briefs

Dentsu Asia, a regional subsidiary of Japanese advertising and public relations company Dentsu Inc, has announced the opening of an office in Yangon.

Officially launched on February 6, the branch office will cash in on the opening business environment in Myanmar as well as its large population of about 62 million.

Dick van Motman, chairman and CEO of Dentsu Network Asia, said Myanmar was an outstanding choice for a new office given its potential to be further developed. The company’s clients have also gradually entered the country to start businesses.

“We have seen business opportunity in Myanmar. We have a strong commitment to bringing our outstanding creative work as well as capabilities to develop this promising market,” he said.

 

Tisco China fund

Tisco Asset Management will this week launch the ninth China Trigger 8% Fund, offering Thai investors a chance to cash in on China’s economic recovery. Minimum investment for the Bt2-billion fund is Bt5,000.

The company targets reaching 8-per-cent return within eight months. The fund will be invested through exchange-traded funds listed in Hong Kong.

Saharat Chudsuwan, senior vice president and head of marketing and wealth advisory for mutual and private funds, said the signs of China's economic recovery were clearer and Chinese shares should benefit from foreign-capital inflows to Asia. This is the right time to invest, when the shares are still cheap, he said.

 

Six CEOs vie for awards

Among thousands of chief executive officers in Thailand, only six – Thirapong Chansiri, Banthoon Lamsam, Anan Sirisangthaksin, Anupong Asvapokin, Korsak Chairasmisak and Wichien Mektrakarn – are in the running for the SSA Awards for Listed Companies 2012. 

Sombat Narawutthichai, secretary-general of the Securities Analysts Association (SSA), said these CEOs had proved their management excellence. They are also recognised for providing consistent, in-depth, accurate and clear information – even on bad news – to securities analysts. Moreover, they take appropriate risks in doing business, honour corporate governance with emphasis on society, and respect stock analysts’ professionalism. 

There are 21 SSA awards in the offing. While seven are for CEOs in seven sectors – agribusiness, banking, industrial, property, resources, services and technology – the others are for the best chief financial officers and best investor relations in the same seven categories.

 

New Samui resort

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has opened Vana Belle in Koh Samui, the third hotel under its Luxury Collection brand in Thailand aside from Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok and The Naka Island Resort & Spa in Phuket.

“With the region’s unmatched natural surroundings, intimate atmosphere and welcoming Thai hospitality, Koh Samui is certainly one of the world’s most coveted destinations, and Vana Belle is poised to become Thailand’s most idyllic address,” said Paul James, global brand leader for The Luxury Collection and St Regis Hotels and Resorts.

On Chaweng Noi Beach, Vana Belle features 80 well-appointed pool suites and pool villas enveloped in lush foliage. 

 

‘Pride of Provinces’

The second phase of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s “Pride of the Provinces” project has been kicked off to educate provincial companies about capital-market financing. 

Companies eligible are those established for more than two years, with registered capital and shareholders’ equities of no less than Bt20 million, or having either profit or retained earnings in the latest financial year. The project aims to prepare them for listing on the stock market to strengthen their financial competitiveness ahead of the Asean Economic Community. 

In the first phase, the project attracted 104 companies from 34 provinces. It was launched by the SEC together with the Interior Ministry, the National Science and Technology Development Agency, the Stock Exchange of Thailand, the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Thai Bankers Association.