China Direct

Dates for Diaries: BETT Show Asia Bangkok 11-12 October

Education as a catalyst for change

As the education community moves beyond the immediate-term crisis response to ensure that learning never stops, it is vital to come back to the ‘why’ of education and recognize its importance as the solution and driver for society and the industry to thrive.

Bett Asia’s six themes will structure the content underneath the overarching theme of ‘Education as a catalyst for change,’ ensuring that education stakeholders can address their most pressing challenges and priorities.

This year's BETT Awards are sponsored by CBI member Pearson.

For more information about this important EdTech show please visit here.

Our thanks to UKABC for kindly sharing this information

Marsh launches BRI China desk in Dubai

 

CBI member, Marsh has launched a China desk in Dubai to benefit from the commercial links developing between the two countries as a result of the Belt & Road Initiative.

One of the world’s largest insurance brokers and risk advisers, Marsh aims to use its new Dubai-based China desk to act as a conduit for regional business emerging from China’s BRI. According to Christos Adamantiadis, Middle East and Africa chief executive, “Marsh has already picked up deals related to infrastructure projects [in Dubai], there is exponential growth, but it’s starting from a low base. […] Our main focus is China and Chinese contractors and principles.”

Africa and the Middle East are an important part of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Belt & Road Initiative, which turned five in 2018 but whilst received heavy criticism. China hopes that the $126 billion initiative will bring about a network of infrastructure projects connecting China by land and sea to Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

However, at fifth-anniversary celebrations and a high-level diplomatic gathering of African leaders in Beijing in 2018, the project came under fire from both Chinese citizens and those living along the BRI alike.

Foreign companies in China are now increasingly reporting that they are finding opportunities in supporting Chinese state-owned enterprises along the BRI. These opportunities predominantly concern providing consultancy services on establishing best practise guidelines, and facilitating international cooperation in market.

HSBC, Standard Chartered and Citigroup all already have China desks in the emirate as a result.

A key factor in Marsh choosing to join these companies in Dubai, rather than establish itself in one of the other emirates, is the fact that Dubai has attracted significantly more attention than any of the other emirates within the UAE. The number of Chinese visitors to Dubai last year was up by almost 10%, and the emirate received Xi Jinping for a state visit in August.

Bombardier Signs Thai Rail Research Agreement

CBI member Bombardier Transportation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mahidol University in Thailand to strengthen cooperation for graduate education and research in the field of rail transportation over the next five years.

Gregory Enjalbert, Vice President Rail Control Solutions Asia Pacific and Managing Director Thailand, Bombardier Transportation, commented, “Bombardier remains fully committed to developing local talent in Thailand, as reflected in this prestigious agreement with Mahidol University.

Over our 20-year presence in Bangkok, we have grown our team to over 500 employees working on some of the most advanced rail projects across the world and we place a high emphasis on deepening our academic partnerships to ensure the development of technical expertise and innovation in the industry.”

Please read more here.

MediaCom Thailand shines at 2017 Dragons of Asia Awards

CBI member MediaCom Thailand collected 2 magnificent trophies at 2017 PMAA Dragons of Asia Awards on October 11th. The Dragons of Asia is one of the main event that celebrates the best and most effective marketing campaigns across Asia Pacific region and this year marks its 17th anniversary of this prestigious award ceremony

MediaCom Thailand took home one Gold Dragon and one Blue Dragon for work for Thai Health Promotion Foundation’s DeadFeed campaign in the following categories:

• The Gold Dragon - Best Use of Public Relations
• The Blue Dragon – Best Campaign of Thailand

Please read more here.

CBI Member Thales keeps Thai commuters moving in Bangkok

 

Bangkok’s Blue Line Extension Authorities Select Thales to Deliver Seamless Ticketing Experience as Commuter Growth Soars

The Chaloem Ratchamongkhon MRT line, better known as the Blue Line, was the first of Bangkok’s underground metro lines to open in 2004.

CBI member Thales is the incumbent supplier of the automatic fare collection system for the existing Blue Line, which now comprises 18 stations. The extension will see an additional 19 stations that will support increased capacity and a seamless passenger experience as Bangkok seeks to alleviate traffic congestion in its metropolitan area and connect commuters travelling from outlying areas of the city.

Please read more here.