May 2019 BUSINESS
Karri Kivelä, new Executive Director of EABC
COMMUNITY
Viking Cup 2019 hits the shore of Hua Hin
INTERNATIONAL
150 years of Swedish-Thai relations
LIFESTYLE
What type of expat are you?
Monitor ERP System Malaysia levels up to conquer Southeast Asia
2 ScandAsia • May 2019
Realise your ambitions in Asia.
Being the leading Nordic bank in Singapore we understand the unique challenges you face when living and investing in Asia. As your partner, we will use our decades of experience in the region to help you achieve your goals.
Contact us at singapore@seb.sg
Care for ambition May 2019 • ScandAsia 3
May 2019
ScandAsia Stories
18 Finnish-educated Thai scholar-turned-politician
10 Norway’s ambassador addresses landmines in Laos 11 Celebration of Nordic Day in Malaysia 21 Sweden-Thailand 150 years of friendship 26 What type of expat are you?
12 Karri Kivelä EABC’s new executive director
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38 Ratanawadee Winther: Home is where the heart is
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14 Monitor ERP System Malaysia grows strong in SEA
21
38 Viking Cup 2019 in Hua Hin
26
TIME TO LEVEL UP
www.monitorerp.asia malaysia@monitorerp.com +60 4 371 7816
Follow your heart!
I
n this edition of ScandAsia, starting page 22, you will find the results of a survey by InterNations trying to group expats into seven groups. Each group is defined by the reason they first moved abroad. • • • • • • •
Find a better job Better quality of life To be with their partner Looking for a thrill Assigned by employer Follow their spouse Part of education
Romantics really make an effort to adapt to their partner’s home country. Close to three in five (57%) speak the local language fairly or even very well. In fact, the Romantic type is most likely to be friends mainly with local residents (38%) out of all expat types, which is twice the global share of all expats (19%). Only when it comes to work and career they are not doing so well. One in three are unhappy with their career prospects and 41 percent believe that their income is lower than what they would make in a similar job back home (vs. 27% globally).
Each of these types of expats are further sub-defined by among others how well they speak the local language, to what extent they have local friends and if they are likely to be staying abroad the rest of their life.
How often have I not advised people to think twice before falling in love with a person of a different nationality? And now I see how wrong I was. Isn’t that sweet? Follow your heart! Even if you have to go abroad - you are still likely to end up being more happy with your life than the career-driven expats!
Surprise! The group of people with the highest score in these three criteria are in fact the people who have moved abroad for love. The Romantics. Among these expats, 35% speak the local language very well, 38% have local friends and 43% are likely to stay abroad forever. The majority of the Romantic type of expats are still in a relationship although some may not be with the same partner as when they moved abroad. Close to nine in ten (88%) are satisfied with their relationship, and for 57 percent things could not get any better.
ScandAsia is a printed magazine and online media covering the people and businesses of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland living and working in China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.
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ScandAsia subscribers are typically Nordic expats and companies from the Nordic countries living in and active in Asia. Another group of subscribers are Nordic people living in the Nordic countries who subscribe to ScandAsia for personal or business reasons. We also have many Asian subscribers, who for a wide range of reasons are following the
6 ScandAsia • May 2019
Gregers Moller Editor in Chief
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activities of the Nordic expats and companies via a subscription to ScandAsia.
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News Brief
Sweden to become major destination for skilled Filipino workers By Nilobon Bantoey
H
arald Fries, Swedish Ambassador to Manila, revealed that Sweden is ready to become one of the most attractive destinations for professional and skilled Filipino workers who wish to work abroad and bring their families with them. As reported by the Manila Bulletin on April 21, 2019, the Ambassador told that the welfare provided by Swedish government will benefit not only the Filipino workers but also thier spouses who will get the work permits automatically. “One good thing in Sweden for Filipinos to work there, if you get the job as a software engineer, the whole family gets a residence permit and your spouse get automatically work permit,” said the
Ambassador. Mr. Fries continuted that the Swedish welfare system aims to solve the perennial problem of “disconnect” and long distance relationship between family members who have to work abroad. “Once in Sweden, the whole family
becomes part of the extensive Swedish welfare system. “You can deal with the family life there until you decide to move back,” he told Manila Bulletin. (Source: the Manila Bulletin)
© Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2019
8 ScandAsia • May 2019
News Brief
Angry Bird’s developer to teach in Indonesia’s Business Program By Nilobon Bantoey
P
eter Vesterbacka, a Finnish Angry Bird game’s developer will take a part as a mentor of Bali Business Foundation Program, co-organized by Asia Exchange (AE), Finnish study exchange provider in Indonesia and Indonesia’s Warmadewa University (WU). Scheduled to star t in September, the program aimed to provide both exchange and domestic students the opportunities to learn how to start and manage a company as well as to lift the students’ idea and perspective off the ground with the support of peers and mentors.
As repor ted in Pie News, Harri Suominen, AE’s managing director and co-founder explained: “Normally, it is quite boring [in] class, listening to some 50-year old professor and not learning too much at school.
“We wanted to change it, and we’re taking students to meet the entrepreneurs and founders of different kinds of companies in Bali and learn from a very practical approach,” Suominen said. Vesterbacka, a chief among the mentors, stated on AE’s website about his pleasure to assist the program. “We Finns, people who can walk on water (especially during winter), are happy to help universities to answer to the needs of the changing world. “Entrepreneurs and startups form the new backbone of our societies. We need this kind of mindset and universities need to suppor t it,” Vesterbacka shared.
Maritime meeting between China and Denmark By Nilobon Bantoey
T
he Danish Maritime Authority had a maritime dialogue meeting with the Chinese Ministry of Transport in Guangzhou, China, on April 29 and 30, 2019. Since 2010, the meeting between the Danish Maritime Authority and the Chinese Ministry of Transport, including the Bureau of Water Transport would be held once every year and this twodays meeting was the 8th maritime dialogue meeting between two nations. The meetings aimed to encourage the participants to discuss and exchange views on the challenges facing the sector to develop the the cooperation between Denmark and China in the maritime. On-going issues that were discussed at the meeting involved the international shipping industry area such as implementation of sulphur regulation, smart
shipping and piracy. Furthermore, both countries took this opportunity to inform about their own national initiatives within the maritime field. Provided by Danish Maritime Authority’s press release, Andreas Nordseth, Director General of the Danish Maritime Authority said: “Denmark and China have many common interests within the maritime
field, and the dialogue meetings between the Ministry of Transport and the Danish Maritime Authority are a great oppor tunity to exchange views and share knowledge. “It is important for Denmark to have a close dialogue with such an important partner as China. The close relation between Danish and Chinese authorities is of great benefit to the Blue Denmark.” May 2019 • ScandAsia 9
News Brief
Norway’s ambassador addresses landmines in Laos By Nilobon Bantoey
G
rete Løchen, Norway’s Ambassador to Vietnam and Laos attended the ‘Regional Seminar on Landmines, Cluster Munitions and Explosive Remnants of War’ in Vientiane, Lao PDR. With the suppor t of Norway, the seminar was hosted by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lao PDR. Apart from the ambassador, the participants in the seminar were representatives from several agencies and organisations across the region. The 2-days seminar intended to enhance the cooperation among participants and also to promote existing agreements and conventions on current issues including military and landmines. At the seminar, the ambassador Løchen gave the speech relating to the
role of mine action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and the
rights awareness of landmine explosions’ victims and survivors.
Sweden co-funded Myanmar’s health project By Nilobon Bantoey
S
weden co-funded Myanmar’s project, “SRHR STRONG+” together with the United States, United Kingdom and Switzerland by donating thier budget through the Access to Health Fund, an organization pooling fund from multi-donors to support the health sector in Myanmar. “SRHR: STRONG+” is an acronym for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: Strengthening the Realization of National Guidelines, Policies, and Plans. It was organized by PATH, a nonprofit global health organization, in collaboration with Local Resource Centre and Marie Stopes International (MSI) in Myanmar. The new project is expected to be launched in June 2019. The project will work closely with three different groups of people that are 10 ScandAsia • May 2019
health providers, media personnel and communities to promote the importance of sexual and reproductive health in Myanmar. The project will support the health providers in educating people in the community toward the role of sexual and reproductive health. Besides, the project will train the media personnel about the appropriate way to report on and talk about SRHR. Moreover, the project team will
organize community events across Myanmar to ensure that the awareness about SRHR and the project’s policy are brought to the communities and people everywhere in Myanmar. Wrote on its official Facebook page, the Embassy of Sweden Section Office in Yangon expressed, “we are happy to be a part of the new Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy in Myanmar.”
News Brief
Celebration of Nordic Day in Malaysia By Nilobon Bantoey
T
he Embassies of Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and the Honorary Consulate of Iceland in Malaysia co-hosted a celebration of Nordic Day for the second time on April 11, 2019 at JW Marriott Hotel in Jalan Bukit Bintang, Malaysia. The celebration started with a seminar on Green Growth – Sustainability through Innovation by a keynote speaker Maria Antikainen, researcher from the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. Antikainen gave a presentation on how Nordic nations make business out of circular economy. The topics discussed during the seminar also included renewable energy, solar power, sustainable blue economy, energy efficiency and waste to energy technology. The honorable attendees comprised
Finnish ambassador to Malaysia, Petri Puhakka, Swedish ambassador to Malaysia, Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt, Danish ambassador to Malaysia, Jesper Vahr and Norwegian ambassador to Malaysia, Gunn Jorid Roset. At the evening reception, Petri Puhakka gave a speech on the behalf of Nordic region referring to the “fairly notable level” of the trade between Nordic region and Malaysia. “There is great potential for growth.
For example, on green energy between the region and Malaysia.” he said. The Finnish Ambassador also highlighted the theme of Green Growth through his speech. “Sustainability and respect for nature are highly valued, but this does not need to contradict healthy economies. From 1995 to 2014 the Nordics reduced CO2 emission by 20% while doubling their economy.” he added Embassy of Finland in Kuala Lumpur wrote on its Facebook page to thank all participants and sponsors. “Thank you to all participants! We would like to especially thank one of the main sponsors, Finnish BMH Technology company (Waste to Energy solutions) as well as Finnair who sponsored a ticket raffle” wrote the Embassy.
B.Grimm to collaborate with Pöyry in renewable energy project By Nilobon Bantoey
P
öyr y, Finland’s inter national consulting and engineering firm, has revealed it was awared by B. Grimm Power Company, Thailand’s power producers, to work in B. Grimm Power’s latest renewable energy project, the 16MW Bo Thong Wind Farm, located in Mukdahan province, Thailand. As stated in Pöyry’s press release on April 10, 2019, the work included EPC bid evaluation and negotiations, energy yield assessments, project management, design review, and site monitoring during construction and commissioning. The purpose of B. Grimm Power’s latest project was to add 635MW equity capacity to its existing 1,082 MW
equity capacity by the end of year 2021 and when the project is completed, B. Grimm Power’s equity capacity will increse at least 70% in the next two years. Bo Thong project was expected to be substantially completed before September 2020 which is when commercial operation date (COD) is scheduled. Esa Holttinen, Pöyry’s Business Director, highlighted the benefit that this project could provide to people involv-
ing in industrial sector as well as local sector. “Typically located in less developed rural areas, wind farm projects not only benefit the energy sector development, but also contribute to achieve broader rural development goals, including the upgrade of local infrastructure, security, and electrical supply capability. “Apart from that, such projects also create local job opportunities and spur additional income in the community, overall positively impacting the locality’s quality of life,” he added. Pöyry has been collaborating with B. Grimm Power for over past 8 years since 2010 and Bo Thong project is the 13th owner’s engineering construction assignment that Pöyry has handled for B. Grimm Power. May 2019 • ScandAsia 11
Interview
The Glue of European Trade By Nilobon Bantoey
EABC’s new executive director, Finnish Karri Kivelä, talks about his transition from assisting the Finnish trade community to advocating companies from all over Europe, and what life is like in the sunny Thailand.
F
leeing from Finland’s freezing climate to the allure of endless summer in Thailand, Karri Kivelä, who was formerly Executive Director of Thai-Finnish Chamber of Commerce (TFCC), recently took charge as new Executive Director of European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC). With his new role, he is tasked to advocate European companies how to successfully do business in Thailand. From our last conversation with Karri three years ago in 2016, we learn that the-61-year old Karri Kivelä was born in Helsinki, Finland, and earned a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary’s University, Halifax in Nova Scotia, Canada in 1983. Before moving to Thailand in 2012, Karri has been working in spor t and enter tainment event production for over 25 years. From 2012 to 2015 Karri worked as Business Development Manager for the Finnish company, Logonet Promotion, which granted him an opportunity to move to Thailand. Then, he joined the board of TFCC in 2014. And now Karri takes the office of European Association for Business and Commerce as an Executive Director. Karri told us that his role as Executive Director at TFCC for almost three years helps him prepare for taking the new position at EABC. He has gone through many obstacles but one memory that seems to be the most noteworthy for him is that, early on in his 12 ScandAsia • May 2019
Interview
I considered myself an international Finn.
tenure, TFCC was in critical situation. “I knew that something went wrong when I realized we only had 50 companies as our members at that time. It was disastrous because TFCC is funded by members and when we had only 50 members, it means we had little money to facilitate the operation,” Karri recalled. Not deterred or disheartened by the grim outlook, Karri marched on, working tirelessly to get the operation back on track. The difficult time armed him with knowledge and know-how, and earned him an opportunity to shine in his career. As a result of the extra effort, TFCC doubled its members to 100 in the course of three years. “At that time we were the fastest growing chamber of commerce in Thailand and I am happy that TFCC has thrived and become very successful. Now that I’m leaving my success behind to move forward to EABC, I’m very happy about what we have accomplished, Karri expressed. Having gone through several prominent positions in his career, Karri in his 60s is excited to take the new role at EABC. He even shared the good news via social media. “I posted on my Facebook account to tell all my friends from Finland that I got a new job in my 60s!” he laughed. EABC is an advocacy organization aiming to facilitate European companies to operate the business in Thailand as well as to promote Thailand as a high
potential trade and attractive investment destination for European business. Though he has accomplished his career at TFCC, Karri found it’s quite challenging to work as Executive Director at EABC. “Now, I have to deal with various companies from across Europe and I as Executive Director don’t have the relative background. For example, I may not have much mutual understanding, or you could say the “glue”, with French companies the same way I do with Finnish companies,” he said. Karri aspires to be the “glue guy” who holds all members together regardless of where they came from in Europe to provide benefit to all members. “We have to show the members how to do the business here in Thailand which is the same thing that what I did at TFCC but with a larger scale,” he stressed. Karri had lived most of his life in Helsinki before he decided it was time to move from cold Finland to extremely hot Thailand. “I lived 45 years in Finland where it’s very dark and also very cold. I also wanted to come and see a lot of differences in Thailand through their culture and ways of life. So, I thought it’s about time to find out something new in the world,” he shared. When he first came here, Karri did not suffer much of a culture shock that much because he had been in Thailand many times as a tourist before and have been travelling around the world all his
life. “I considered myself an international Finn. I have seen a lot of things. So, I didn’t experience culture shock that much when I moved here,” he said. Karri added that what fascinates him the most about living in Bangkok is, it’s always summer here. “When I wake up, it’s always summer in Thailand. While in Finland, it’s getting harder and harder to survive the cold and dark months where there is no sun from the beginning of November to the end of February,” he said. “Spending your day in the darkness can be very bad for your mental health.” Now, Karri has been living in Bangkok for six and a half years and the only two Thai words he can speak are “Sawadee krab” and “Khob khun Krub” which mean hello/goodbye and thank you respectively. However Karri revealed that he always wanted to be able to tell Thai jokes and understand what Thai laughing is about. He believed that being unable to speak the language keeps him from understanding the Thai culture. That’s why he decided to study Thai language but sadly it was not so successful. “When I learned some Thai sentences, I tried to use it with Thais but they never understand what I said. I always pronounced the words wrong. So, I say to myself I’m too old to study the language and since Thais need to learn English, I’d rather teach English to Thais,” he laughed.
May 2019 • ScandAsia 13
Business
Monitor ERP System Malaysia levels up to conquer Southeast Asia By Joakim Persson
10
April was an auspicious Swedish day in Penang, Malaysia as Monitor ERP System both inaugurated their new, expanded Asean headquar ters and launched their enterprise resource planning (EPR) system’s fifth generation (G5). With owner Jörgen Persson and Group CEO Morgan Persson flown in for the occasion Monitor impressed Sweden’s Ambassador to Malaysia H.E. Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt, Guest of Honour Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and the many other V.I.P guests with their Swedish-inspired office. So impressed was the Chief Minister that he jokingly asked if Monitor could spare a work desk for him at their Wisma AIA, Straits Quay-based co-working space style office. “I’m sure your whole team will be happy to work here.This workplace en14 ScandAsia • May 2019
vironment is truly inspiring, and I hope that our local companies in Penang will try out something similar,” said Chow Kon Yeow and continued: “In my vision for Penang 2030 the first theme is to increase liveability to enhance quality of life. People’s work-life balance is of great importance. Monitor comes from Sweden, which is known for being one of the top countries in the world when it comes to work-life balance, and has really showed us here that you take
this very seriously. I am very impressed and I hope that your business here will continue to grow, our local talent will benefit from working with you and improving their knowledge and skills, and that our SMEs and our industry in Penang will also benefit from your presence here.” “It gives me great pleasure to be here to officiate the opening and that this is their biggest office outside of
Sweden. I am happy that a continuous initiative by Penang to create a business and investment-friendly environment, together with an abundance of human capital, have fur ther encouraged Monitor to increase its presence here,” the Chief Minister also said.
The marvel of Swedish technology and knowhow
Commenting on Monitor’s role in contributing to industry 4.0 in Penang and beyond he believed that the state offers lots of opportunities for such a company. “We have an ecosystem of at least 3,000 SMEs and driving the four th industrial revolution we are not there yet but SMEs who want to transform themselves need to be supported. And we are happy to know that Monitor ERP Systems are increasingly serving our SMEs in Penang and elsewhere in the country.” He believed in the oppor tunities to grow this segment of business.“Sweden with its impressive experience and knowhow in innovations and productivity is an exceptional partner in our journey towards industry 4.0. In this era in the growing impor tance of industry 4.0 I would take this oppor tunity to encourage all companies, especially SMEs, to re-
comes to efficiency and how efficient companies are working.
You need a system as the backbone of your business before you can start looking into other things.
spond positively to change and to embrace the new advancement in technology and innovation,” Chow Kon Yeow told the invited guests from the stage. Speaking to the media Managing Director Daniel Häggmark explained that their complete system is based on 45 years of experience from the manufacturing industr y in Sweden - one of the top countries when it
“Having low-cost labour available has never really been the case in Sweden, so even small SMEs can go deep with SMEs in Asia because Swedish SMEs are automated; all their processes are efficient. That is very interesting in Asia where it has previously been more low-cost labour intensive work – which is now starting to disappear. Malaysia is also trying hard to reduce the number of foreign workers, which means factories have to be more efficient. There we have a lot to give and knowledge to share as our whole system is built in that kind of environment.” “You need a system as the backbone of your business before you can start looking into other things related to industry 4.0 so there we see great timing and opportunities.”
Swedish businesses’ stronger presence in Southeast Asia
Ambassador Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt was especially impressed by the way Monitor had expanded in Southeast Asia.“It is a joy to see how in less than three years here Monitor has grown and esMay 2019 • ScandAsia 15
Business
tablished itself big, not only in Malaysia but in the region. And, as it happens, just a month ago in Penang, Ikea, a fellow Swedish company at nearly the same age as Monitor, established a store in Penang, the biggest so far in Southeast Asia. And today we are here to inaugurate Monitor’s new office, six times bigger than its previous one, so the Swedish footprint is growing. It’s a good time for me as ambassador to see Sweden grow in Malaysia and in Penang.” “I think Penang is putting itself on the map as the success story it also used to be in the past. Penang is obviously attractive for a segment of SME companies, while historically bigger companies tend to establish themselves in Greater Kuala Lumpur,” the Swedish ambassador told ScandAsia. “What the future holds in the form of incoming investments I can only guess. But when all Swedish Asian ambassadors recently met in Kuala Lumpur we took note of the fact that Swedish companies chose that city for the second Sweden – Southeast Asia Business Summit. Also, as we discussed the relative positioning of our interest globally Asia featured very high, with Malaysia being a country of high inter16 ScandAsia • May 2019
With Monitor G5 we will be strengthening our position further, and not just in Sweden.
est and Penang a place of high interest there, especially so now with the new government putting a much stronger emphasis on transparency and good governance.”
The all-new ERP version revealed
The auspicious Monitor ERP System day continued in the evening with an extravagant launch programme, featuring the Swedish inspirational speaker
Fredrik Haren and the Asian launch of Monitor G5 (the first generation was launched back in early 1980s), including a detailed snapshot of the all-new ERP version. “It was fir st developed for the Swedish industry; for subcontractors to large Swedish multinationals. Ikea’s ver y first sub-contractor was powered by Monitor. Today we are the market leader in the manufacturing industr y. With Monitor G5 we will be strengthening our position fur ther, and not just in Sweden; now we are focusing also on the Malaysian market and the Southeast Asian markets. That is why we are opening a new office and strengthening our team in Malaysia. We have 42 years of experience from the ERP business and we have gathered views and suggestions from our more than 4000 customers all over the world,” CEO Morgan Persson introduced G5 on stage. Its development was a 10-year, 30 million Euro investment project, with the aim to refresh their established ERP System and help to ready their small & medium size manufacturing customers for the future with the latest in information technology.
From day one the support we got from business partners was overwhelming.
Building a strong foothold in Malaysia “Having been in the region for some years we made a decision around two years ago. We had found Malaysia to be our new home; from day one the support we got from business partners was overwhelming. Being the market leader in Sweden for forty years was a big advantage in the beginning to reach out to new customers and representatives from the industries. With the fantastic commitment and support from our great owner we told ourselves that if we could become the market leader for SME manufacturing in Sweden, why
not aiming to become the same here in Malaysia!” Daniel Häggmark explained the launch’s slogan ‘Time to level up’ on stage. “Thus, Monitor started to level up and has grown from three to around forty employees. We now have a local support team that support all our customers in Asia. We have a consultancy team to ensure we do successful implementations. We recently set up a new development team to take care of local requirements and give faster response on governmental changes such as GST to SST to take one example.”
“With this great team and local presence we are starting to see some results. We are getting recognition from governmental organisations, being contacted by different universities for collaborations and invited to different manufacturing organisations to share knowledge.” “So we have star ted our journey to be the market leader in Malaysia – committed and long-term, step by step we are leveling up,” he concluded.
May 2019 • ScandAsia 17
Interview
Shaping the future of Thai education By Nilobon Bantoey
Finnish-educated Thai scholar-turned-politician Kunthida Rungruengkiat sets her eyes on the horizon to benefit Thai teachers and students
I
t has been almost 20 years since Kunthida Rungr uengkiat, deputy leader of Future Forward Par ty (FFP), had her first educational experience in Finland as an exchange student. At the time she was just 16 years old. “The days in Finland were the days I got a chance to “bloom my things”,” says Kunthida. What she means is, it is the monumental period in her life that she had the chance to explore and express herself – a defining moment that led her into a role in politics later in life. Kunthida’s political collective, FFP, played a significant role as the second runner-up in the Thailand’s general election 2019 and also as a new hope for Thailand especially for the young generation. 18 ScandAsia • May 2019
Our last conversation with Ida, Kunthida’s nickname among Scandinavian peers, we learn that the 34-year-old Bangkokian earned a Bachelor of Arts from Chulalongkorn University before being offered a Scholarship for International Degree Students in 2008-09 at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, where she earned her Master of Arts in Intercultural Communication. After graduation, Ida came back to Thailand and secured a tenure as professor of Intercultural Communication Strategy at Bangkok University (International and Thai Programme). Her new role as politician emerges when she joined FFP as deputy leader in the event of Thailand’s probably most sensational election.
“My voice was heard in Finland and it changed me tremendously.” Ida tells us that the time in Finland was crucial in shaping her personality and mindset, thanks to the Finn’s idea of equality and mutual respect regardless of age or status. “Ida, do you want to do this or not?” was the most commonly heard sentence for Ida when she was a student in Finland. “I was asked all the time if I wanted to do something, even with something that was very compulsory like learning Finnish language. My Finnish mom would always ask me and gave me options to accept or decline, which I find ver y respectful,” she says.
Interview
Unlike in Thailand, where hierarchy and tradition give cer tain groups of people more voices than others, Ida, like many Thais growing up in traditional household, finds that Thai teenagers are obligated to obey their parents. And if they do not, they would be branded “ungrateful children”. “In Thailand, my voice was not heard that much. My family would say do this, do that, study this. I knew they meant well but sometimes I would like to say no but still in Thai culture you have to be obedient to the parents,” Ida says. Being heard in Finland was ver y important to Ida not only because she had a chance to express herself but she was also respected. She knew that she was listened to and not taken for granted. “My host mom respected me and treated me as a grown-up and that shaped and changed me tremendously. It changed the way I looked at so many things especially with education.” “Everyone has a way to succeed and rise to same high standards”
counterpar ts only shed lights on the bright and the smartest kids, leaving the rest behind to struggle.
Education is the most creative industry. You’re not just teaching; you’re preparing them for the future.
Growing up in Thailand and spending some time in Finland, Ida learned of one defining difference between Finnish and Thai education systems. While Finnish schools embrace and nurture students of every background and level, the Thai
“What Finland has is a good balance between trying to make sure that everyone has a way to succeed and maintaining the potential of those who already have a lot of capacities. Those who have a lot of capacities and those who need a lot of help got a different kind of help so that together they can rise to the same high standard. Everyone has equal chance to prosper in life,” Ida shares. “Thailand repeats the unfunctional cycle over and over again.” According to Ida, it is not because Thai education system is in efficient or neglected by the government, but there are too many policies to accomplish. And to make matters worse, these policies are too short-lived to yield expected results. “Minister of Education is regulated to stay in office for only 11 months,” Ida explains. “So, every 11 months, a new minister comes in and introduces new May 2019 • ScandAsia 19
Interview
policies and at the same time abandons previous ones. Somewhere mid-action, we stop carrying on a policy to adopt new one. It’s not a sustainable way to develop anything or solve any problems, because nothing is long term. It’s an unfunctional cycle over and over again.” As the policies are passed down from the authority, schools and teachers are obliged to follow. “This causes huge confusion among educators, teachers, parents and also the students. That’s why the Thai education system is at a standstill.” “I now want to give back to society” Ida’s decision to jump into politics comes from the strong will to elevate Thai education system. “When I decided that I want to do a Master’s in Finland, my family was hit with financial crisis,” Ida recalls. “I almost abandoned my wish, but my host mom in Finland offered to help. She said no tuition fee was needed in Finnish universities and that she was willing to support me while I study there. That’s why I decided to go.
20 ScandAsia • May 2019
proach in Thailand. The party aims to enhance the equal access to quality education and support all students equally, the way Finland has set an example.
In Thailand, my voice was not heard that much.
“Having an opportunity to get access to quality education makes me realize that good education is super important. It can change not just a person but also the society. So, when I received that opportunity to live in Finland that has been giving me so much, I now want to give back to my own country to assure that others could have the same kind of opportunity as well,” says Ida. “People should feel confidence that they can do better for the country” Ida’s par ty praises her as “a living source for education policy directions for the Future Forward party.” And as an educational advocate, she constantly promotes the Finnish educational ap-
With her role in politics, Ida aspires to create an environment where teachers and students thrive together, something she says is never before seen in Thai education system.“Instead of focusing on teaching, nurturing the students’ skills and helping them learn, teachers are overwhelmed by paper work that they are required to submit. “Teachers in Thailand are controlled and supervised by such strict protocol that they become stifle and hence cannot become creative. I want to lessen the paperwork load so that teachers can have more time and impose less protocol so that they feel trusted. When people feel that they are trusted and respected, they will have the confidence to do better for the country. In this case, teachers can be more creative with their teaching. For me, I think education is the most creative industry.” Ida says. “You’re not just teaching; you’re preparing them for the future. You have to be that creative force to provide the student all kinds of skills and mindsets to thrive in the future, no matter how the world has become,” says Ida.
International
Sweden and Thailand 150 years of friendship, commerce and navigation
S
weden and Thailand celebrate 150 years of cordial relations with a photo exhibition that highlights the unique people-to-people bond between two countries. The first recorded meeting between Sweden and Thailand occurred when HRH Prince Oscar arrived in Bangkok in late 1884 and met with the royal members of the dynasty. Bilateral relations began in 1868 when the first Siam-Swedish friendship treaty, The
Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation was signed on May 18. King Chulalongkorn’s first royal visit to Europe occurred in 1897. On July 13, HM King Chulalongkorn arrived in Stockholm and was received by King Oscar II and then the journey continued to the north of Sweden. A road in Ragunda, Jämtland, on which the King traveled, has been named King Chulalongkorn’s Road in honor of the visit. Another remarkable year is 1963
which was the year that both the Royal Thai Embassy opened in Sweden and the Embassy of Sweden opened in Thailand. This photo exhibition, produced by the Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok, with images by Thomas Engström and Micael Engström, celebrates the long relations between Sweden and Thailand by highlighting the unique peopleto-people relationships that bind the two countries together.
James “Rusameekae” Fagerlund, 32, Entertainer in Bangkok James moved from Thailand to Sweden with his mother and sister when he was only nine. When two famous Thai singers, Saksit Tangtong and Kongkaphan Saengsuriya, travelled to Sweden to perform at a concert, they met the then 28-year-old James and saw potential in him becoming an entertainer. They encouraged him to move to Thailand to pursue a career. James consequently moved back to Thailand in 2014 and walked into one of the largest media entertainment companies and said he wanted to become a celebrity. He also starred in comedy series on TV, “Phuen Rak Phuen Rai” among others.
Orathai Khongram, 62, Farmer in Hedemora
Jackrayu Kongurai, 35, Designer in Bangkok
Orathai met her Swedish farmer husband in Thailand in 1983 and moved to Sweden two years later to settle in the countryside of Hedemora in Dalarna. Since her husband passed away, Orathai runs the farm all by herself. The main product is potatoes, but other seasonal vegetables like beetroot, onion and salad are also grown, as well as some Thai vegetables.
In 2011, Jackrayu moved to Älmhult in Sweden for an internship as a collaboration between the Thai Mae Fah Luang Foundation and the Swedish retailer IKEA, which opened its first store in Bangkok the same year. Jackrayu became very inspired by the Swedish concept of design and function and brought that with him back to Thailand. May 2019 • ScandAsia 21
International Camilla Östergren, 43, Lawyer and Lecturer in Uppsala Camilla specializes within medical law at the Centre for Research Ethics & Bioethics at Uppsala University. In 2016 Camilla was on holiday in Pattaya and came to learn about an orphanage there when reading a Swedish newspaper article. She was so touched by the article that she decided to visit the orphanage before going back to Sweden. She asked if there was anything the orphanage lacked in particular. The answer was a pick-up truck to be used as a school bus for the children. Camilla returned to Sweden and raised funds for the orphanage. It only took two months until she had raised enough through donations to buy the pick-up truck. Camilla subsequently purchased and delivered the pick-up truck herself which she bought and delivered herself. Since then she is determined to continue her support to the orphanage and to visit regularly with new deliveries.
Pontus “Zlapped” Mähler, 24, Professional Gamer & Advisor in Bangkok Pontus grew up in Skåne, Sweden and has been a professional eSport gamer since he was 16. Alongside his regular job back in Sweden he started a streaming channel that quickly grew in popularity. Pontus eventually quit his job and became a professional gamer. Pontus became well-known in the eSport and became world champion in an online game called “Heroes of Newerth”. Pontus wanted a change in life already at a young age and moved to Thailand in 2017. It didn’t take long before Pontus became the 3rd most followed gamer in his new home country.
Michael J. Baines, 51, Dog Rescuer in Bang Saen Michael moved from Sweden to Thailand in 2002 to work in the restaurant business. One day a dog was sitting outside his restaurant begging for food. Today he is fully dedicated to giving stray dogs in his village, Bang Saen, a decent life. Michael is feeding 100 street dogs and has 300 dogs in his shelter. His admirable work has been made possible by donations from people around the world.
22 ScandAsia • May 2019
International Likit Neimwan-Andersson, 45, Hockey Coach in Bangkok He moved from Thailand to Borås in Sweden with his mother at the age of six. When arriving in Sweden, in February, it was snowing. The school had an outdoor ice hockey rink and that’s where it all started. When Likit was 19 years old he signed a contract with Borås Hockey Club. Likit’s dream was to play professional hockey in North America. In 1999, at the age of 26, Likit moved to Trenton, New Jersey, in order to realize his ambitions. He was very successful and was drafted to Augusta, Georgia, where he stayed for three years. Likit was a professional hockey player for 15 years in both Europe and in the US. In 2009 he moved back to Thailand to coach for the Thai National Team.
Mia Palmqvist, 42, Caterer and Café Owner in Helsingborg and Bangkok Mia was adopted from Thailand to Sweden in 1976 when she was only a few months old. In 1992 she returned to Thailand for the first time with her Swedish parents but didn’t really connect with her country of birth. Two decades later, in 2013, Mia decided she wanted to discover her roots and search for her biological parents. After some research, she found her biological family, including three sisters. Mia quickly immersed into her motherland’s culture and decided to start a catering company, placed in one of Bangkok’s working-class neighborhoods. Together with one of her nieces, she started “Mammas Kök”, a company that caters Swedish food to customers in and around Bangkok.
Sukanit “Kood” Lawapaoraya, 42, Artist in Stockholm In 2011 Kood moved from Thailand to Sweden when his Swedish girlfriend was pregnant with their child. He is now the father of an 8-year-old boy and a 6-yearold girl. When Kood and his girlfriend separated he struggled to be able to stay in Sweden. Kood didn’t want to leave his new home because he wanted to stay close to his children. Kood studied Swedish and made ends meet by working at a local company packing deliveries. When a friend asked him to do a wall painting in a new Thai restaurant in Nynäshamn, that needed an authentic touch, he quit his job. The painting job in Nynäshamn was the start of many more paintings in different restaurants. He has now painted over 10 restaurants in Stockholm, not only Thai restaurants but also Japanese restaurants and hamburger bars. He now owns a Thai restaurant with his new girlfriend. May 2019 • ScandAsia 23
International Michael Spjuth, 51, Dive Resort Owner in Koh Tao Michael grew up in Falun, Sweden. As a child he often told his parents that he would move abroad when he got old enough, because he never liked the long, dark winters in Sweden. He visited Thailand for the first time on New Year’s Eve in 1989 and took a diving course at the only diving school on Koh Tao. He fell in love with the experience and started to think about moving to Koh Tao permanently. A year later, he moved to Koh Tao and opened his first diving school, Big Blue Diving, together with a local Thai partner. Even after a tough time during the Tsunami, both personally and for the business, he can’t imagine living anywhere else than in Thailand – the country he loves.
Kenneth Rimdahl, 57,Tea Merchant in Chiang Mai During a work trip to Thailand, his friend and current business partner, Vorakarn Wongfu, introduced him to the traditional northern Thai food miang (fermented tea leaves). Vorakarn also took Kenneth up to the mountains and showed him the tea, growing in harmony with the forest, used by Thai people to make miang for centuries. After almost 20 years in the tea business in Europe, Kenneth embarked on a new journey, to create tea from Thailand, called Monsoon Tea, in 2013 and has since then opened two shops in Chiang Mai and one in Bangkok earlier in January.
Prasart Sribhadung, 80, Rear Admiral in Bangkok Prasart travelled to Sweden for the first time in 1956 to study at the Royal Swedish Naval Academy (Kungl. Sjökrigsskolan, Näsbypark), as one of the very few Thais on a government scholarship. He studied in Sweden until 1962, both at several naval land installations and onboard warships. He returned to Thailand to resume his career in the Royal Thai Navy. He received a Thai government scholarship again to study at the Swedish Military College in Stockholm (Militärhögskolan). After retiring from the Royal Thai Navy as a Rear Admiral, he then joined Assumption University as a lecturer and is still teaching today.
24 ScandAsia • May 2019
International Mayuree Phatanachinda, 72, Entrepreneur in Stockholm In 1975, when Mayuree was 29 years old, she moved from Thailand to Sweden. Mayuree initially worked as a nanny, a waitress, a cashier and as an officer at the Royal Thai Embassy in Stockholm. Eight years later, Mayuree became a pioneer by opening the first store in Sweden selling fresh fruit and vegetables from Thailand. She then combined the store with running a travel agency. The business evolved and today it consists of the travel agency and a massage shop, called South East Asia Travel and Raya Wellness Club. Mayuree has two biological children and two adopted children who all live in Sweden. She is a proud grandmother to seven grandchildren.
Wichathorn “Bond” Somsap, 38,Tattoo Artist in Stockholm Bond visited Sweden for the first time in 2003 to participate in a tattoo competition. At that time, he travelled the world to compete and to write for a Thai tattoo magazine. In 2008 he finally decided to settle down in Sweden and opened his first tattoo studio in Borlänge. In 2015 Bond decided to move to the Swedish capital Stockholm to open the studio “Siamese 4 Tattoo”, referring to the name he goes by – Bond Siamese.
Sandra Godvik, 32, Muay Thai Fighter in Bangkok Sandra grew up in the Swedish city of Uppsala. During a vacation in Thailand in 2013 she came across Muay Thai. Five years later she had won the Swedish World Muaythai Council title three times, and a Nordic title in K1. In addition, she won the European World Muaythai Council title in her weight class. Sandra now spends as much time in Thailand as possible, to learn from the best, and hopes to get the opportunity to fight for a World Title soon. She gets up at 5am every day to train at the famous Petchyindee gym in Bangkok, where she is the only female practitioner. May 2019 • ScandAsia 25
Lifestyle
What type of expat are you? According to a recent research, there are seven types of expats. Let’s see which one you are!
A
lthough ever y expat journey is unique, there are similarities when it comes to their motivation for moving and their lifestyle abroad. Based on the insights of more than 18,000 expats living in 187 countries and territories in the annual Expat Insider survey, InterNations, the world’s largest community for people who live and work abroad, presents the first comprehensive expat typology with the seven most common expat types that roam the world.
The Go-Getters (21%) Why they moved: Find a better job opportunity (58%) How they live: 22% speak local language very well, 14% have local friends and 30% are likely to live abroad forever Go-Getters are highly educated expats who move abroad to boost their career. 26 ScandAsia • May 2019
10 percent of Go-Getters hold a PhD, 45 percent graduated with a master’s degree, and 33 percent have a bachelor’s degree. In their new country of residence, they mainly work in education (16%, including language education),
IT (12%), and manufacturing & engineering (9%). Spending 44.7 hours per week at fulltime jobs, Go-Getters are slightly busier than the global average of expats (44.0
Lifestyle in ten Optimizers (88%) feel safe abroad (vs. 82% globally), and 74 percent are satisfied with their financial situation (vs. 67% globally). When it comes to their working life, 81% of Optimizers work full time, which is slightly below the global average of expats (84%). Despite somewhat shorter full-time working hours (43.4 h vs. 44.0 h globally), close to three in five (58%) believe that their current income is higher than what they would get in a similar job back home (vs. 53% globally)
h). Nonetheless, 64 percent are satisfied with their working hours (vs. 62% globally) as well as with their career prospects (59% vs. 55% globally). In fact, close to three in five Go-Getters (59%) believe their salary abroad is higher than what they would make in a similar job back home (vs. 53% of all expats). Putting work first might have an impact on their personal life. Close to onequarter of Go-Getters in a relationship (24%) are currently not living in the same country as their partner — this is the highest share among all expat types and twice the global average (12%). Moreover, more than two in five (41%) find it hard to make local friends abroad, compared to 36 percent globally. Maybe this is the reason why 25 percent do not feel at home abroad yet, and another 18 percent believe that they never will (vs. 22% and 15% globally).
Explorers find it easy to make new friends abroad, which is the highest share among all seven expat types.
Optimizers do not seem to struggle much with settling in abroad, either as ore than seven in ten (72%) feel at home in the local culture, which is the highest share among all expat types and twelve percentage points more than the global average (60%). Maybe this because Optimizers find the local residents generally friendly (77% vs. 69% worldwide) and think it is easy to make local friends (56% vs. 45% globally).
The Romantic (12%) Why they moved: To be with their partners (100%) How they live: 35% speak local language very well, 38% have local friends and 43% are likely to stay abroad forever Although the Romantic moved abroad for love, their romantic relationship did not necessarily last and 12 percent of
The Optimizers (16%) Why they moved: better quality of life (60%) How they live: 23% speak the local language very well, 16% are mostly friends with locals and 55% are likely to stay abroad forever Out of all expat types, Optimizers see the most potential benefits in moving abroad, and it seems like they were right. An above-average share of Optimizers is satisfied with the weather (74% vs. 61% globally) and the quality of environment (79% vs. 69% globally) in their host country. Additionally, close to nine May 2019 • ScandAsia 27
Lifestyle
them are currently single. For those Romantics who are (still or again) in a relationship, things are going well: close to nine in ten (88%) are satisfied with their relationship, and for 57 percent things could not get any better. Romantics appear to really make an effort to adapt to their partner’s home country. Close to three in five (57%) speak the local language fairly or even very well. In fact, the Romantic is most likely to be mainly friends with local residents (38%) out of all expat types, which is twice the global share of all expats (19%). In fact, 34 percent of Romantics are unsatisfied with their career prospects, compared to 25 percent of expats around the world. Moreover, 41 percent of Romantics believe that their income is
lower than what they would make in a similar job back home (vs. 27% globally).
highest share among all seven expat types.
The Explorers (12%)
Generally, Explorers perceive the local residents’ attitude towards them positively, and 75 percent are satisfied with this factor (vs. 66% globally). In addition to that, they have the highest share of respondents satisfied with their own socializing and leisure activities abroad (76%). Aside from making friends, a good work-life balance seems to be important to the Explorer. Explorers with a full-time job spend just about 42.4 h per week at work (vs. 44.0 h globally). In fact, nearly seven in ten (68%) are happy with their work-life balance (vs. 61% globally), which is — along with the Optimizer — the highest share among all expat types.
Why they moved: Looking for thrill (47%) How they live: 32% speak local language very well, 20% have local friends and 41% are likely to stay abroad forever. Explorers seem to find it easy to settle down in their new countr y of residence, with almost three-quar ters (73%) feeling at home there (vs. 64% globally). Maybe this is due to the fact that the majority of Explorers (68%) finds it easy to make new friends abroad (vs. 57% globally), which is the
The Foreign Assignees (10%) Why they moved: Sent by employers (100%) How they live: 22% speak local language very well, 13% have local friends and 25% tend to live abroad forever Nearly every Foreign Assignee (96%) works full time (vs. 84% of all expats) and, with an average of 46.1 working hours per week, they spend by far the most time at work (vs. 44.0 h globally). 28 ScandAsia • May 2019
Lifestyle
However, this seems to pay off, as 26 percent report an annual gross household income of more than 150,000 USD, more than twice the global average (12%).Their generous household income might also be related to the fields they frequently work in, which include manufacturing & engineering (14%), finance (13%), and IT (11%). More than three in five Foreign Assignees (61%) are satisfied with their career prospects (vs. 55% globally), and almost seven in 10 (69%) are happy with their job security (vs. 59% globally). Both shares are the highest out of all expat types. Maybe that is the reason why 73 percent of Foreign Assignees are generally satisfied with their job (vs. 65% globally). Close to three in five Foreign Assignees (58%) think it is likely that they will return home at some point (vs. 43% globally), again the highest share out of all expat types.
The Traveling Spouses (8%) Why they moved: For their partner’s job or education (100%) How they live: 19% speak local language very well, 12% have local friends and 29% are likely to live abroad forever While most other expat types have a fairly balanced gender ratio, close to
nine in ten Traveling Spouses (86%) are female. Due to them moving for their par tner’s sake, Traveling Spouses are more likely than other expat types to take care of their home and/or children (27% vs. 5% worldwide) or to be currently looking for work (17% vs. 8% globally). Employees (13%) only make up the third-largest share when it comes to Traveling Spouses’ employment status (vs. 25% globally). In fact, 41 percent are unsatisfied with their career prospects, compared to 25 percent globally. In addition to frequently unsatisfying careers, Traveling Spouses also struggle with settling in abroad on a personal level. One-third (33%) does not feel at home in the local culture, nine percentage points more than the global average (24%). Moreover, 20 percent believe that they will never feel at home in their current countr y of residence, which is the highest share among the seven expat types.
The Students (7%) Why they moved:To go to school or get education (100%) How they live: 36% speak local language very well, 13% have local friends and 31% are likely to stay abroad forever. Despite being able to communicate eas-
ily — the share of Students speaking the local language of their respective host country very well is the highest among all expat types — Students struggle to make local friends abroad. More than two in five (41%) find this hard, compared to 36 percent globally. Maybe this contributes to the fact that just 54 percent of Students feel at home in the local culture, compared to 60 percent worldwide. Less than half of the Students (46%) are in a committed relationship, which is far below the global average (66%) and the lowest share among all expat types — however, with an average age of 32.4 years, they are also by far the youngest expat type (vs. a global average of 44.2 years). Those who are in a relationship, though, are far more likely than other expat types to have met their significant other in their current country of residence (58% vs. 32% globally). In addition to being highly educated — eleven percent of Students already hold a PhD, which is the highest share among the various expat types — they are also very likely to work in education themselves (14%). Other common fields of occupation include IT (13%) and manufacturing & engineering (9%). With 58 percent positive ratings, Students are quite satisfied with their career prospects, compared to 55 percent globally. May 2019 • ScandAsia 29
Interview
Home is where the heart is By Agneta de Bekassy
Ratanawadee Winther, spouse of Ambassador Michael Winther talks about the couple’s return to Denmark after their posting in Thailand, the challenging tenure in Bangladesh and the how they enjoy life in Copenhagen.
I
was going through some old photos, that photographer Daniel Herron took a few years ago for an interview that I wrote for ScandAsia with Ratanawadee Winther, spouse of Ambassador Michael Winther, when suddenly I got curious – “I wonder what has happened to this popular Ambassador couple from Denmark since they left Thailand a few years ago?” I remember them as very active and social persons, who really put fire into the beautiful Danish residence in Bangkok. Michael, who always was ready to play the guitar or jump on his huge motorbike, with his darling behind, the shining, laughing Ratanawadee. This couple knows how to enjoy life! So I decided to get in touch with them to find out what they have done since they left Bangkok 30 ScandAsia • May 2019
“We went to Bangladesh in 2016, after the posting in Bangkok. We spent six wonderful years in my home country Thailand,” Ratanawadee responded promptly I had to ask if their lives were more or less the same in the two countries and Ratanawadee answered, “In some aspects our lives were similar and in other aspects rather different.” “As an Ambassador’s spouse, I did similar stuff in both countries. I assisted Michael in building relationships with government officials, organisations, and business and with the locals. I supervised residence staff and coordinated functions in and outside the residence and saw after that we gathered to-
gether with the Danish community. I also helped the local communities, exchanged ideas and activities concerning art and culture events. I assisted Michael in as many public and diplomatic events as possible. One of the most important tasks was to help the Ambassador and the Embassy to keep after and taking care of the residence property that belongs to State Denmark.” “In Thailand I was the Chairperson of a NGO advocating road safety and I maintained my work while living in Bangladesh. During our almost two years of posting in Bangladesh, I travelled back to Thailand every four or five weeks to take part in several chair programs. In both countries I got a lot of support from the media.”
Interview
Photo by Disraporn Yatprom
When asked about the difference between the two countries, Ratanawadee said, “In Thailand we were free to move around everywhere, no security threat at all. When we arrived in Dhaka, we noticed that security was quite a big problem. In July 2016, more than 20 people, mostly foreigners, were massacred by a group of terrorists in a trendy coffee shop in the diplomatic area of Dhaka.” “This changed the situation for all foreign diplomats and business people. Michael and I could not walk or drive around by ourselves, not even around our own block. Talking about public transportations was out of question. Every time we went out together, we were followed by a convoy of police officers. When we stayed in a hotel, there were always policemen outside our door. Towards the end of our posting it became a bit better ; we could star t bicycling around, but not as free as in Thailand. All this sounds tough, but we didn’t suffer at all. We were taking good care of and everyone contributed to make our lives secure. We did not face any threatening incidents at all. “Our experiences in Thailand and Bangladesh were in many ways very
In some aspects our lives were similar and in other aspects rather different.
different. Thailand will always be in our hearts, as it is my home country. Concerning our experiences in Bangladesh, I can use three words – fun, intense and memorable. Bangladesh has been one of Denmark’s biggest partners in many programs. The Danish embassy in Bangladesh focuses a lot on development. I very much enjoyed travelling with Michael within Bangladesh to visit projects all over the country, projects founded by Danes. It was amazing to
see what a difference Danish tax payer’s money could do for the very poor and less privileged people. The communities showed us so much appreciation. We were both very touch by the locals. We also travelled to visit several villages with indigenous tribes and we had the great opportunity to meet with the King and Queen of the Chakma tribe, the biggest indigenous group in Bangladesh. “In Bangladesh I also worked and supported local artisan groups. I was particularly proud to be associated with the Fashion Designer Council in their effort to revive Khadi – which is naturally dyed and woven materials like cotton, silk and muslin. Michael and I also volunteered to help a group to preserve old crumbling buildings from the Mogul period in the old Dhaka. “We stayed in Bangladesh for almost 2 years. Bangladesh was considered being a difficult diplomatic posting by the Danish Foreign Ministry, due to the terrorist attack in 2016. This gave us the opportunity to travel abroad more frequently and we therefore visited many interesting countries and had more holidays. May 2019 • ScandAsia 31
Interview “In 2018, we returned to Denmark and Copenhagen. Michael is back at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as DirectorGeneral, working as a par t of management of programs and budget in developing countries with a worth of 80 billion baht. He is also Head of the Anticorruption secretariat. He really enjoys the challenges and complexity of this job. There is no longer a retirement age at this level, which means Michael has plans to work until at least 70 (almost 12 years from now). He will most likely get two more postings as an ambassador.” Now, back in Copenhagen, the couple feel more at home once again. “Talking about Copenhagen, it is one of the most livable cities in the world and we love it here, but we also look forward to new postings and to represent Denmark officially abroad. I have found an inner balance. We live in the down town Copenhagen in what is called, the Medieval Town, where all the trendy places are located. Some 2-3 times a week I attend yoga classes and I walk there and back home. I enjoy going to the supermarkets there it is easy to find organic food and ingredients for preparing different dishes. I am privileged to have nice staff helping with cleaning on a regularly basis. “Concerning work, I’m still Chairperson of AIP Foundation Thailand. I have also been busy setting up a new civil society organisation, AIP Foundation
Denmark, to work on the topic “Road security” in under developed countries. I have been elected Chairperson also for AIP Foundation Denmark, which is similar to AIP Foundation Thailand and both organisations belong to AIP Foundation Global.” I asked if Michael still plays guitar often and Ratanawadee says that he is too busy with work nowadays. “In Bangladesh he had the opportunity to play a lot. He had the opportunity to play at a festival with an audience of 50,000 people and he had the joy to play with a South Asian rock legend, their “jam” had almost 2 million viewers on YouTube.” “My daily life in Denmark is full and fulfilled. I love the freedom to pick and choose whatever I want to do, both
Photo by Disraporn Yatprom
32 ScandAsia • May 2019
My daily life in Denmark is full and fulfilled. I love the freedom to pick and choose whatever I want to do, both my private life and business-wise.
concerning my private life and businesswise. I am out in the fresh air mostly every day, walking or biking. What I would like to do, is to join a good gym and work out more. I did that much more in both Thailand and Bangladesh.” “According to the global happiness index, Denmark is the happiest country in the world, I agree, you can feel it. People are relaxed and unpretentious.Work and family life are well balanced. People are easy going and pleasant to deal with. The immigration policy though, is tough, but luckily it doesn’t affect me.” Are you missing a lot from Thailand? I had to ask. “Michael and I are missing our holiday trips to different provinces in Thailand. Of course, I also miss my friends back home. As an ambassador’s spouse, you have so many opportunities to connect with people and you have the possibility to work with things that can make a big difference. I cook Thai dishes and most Danes love Thai food. Denmark also has plenty of good Thai restaurants, ranging from simple, inexpensive ones to more exclusive. I used to experiment with low carb
Interview
Photo by Disraporn Yatprom
receipts when I cook for Michael and myself.”
I am, also love to check out small shops in our area and I particularly love to buy organic food.There is a huge assortment of organic products in Denmark.”
She also has some advice for Thais that stay in Denmark. “As you know, the gap between rich and poor people in Denmark is rather small. Denmark has one of the highest rates of middle-class population in the world and it’s not at all a “show off ” society. Nobody has to impress each other with expensive “toys” (material things). Denmark, together with Sweden, is also very environmentally friendly. The air is good, the food very clean and healthy, and you often use bikes to get around and public transports are efficient. Cars in Denmark are extremely expensive due to taxes. To drive around a lot and in a luxury car can be very expensive.
the world. You have to get knowledge about all those things, if not, it might be difficult to live here.”
“In Denmark we are all part of the society and will be taken good care of by the government if we get ill and when we are getting old. Schools and universities are excellent and fully subsidised.” Denmark is also the least corrupt country in the world according to the international transparency index and one of the most digitalised societies in
Asked how she and her spouse spend leisure time, Ratanawadee replies, “We both enjoy the small things in life, like taking a long walk on the beach during weekends. We also love to stroll around in the old city looking at the architecture and visiting the parks. Our home is a building dated from the 18th century, we just love it. I, as the woman
“The gastronomic scene has become very developed and there are really all kinds of food here. You find e.g. a Thai restaurant in every corner of the city, most serving authentic Thai food. We also have a Michelin Star Thai restaurant and of course, the world famous Noma. You will also find Thai super markets selling the same products as in Thailand.” Photo by Disraporn Yatprom
“Michael is very happy being back in Denmark after 10 years postings abroad in three different countries. As I mentioned, after Michael finishes his term at the Danish Foreign Ministry headquarters, we will once again go somewhere for two more postings as an ambassador. Later on, we might consider retiring in Thailand where our hearts belong.” I thanked Ratanawadee for being kind to answer all my questions and wished the couple a wonderful time and hope to see them soon in Thailand, where they are dearly missed. May 2019 • ScandAsia 33
Business
Go with the flow By Agneta de Bekassy
Third generation owner of Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok, Karan Sivasiamp, discussed the property’s new sensational features and how important is in the hospitality business to go with the flow.
F
or Bangkokians, Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok on Sukhumvit soi 18 is more or less a local institution in hospitality. Known and loved for its intricate European décor, renowned signature restaurants, warm service and excellent location, Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok is also known as the Scandinavian hotel. When I first moved to Bangkok 14 years ago and couldn’t quite decide where to set up our home, we stayed at Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok for a while. At the time, the hotel was overseen by a Swedish general manager and it was a par tnered accommodation with SAS. The memory was still clear when I recalled an afternoon by the pool, listening to 34 ScandAsia • May 2019
Nordic SAS staff talked about God and what they experienced on their journey. Ver y soon after, we felt at ease and at home at Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok, even long after we checked out and became true locals in our own rights. Anyhow, even though Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok is seen as Scandinavian or for some, European, hotel, it is widely known that the property belongs to an Indian family, whose third generation is now running the business. The aspiring young management, Karan Sivasiamp, has recently taken the helm of the family business. Born and raised in Bangkok, he went to ISB (International School of
Bangkok) and later earned BBA with a double major in Management and Marketing at the University of Miami – that explains why he speaks such a good American English! His grandfather, the founder of Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok, arrived in Bangkok in 1938 from a small village close to Lahore. Only at 17, Karan’s grandfather worked in Bangkok as an assistant to his brothers in the family textile business. 80 years later, the family’s business group expanded into several other segments, including real estate. Recently they celebrated the 25th anniversary of the hotel, which they are very proud of. “The hard work, the
Business
effort of the entire family, has helped us come this far,” Karan says. But Karan, despite being born into business, didn’t initially want to be a businessman. “During my school days, I had the wish to become a professional basketball player and I was playing ever y day and dreamed of playing in the NBA one day. After having completed my university studies with a double major, I star ted to work for a relatively new marketing company in Miami. After a year, I decided it was time for me to return to Bangkok to help my family. I came back to Thailand in 2007 and joined the family business since then. “Unfor tunately, I didn’t become a professional basket player,” Karan said with a regretfully smile. “But I learned a lot in college, and it has formed me into the person I have become today. I was always aware of that I would join the family business and I try to apply my knowledge to our group to help us grow bigger and become more successful. I have, in a way, fulfilled most of my goals.”
We have to adapt to new influences, be very dynamic and flexible, as things change so much faster today.
However, basketball is still something close to his heart. As we’re neighbors, I often spotted him playing basketballs with the kids and friends outside our apar tment building. Karan is married to Shami, with whom he has an ador-
able little son. The couple married in November 2011. Shami was born in Bangkok, went to boarding school in India, but returned for high school in Bangkok, followed by studies at The Mahidol University. According to Karan, with some changes within management and in various departments of the hotel, it’s impor tant to keep competitive and to “go with the flow”. The hospitality industry is keeping on growing in Thailand and it’s very important to be updated with the latest trends. Anyhow, cutting-edge technology trend like crypto currency is still far too new to be used at the hotel. “It is much too early. Maybe we will be able to do so in 4-5 years,” he said. Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok might still have the Scandinavia flair from the old days, but to date the hotel welcomes more Asian than Europeans. “We are aware of that most visitors to Thailand today don’t come from Europe. They are from Asia, including India, China and Japan just to mention a few. We have to adapt to new influMay 2019 • ScandAsia 35
Business
The hard work, the effort of the entire family, has helped us come this far.
ences, be very dynamic and flexible, as things change so much faster today.” To give you an example, very few people book a hotel or flight today through an agency. Most people go online and do it themselves. Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok has been around for a while, but it never gets old. One new feature, among others, at the hotel is the rooftop sky bar 1826, which was launched earlier in January. “It’s located on the 26th floor and we are on Soi 18, therefore the name,” Karan explained. 1826 quickly became known in the bustling Bangkok bar and nightlife scene with events like Gin & Jazz Night on Wednesdays, Ladies Night on Thursdays and so on, to attract both in-house guests and locals. “Our mixologist can make drinks to sip while you enjoy the beautiful Bangkok skyline. The opening night was a huge success and I was very proud. To see the mixologist creating the most fabulous cocktails was interesting. It’s indeed a visual theatre of action behind the bar.” Karan recommended, Once Upon a Time at Rembrandt or a Hasienda de Fashion, two of the bar’s signature drinks, to taste. If you are a cigar lover, just ask for the cigar menu for a selec36 ScandAsia • May 2019
tion of fine cigars. If it’s too warm to sit outside, you can relax in the new cozy lounge, located to the right before you step outside. Food is also offered from the selection of light bites from the award winning Mexican, Indian or Italian restaurants. I recommend the butter and chicks, lamb kebabs and butter chicken pizza. On the same floor as 1826, the famous restaurant Rang Mahal is located. Karan said the hotel had plans to renovate the interior. This restaurant is among the top Indian restaurants in the world. I personally recommended it as I have had the pleasure to dine there many times. Manning the operation side of Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok is the new general manager Christian Bernkopf from Germany. Christian was born and grew up in Nuernberg He also had a degree in hospitality, which he said was his calling. “Already at a very young age, I loved to be among people, to organize events and host parties, dinners etc. I just loved being a host”. And as GM for Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok, one of the capital’s first large-scale hotels and renowned spot for culinary concepts, Christian has a grand plan for the hotel. “We want to
set Rembrandt up for the next 25 years and have the legacy live on. There are many interesting and exciting changes to come”. Hospitality business is fast-paced. What was right yesterday, may not resonate tomorrow. According to the GM, “we must reestablish ourselves consistently and stay connected to maintain at the top of the game. New markets are growing rapidly, and the mixture of nationalities is having a huge impact on what we do. Bangkok and Thailand grow in demand and many new hotels are seeing the daylight. This keeps us on alert and try to remain among the top hotels.” The young GM’s past professional experiences include GM at The Pullman Danang Beach Resor t, Pullman Khao Lak Katiliya Resort & Spa, Avani Hai Phong Harbour View and Office Tower, which is part of Minor Group. He has also been operations manager for the Minor Hotel Group. While we’re waiting for the new exciting features that Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok promises, let’s have a drink or two to celebrate the long success of the hotel at the cozy 1826 sky bar. It’s worth a visit!
May 2019 • ScandAsia 37
Community
Viking Cup 2019 hits the shore of Hua Hin By Manta Klangboonkrong
10 Viking teams reunited at the sunny beach town of Hua Hin in Thailand for the 30th Viking Cup
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his year, Hua Hin played host to the 30th Viking Cup 2019 where 10 teams from all over the region took part in a 3-day amateur football showdown with more than 350 guests and participants. The venue of the event was Pitch True Arena, located just five minutes from tournament hotel, Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin. “We chose Hua Hin because of the previous tournaments in Thailand we had never host the event here. In 1996 the tournament was held in Pattaya, 2003 in Phuket and 2011 in Bangkok. But wherever the location, Viking Cup always feels like a homecoming or a reunion where you meet a lot of friends and have fun together. The veteran over 40 is a social tournament but the open 11 a side tournament is very competitive with some very good teams,” Anders Kargo Schmidt, organizer of this year’s Viking Cup said. He is also in charge of the Bangkok Vikings. Participating teams of Viking Cup 2019 included Beijing Vikings, Shanghai Vikings, Hong Kong Vikings, Saigon Raiders, Kuala Lumpur Vikings, Singapore Vikings, Jakarta Vikings, Copenhagen Vikings, Hua Hin Vikings and Bangkok Vikings, that furiously drifted and dived through the pitch in Thailand’s summer heat for the title. “Among the sponsors – which included the main sponsor FLS, Tiger Balm, Star Translation, V Connect, Infinity Financial Solution, Falcon Hill – was Singha, so we could all resort to some cold suds and water in the shades. We also provided participants and guests with sunscreen. And as you can see, some that are already familiar with this intense tropical heat brought their own gear to keep the heat at bay!” The fun filled event concluded with the Saigon Riders taking the winning title for open competition and the Hua Hin Vikings for veteran over 40 competition. Viking Cup 2019 capped off with a gala dinner, where thereafter the Viking Bar at the hotel treated participants with free flow of beers and drinks, followed by fun games and activities such as trophy presentation, costume competition and live band. Since its first inception in 1990, the tournament has a great reputation all over Asia and the setup has also developed gradually focusing more and more on the things outside the pitch with big efforts put into making a great appearance from all teams involved. Viking Cup however still remains true to its legacy which is football, friendship and plenty of cold refreshments. Viking Cup 2020 will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 38 ScandAsia • May 2019
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