Buy & Sell Securely on eBay without Credit Cards, Top Five Sellers Will Win Blackberry Curve 8520
eBay and Kasikorn Bank (KBank) today announced a new feature to the K-Web Shopping Card, an Internet shopping card by KBank that will help facilitate buying and selling on eBay. As part of the launch, eBay and KBank are also offering K-Web Shopping Card holders exclusive incentives and a chance to win attractive gifts when they use the card on eBay.
The K-Web Shopping Card is a virtual card with a 16-digit card number, just like a regular credit card. Users can simply fill in their K-Web Shopping Card number, Card Verification Value (CVV) number and expiration date to pay for goods and services at online stores. As an added form of protection, users will also be able to set a spending limit of up to 100,000 Baht for the K-Web Shopping Card, depending on the funds available in their bank accounts. Interested individuals can apply for the card via K-Cyber Banking without having to submit additional documents.
“We are pleased to work with KBank, Thailand’s leading commercial bank, to provide Thai users with a payment solution that will enable them to trade more effectively on eBay. Thai eBay users are among the most active in cross border trade in Southeast Asia—buying from and selling to over 90 million active eBay members worldwide,” said Allis Ghim, Director at eBay, who oversees Southeast Asia and Japan.
“With the K-Web Shopping Card, Thai eBay users who do not own a credit card will still be able to perform various tasks on eBay such as registering their new eBay and PayPal accounts, verifying their eBay accounts for selling internationally, paying their selling fees or making payment for their online purchases,” she added.
During the promotional period, which lasts from now until May 31, 2010, the first 1,000 new eBay sellers who register with PayPal using a K-Web Shopping Card can receive rebates on eBay insertion fees and selected feature fees for their first 50 completed eBay listings. The first five participants who achieve the highest total sales amount (in US dollars) from selling on eligible eBay websites during the promotional period will stand a chance to win a new BlackBerry Curve 8520.
Additionally, KBank will be giving out exciting gifts to customers who spend either 8,000 Baht or 25,000 Baht with their K-Web Shopping Card on eBay.
To register for the promotion or find out more, please visit http://export.ebay.co.th/kbank/.
About eBay Inc.
Founded in 1995 in San Jose, Calif., eBay Inc. (NASDAQ:EBAY) connects millions of buyers and sellers globally on a daily basis through eBay, the world's largest online marketplace, and PayPal, which enables individuals and businesses to securely, easily and quickly send and receive online payments. We also reach millions through specialized marketplaces such as StubHub, the world's largest ticket marketplace, and eBay Classifieds sites, which together have a presence in more than 1,000 cities around the world. For more information about the company and our global portfolio of online brands, visit www.ebayinc.com.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Voice Commerce signs up global reseller partner
Australian Technology Innovator, Majitek, to expand Voice Commerce’s global reach, especially in the Asia-Pacific region London, 25 January, 2010: Voice Commerce Group, the innovative financial services group, today announced the signing of a strategic partnership with Australian reseller, Majitek. The partnership will use Majitek’s extensive distribution network to expand Voice Commerce’s global reach, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region.
The deal covers all three of the Voice Commerce Groups key offerings (VoicePay, Voice Transact and Voice Commerce) allowing Majitek to deliver a range of payment services and identity and verification solutions to consumers and businesses. These will complement Majitek’s existing area of expertise in Online Service Delivery and SaaS (Software as a Service).
Nick Ogden, CEO of Voice Commerce Group, said: “Expanding our global reach is strategically important for the continued growth and success of Voice Commerce Group. By partnering with an established Service Provider Solutions company such as Majitek, which has an excellent reputation and record in technology innovation, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region, we will be able to ensure that Voice Commerce has the global footprint that we require.”
Arthur Petronzio, Chief Operating Officer of Majitek, said: “We were deeply impressed by the capabilities of Voice Commerce that has already achieved significant success in the UK and US markets. As a successful global reseller, we aim to build on Voice Commerce’s existing success by bringing their best-of-breed products to a wider global audience, particularly in Asia-Pacific where we know voice based authentication and identity management will find a highly receptive market.”
The deal covers all three of the Voice Commerce Groups key offerings (VoicePay, Voice Transact and Voice Commerce) allowing Majitek to deliver a range of payment services and identity and verification solutions to consumers and businesses. These will complement Majitek’s existing area of expertise in Online Service Delivery and SaaS (Software as a Service).
Nick Ogden, CEO of Voice Commerce Group, said: “Expanding our global reach is strategically important for the continued growth and success of Voice Commerce Group. By partnering with an established Service Provider Solutions company such as Majitek, which has an excellent reputation and record in technology innovation, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region, we will be able to ensure that Voice Commerce has the global footprint that we require.”
Arthur Petronzio, Chief Operating Officer of Majitek, said: “We were deeply impressed by the capabilities of Voice Commerce that has already achieved significant success in the UK and US markets. As a successful global reseller, we aim to build on Voice Commerce’s existing success by bringing their best-of-breed products to a wider global audience, particularly in Asia-Pacific where we know voice based authentication and identity management will find a highly receptive market.”
Sunday, January 24, 2010
TRUE GROUP UNVEILS BUSINESS DIRECTIONS FOR 2010
CONVERGENCE, INNOVATION LEADERSHIP AND CONTENT DEVELOPMENT TO SUPPORT MOBILE INTERNET ON 3G
True Corporation Plc has unveiled its business directions for 2010, placing emphasis on furthering the Group’s convergence strategy, innovation leadership and network quality. Increased investment in TrueOnline’s hi-speed Internet services will target nationwide coverage. TrueMove’s mobile network will be enhanced to support greater data and voice demand while content development will support mobile Internet growth driven by 3G. Meanwhile, the Group will maintain its innovation leadership through the launch of high-definition channels at TrueVisions.
In 2009, True Group’s core businesses, which include TrueOnline, TrueMove and TrueVisions, progressed in many areas. Over the first nine months of 2009 TrueMove performed well with growth in non-voice services, a recovery in International Roaming (IR) and continuing success in managing and controlling Interconnection (IC) payments. Meanwhile TrueMove subscriber numbers grew to 15.4 million at the end of Q309. Service revenue continued to increase for TrueOnline’s Broadband service while the subscriber base rose to 665,000. True was also able to provide increased international bandwidth at lower costs. As for TrueVisions, its subscriber base grew to 1.64 million and in October 2009 the company was given the green light from the MCOT to commence paid advertising. This will generate increased content and variety for viewers while gradually developing into an important new revenue stream.
Mr. Suphachai Chearavonont, President & CEO of True Corporation Plc said, “In 2010 True Group will maintain its leadership in core businesses, stressing innovation as well as developing the quality of our networks and services. The coverage of TrueOnline’s hi-speed Internet will be expanded nationwide to meet the demand for hi-speed Internet in Bangkok and key provinces. This will provide improved access to news and information and allow subscribers to perform online transactions easier. We will expand TrueMove’s voice and data network to support fast growing demand and also focus on content development to support mobile Internet usage on both the 850 MHz and 2.1 GHz 3G frequencies. For TrueVisions, we plan to add more programs and channels to serve every customer group and lifestyle. Meanwhile, the launch of high-definition channels will increase the viewing experience for subscribers.
“True Group will continue to pursue its convergence strategy. By offering innovative products and new services we will create added convenience and value for our customers,” Mr. Suphachai concluded.
True Corporation Plc has unveiled its business directions for 2010, placing emphasis on furthering the Group’s convergence strategy, innovation leadership and network quality. Increased investment in TrueOnline’s hi-speed Internet services will target nationwide coverage. TrueMove’s mobile network will be enhanced to support greater data and voice demand while content development will support mobile Internet growth driven by 3G. Meanwhile, the Group will maintain its innovation leadership through the launch of high-definition channels at TrueVisions.
In 2009, True Group’s core businesses, which include TrueOnline, TrueMove and TrueVisions, progressed in many areas. Over the first nine months of 2009 TrueMove performed well with growth in non-voice services, a recovery in International Roaming (IR) and continuing success in managing and controlling Interconnection (IC) payments. Meanwhile TrueMove subscriber numbers grew to 15.4 million at the end of Q309. Service revenue continued to increase for TrueOnline’s Broadband service while the subscriber base rose to 665,000. True was also able to provide increased international bandwidth at lower costs. As for TrueVisions, its subscriber base grew to 1.64 million and in October 2009 the company was given the green light from the MCOT to commence paid advertising. This will generate increased content and variety for viewers while gradually developing into an important new revenue stream.
Mr. Suphachai Chearavonont, President & CEO of True Corporation Plc said, “In 2010 True Group will maintain its leadership in core businesses, stressing innovation as well as developing the quality of our networks and services. The coverage of TrueOnline’s hi-speed Internet will be expanded nationwide to meet the demand for hi-speed Internet in Bangkok and key provinces. This will provide improved access to news and information and allow subscribers to perform online transactions easier. We will expand TrueMove’s voice and data network to support fast growing demand and also focus on content development to support mobile Internet usage on both the 850 MHz and 2.1 GHz 3G frequencies. For TrueVisions, we plan to add more programs and channels to serve every customer group and lifestyle. Meanwhile, the launch of high-definition channels will increase the viewing experience for subscribers.
“True Group will continue to pursue its convergence strategy. By offering innovative products and new services we will create added convenience and value for our customers,” Mr. Suphachai concluded.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Datamax-O'Neil Acquires Extech Data Systems Division to Expand Its Printer Portfolio and Grow Market Share
The Acquisition Represents the First Step in Datamax-O'Neil's Long-Term External Growth Strategy to Gain Market Share and Strengthen Its Leadership Position in the Global Auto-ID Market by Broadening Its Product Offerings and Global Presence
Datamax-O'Neil, part of Dover Corporation's (NYSE: DOV) Product Identification Platform and global provider of label and receipt printing solutions, has acquired Extech Instruments' Data Systems Division, one of the world's leading developers of portable printers for enterprise-wide applications. Extech Instruments, based in Waltham, Massachusetts is a subsidiary of FLIR Systems. The acquisition expands Datamax-O'Neil's portable printer portfolio, and strategically positions the company to gain market share and significantly grow its global customer base.
"This acquisition is an early example of our goal to distinguish Datamax-O'Neil as the clear leader in the auto-ID marketplace, with the industry's most complete product range and an aggressive plan for global marketshare growth," said Christian Lefort, president of Datamax-O'Neil. "I'm pleased to welcome Extech's portable printing division into Datamax-O'Neil and believe that this addition positions us and our combined channel partners to be more competitive and achieve greater success."
"Datamax-O'Neil has completed its unification and has now begun to implement its long-term strategy for sustained growth," said Omar Kerbage, president and CEO of Dover Corporation's Product Identification Group (PIDG). "The opportunity to better service our customers is now expanded with this acquisition, and I have confidence that the Datamax-O'Neil management team can execute an effective plan that will lead to market leadership with a superior suite of products, unmatched service, and the support and extensive resources available from Dover's PIDG."
Extech Instruments' portable printer division offers a diverse line of thermal and dot matrix portable printers that are sold worldwide through an expansive network of distributors and marketing partners. The division will be fully integrated into Datamax-O'Neil over a four month period, and the printers will be marketed under the Datamax-O'Neil brand. The printers will complement Datamax-O'Neil's premium portable printer portfolio with the addition of a full line of high-value, cost-competitive printers for mobile requirements, including Point-of-Sale (POS), hospitality, route accounting and field service. The printers will appeal to price sensitive applications, and are available in 2, 3 and 4 inch configurations.
About Datamax-O'Neil
Datamax-O'Neil is a trusted global provider of stationary and portable label and receipt printing solution products that enable manufacturing and supply markets to capture the benefits of automated product identification and automated legal and financial transactions. Datamax-O'Neil is the barcode and mobile printing business group of Dover Corporation's Product Identification Group (PIDG), a global platform entity with products and services covering all the leading marking technologies and applications. The company's products address a wide variety of applications, including those in the industrial, healthcare, retail, automotive and ticketing market sectors. Datamax-O'Neil is headquartered in Orlando, Florida, and maintains key facilities in California, Illinois, and France, as well as sales and technical support offices around the world.
About Dover's Product Identification Group (PIDG)
Dover Corporation's Product Identification Group (PIDG) is a world class business group with products and services covering all of the leading marking and labeling technologies and applications. PIDG is comprised of two industry leaders --Markem-Imaje and Datamax-O'Neil. The goal of PIDG is to help its customers integrate optimal product identification solutions into their supply chain operations to increase productivity and operating efficiencies. The PIDG is unique in several ways: it provides a global understanding of key account applications throughout the supply chain; a continuously updated global expertise; and worldwide best-in-class service and support.
Datamax-O'Neil, part of Dover Corporation's (NYSE: DOV) Product Identification Platform and global provider of label and receipt printing solutions, has acquired Extech Instruments' Data Systems Division, one of the world's leading developers of portable printers for enterprise-wide applications. Extech Instruments, based in Waltham, Massachusetts is a subsidiary of FLIR Systems. The acquisition expands Datamax-O'Neil's portable printer portfolio, and strategically positions the company to gain market share and significantly grow its global customer base.
"This acquisition is an early example of our goal to distinguish Datamax-O'Neil as the clear leader in the auto-ID marketplace, with the industry's most complete product range and an aggressive plan for global marketshare growth," said Christian Lefort, president of Datamax-O'Neil. "I'm pleased to welcome Extech's portable printing division into Datamax-O'Neil and believe that this addition positions us and our combined channel partners to be more competitive and achieve greater success."
"Datamax-O'Neil has completed its unification and has now begun to implement its long-term strategy for sustained growth," said Omar Kerbage, president and CEO of Dover Corporation's Product Identification Group (PIDG). "The opportunity to better service our customers is now expanded with this acquisition, and I have confidence that the Datamax-O'Neil management team can execute an effective plan that will lead to market leadership with a superior suite of products, unmatched service, and the support and extensive resources available from Dover's PIDG."
Extech Instruments' portable printer division offers a diverse line of thermal and dot matrix portable printers that are sold worldwide through an expansive network of distributors and marketing partners. The division will be fully integrated into Datamax-O'Neil over a four month period, and the printers will be marketed under the Datamax-O'Neil brand. The printers will complement Datamax-O'Neil's premium portable printer portfolio with the addition of a full line of high-value, cost-competitive printers for mobile requirements, including Point-of-Sale (POS), hospitality, route accounting and field service. The printers will appeal to price sensitive applications, and are available in 2, 3 and 4 inch configurations.
About Datamax-O'Neil
Datamax-O'Neil is a trusted global provider of stationary and portable label and receipt printing solution products that enable manufacturing and supply markets to capture the benefits of automated product identification and automated legal and financial transactions. Datamax-O'Neil is the barcode and mobile printing business group of Dover Corporation's Product Identification Group (PIDG), a global platform entity with products and services covering all the leading marking technologies and applications. The company's products address a wide variety of applications, including those in the industrial, healthcare, retail, automotive and ticketing market sectors. Datamax-O'Neil is headquartered in Orlando, Florida, and maintains key facilities in California, Illinois, and France, as well as sales and technical support offices around the world.
About Dover's Product Identification Group (PIDG)
Dover Corporation's Product Identification Group (PIDG) is a world class business group with products and services covering all of the leading marking and labeling technologies and applications. PIDG is comprised of two industry leaders --Markem-Imaje and Datamax-O'Neil. The goal of PIDG is to help its customers integrate optimal product identification solutions into their supply chain operations to increase productivity and operating efficiencies. The PIDG is unique in several ways: it provides a global understanding of key account applications throughout the supply chain; a continuously updated global expertise; and worldwide best-in-class service and support.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Phuket International Boat Show To Generate Over 7 Billion Baht For Marine Tourism
Phuket is Asia’s Marine Hub and to become Monaco of Asia.
The organizers of the Phuket International Boat Show together with the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TECB) today announced plans for the 2010 event to be held 7-10 January in Phuket at Royal Phuket Marina.
Now in its seventh year, the Phuket International Boat Show continues to grow and expand, promoting marine tourism and attracting more international exhibitors and visitors each year.
Launched in 2003 at a time of rapid growth in marine tourism in the region, the Phuket International Boat Show now leads the way in promoting Phuket’s marine facilities to the world. Through business-generated by exhibitors, the Phuket International Boat Show contributes over 7 Billion Baht to Phuket’s marine tourism industry each year.
Phuket has five operational marinas, over 1,000 ‘resident’ yachts, and attracts approximately 300 international yachts and over 30 superyachts each year. Combine some of the most modern marina facilities in Asia and the growth in multi-million dollar properties on the Island, and it’s clear to see that Phuket has become the Asian playground for the wealthy and cements Phuket’s reputation as the Monaco of Asia.
The Phuket International Boat Show is a key contributor driving the growth of Phuket’s marine tourism by approximately 10% year-on-year. The Phuket International Boat Show is the biggest marine show in the region and has a proven track record with sales successes and strong visitor numbers for seven consecutive years.
Mr. Andrew Dowden, General Manager of Informa Yacht Group, the organizer of Phuket International Boat Show said that the show is the biggest international boat show in terms of the on-water display and that despite the global economic downturn, the show continues its popularity with confirmation of many new brand yachts exhibiting, increased international exhibitor presence and two superyachts attending from Europe - a 32 metre Mangusta and a 26 metre Pershing.
”Marine tourism in Asia continues to grow with many international marine businesses now looking to expand into Asia. Phuket is ideally located geographically, has good support structure and many modern marina facilities, which will combine to make Phuket the Marine Hub of Asia,” Mr. Dowden said.
“Phuket is perfectly geared to the needs of the yachting industry and tourists alike, and offers an unmatched diversity of leisure opportunities to suit everyone. With pristine natural beauty and two
brand new marinas, Phuket is ideally positioned as a hub for regional marine events such as Phuket International Boat Show 2010,” said Supawan Teerarat, Exhibition Director, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau. “TCEB is proud to be able to lend our support and backing to this premier regional
marine and lifestyle content and we are confident that this will fortify and enable Phuket to host large-scale events in the future.”
The 2010 show is expected to attract over 90 local and international exhibitors and over 5,000 visitors and international High Net Worth Individuals.The show’s exhibitors include a large variety of marine tourism products and services as well as yacht brokers, luxury watch makers, luxury real estate and other lifestyle products, from Phuket, Thailand and around the world.
The Phuket International Boat Show is an example of a successful international event hosted in Thailand that contributes to and helps to drive Thailand’s MICE industry. “This year, Thailand’s MICE industry is expected to attract half a million business visitors, with projected revenues of approximately THB 41 billion, and in 2010 we expect the sector to grow by up to 15%, demonstrating the buoyant long-term prospects,” said Supawan.
An exciting new development in 2010 for the Phuket International Boat Show is a series of seminars on maritime safety. Organized by the Human Development Forum Foundation, a number of international speakers will chair discussions on various aspects of maritime security issues.
A Bangkok Preview of the Phuket International Boat Show will be held 6 – 8 November 2009 at the Pan Pacific Hotel in the White Room. This will include a select number of exhibitors and give Bangkok residents a small taster of what will be on offer at the Phuket International Boat Show in January next year. The Bangkok Preview is open to the public and entry is free.
The Phuket International Boat Show is supported by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau with support and enthusiasm from the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Sports Authority of Thailand. Co-Sponsors include the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Horus Watches, with Pan Pacific Hotel as Official Supplier. Media Partners include 91.5FM, Asia Pacific Boating, Asia Spa, China Boating, Director, International Herald Tribune, Jet Asia Pacific, Luxury Properties, Millionaire Asia, Newspaper Direct, Phuket Gazette, Prestige Thailand and The Nation.
The Phuket International Boat Show will be held January 7-10, 2010 at Royal Phuket Marina.
For more information, visit www.phuketboatshow.com.
Notes to editor
About Phuket International Boat Show
The inaugural PIMEX took place in December 2003. Phuket, with its rapidly expanding marine industry and a healthy property market was already established as one of the world’s prime leisure destinations and a favourite with those seeking to relocate to a better lifestyle. Shortly after this first show the import duty on boats was reduced to zero as the government quickly realised the potential of this high end sustainable tourism.
The show will display on 2,500 square metres of air-conditioned exhibition space and around 45 on-water displays in a “working” marine environment. There are over 2,000 trade visitors and 2,000 members of the public – all the main players from the marine industry, property and lifestyle industry to exhibit at the show each year.
About Informa Yacht Group
Informa Yacht Group a leading events organizer recently acquired PIMEX from Andaman Marine Consultants and has appointed AMC as the management company for the show. Informa also own The Monaco Yacht Show, The Superyacht Cup in Palma and in Antigua, Abu Dhabi Yacht Show, and the World Yacht Racing Forum. Its parent company, Informa PLC, also organizes over 10,000 exhibitions and conferences worldwide through its subsidiary IIR Exhibitions.
The organizers of the Phuket International Boat Show together with the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TECB) today announced plans for the 2010 event to be held 7-10 January in Phuket at Royal Phuket Marina.
Now in its seventh year, the Phuket International Boat Show continues to grow and expand, promoting marine tourism and attracting more international exhibitors and visitors each year.
Launched in 2003 at a time of rapid growth in marine tourism in the region, the Phuket International Boat Show now leads the way in promoting Phuket’s marine facilities to the world. Through business-generated by exhibitors, the Phuket International Boat Show contributes over 7 Billion Baht to Phuket’s marine tourism industry each year.
Phuket has five operational marinas, over 1,000 ‘resident’ yachts, and attracts approximately 300 international yachts and over 30 superyachts each year. Combine some of the most modern marina facilities in Asia and the growth in multi-million dollar properties on the Island, and it’s clear to see that Phuket has become the Asian playground for the wealthy and cements Phuket’s reputation as the Monaco of Asia.
The Phuket International Boat Show is a key contributor driving the growth of Phuket’s marine tourism by approximately 10% year-on-year. The Phuket International Boat Show is the biggest marine show in the region and has a proven track record with sales successes and strong visitor numbers for seven consecutive years.
Mr. Andrew Dowden, General Manager of Informa Yacht Group, the organizer of Phuket International Boat Show said that the show is the biggest international boat show in terms of the on-water display and that despite the global economic downturn, the show continues its popularity with confirmation of many new brand yachts exhibiting, increased international exhibitor presence and two superyachts attending from Europe - a 32 metre Mangusta and a 26 metre Pershing.
”Marine tourism in Asia continues to grow with many international marine businesses now looking to expand into Asia. Phuket is ideally located geographically, has good support structure and many modern marina facilities, which will combine to make Phuket the Marine Hub of Asia,” Mr. Dowden said.
“Phuket is perfectly geared to the needs of the yachting industry and tourists alike, and offers an unmatched diversity of leisure opportunities to suit everyone. With pristine natural beauty and two
brand new marinas, Phuket is ideally positioned as a hub for regional marine events such as Phuket International Boat Show 2010,” said Supawan Teerarat, Exhibition Director, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau. “TCEB is proud to be able to lend our support and backing to this premier regional
marine and lifestyle content and we are confident that this will fortify and enable Phuket to host large-scale events in the future.”
The 2010 show is expected to attract over 90 local and international exhibitors and over 5,000 visitors and international High Net Worth Individuals.The show’s exhibitors include a large variety of marine tourism products and services as well as yacht brokers, luxury watch makers, luxury real estate and other lifestyle products, from Phuket, Thailand and around the world.
The Phuket International Boat Show is an example of a successful international event hosted in Thailand that contributes to and helps to drive Thailand’s MICE industry. “This year, Thailand’s MICE industry is expected to attract half a million business visitors, with projected revenues of approximately THB 41 billion, and in 2010 we expect the sector to grow by up to 15%, demonstrating the buoyant long-term prospects,” said Supawan.
An exciting new development in 2010 for the Phuket International Boat Show is a series of seminars on maritime safety. Organized by the Human Development Forum Foundation, a number of international speakers will chair discussions on various aspects of maritime security issues.
A Bangkok Preview of the Phuket International Boat Show will be held 6 – 8 November 2009 at the Pan Pacific Hotel in the White Room. This will include a select number of exhibitors and give Bangkok residents a small taster of what will be on offer at the Phuket International Boat Show in January next year. The Bangkok Preview is open to the public and entry is free.
The Phuket International Boat Show is supported by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau with support and enthusiasm from the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Sports Authority of Thailand. Co-Sponsors include the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Horus Watches, with Pan Pacific Hotel as Official Supplier. Media Partners include 91.5FM, Asia Pacific Boating, Asia Spa, China Boating, Director, International Herald Tribune, Jet Asia Pacific, Luxury Properties, Millionaire Asia, Newspaper Direct, Phuket Gazette, Prestige Thailand and The Nation.
The Phuket International Boat Show will be held January 7-10, 2010 at Royal Phuket Marina.
For more information, visit www.phuketboatshow.com.
Notes to editor
About Phuket International Boat Show
The inaugural PIMEX took place in December 2003. Phuket, with its rapidly expanding marine industry and a healthy property market was already established as one of the world’s prime leisure destinations and a favourite with those seeking to relocate to a better lifestyle. Shortly after this first show the import duty on boats was reduced to zero as the government quickly realised the potential of this high end sustainable tourism.
The show will display on 2,500 square metres of air-conditioned exhibition space and around 45 on-water displays in a “working” marine environment. There are over 2,000 trade visitors and 2,000 members of the public – all the main players from the marine industry, property and lifestyle industry to exhibit at the show each year.
About Informa Yacht Group
Informa Yacht Group a leading events organizer recently acquired PIMEX from Andaman Marine Consultants and has appointed AMC as the management company for the show. Informa also own The Monaco Yacht Show, The Superyacht Cup in Palma and in Antigua, Abu Dhabi Yacht Show, and the World Yacht Racing Forum. Its parent company, Informa PLC, also organizes over 10,000 exhibitions and conferences worldwide through its subsidiary IIR Exhibitions.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
MORE BANG FOR BUCK
For hundreds of diners in Taiwan,22-year-old Sheena Tsai is the billboard for Carlsberg, a Danish beer vying for a slice of Asia's competitive lager market.The university student brings beer straight to tables at packed Taipei seafood restaurants with handy facts about Carlsberg's origin and flavour.
"Some don't know about it," said Tsai, who wears a beer-branded blouse to local seafood joints."They like to meet sellers face to face. This kind of promotion is useful."
Carlsberg isn't the only one in Asia.As major companies see growth potential in the region, many more are seeking a marketing strategy to suit it,giving new clout to the ages-old tool of bringing products directly to consumers.
Dozens of companies, from consumer goods maker Hindustan Unilever Ltd to delivery firms such as Fedex, are now using direct marketing methods to sell their products in increasingly crowded and competitive markets.
Direct marketing, broadly defined,covers any sales technique from popup stores and commercial gift bag giveaways to free sample handouts that puts sellers directly in touch with target customers, compared to indirect marketing such as advertising, product placement or sponsorships.
Asian consumers, long accustomed to doing business with trusted family or friends to avoid scams, see contact with direct marketers as safe avenues to get to study a product in a world of commercial uncertainty, experts say.
"People still reply to direct mail. They want to be marketed to," said Dominic Powers, Asia-Pacific senior vice-president with marketing firm Epsilon International."Relationships are very strong, more so than in America, and they get things done."
Every major firm active in Asia uses both direct and indirect marketing, with the direct portion growing.
Last year direct sales in Asia increased 5% to $40 billion, up from a 0.4% increase in 2007, largely due to expanding markets such as China and India, according to data from market research firm Euromonitor International.
Big in Asia's direct marketing are alcoholic beverages such as Carlsberg and Glenmorangie Scotch whiskey, CocaCola Co's Glaceau Vitamin Water, delivery firms such as Fedex with preexisting address databases and common household goods sold by the likes of Amway.
And there's still room for more.Consumption and savings are expected to grow throughout Asia from a rate of 3.1% in 2002 to 4.6% next year, according to an HSBC Global Research report.
About 48% of the $150.3 billion spent globally on direct marketing will go to Asia by 2012, according to estimates by the Grey Group marketing communications firm.
"Companies have to adapt to Asian situations," said Dibyo Haldar, a strategy analyst with marketing agency Euro RSCG Worldwide in Singapore."Direct marketing as a percent of budgets is increasing. Everyone wants to try it out.
Direct marketing costs far less than mass advertising - and marketing officials say gives them more bang for their buck.
The 300-member trade organisation Sri Lanka Apparel has reached 100,000 people, spending only $150,000, by joining online communities such as student activist groups with an interest in garments made in safe, legal working conditions.
The same outreach via conventional advertising would have cost at least $20 million.
"We get a lot of bang out of our buck,"said Sri Lanka Apparel global marketing chairman Kumar Mirchandani.
Amway Global, a major US-based direct marketing firm, saw 25% growth in greater China in 2008 and generated 30% of its worldwide business from the region.
"An Asian specialty is that personal relations are more emphasised. In the West, they think the Internet can solve all kinds of problems," said Shirley Chen,GM with Amway Taiwan.
Dave Poh began selling Nu Skin products in 2005 after a friend in Singapore introduced them to him following a sale to that friend by another friend. He has recruited about 80 members in his new hometown Taipei, largely by making friends with them.
Almost 70%of consumers in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka bought something in a door-to-door sale last year,said Steve Yi, chief strategy officer for the Grey Group in Seoul.
And a once obscure foreign cigarette brand gained 10% of South Korea's market share in 2002 by handing out samples to bar hostesses who then passed them on to clients, who eventually began buying the brand, Yi said.
Taking advantage of the popularity of door-to-door sales in India,10 years ago Hindustan Unilever Ltd began a direct-sales scheme in rural areas with populations of less than 2,000. About 100,000 villages are involved.
Some 45,000 women go door-to-door with Unilever hair oil, soap, shampoo and cream in baskets or cardboard cartons on bicycles. They bought Unilever inventory worth 4.5 billion rupees ($94 million) in 2008, said Hemant Bakshi,an executive director.
A boom in electronic marketing is expected as Asian consumers adopt the latest technologies faster than peers elsewhere and welcome ads via mobile phone messages or online communities.
About 60% of Internet users in the Asia Pacific region have made purchases based on e-mail advertisements, compared with less than half in North America and just over 40% in Europe, Epislon has found.
By 2012, the Asia Pacific will lead other regions in mobile marketing spending at $7.7 billion versus the global figure of $16 billion, according to a study by ABI Research.
"Direct plus digital is growing, while conventional advertising is definitely not,in terms of budgets and activity," said Haldar of Euro RSCG.
"Some don't know about it," said Tsai, who wears a beer-branded blouse to local seafood joints."They like to meet sellers face to face. This kind of promotion is useful."
Carlsberg isn't the only one in Asia.As major companies see growth potential in the region, many more are seeking a marketing strategy to suit it,giving new clout to the ages-old tool of bringing products directly to consumers.
Dozens of companies, from consumer goods maker Hindustan Unilever Ltd to delivery firms such as Fedex, are now using direct marketing methods to sell their products in increasingly crowded and competitive markets.
Direct marketing, broadly defined,covers any sales technique from popup stores and commercial gift bag giveaways to free sample handouts that puts sellers directly in touch with target customers, compared to indirect marketing such as advertising, product placement or sponsorships.
Asian consumers, long accustomed to doing business with trusted family or friends to avoid scams, see contact with direct marketers as safe avenues to get to study a product in a world of commercial uncertainty, experts say.
"People still reply to direct mail. They want to be marketed to," said Dominic Powers, Asia-Pacific senior vice-president with marketing firm Epsilon International."Relationships are very strong, more so than in America, and they get things done."
Every major firm active in Asia uses both direct and indirect marketing, with the direct portion growing.
Last year direct sales in Asia increased 5% to $40 billion, up from a 0.4% increase in 2007, largely due to expanding markets such as China and India, according to data from market research firm Euromonitor International.
Big in Asia's direct marketing are alcoholic beverages such as Carlsberg and Glenmorangie Scotch whiskey, CocaCola Co's Glaceau Vitamin Water, delivery firms such as Fedex with preexisting address databases and common household goods sold by the likes of Amway.
And there's still room for more.Consumption and savings are expected to grow throughout Asia from a rate of 3.1% in 2002 to 4.6% next year, according to an HSBC Global Research report.
About 48% of the $150.3 billion spent globally on direct marketing will go to Asia by 2012, according to estimates by the Grey Group marketing communications firm.
"Companies have to adapt to Asian situations," said Dibyo Haldar, a strategy analyst with marketing agency Euro RSCG Worldwide in Singapore."Direct marketing as a percent of budgets is increasing. Everyone wants to try it out.
Direct marketing costs far less than mass advertising - and marketing officials say gives them more bang for their buck.
The 300-member trade organisation Sri Lanka Apparel has reached 100,000 people, spending only $150,000, by joining online communities such as student activist groups with an interest in garments made in safe, legal working conditions.
The same outreach via conventional advertising would have cost at least $20 million.
"We get a lot of bang out of our buck,"said Sri Lanka Apparel global marketing chairman Kumar Mirchandani.
Amway Global, a major US-based direct marketing firm, saw 25% growth in greater China in 2008 and generated 30% of its worldwide business from the region.
"An Asian specialty is that personal relations are more emphasised. In the West, they think the Internet can solve all kinds of problems," said Shirley Chen,GM with Amway Taiwan.
Dave Poh began selling Nu Skin products in 2005 after a friend in Singapore introduced them to him following a sale to that friend by another friend. He has recruited about 80 members in his new hometown Taipei, largely by making friends with them.
Almost 70%of consumers in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka bought something in a door-to-door sale last year,said Steve Yi, chief strategy officer for the Grey Group in Seoul.
And a once obscure foreign cigarette brand gained 10% of South Korea's market share in 2002 by handing out samples to bar hostesses who then passed them on to clients, who eventually began buying the brand, Yi said.
Taking advantage of the popularity of door-to-door sales in India,10 years ago Hindustan Unilever Ltd began a direct-sales scheme in rural areas with populations of less than 2,000. About 100,000 villages are involved.
Some 45,000 women go door-to-door with Unilever hair oil, soap, shampoo and cream in baskets or cardboard cartons on bicycles. They bought Unilever inventory worth 4.5 billion rupees ($94 million) in 2008, said Hemant Bakshi,an executive director.
A boom in electronic marketing is expected as Asian consumers adopt the latest technologies faster than peers elsewhere and welcome ads via mobile phone messages or online communities.
About 60% of Internet users in the Asia Pacific region have made purchases based on e-mail advertisements, compared with less than half in North America and just over 40% in Europe, Epislon has found.
By 2012, the Asia Pacific will lead other regions in mobile marketing spending at $7.7 billion versus the global figure of $16 billion, according to a study by ABI Research.
"Direct plus digital is growing, while conventional advertising is definitely not,in terms of budgets and activity," said Haldar of Euro RSCG.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
NU SKIN REACHING OUT TO DISTRIBUTORS
The US-based direct-selling giant, Nu Skin, has launched a regional project in Southeast Asia to support and strengthen its relationships with 100,000 distributors in the region.
The project, called "Hug Our Distributors" is Nu Skin's crucial preparation for a campaign to double its direct-selling business and number of distributors in Thailand and other markets in Southeast Asia within the next one or two years.
"Under the campaign, a set of projects and initiatives will be launched to help improve customer service for our distributors," said Melisa Quijano, president of Nu Skin Enterprises, Southeast Asia, in an exclusive interview with The Nation.
"We are a people business and need to be more conscious about service, which is a very important factor in our direct-selling business. Our success depends on the success of our distributors. We want to keep a strategy to make sure our employees are ready and equipped to serve our distributors very well," she said.
Nu Skin actually started a mindset campaign, called "We Love Our Distributors", last year. The "Hug Our Distributors" project was launched in Thailand and other markets in Southeast Asia earlier this year.
"The mindset campaign is set to remind us that our purpose is to help distributors to become successful," said Quijano.
"It recognises our thinking that the distributors are the centre of our business. Therefore our main job is to help them become successful," she added.
Quijano said that under the "Hug Our Distributors" project, the company would launch programmes and initiatives that enforced the mindset, which would start with training all Nu Skin staff on how they should serve distributors and creating an environment so that distributors would be more effective in what they do.
The programmes will also include awards and recognition to be provided to distributors.
"We are looking at value systems and processes that will improve the way we serve our distributors. It will be easy for them to place orders. And we will remove all barriers to our distributors in signing in and sponsoring," said Quijano.
"When we are able to build trust between the company and our distributors, the relationship will be even stronger. If we serve our distributors well, they will stay active with us. They will enjoy more productivity and bring more people into the business.
"We ourselves want to provide good and consistent services to our distributors," she added. Nu Skin currently operates in six markets in Southeast Asia and has about 100,000 active distributors totally. In Thailand, the company has 30,000 active distributors.
"Our 'Hug Our Distributors' programme also affects hiring employees. We hire new personnel for their attitude and train them for skills. They need to be friendly and service-minded," said Quijano.
She added that the company has a set of behavioural questions to help measure the attitudes of job applicants.
Quijano said that such initiatives created to serve distributors include "101 Ways to Wow Distributors", designed to teach how to greet distributors, and "Customer Recovering", created to provide several steps in addressing and correcting distributors problems leave them feeling happy.
The company in July also launched a new measuring system for its distributors called the "Vote System" aimed at finding out the satisfaction level of its distributors.
"We will do a distributor survey in the near future to find out their satisfaction levels. We want to be known as a company that know how to really take care our distributors," said Quijano.
Nu Skin achieved 14 per cent year-on-year growth in the first eight months of this year. The company expected to achieve Bt2 billion in sales this year, which is up between 10 per cent and 15 per cent over last year.
Quijano said that the company posted 14-per-cent growth in sales in the Southeast Asia region in the first eight months of this year compared to the same period last year. The company achieved growth at 18 per cent year on year in the second quarter this year.
The project, called "Hug Our Distributors" is Nu Skin's crucial preparation for a campaign to double its direct-selling business and number of distributors in Thailand and other markets in Southeast Asia within the next one or two years.
"Under the campaign, a set of projects and initiatives will be launched to help improve customer service for our distributors," said Melisa Quijano, president of Nu Skin Enterprises, Southeast Asia, in an exclusive interview with The Nation.
"We are a people business and need to be more conscious about service, which is a very important factor in our direct-selling business. Our success depends on the success of our distributors. We want to keep a strategy to make sure our employees are ready and equipped to serve our distributors very well," she said.
Nu Skin actually started a mindset campaign, called "We Love Our Distributors", last year. The "Hug Our Distributors" project was launched in Thailand and other markets in Southeast Asia earlier this year.
"The mindset campaign is set to remind us that our purpose is to help distributors to become successful," said Quijano.
"It recognises our thinking that the distributors are the centre of our business. Therefore our main job is to help them become successful," she added.
Quijano said that under the "Hug Our Distributors" project, the company would launch programmes and initiatives that enforced the mindset, which would start with training all Nu Skin staff on how they should serve distributors and creating an environment so that distributors would be more effective in what they do.
The programmes will also include awards and recognition to be provided to distributors.
"We are looking at value systems and processes that will improve the way we serve our distributors. It will be easy for them to place orders. And we will remove all barriers to our distributors in signing in and sponsoring," said Quijano.
"When we are able to build trust between the company and our distributors, the relationship will be even stronger. If we serve our distributors well, they will stay active with us. They will enjoy more productivity and bring more people into the business.
"We ourselves want to provide good and consistent services to our distributors," she added. Nu Skin currently operates in six markets in Southeast Asia and has about 100,000 active distributors totally. In Thailand, the company has 30,000 active distributors.
"Our 'Hug Our Distributors' programme also affects hiring employees. We hire new personnel for their attitude and train them for skills. They need to be friendly and service-minded," said Quijano.
She added that the company has a set of behavioural questions to help measure the attitudes of job applicants.
Quijano said that such initiatives created to serve distributors include "101 Ways to Wow Distributors", designed to teach how to greet distributors, and "Customer Recovering", created to provide several steps in addressing and correcting distributors problems leave them feeling happy.
The company in July also launched a new measuring system for its distributors called the "Vote System" aimed at finding out the satisfaction level of its distributors.
"We will do a distributor survey in the near future to find out their satisfaction levels. We want to be known as a company that know how to really take care our distributors," said Quijano.
Nu Skin achieved 14 per cent year-on-year growth in the first eight months of this year. The company expected to achieve Bt2 billion in sales this year, which is up between 10 per cent and 15 per cent over last year.
Quijano said that the company posted 14-per-cent growth in sales in the Southeast Asia region in the first eight months of this year compared to the same period last year. The company achieved growth at 18 per cent year on year in the second quarter this year.
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