Kingdom still top for investment, says Samsung executive
The head of Samsung Electronics said yesterday that although manufacturers were hit hard by the floods last year, Thailand remained attractive for investment.
“Thailand is very important for Samsung in this region. That’s why we chose Bangkok to showcase its diverse array of new products at the Samsung South East Asia, Oceania and Taiwan Forum 2012,” said Gregory Lee, president and chief executive officer of Samsung Asia. He heads the regional headquarters for all of Samsung Electronics’ businesses in Southeast Asia and Oceania.
The company will continue to invest here in the future, as the Kingdom is its second-largest manufacturing base in Southeast Asia after Vietnam, he said.
Though Lee declined to comment on the capital-expenditure budget, Samsung aims to be No 1 in all product categories here in the near future.
This global consumer-electronics manufacturer is the leader in 13 categories including cameras, microwave ovens, printers and smart phones.
The company also wants to be a good workplace for the young generation with new talents, while it is planning a series of social corporate projects under “Hope for Youth” to engage local people in boosting brand preference for Samsung.
Samsung is emphasising service, smart content and applications in all product categories. For example, more robust and personalised content will be expanded through smart-TV applications. Customers can access personal content across multiple device screens.
Last year, the company achieved record sales of US$143 billion (Bt4.4 trillion). In Southeast Asia, Oceania and Taiwan, it witnessed a 41-per-cent surge in revenue and retained its top position in TVs, monitors and refrigerators. It also became the brand to beat for mobile phones including smart phones.
Samsung targets a 10-per-cent surge in revenue in Thailand and elsewhere in the region, Lee said.
