BASIS International School Bangkok, with its world-class standards imported from America, invites you to discover our exceptional campus at our upcoming Open House event on Saturday, March 2, 2024.
As the 35th school in the esteemed BASIS School network, BASIS International School Bangkok presents a unique curriculum that has been meticulously designed and developed over three decades. It’s no wonder that we are among the top-ranking schools in the United States.
From Nursery to Grade 12, we offer an academically rigorous program that focuses on unlocking the infinite potential of our students. Our goal is to help them achieve their true potential, preparing them to meet future challenges and soar on a global scale.
Our track record speaks for itself, as BASIS network schools have consistently empowered students to gain acceptance into renowned universities worldwide and establish themselves as remarkable individuals in the global society.
At BASIS Bangkok, we strive for continuous excellence by integrating our curriculum to align with the context of Thai society. We understand that cultivating Thainess is of utmost importance, and thus, we celebrate the uniqueness of language, art, and culture at every education levels. While maintaining a standardized and internationally competitive teaching program, our school has become one of the best international schools in Thailand.
We place academics at the forefront and provide a conducive environment and state-of-the-art facilities that ignite a love for learning. Our dedicated faculty members are handpicked for their expertise, knowledge, and creativity, firmly believing in the potential of every child to excel.
The Open House event at Basis International School Bangkok presents an opportunity for you to witness firsthand why BASIS students eagerly attend school every day. You will be immersed in the authentic teaching atmosphere within our well-equipped classrooms, facilitated by our two expert teachers, SET and LET.
Our SET teachers are specialists in their respective subjects, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the material. On the other hand, our LET teachers focus on developing children’s creativity and learning behaviors, fostering a well-rounded education. At BASIS, we emphasize preparing our students for the future, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Mark your calendars for our Open House event on Saturday, March 2, 2024, from 9am to 11:30am Remember to register at https://booking.readyplanet.com/b/ugvil8fq/5284
to secure your spot. For any inquiries, feel free to contact us at Tel. 0 2415 0099 or email us at [email protected]. You can also find us on LINE at @BASISAdmissions
Join us in exploring the limitless possibilities and unrivaled educational experience at BASIS International School Bangkok. See you at the Open House!
Police clear the area following a shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs NFL football Super Bowl celebration in Kansas City, Mo., Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. Multiple people were injured, a fire official said.(AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Eight children were among 22 people hit by gunfire in a shooting at the end of Wednesday’s parade to celebrate the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl win, authorities said, as terrified fans ran for cover and yet another high-profile public event was marred by gun violence. One person was killed, a mother of two identified by her radio station as a DJ.
Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves detailed the shooting’s toll at a news conference and said three people had been taken into custody. She said she has heard that fans may have been involved in apprehending a suspect but couldn’t immediately confirm that.
“I’m angry at what happened today. The people who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment.” Graves said. Police did not immediately release any details about the people taken into custody or about a possible motive for the shootings. She said firearms had been recovered, but not what kind of weapons were used.
“All of that is being actively investigated,” she said.
A woman is taken to an ambulance after an incident following the Kansas City Chiefs NFL football Super Bowl celebration in Kansas City, Mo., Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
It is the latest sports celebration in the U.S. to be marred by gun violence, following a shooting that injured several people last year in downtown Denver after the Nuggets’ NBA championship, and gunfire last year at a parking lot near the Texas Rangers’ World Series championship parade.
Social media users posted shocking video of police running through a crowded scene as people hurriedly scrambled for cover and fled. One video showed someone apparently performing chest compressions on a shooting victim as another person, seemingly writhing in pain, lay on the ground nearby. People screamed in the background.
Another video showed two people chase and tackle a person, holding them down until two police officers arrived.
Radio station KKFI said in a Facebook post Wednesday evening that Lisa Lopez-Galvan, host of “Taste of Tejano,” was killed in the shooting.
“This senseless act has taken a beautiful person from her family and this KC Community,” KKFI said in a statement.
Lopez-Galvan, whose DJ name was “Lisa G,” was an extrovert and devoted mother from a prominent Latino family in the area, said Rosa Izurieta and Martha Ramirez, two childhood friends who worked with her at a staffing company. Izurieta said Lopez-Galvan had attended the parade with her husband and her adult son, a die-hard Kansas City sports fan who also was shot.
“She’s the type of person who would jump in front of a bullet for anybody — that would be Lisa,” Izurieta said.
Law enforcement personnel clear the area around Union Station following a shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs NFL football Super Bowl celebration in Kansas City, Mo., Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. Multiple people were injured, a fire official said.. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
The shooting outside Union Station happened despite more than 800 police officers who were in the building and around the area, including on top of nearby buildings, said Mayor Quinton Lucas, who attended with his wife and mother and had to run for cover when gunfire broke out.
“I think that’s something that all of us who are parents, who are just regular people living each day, have to decide what we wish to do about,” Lucas said. “Parades, rallies, schools, movies. It seems like almost nothing is safe.”
Kansas City has long struggled with gun violence, and in 2020 it was among nine cities targeted by the U.S. Justice Department in an effort to crack down on violent crime. In 2023 the city matched a record with 182 homicides, most of which involved guns.
Lucas has joined with mayors across the country in calling for new laws to reduce gun violence, including mandating universal background checks.
Lisa Money, a resident of the city, was trying to gather some confetti near the end of the parade when she heard somebody yell, “Down, down, everybody down!”
At first Money thought somebody might be joking until she saw the SWAT team jumping over the fence.
“I can’t believe it really happened. Who in their right mind would do something like this? This is supposed to be a day of celebration for everybody in the city and the surrounding area. And then you’ve got some idiot that wants to come along and do something like this,” she said.
Kevin Sanders, 53, of Lenexa, Kansas, said he heard what sounded like firecrackers and then people started running. After that initial flurry, calm returned, and he didn’t think much of it. But 10 minutes later, ambulances started showing up.
“It sucks that someone had to ruin the celebration, but we are in a big city,” Sanders said.
University Health spokeswoman Nancy Lewis said the hospital was treating eight gunshot victims. Two were in critical condition and six were in stable condition, she said. The hospital also was treating four people for other injuries resulting from the chaos after the shooting, Lewis said.
Lisa Augustine, spokesperson for Children’s Mercy Kansas City, said the hospital was treating 12 patients from the rally, including 11 children, some of whom suffered gunshot wounds.
St. Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City received one gunshot patient in critical condition and three walk-ins with injuries that were not life-threatening, spokesperson Laurel Gifford said.
“When you have this many casualties, it’s going to get spread out among a lot of hospitals so that you don’t overwhelm any single ER,” said Jill Jensen Chadwick, news director for University of Kansas Health System, which received at least one person injured in the shooting.
A law enforcement officer looks around the scene following a shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs NFL football Super Bowl celebration in Kansas City, Mo., Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. Multiple people were injured, a fire official said.(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder said that he was with coach Andy Reid and other coaches and staff members at the time of the shooting, and that the team was on buses and returning to Arrowhead Stadium.
“We are truly saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred outside of Union Station at the conclusion of today’s parade and rally,” the team said in a statement.
Missouri’s Republican Gov. Mike Parson and first lady Teresa Parson were at the parade during the gunfire but were unhurt. “Thanks to the professionalism of our security officers and first responders, Teresa and I and our staff are safe and secure,” Parson said in a statement.
President Joe Biden said the shooting “cuts deep in the American soul” and called on people to press Congress to ban assault weapons, to limit high-capacity gun magazines and for other gun measures that have been rejected by Republicans.
“Today’s events should move us, shock us, shame us into acting. What are we waiting for?” he said.
Biden noted that Wednesday was the anniversary of the 2018 high schoool shooting in Parkland, Florida, that killed 17 people and said there have been more mass shootings in 2024 “than there have been days in the year.”
Areas that had been filled with crowds were empty after the shooting, with police and firefighters standing and talking behind an area restricted by yellow tape.
Throngs had lined the route earlier, with fans climbing trees and street poles or standing on rooftops for a better view. Players rolled through the crowd on double-decker buses, as DJs and drummers heralded their arrival. Owner Clark Hunt was on one of the buses, holding the Lombardi Trophy.
The city and the team each chipped in around $1 million for the event commemorating Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs becoming the first team since Tom Brady and the New England Patriots two decades ago to defend their title.
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HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH and NICK INGRAM reported from Kansas City. Associated Press writers Scott McFetridge in Des Moines, Iowa; Jim Salter in St. Louis; Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska; Summer Ballentine in Columbia, Missouri; and John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas, contributed to this report.
Sujitta Thongnum is searching for a foreign couple that saved her life from drowning in the Chao Phraya River.
AYUTTHAYA – A 74-year-old Thai woman named Sujitta Thongnum in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is searching for a foreign couple that saved her life from drowning in the Chao Phraya River. She told her story on February 14.
The grandmother was on her way home from a medical examination on February 8, 2024, when she was dizzy and fell off a ferry near the Chao Phraya River in Ayutthaya. She could not swim, and she sank quickly.
Mrs. Sujitta Thongnum, 74, points out the scene where she fell from a ferry into the Chao Phraya River in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya on February 14, 2024.
When she woke up, she was being held by a Western foreign couple. She was too shocked to ask for their names or contact information, but someone took a picture of herself with the man.
She later learned that the couple was about to board a boat with a bicycle. When they saw her fall into the water, the husband immediately abandoned his bicycle and jumped in to save her. The couple’s belongings, including a phone, camera, glasses, and cash, were lost in the water. The total value of the belongings is estimated to be hundreds of thousands of baht. However, the couple said they did not want anything in return. They were just happy to help save someone’s life.
Sujitta’s daughter later posted the picture on social media and tried to find the couple. They want to compensate them for their belongings that they lost in the water.
Sujitta is also grateful to a Thai woman who helped her out of the water. She offered the woman a reward, but she refused.
Taptim Thaisumang, a 45-year-old boat operator, stated that she observed the foreign man jump into the river and carry the elderly to safety. The man’s wife attempted to help pull that lady out of the water but was unsuccessful. So she assisted the pair.
Taptim Thaisumang, a 45-year-old boat operator (right), tells Sujitta Thongnum that she was happy to save her and did not consider reward.
“If the foreigner had not immediately jumped into the water that day to pull the old lady out of the water, she might have drowned,” she said.
Taptim went on to say that she was relieved to have rescued the elderly lady and did not consider the rewards. She was simply wondering how she was doing. So seeing Mrs. Sujitta in good health today makes her happy.
SURAT THANI – On February 14, officials found the body of a British tourist who fell out of a kayak in Ratchaprapha Dam, Surat Thani Province after spending more than 3 days, with the help of a diving teacher who had previously participated in the Tham Luang cave rescue operation.
On February 14, officials discovered the body of a British tourist who fell out of a kayak in Ratchaprapha Dam, Surat Thani Province, after searching for more than three days with the assistance of a diving instructor who had previously participated in the Tham Luang cave rescue effort.
Mr. Gowribalan Shanghaman, a 24-year-old British tourist, has been missing since the morning of February 11, 2024, after falling from a kayak into the Ratchaprapha Reservoir (Cheow Lan Dam) in Khao Phang Subdistrict, Ban Ta Khun District, around 500 metres from the pier. He wasn’t wearing a life jacket.
The body was subsequently retrieved early Wednesday morning, transferred to a rescue boat, and returned to shore to send an autopsy to Surat Thani Hospital’s forensic department and notify the British Embassy in Thailand. The British authorities thank everyone who assisted in this search.
Mr. Weerayut Khanunnil, Ban Ta Khun District Chief, and Police Sergeant Kulbol Phonwan, Khao Sok National Park’s Director thanked the volunteer team of Ivan Karadzic, a Danish diving instructor on Koh Tao, Phangan District, who was part of the rescue diver team that assisted the 13 Wild Boars Academy football team in June and July 2018.
Thai officials also credited two additional foreign diving instructors, a group of Surat Thani rescue divers from Nakhon Si Thammarat and Chonburi, and the Thitikarn underwater search drone set.
AIS – Lazada to cater to Greener-Shoppers with the ‘Give the E-Waste, Get the Code’ Encouraging the proper disposal of E-Waste, participants receive instant discounts on Lazada.
AIS is advancing towards becoming HUB of E-Waste in its latest collaboration with Lazada, a leading e-commerce platform. Catering to environmentally-conscious online shoppers, they have initiated the ‘Give the E-Waste, Get the Code’ campaign. Emphasizing the mission to actively participate in solving the issue and introducing E-Waste into a proper recycling process without resorting to burial or achieving Zero e-waste to landfill.
Customers are encouraged to responsibly dispose of E-Waste, including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, mobile accessories, computer components, and small electronic devices, by dropping them off at participating AIS Shops.
This can be done through the E-Waste+ app, a blockchain E-Waste management platform that makes tracking disposal status easy. Participants receive an immediate discount of 40 Baht for online shopping on the Lazada platform, available from now until July 31, 2024.
Saichon Submakudom, Head of Public Relations and Business Relations at AIS noted “We are elevating AIS’s operations to drive the sustainability of E-waste, towards becoming a HUB of E-Waste with partners in various dimensions, numbering over 190 organizations nationwide. As the HUB of E-Waste, our collaboration with the leading e-commerce platform, Lazada, in this instance underscores the dedication of both organizations to invite and engage customers, as well as raise awareness about the issue of E-Waste. If improperly disposed of, we believe that the ‘Give the E-Waste, Get the Code’ campaign will stimulate customers to recognize the importance and bring their E-Waste to deposit with AIS. This effort will lead to the proper recycling of these items, aligning with our goal of achieving Zero e-waste to landfill.”
Melissa Yunibhand, Chief Business Office, Lazada Thailand said, “At Lazada, we are continuously developing our e-commerce business to help create a positive impact on society. One of the key areas of our ESG efforts focuses on reducing our environmental impact, and this collaboration between Lazada Thailand and AIS will help promote awareness on the importance of proper e-waste disposal, and make it easier and more convenient for consumers to do their part and get rewarded for it.”
Customers can participate in the “Give the E-Waste, Get the Code” campaign by depositing E-Waste items such as mobile phones, tablets, charging cables, adapters, headphones, mobile batteries, or even computer components at AIS Shops participating in the program. This can be done through the E-Waste+ app, a blockchain-based E-Waste management platform that enables users to track the disposal status from the recycling process.
Participants receive an immediate discount code worth 40 Baht, which can be utilized for online shopping on the Lazada platform (with a minimum spend of 299 Baht). Customers can deposit and receive codes up to four times per month.
BANGKOK – Nestlé (Thai) Ltd. announced it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate with the National Innovation Agency (NIA), Thai Union Group Public Company Limited, and Mahidol University through the SPACE-F program, Thailand’s first global food tech startup incubator and accelerator.
The MoU signing ceremony took place on February 12, 2024, with the theme “Collaboration for the Future of Food,” which portrays the aspiration of all collaborating members to drive the future of the Thai food industry.
It is a collective effort to develop an ecosystem to enhance the growth and competitiveness of food tech startups and support the development of food innovations that meet evolving consumers’ needs. Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, presided over the signing ceremony.
Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), said that one of MHESI flagship goals is to increase innovation capabilities, focusing on leveraging knowledge, science, research, and innovation to enhance our nation’s competitiveness.
“The food industry is indeed the backbone of Thai economy, since Thailand, ranked as the world’s 12th largest food exporter, is poised to surpass 1.5 trillion baht in export value by the year 2023. There are over 136,000 businesses and creating more than 973,000 jobs,” she said.
The SPACE-F program stands as a cornerstone initiative of our ministry, focusing on fostering and developing the potential of FoodTech startups to grow and innovate, thus reshaping the food industry to be more robust and sustainable both nationally and globally, and to drive Thailand to become “Innovation Nation” and move up top 30th Global Innovation Index by 2030.
Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) stated that NIA mission is to enhance the country’s innovation system and the food industry is one of the significant target industries that NIA aims to drive.
According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Index by startupblink, the Thai startup ecosystem has made substantial strides, currently ranking 52nd globally, 11th in Asia-Pacific, and 4th in ASEAN. Bangkok has witnessed remarkable progress, ascending 25 places to reach the 74th spot globally and securing the 3rd position in ASEAN as one of the top cities for the startup ecosystem.
The program has been encouraging innovation-driven entrepreneurship, with a focus on pioneering trends of the future such as health and wellness, alternative proteins, smart manufacturing, sustainable packaging solutions, and smart food services.
“This is an excellent platform to help startups transform their creative ideas into successful products or business globally. Significantly this year, Nestlé, the leading food, and beverage company from private sector, joins the SPACE-F program to bring its expertise to the program and offer opportunities for both global and local startups to collectively shape the future of the food innovation,” said Dr. Krithpaka.
Mr. Victor Seah, Chairman and CEO of Nestlé Indochina, said that Nestlé delighted to join the SPACE-F program to drive innovations that will help us achieve our company’s purpose.
“We also believe that collaborating with diverse sectors on the SPACE-F program is key to driving Thailand’s food industry to deliver the future of food that is both “Good for You” and “Good for the Planet,” aligned with the company’s strategic focus. We will work together with our program partners and entrepreneurs to innovate more products that are both tastier and healthier, and address sustainability challenges faced by the food industry and the nation,” he said.
With a network of 25 research and development centers globally and 10 product development centers, Nestlé makes a substantial investment of around 1.7 billion Swiss francs (or 70,000 million Thai Baht) annually to support continuous research and development in products that meet the needs of people at all life stages.
Space-F program startups will complement Nestlé’s existing strengths and help us accelerate our contribution to consumers and the food industry.
Mr. Thiraphong Chansiri, President and CEO of Thai Union Group PCL. indicated that the future of food is being rewritten by the innovative minds and relentless pursuits of entrepreneurs worldwide. Thai Union understand that the journey of innovation is fraught with challenges, yet it’s these very challenges that propel the industry forward.
Through initiatives like SPACE-F, Thai Union aim to harness the potential of food technology, addressing the pressing needs of our time while paving the way for sustainable growth. Our mission is clear – to build a robust ecosystem where innovation thrives, technology leads, and sustainability is a priority.
“The collaboration with Nestlé is not just a partnership; it’s a testament to our shared vision of nurturing food entrepreneurs and revolutionizing the food industry through innovation and technology. Together, we are committed to setting new standards, driving meaningful change, and creating a future where the food industry is as resilient as it is revolutionary,” he added.
Prof. Banchong Mahaisavariya, M.D., President of Mahidol University, said Mahidol University is one of the nation’s leading research universities. We are promising for research facilities and equipment, together with experts in varieties of areas including science, food science, nutrition, engineering and related technologies, that would be readily available to support and facilitate our future generation of food entrepreneurs/startups in the SPACE-F program towards developing Thailand to become an Asian hub for future food industry.
SPACE-F program has been running since 2019. The program has already supported a portfolio of 60 local and global startups that have successfully raised over USD 63 million.
The SPACE-F Batch 5 application is open from February 10 to March 31, 2024 into its Food Tech Startup Incubator & Accelerator programs to encourage innovation, drive the growth of food technology, and cultivate business models that offer the potential for exponential growth. This effort will position Thailand as a pivotal food technology hub for the region and beyond.
B.Grimm Power Signs MOU with National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC) to Foster Renewable Energy Innovation and Sustainable Development
B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited and the National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC), under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), have inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on advancing research and development in renewable energy technologies. This strategic partnership aims to drive knowledge enhancement and innovation, facilitating the integration of relevant technologies across various sectors and supporting the development of skilled personnel for the nation’s future energy security.
Mr. Don Tayatan, Executive Vice President – Customer Relations and Operation Management 2 at B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited, highlighted the company’s commitment to collaborating with ENTEC and NSTDA to advance renewable energy technologies and broaden knowledge and innovation. Leveraging NSTDA’s expertise, particularly in repurposing expired, deteriorated, or unused solar cells, the collaboration seeks to recycle these materials into new solar cells or other useful products. This initiative addresses the imperative for efficient utilization of alternative energy sources and aligns with B.Grimm’s sustainable development framework, which prioritizes environmental considerations.
“B.Grimm is dedicated to promoting the use of alternative energy sources, particularly through the enhancement of solar panel utilization, to better meet the evolving needs of our customers for more efficient alternative energy usage,” said Mr. Don.
The National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC), operating under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, serves as a hub in driving excellence in energy technology leadership within the country. It collaborates with various entities, including the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Industry, and other relevant agencies, to translate energy plans into actionable initiatives. The aim is to foster a more comprehensive knowledge base and lead the nation towards technological independence in the energy sector.
This collaboration between B.Grimm Power and ENTEC signifies a significant step forward in advancing renewable energy innovation and promoting sustainable development, aligning with Thailand’s broader energy agenda and commitment to environmental stewardship.
ONYX Hospitality Group Unveils Landmark Sustainability Initiatives: A Long-Term Commitment to Collaborate with UNESCO for Cultural Sustainability and Ambitious Target of Achieving Carbon Neutrality
ONYX Hospitality Group, a distinguished Bangkok-based hospitality company celebrated for its hotels and resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences – Amari, OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence – proudly announces significant developments in its sustainability journey. The company is honoured to be the first hospitality management firm in the Asia Pacific region to declare a long-term commitment to working with UNESCO for Cultural Sustainability. Alongside setting a target to achieve Carbon Neutrality, this landmark partnership marks a milestone in ONYX’s commitment to sustainability.
ONYX Hospitality Group’s work with UNESCO focuses on Cultural Sustainability, with the aim of safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage and community-based tourism across Asia and the Pacific. The commitment extends particularly to cities where ONYX Hospitality Group’s hotels and resorts are located, which currently includes an impressive presence in several countries in the APAC region i.e. Thailand, Malaysia, China including Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and Laos.
With a bold vision, ONYX Hospitality Group is on track to surpass 50 properties by 2025, aiming for a formidable portfolio of 70 by 2028. These ambitious goals align seamlessly with the unveiling of new sustainability initiatives, reinforcing ONYX Hospitality Group’s dedication to a “Tailored Approach to Hospitality.” As the company continues its drive to become “The Best Medium-sized Hospitality Management Company in Southeast Asia,” the synergy between robust expansion and enhanced sustainability practices underscores ONYX Hospitality Group’s commitment to excellence.
Amidst this growth trajectory, ONYX Hospitality Group places paramount importance on fortifying its sustainability pledge, recognising the imperative to reduce travel footprints. In this pursuit, ONYX Hospitality Group is not just shaping the present but envisaging a future where succeeding generations can enjoy the same travel privileges. Anchored in the belief that even small changes can yield transformative impacts, ONYX Hospitality Group is dedicated to fostering a positive shift in the industry’s sustainability landscape.
The UNESCO partnership is part of ONYX Hospitality Group’s new sustainability framework, which is structured under four pillars closely linked to the company’s name:
“O” Opportunity – Providing necessary support to underprivileged individuals and organisations to provide suitable opportunities.
“N” Nature – Promoting environmental awareness such as community-involved initiatives, waste management, pollution control, and biodiversity preservation.
“Y” Youth – Taking part in developing younger generations by providing educational support, capability building, and learning experiences.
“X” Collaboration – Establishing long-term alliances to collaborate on promoting sustainability across Culture, Society, and Community. Forging partnerships with suppliers and organisations, all sharing a common goal of serving communities, safeguarding the environment, and supporting cultural projects.
In collaboration with UNESCO, ONYX Hospitality Group will seamlessly integrate cultural and contemporary experiences across its hotels and resorts. This initiative aims to not only showcase and connect with the vibrant local culture but also invites guests to immerse themselves in these unique and enriching experiences and feel a true connection to the surrounding location, which in turn will sustain such intangible heritage for generations to come.
Cultural sensitivity and local community engagement play a pivotal role in enhancing the hospitality industry. In creative tourism context, this ability to interactively incorporate local culture and traditions creates unique and memorable experiences for guests, adding depth and authenticity to hotels.
This approach enables travellers to connect with the destination and its local community on a more profound level. Successful examples of cultural integration include featuring local cuisine, traditional performances, or collaborating with local artisans and designers – actions which bring economic value to the community and its neighbourhood whilst enriching guest experience. These initiatives not only provide a richer experience for guests but also contribute significantly to the socio-economic development and sustenance of the host community.
ONYX Hospitality Group is proud to support UNESCO’s project on ‘Achieving Sustainable Tourism with Intangible Cultural Heritage and Creative City Network in Waterway Cities of ASEAN.’ As part of this collaboration, ONYX Hospitality Group hosted the official launch event with UNESCO on 3rd February 2024, at Amari Bangkok.
In addition, ONYX Hospitality Group embarks on a pioneering initiative with WWF Thailand through the Sustainable Consumption and Production Project. The focus is on laying the foundation and transformation of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, fostering sustainable food systems, preserving biodiversity, environmental protection, conservation projects, and community engagement.
Furthermore, Carbon Neutrality, with the ultimate objective of achieving Net Zero Operations, stands as a cornerstone commitment by ONYX Hospitality Group to both Thailand and the global community, harmonising seamlessly with ONYX Hospitality Group’s core business objectives and operational ethos.
In 2023, 11 properties under the management of ONYX Hospitality Group attained Carbon Footprint for Organization certification from the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO), signifying a noteworthy milestone. This accomplishment lays a solid groundwork, and ONYX Hospitality Group remains steadfast in its dedication to extend this initiative to all properties moving forward.
The new sustainability initiatives reflect ONYX Hospitality Group’s commitment to sustainability by addressing a wide spectrum of sustainability aspects, from cultural preservation to responsible consumption and environmental stewardship, whilst weaving seamlessly into the fabric of the Group’s distinct product brands, services, and culture. They demonstrate ONYX Hospitality Group’s proactive stance in aligning its operations with global sustainability goals and promoting responsible tourism within the industry.
From Left to Right: Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO, ONYX Hospitality Group and Dr. Montira Unakul World Heritage Specialist, National Programme Officer for Culture, UNESCO Bangkok
Carabao Group secures a position in The Sustainability Yearbook 2024 for the first time, being recognized among enterprises globally for its outstanding sustainable business practices.
This achievement underscores the Group’s “World Class Product, World Class Brand” vision, showcasing comprehensive sustainable management across all dimensions, encompassing environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG).
Carabao Group stands out as one of the top-performing companies, achieving scores within the top 15% when compared to peers in the same industry sector globally. More than 9,400 companies participated in the rigorous evaluation of the S&P Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) in 2023.
“Securing a position among companies with world-class sustainable business practices in The Sustainability Yearbook is a source of pride, reaffirming Carabao Group’s commitment to the vision of ‘World Class Product, World Class Brand.’ I extend my gratitude to all the employees who actively contributed, collaborated, and played a role in this achievement.
Moving forward, we are dedicated to propelling Carabao Group towards robust and sustainable growth, aiming to catalyze positive transformations in the economy, society, and the environment,” expressed Sathien Sathientham, Chief Executive Officer of Carabao Group Public Company Limited.
The Sustainability Yearbook 2024 stands as a globally accepted and investor-trusted sustainability report. The rigorous evaluation criteria employed by the S&P Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) cover environmental, social, governance, and economic dimensions. In the 2023 assessment, the S&P CSA heightened the rigor of its assessment by modifying existing questions and adding more insightful topics.
Attaining a position in The Sustainability Yearbook marks another significant milestone for Carabao Group, highlighting our dedication to fostering business growth in alignment with the sustainability vision of Carabao Business Group: “Contribute to shaping a society of opportunities for a better life.”
A seminar on preventing suicide among young people is held at the Department of Psychology at Nara University in Nara Prefecture, western Japan, on Nov. 20, 2023. (Kyodo)
NARA – At a time when suicide rates remain high among young people in Japan, some college students are coming together to learn what they can do to detect the telltale signs of a friend in trouble and become suicide prevention guardians.
The painful experiences young people sometimes go through that may lead to suicide, the methods of dealing with trauma and the support that can be provided to a person to help give them reasons to live are among the subjects taught at the Nara University psychology department in western Japan.
Sociology professor Jin Ota, 68, teaches the seminar to the students out of a sense of urgency, realizing that many young people have lost the meaning and value of their lives. Some of the topics he discusses include cyberbullying and truancy among young children.
“We would like to have a breakthrough in the current situation by educating young people who can save others from despair,” Ota said as he explained the purpose behind the course.
In a recent lecture, Ota explained that although “there are people who say they ‘wish to die,’ what they’re really doing is sending out an SOS that ‘I’m in so much pain, I want to die. But I really want to live,'” he said.
Ota spoke about a case where one of his students was able to recognize a warning sign in a coworker and successfully provided the person with necessary support in a crisis.
Photo taken on Nov. 20, 2023 shows professor Shin Ota speaking at a seminar in the Department of Psychology at Nara University in Nara Prefecture, western Japan. (Kyodo)
According to data from the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, suicide has remained the leading cause of death in Japan among 15-39-year-olds for at least the past decade (2013-2022). The number of elementary, junior high, and high school students who took their own lives rose to 514 in 2022, the highest on record.
The most common causes and motives for suicide among those in their 20s were health and work issues, as well as economic problems involving making a living.
Ota came to have a stronger sense of urgency after finding in his survey, conducted in September 2022, that roughly half of the 557 students polled from several universities, including his own, considered themselves “worthless” or “replaceable anytime.”
The results led him to give greater priority to teaching his students how to tackle issues of suicide among young people.
Some of his students empathize with young people who want to take their own lives, including those who have gone through their own struggles.
A third-year female student, who is 21, said, “I can understand being overwhelmed by that feeling of wanting to kill yourself from time to time.”
She was sexually abused when she was a junior high school student, but because she was unable to acknowledge the emotional turmoil the experience caused her, she began self-harming, a practice that went on for some time.
But through meetings with counselors and others, she decided she wanted to get involved in a profession that healed emotional wounds and enrolled in the department of psychology at Nara University. She said through learning about the emotional wounds of other young people, she has found relief from her own emotional trauma.
When she would confide in trusted friends about her wish to take her own life, she was often told, “Don’t say things like that.” Their reactions only strengthened her feelings of despair, and she would tell herself that she was “living in a different world from others.”
She recalled that she wanted her friends to ask her what was wrong as a way of getting closer to her, instead of admonishing her. She now feels strongly that many young people have had similar experiences of carrying around their unresolved pain.
Japan’s suicide rate among young people is among the highest of the Group of Seven industrialized nations, and countermeasures are urgently needed, experts say.
According to Ota, there are many cases — even among young people of the same generation — where people dismiss revelations about a friend’s wish to die as silly or not worth discussing.
To deal with such cases, Ota recommends people instead take a pause and find out why a friend is suffering. “One word of encouragement can save someone’s life,” he stressed.
