Customers donating to temporary relief centres can get 25% off specially packaged Spritzer Natural Mineral Water products
Spritzer has launched the #KitaJagaKita Care Package for customers who wish to donate mineral water to victims of the ongoing and recent floods that have affected the country.
The Company is offering 25% off #KitaJagaKita Care Packages to customers who are donating to temporary relief centres across the nation that are in urgent need of potable water. Customers can visit bit.ly/kitajagakitaspritzerwa to purchase these care packages.
Package 1 comprise 5 cartons of 600-ml and 5 cartons of 1.5-litre Spritzer Natural Mineral Water and is priced at RM235 while Package 2 comprise 10 cartons of 6-litre Spritzer Natural Mineral Water together with water pump dispensers priced at RM161.
Spritzer will assist in the logistics of sending the care packages to those evacuation centres and temporary relief centres that are in need directly. However, due to system limitations, customers purchasing from the dedicated #KitaJagaKita Care Package site need to place own address as the delivery address when checking out.
Spritzer stands in solidarity with people across the country who have been impacted by the floods and have donated supplies to victims. The Company will continue to monitor the situation and look for ways to assist affected communities.
For more information, please contact: Muhammad Hakim Syed Munif Tel: +6012 318-5410 Email: h.juraimi@swanconsultancy.biz
GS Holdings Limited (“GS Holdings” or the “Company” and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”), is pleased to announce that its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Hao Kou Wei Pte. Ltd. (“HKW”), has set up a new subsidiary, Sing Zhong Brands Management Pte. Ltd. (“Sing Zhong Brands Management”), to manage and operate restaurants and food outlets in coffee shop and food court and also to develop, franchise and manage food and beverage (“F&B”) brands with a primary focus to facilitate its plans to promote and sell food originating from the People’s Republic of China and Singapore.
In addition, Sing Zhong Brand Management has entered into a Letter of Intent with Action Culture Pte. Ltd. (“Action Culture”) with the aim of establishing 10 Chinese F&B brands and 10 Singapore F&B brands, which will be sold as franchise in Asian countries.
With Action Culture’s strong experience and knowledge of the culture and food consumption patterns in both China and Singapore, Action Culture will be responsible for identifying and designing the 10 Chinese F&B brands and concepts as well as sourcing for interested franchisees or investors.
All 20 F&B brands developed will be owned and registered as the intellectual properties of Sing Zhong Brands Management.
Furthermore, by leveraging on Action Culture’s understanding of both countries’ market cultures and its expertise and experience in social media, marketing and content creation, there is good potential for the F&B brands to gain popularity and recognition.
In addition, the Group believes that in executing its plans pursuant to the Letter of Intent, it would be able to contribute towards assisting individuals in realising their aspirations to become entrepreneurs by way of franchise while creating job opportunities in the community.
Under the Letter of Intent, the fees payable to Action Culture will be via the issuance of new shares in the Company based on certain performance targets agreed upon. A definitive agreement will be entered into by the parties after all the other terms for the transaction with Action Culture have been finalised.
Mr. Pang Pok, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Company, said, “We aim to broadly expand our business presence across high-growth end markets within Asia with new F&B brands, concepts and franchises.
By leveraging on Action Culture’s strengths, there are strong opportunities to drive new growth, while diversifying our revenue base and generating new cashflows.
With aligned interests via a performance-based structure for this business collaboration, we look forward to accelerate our business plans to create new and highly compelling value propositions in Asia’s F&B industry.”
The incorporation of the new subsidiary and the Letter of Intent are not expected to have any material financial impact on the consolidated earnings per share and consolidated net tangible assets per share of the Company and its subsidiaries for the current financial year ending 31 December 2021.
With an aim to diversify its business model and create additional streams of income, GS Holdings Limited (“GS Holdings”) has expanded into various business ventures in the food and beverage (“F&B”) industry.
To harness its growth opportunities, GS Holding is looking to further expand its brand presence across Asia and beyond via new franchising, licensing and distribution models.
This press release has been prepared by GS Holdings Limited (the “Company”) and its contents have been reviewed by the Company’s sponsor, UOB Kay Hian Private Limited (the “Sponsor”) for compliance with the relevant rules of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (“SGX-ST”) Listing Manual Section B: Rules of Catalist.
This press release has not been examined or approved by the SGX-ST and the SGX-ST assumes no responsibility for the contents of this press release, including the accuracy, completeness or correctness of any of the information, statements or opinions made or reports contained in this press release.
The contact person for the Sponsor is Mr Lance Tan, Senior Vice President, at 8 Anthony Road, #01- 01, Singapore 229957, telephone (65) 6590 6881.
Note: This press release is to be read in conjunction with the SGX announcement released on the same date.
Media & Investor Contacts: Issued on behalf of GS Holdings Limited by 8PR Asia Pte Ltd. Mr. Alex TAN Mobile: +65 9451 5252 Email: alex.tan@8prasia.com
Spritzerwants everybody to have roaring good health in the coming Year of the Tiger by encouraging drinking more natural mineral water during this festive season through the Spritzer Drink, Win & Huat Contest.
The contest runs from 01 December 2021 to 15 February 2022, making this a total of 11 weeks with attractive weekly cash prizes to be won. Prizes include one (1) Grand Prize of Proton X70, eight (8) Weekly First Prize Winners of RM888 cash, and thirty-eight (38) Weekly Consolation Prize Winners RM128 cash.
The participating products in the contest are Spritzer Natural Mineral Water, Distilled Drinking Water, RO Drinking Water, Spritzer Dispenser Series (Hot & Cold Stand Dispenser / Hot & Warm Mini Dispenser / Duotone Mini Dispenser / Water Pump Dispenser), ACILIS by Spritzer Natural Mineral Water, Spritzer SO Tinge!, Spritzer Tinge and, Spritzer Sparkling Natural Mineral Water.
To participate, purchase any of the participating Spritzer product worth RM8 and above at any outlet or e-commerce platform in a single receipt, write your full name as per identity card (“IC”), IC number and email address on the original printed receipt(s), then WhatsApp a picture of the receipt to +6017 671 8310. Remember to keep the receipt for verification purposes.
Buy more and stand a chance to win more. For more info on contest details, kindly log in to spritzer.com.my.
Spritzer has recently won another national award for the water category at the World Branding Awards – Brand of the Year 2021 to 2022 and will continue striving in their efforts of sustainability and giving back to society to provide the best natural mineral water for their consumers.
Spritzer takes note of the flood situation affecting various locations in Peninsular Malaysia over the last 72 hours and is prepared to render assistance to affected communities.
It has been reported that more than 22,000 people were evacuated throughout Peninsular Malaysia on Sunday as the country faces some of its worst flooding in years due to a multiple-day heavy downpour.
In view of the emergency, the Company is making immediate arrangement for mineral water to be distributed via the Malaysia Civil Defence Force and Red Crescent to selected relief centres nationwide. More than RM50,000 worth of Spritzer Natural Mineral Water bottles are currently transported to flood victims and rescue crews in affected areas, where victims may not have access to clean water which is important for hydration and ensuring hygiene at all times. Malaysia Civil Defence Force is also preparing dried food for victims in affected communities.
Spritzer urges everyone to be careful of contamination from the flood waters and avoid all unknown sources of water. People are encouraged to boil water from taps used for drinking, cooking and brushing teeth. Do not use discoloured water or water that have an odour and avoid contact with contaminated water on skin and eyes.
About Spritzer Bhd
Spritzer Group of Companies comprises a total of eight business subsidiaries, specialising in manufacturing and distribution of natural mineral water, sparkling natural mineral water, distilled drinking water, non-carbonated fruit flavoured drink and functional drinks. The company has been in operation for more than 30 years, and is the country’s largest, oldest and only listed bottle water producer. For more information, please visit www.spritzer.com.my.
For more information, please contact: Muhammad Hakim Syed Munif Tel: +60 12 318-5410 Email: h.juraimi@swanconsultancy.biz
Spritzer Malaysia (“Spritzer” or the “Company”) is delighted to announce the raising of its first-ever Sustainable Christmas Tree in Taiping, Perak as the central attraction of the Spritzer EcoPark Christmas 2021 Event.
Families and friends can take memorable photos of themselves with this 10-feet high tree built from Spritzer Sparkling bottles with lights draped around it for a feel of the holiday season while enjoying a number of events lined up from 17 December 2021 to 02 January 2022 at the Spritzer EcoPark, Taiping.
Visitors can admire the Recycle Art Tunnel made from thousands of Spritzer Natural Mineral Water bottles and also take Instagram – worthy photos of themselves as they bid 2021 farewell and look forward to another year of hope and new beginnings.
Other activities organised include mini golf games with special LED golf ball package on selected days, Christmas-themed DIY crafts, including special handmade gift boxes held at set times. Visitors can refresh themselves with the special edition of Spritzer Sparkling’s Tropical Fizz flavoured drinks and enjoy Christmas-decorated lollipops.
Spritzer values the safety and health of its employees, vendors and visitors. The event will run with all standard operating procedures adhered to including MySejahtera check-ins, social distancing, mask on and sanitizers will be provided at various locations at the event.
Spritzer hopes to welcome everyone in a safe manner. Please reserve your slots now and enjoy the holiday season with us in Spritzer EcoPark.
Ni Hsin Group Berhad’s (formerly known as Ni Hsin Resources Berhad) (“Ni Hsin”) subsidiary BlackBixon2Go Sdn Bhd (“BlackBixon2Go”), is pleased to announce the launch of BB2GO EV (“electric vehicle”) Coffee Bike for use in the sale of BlackBixon coffee.
The launch was attended by YB Tan Sri Noh Bin Haji Omar, Minister of Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives; various directors from BlackBixon2Go Sdn. Bhd., the EV Bike subsidiary of Ni Hsin Group Berhad and Ni Hsin Group Berhad.
These electric bikes are powered by a battery system specially configured to also provide the power for the coffee-making machine and is an extension of Ni Hsin’s cafe@anywhere concept under its food and beverage business. The bikes are equipped with GPS for easy tracking of orders and locations of BB2GO EV Coffee Bikes by coffee lovers using the BB2GO app.
BlackBixon2Go also signed an MoU with Acasia Communications Sdn Bhd (“Acasia”) to digitalise the new business concept through its connectivity and cloud services, supporting BB2GO app. Acasia, an affiliate of Telekom Malaysia Group, is a collaboration among seven leading telecommunications providers offering a comprehensive suite of connectivity services and digital infrastructure in the ASEAN region.
Mr. Khoo Chee Kong, Managing Director of BlackBixon2Go, said, “We have embarked on a transformation trail, from a traditional manufacturer of stainless-steel products to a new age business model riding on the EV Revolution with BB2GO EV Coffee Bike combining Malaysians’ love for coffee and the desire to maintain a green and healthy environment. This business concept is apt and fitting for the street food industry, it’s also very suitable for catering, open house and parties.”
“The BB2GO EV Coffee Bike is a totally self-sufficient bar that does not require an electrical outlet to power the coffee machine. The batteries from the EV Bike are technically configured to produce up to 400 cups of coffee and can be recharged after that. With BB2GO EV Coffee Bike you can be a barista, just as in a modern cafe, serving espresso coffee or cappuccino prepared in front of your customer’s eyes.”
Ni Hsin’s use of the electric bikes is part of the company’s commitment to environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) responsibilities as well as adopting a mindset change for business sustainability in the face of technological advancement. Ni Hsin is also observing, learning and innovating to improve the way it conducts business as part of its ESG responsibilities.
The Company is planning to expand the BB2GO EV Coffee Bike concept across ASEAN and is also planning to manufacture and assemble the electric bikes in collaboration with an established EV manufacturer from China for the commercial and consumer market in Malaysia and ASEAN.
Pictured (from left): – Mr. Khoo Chee Kong, Managing Director of BlackBixon2Go Sdn. Bhd. – Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Haji Mohamed Apandi Ali, Non-Executive Chairman of BlackBixon2Go Sdn. Bhd. – En. Sofiyan Yahya, Chairman of Ni Hsin Group Berhad – YB Tan Sri Noh Bin Haji Omar, Minister of Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives – Dato’ Seri Rosman Mohamed, Independent Director of Ni Hsin Group Berhad – Dato’ Mohammad Radhi Bin Abdul Razak, Deputy Secretary General of Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (https://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_NiHsin20211213.jpg)
Spritzer Malaysia (“Spritzer” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that the Company has won the national award for the water category of the World Branding Awards – Brand of the Year 2021-2022, a premier award recognition programme organised by the World Branding Forum.
Mr. Richard Rowles, Global Chairman, World Branding Forum and Dr. Chuah Chaw Teo, Director of Spritzer Bhd [L-R]
The national award was presented to Spritzer on 25 November 2021 in a virtual ceremony (video). The 14th edition of the World Branding Awards – Brand of the Year 2021-2022 saw more than 5,300 brands from over 60 countries nominated across multiple categories, with 500 brands winning awards, of which there are three categories – global, regional and national.
“Spritzer is very delighted to have again won the prestigious World Branding Award. This achievement is a very powerful endorsement of the popularity and trust of the Spritzer Brand to our loyal and faithful consumer, and I want to take this opportunity to appreciate and thank you all for your very strong support. Without you, Spritzer would not have been where we are today,” said Dr. Chuah Chaw Teo, Director of Spritzer Bhd.
The national award is presented to only the top household brands in each participating country that have been judged to be truly exceptional. Only one national award is given to a brand from each product or service category from participating countries.
The World Branding Awards has a judging and voting process that takes into consideration public participation through online voting, which is given a weightage of 30%. Brand evaluation by the World Branding Forum has a weightage of 30% while consumer market research conducted by the World Branding Forum has a weightage of 40%.
Spritzer Natural Mineral Water has also been awarded 3 stars by a panel of professional taste experts comprising chefs and sommeliers in the Superior Taste Award 2021 organised by the Brussels-based International Taste Institute. To be awarded 3 stars, products must have overall scores of over 90% and be considered an exceptional product by the 200 jury members from 20 countries that have been carefully selected based on their experience in tasting.
The jury of the Superior Taste Award 2021 noted that Spritzer Natural Mineral Water has a crystalline visual as well as refreshing and uplifting character with soft, delicate water and great mineral persistence at the end of the mouth.
Spritzer would like to thank our consumers for their endless support and loyalty as we strive to maintain the quality of our silica-rich natural mineral water from underground aquifers in a pristine 330-acre site located in Taiping, Perak neighbouring a tropical rainforest. As a business that cares, the Company will continue to give back to society and offer only the best quality to our consumers.
BRDGE funded more than S$ 11m in loans to 46 Singapore SMEs since April 2020; across more industries as compared to a similar period pre-pandemic
Average loan size today is S$352,000 compared to S$836,000 pre-pandemic, a decrease of 58% alluding to focus on cashflow for rising costs around rent and labour instead of growth
In response to uncertainty around dining-in, BRDGE launches new F&B loans packaged with interest rates from less than as 1% per month for between three to six months, with a lowered credit assessment criteria matched to changing dining in rules in the past three to six months
Part of BRDGE’s focus on Singapore SME Survival during COVID-19, together with efforts around digitalisation through its e-commerce mobile app B Mart
BRDGE Technology (BRDGE), an MAS licensed Peer-to-Peer lending platform launched in 2014, today announced the launch of a food and beverage (F&B) financing package specially catered to support Singapore’s Food and Beverage (F&B) Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the current pandemic-driven uncertainty around dining-in. The loans package, with affordable interest rates from less than 1% per month and a short tenure of three-to-six-months, is specially designed to help establishments survive and potentially thrive during this period when cashflow is of importance for salaries and rentals.
One unique aspect of the F&B BRDGE loan is the credit assessment process, which takes the challenging business landscape into account with a lowered and targeted criteria on credit assessment: BRDGE will assess only the latest three-to-six months of the SME’s recent cashflow, bank statements and bank balance, matched against the changing dining-in rules, to identify F&B businesses which are able to survive and thrive.
BRDGE offers funding support for SMEs that are non-bankable or unable to secure a loan from traditional financial institutions. Most of the time it is due to a less than two-year track record or small annual revenues, or have maxed their credit facilities or who require a Bridging Loan. BRDGE then carries out an assessment and matches SMEs with potential investors.
Mr Kevin Wong, CEO, BRDGE Technology, said, “The government has been extremely supportive with the various grants and packages for businesses and their employees in Singapore since the start of the pandemic, and the community has also continued their support to Singapore SMEs. However, with the recently announced extension of the stabilisation phase, Singapore businesses, specifically F&B establishments which depend very much on dining-in for their revenues, continue to be pressured by thinner margins, tight cashflow, and the rising cost of rent and labour. With group sizes for dining-in having been adjusted more than 10 times since April 2020, F&B businesses are faced with continued uncertainty and many are on the brink of survival. This loan package is designed to help them survive and potentially thrive in the short term, with a more relevant assessment process grounded in the very different business reality today.”
Cashflow a priority for SMEs during COVID-19 Since the start of the pandemic in April 2020 till today, BRDGE has funded more than 46 SMEs with more than S$ 11m in loans. As compared to a similar period pre-pandemic (April 2019 to April 2020), there has been a distinct reduction of 58% to the average loan size per borrower from S$352,000 vs S$836,000, alluding to a shift in borrowing for growth pre-pandemic, to survival during the pandemic with cash used to maintain operational costs.
More SMEs has also requested for funding since April 2020, at 46 against 17 pre-pandemic, with companies from industries such as Arts, Entertainment and Recreation, Health and Medical, Marine and Shipping, and Beauty and Wellness, requesting for loans.
Kevin added, “As the pandemic continues, more and more businesses are facing problems maintaining cashflow. We’re also seeing a fundamental shift in the reasons for getting loans. Where previously companies were discussing funding to help them grow or expand, today we are speaking to business owners who are concerned about surviving to the next month. The government and consumers are surely doing their part to help businesses survive, but every little bit helps and this relook at how we assess loans is one part of our commitment to the Singapore business community.”
As part of its efforts to tide SMEs through this challenging period, BRDGE also recently started developing B Mart, a new e-commerce mobile app that is designed to help SMEs in Singapore digitalise and find new customers online. On the platform now are more than 7 businesses with over 500 SKUs representing B2B industries such as Creative and Marketing and B2C businesses such as Food & Beverages, Beauty & Health, Fashion, etc. BRDGE plans to increase this to 2,000 SKUs by the end of the year, with all 237 BRDGE’s SME borrowers since 2014 being able to tap on this platform. All applicants of today’s F&B BRDGE loans can have access to the platform and will be able to tap on the BRDGE online delivery app at a fixed and competitive 5% commission rate to help lower operational costs.
SME owners who are interested in listing their products on the B Mart app to grow their customer base and business can get in touch with BRDGE directly at admin@bmart.sg.
About BRDGE Technology BRDGE Technology is an MAS licensed P2P lending platform with a Capital Market Service license (CMS 100642). Founded in 2014, it is among the pioneer batch of homegrown P2P lending platforms and is the highest-rated crowdfunding platform on Seedly. Till date, BRDGE has crowdfunded a total of S$72,022,115 and has a community size of over 17,000 investors and SMEs. https://www.brdge.tech/
Patented technology resonates and activates water molecules to extend shelf-life of perishable food
Bizos Cavallo Enterprises, LLC of Dallas, TX, together with California-based Hakim Unique Groups’ Wingar Industrial Inc (DBA Denba USA), and DENBA JAPAN Co Ltd signed an exclusive strategic development agreement for United States distribution of the patented DENBA water molecule technology.
DENBA preservation technology utilizes static waves to create electric fields in freezers to preserve perishable foods by lengthening moisture crystallization. Thus, while extending the freshness of frozen products longer than typical heat-removal freeze technology, this significantly lowers food waste via slowing oxidation in frozen food in residential and commercial food preservation applications, as well as across supply chain logistics such as prefabricated storage units typically used in cold storage units at ports, in shipping, trucking, and other food storage reefers.
“We are excited to partner with both Hakim Unique Groups’ Wingar Industrial Inc. and DENBA Japan Co Ltd to bring this impactful technology to the US marketplace,” said Elvin Thibodeaux, Managing Partner of Bizos Cavallo Enterprises. “The prevention of the morphology of ice crystals and limitation of food oxidation with minimal impact to cold storage capacity will be extremely beneficial in food import, export and utilization across the United States supply chain. We look forward to working to lowering the roughly 30% food waste impact lost from in farm-to-fork transference across our country’s various commodity classes, as well as in that of daily usage in residential refrigeration within our homes.”
“Through years of research and development and improvement, DENBA’s product line has formed a complete set of equipment chains that can meet the cold chain needs of storage, including long-, medium- and short-distance transportation. This, as well as in-home food preservation provides us confidence that the US marketplace will embrace DENBA’s product offerings. We look forward to working with Bizos Cavallo to deliver this technology at a time where maximizing food resources is critical to the needs of many,” said Henry Huang, Chief Executive Officer of Hakim Unique Group.
“Since 2004, DENBA JAPAN has been committed to the research and development of water-based technology to enhance the human quality of life. We are confident that our new distribution alliance with Wingar Industrial Inc. and Bizos Cavallo Enterprises will result in a positive impact to cycle of food and its useful life via our patented food preservation technology throughout the United States,” said Kanetaka Goto, Chief Executive Officer, DENBA JAPAN Co Ltd.
DENBA utilizes its unique patented technology which resonates and activates water molecules to maintain longer than normal food preservation. Under the DENBA environment, perishable food may be stored in a negative temperature range, which leads to a reduction of the bacteria growth for perishable food items. Denba products can be retrofitted to the existing refrigerated equipment and can be used in a wide range of food distribution applications, including not only refrigerators, but also prefabricated storage units, trucks, and reefer containers.
About Bizos Cavallo Enterprises Bizos Cavallo Enterprises, LLC is a strategic consulting and operations firm focused on emerging bioscience innovation for public health, strategic alliances, and global investment resources, based in Dallas, TX, with offices in New Orleans and Winston-Salem, NC. In addition, Bizos Cavallo owns the subsidiary, BP&D International, LLC, a global leader in the procurement and the export of premium cultural commodities, including bulk grains, animal proteins, and their respective derivatives. Founded in 2017, Bizos Cavallo’s network includes partners and a host of strategic alliances in the United States, Greece, Romania, China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Dubai, France, Brazil, the West Indies and a Trade Operations Desk with Clarion Global-UK in the United Kingdom. For more about Bizos Cavallo Enterprises, visit www.bizoscavallo.com.
About Hakim Unique Group Hakim Unique Group (HUG), founded in 2000 with headquarters in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, is an investment conglomerate with more than 175 subsidiaries including Hakim Unique Internet Co Ltd (now Straits Innovation, 300300.SH), a publicly listed Shenzhen A-Share company. HUG and its subsidiaries hold investments in information technology, film and TV media, healthcare, insurance, innovative finance and asset management. With total group valuation of more than RMB210 billion, or US$32 billion, the Group is ranked amongst China’s top 500 private enterprises according to Zheshang Magazine and among the country’s top 100 most profitable private enterprises. Visit www.hakim.com.cn, or Wingar Industrial (DBA Denba USA) at www.denbausa.com.
About DENBA JAPAN Co Ltd Established in 2004 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with a presence in Osaka and Zhenjiang, China, DENBA is at the forefront of electric field preservation technology with products and interests across healthcare, agriculture, aquaculture and cold chain logistics via technology. DENBA together with equipment manufacturers develops solutions to provide protection for the food cold chain. Current partner clients include the world’s largest container manufacturer CIMC (DENBA equipped with professional temperature-controlled containers), China Railway Group (DENBA equipped with containers and long-distance cold chain vehicles), Changhong Group, Aucma Group (commercial and household refrigerators), Hoshizaki Co., Ltd. (the largest kitchen refrigeration equipment manufacturer in Japan), Isuzu Motors (refrigerated trucks and containers) and ITOCHU Corporation (trade distribution, cold chain logistics). Visit DENBA JAPAN at www.denba-global.com/en/
Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, is set to expand its hospitality education business in the kingdom with a unique joint venture offering experiential training in Italian, Japanese, and Thai cuisines – plus exclusive incubation services for food and beverage startups – in a state-of-the-art facility in Bangkok.
A winning partnership: Equity partners in the THB 336 million development include Dusit International; Glowfish Co-Working Space; Allied Metals; and La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana (ALMA).
Called The Food School, the project occupies 3,200 sq m of thoughtfully designed space set over three floors at the new Creative & Startup Village in the city’s Sam Yan district, just a five-minute walk from Sam Yan MRT underground station.
Equity partners in the THB 336 million development include Dusit International; Glowfish Co-Working Space (under privately owned real estate investment company, Heritage Estates Co., Ltd.); Allied Metals, one of Asia’s leading suppliers of professional kitchens and kitchen infrastructure; and La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana (ALMA), recognised as the world’s leading education and training centre for Italian cuisine.
Designed to provide an innovative, progressive and experiential learning environment, and targeted at young professionals, keen amateurs, career-switchers, and entrepreneurs seeking to get the best possible start for their food and beverage businesses, The Food School will bring together three globally recognised institutions – including Dusit’s own Dusit Thani College; Japan’s renowned Tsuji Culinary Institute; and ALMA. Each will offer long-course modules in Thai cuisine, Japanese cuisine, and Italian cuisine and bakery, respectively.
Students will also have access to The Food School’s unique entrepreneurial incubator platform, The Test Kitchen, which will offer facilities for product testing and experimentation; business planning services; professional coaching and mentorship from renowned local chefs; and exclusive opportunities to get financial support from investors during specially arranged pitching sessions.
Alongside sourcing sustainable produce from selected farms throughout Thailand, the academy will bring in premium imported ingredients to ensure authenticity. Regular events will showcase innovations and new food and beverage business trends. A community dining room, meanwhile, will serve as a venue for students, instructors, locals, visitors, mentors and mentees to exchange ideas and evaluate new concepts.
“The Food School aims to create a vibrant, dynamic and collaborative ecosystem that brings together Thailand’s food community to drive positive social, environmental, and economic developments in the food and beverage industry at large,” said Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, Dusit International. “Three clear highlights set The Food School apart as a unique proposition in Bangkok. First, it is the first mover in the market to offer multi-cuisine training and business incubation all under one roof. Second, its Test Kitchen facilities will provide an unrivalled opportunity for experienced or fledgling chefs and savvy entrepreneurs to trial new concepts, receive advice on these concepts from seasoned industry experts, and tap into Thailand’s dynamic food and beverage market. Third, the Food School will play an active role in the food and beverage community by hosting regular events that bring together key industry players to discuss the latest trends, evaluate concepts, and brainstorm the way ahead for established and upcoming food and beverage businesses alike.”
Ms Suthumpun said that no other facility offers such comprehensive services for culinary startups and young professionals in Bangkok.
“By responding to the professional needs of the market in the new normal, fully leveraging Dusit’s rich experience in providing hospitality education for more than 20 years, and offering direct access to mentorship from celebrated chefs and well-known restaurateurs in Thailand, and later globally, we look forward to helping The Food School’s students, entrepreneurial associates, and community supporters to fulfill their potential with services, facilities and hands-on learning specially created to equip them for success in the brighter post COVID-19 days ahead.”
Ms Prim Jitcharoongphorn, Chairperson of the Executive Board at Allied Metals, said, “The highlight of The Food School facility is the design of kitchen classrooms that fosters teamwork and collaboration among peers. Our facility is equipped with eco-friendly equipment which is energy-efficient, user-friendly, and versatile. Kitchens at The Food School are truly state of the art. We are delighted that our innovative solutions will contribute to the sustainable development of culinary talents in Thailand by facilitating maximum productivity with minimal environmental impact.”
Mr Gavin Vongkusolkit, Managing Director of Heritage Estates Co. Ltd & Founder of Glowfish Co-Working Space, said, “Glowfish is all about people, community, and genuine collaboration, and any partnership or project we undertake will always be built on these solid foundations. Bringing our expertise in value-driven collaboration to The Food School, we look forward to building a thriving ecosystem of creativity and innovation, not only for Thailand’s food industry but also for the wider benefit of tourism, agriculture, wellness, sustainability, entrepreneurship, education and many connecting parts of our society and economy.”
Photo caption: A winning partnership: Equity partners in the THB 336 million development include Dusit International; Glowfish Co-Working Space; Allied Metals; and La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana (ALMA). https://www.acnnewswire.com/topimg/Low_Dusit20211028.jpg
Pictured (from left): – Mr Siradej Donavanik, Managing Director – ASAI Hotels and Vice President of Development & Projects – Dusit International – Mr Gavin Vongkusolkit, Managing Director of Heritage Estates Co. Ltd & Founder of Glowfish Co-Working Space – Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group Chief Executive Officer, Dusit International – Ms Prim Jitcharoongphorn, Chairperson of the Executive Board of Allied Metals (Thailand) Co. Ltd – Mr Yannis Janssens, Technical Director, The Food School – Mr Laurent Casteret, School Director, The Food School
About Dusit International
Established in 1948, Dusit International is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Building on its two core areas of business – Hotels & Resorts and Hospitality Education – the company has expanded its operations over the past four years to comprise five business units. The additional units include Foods, Property Development, and Hospitality-Related Services. Today, the company’s property portfolio comprises more than 300 distinctive hotels, resorts and luxury villas operating under six brands across 17 countries worldwide, as well as two leading hospitality colleges with campuses in Thailand and the Philippines. Following a three-pronged strategy for sustainable growth, including balance, expansion and diversification, the company has recently expanded into food production, on-demand hospitality services, and property development to reach new markets and add further recurring streams of revenue to the company. For more information, please visit www.dusit-international.com
Official photos of Dusit Hotels & Resorts can be downloaded at medialib.dusit.com
Media Contact: Sureerat Sudpairak | Corporate Director of Public Relations | Dusit International Tel: +66 (0) 2200 9999 ext. 3321 | Mobile +66 (0) 89 006 8697 | Email: sureerat.sp@dusit.com
