Sustainability Expo 2024 to Spotlight Climate Action and Future Challenges
2024 年永續發展博覽會聚焦氣候行動與未來挑戰
The 5th edition of the Sustainability Expo (SX2024), ASEAN’s largest sustainability trade show, is set to
take place from September 27 to October 6 at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
Operating under the theme “Good Balance, Better World,” the event aims to raise awareness and inspire
immediate action on climate change. The expo will cover a wide range of topics, including the ageing
population, circular economy, and social inclusion, said Tongjai Thanachanan, director of the SX
Organising Committee. Organisers anticipate a substantial increase in attendance, targeting 500,000
visitors compared to 300,000 last year.
The expo will span 70,000 square meters and feature 10 zones highlighting various sustainable
practices. With the participation of international exhibitors and partners, SX2024 continues to build on the
success of the past four editions. The event, founded by five leading companies in partnership with the
Thailand Supply Chain Network, has evolved into a business-to-consumer-to-business (B2C2B) platform,
offering companies an opportunity to enhance their visibility and engagement with a broader audience.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40041428
小編點評：第五屆永續發展博覽會（SX2024）將於9月27日至10月6日在曼谷詩麗吉王后國家會議中心舉行，旨在激發以「良好平衡，讓世界更美好」為主題的氣候行動。博覽會的目標是吸引 50 萬名參觀者，將展示 10 個致力於各種永續實踐的區域，以國際參展商為特色，並促進企業和消費者之間的互動。
WHA Corp Gears Up for ASEAN Investment Boom, Expands Land Sales Target
泰國WHA集團為東協投資熱潮做好準備，擴大土地銷售目標
WHA Corp, Thailand’s largest industrial estate developer, has announced an aggressive plan to attract
foreign investment in the second half of 2024, expecting a surge in demand driven by global relocation
trends and geopolitical shifts. CEO Jareeporn Jarukornsakul outlined the company’s strategy, citing an
upcoming “golden era” for ASEAN over the next 1-2 years, with significant investments from China,
Taiwan, and the U.S. in industries like EVs, semiconductors, and supply chains. WHA has raised its land
sales target for 2024 to 2,500 rai and is negotiating deals covering over 1,000 rai of land by year-end.
In addition to its industrial estate expansions, WHA is pursuing major initiatives in logistics, utilities, clean
energy, and digital transformation. The company plans to develop six new industrial estates and is
expanding its green logistics solution, Mobilix, which includes EV rentals and charging stations. WHA
also aims to increase its clean energy capacity to 472 megawatts and expand its water and wastewater
treatment plants, particularly in Vietnam. Jareeporn stressed the need for the Thai government to
promote investment beyond the Eastern Economic Corridor, highlighting the potential of the Southern
Economic Corridor and the Land Bridge project.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40041426
小編點評: 泰國最大的工業地產開發商 WHA Corp 正在加強吸引外國投資，預計 2024 年土地銷售目標將達到 2,500 萊，以迎接東協的「黃金時代」。執行長 Jareeporn Jarukornsakul 強調了東部經濟走廊以外多元化投資促進的重要性，並強調了即將在物流、清潔能源和數位轉型方面採取的舉措。
TrueBusiness and Intel Partner to Revolutionize Thai Healthcare with AI and 5G
TrueBusiness 與英特爾合作，利用人工智慧和 5G 徹底改變泰國醫療保健
TrueBusiness has partnered with global tech leader Intel to transform Thailand’s healthcare sector into a
fully digital ecosystem. Announced by Pichit Thanyodom, True Corporation’s chief business officer, the
collaboration will leverage True’s 5G network and Intel’s advanced AI technologies to introduce seven
new smart healthcare solutions aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and patient data
management. These innovations are set to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of Thailand’s
healthcare system, positioning the country as a competitive medical hub in Southeast Asia and improving
health outcomes for Thai citizens.
Intel’s country manager Chantana Suwannawong and regional Health and Life Sciences Sales Lead
George Tai highlighted the deployment of Intel’s AI-powered solutions like OpenVino, enabling real-time
patient care through 5G and edge analytics. The integration of AI will support diagnosis accuracy,
streamline treatment processes, and reduce medical costs. The strategic partnership aims to bring
scalable, secure, and sustainable AI applications to Thailand’s healthcare market, with AI being used in
key areas such as medical data management, preventive care, and rehabilitation, ultimately improving
patient outcomes and operational efficiency in hospitals.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/corporate/40041218
小編點評：TrueBusiness 與英特爾合作，利用 5G 和先進的人工智慧技術徹底改變泰國的醫療保健產業，推出七種智慧醫療解決方案來增強診斷、治療和病患資料管理。此次合作旨在提高醫療保健系統的效率和成本效益，使泰國成為東南亞具有競爭力的醫療中心，同時顯著提高其公民的健康狀況。
EVAT Welcomes New Leadership to Drive Thailand’s EV Hub Ambitions
泰國電動汽車協會歡迎新領導層推動泰國電動車中心的雄心壯志
The Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) has appointed Suroj Sangsanit, vice president of
SAIC Motor-CP, as its new president, succeeding Krisda Utamote. Under Suroj’s two-year term starting in
July 2024, EVAT aims to strengthen Thailand’s position as a manufacturing and export hub for electric
vehicles (EVs) in Southeast Asia. With over 390 members from various sectors, EVAT focuses on
advancing EV technology, supporting regulatory standards, and fostering partnerships to enhance the
country’s EV industry within the global supply chain.
Key leaders within EVAT, including Uthen Supatti and Siamnut Phanasorn, have emphasized the
importance of developing skilled human resources and supporting the government’s 30@30 policy, which
aims to ensure that 30% of Thailand’s auto production consists of EVs by 2030. The association is
working closely with the Board of Investment (BOI) and the Thai Automotive Parts Manufacturers
Association to attract foreign investment and support infrastructure development. With companies like
PTT planning to expand the network of charging stations nationwide, Thailand is positioning itself to meet
growing consumer demand for electric vehicles.
https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/business/automobile/40041239
小編點評：泰國電動車協會 (EVAT) 任命 Suroj Sangsanit 為其新任主席，旨在增強泰國作為東南亞電動車製造和出口中心的地位。 EVAT 專注於推進電動車技術和培養熟練人力資源，正在與主要利益相關者合作，支持政府的 30@30 政策並吸引外國投資進行基礎設施開發。
Thailand Braces for Virtual Banking Disruption as Five Consortiums Compete for Licences
泰國五家財團爭奪執照，泰國準備迎接虛擬銀行顛覆
As Thailand moves towards a new era of digital disruption in financial services, five consortiums are
vying for three virtual banking licences, set to be awarded by the Bank of Thailand, with services
expected to launch by mid-2026. Major players, including SCB X, TrueMoney (CP Group), and Gulf
Energy in partnership with Krungthai Bank, are among the bidders. Despite the excitement, traditional
banks like Kasikornbank and Kiatnakin Phatra Bank remain unfazed, arguing that their current mobile
banking services are similar to those offered by virtual banks. Kasikornbank CEO Kattiya Indaravijaya
stated the bank is not pursuing a licence, as it is already reaching underserved groups via digital
subsidiaries.
The rise of virtual banks is expected to benefit Thailand’s 2.9 million small and medium enterprises
(SMEs) and the estimated 63% of the population who are either unbanked or underbanked. While virtual
banks promise increased financial access for these groups, traditional lenders, including TISCO Group,
acknowledge the potential for greater competition and innovation in the market. However, they also
highlight the significant financial risks involved in serving these high-risk segments, noting that virtual
banks will require substantial capital to succeed.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/banking-finance/40041526
小編點評：隨著泰國準備銀行業數位轉型，包括 SCB X 和 TrueMoney 在內的五個財團正在爭奪預計將於 2026 年中期推出的三張虛擬銀行牌照。雖然開泰銀行等傳統銀行對其現有的行動服務仍然充滿信心，但虛擬銀行的崛起預計將增強服務不足的中小企業和人群的金融服務，儘管為這些細分市場提供服務涉及大量資本和風險。
EGAT Highlights Digital Platform’s Role in Expanding Thai EV Ecosystem
泰國電力發展局強調數位平台在擴大泰國電動車生態系統中的作用
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has emphasized the importance of its digital
platform, BackEN EV, in supporting the country’s growing electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. The platform,
combined with the EleXa smartphone app, allows EV charging station operators to manage real-time
data, financial reports, and billing while enhancing station visibility for customers. EGAT, which currently
operates 190 EleX charging stations and supports an additional 90 stations, is working with partners to
expand the nation’s EV infrastructure. Entrepreneurs can invest between 200,000 and 2 million baht to
set up charging stations, depending on their size and type.
EGAT’s head of EV business solutions, Pichit Phongprasert, noted that while current profits from
charging stations remain modest, the situation is expected to improve as awareness of charger
availability increases. He added that EGAT’s platforms help reduce the cost burden for entrepreneurs,
especially as competition has driven down the price of EV chargers from China and Europe. However,
Pichit warned that low-quality chargers, typically covered by only a two-year warranty, pose risks for
operators, stressing the importance of high-quality chargers for long-term reliability.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40041441
Editor’s Note: The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is highlighting its digital
platform, BackEN EV, as crucial for expanding the country’s electric vehicle ecosystem by
enabling charging station operators to manage data and enhance visibility for customers. While
current profits from charging stations are modest, EGAT’s head of EV business solutions, Pichit
Phongprasert, anticipates improvements as charger awareness grows, emphasizing the need for
high-quality equipment to ensure long-term reliability amidst competitive pricing pressures.
Thailand Competes with Vietnam and Singapore for Semiconductor Dominance in Southeast Asia
As competition intensifies in Southeast Asia’s semiconductor industry, Thailand is gearing up to attract
global chip manufacturers, vying against Vietnam and Singapore. The Thai Board of Investment (BOI)
has proposed new measures to fast-track investments in the semiconductor and battery sectors, aiming
to lure major players from the US and Europe. BOI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi revealed
plans to establish a “Semiconductor Board” to oversee industry growth and secure foreign investments.
Meanwhile, Vietnam is pushing its Digital Technology Industry law, offering significant incentives, such as
tax rebates and free land use, to entice chipmakers like Nvidia and Besi.
Singapore, already a regional leader in semiconductors, is further strengthening its position following
discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two nations signed agreements to boost
cooperation in semiconductors, with Singapore supporting India’s chip industry while deepening its
foothold in global supply chains. Despite its small size and higher operational costs, Singapore
contributes 10% of global chipmaking output and 20% of semiconductor manufacturing equipment
production, maintaining its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving market.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/investment/40041227
小編點評：隨著泰國與越南和新加坡爭奪東南亞半導體主導地位，泰國投資委員會（BOI）正在採取措施吸引全球晶片製造商，包括設立「半導體委員會」以便利外國投資。同時，越南正在利用重大激勵措施來吸引晶片製造商，而新加坡則透過策略協議繼續鞏固其在該行業的領導地位，凸顯了這一關鍵行業的激烈競爭。
Vietnam and U.S. Strengthen Partnership to Boost Semiconductor Industry
越南與美國加強夥伴關係促進半導體產業發展
Vietnam and the United States have joined forces to propel Vietnam’s semiconductor sector, marking a
significant step toward making it a core industry for the nation. The collaboration was launched at the
‘ITSI Semiconductor ATP Workforce Accelerator Kick-Off Session’ held in Ho Chi Minh City from
September 16 to 18. Organized by the U.S. International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund
and the U.S. Department of State, the event focused on workforce development, highlighting the
importance of building a high-quality talent pool to meet the needs of Vietnam’s rapidly growing
semiconductor industry.
Key workshops, including ‘Crafting Vietnam’s Semiconductor ATP Workforce Strategy,’ brought together
leaders from various ministries, universities, and global tech companies to discuss the training and skill
development necessary to support Vietnam’s semiconductor goals through 2030 and beyond. By 2025,
the ITSI Fund aims to train 120 instructors and 4,000 students, equipping Vietnam with a skilled
workforce to meet the industry’s future demands. U.S. Ambassador Marc Knapper emphasized the
program’s importance in fostering long-term partnerships between the two nations, helping Vietnam’s
semiconductor sector thrive on the global stage.
小編點評：越南和美國已啟動合作夥伴關係，以加強越南的半導體產業，在胡志明市舉行的「ITSI 半導體 ATP 勞動力加速器啟動會議」期間重點關注勞動力發展。此次合作的目標是到 2025 年培訓 120 名教師和 4,000 名學生，重點是建立一個技術人才庫，以支持越南的半導體目標並加强两國之間的長期關係。
U.S. Launches Innovation Fund in Vietnam to Boost Semiconductor Industry
美國在越南設立創新基金以促進半導體產業發展
The United States has officially launched the International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI)
Fund in Vietnam, marking a key milestone in the countries’ growing partnership. Announced in Hanoi on
September 11, 2024, the initiative aims to foster workforce development and public policy improvements
in Vietnam’s semiconductor industry. Organized in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State, the
U.S. Embassy, and Arizona State University, the launch commemorates the first anniversary of the U.S.-
Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. U.S. Ambassador Marc Knapper expressed confidence in
the collaboration, predicting that Vietnam would become a significant player in the global semiconductor
market in the coming years.
Vietnamese Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung underscored the importance of the
ITSI Fund in strengthening Vietnam’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain, emphasizing that
semiconductors could become a cornerstone of U.S.-Vietnam relations. As one of eight strategic
countries selected for this initiative, Vietnam aims to attract more international partners by developing its
talent pool and innovation policies. The U.S. has awarded $13.8 million to Arizona State University to
support talent development and provide policy recommendations in Vietnam and other nations.
小編點評：美國在越南設立國際技術安全與創新（ITSI）基金，以加強該國半導體產業的勞動力發展與公共政策，紀念美越全面戰略夥伴關係一週年。該計劃向亞利桑那州立大學承諾提供 1380 萬美元，旨在將越南定位為全球半導體市場的重要參與者，並加強其在國際供應鏈中的作用。
Indonesia’s CarbonEthics Secures $2.1M to Expand Climate Solutions
印尼 CarbonEthics 獲得 210 萬美元用於擴展氣候解決方案
CarbonEthics, an Indonesian developer of natural climate solutions, has raised $2.1 million in a seed
funding round led by Intudo Ventures, with additional backing from angel investors. The company plans
to use the funds to acquire more carbon projects and bring in technical experts, aiming to manage 8
million hectares of land by 2030. Founded in 2019, CarbonEthics focuses on restoring blue carbon,
peatland, and green ecosystems to help businesses lower their carbon emissions.
The new financing follows a $220,000 pre-seed round in 2023 supported by Spiral Ventures and
Ecoxyztem. CarbonEthics has already conducted pre-feasibility studies for carbon projects across 4.2
million hectares, with the potential to offset over 1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. The
company’s efforts are a critical part of Indonesia’s push to address climate change and promote
sustainable business practices.
https://www.techinasia.com/news/indonesias-carbonethics-secures-21m-climate-solutions
小編點評：CarbonEthics 是一家印尼自然氣候解決方案開發商，在 Intudo Ventures 領投的種子輪融資中籌集了 210 萬美元，以擴大其在管理碳項目和恢復生態系統方面的努力。該公司計劃在 2030 年管理 800 萬公頃土地，旨在幫助企業減少碳排放，此前該公司成功完成了種子輪融資，建立了每年抵消超過 100 萬噸二氧化碳的能力。