Showing 1 - 10 of 18
Is Bangkok savvy enough to become a 'smart city'?
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 24/03/2018
» The "smart city" has become a new buzzword for development policy in the Thailand 4.0 initiative, which would see big cities in the country like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen and the Eastern Economic Corridor, transformed into technology hubs. The government has established the National Smart City Committee and invited various agencies and experts to join. Sarinee Achavanuntakul was one of the experts invited to sit on the committee, but she turned down the military-led invitation. A Harvard graduate economist, Ms Sarinee had worked in banking and investment before opening Sal Forest Co. Ltd, a research firm on corporate sustainability. She has also launched and operates the respected online investigative news Thai Publica website. Her latest research project is about the current capacity of cities in Thailand to handle increasing levels of tourism. Ms Sarinee spoke to City Talk about how unsustainable Bangkok is and how big data and modern technology can help.
Great expectations
Asia focus, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 02/10/2017
» Joanne Kua, the young chief executive officer of KSK Group Berhad, is typical of the next generation of family business leaders. After pursuing a successful career beyond her native Malaysia, she has returned home determined to leave her mark, yet is aware of the need to prove herself.
Open economy evangelist
Asia focus, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 14/08/2017
» New Zealand has long been known for kiwi fruit, lamb and the invincible All Blacks, the fearsome national rugby team. But in the global economic sphere, the country is also known as a champion of open economies and free trade. Last year, the country was rated the world's second-best place to do business by Forbes magazine. That helps confirm its reputation in the field of trade -- and explains why the British government chose a New Zealander to head its post-Brexit trade negotiating team.
Pity the bears held captive for their bile
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 02/08/2017
» The bear looks agitated yet weary, like a gravely sick patient.
A helping hand for our wasted food
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 12/07/2017
» Every time I visit a supermarket, I am bemused by the sight of microwave meals such as fried rice or kao ka prao gai wrapped neatly in plastic containers. A question that always pops in my mind is: Why do we (Thais) have to consume these ready-made foods?
Why Hong Kong matters
Asia focus, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 03/07/2017
» Twenty years ago on the evening of June 30, all eyes turned to Hong Kong as the tiny territory, known as a regional financial hub, global toy manufacturer and epitome of a free society, was returned to mainland China after 155 years of British rule. As a fan of the city and a regular visitor, I still remember that emotionally charged day.
Structures that last
Life, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 05/12/2016
» Beauty of design is also in the eye of the beholder. Take Baan Huay Sarn Yaw Wittaya School in Chiang Rai province, for instance. For some, the shape of the place conjures the image of woven carp fish, usually made from leaves. For others, the design brings to mind the image of khanom tien, a traditional triangular-shaped Thai dessert wrapped in banana leaf.
The valuable lessons from US election
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 14/11/2016
» As expected, the US presidential election which has just passed was a nail-biting event for millions of people around the globe, as Donald Trump emerged the winner. His success is being challenged by anti-Trump demonstrators (although some are protesting against the electoral college concept!) in major cities around the US.
It's a load of rubbish, and it's sinking us
News, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 01/08/2016
» Better late than never jumped immediately to mind when I read the authorities were about to return illegal containers carrying 196 tonnes of hazardous electronic garbage to Japan.
Live your dreams
Life, Anchalee Kongrut, Published on 16/05/2016
» Cuba, a socialist country with breathtaking Spanish colonial architecture, exceptionally fine music and superior cigars, is finally getting the world's attention it so deserves. Restored diplomacy with the US is putting the country among the top tourist destinations. Cuba was given a further boost when US President Barack Obama made a state visit in March and Karl Lagerfeld staged a fashion show in Havana earlier this month by turning the leafy Paseo del Prado boulevard into an extravagant catwalk. Not to be left behind, Thai hoteliers recently went to Havana to ink a deal to open a high-end complex.