Bangkok Bank Joins AIS 5G To Drive the Digital Economy While Securing Every Online Shopping

By

-

28 March 2023, 15:56

Bangkok Bank joins AIS 5G to drive the Digital Economy, connecting intelligent networks and financial solutions to your digital lifestyle with “Be1st Digital AIS POINTS” debit card. Customers can collect points while feeling safe and secure in every online shopping experience.

Bangkok Bank and AIS 5G, leaders in the financial services and telecommunications industries, are cooperating to drive the growth of the country’s digital economy. Using their strengths in intelligent network and financial innovation, Bangkok Bank and AIS 5G are connecting the digital experience for customers and creating opportunities for Thai people to access new forms of financial services on digital platforms by introducing the Be1st Digital AIS POINTS debit card.

This debit card will transform customers’ online shopping experience with special privileges from AIS Points and financial services with the highest security from Bangkok Bank.

For every online purchase of 200 baht, customers will receive one AIS Point that can be redeemed for many privileges including telephone or internet charges, LINE stickers, food and beverage, or exchanged for discounts from leading brands covering all lifestyles with more than 1.8 million stores nationwide on myAIS app. In a special offer for customers who apply for the “Be1st Digital AIS POINTS” debit card within August 31, 2023, there will be fee waivers and up to 200 AIS Points.

Bangkok Bank Executive Vice President and Credit Card Division Manager Shoke Na Ranong said that: Bangkok Bank, a leading regional financial institution and AIS, a leader in digital services and communication networks, jointly launched “Be1st Digital AIS POINTS” debit card, the first co-branded card that delivers a convenient, fast, and highly secure payment experience for goods and services through online stores. This debit card caters to the habits and lifestyle of today’s consumers as well as offering value for every online spending. For every 200-baht in spending, customers will receive one AIS point and up to 100 points per card per month to redeem various privileges from AIS.

“Be1st Digital AIS POINTS” debit card is offering convenience and the option of using the digital card or the physical card, which is sent to customers’ given address during the application process, or both.

This card covers various transactions via Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking including withdrawals, transfers, and payments via ATM as well as contactless payments.

Customers can use the card with confidence as the Bank utilizes the same technology as Be1st Digital Card which was awarded the “Debit Card of the Year” at the Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards 2022 by The Digital Banker magazine and the “Most Innovative Debit Card Offering Thailand 2023” from World Economic magazine, a leading online business magazine in the US.

“This is a remarkable collaboration between Bangkok Bank and AIS that combined our strengths to develop “Be1st Digital AIS POINTS” debit card with the aim to provide better experiences to customers. The card enables customers to have convenient and fast online transactions, modify or set personal spending limits, as well as to check spending amounts by themselves via Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking with ease and security.

In addition, it also offers value from AIS Points and opportunities to offer good products to AIS’ customer base of more than 46 million. We are confident that the card will attract interest from customers, and we expect at least 6 million applications within 5 years. This will help us achieve our goal to become a leader in digital payment solutions in line with the development of Thailand’s digital economy,” said Mr. Shoke.

Mr. Tee Seeumpornroj, CFO of AIS, added that: “AIS is committed to developing digital technology infrastructure to be capable and ready to connect with main industries in order to create growth for the country’s digital economy. Throughout the years, we have believed in working with our partners. Today, AIS continues to build an ecosystem using our combined strengths to create various benefits for Thai people and the country.”

“Our cooperation with Bangkok Bank has reaffirmed the goal of working in customer care through the AIS Points program by bringing the potential of the intelligent network to create opportunities for Thai people to access financial services and receive AIS Points from online shopping via Be1st Digital AIS POINTS debit card.

This enables our customers to earn points from our partners while using AIS services. At the same time, customers can also use their points with AIS partner stores that cover all digital lifestyles, with more than 1.8 million stores nationwide and another 20,000 leading brands in department stores, retail stores, street food and food carts across the country on the myAIS app.”

“We believe that this partnership will enhance our work for our customers. In addition to providing customers with a digital experience for shopping online, this cooperation will create benefits for all parties involved. This includes customers of AIS and Bangkok Bank and merchant partners who are in the network of the AIS Points program across the country,” concluded Mr. Tee.

The Be1st Digital AIS POINTS debit card comes with cute Nong Aunjai characters in 4 designs for customers to choose from in the form of both digital and physical cards. The card features the highest level of transaction security according to world-class standards with the same technology as the Be1st digital card, supporting various financial transactions. Bangkok Bank and AIS customers can easily apply for the card via Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking.

Customers who apply for the Be1st Digital AIS POINTS debit card from today until August 31, 2023, will receive additional privileges including fee waivers worth 300 baht. New customers who open an e-Savings account with Bangkok Bank Mobile Banking will receive 200 AIS points for their first online purchase via the card, while existing customers who apply for the card will receive 100 AIS points for their first online purchase via the card.

What’s more, every 200 baht spent on online shopping via the Be1st Digital AIS POINTS card will receive one AIS point, for up to 100 points per card per month. Customers can redeem points for many privileges, including telephone or internet charges, LINE stickers, food and beverage and discounts on leading brands covering all lifestyles with more than 1.8 million stores nationwide on myAIS app.

Interested persons can ask for more information at Bualuang Phone1333 or 0-2645-5555 or contact AIS at https://www.bangkokbank.com/th-TH/Personal/Cards/Be1st-Smart-Card/Be1st-Digital-AIS-POINTS.

C.P. Vietnam Corporation Honored at High-Quality Vietnamese Goods Awards for Trusted, High-Quality Products

By

Contributor

-

28 March 2023, 15:48

C.P. Vietnam Corporation (CPV) proudly announces that it has received recognition for its superior quality and safe products in the animal and aquatic feed veterinary medicine category at the 2023 High-Quality Vietnamese Goods Awards. The prestigious event, attended by esteemed leaders from various sectors, acknowledged CPV as one of over 500 businesses receiving accolades for their excellence.

Over the past 30 years, CPV has established trust with partners and customers by implementing its 3F Plus closed production chain for animal feed. As an industry leader, the company continuously strives to produce top-quality products while maintaining environmentally friendly practices and promoting sustainable development.

CPV Vice President Ho Van Duc expressed gratitude for the certification, stating that it is a testament to the company’s commitment to improving product quality, earning consumer trust, and employing effective operational strategies, customer-centric policies, and results-driven processes.

The Business Association of High-Quality Vietnamese Goods selected the award recipients from a pool of 677 candidates after conducting thorough interviews with customers, sellers, and local agencies. The meticulous selection process ensured transparency and compliance throughout the screening. The association’s survey, initiated in September 2022, collected over 61,000 votes for various enterprises, reflecting the extensive engagement and support from the community.

Russia Says It Test-fired Anti-ship Missiles in Sea of Japan

By

Associated Press

-

28 March 2023, 14:04

Russia Japan Missile Test — A Russian navy boat launches an anti-ship missile test in the Peter The Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

MOSCOW (AP) — Russia’s Defense Ministry says Moscow has test-fired anti-ship missiles in the Sea of Japan.

The ministry said Tuesday that two boats launched a simulated missile attack on a mock enemy warship about 100 kilometers (60 miles) away. The ministry said the target was successfully hit by two Moskit cruise missiles.

The Moskit, whose NATO reporting name is the SS-N-22 Sunburn, is a supersonic anti-ship cruise missile that has conventional and nuclear warhead capacity. The Soviet-built cruise missile is capable of flying at a speed three times the speed of sound and has a range of up to 250 kilometers (155 miles).

AP23087173049513 — In this photo made from video provided by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, a Russian navy boat launches an anti-ship missile test in the Peter The Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

It said the exercise, which included other warships and naval aircraft, took place in the Peter the Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan but did not give more precise coordinates. The gulf borders the Russian Pacific Fleet headquarters at Fokino and is about 700 kilometers (430 miles) from Japan’s northern Hokkaido Island.

The U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Japan reacted calmly to the missile exercise, which was conducted near Vladivostok, rather than directly into the waters between the two countries. Tokyo does not plan to lodge a protest to Russia over the missile exercise, said Tasuku Matsuki, Japanese Foreign Ministry official in charge of Russia, noting that its location — Peter the Great Bay — is considered Russian coast, though it is facing the water between the two countries.

AP23087176809050 — The Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday that a few boats launched a simulated missile attack on a mock enemy warship about 60 miles away. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

“On the whole, Japan is concerned about Russia’s increasing military activities around the Japanese coasts and watching them with great interest,” Matsuki said.

He said Russia has conducted missile drills in that area in the past and issued maritime advisories ahead of time. He said Japan is not in a position to comment on Russia’s intention of the exercise.

Russian nuclear-capable Tu-95 bombers flew over the Sea of Japan for several hours last week.

In September, Japan protested multinational military exercises on the Russian-held Kuril Islands — some of which are claimed by Japan — and expressed concern about Russian and Chinese warships conducting shooting drills in the Sea of Japan.

Russia also tested submarine-launched missiles in the Sea of Japan last year.

AP23087169374240 — In this photo made from video provided by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, a Russian navy boat launches an anti-ship missile test in the Peter The Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan.(Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)

___

AP writer Mari Yamaguchi contributed from Tokyo.

MAXIMIZE YOUR WEDDING IN THAILAND WITH “MARRY ME AT MARRIOTT”

By

Contributor

-

28 March 2023, 12:31

Three-day wedding & honeymoon fair will help brides and grooms craft their perfect big day, with a striking “maximalist” theme and personalized package options all across the kingdom

Marry Me at Marriott is back! Marriott Bonvoy’s wedding and honeymoon showcase will return to Bangkok from 31st March to 2nd April 2023, featuring an amazing array of exhibitors and activities that will help brides and grooms make their big day a truly spectacular occasion.

Hosted at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park’s glamorous Thai Chitlada Grand Ballroom, Marry Me at Marriott is a three-day wedding fair that will immerse guests in romance and reveal almost unlimited options for couples who want to get married in Thailand. A total of 34 Marriott hotels and resorts² will be in attendance, covering seven diverse destinations and 14 distinct brands all across the kingdom, offering an unparalleled choice of venues for every size and style of wedding, ranging from beautiful ballrooms to moonlit pools, blissful beaches and more.

The theme of this year’s Marry Me at Marriott is “maximalist” and every guest will be immersed in a world of vibrant color and dramatic design. The time for understatement is over – in 2023, we’re taking things to the max! Marriott’s bright, creative concepts are sure to energize every event and illuminate the wedding photos.

To bring every occasion to life, Marriott has invited its professional partners to attend the show. Couples can chat to wedding planners, dressmakers, jewelry designers, photographers, beauty therapists, musicians and even fortune tellers to personalize every element of their big day. Marriott’s food showcase will also provide a delicious insight into the Thai and international catering options available at Marriott’s hotels.

Attendees can experience immersive on-stage activities, including panel discussions and Q&As with wedding experts, live music, vendor promotions and even special sessions dedicated to topics such as feng shui, dress selection, hotel packages, decorations and bridal beauty¹.

###

¹ The on-stage activity schedule is subject to change

² Hotels participating in Marry Me at Marriott include:

Aloft Bangkok, Sukhumvit 11
Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit
Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse
Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok
Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Sukhumvit 20
Courtyard by Marriott North Pattaya
Four Points by Marriott Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15
Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
Le Méridien Bangkok
Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort & Spa
Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort
Le Méridien Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Golf Resort & Spa
Marriott Executive Apartments – Sukhumvit Park
Rayong Marriott Resort & Spa
Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel
Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa
Renaissance Pattaya Resort & Spa
Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa
Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa
Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas
Sheraton Samui Resort
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, Phuket
The St. Regis Bangkok
The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok
The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket
Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui
W Bangkok
W Koh Samui

3 Children, 3 Adults Killed at Christian School in Nashville

By

Associated Press

-

28 March 2023, 02:06

APTOPIX Nashville School Shooting — Children from The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., hold hands as they are taken to a reunification site at the Woodmont Baptist Church after a deadly shooting at their school on Monday, March 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Jonathan Mattise)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A female shooter wielding two “assault-style” rifles and a pistol killed three students and three adults at a private Christian school in Nashville on Monday in what marks the latest in a series of mass shootings in a country growing increasingly unnerved by bloodshed in schools.

The suspect also died after being shot by police following the violence at The Covenant School, a Presbyterian school for about 200 students from preschool through sixth grade. Police said the shooter was a 28-year-old woman from Nashville, after initially saying she appeared to be in her teens.

Authorities were working to identify her and whether she had a connection to the school.

AP23086593807580 — In this image from video provided by Jozen Reodica, law enforcement officers lead children away from the scene of a shooting at The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., on Monday March 27, 2023. (Jozen Reodica via AP)

The killings come as communities around the nation are reeling from a spate of school violence, including the massacre at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, last year; a first grader who shot his teacher in Virginia; and a shooting last week in Denver that wounded two administrators.

President Joe Biden called on Congress again to pass his assault weapons ban in the wake of the Nashville shooting.

“It’s heartbreaking, a family’s worst nightmare,” he said.

First lady Jill Biden also spoke about the slayings on Monday.

“I am truly without words. And our children deserve better,” she said during a National League of Cities conference in Washington. “We stand – all of us, we stand – with Nashville in prayer.”

The tragedy unfolded over roughly 14 minutes. Police received the initial call about an active shooter at 10:13 a.m.

Officers began clearing the first story of the school when they heard gunshots coming from the second level, police spokesperson Don Aaron said during a news briefing.

Two officers from a five-member team opened fire in response, fatally shooting the suspect at 10:27 a.m., Aaron said. He said there were no police officers present or assigned to the school at the time of the shooting because it is a church-run school.

AP23086659338887 — An ambulance leaves of Covenant School, Covenant Presbyterian Church, in Nashville, Tenn. Monday, March 27, 2023. Officials say several children were killed in a shooting at the private Christian grade school in Nashville. The suspect is dead after a confrontation with police. (AP Photo/John Amis)

The Covenant School’s victims were pronounced dead at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. One officer had a hand wound from cut glass.

Other students walked to safety Monday, holding hands as they left their school surrounded by police cars, to a nearby church to be reunited with their parents.

“In a tragic morning, Nashville joined the dreaded, long list of communities to experience a school shooting,” Mayor John Cooper wrote on Twitter. “My heart goes out to the families of the victims. Our entire city stands with you.”

Jozen Reodica heard the police sirens and fire trucks blaring from outside her office building nearby. As her building was placed under lockdown, she took out her phone and recorded the chaos.

“I thought I would just see this on TV,” she said. “And right now, it’s real.”

AP23086642629667 — Metro Nashville Police officers gather near The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., following a deadly shooting Monday, March 27, 2023. (Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean via AP)

On WTVF TV, reporter Hannah McDonald said that her mother-in-law works at the front desk at The Covenant School. The woman had stepped outside for a break Monday morning and was coming back when she heard gunshots, McDonald said during a live broadcast. The reporter said she has not been able to speak with her mother-in-law but said her husband had.

The Covenant School was founded as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church in 2001, according to the school’s website. The school is located in the affluent Green Hills neighborhood just south of downtown Nashville, situated close to the city’s top universities and home to the famed Bluebird Café – a beloved spot for musicians and song writers.

The grade school has roughly 50 staff members. The school’s website features the motto “Shepherding Hearts, Empowering Minds, Celebrating Childhood.”

Top legislative leaders announced Monday that the GOP-dominant Statehouse would meet briefly later in the evening and delay taking up any legislation.

Republican Gov. Bill Lee said he was “closely monitoring” the situation, while Democratic state Rep. Bob Freeman, whose district includes The Covenant School, called Monday’s shooting an “unimaginable tragedy.”

“I live around the corner from Covenant and pass by it often. I have friends who attend both church and school there,” Freeman said in a statement. “I have also visited the church in the past. It tears my heart apart to see this.”

AP23086642658481 — Metro Nashville Police officers gather near The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., following a deadly shooting Monday, March 27, 2023. (Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean via AP)

Nashville has seen its share of mass violence in recent years.

On Christmas Day 2020, a recreational vehicle was intentionally detonated in the heart of Music City’s historic downtown, killing the bomber, injuring three others and forcing more than 60 businesses to close.

A man shot and killed four people at a Nashville Waffle House in April 2018. He was sentenced in February 2022 to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

In September 2017, a masked gunman opened fire at the Burnette Chapel Church of Christ, walking silently down the aisle as he shot unsuspecting congregants. One person was killed and seven others were wounded. The gunman was sentenced in 2019 to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

_______

JONATHAN MATTISE and TRAVIS LOLLER Associated Press reported from Nashville.

Guide for Songkran Festival in Bangkok

By

Khaosod English

-

28 March 2023, 01:51

People in Bangkok will not be allowed to be scantily dressed for the upcoming Songkran Festival’s water fight and there will be no alcohol sale, use of high-pressure water gun, or use of powder at the sites, said Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt on Monday.

City Hall will organize the festival between April 12-14 in 50 districts. Each district will be designated with different level of wetness, or amount of water allowed to be splashed, so people can choose according to their preferences.

There will also be a ceremony to make merit and offer food to monks, a pouring ceremony for the elderly, cultural performances, the Thai way of playing, and the sale of good products in 50 districts.

Prince Harry in Court for Privacy Suit Against Tabloid

By

Associated Press

-

27 March 2023, 23:59

Britain Tabloid Lawsuit — Britain's Prince Harry, center, arrives at the Royal Courts Of Justice, in London, Monday, March 27, 2023. (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire/PA via AP)

LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry and Elton John were in a London court Monday as the lawyer for a group of British tabloids prepared to ask a judge to toss the lawsuit they brought with several other high-profile people who allege phone tapping and other invasions of privacy.

Harry’s presence at the High Court in London is a sign of the importance he attaches to the case, one of several lawsuits the Duke of Sussex has brought against the media. The hearing is expected to last four days.

The case alleges Associated Newspapers Ltd., which publishes titles including the Daily Mail, commissioned the “breaking and entry into private property,” engaging in unlawful acts that included hiring private investigators to bug homes and cars and record private phone conversations.

AP23067629185614 — FILE – Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave after a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, Friday, June 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, Pool, File)

“They were the victim of numerous unlawful acts carried out by the defendant, or by those acting on the instructions of its newspapers, The Daily Mail and The Mail On Sunday,” attorney David Sherborne said in a court document.

Other plaintiffs include John’s husband, David Furnish, and actresses Liz Hurley and Sadie Frost, who was also in court. John arrived after a lunch break in sat in the gallery. Harry sat near the rear of the court and took notes as attorneys discussed preliminary matters.

The allegations date back to 1993 and continue beyond 2018, Sherborne said.

AP23086325498964 — Britain’s Prince Harry, center, arrives at the Royal Courts Of Justice, in London, Monday, March 27, 2023. (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire/PA via AP)

The publisher said the claims are too old to be brought now and should also be thrown out because because they rely on information the newspapers turned over in confidentiality for a 2012 probe into media law breaking.

“It would be surprising indeed for any reasonably informed member of the public, let alone a figure in the public eye, to have been unaware of these matters,” attorney Adrian Beltrami said in writing.

Britain held a year-long inquiry into press ethics after revelations in 2011 that News of the World tabloid employees eavesdropped on the mobile phone voicemails of celebrities, politicians and a teenage murder victim.

Owner Rupert Murdoch shut down the newspaper amid a criminal investigation and public uproar. Several journalists were convicted, and Murdoch’s company paid millions in damages to dozens of hacking victims.

AP23086446698969 — Elton John arrives at the Royal Courts Of Justice in London, Monday, March 27, 2023. Elton John and Britain’s Prince Harry are in a London court as the lawyer for a group of British tabloids prepared to ask a judge to toss out lawsuits by the Prince, Elton John and several other celebrities who allege phone tapping and other invasions of privacy.(AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

In the inquiry’s 2012 report, Lord Justice Brian Leveson said “outrageous” behavior by some in the press had “wreaked havoc with the lives of innocent people whose rights and liberties have been disdained.”

Judge Matthew Nicklin, who is hearing the current eavesdropping case, is also overseeing a separate libel lawsuit Harry brought against Associated Newspapers over an article about his quest for police protection when he and his family visit the U.K.

Harry, the younger son of King Charles III, and his wife, the former actress Meghan Markle, stepped down as working royals in 2020 and moved to the U.S., citing what they described as the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media.

Harry has said he wants to make reforming the British media his life’s work. He fumes at the U.K. media throughout his memoir “Spare,” published in January. He blamed an overly aggressive press for the 1997 death of his mother, Princess Diana, and also accused the media of hounding Meghan.

The couple has turned to British courts to combat what they see as media mistreatment. In December 2021, Meghan won an invasion-of-privacy case against Associated Newspapers over the Mail on Sunday’s publication of a letter she wrote to her estranged father.

Harry is also suing the publisher of another tabloid, the Mirror, in a separate hacking suit.

_____

BRIAN MELLEY Associated Press reported from London.

Japanese Animation Film “Suzume” Is a Hit in China, South Korea

By

Kyodo News

-

27 March 2023, 23:00

Japanese animation film “Suzume” topped China’s box office during its debut weekend, raking in over 90 million yuan ($13 million) while attracting over 3 million South Korean viewers less than three weeks after its release, according to local media reports.

The latest work by Japanese animation director Makoto Shinkai ranked top in China on Sunday, the third day of its screening, Chinese state media Xinhua News Agency reported Monday, citing figures from the China Movie Data Information Network

suzume1 — People take photos in front of an advertising display for Japanese animation film “Suzume” inside a movie theater in Beijing on March 25, 2023. (Kyodo)

Suzume is a fantasy film that follows the adventures of a 17-year-old girl and a mysterious young man as they work together to prevent disasters across Japan.

Suzume’s strong start in China follows the success of Shinkai’s 2016 fantasy blockbuster “your name.” which became the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time in the country that year.

According to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, Shinkai told local fans in a video message on Monday that he would make good on his promise made during his recent trip to Seoul that he would return if Suzume was seen by more than 3 million viewers after its release on March 8th.

The film saw widespread success after its release in Japan last year, becoming the first Japanese animated film in over 20 years to be nominated for the top award at the Berlin International Film Festival.

The Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Public Health and the President of Rayong Administrative Organization Preside Over the Closing Ceremony of the KMUTNB x SP TF-SCALE 2023

By

Contributor

-

27 March 2023, 16:33

On 15 March 2023, Conference Room, Office of the President Building, KMUTNB Rayong Campus, Dr. Satit Pitutecha, Deputy Minister of Public Health, and Dr. Piya Pitutecha, President of Rayong Provincial Administrative Organization, honored to co-preside over the closing ceremony, delivered congratulatory remarks, and presented certificates to the participants and facilitators of the KMUTNB

x SP Temasek Foundation Specialists’ Community and Leadership Exchange Programme 2023 (KMUTNB x SP TF-SCALE 2023). The two distinguished guests were warmly welcomed by Prof. Dr. Thanin Silpcharu, Vice President for KMUTNB Rayong Campus, and Dr. Sarawut Suebyaem, Assistant to the President for Financial and General Affairs.

King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok and Singapore Polytechnic has continually developed a close academic collaboration for years. The beginning of this productive partnership began with the signing of the 1st MoU in 2018. Since then, both institutions consistently co-organized activities to develop the student’s potential, especially to promote their understanding in Design Thinking Methodology. Those activities enabled the students to both improve their empathy skills and innovation skills. KMUTNB always places importance on the promotion of design thinking skills as the students can apply it with the knowledge being learned in classes to create innovative solutions that will benefit the whole community. This is also in line with the university’s mission to provide the best possible practice-based learning education. In the past few years, both institutions cooperated to hold several activities as follows.

The Learning Express (LeX) 20018 in 2018, at KMUTNB Bangkok and Ang Thong Province
The Learning Express (LeX) 20019 in 2019, at KMUTNB Prachinburi Campus

However, the outbreak of coronavirus 2019 has made the onsite activity impossible. As the pandemic situation has improved now, KMUTNB and Singpore Polytechnic were agreed to organize the Temasek Specialists’ Community and Leadership Exchange (TF SCALE). The program was divided into two parts. The first part was held between 18 September to 1 October 2022 in Singapore. Singapore Polytechnic and Temasek Foundation provided scholarships for 20 KMUTNB students to attend this Program in Singapore, and it was also participated by the students from other universities in ASEAN countries, like Muhammadiyah University of Makassar and Politeknik Negeri Ujung Pandang, Indonesia, National University Management, Cambodia.

The second part called “KMUTNB x SP Temasek Foundation Specialists’ Community and Leadership Exchange” was arranged at KMUTNB Rayong campus during 6 – 17 March 2023. This program allowed 20 Thai participants and 20 Singaporean participant to visit the local community to survey the problems of villagers under the supervision of 2 Thai facilitators and 2 Singaporean facilitators. Then, the students will analyze the collected data and brainstorm to design innovative solutions for the local community. The theme of the students’ projects was preventive healthcare. The students had an opportunity visited and conducted interview at the four health promoting hospitals in Rayong Province, including Ban Krachet Health Promoting Hospital, Ban Nong Sapan Promoting Hospital, Ban Chakbok Health Promoting Hospital, and Ban Phayun Promoting Hospital. This program gave a chance to the participants to contribute to find innovative solutions for the community in the aspect of healthcare. Beside improving design thinking skills, the students will learn to work as a team, develop cross-cultural competence and build a connection with international friends.

ONDE synergized MUT transform Thailand to be space technology creator through APSCO’s activities

By

Contributor

-

27 March 2023, 16:33

When talking about satellites or other space-related subjects, most people would view such as being far from their everyday experiences. However, products derived from space-related innovations are part of most people’s lives, directly or indirectly. From the moment we wake up and tune in to morning TV shows or drive to work via navigation application. In addition, weather forecast satellite data let us know what to wear each day and warns us about natural disasters, like hurricanes, forest fires, or floods – which prevents and limits the damage done and lives lost. So, we already take advantage of space-related technologies to live our lives. Furthermore, many people may also not realize that Thailand is involved in the space industry through over 35,000 businesses, although 95% of them may be SMEs or startups. All of them, however, bring economic benefits to Thailand to the tune of about 56.122 billion THB per year.

Dr. Phornphan Tannukit, Executive Director of National Space Affairs Division, the Office of National Digital Economy and Society Commission (ONDE), stated that nowadays digital technology is being combined with space technology at an increasing rate – particularly in satellite technology. Meanwhile, a satellite no longer needs to be large affecting the reduction of development costs. Satellite developers are no longer subjected to high knowledge requirements in Sciences or Engineering. Recently, Thai youths have had success in designing and building small satellites for international competitions – having won awards and bringing honor to Thailand. Thailand never lacks smart people, but we have limited stages for those people to shine and maximize their potential.

Thailand’s government realized the importance of supporting a domestic satellite development capability as well as mission design, component design, satellite development, satellite assembly, and integration for a small satellite, likes Cubesat. Since such small or nano-satellites have low production costs and can also be used for commercial purposes with specific tasks. It also supports Thailand’s new space economy, along with international collaboration, by participating in the Asia Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO) activities so that we can gain knowledge and experience, which is important to satellite development. Dr. Phornphan also emphasized that it is one of mechanism or tool, which can be used to advance the integration of Thai knowledge and expertise across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics applied to invention and problem-solving through hands-on experience.

The APSCO CubeSat Competition (ACC) project aims to build expertise regarding the technology, which enables CubeSat development among the 8 APSCO member states, which are Thailand, China, Pakistan, Iran, Peru, Bangladesh, and Türkiye, through competition of Engineering Model (EM) development, which dimension not to exceed 3U within 3 years.

The competition allows participants of 5 teams per state to have the opportunity to learn about conceptual design and preliminary design through online training then be evaluated by ACC referee board according to international standards. The top-performing team from each member-state will be awarded 100,000 USD to produce an engineering model of their satellite design.

ACC-Thailand was initiated with the goal of supporting the activities of the ACC, which is responsible by ONDE on behalf of the Thai government and ONDE honorably selected the Mahanakorn University of Technology (MUT) as a host to run the ACC-Thailand since MUT is packed with high experience experts who have studied, researched and promoted space and satellite technology for over 25 years.

Thus, ACC-Thailand is an important milestone to inspire and give opportunity to students, experts, and those interested to use their knowledge and ability to design and build CubeSats. Moreover, ACC-Thailand is a bridge connecting the business & industrial sectors with Thai youths, including the entrepreneurs can potentially make use of the technology created by Thai youths to expand their businesses.

For the trend of satellite technology in the Asia-Pacific region, Assistant Professor Dr. Panavy Pookaiyaudom, President of the Mahanakorn University of Technology, discussed that Space technology in the Asia Pacific region has high-level advancement. China, Japan, India, and South Korea can build and launch their own satellites. They also mainly focus to create a small satellite in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) because it does not require high cost to build and launch, and it requires fewer people and less time to develop so that more of them can be built and can work well in a satellite constellation mission, of course, it can give more beneficial to human living. Besides, it is the important tool to drive Thailand’s social and economy, which can be applied in military and civilian affairs such as law enforcement, smart city, precision agriculture, including the disaster management and protection.

Another breakthrough in communication is satellite internet, which provides global coverage and does not rely on a terrain connection. Therefore, it is more reliable and can help prevent public and private sector data loss due to poor network connectivity.

“ACC-Thailand is an important activity of MUT launched a stage for Thai youths, who are the future human capital of Thailand, to showcase their knowledge and skills.

It is also an activity model, which can develop together both human potential and rapid-changed technology. Moreover, it helps people stay current with technological trends like space technology. The activity not only unlocks the potential of Thai youths, but also drives them to create innovations which can maybe change the world,” Assistant Professor Dr. Panavy concluded.

ONDE and MUT along with the experts in space and satellite technology hope that the ACC and ACC-Thailand’s missions will bring about significant change in Thailand.

As Thailand was satellite buyer, but with this project, it can move forward to becoming a commercial satellite builder. We do not aim to create a prototype, but we aim to make commercial satellites. This will be a breakthrough in Thailand’s space economy, which will sustainably improve Thailand’s economy in the long run.

Bangkok Bank joins AIS 5G to drive the Digital Economy, connecting intelligent networks and financial solutions to your digital lifestyle with “Be1st Digital AIS POINTS” debit card. Customers can collect points while feeling safe and secure in every online shopping experience.

Hot News

LATEST NEWS