Technology

Thailand BOI Approves Investment Worth USD1.54 billion in Biochemicals, Data Centers, and Hospital; Sets New Promotion Category for the Repair of Used EV Batteries and ESS

Published

3 months ago

June 14, 2024

BANGKOK, June 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) today approved the investment promotion applications of eight large projects worth a combined 56.95 billion baht (USD 1.54 billion), including a bio-ethylene plant project by the local joint venture of Brazil’s Braskem, as well as data centers, power plants, and a major new hospital.

The meeting, which was chaired by Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and Chairman of the BOI, also approved the introduction of a new investment promotion category covering service centers for the repair, repack, and reuse of used electric vehicle (EV) batteries and energy storage systems, that further complements the BOI’s comprehensive EV supply chain policy and incentives. Another new category was approved to support the data hosting business, to match the rising demand for this type of activity and complement the investment incentives already offered to support the development of the digital industry. The Board also approved a new promotion package for Quarantine Facilities for Animals for export to help improve quarantine and certification services for international trade of livestock.

“The applications approved today are large investment project by both foreign and local investors in key target industries of importance to the Thai government and the future development of the economy, such as projects helping to protect the environment and supporting the country’s digital transformation,” said Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), after the board meeting.

The Board also approved new incentives for automotive parts makers investing to upgrade their technological level and improve their productivity, and/or invest to transition their operations to serve new industries, such as the medical equipment or aviation sectors.

Project Approvals

Braskem Siam Co., Ltd., a joint venture between Braskem, the leading global biopolymer producer, and Thailand’s SCG Chemicals PCL, received approval for a 19.3 billion baht investment to build a plant to produce up to 200,000 tons/year of bio-ethylene (or green-ethylene) from bio-ethanol from agricultural products such as sugarcane, cassava, and corn. The plant will be located in Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Rayong province. Bio-ethylene is used to make a variety of environmentally friendly products, from packaging for food and beverage to personal and home care products, toys, houseware, and plastic bags.The Board approved two large data center projects, aiming to support the economy’s digital transformation, and the fast-increasing demand for cloud computing, IoT and AI:A multinational company headquartered in the United States received approval for a 7.19 billion baht investment in a data center in Samut Prakan province.True Internet Data Center Co., Ltd. received approval for a 3.35 billion baht investment to expand one of the company’s four existing data centers, which is located at the True IDC East Bangna Campus, also in Samut Prakan province.Bumrungrad International Hospital Phuket Co.,Ltd. received approval for a 4.96 billion baht investment to build a 212-bed hospital and Advanced Diagnostic Center. The project aims to attract foreign medical tourists to Phuket, which is Thailand’s main international tourism hub.National Power Plant 12 Co.,Ltd. received approval for a 9.4 billion baht investment to build a plant to produce electricity and steam from biomass fuels, such as black rubber oil, a by-product of the paper pulp production process. The plant, which will have a production capacity of 130 megawatts of power and 576 tons/hour of steam, will be located in the 304 Industrial Park in Prachinburi province.The SCG Group received approval for a 6 billion baht investment in a cogeneration power plant with a production capacity of 130 megawatts of power and of 160 tons/hour of steam. The plant will be located in Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Rayong province, and will serve electricity to factories in the industrial estate.Super Earth Energy 8 Co.,Ltd., received approval for a 2.86 billion baht investment to build a plant to produce electricity from waste. The plant, which will have a 20 megawatts capacity, will be located in Nonthaburi province.Thai Lion Mentari Co., Ltd., the operator of Thai Lion Air, received approval for a 3.89 billion baht investment to acquire 10 aircraft, representing a total passenger capacity of 2,072 seats, total cargo capacity of 84.60 tons.

Support to Thai Startups

Also today, a meeting of the Commission on the National Competitiveness Enhancement for Targeted Industries Policies, for which the BOI acts as the secretariat, approved measures to promote high potential startup enterprises operating in target industries from the Pre-Series A to Series A level. Qualified Thai startups with high growth potential may receive cash support ranging from 20 to 50 million baht in the form of matching funds. The policy aims to help increase the country’s competitiveness and help foster an economy driven by technology and innovation.

For more information, please contact:
Thailand Board of Investment
Tel. +66 (0) 2553 8111
Website: www.boi.go.th
YouTube: Think Asia, Invest Thailand

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SOURCE Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)

Technology

The Ar-King of Spirits: Ed Arking’s Impact on the Liquor Industry

Published

22 mins ago

September 21, 2024

In the interest of providing luxury liquors in a convenient and stress-free format, Served Neat was born. When asked about his intentions for the company, Ed states, “My goal with Served Neat is to create a one-stop shop where customers can easily discover these rare gems.”

MOORESTOWN, N.J., Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Served Neat is an emerging online platform with a curated selection of some of the world’s most popular luxury spirits. The website offers daily flash deals that highlight a variety of high-end international brands including Pappy Van Winkle, Buffalo Trace, Clase Azul, and more.

“While there are websites selling spirits, none have the decades of experience that we bring from WTSO. Served Neat will offer not only incredible bottles but also the best customer service in the industry.”

Ed and Joe Arking, the father-son team behind the concept of Served Neat, have decades of experience hand-selecting and supplying sought-after liquors. Ed Arking, CEO of New Jersey’s Roger Wilco, grew up in the world of wine and spirits and formed his own business aspirations.

“Growing up, I watched my father navigate and succeed in the ever-evolving wine and spirits industry,” Ed explains. “While I always aspired to create something similar, I knew I needed to wait for the right moment.” Ed has gone on to manage his own liquor store and lead projects for up-and-coming brands, such as the vodka-infused and non-carbonated Smooth Water.

As he evolved in his career, Ed discovered the perfect time to make his lifelong vision a reality. He recalls, “I noticed a gap in the market—especially for whiskey and tequila. These categories have surged in popularity, making it difficult for the everyday consumer to find those elusive sought-after allocated bottles.”

When it comes to Served Neat, quality and knowledge is key. Ed adds, “While there are websites selling spirits, none have the decades of experience that we bring from WTSO. Served Neat will offer not only incredible bottles but also the best customer service in the industry.”

Served Neat is the sister company to WTSO and The Wine Market, two online platforms dedicated to sourcing and distributing top-notch wines from every corner of the globe.

At The Wine Market, an online marketplace for the world’s most popular wine brands, convenience and quality are key. Each bottle in their curated collection is a testament to exceptional flavor and craftsmanship.

Since 2006, WTSO has enjoyed creating a unique wine experience and sharing it with new beginners and seasoned connoisseurs alike. Using an extensive network of wineries and wine makers, WTSO connects customers to thousands of brands from top wine appellations around the globe. The strong relationships they’ve formed within the wine world allow the business to deliver authentic and high-quality bottles to homes across the United States.

Wine and spirits lovers alike are invited to explore Served Neat, WTSO, and The Wine Market to find their next favorite bottle. Visit their websites to learn more about these one-of-a-kind online marketplaces!

Media Contact

Julie Blount, WTSO, 1 8669572795, marketing@wtso.com

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SOURCE WTSO

Technology

Compete for $150K Prizes: Join Spatial Joy 2024 The Global AR Application Development Championship

Published

1 hour ago

September 21, 2024

HANGZHOU, China, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Spatial Joy 2024 The Global AR Application Development Championship is now open for registration! Organized by Rokid, a global leader in human-computer interaction through augmented reality, this championship invites AR developers globally to harness voice, gesture, and visual AI technologies to create groundbreaking AR experiences. Powered by the self-developed YodaOS-Master operating system, Rokid AR glasses deliver exceptional spatial computing performance.

What is Spatial Joy 2024 about？
In September 2022, Rokid kicked off its first AR Application Development Championship. The second championship, held last year in collaboration with Unity and Agora, quickly established itself as the largest AR application development event in China. As Rokid celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, we are excited to present “Spatial Joy,” our newly branded global championship, open to developers worldwide for the first time, and positioned as the flagship event in the AR industry.

Why join Spatial Joy 2024?

Compete for a $150,000 prize poolFree access to Rokid AR Lite or Rokid AR studioDiscounted rates on purchasing Rokid productsFree participationTechnical support from Unity and AgoraInternational exposure within the AR industryOpportunity to attend the award ceremony in China

Who can participant?
The championship is open to global AR developers of all levels, including students, independent developers, teams, and professionals across sectors such as healthcare, retail, education, gaming, entertainment, lifestyle, and more.

How to register?
Detailed registration guidelines and requirements are available online at [https://t.rokid.com/iwvwcxkn]. Developers can register and submit their projects through Rokid official website at [www.global.rokid.com].

Spatial Joy 2024 Timeline:

Registration Deadline: October 16, 2024Final Project Submission Deadline: November 15, 2024Finalists Announcement: December 27, 2024Award Ceremony: January 11, 2025

About Organizer
Rokid has expanded its global presence, making notable progress in key markets across North America, Europe, and Asia, including a successful campaign on Kickstarter. With a decade of expertise, Rokid has revolutionized AR technology, transforming how users interact with both digital and physical environments.

Join us in shaping the future of AR with Rokid – enter Spatial Joy 2024 The Global AR Application Development Championship Now!

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SOURCE Rokid

Technology

Summit of Whose Future? Girls Have the Answers: Leaders Must Listen

Published

3 hours ago

September 21, 2024

Young Women Activists Launch “What Girls Want,” Demand World Leaders Put Girls at the Center of Summit of the Future

NEW YORK, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today in New York, more than 50 young women from around the world – including Nobel Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai – gathered to take government to task for failing to prioritize girls and young women in the upcoming Summit of the Future. The group is backed by acoalition of girl-centered non-profit organizations, institutions, and funds who synthesized the demands of girls at www.whatgirlswant.com.

At a demonstration near the UN, alongside life-size cutouts of world leaders dressed ironically as “girl experts”, the activists delivered a strong message: world leaders aren’t the experts on what girls want for their futures – girls are.

Eylül Erçin, 19, from Türkiye, shared: “The time has passed for girls and young women to be treated as mere afterthoughts. Leaders must include us in the foundational design of these processes, ensuring that our priorities are integrated into shaping the future we will inherit. Anything less is unacceptable.”

Today’s event is about more than calling out a process failure. Girls i from around the world delivered a forward-looking call to action this week. They expect governments, institutions, and community leaders to step up and help shape a more equitable future.

Alongside fellow activists, Malala said: “Even at 27, I know better than to assume I understand best what girls want. Everywhere I go, girls are eager to share their vision for their futures. As adults, it is our job to listen, fund their work and follow their lead. It is not too late for world leaders to do right by girls. They can start by prioritizing their demands in tomorrow’s final Summit deliberations and by investing resources to match their words.”

The evidence is clear: investing in girls and delivering on their rights transforms economies, societies, and the environment, advancing the SDGs and building a future that girls deserve.

About What Girls Want

This effort was produced by a collaboration of girl-centered organizations, institutions, funders, and allies. The campaign is anchored around work to collate insights, data, and stories from 20+ public consultations with girls and young women over the past decade, driven by a shared desire to center girls’ demands in spaces where they are being ignored.

Contact:

whatgirlswantpress@gmail.com

nate.powers@edelman.com

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2384993/Women_Deliver_Logo.jpg

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