, Bangkok Land plans to expand the Ruamjai fresh market into a center for fresh seafood and local fruit, sourced directly from farmers and fishermen to ensure fair prices. This market will include 300 dining seats and a new durian warehouse. The Pink Line monorail’s new stations within Mueang Thong Thani will support the smart city plan, with one station connecting to Impact Challenger Hall and another near a lakeside area slated for expansion. The company also plans to offer more rental units for condo owners, develop a new five-star hotel, and collaborate with the National Innovation Agency to attract startups focused on smart living technology, providing a testing ground for innovations like self-driving technologies.
https://thethaiger.com/news/national/bangkok-land-to-transform-muang-thong-thani-into-smart-city
小編點評: 在泰國證券交易所上市的曼谷地產公司正在進行一項改造項目，將芭堤雅同塔尼發展為智慧城市區，配合即將推出的粉色線單軌列車服務。首席執行官Paul Kanjanapas強調，目標是增加當地收入，促進可持續發展，並利用AI技術，同時與食品配送和打車服務合作以滿足社區需求。計劃包括將Ruamjai生鮮市場擴展為海鮮和水果中心，開發新基礎設施，並通過與國家創新局的合作推動智慧生活技術的創新。
Vietnam asks Foxconn and Others to reduce power usage in order to prevent blackouts
越南要求富士康和其他企業減少用電以防止停電
Apple supplier Foxconn and other manufacturers in Vietnam have been asked to voluntarily reduce their electricity use by 30% at assembly plants in the north to prevent power shortages in the coming months. This request follows significant losses due to power outages last year. While the cutback is not mandatory and has not impacted production, it reflects authorities’ efforts to encourage energy conservation. State-owned Bac Giang Power Company (BG PC) has coordinated with industrial parks to implement electricity savings, emphasizing that power load adjustments and production plan modifications by enterprises significantly affect the power system.
The push for energy-saving measures comes after a heatwave last year caused widespread power blackouts, affecting major manufacturers like Foxconn, Samsung, and Canon, with an estimated $1.4 billion loss. This power shortage has raised concerns among global firms considering operations in Vietnam, including those seeking alternatives to China. Despite these challenges, Apple has increased its supplier base in Vietnam, and the country continues to attract energy-intensive industries like semiconductor manufacturing. To meet higher electricity demand, the government has delayed maintenance for coal-fired power plants and encouraged nationwide energy-saving measures to avoid shortages.
小編點評: 越南已敦促蘋果供應商富士康和其他製造商在北部組裝廠自願減少30%的電力使用，以防止電力短缺，此前因停電造成了重大損失。儘管這不是強制性的，但這一請求反映了當局在電力供應穩定性方面的擔憂及其對工業運營的影響，並推動了節能措施。
Using a circular economy to create “green living” with Far Eastern Polytex Vietnam
遠東新世紀與其越南分公司推動使用循環經濟創造綠色生活
Far Eastern Polytex Vietnam (FEPV), a subsidiary of the esteemed Far Eastern New Century Corporation (FENC), plays a crucial role in the global production of food-grade rPET and recycled ocean polyester filaments. FENC is dedicated to advancing environmental sustainability and has been a trailblazer in the circular economy. With the establishment of the first PET bottle recycling plant in Taiwan (China), FENC continuously enhances its recycling technologies, converting waste materials into a diverse array of high-quality rPET applications. These applications encompass food and non-food packaging, functional apparel, shoe materials, home goods, and automotive materials. FENC’s commitment extends globally, with projects underway to expand recycling and re-manufacturing capacity in Taiwan (China), Japan, the US, and upcoming rPET plants in Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable practices within the polyester industry.
As part of its sustainability initiatives, FEPV collaborates with AEON Mall to implement the first rPET closed-loop project in Vietnam, reinforcing FENC’s sustainable footprint in the region and fostering future partnerships. FEPV further demonstrates its dedication to environmental stewardship through the ECO Event 2024, held at AEON Malls across Vietnam from May 25 to June 5. This event promotes eco-conscious living by incentivizing waste exchange for valuable gifts and educating consumers, especially the younger generation, on the importance of PET bottle recycling. Additionally, the ECO CONTEST 2024, targeting students aged 11-13 at select AEON Malls in southern Vietnam, encourages environmental activism under the theme “The Green Generation – Acts for the Environment,” fostering a culture of sustainability among youth.
https://www.asiafinancial.com/vietnam-asks-foxconn-others-thttps://en.vneconomy.vn/creating-green-living-through-a-circular-economy-with-far-eastern-polytex-vietnam.htmo-cut-power-use-to-avert-blackouts
小編點評: 遠東新世紀公司（FENC）的子公司遠東新世紀越南分公司（FEPV）在推動環境可持續性方面領先，特別是在PET瓶回收和rPET生產方面。FEPV與永旺商城等合作夥伴合作，實施封閉循環項目，並舉辦如ECO Event 2024等環保意識活動，教育消費者並鼓勵環境保護，加強FENC在越南及其他地區對可持續實踐的承諾。
Trade Ministry relaxes import laws
印尼貿易部放寬進口法規
The Indonesian government has issued a new regulation aimed at easing import restrictions for certain goods, marking the third policy revision since March to address disruptions caused by earlier restrictions. The Trade Ministry’s latest regulation, issued on Friday, aims to facilitate the entry of essential goods and raw materials, responding to concerns from local businesses struggling with stringent import restrictions that led to significant delays and a backlog of shipments at major ports. The amendment removes many raw and auxiliary materials from the list of prohibited or restricted items under the Harmonized System (HS), easing import processes and aligning with businesses’ aspirations for eased imports of raw material, auxiliary goods, and capital goods.
Shinta Kamdani, chairwoman of the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo), welcomed the new regulation, emphasizing its synchronization with businesses’ needs and its role in fostering healthy business competition by addressing import restrictions for consumer goods and illegal products. The revisions aim to alleviate the backlog of approximately 26,000 containers at major ports, including Tanjung Priok and Tanjung Perak, by relaxing restrictions for various product categories such as electronics, shoes, clothing, bags, valves, cosmetics, household goods, traditional medicines, and health supplements. While some categories now require only a surveyor report (LS) instead of an LS plus an import permit (PI), technical approval (Pertek) from the Industry Ministry has been removed for certain products like electronics, shoes, clothing, and bags, streamlining import procedures and reflecting the government’s commitment to address businesses’ concerns.
https://business-indonesia.org/news/trade-ministry-eases-import-regulations
小編點評：印尼政府引入了新法規，放寬對基本商品和原材料的進口限制，這是自三月份以來第三次政策修訂，旨在緩解早期限制造成的中斷。此舉旨在解決當地企業面臨的嚴格進口法規導致的重大延誤和港口積壓問題。該修正案將許多原材料和輔助材料從《協調制度》下的禁限項目名單中移除，簡化了進口流程，反映了政府對支持企業需求和促進健康競爭的承諾。
Malaysia set for data centre, AI boom with Google’s RM9.4b investment, say experts
Google 將投資94億促進馬來西亞數位中心和人工智慧繁榮
KUALA LUMPUR: The latest significant investment of US$2 billion (RM9.4 billion) by technology giant Google in Malaysia will elevate the country’s appeal as a data centre hub in the region, said an analyst. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the government should leverage on this opportunity to attract further investments that can enhance the complexity and diversity of the Malaysian economy.
“Google’s entry is expected to significantly enhance Malaysia’s appeal as a preferred destination for data centres. Malaysia offers extensive land, sustainable energy supply and a skilled workforce, creating an ideal ecosystem for companies looking to establish data centres,” he told Bernama. Google has announced its new investment of US$2 billion (RM9.4 billion) in Malaysia, including the development of its first data centre in the country and Google Cloud region to meet the growing demand for cloud services locally and around the world, as well as artificial intelligence (Al) literacy programmes for students and educators.
小編點評：谷歌在馬來西亞的20億美元投資，包括建立數據中心和AI項目，是對該國技術基礎設施和經濟前景的重大提升。此舉不僅提升了馬來西亞作為數據中心樞紐的吸引力，還促進了創新、合作和強大的AI生態系統的發展，使該國在未來增長和全球競爭中處於有利位置。
Taiwan semiconductor players confident on business prospects in Malaysia
台灣半導體企業對在馬來西亞的商業前景充滿信心
KUALA LUMPUR: Taiwan-based semiconductor companies are optimistic about business prospects in Malaysia’s semiconductor industry, given its solid foundation and thriving semiconductor ecosystem that offers potential long-term growth. Semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) design solutions provider, FusionSIP Technology Pte Ltd’s general manager, Eigen Fu said the company is planning to open its first design service centre in Malaysia this year.
He said the company is in the midst of surveying potential locations that would house its centre in the country. “We want to set up the biggest design centre in Southeast Asia, maybe somewhere near Kuala Lumpur due to its logistics advantages,” he told Bernama on the sidelines of SEMICON Southeast Asia 2024.
小編點評：台灣半導體公司對馬來西亞半導體行業的樂觀態度突顯了該國作為科技投資理想地的不斷增長的聲譽。隨著擴大運營和引入創新解決方案的計劃，馬來西亞的半導體生態系統正準備進一步增長，有望加強其在全球電子市場的地位，並對其經濟做出重大貢獻。
SITA sees upward trend on IT spending by airports, airlines worldwide
吉隆坡SITA看好機場和航空公司全球IT支出增長趨勢
KUALA LUMPUR: Airports and airlines worldwide are spending more on IT infrastructure as the future of air transport will be highly driven by digitalisation, according to SITA. SITA, the global leader in technology solutions for the air transport industry, said IT infrastructure spending among airports and airlines would have reached an estimated RM213.5 billion (US$45.3 billion) in 2023.
SITA Asia Pacific president Sumesh Patel said out of the total amount, about RM50.9 billion (US$10.8 billion) are expected to have been spent by airports while airlines might have spent some RM162.6 billion (US$34.5 billion) last year.
小編點評: 機場和航空公司在IT基礎設施上的增加投資突顯了數字化在塑造航空旅行未來方面的關鍵作用。採用電子旅行授權和數字旅行證件等技術不僅提升了乘客體驗，還簡化了運營，為更高效和無縫的旅行過程鋪平了道路
Sarawak inks deal with MNOs to enhance connectivity in the rural areas
砂拉越與電信營商簽署協議以提升農村地區的連接性
KUCHING: Sarawak has signed a Smart600 multi-operator core network (MOCN) agreement with four mobile network operators (MNOs) to enhance the digital connectivity in the rural areas of the state. The agreement was signed between Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Bhd (SDEC) and CelcomDigi Bhd, Maxis Broadband Sdn Bhd, U Mobile Sdn Bhd and YTL Communications Sdn Bhd.
SDEC, in a statement, said the service was “aligned with the Sarawak government’s aspiration to ensure comprehensive network coverage in the (state)”.
小編點評：砂拉越與四家電信網絡運營商簽署的Smart600 MOCN協議，是加強農村地區數位連接的重要一步，與該州加強數字基礎設施的雄心一致。砂拉越致力於擴展其數字電信計劃，這反映在其2030年數位經濟藍圖中，顯示出推動經濟增長、促進創新和創造新的就業機會的前瞻性思維。
Google 在馬來西亞20億美元的投資
KUALA LUMPUR: Google has committed US$2 billion (about RM9.4 billion) to establish its first data centre and cloud region in Malaysia, which will be the largest investment in its 13 years of operation here. The investment is estimated to support more than US$3.2 billion in contributions to Malaysia’s gross domestic product and 26,500 jobs by 2030, according to a Google-commissioned evaluation by AlphaBeta, which is part of Access Partnership.
Google said in a statement the data centre and cloud region will be located in Sime Darby Property Bhd’s Elmina Business Park in Selangor. “The data centre will power services including Search, Maps and Workspace, and will help deliver AI services, while the cloud centre will offer services to local firms and public sector organisations, it said. “Malaysia and Google are partnering to advance our shared work to create a supportive ecosystem for innovation and unlock the potential of digital transformation,” Google parent Alphabet president Ruth Porat said in the statement.
s/economy/2024/05/1057531/us2b-empowerment-google
小編點評: 谷歌承諾在馬來西亞投資20億美元，以建立其首個數據中心和雲區域，這對該國的數字經濟來說是一個重要的里程碑。這項投資不僅加強了馬來西亞作為數據中心和雲服務樞紐的地位，還為經濟增長、就業創造和各行各業的技術進步提供了巨大機會。