ScandAsia October 2019

Oct 2019 Business

Anki and Michael Cederkvist control their brand from Malaysia

Community

New Danish Chaplains in Hong Kong and Singapore.

New Norwegian Church opened in Pattaya

Lifestyle

Agneta’s “wild strawberry places” in Bangkok.

Preschool, kindergarten - why is it so important?

October 2019 • ScandAsia 1

2 ScandAsia • October 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 October 2019 • ScandAsia 3

October 2019

ScandAsia Stories

16

Solar rooftops in Vietnam a buisness success

8 Siemens and Grundfos sign digital environment pact 10 Scania took a break for the climate 52 Scandinavian bars in Pattaya - where is everybody?

56 Dane created his own underwear made of bamboo

12 Bjarne “Kronborg”: A piece of Denmark in Pattaya

8 45 Helping abused and migrant children in Pattaya:.

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48 20

52

Allan Ottesen Danish in Thailand & Thai in Denmark

Theme: How to pick a Kindergarten, Prepschool or Pre-school.

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Daniela L-V Cassmer: New SwedCham China General Manager 4 ScandAsia • October 2019

October 2019 • ScandAsia 5

Editorial

Kids and foreign languages

I

t is weird, but children below 1 year, who regularly listens to a foreign language and sees somebody communicating in a language that is not their own native language, they will later de able to recognize and reproduce sounds from that language. If they move away from that language environment and only try to learn the language as adults many years later - they can still hear the difference in the intonation or the difference in the sound that their same age friends cannot detect.

Thais often tease foreigners by asking them to repeat: “Tamai mai mai? Proh mai mai mai mai!” (Why doesn’t it burn? Because fresh wood doesn’t burn!)

kindergarten or pre-school or - when they are too young for kindergarten - join a multilingual playgroup.

Just remember the golden rule - if you are a bilingual couple, speak to your child in your own language. That is easier said than done, I know, especially if you are a mixed couple and maybe speak a third language together, like English, but that is a different story. It is not a problem, because the child understands that the sounds exchanged between their parents is a form of communication - and eventually they will pick that one up, too.

Most foreigners simply cannot hear the difference in the pronounciation of the word “mai” which by a native Thai speaker is heard distinctively as a different word from “mai”.

There is no research that shows, that there is a limit to how many languages a child is able to pick up, but real life has proven that at least four languages sems to be no problem at all. And here we are talking about learning these languages to the point where the child is able to communicate in ihem.

On the other hand, most Thais find it very difficult to hear and reproduce the y-sound in Nordic languages.

Exceptions are the ones who have been regularly exposed to Chinese as toddlers.

So go ahead and feel free to pick a kindergarten or preschool with as many different nationalities and languages among the other kids as you can possibly find. It will only benefit your child later in life.

For older babies, it is still relatively easy for them to learn a new language up to school age. From there on, the ability to learn to understand and learn to say new sounds goes slowly downhill.

How lucky are you not, if you have young children in Asia?

Your children will be exposed to more sounds and more languages than their same age friends back in your home country and this will be of great benefit to them later in life. Especilly if you enroll your child in a multilingual

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Gregers Moller Editor in Chief

Publisher : Scandinavian Publishing Co., Ltd. 211 Soi Prasert Manukitch 29 Prasert Manukitch Road Bangkok 10230, Thailand Tel. +66 2 943 7166-8 Fax: +66 2 943 7169 E-mail: news@scandasia.com Editor-in-Chief : Gregers A.W. Møller gregers@scandmedia.com

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October 2019 • ScandAsia 7

Siemens and Grundfos sign digital environment pact

S

iemens and Grundfos have signed a digital partnership framework for strategic cooperation between the two companies.The focus is on developing water and wastewater applications, industrial automation and building technology. The contract was signed at Grundfos’ Headquarters in Bjerringbro in Denmark.

In a statement about the agreement, Grundfos says that customers of both companies will benefit since the agreement creates synergies between the two companies’ complementary portfolios and competences that extend beyond the sum of their parts.

“Through this partnership we can provide intelligent, efficient solutions for reducing energy consumption, making a substantial difference when it comes to combatting climate change,” says Grundfos’ CEO Mads Nipper.

“Our purpose is to pioneer solutions that contribute to solving the world’s water and climate challenges.

To live up to that purpose, we are on a major digital transformation journey to supplement our pump solutions busi-

8 ScandAsia • October 2019

ness by also becoming a digital solution and service provider. Partnering with Siemens is a big step in this direction,” he adds.

Klaus Helmrich, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO of Digital Industries says: “Siemens and Grundfos are combining the competences of both companies in order to support our joint customer base in their digital transformation and in the implementation of intelligent solutions. Solutions from our Digital Enterprise portfolio can be used, for example, to increase the uptime of pumps and motors and to optimize their operation.”

He explains in more details, that Siemen’s MindSphere open cloudbased IoT operating system combined with Grundfos IoT solutions can optimize pump and motor schedules in order to maximize uptime and minimize energy consumption.

“MindSphere can be used to acquire data and knowledge, which enables us to operate buildings in a more user-friendly and efficient way.”

Grundfos is one of the world’s leading pump manufacturers with an annual production of more than 17 million pump units. As ten percent of all electric energy in the world is used by pumps, it will clearly have a major impact on the global environment if this deal can provide more energy efficient pumps and smarter pumping solutions for various applications across diverse segments including domestic and commercial buildings, industries, water utilities (water and wastewater management) and pumps running on renewable energy.

Grundfos itself aspires to be Climate Positive by 2030. The company aims to halve its own water consumption by 2025. The company has estimated, that by 2030, Grundfos will have contributed to providing safely managed drinking water to 300 million people. At the same time, through water efficiency and water treatment, the company will have saved 50 billion cubic meters of fresh water, the statement says.

IKEA has seen better days in Singapore

I

KEA has seen better days in Singapore but is otherwise doing very good in South East Asia with a revenue rise of 20 percent.

Singapore, however, saw a drop in revenue of 1 million Singapore dollar by the end of the fiscal year 31 August compared to the revenue that last year.The total turnover was therefore “only” 341 Singapore dollars.

“The overall healthy and largely flat turnover was in line with our expectations,” says Corinna Schuler, head of corporate communication at Ikea South-east Asia, in an article in The Business Times.

“These are some of the toughest times Singapore retailers have seen.

In the city-state, we are challenged by declining consumer confidence and the lowest growth in annual GDP since the global financial crisis,” Corinna Schuler said.

Singstat’s July figures reveal that sales in the Singaporean retail industry for home furnishings and house-

hold equipments have decreased 8 per cent for the past years.

Ikea’s South-East Asia business region comprises Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. The Philippines can also look forward to a store in the near future. The IKEA near Jakar ta is a franchise does not figure in the result

for the region.

In Malaysia, Ikea managed to bring home S$495 million while Thailand has brought in S$374 million.

Malaysia is due to get an Ikea-anchored shopping center in Johor Bahru in November 2019.

IKEA recalls children’s bib: Risk of choking

I

KEA has recalled MATVRÅ Blue/ Red 2-pack bib for children worldwide as there is a choking risk, the company has announced in a press release. This includes the firm’s retail stores in Asia including Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

The hazard was discovered through two incidents in Norway and the UK respectively, where the button that holds the bib broke off when pulled.

“It has come to our attention that there is a risk for the button to come off if the child pulls at it,” said Emelie Knoester, Business Area Manager at IKEA of Sweden, in the press release.

No known incidents have been reported in Thiland, Singapore, Hong Kong or Malaysia.

If you have purchased the bib, please check your local Ikea for their return policy.

October 2019 • ScandAsia 9

Scania took a break for the climate

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cania in Malaysia and Singapore closed its operations for one hour on 20 September in suppor t of a call for a Climate Day. Star ting from 11am until 12pm on 20 September 2019, more than 350 employees at all twelve of Scania Malaysia branches nationwide as well as the Regional Product Centre in Por t Klang, Scania employees in Scania Singapore and Asia Product Centre in Singapore stopped working - and gathered instead to attend a Scania Climate Day training on sustainability at their respective premises.

They were not alone. Scania operations also in all the rest of Asia and Scania employeed also elsewhere in the world paused on this special Friday to carr y out training in climate science and sustainable operations for the company’s 52,000 employees. They joined discussions, quiz sessions, reflection sessions, conference calls across the branches and what next steps that can be taken.

“It star ts with the awareness, the know-how and the actions, that we as employees, can take as a responsible business,” says Marie Sjödin Enström, Managing Director Scania Southeast Asia.

Pre-Sales Director, Tom Kuiphuis, Scania Malaysia conducting the sustainability training during Scania Climate Day where he emphasized that by using biogas vehicles, we will be able to reduce CO2 emissions by 140,000 tonnes and through the recycling of plastic and reducing the amount of plastic within the business, we will be able to reduce CO2 emissions by 600 tonnes.

“Scania Climate Day is impor tant to us as a company because it gives us a chance to reflect internally whilst sending a strong message on the impor tance of sustainability.”

In preparation for this huge event, Scania had trained some 2,500 col-

leagues to lead dynamic workshops at their workplaces and a training package in more than 30 languages has been distributed throughout the world.

Scania CEO Henrik Henriksson wanted to ask employees in their respective groups with their multicultural background around the world to suggest measures that they believe can reduce their climate footprint at work in the shor t, medium and long term.

“I’m confident this will significantly accelerate Scania’s sustain-

In Thailand, there was little time to theory. Several provinces in the north and east of Thailand are severely floaded, and Scania threw in some of their strongest trucks expected to be able to get as wde around in the area and distribute clean drinking water to people suffering from the flooding.

10 ScandAsia • October 2019

ability journey,” says CEO Henrik Henriksson.

Scania is committed to driving the shift towards a sustainable transpor t system. In conjunction with the United Nations Climate Action Summit 2019 that will be taking place on 23 September 2019 in New York, United States of America, Scania will reiterate its commitment towards minimising emissions from its products and its own operations.

These include cutting CO2 emissions by 50 percent from its land transpor t per transpor ted tonne by 2025 (using 2016 as a baseline), cutting CO2 emissions from its operations by 50 percent by 2025 (using 2015 as a baseline), switching to 100 percent fossil-free electricity by 2020 where the necessary prerequisites are in place, and continuing to offer the broadest range of products on the market that run on alternatives to fossil fuel such as its commercial biofuel solutions.

At Scania Malaysia Ipoh Branch, also customers shared in answering Climate Quiz during the Scania Climate Day.

Santa Fe Relocation sold

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anta Fe Group, the last remnant of the EAC conglomerate founded by H.N. Andersen back in 1884, has sold its relocation business, including the moving company’s debt to Proventus Capital Par tners, for 1 million Euro.

The business was sold because Santa Fe was not able to get its financing in place. Santa Fe has for some time been in a form of public brawl with its lifeline Proventus Capital Par tners, which in its time granted Santa Fe a loan.

The buyer is a company set up to take over the business called “Santa Fe Intressenter AB”, which is controlled by the Lazarus Equity Par tners capital fund with suppor t from Proventus Capital Par tners.

Santa Fe Relocation has offices in most countries in Asia. In China, it has offices in Beijing, Chengdu, Dalian, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Shanghai, Shenzhen/Shekou, Suzhou and Tianjin. It the rest of South East Asia, it has offices in Hong Kong, Cebu, Manila, Bangkok, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Singapore, Yangon, Jakar ta, Balikpapan, Sumatra, Hanoi and HCMC. After selling the relocation company, there is no longer any operational activity left in the Santa Fe Group, except it does own a minority shareholding in two Chinese and

one Thai company. The sale includes the name Santa Fe, so the Group will soon call an extraordinar y meeting and take a new name.

“I am pleased that Santa Fe Relocation has been retained as a continuing company, with 1,800 jobs that will continue to ser ve the company’s customers and creditors in the future,” says Henning Kruse Petersen, Chairman of the Santa Fe Group.

“We hope that we can sell the minor ity items at a reasonable price, which could benefit Santa Fe Group’s shareholders,” he adds.

EAC was for over 100 years the pride of Denmark. It was the largest company in all of Scandinavia in terms of revenue, and in 1973 it had 35,000 employees.

Santa Fe Inressenter AB has appointed Mr. Yann Blandy as the new CEO and Runar Nilsen as new deputy CEO of Santa Fe Relocation.

Both are indirect owners of Santa Fe Intressenter AB. The company states, that these ownership and management changes will in essence not impact Santa Fe Relocation ser vices and operations: Ser vice deliver y between Santa Fe Relocation and its clients on a local and global basis will not be affected.

October 2019 • ScandAsia 11

Bjarne “Kronborg”: A piece of Denmark in Pattaya Bjarne Nielsen also known as Bjarne Kronborg gets the best of Denmark in his bar and restaurant Cafe Kronborg in Pattaya. It is all he needs from his home country, which he visits approximately every second year.

Text and photos by Sigrid Friis Neergaards

“I

like being Danish but there isn’t really anything about Denmark I miss as such,” says Bjarne.

Everywhere you look in Cafe Kronborg, there is stuff. The walls are full of pictures, stickers and balloons from a passed birthday party. There is also a shell from a sea turtle, a large buffalo head and antlers from some type of deer. There are flags from all over the world and Dannebrog (the Danish flag) is especially used for decorating.

Outside, there is a hornbill bird, which gets as excited about wine gums as a Danish child. Unfortunately, Bjarne has no colourful sweets for the bird today, but he offers me salty liquorice instead.

Cafe Kronborg did not always look like this. When Bjarne opened the bar with a friend 27 years ago after

having to shut down their bar, Nyhavn, further down the street, there was not much decoration to see. Slowly, the walls have been filled little by little until the place looks like a mix between someone’s private home and an antique shop.

The dining menu includes smørrebrød (Danish open sandwiches) with various cold cuts, Danish hot dogs, frikadeller (Danish meat balls) and biksemad (Scandinavian hash).

Upon entering Cafe Kronborg, I forget for a moment that I am in Thailand. I could have been in any old, brown pub in Denmark.

Above the table, where we are seated, there is even the mandatory Danish pub poster from 1900 advertising for Tuborg beer portraying an old man with a cane in a yellow frame, Den tørstige mand (The thirsty man).

Bjarne has a San Miguel Light placed in front of him on the floral table cloth.

Behind him a few men are watching one of the popular Danish comedian Anders ‘Anden’ Matthesen’s latest cartoons, Ternet Ninja.

They are waiting for the clock to pass 2pm when the weekly Saturday lunch will start.

A change of plans

Bjarne does not know who will show up. The lunch is an open invitation for his friends.

This Saturday, I get the honour of meeting Den norske hvalfanger (the Norwegian whale catcher), Den lille elefant (the small elephant), Bageren (the baker), Valhalla (owner of a bar in Pattaya by the same name) and Fiskeren (the fisher).

“I baptise everyone,” Bjarne proudly exclaims referring to the nick names of his friends.

His own nick name is Banana, which I am told has to do with Thai difficulties in pronouncing the name Bjarne.

12 ScandAsia • October 2019

October 2019 • ScandAsia 13

A few of the men have a necklace with a pendant.

Kronborg Castle on one side and Holger Danske, the fabled Danish statue packed away in the basement of the castle ready to protect Denmark if ever attacked, on the other side.

They wear it with pride and Valhalla tells me that he also has one in gold. The one around his neck is silver.

At the bar, Bjarne’s wife sits. He never imagined getting married, least of all when he was only in his early 20’s.

But here they are, 40 years after meeting each other in Bangkok, only a couple of years after Bjarne moved to Thailand.

Back then, in 1977 he had been sailing for three years earning himself the title of able seaman, when he decided to make the move.

“I was young, and I had big ears. The tales of Thailand caught my curiosity. The Danish seamen on the Thai ships were closer to each other than on other ships.”

The first time, Bjarne came to Pattaya was in 1978 when he attended school to become a union representative for the seamen’s union.

Bjarne was happy at sea, and he never even planned to stay in Thailand or to open a bar.

However, his plans changed when his wife got pregnant and he went ashore despite advice from his fellow seamen. “ ‘Don’t you think it it’s time to disappear?’ people asked. But you cannot just do that,” says Bjarne who later had two more children with his wife. All three children are in their 30’s now.

14 ScandAsia • October 2019

The dining menu includes Danish open sandwiches “smørrebrød” with various cold cuts, Danish hot dogs, Danish meat balls “frikadeller” and Scandinavian hash “biksemad”.

Today, he cannot imagine not having the bar.

Of all the lunch guests at the round table, Bjarne has been in Thailand the longest. Though not all of them live in Thailand for the entire year, they can all agree on one thing.

“Once you come to Thailand, you stay in Thailand.”

Inside jokes and tricks

One tray of food after the other is carried out by a few waitresses whom also take drink orders. Beer and schnapps appear to be popular among the noisy but happy guests.

In between bites of pickled herring, liver pate, eggs and roast beef with crispy onions and remoulade on rye bread as well as impor ted Canadian crayfish, the men cheer about every five minutes.

“I am so happy that I’m not sad,” someone proclaims.

It is apparently a gentlemen’s lunch, which I as a woman am allowed to join exceptionally. But it appears to be more lunch than gentlemen.

They are especially fond of picking on Bageren today after a few classified episodes the previous night, which are unfit for a written article.

Valhalla, who sits next to me, constantly turns to me and apologises for the stories.

But though the stories are below the belt, their behaviour is just as decent as the spirits are high and the cups are full.

On my other side sits Fiskeren. He is less apologetic.

Perhaps because of his first impression of me where an evil look told me that he is definitely not from Frederikshavn in Northern Denmark. They tricked me into asking him to much amusement for the remaining guests.

I still do not get the joke. Perhaps you have to be from that part of Denmark or a regular at Cafe Kronborg to

understand. But I will never forget, that Fiskeren is from Skagen – also in Northern Denmark.

The second time the gentlemen tricked me, I ended up buying the table a round of drinks after opening an old pirate-looking chest letting out a loud scream – the chest, not me. It did not contain any gold, but I will let you visit Kronborg to see for yourself what is really inside of it. It will sure make the other guests happy.

“The Danish community is tight out here. We always help and support each other,” says Bjarne about his friends who laugh about the incident for a while after finishing their drinks.

He says that they celebrate all the major festive seasons such as Christmas and Easter together.

They even get together for beer on 1 May to celebrate Labour Day, where they “drink in protest” according to a laughing Bjarne.

To Bjarne’s dismay, the community is getting smaller, though, and Cafe Kronborg is not as packed as it used to be. In its early days it was located outside of Pattaya, and people complained that it was too far away, but they would still come. Slowly Pattaya grew and today, it surrounds the bar which is now in the middle of the city.

But the past 10 years there has been a steady decrease in visitors. Bjarne is not the only one to blame the decrease on the strength of the Thai Baht as well as immigration laws for the negative development.

“You learn to tread water, if you cannot swim,” says Bjarne as he is trying to stay positive and hoping that times will get better.

For now, he is thankful that he has his close friends and regulars. And for his Saturday lunches which are sure to put enough smiles on his face for the next week.

October 2019 • ScandAsia 15

Feature

Rooftop PV solar sector example of Nordic-Vietnam business success Scandinavian investment taps into Vietnam’s booming solar power market

By Joakim Persson

T

homas Jakobsen, based in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) since 2006, is Managing Director of Indochina Energy Par tners (IEP), an entity focused on renewable energy in Southeast Asia’s emerging economies.

Singapore-registered IEP is currently focusing on rolling out rooftop solar projects in all ASEAN countries.

In Vietnam, IEP is successful especially in the rooftop PV (photovoltaic system) solar sector, using Scandinavian investment money for their Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) solar rental/lease model.

“Solar is, due to legislation, being implemented in the relevant countries that we’re looking at, and in fact the cost for energy produced by solar has fallen so dramatically that while it didn’t make economic sense to look at it three years ago it makes very good economic sense today,” begins Thomas.

When Thomas first arrived in Vietnam he worked for furniture company Tropicdane before continuing with infrastr ucture finance for a fund called Anfa capital.

“In 2015 I was offered to join Saigon Asset Management – whom I knew from their history with Anpha Capital – specifically to do renewable energy originally in Myanmar, which was seen as the up-and-coming country at the time

16 ScandAsia • October 2019

- and still is, in many ways,” he adds.

Specifically for roof-top PV solar, IEP provides installation, maintenance and financing solutions for commercial and industrial factory owners.

“There are many ways to get exposed to a market, in this case the solar ; you could invest in developers; manufacturing of components, solar panels, mounting systems etc. What we have chosen to do is to invest in projects only. So we go out to owners of big rooftops and offer them to build and maintain a rooftop solar system for a number of years, free of charge to them, until they take it over. We sell them the power, at a fixed price that is lower than their current one for the period of the agreement, which typically lasts between 10 to 15 years – it depends on what segment you are in. This is all done with Scandinavian money behind us and with Nor thern-European technology, engineering and design.”

“We also have some demands to potential counterparts: they must be of very high credit worthiness, because we’re not in the business of taking on very high credit risks. We’re ensuring that rooftop solar systems work technically for the project lifetime and thereby make savings for the rooftop owner and give us returns,” adds Thomas.

Rooftop solar market essential

According to Vietnam Investment Review,Vietnam’s energy demand is projected to increase by more than 10 per cent annually in the next five years and its required power capacity to double. The country is therefore moving to diversify its energy mix, staking on renewables, where he rooftop solar market then becomes an essential part.

In June 2019, Viet Nam Electricity (EVN) group agreed to continue the current feed-in tariff (FiT) rate at 9.35 US cents per kWh for rooftop solar power projects nationwide until 2021. Another 121 projects will begin to generate electricity by 2020, while 211 are in the pipeline – a volume that has exceeded the targets.

“Just a few years back, the cost of a kilowatt coming out of a solar installation was 15-20 US cents, meaning that it would make no sense from someone who could buy electricity from the government for about 6-7 cents to install at those prices. To do it as economically viable repeatable installations – where nearly only the sky is the limit when we talk volume – you need to have what we call grid parity. This means that the cost of electricity from an energy source – in this case rooftop solar – has to be at the same cost level as the electricity from the grid,” the Dane explains.

We offer owners of big rooftops to build and maintain a rooftop solar system for a number of years, free of charge to them, until they take it over.

Thomas Jakobsen, Managing Director, Indochina Energy Partners.

Photo: Joakim Persson.

October 2019 • ScandAsia 17

If you are looking at moving to Asia, Vietnam has to be on anybody’s list.

Old Indochina building in Saigon. Photo: Joakim Persson.

18 ScandAsia • October 2019

“We see that the economics are so good in solar now that it’s possible that we will soon launch a second fund.”

“We can offer it at slightly lower price and that in a country where the electricity prices are already on the lower end. But that’s part of the government’s very consistent policy to encourage investors to set up factories here. To do that becomes more attractive if electricity prices are kept low.”

“And this is a way of just cutting the top off the growth of the electricity demand from the export industry by every new factory only demanding 80 per cent instead of 100 of grid electricity.”

“We always go in with a price that is slightly lower, to have an incentive. And the economics make sense now; it depends a little bit on the characteristics of the rooftop.”

Their market is focused on private buildings; old or new. A larger rooftop surface is preferred and IEP focuses on the southern half of Vietnam from a geographic and solar point of view.

“I would not run out of work anytime soon, for sure, by segmenting the market like that,” he claims.

The annual radiation measured in the Southern region and South Central provinces is approximately 1,600 kWh/ m2, according to a World Bank report on the rooftop solar energy’s potential in Vietnam. The potential of solar energy in Ho Chi Minh City is about 6,300 MW. Meanwhile, Southern Vietnam is anticipated to face power shortages of up to 3.7 billion kWh in 2021, nearly 10 billion kWh in 2022 and approximately 12 billion

Indochina Energy Partners is based in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) now operating all over ASEAN. Photo: Joakim Persson kWh in 2023, according to Electricity of Vietnam (EVN)!

Consequently there is a huge need for solar energy!

Targeted solar power development in Vietnam is as follows: 2020: 850 MW, 2025: 4000 MW, and 2030: 12,000 MW.

Solar most scalable

“We are obviously following all four renewable technologies constantly.The advantage we have in solar is that it’s nearly perfectly scalable so we can also choose to make very big projects – one hundred million dollar investments – and sell to the grid. That is one of reasons why we like to operate in this market.”

“Doing wind projects you cannot scale a one hundred million dollar project down to a one million dollar project – it makes no sense. If we at a later stage or in a country come to the opinion that offering grid installations of 50 or 100 million dollars it is the best option, then that can easily be scaled up, it’s just a matter of doing the same thing many times,” he elaborates further.

Nordcham/Eurocham a business gateway

Thomas is also Vice Chairman in rejuvenated Nordcham (Nordic Chamber of Commerce) Vietnam, which also entitles each member company automatic Eurocham Vietnam membership.

“We were helped into exclusive renewable energy technical exhibitions, with a very good setup. And we could thereby develop our database in a way we would not have been able to without Eurocham,” says Thomas.

Eurocham also offers incubator services and Intellectual Property protection assistance.

“In Eurocham a lot of the work goes on in the sector committees, where all advocacy work is coordinated and where the very close networking and business dealing gets done. There we’re down to where people are in very similar industries and get to know each other over a number of years.”

While the Danish business community has always been relatively big in Vietnam compared to its size, much thanks to Denmark’s former massive development aid there, seeding a lot of companies to come, the presences from the remaining Nordic countries were up until recently very small.

“There was not this undergrowth of SMEs from those countries – but we are now seeing that coming to a much higher extent from the other Nordics. Vietnam is now becoming an easier country to do business in. There is still a cost difference compared to doing business in China.”

Thomas explains that the differential cost towards Asia is also turning more significant now for Eastern-European based production (with costs going up there) and when taking geopolitics into account.

“If you are looking at moving to Asia,Vietnam has to be on anybody’s list.Whether you come to do export business here or to satisfy local demand I think it’s very difficult today getting away with saying in one’s headquarters that one has done all the research one needs on Southeast Asia but excluded Vietnam,” states Thomas.

October 2019 • ScandAsia 19

20 ScandAsia • October 2019

Kindergarten, preschool or pre-prep school - is it that important?

Now that we are parents ourselves, we’re faced with myriad of decisions about where to send our kids to school, which play dates to organize, if we should spend extra money in the supermarket’s organic section or spend it on a better preschool.

P

arents have important choices to make regarding their kids’ education—and these decisions are coming sooner and sooner.

Kindergarten is seen as the new first grade and academic rigor is increasing.

Thi s m eans i t’s even mo re important for parents to make sure their kids are on a good developmental footing. One of the best ways to do this is through a quality preschool education program.

But there are still plenty of people who don’t believe preschool is important or are otherwise skeptical of its benefits. Here are a few of the most common misconceptions about preschool.

that activities like playing games and singing songs are precisely the ways in which preschool-aged kids develop the most connections in their brains.

• Singing songs encourages speech a n d l a n g u a g e d e ve l o p m e n t , enhancing vocabular y and communication skills. Students who struggle with a cer tain skill (ABCs, counting or math patterns) are able to show mastery through learning a song about it.

• Playing games is the perfect oppor tunity for kids of this age

to express their curiosity, learn teamwork, practice sharing and develop problem-solving skills.

Misconception 2: “I can teach all of these things at home.”

One of the biggest mistakes parents make about their approach to preschool is taking on an adversarial relationship with teachers — for example, thinking, “Why would I send

Misconception 1: “All the kids do is play games and sing songs.”

If all the kids did in the preschool, parents should be thanking the school!

The value of play is the top priority in the classroom.

There is no better way for children to learn how to build, create, problem solve, cooperate, communicate, enjoy activities, learn diversity, build selfesteem and be a par t of a loving community — where all are accepted - than the natural way through playing.

While many perceive playing games and singing songs as merely frivolous and enter taining ways to pass the time, research has shown

October 2019 • ScandAsia 21

my child to preschool when I can do an equal or better job at home?”

Preschool teachers aren’t trying to undermine parents or downplay their abilities to teach their kids—children obviously can and do learn much from their families.

That being said, it’s not fair to discredit the capabilities of preschool teachers. They are highly trained educational professionals and are specifically trained with techniques to enhance a child’s physical, social, emotional, cognitive and language development. They know how to immerse children in engaging learning exper iences and have year s of experience doing it. Preschool does not discount the skills you teach your child at home. It reinforces them in a new environment and ensures all areas of the brain are intentionally activated.

Exper ts also emphasizes the impor tance of the social aspect in preschool. While a child might be able to learn activities from a parent or guardian at home in isolation, he or she will miss out on the importance of peers being part of the experience.

Kids in preschool have the opportunity

22 ScandAsia • October 2019

to practice sharing, tying their shoes, using scissors and getting a backpack ready while being surrounded by other little humans of the same age.

It is not only the tr ained professionals in the room, but also the peers that enhance the learning experience — that is difficult to replicate at home.

Misconception 3: “How can these years be so significant? I can’t even remember what I was doing at that age.”

While many of us don’t remember our earliest years, the first five years are most crucial due to the brain’s ability to make connections. Our capacity to develop vocabular y, a lifelong communication skill, is largely decided by the time we reach age five.

Many studies conducted around long-ter m effects of preschool show a strong relationship between preschool attendance and success in diverse areas of life. In one such

study, students of ages three and four were divided into two groups - those who attended preschool programs and those who did not). Then they tracked them through the age of 40.

The research concludes that students who attended preschool had higher earnings, were more likely to hold a job, had committed fewer crimes and were more likely to graduate from high school.

Children who attend preschool are more likely to be successful in Kindergar ten, then first grade and continuing through college. Although it might be hard for some to believe, the groundwor k for successful experiences in the education system is largely established before Kindergarten even starts.

So let’s get to work and find a preschool that fits our kids and our budget.

If you have moved to Asia recently, it’s a good idea to check if there is a Nordic association where you live.

They often have mothers groups that can give you useful input for your choice.

Many things can also be checked from the website. Where is the institution located? Ask Google maps how traffic usually is at different times of the day. Is it based on a religion or an educational philosophy?

The first visit When you have narrowed down your choice and you are ready to visit the place. What should you look for?

Here are some ideas.

• Is it really international or just local with an international name?

• Do they have a part-time or fullday program?

• What time do sessions start and finish?

• What sor t of activities do the children do?

• Do the children have a scheduled rest during the day?

• How many children do they have attending?

• H ow l o n g h ave t h e y b e e n operating?

• Do they have outdoor and indoor areas for children to play and learn?

• What resources and equipment do they have to support children’s learning?

• Do they provide any additional help and support to under 5s with special education needs?

• Is the facility safe and clean?

• Where is the first-aid kit and do they know how to use it?

• Are there age-appropriate books and toys?

• Is there a safe outdoor play area with adequate shade?

• Does the classroom provide a variety of activities or “centers”?

• Is the atmosphere fun and inviting?

• Do the children seem happy?

• Do you yourself feel good here?

Trust your gut!

Meeting the teacher is one of the most important aspects of choosing a preschool. If he or she answers your questions warmly and attentively, and you are happy with the feeling the teacher gives you, then it’s safe to say you found a good fit.

Teachers love knowing that you

are ready to par tner with them in your child’s education, so ask as many questions as you can.

Visit the Boss Now, it is time to meet the director.

Here’s a quick checklist of things you’ll want to talk to the director about when you visit.

• About the money, what are the payments and what you get for each fee? Is there an enrolment fee? Is there a separate application fee? What does the tuition fee cover? Are field trips included? Is lunch included? What does the uniforms cost? Make it clear that now is the time to be honest. If there are other costs that surface later, you will remove your child.

• How do they punish bad behavior?

• What are the safety procedures for dropping off and picking up children?

• How will the kindergar ten or preschool communicate with you? (Newsletters, emails, apps, conferences?)

• Are they licensed or in other ways meet safety requirements and provides adequate staffing?

What the preschool may ask you Most parents forget that the preschool may also have questions. It is a 2-way street.

• Many pre-schools will not take in children that are not toilet trained by the time they star t.

Kindergar tens might be more relaxed and of course nurseries will be OK, but it is an issue the institution would like to ask you about.

• Separation anxiety is another issue.

Can your child be left with others without their parents staying?

• H ow we l l d o e s yo u r c h i l d communicate verbally? This is especially impor tant if they’re not feeling well and need to communicate the issue to the responsible teacher.

• Finally, discipline is an impor tant issue. The teacher might want to know how you scold your child at home when he or she behaves badly.

October 2019 • ScandAsia 23

The perfect choice for young learners – HARROW Bangkok Article by Richard Green

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ore and more parents in Thailand are realising the benefits of sending their children to an international school so there is stiff competition for places at the best. However, enrolling your child in the Early Years will give them an advantage.

With its world-class reputation, here Kate Umpleby, Head of the Early Years Phase at Harrow Bangkok, explains why she believes her Early Years Centre (EYC) will give your child the advantage and star t them on the high achieving path that many Harrow Bangkok graduates have taken.

“Above anything else, the children’s needs come first. The children’s safety, the children’s happiness, their wellbeing; that is absolutely paramount to us because without that the learning can’t happen,” Kate assures. “And the children in the EYC do feel safe and happy.They are taught by experienced, compassionate teachers, teaching assistants and child care assistants who follow rigorous health and safety and safeguarding procedures.”

24 ScandAsia • October 2019

As for the learning, Harrow Bangkok Early Years deliver through a play-based approach, guided by the British Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and with a strong emphasis on developing the foundations of the core basic skills of reading, writing and mathematics.

“Through our play-based thematic approach, children are learning and they don’t even realize it – they think they’re playing. There is a strong

emphasis on exploration, investigation and creativity. It is a child-led approach where the children choose what they want to do and how they want to use the resources available.The adults join the children, at times guiding their play and gently steering it to meet the objectives of the curriculum,” explains Kate.

“Children learn through their play.

It allows them to explore, discover, negotiate , take r isks, constr uct meaning and solve problems, all in a safe way. With a play-based curriculum, skilled teachers capitalise on the young lear ner’s natur al desire to play and build learning opportunities around it.”

“For play-based learning to be effective the right environment is key. Spaces are skilfully set up to maximise learning oppor tunities.

Ever y single object has a purpose.

It could be to facilitate language and communication, develop numeric skills, creativity, enquiry or investigation; the key skills children will need for the future. In action, some classes at the moment have pet shops as their role play areas. It’s a fun

play environment from the children’s per spective but for teacher s, it provides numerous oppor tunities for developing skills across the curriculum. For English, students develop associated vocabular y, for social and emotional development they practise caring for living things, scientific understanding is developed by identifying the characteristics of different types of animals, for maths it might be number recognition by buying and selling.”

“For our future generations these skills are going to be absolutely crucial. We need children who are willing to investigate, problem-solve and take risks with a high level of emotional intelligence. Through child initiated, play-based learning that’s what they’re doing. They’re building confidence to investigate, negotiate, communicate, and even if they’re not quite sure how it’s going to work out, they just go for it!,” Kate insists.

All teachers and staff in the Early Years Centre at Harrow Bangkok are highly qualified, experienced and passionate about providing the very best for every child. The EYC is

a purpose-built centre designed for learners aged 18 months to 5 years old. Their state-of-the-ar t facilities include 3 playgrounds, numerous outdoor shared learning spaces, a soft play room, a music room, dining room, Thai Studies room, adventure playground and splash play areas. The school’s 35 acre garden campus gives children room to grow and soon getting there will be even easier with Harrow Bangkok’s private access road.

To see our wor ld-class campus yourself, arrange a visit by emailing enquiry@harrowbangkok.ac.th

October 2019 • ScandAsia 25

The Importance of Communication

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entral to ISB’s philosophy of holistic education is its focus on personal improvement.

This commitment takes many forms, including physical activities, creative projects and performances, community involvement, and many other initiatives that go beyond the confines of the traditional classroom environment.

Among the essential skills for children to develop are those related to speech and language. Verbal and written communication are at the heart of their interactions with the world, but sometimes young learners need extra support to help them meet the challenges of this delicate field. That’s why at International School Bangkok (ISB) we provide several specialists with particular expertise in helping children develop clear communication skills.

A speech-language pathologist (SLP) can help with all elements of communication, from the formation of sounds, as well as other voice and fluency issues – all the way to basic literacy, a cognitive understanding of language, and practice navigating social situations. These skills pave the way toward success in many other areas of life, and can therefore be considered core needs of young learners. In order to achieve these goals, SLPs need to be able to break down complex ideas into parts that can be easily understood, absorbed, and replicated by learners.

26 ScandAsia • October 2019

ISB employs 2 SLPs who are licensed by the American SpeechLanguage Hear ing Association, and cer tified as Speech-Language Pathologists, and are cer tified to work with students from grades Pre-K through 12. The SLP supports lear ner s in Elementar y School,

incorporating creative lessons and activities throughout the day to help students gain skills and confidence with understanding language and communicating ideas clearly and effectively. In practice, this means plenty of fun activities for children to par ticipate in, including rhyming games, whole body listening exercises, and countless other enjoyable routines to give learners experience with the creative use of new speech and language concepts. These activities involve students of all ages at the Elementary School, from PreKindergarten through Grade 5.

The benefits of this approach are enormous, and go beyond the foundation of having a happy and comfortable learning environment. Each activity is carefully designed to be emotionally engaging, while also developing the learners’ communicative abilities, which include voice, articulation/phonology (speech sounds), literacy, language comprehension, speaking fluency, and social skills. Indeed, by teaching selected games and self-improvement exercises to children, we give them the motivation to become self-directed, self-managing learners. Such an environment also allows young learners to feel empowered as they develop, grow, and thrive.

Exploration at the KIS Early Years Centre

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oung children love to ask questions, play and explore.

T h e E a r l y Ye a r s ( E Y ) programme at KIS International School guides children to learn through this natural curiosity. KIS has some of the best, most dedicated and experienced teachers who ask questions, promote inquiry and set up play scenarios and activities that challenge young children in their thinking and decision making.

Our new and bright classrooms have lovely indoor and outdoor areas for role play, water play, sand play, building, drawing, sculpting, reading, technology and more. Each area is designed specifically to teach certain concepts such as the fundamentals of math, science, phonics or creativity through fun activities.

There is plenty of oppor tunity for our little ones to play outside.

Children in the Early Years can use all the school facilities, including a dedicated EY libr ar y, paddlingand swimming pools, wonderful playgrounds, a large grass spor ts field and sports halls. They may also take field trips into the secondary school to visit the science labs!

Our Early Years Programme starts with a 1:6 teacher to student ratio to ensure that each child gets the best care and right amount of attention as they star t their exciting lifelong journey of learning. Safety and child protection measures are in place so you can rest assured that your child is in good hands.

We invite you to come for a visit and be inspired by the knowledge, inspiration and spirit at KIS! For more information please contact admissions@kis.ac.th or visit www.kis.ac.th

October 2019 • ScandAsia 27

King’s College International School Bangkok “A great heart takes you further” Officially opening in August 2020, King’s College International School Bangkok instils the values of good manners, kindness and wisdom in all its students, whilst also offering outstanding academic and cocurricular oppor tunities. The vision of engaging, inspiring and extending each child ensures they will develop into well-rounded young adults who become valuable members of society.

One of the wor ld’s leading British schools with nearly 200 years of histor y, King’s College School, Wimbledon will soon launch in its third international location, Bangkok, its first ASEAN country.

King's College School, Wimbledon has received numerous awards and consistently ranks among the UK’s top five schools for exam scores and among the very top schools in

28 ScandAsia • October 2019

national league tables. Recent awards include: • Independent School of the Year (2014/2015) • London Independent Secondary School of the Year (2017/2018) • The Sunday Times IB School of the Year (2012, 2009) • Great for Sixth Form (2018) • Best for IB (2016, 2014)

“This is a testament to the students’ academic excellence ,” says Head Master Andrew Halls, a leader in British education. “However, King’s College School, Wimbledon's focus is on more than just public examinations. We want to help our students become kind, curious and well-mannered people who are valued in society as well. This is because we believe that a great heart is central to future success and happiness. Moreover, our speciality is a ‘pastoral care’ system giving children the support and guidance they need to become successful adults. Each child is assigned a tutor, who is there to guide the pupil throughout their time at King’s; this keeps the school informed on all aspects of each student's progress from childhood until graduation."

Over 300 boys and girls have won places at Oxford or Cambridge in the last six years, and over 90% of students achieve their first-choice university offer.

Chairman of the Founding Team of King's College International School, Bangkok is Professor Mr. Sakorn Suksriwong, who up until visiting King's College School, Wimbledon for the first time, had pictured scenes of laborious studying and reading.

On the contrary, he found that the children were encouraged to have fun, and that they enjoyed coming to school each day. “I believe that all parents want their children to be happy, successful, a good person, and grow up to give true value to society,” says Professor Suksriwong.

“We would love to create one of the best international schools in Thailand, and we are tr uly committed to offering a high-quality education. As a result, when King’s College School, Wimbledon decided to open a school in Bangkok and chose to work with us, I was delighted to help bring a worldclass school to Thailand."

Thomas Banyard, the Founding Head of King's Bangkok, is another person who has played a significant role in building a successful King's College International School in Bangkok. He explains co-curricular activities as a par t of the curriculum, not as an extension: "Students get to play sport or music, they get to draw or act and conduct science experiments; they get to develop creativity and try new things, and all of this helps to make

them a well-rounded person. For instance, a student might spend their morning in lessons, then play football in the afternoon and enjoy being part of a team. It is this combination of learning and playing that will massively improve their overall performance, because for us, life is about building successes from small to big; it’s about individuals collecting experiences to eventually grow and succeed in their own ways.”

Thomas Banyard achieved a firstclass degree at Oxford University in Physics where he then completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). He taught at Tonbridge, one of the UK’s leading boarding schools, before becoming head of physics and assistant Head Master at King’s College School, Wimbledon. After introducing King’s schools to China, he became head of international schools as well as director of the co-curricular programme. Throughout his time at university, he was an enthusiastic spor tsman with strong team spirit, and served as captain of the Queen’s College cricket team. He also became a youth coach for a variety of sports, including football, rugby, squash and tennis. Thomas Banyard is married to Rachel Banyard, and their two daughters will study at King's Bangkok.

King’s College Inter national School Bangkok will be situated in the prestigious Ratchada-Rama 3 area of Bangkok, with easy access to the fi­nancial district and the city centre.

The school is accepting both male and female students from pre-nursery to Year 6 (age 2-11) and by 2025 will be open to Year 13 (age 18). We are now taking applications for the academic year 2020-2021, as well as deferred entry for future years.

For more information, please contact admissions@kingsbangkok. com or visit www.kingsbangkok.com Tel +66 (2) 295 4499

October 2019 • ScandAsia 29

Not a Normal Day in Class: The Empowering, Dynamic Open Minds Programme at CIS

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he first of its kind in Singapore, the Canadian International School (CIS) Open Minds Programme takes kids outside the classroom to bring learning to life.

Close your eyes and picture a favourite field trip from your school days. Do you remember what you built? What the air smelled like? What the food tasted like? When you take learning outside the classroom, lessons become much more vivid and impactful. Sure kids can read textbooks or watch videos, but personal experience always makes abstract concepts more concrete.

The innovative Open Minds Programme at CIS uses authentic learning experiences in settings outside the classroom to teach kids about the world around them. Students in Grades 1 to 6 get to participate in the programme, and every student gets four Open Minds experiences over the course of a school year! And these offsite excursions are much more than just a routine school trip where kids get off the bus and look at stuff. Instead, students engage in stimulating hands-on activities like games, experiments, and role playing.

For example, students recently stepped into the shoes of a botanist

30 ScandAsia • October 2019

at Bollywood Veggies, where they collected their own data – smelling, touching and tasting the plants – rather than just rely on someone else’s discoveries.

With Open Minds, it’s learning from experience – rather than being spoonfed information – that encour-

ages learning ownership. Just as students grow and change throughout their school years, Open Minds is also changing and adapting. It’s been running for 13 years, but each year the programme is different.

Learning this way is more rich and authentic. It encourages creativity and connects their school lessons to the outside world. Ultimately, the kids learn to think and solve problems in open minded ways.

“One of the things students like about Open Minds is that it is completely different from a normal day in class, and they don’t know what they’re going to experience,” says CIS Lakeside campus Primary School Principal Angela Hollington. “They really enjoy becoming an ‘expert’ for the day – they really feel empowered.”

To learn more about CIS and their Open Minds Programme, contact their admissions team here or call (+65) 6734 8088.

October 2019 • ScandAsia 31

The Right Pre-School Environment!

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alking through the pre-school cor r idor s, classrooms and spaces at GESS, even adults would be intrigued enough to stop and tinker with a thing or two, along the way, out of curiosity.

And no one can ever feel too old for a pre-school classroom; thanks to the pre-school teachers’ wizardry, there is always something around to fascinate and capture our imaginations!

If you ever ask one of the GESS teacher s what is their secret to setting up such captivating learning spaces, they would whisper that it is all about listening; the pre-school children themselves provide all the inspiration one needs.

By being very attentive to what the children are interested in and curious about at various points, the teachers set up a variety of open-ended experiences. They never force a child to interact with a setup in a fixed way but keep all setups open enough for children to use their own imagination and ways of experimenting and they are also always available for a child to walk up and venture on a journey of exploration. Children are free to challenge the norms and discover new knowledge through that experience!

Just as the Reggio-Emilia Philosophy says, the GESS Pre-School sees the environment as the ‘third teacher’ to children. The environment

32 ScandAsia • October 2019

‘teaches’ by simply offering the possibilities for children to explore, experiment, research, imagine and draw conclusions without being told how everything works.

And of course, the teachers never let any of the setups and prompts in the environment stagnate. Just as children begin to ask different questions and bring in different experiences from the outside world into the classroom, the classroom environment evolves to match the children’s new learning desires with a lot of input coming from the little ones themselves.

Apar t from the setups in the classroom, at GESS, students also enjoy exceptional age-appropriate facilities that have been built ver y intentionally. From a Maker Space, full of possibilities for young curious minds, to a Light Atelier, which never fails to fascinate, and an outdoor sensor y garden, that engages all of the senses,

there are oppor tunities aplenty for learning to take place organically and for children to develop their physical and intellectual capabilities in the most natural way possible.

But of course, none of this would really matter if a child were to never feel safe or comfor table enough.

Therefore, GESS pays extra attention to making sure that the environment makes children feel safe physically, psychologically and emotionally.

Teacher s ensure the pre-school environment is a positive one free of aggressive and bullying tendencies from peers and full of supportive and responsive teachers to help children trust they are truly free to explore and learn.

The next time you are on the hunt for the right pre-school for your child, pay attention to the learning space and ask yourself how well it has been designed with a child’s behaviour patterns and needs in mind.

If you are interested to learn more about enrolling your child in the GESS Pre-School, visit us at our Open House: https://info.gess.sg/ open-houses GESS 2 Dairy Farm Lane, Singapore 677621 www.gess.sg +65 6461 0881 (Admissions Hotline)

October 2019 • ScandAsia 33

Would You Let Your 3 Year Old Cook?

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he preparation and consumption of food amongst all people typically incites conversation and emotion.

At Bangkok Patana, Ear ly Year s teachers use food as a learning focus for many areas including literacy, language acquisition and science.

In the school’s Foundation Stage building, a central area is devoted to specially built mini kitchens. Research suggests that involving children in the kitchen can teach healthy eating habits and introduce new vocabulary in a practical environment. The mini kitchens in the open environment of Bangkok Patana’s Foundation Stage allow the students to develop independence, dexterity and basic skills such as counting.

Recently, one class began by looking closely at their favourite fruits and vegetables. One of the teaching assistants shared her favourite Som Tam recipe and the children had a tr y at making it themselves. They had to first understand the recipe, then prepare and cut the vegetables, measure quantities and finally serve it to their friends. This even provided an opportunity for some children to be risk-takers and taste the preparation – nearly everyone did so!

34 ScandAsia • October 2019

Another class got their chefs hats on to tr y making gingerbread. The children really enjoyed the activity, but the teachers noticed the children were finding it difficult to predict details about the cooking process.

So together, they first examined the bread thinking carefully about how it looked, smelt and felt. The children learnt some descriptive language using English, Thai and Mandarin. It was fantastic to hear them creating verbal bridges between the languages.

They decided to toast some of the bread they made, but the toast gave everyone a surprise when it popped

out of the toaster before it was expected. This precipitated a great discussion about safety.

Some students asked how the toast could change back to bread and others suggested putting it back in the toaster to help. They were amazed to see and smell the smoke and to feel the burnt toast when it popped out again. A discussion of the dangers of burning items ensued with the children remembering their fire alarm drill from a few days previous.

After seeing the process of bread, to toast to very burnt toast, they began to understand that some changes

cannot be undone - great chemistry!

By this stage the children were very excited to choose their own setting for the toaster and to sample the product. They took turns to toast the bread and then selected butter, strawberr y jam or marmalade to spread on their toast. For three and four-year-old children, this is a difficult physical process as it is a balance between pressure and movement.

Being in the kitchen, is a fun experience that offers a wealth of learning and development. One cooking activity is able to promote all areas of the early years curriculum and because children enjoy the experience so much, they are not even aware they are working hard and learning! Baking is a sensor y experience involving all five senses making it a more memorable and engaging experience for the children.

Cooking also gives children knowledge about food, where it comes from and what is healthy and unhealthy; valuable information to give to children in order to encourage them to make sensible food choices.

It also suppor ts self-help skills and provides a chance to learn some delicious recipes.

admissions@patana.ac.th Tel: +66 (0) 2785 2200 www.patana.ac.th Bangkok Patana is a not for profit, IB World School accredited by2019 CIS • ScandAsia 35 October

PreK at RIS

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uamr udee International School offers an accredited early childhood program specifically developed for children aged two to five years old. This highly regarded early learning program is based on developmentally appropriate practices and the internationally renowned Reggio Emilia philosophy of education. Inspired by early childhood schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy, the emphasis places each child at the center of his or her own learning and recognizes that even the youngest of children have wonderful ideas and interests to share. Building from each child’s strengths, children are then able to pursue their own interests and grow and develop at their own pace.

Anyone visiting our PreK classrooms will obser ve learning environments that have been intentionally designed to meet our children’s developmental needs. Our ear ly childhood educators believe in establishing meaningful and positive relationships with young children.

Through these relationships, the children and teachers learn alongside one another as the curriculum emerges based on the children’s interests and discoveries.

Our structured yet open-ended play-based program runs from 7:10 am – 2:40 pm, five days a week.

Purpose-built classrooms on the 29acre gated and secure campus in the Bangkok suburb of Minburi are full of natural light and materials.

Children have room to explore the outdoors—running, riding tricycles or bicycles, and chasing bubbles to their young hear ts’ content, all the while learning in a community setting that is focused on developing their whole selves and preparing them for a lifetime of learning.

In addition to classes with a low student-to-teacher ratio, children learn from native English-speaking

teacher s using a curriculum that meets the unique interests and strengths of each child and fosters their intellectual and creative abilities, which are critical to future learning.

The children also explore and learn with specialists in specific subjects such as art, library, music, movement, swimming, technology, and the Thai language.

We invite you to visit and see for yourself what makes our program the best in the region!

“Ruamrudee International School is a great first step into the world of education. It not only has the

establishment of one of the oldest international schools in Thailand but has an intimate, family environment that my child really flourishes in. The faculty and support staff are amazing and know each individual child, which is not easy to find anymore. If you are looking for a close-knit, akin-to-family environment for your child to truly grow in with excellent academic success, then this is the school for you.”

— Matthew H, PreK parent “RIS has an amazing preschool with per severing educator s. The meticulous, skillfully crafted curriculum has shaped our son’s character and social skills, turning him from a toddler into a thriving youngster.

The classrooms and outdoor areas are thoughtfully laid out with wellplanned activities that engage our son mentally and physically. We are much obliged to the people who created and participate in this program.The teachers, staff, and children are part of a truly positive, warm, and caring experience. Thank you.” — Sophia F, PreK parent “The Early Years Program is a warm, rich learning environment that helped my son blossom from a toddler into a thriving youngster. He looks forward to going to school and sincerely enjoys learning. The curriculum has exceeded our expectations and his literacy/comprehension skills have grown further than most.

Thank you ver y much for Barr y's great jumpstart in life.” — Bruce H, PreK parent

October 2019 • ScandAsia 39

How the Performing Arts can benefit your child

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usic, dance and drama play a crucial role in enabling students to develop into intelligent, confident and well-rounded global citizens.

The performing arts are creative keys that can unlock your child’s imagination and significantly transform their education. Learning music, dance and drama has widereaching benefits for children, providing them with the tools to think creatively and innovatively. Studies show that students who participate in the performing arts achieve more academically, paying dividends in the classroom and preparing them for success now and in the future.

The performing ar ts have numerous benefits for children. They are a medium for self-expression, encouraging children to explore their emotions, expand their imagination and help them develop their own, unique voice, engaging their brain, body and emotions in different ways to encourage confidence. Learning to appreciate and engage in music, dance and drama from different cultures, communities and traditions is an impor tant component in helping children develop into true global citizens, promoting empathy and compassion. Alongside physical education, the performing ar ts help children with body control, awareness and fitness, encouraging positive lifestyle choices and help to reinforce the habits of health and wellbeing. Finally, the performing arts promote physical and personal development and help children find joy in self-expression.

Exposure to the performing arts from an early age can help children learn to communicate effectively and connect with others intellectually and emotionally acquiring skills such as poise, focus and overcoming anxiety, which best

40 ScandAsia • October 2019

prepares them for presenting, communicating and leading in the future.

The Juilliard School is a world leader in performing arts education. Founded in 1905, Juilliard’s mission is to provide the highest calibre of artistic education for gifted musicians, dancers and actors from around the world. St Andrews International School Bangkok, par t of the Nord Anglia Education family of schools, is proud of its collaboration with the Juilliard School and the benefits it brings to our students. Teachers work together with Curriculum Specialists from Juilliard to enhance the way they teach the performing arts and promote excellence, inspiring your child to engage and connect with music, dance and drama at a deeper level through a first-class learning experience.

“The performing arts are able to touch the mind, the heart and the soul like nothing else. They inspire us and move us, as well as contributing to academic, social and personal growth. The arts develop in our students a wide range of the qualities and attributes needed to flourish in the 21st centur y and beyond,” said Andy Puttock, Education Director for Nord Anglia Education.

St Andrews was founded in 1997 on an attractive, conveniently located site, with excellent facilities and access to local transpor tation. Today we have approximately 1,900 students over two campuses, representing some 55 nationalities ranging from Foundation Stage to Year 13.

Schedule a visit to our Primary School at Sukhumvit 71 or our High School next to Ekkamai BTS to learn more about our exciting collaborations. www.standrews.ac.th

October 2019 • ScandAsia 41

Varee chiang Mai

Varee Chiangmai International School offers students from 2-5 years old an active and hands-on learning experience within our Early Years Department.

Our native English speaking foreign teacher s are fully qualified with degrees in education. One foreign teacher and a teaching assistant support each class with a maximum of 20 students, providing quality education, encouraging independence and teaching social skills to students from a range of different backgrounds and cultures.

Students have the opportunity to learn and discover within an engaging environment. One aspect of our Early Years is the “Free Flow and Carousal� period, where teachers prepare a variety of stations that aline with a unit topic. This promotes student choice and introduces numeracy and literacy skills in an interactive way.

These lear ning center s offer oppor tunities for the students to create, imagine and participate in role play, as well as reinforcing maths skills, enhancing fine motor function and kinesthetic exploration. Investigating

and interacting with learning topics in a way which is engaging and helps to develop holistic skills for young learners.

Our Early Years at Varee Chiangmai International is a time for students to absorb a new world within a safe environment. A school where our teachers also encourage students to be curious, ask questions, develop their confidence and interact well with their peers, preparing them to begin their journey for an education beyond tomorrow.

October 2019 • ScandAsia 43

We think beyond traditional education to

transform learning.

We inspire our students to achieve academic excellence together with a sense of adventure and the compassion to make the world a better place.

Be Ambitious Be Regents Admissions@regents-pattaya.co.th www.regents-pattaya.co.th

Be Ambitious Be Regents 44 ScandAsia • October 2019

Helping abused and migrant children in Pattaya: Hoping for Danish support Text and photo by Sigrid Friis Neergaard

U

pon entering the big, pink building, several small heads turn to look at me. Some of the children giggle and some put their hands together in front of their chest and bow their head in the traditional Thai greeting known as Wai. They are all wearing pink uniforms.

“Pink is eye-catching,” says Siromes Akrapongpanich, assistant director of the Human Help Network Foundation Thailand (HHNFT) in Pattaya.

The colour gives a feeling of having entered a happy place with lots of love and warmth. And that is exactly what the HHNFT Drop-In Center is supposed to be.

It is a centre for migrant children. About 80 percent of the approximately 90 children are from Cambodia. The remaining are mostly from Myanmar.

“A lot of migrants come to work in construction sites in Pattaya. Some bring their children to work, but it is not a safe place for children,” says Siromes Akrapongpanich.

“Some children stay in the campsites (where the migrants live) during the day but there they are in risk of abuse or even trafficking. And they don’t get any education.”

The centre thus acts as a school for the children. But the main aim is not for the children to get an academic education.

Educational challenges

The real purpose of the HHNFT Drop-In Center is to provide a safe space for the children to develop.

“Some of the children are only at the centre for a couple weeks before they migrate so there is a constant turnover with new children every week. Therefore, we have to start from the beginning all the time,” Siromes Akrapongpanich tells me.

“The important thing is to show them, that they can be what they want. They are brilliant children and they really embrace everything.”

Many of the children have never even gone to school, so it’s almost impossible to follow a standard curriculum as age and knowledge do not go hand in hand.

“But the children are very proud to be here. To them it is a school, not a centre,” says Siromes Akrapongpanich.

He adds that some migrant children even try to sneak into the trucks that pick up the children in the campsites in the morning. Unfortunately, the centre can’t help all the

The children are very proud to be here. To them it is a school, not a centre.

children in need. According to Siromes Akrapongpanich they only have capacity to help about four percent of the migrant children in the area.

Fortunately, other organisations have started copying the HHNFT or made their own program to help. In the business of helping children there is no such thing as competition, so Siromes Akrapongpanich is only grateful when other people focus on the issue.

A helping hand from Denmark

Siromes Akrapongpanich’s dream is to expand the centre with new buildings allowing for a larger intake of migrant children. And it might just be realistic in the future.

The assistant director recently came back from Denmark, where he met with Kasper Nesager-Hansen, chairman of the Danish association Netværk for Adoption & Børnehjælp (Network for Adoption and Child Help), NAB. As of now, NAB is newly started and thus can’t help much but the plan is that it becomes a link between Danish donors and HHNFT. For Christmas in 2018 for instance, NAB was asked for help in donating presents for the children.

“There isn’t enough money for both presents and food for the children. It might seem trivial or even abundant to buy presents but giving these children a Christmas present has a huge effect on them. It means a lot to have a happy

October 2019 • ScandAsia 45

memories from your childhood,” Kasper Nesager-Hansen says.

He elaborates that a bond between Denmark and Pattaya dates back to pre-HHNFT times when the American Priest Father Ray started helping Thai children in the 1970’s. Denmark was one of the main donors and the connection to Denmark is therefore traditionally strong.

Later, the organisation split and HHNFT is one of the outcomes.

When NAB was hoping to collect the equivalence of about 15,000 Baht Kasper Nesager-Hansen could almost not believe his own eyes, when a full 55,000 Baht were collected for presents.

“It indicates how strong the bond is between Danish donors and the network in Thailand,” Kasper Nesager-Hansen says.

Telling right from wrong

While it is not the ultimate goal to give the children an academic education at the HHNFT Drop-In Center, Siromes Akrapongpanich does consider one thing very important apart from learning Thai and English for communication.

“The children must learn what is safe versus harmful touching. Many don’t learn this, but it is important that they can tell right from wrong in the campsites,” he says.

“Next, they learn basic communication skills and sanitation.”

The children eat lunch inside, which is what Siromes Akrapongpanich believes to be the only meal most of the children get during the day. Therefore, the plates are filled with large portions and the children are free to help themselves to more food.

Today, they are having Pad Krapow Gai with omelette and watermelon for dessert.

46 ScandAsia • October 2019

The children help serve the food and afterwards they take turns cleaning the dishes.

Outside, next to the open class rooms, where donated school bags hang on the chairs, a few girls are brushing their teeth and others are showering. Older children help dry and powder the younger children. It’s all part of the learning goals. Staying clean and being helpful towards others.

The centre has even proved to have another unforeseen benefit.

“We tell the parents that if they are violent in the campsites their children can’t come to the centre. This has a preventive effect we did not expect,” says Siromes Akrapongpanich and tells me that violence and crime rate has decreased remarkably in the campsites as the parents respect the centre and want their children to attend classes.

The children are also encouraged to meditate daily to learn how to stay calm and energised.

Learning with the kids

After visiting the Drop-In Center, Siromes Akrapongpanich takes me to another project by the HHNFT – the Child Protection and Development Center (CPDC), a shelter for abused children.

On the way he tells me, why he chose to start working for the HHNFT about a year and a half ago.

Siromes Akrapongpanich used to be a flight attendant but he started dreaming of helping people. Since he started working for the HHNFT he feels that he has found his call.

He has two kids of 4 and 6 years so helping children achieve a better life is very near to his heart.

And he also grows personally from it.

“Working with children you constantly have to think about what you say and how you act because they copy you. So, if you tell them to have patience, it is important to be patient yourself. You can’t yell at someone that they should be calm,” he says.

Process over outcome

We arrive at the CPDC, where the children mostly come from Pattaya or nearby villages. Most of them have been sexually and/or physically abused.

At the shelter, they get a break from a rough life. They can play sports, get new friends and even do agriculture and get funds for an education.

There is a gate, but Siromes Akrapongpanich says that it is open, as the shelter is not a prison, so the children can leave if they wanted to.

“If you keep people captured, they will try to escape.

By keeping the gate open and saying that they are free to leave, they won’t do so. It has never happened.”

The shelter is almost self-supplying as they grow their own vegetables and have their own egg-laying chickens, ducks, pigs and crickets.

The children help with the crops once in a while and if something goes wrong or they fail something, it doesn’t matter.

“It is all about the process and not the outcome,” Siromes Akrapongpanich says.

“These children have to learn that it is okay to fail at something and that they will not get punished if they make a mistake.”

“Shouldn’t exist”

dren turn 18 they can choose to leave or stay as they no longer need permission from their parents. 23-year-old Tee has decided to stay because CPDC has become her home.

When she arrived just before turning 17, she was scared of leaving her father and brother in her home village for the CPDC. Now, she is scared to leave the CPDC because it has become her new home.

“In the beginning I was scared, but I gradually started feeling better. Now I feel safe here. It is like one big family.

I am scared to live on my own now,” Tee says.

But she got her bachelor’s in biological agriculture, and now she is going to Australia for three months to improve her English.

Siromes Akrapongpanich proudly watches and translates what Tee reports.

There is no doubt, that he is very passionate about the cause. As are the other employees.

“No one is here for the money, because then they would be disappointed as there aren’t a lot of money in the business. They are here because they have a good heart and they want to help.”

Siromes Akrapongpanich does not promise to provide a sustainable solution to the never-ending problem of crimes against children. Last year, in 2018, the shelter celebrated its 10 year anniversary, but even after helping about 300 children throughout the period, there is no sign of such crimes decreasing in the community.

When asked about what the ultimate goal is for HHNFT, Siromes Akrapongpanich therefore has a clear answer.

“That we do not exist. When children are not being abused anymore, there is no need for us.”

Most of the children are at school in the local area, but there is one woman at home, when I visit. When the chil-

October 2019 • ScandAsia 47

Allan Ottesen:

My dad planned my future in Thailand

48 ScandAsia • October 2019

Sometimes I couldn’t get into clubs in Denmark, because I looked foreign.

And in Thailand I sometimes can’t get in because I don’t look foreign.

Text and photo by Sigrid Friis Neergaard

A

llan Ottesen was six years old when he and his mother s w a p p e d Pa d T h a i a n d beaches for Danish meatballs and rain, while his father stayed in Thailand.

“My mum is a Thai living in Denmark, and my dad is a Dane living in Thailand,” Allan says.

He lived with his mother and stepfather in Brønshøj in the Northern part of Copenhagen and went to school in the centre of the capital as a child.

Later, he went to business college and spent half a year in Australia before he decided to study financing at Syddansk University in Copenhagen.

But after 20 years in Denmark, Allan’s father, Ib Ottesen, was ready to bring his son back to Thailand, so he could give a hand with his businesses.

The Residence Garden near Pattaya City and Jomtien Boathouse.

Furthermore, the plan was to extend the business with apar tments in Jomtien.

“I basically got a flight ticket in the post, the day I completed my bachelor’s degree,” Allan says.

“Apparently my dad’s plan all along was that I should go to Thailand.”

And though moving to Thailand was not initially in Allan’s calendar, it did not take him long to pack his bags and head for Pattaya, the well-known destination he so often visited anyway.

“My studies were over, so I thought, let’s get going.”

No favourism As soon as Allan arrived, he

discovered that working in Thailand is not comparable to the jobs he had in Denmark.

“I started asking about holiday pay, the union, five-day working weeks, overtime and all that kind of stuff. He (Ib Ottesen) just laughed at me, so we didn’t talk about that again.”

Instead, Ib Ottesen introduced him to his ambitious plans. On a napkin at Jomtien Boathouse.

He wanted to build apar tments just a few streets from where the two were sitting.

“I was going to be the salesperson,” Allan recalls about the day some 12 years back.

Straight out of univer sity, the 25-year-old was now par t of his father’s business and today he is a co-owner along with his father and stepmother.

“It was a short-cut to an executive position,” Allan says but adds that it was not what he intended to do with his university degree.

He was hoping to get a job in the shipping business and get posted somewhere. And though he is his own boss part of the time, he is still part of the duty roster on term with the employees.

“I do everything. I’m a real estate agent, a waiter, you name it.”

Because even though Allan is the son of the boss, he is not favoured in any way according to himself. And it is not a given that he will inherit the business after his father.

But he enjoys his work and he is

open for what the future brings.

Right now, he has no plans of staying and no plans of leaving.

Pros and cons of exotic ethnicity When asked if he misses Denmark, Allan has to think about it.

“Not par ticularly. It’s a bit more fun here (in Pattaya) than back home (in Denmark).”

While he misses his mother and friends, he gets enough of Denmark after a week, he says. Besides, his address makes for a good excuse for his Danish friends to visit Thailand.

He also has Danish friends in Thailand, but to him it does not matter, that they are from Denmark. It is purely coincidence. He always felt at home in both cultures and countries.

Moving to Thailand was therefore no problem for Allan. And as soon as he made the move, he also got a Thai citizenship, because he was born in Thailand.

“It’s definitely an advantage being fluent in two languages and holding two passports.”

But while he is happy that he does not have to struggle with Thailand’s immigration laws, he has also received a bit of headwind due to his mixed genes. In Denmark, he looks fullblooded Thai to everyone, he explains.

“Sometimes I couldn’t get into clubs in Denmark, because I looked foreign. And in Thailand I sometimes can’t get in because I don’t look foreign,” Allan laughs.

October 2019 • ScandAsia 49

Daniela L-V Cassmer: New General Manager of SwedCham China Since August 2019, Daniela L-V Cassmer is the new GM of Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China. Based in Beijing, she has already been in China for over 2.5 years, together with her husband and their three children.

By Joakim Persson

D

aniela L-V Cassmer was appointed General Manager of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China in August 2019.

She is well-qualified for the important job - including having studied Chinese language since she came to China 2.5 years ago.

“Following my husband to China for work – having left an exciting and fun job in Stockholm – I decided that my next project would be to study Mandarin, to make the most of my time in China,” Daniela Cassmer explains.

“I registered immediately at a school for private lessons, which led to taking lessons five days a week.

I also decided to join HSK, where you go from level 1 to 6. I reached HSK 4 level in December 2018 with good margin,” explains Daniela. But it doesn’t stop there.

“I now have the ambition to take the HSK5 test, but it will take time, as it means being able to read around 2400 words and with grammar and speech at a high level. My goal is to reach the level this next summer since I can now only have lessons during Saturdays and Sundays.”

HSK (HanyuShuipingKaoshi) or the Chinese Proficiency Test is an international standardized exam which tests and r ates Chinese language proficiency for foreigners.

Daniella and her family has now lived in Beijing for nearly three years.

She came directly from Stockholm

50 ScandAsia • October 2019

I have a humble approach to this role as General Manager for the SwedCham.

where the family was rooted with work and schools.

“I met my husband in Paris where I lived for 12 years for studies and also working for International Herald Tribune as manager for their classified adver tising depar tment. So the thought of living abroad was not alien to anyone of us,” she explains Before the move she was also Sales Director for Adspiration Media Sales, an international advertising group for Sweden’s leading media titles, where she was responsible for Europe, Asia, and US; managing representatives in those regions and countries.

“I visited Asia ver y sporadically during earlier jobs, as responsible for international adver tising at Swedish daily newspaper SvenskaDagbladet

and at Adspiration for Bonnier News.

I mainly visited Hong Kong and Malaysia. I have not had anything to do with China professionally previously, but thanks to my Mandarin studies and after soon three years in Beijing I have gained good insights into the Chinese culture and business world,” comments Daniela .

“My background within sales, customer relationships, strategic work and with an international touch and approach were probably some of the decisive factors behind that I was appointed to this position. I am a Swedish citizen who has now lived in China for several years, resulting in understanding and insights. I have a humble approach to this role as General Manager for the SwedCham in China, where the capacity to manage multiple parallel processes is a must, while being able also to work side by side with a strong and competent board. Cer tain maturity as a person and regarding experience are needed in order to be able to combine these aspects,” thinks the new GM, who also has an M.B.A in International Business from Schiller International University in Paris.

“Taking a MBA is doing oneself a favour, as one learns decisionmaking and prioritising skills, and gets to do case studies outside the theor y lessons and gains a better understanding of how things can be in practise. And to, in addition, take an M.B.A. in International Business feels

interest in people and businesses and their operations is probably my strongest USP in my role as GM at SwedCham,” Daniela elaborates.

“I am tremendously glad and honoured about this appointment and am viewing with great seriousness my role in such an important organisation such as SwedCham in China today. It’s a big responsibility as we represent over 260 members in China and where the member benefit always comes first.”

Daniela L-V Cassmer

highly relevant given the direction the world is taking, and where one covers areas such as cultural differences etc.

My fellow students came from the whole world, which was also ver y fulfilling and rewarding. They are now spread out in various places in the world and I still remain in contact with most of them.”

Her employer back then, International Herald Tribune (today New York Times), sponsored her education.

“After completing my Diploma I was promoted to become manager for the section I had wor ked at previously, so this education became palpable directly. I held this position for the following six years until I moved back to Sweden in 2005 with my husband and our first child.”

“What will be useful in my new role as General Manager is of course partly my MBA but also the 20 years long wor king experience I have gained, half of it from working in Paris.

I am experienced in anything from leading teams to strategic planning and execution. I am devoted to making a difference and I am a true business developer in parallel to being a trustee. My capacity to be both strategic and tactical, with a strong

SwedCham China’s mission is to promote the conditions for its members to operate in China through networking, events and seminars. It has a very important role when it comes to making it easier for its members to obtain information, knowhow and ‘best practices’.

“We keep our eyes and ears open to the market and together with our colleagues in Team Sweden China we form a strong support and partner for Swedish companies in China.“ Infor mation and networ king are among the provided ser vices most sought-after by the member companies.

“Another function of the chamber that we will give more focus going forward is to offer various courses and education. This autumn, for example, we are offering continuation course in Swedish and management courses, being ver y popular and fulfilling a need among our members.”

On its role going forward the GM says: “We are hoping that Swecham China will become the refer r al that Swedish companies turn to for information and advice on the Chinese market, and together with Business Sweden we can offer additional services to our members in order to effectively penetrate and grow one’s business in China.”

“We are constantly benchmarking against what other chamber of commerce organisations are doing, both within and outside China and want to have a modern and innovative approach towards how we best serve our members. Going forward focus will be on how we best communicate

information via various channels to our members. We’d like our website to increasingly become a focal-point and source of reference where the information flow should be constant, in various forms,” she adds.

Another focus area that the chamber has had since 2019 is Southern China where Shenzhen and Guanghzhou are growing in impor tance for the continuing development of the chamber.

“Together with Team Sweden we are tr ying to map this unchar ted part of China, where more and more Swedish companies are establishing themselves, and where there is an open need for a meeting place like the one Swedham China can offer.

We will develop this further during the latter part of 2019 and into year 2020.”

“We will also continue our collaborations with the other Nordic chamber of commerce organisations in order to jointly reach out better and more effectively to certain target groups. I also hope to be able to develop collaborations with the European Chamber of Commerce, in particular in southern China. As one can notice we care for collaborations, since nobody is really strong on their own!)”

Finally, a comment on whether or not the image of China, from a Swedish perspective, has changed in recent years: “The China image from the perspective of the Swedish companies who are active in China is that it is still seen as a ver y interesting and impor tant mar ket for them.

Swedish companies in China are highly successful over all. Everything evolves very fast here in China within technology, especially in the Greater Bay area, which is extremely dynamic.

They are highly successful within innovation and technology there; something we in Sweden can benefit from through partnerships. In Sweden it is possibly so that there is increasing distrust in China and certain critical voices are heard in media but this is not something we who operate in China are affected by.”

October 2019 • ScandAsia 51

52 ScandAsia • October 2019

Having a drink at a Scandinavian bar in Pattaya: Where is everybody?

Text and photo by Sigrid Friis Neergaard

P

attaya is not as busy as it used to be. Or so I am told, as I sit down at the bar Bryghuset in Jomtien for a drink. Mind you, it is low season and the rain has been trickling down all day.

However, the street, Soi White House, is usually packed with people in search of a cold beer and good company regardless of the weather forecast, allegedly.

But it’s 8pm and I only see a handful of people. Most of them are at Br yghuset and the neighbouring bar, Hønsehuset. Across the street at Mama’s Bar and Drop In Bar, Thai women sit outside on chairs and chat.

When someone strolls by, the women yell compliments and tr y to attract them to the bar. Tonight, they are unsuccessful. They turn to each other to continue their conversation.

Cheap beer but no buyers

Looking up and down the street, colourful flags meet the eye. Mostly Danish, Norwegian and Thai flags. Red, white and dark blue.

Among the locals I meet, the street is known as Soi Denmark due to an extensive amount of Danish-owned bars and restaurants.To top it all off Hotel Danmark marks

the end of the street.

To my left sits a man. I will call him Thomas*.

Thomas arrived Thailand that same morning.

He tells me that at 50 Baht, the beer is cheapest here at Bryghuset. I can only agree that the pleasant atmosphere is another plus.

Thomas is from Denmark and fell in love with Pattaya many years ago, when he and his Danish girlfriend, at the time, came for a vacation. His current girlfriend is from Thailand and they met a year ago.

Thomas visits her as often as possible, but he tells me that fewer people have been coming every year.

Without me asking, he eager ly tells me about relationships between Thai women and Scandinavian men.

People are too judgemental without having seen Pattaya for themselves, he says. Sure, you can find prostitutes, if you wish to, but it is just as easy to avoid them.

I order an Irish Coffee. Thomas is drinking Rum and Coke.

Don’t believe all you read

Danish music is playing in the background. Dodo and the Dodos sing about insomnia caused by a heartbreak in

The streets and bars used to be full of people, but over the past 10 years the local people and tourism has decreased.

October 2019 • ScandAsia 53

Vågner om natten before Kim Larsen’s melancholic song about appreciating the short periods of happiness in a long lifetime in Papirsklip comes on.

We are sitting on bar stools at a long table parallel to the street.

A drunk Norwegian on the right side of me interrupts my conversation with Thomas. Unrelated to the ongoing conversation, Roland* wants to tell me that climate change is a hoax and that scientists have not been able to prove the occurrence of it.

It is an issue that people bluntly believe what they read instead of being critical. Because Roland read, that global warming is a lie.

I order another drink – this time I go for a beer.

A possibly even more drunk Norwegian man shows up.

Let’s call him Svend*. He has lived in Denmark and starts speaking a drunken mix between Norwegian, Danish and English. I can’t tell if it’s a result of good or bad language skills. Or maybe just of too much beer.

Meanwhile, street vendors come and go, trying to sell cigarettes, grilled chicken, noodle soups, wrist watches and even clothes. It appears they outnumber the guests in Soi White House.

Eventually, the two Norwegian men start arguing, in English, about education in Germany. I would like to report the context, but I’m not sure there ever was one. Thomas and his girlfriend leave, Svend bets Roland one million (currency unknown) that he is right, I lean back and enjoy

54 ScandAsia • October 2019

the show.

I doubt they will ever settle the bet. But most of all, I doubt that either of them will remember the argument in the morning.

Flirt and fries

Soi White House is just the tip of the ice berg of Scandinavian bars.

Back in the city, in the other end of Pattaya at Cafe Kronborg, Danish owner Bjarne Nielsen tells me about Soi Buakhao or Nørrebrogade (which is a busy street running from central Copenhagen through the Northern part of

the city) as he and his friends call it.

Like the culturally diverse Nørrebrogade in Denmark, the Pattaya-version does not only have Danish bars. It is a busy street with many nationalities, bars and street food vendors.

The vibrant vibe at Kåres Party Bar attracts me. I spot mostly middle-aged to older Norwegian men and Thai waitresses. One of them brings out a plate of french fries, and I ask to order some. But I am told to go inside, where I can get them myself. There is a cold buffet with cold fries and some salat.

I meet Bjørn* from Norway. He is busy flirting with the Thai waitresses, but he manages to somewhat keep a conversation going with me about the weather in Thailand.

I guess Scandinavian small talk does not change much, just because the climate does.

The same story

I leave Bjørn to the waitresses and make my way to the other end of the street. I pass by Hotel Dania, Smile Bar and Swiss Bar to name a few of the bars that have either the Danish or Norwegian flag decorating the front. And the Thai flag, always the Thai flag next to a Scandinavian flag.

In this part of the street, there are barely any people even though it’s 1am on a Saturday.

Outside, at Valhalla, I find a few Danish men, among them the Danish owner. A couple of the other guests look

like they are ready for bed.

I get the same story here: The streets and bars used to be full of people, but over the past 10 years the population and tourism has decreased.

Several ar ticles reveal, that many bars have had to close. I have heard people blame it on everything – from the strength of the Thai Baht to the immigration rules and Pattaya’s negative reputation in the international media.

Most people blame all three factors.

Common for all the people I have talked to – the owner of The Residence Garden and Jomtien Boathouse, the owner of Cafe Kronborg, the owner of Valhalla and various Scandinavians in bars and restaurants – they all remain positive and wait patiently or impatiently for better times.

I have a soda water while I wait for my taxi home.

Now, you may wonder why there are no direct quotes in the article. It’s not because I’m a bad listener, or I can’t remember what my bar companions said. The simple explanation is that while drunk people can be very fun to be around, they rarely say a whole lot, when they talk. *All names have been changed for the sake of keeping the more or less drunk gentlemen anonymous.

October 2019 • ScandAsia 55

Dane created his own underwear made of bamboo

By Sigrid Friis Neergaard

A

year and a half ago, two Danish men came up with a brilliant plan. Like most other brilliant plans, this one came about over a beer at a bar.

Kenneth and Jens were to make the most comfortable underwear in the world. The perfect underwear.

Today, about a year and a half after that beer, Kenneth Hovmøller spends most of his time thinking about the comfort of other men’s private parts.

“I never wear any other underwear,” says Bangkok-based Kenneth Hovmøller about the garments he produces.

When Danish Kenneth Hovmøller from Svendborg arrived in Vietnam in 2001 to sell cars, he never imagined that about 18 years later he would be sitting at a café in Bangkok showing off the underwear he is selling.

56 ScandAsia • October 2019

Neither did he predict this when he started a dealership of sound systems by Bang & Olufsen in Vietnam and later became a par tner in the same kind of dealership for Thailand.

Or when he started a modelling bureau.

But even though Kenneth Hovmøller had a full plate, there was one thing that made him enter a new business that he didn’t know much about.

“While I was walking around in Thailand and sweating, I thought, why is no one making proper underwear?”

His friend and now business partner, Jens, was already producing clothes for several high end fashion brands in China, so when he and Kenneth Hovmøller discussed the matter, the conclusion was clear. They were to produce underwear together, they just had to create their utopian underwear.

“We made a list of things we desired in a pair of underwear,” Kenneth Hovmøller says.

After trying on about 100 different fabrics, cuts and styles of underwear through one year, eventually, the two came up with The Perfect Underwear which, to them, is in fact the perfect underwear.

Kenneth Hovmøller was especially bothered by his underwear riding up so his favourite feature of The Perfect Underwear is a soft inner panel on

the inside of the thighs to avoid friction and thus ride up.

The intimate piece of garment is made from bamboo which is stretchy in itself as well as antibacterial. This means that it will not smell no matter the amount of sweat produced in the tropical Thai climate according to Kenneth Hovmøller.

The material is naturally climate adjusting as well, meaning that it keeps the private parts warm in colder conditions and cool in hot conditions.

Even when exercising.

Now, let’s just clear one thing before reading on.

If you have ever seen a panda gnawing its way through a stick of bamboo, your privates may start to itch from imagining having to wear it. It would be like a stiff chastity belt.

However, once bamboo fibres have been processed, they are turned into a soft fabric which feels like silk or nylon.

Because bamboo requires much less water in production than cotton and also grows naturally, supposedly bamboo is one of the most environment friendly types of fabric if processed without chemicals.

According to Kenneth Hovmøller The Perfect Underwear is produced with respect for the environment.

However, he also admits, that this was not a main factor, when he and

his business partner made the list at first.

“It’s a bonus, but for me the important part was to make comfortable underwear,” Kenneth Hovmøller says and promises that the plastic wrapping will be replaced by paper as soon as a new batch is ordered.

And when asked about the production of the underwear in China, Kenneth Hovmøller says that corporate social responsibility matters to them as well. His par tner visits the factory every week to check the working conditions and ensure that it is not children sitting behind the sewing machines.

“You have to care about that these days.”

Although the brand assures you that this is the perfect underwear, and despite the fact that Kenneth Hovmøller believes so much in the new product, that he has chucked all his own former underwear in the bin in favour of wearing only the Perfect Underwear, the business does have a

few challenges.

“It has surprised me how difficult it is to get people to even try them on,” the entrepreneur says.

“People are ver y loyal to their underwear brands. Some people got their first pair of some specific brand as teenagers and then swear to that brand for the rest of their lives. Those people are difficult to persuade.”

But Kenenth Hovmøller is comfortable that if he can only get people to try on a pair, it is a point of no return.

“Once people try them on, they will never go back,” he says confidently.

As Kenneth Hovmøller has created the underwear he finds perfect, he can’t think of any improvements or adjustments he would at this point like to make.

The only user request has been to make the underwear with shorter legs. But Kenneth Hovmøller refuses to compromise his dedication to make underwear with no ride-ups,

and that is not compatible with short legs. So that user will have to adapt.

At the moment the private pieces of clothing are only available online, albeit for worldwide delivery. But ideally the business will expand to shops later in 2019.

The same time plan is set for introducing a female version of the underwear. This is taking a bit longer as the two men do not have ver y strong opinions when it comes to women’s comfort in the underwear department.

“There are so many different kinds of underwear for women,” Kenneth Hovmøller says and looks a bit tired.

If all goes well, Kenenth Hovmøller says that the company might even expand to cover other parts of the body in comfor table, anti-bacterial garments.

“The obvious thing to produce next would be socks.”

October 2019 • ScandAsia 57

Are you paying too much for your coffee?

W

hether you like it hot or cold, with milk, sugar, egg, whipped cream or just plain black, most adults know the feeling of waking up in the morning but not feeling completely awake until they have had that first sip of bitter, brown, caffeinated drink: Coffee.

But the price of grabbing a cup of coffee on the way to work is sure to change dependent on where in the world that might be.

Comparison platform Finder has compared prices across the globe based on buying a tall latte at a Starbucks cafe.

It may come as no surprise to most, that Denmark tops the world ranking with a price of 6.05 USD for a hot cup of the drink.

If you find this a little too steep, you would want to go to the Philippines for the cheapest coffee in Asia paying just 2.69 USD for the same drink. The country takes the overall 67th place of a total 76 compared countries.

See below what the coffee would cost you in Scandinavia and in selected Asian countries. Note that most coffee prices are collected from capitals or larger cities.

58 ScandAsia • October 2019

Fur thermore, Finder has compared coffee prices to the respective country’s GDP per capita to create what they refer to as the Starbucks Index 2019.

The index reveals that based on Denmarks GDP per capita, citizens are paying 44.26 percent more than what would be expected. Also in Finland they have to fork out a good extra euros compared to what the GDP per capita would suggest.

However, in some countries such as in Vietnam and Cambodia, you actually get your daily dosis of caffeine cheaper than predicted by the GDP per capita.

See below the index valuation. If a value is negative, it means that the coffee costs more than what would be expected whereas a positive value means cheaper coffee than GDP per capita would suggest.

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