World Economic Forum on East Asia Useful Information

Regional Agenda World Economic Forum on East Asia Useful Information

Bangkok, Thailand 30 May - 1 June 2012 Useful Information Forum This document is designed to help you prepare for, and get the most out of, your participation in the World Economic Forum on East Asia in Bangkok, Thailand, from 30 May to 1 June 2012. We expect over 460 participants from business, government, civil society, academia and media. The programme will include more than 25 official sessions.

Contents

1. Facts ...... 2 1.2 Business Hours ...... 2 1.3 Currency and Credit Cards ...... 2 1.4 Electricity ...... 2 1.5 Language ...... 3 1.6 Mobile Network ...... 3 1.7 Temperature ...... 3 1.8 Time ...... 3 1.9 Tipping ...... 3

2. Before Leaving for Bangkok ...... 4 2.1 Accommodation ...... 4 2.2 Air Travel ...... 5 2.3 Checklist ...... 5 2.4 Dress Code ...... 5

3. Upon Arrival ...... 5 3.1 Arriving in Thailand ...... 5 3.2 Meeting Venue ...... 5 3.3 On-site Transportation ...... 5 3.4 On-site Registration ...... 6

4. On-site Information ...... 6 4.1 Special Events and Networking Occasions ...... 6 4.2 About the Sessions ...... 6 4.2.1 Session Types ...... 6 4.2.2 Programme Modifications ...... 6 4.2.3 Interpretation ...... 7 4.2.4 Session Summaries ...... 7 4.3 Sources of Information ...... 7 4.3.1 Online – Private Area of the World Economic Forum website and the Mobile Apps ...... 7 4.3.2 Public Website (www.weforum.org) ...... 7 4.3.3 Bulletin Board ...... 7 4.3.4 Information Desk ...... 7 4.3.5 Internet and Insight Centre ...... 7 4.3.6 Your Contact Person at the World Economic Forum ...... 8 4.4 Spouses ...... 8 4.5 Media ...... 8

5. Support Services ...... 9 5.1 Cultural Programme ...... 9 5.2 Medical Services ...... 9 5.3 Security ...... 9

6. Miscellaneous ...... 10 6.1 Table for Two ...... 10

1. Facts

1.1 Facts about Bangkok

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and by far the most densely populated city in the country with some 12 million inhabitants.

Originally a small trading post on the west bank of the lower Chao Phraya River at the time of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, it became the capital city in 1768 following the death of King Taksin and was moved to the east bank of the river by Rama I.

Today, Bangkok is one of the most important commercial hubs in South East Asia, hosting many visitors as both a gateway and a principal destination. It has more than 400 richly decorated temples, six universities and some of the largest shopping centres in Asia. Its numerous canals, some of which are home to floating markets, have made Bangkok known as "Venice of the East”.

1.2 Business Hours Banks: Banks are open between 09.30 and 15.30 and are closed on weekends. However, currency exchange shops are open every day of the week and until late at night. Shops: Most shops and supermarkets are open from 10.00 until 22.00 every day.

1.3 Currency and Credit Cards Major credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa) are accepted at hotels, most restaurants and shops in Thailand.

Thai Baht (THB) As of 1 May 2012 1 EUR = 40.14 Thai Baht (THB) 1 US$ = 30.76 Thai Baht (THB 1 CHF = 33.39 Thai Baht (THB)

1.4 Electricity

The electricity in Thailand is 220 volts, 50 hertz.

1.5 Language Of the four main Thai languages spoken in the country, the language of the capital is “standard Thai”, also known as “Bangkok Thai”. It is possible to get by with English in Bangkok – most street signs are written in both Thai and English, including traffic signs. Elsewhere in the country, English is spoken in commercial and government circles and predominantly in tourist destinations.

1.6 Mobile Network Thailand uses the international GSM (Global System for Mobile Telephony) standard. Foreign visitors can use mobile phones outside the national network under the international “roaming” system. The international dialling code for Thailand is +66. To place a call to Bangkok, dial as follows: International calls: Dial 00 + country code (66) + 2 (Bangkok) + number National calls: Dial 00 + 2 (Bangkok) + number

1.7 Temperature Thailand has a tropical climate, featuring high temperatures and humidity, and monsoons. During the primary monsoon season, which begins in May, the hot weather (26-35°C) and humidity intensify but rains cool temperatures somewhat. Humidity: 80%

1.8 Time Thailand is seven hours ahead of GMT/UTC. Daylight savings time is not observed.

1.9 Tipping Tipping is not customary in Thailand but always appreciated. A 10% service is levied in restaurants and hotels; taxi drivers and doormen welcome a small gratuity.

2. Before Leaving for Bangkok

2.1 Accommodation PublicisLive is the operations and production provider in charge of all logistical operations for the World Economic Forum on East Asia and handles accommodation for registered participants at the hotel below. All participants are contacted by PublicisLive directly upon registration. Rooms are available on a first- come, first-served basis.

Shangri-La Hotel 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu New Road, Bangrak Bangkok, 10500 Thailand Phone: 0066 2 236 7777 Fax: 0066 2 236 8579 Website: www.shangri-la.com/bangkok

Your contact persons at PublicisLive are:

Marion Kopyla Marine Faillon Reservation Centre Reservation Centre E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Phone: +41 22 718 64 64 Phone: +41 22 718 64 64 Fax: +41 22 736 66 00 Fax: +41 22 736 66 00

2.2 Air Travel Participants should make their own arrangements for travel to Bangkok. We do not have an official carrier for the meeting.

2.3 Checklist Become familiar with the World Economic Forum on East Asia programme. We suggest that you carefully look through the programme to choose the sessions in which you would like to take part. No sign- up is required. The meeting observes a free-seating policy throughout and places are allocated for most sessions on a first-come, first-served basis.

Identify the participants you would like to meet ahead of time and consider contacting their office before leaving for Bangkok. Please refer to the online list of participants, which includes telephone and fax numbers and e-mail addresses. Alternatively, your contact person at the Forum will be glad to assist you.

Check that your passport is valid passport and whether a visa is required. Please consult the Thai embassy or consulate nearest you. We recommend you start the procedure for obtaining a visa as soon as possible through your company’s normal counterparts in Thailand. If necessary, your confirmation letter for the meeting serves as the required official invitation.

Bring a sufficient number of business cards; participants have been known to run out.

Take note of the telephone number of your World Economic Forum contact person.

2.4 Dress Code Casual business attire is appropriate throughout the meeting, including at the Cultural Soirée on Thursday 31 May.

3. Upon Arrival

3.1 Arriving in Thailand A special premium immigration lane (located in the middle of Immigration Hall) will be organized by the Government of Thailand to facilitate entry into the country. After collecting your luggage at Bangkok International Airport, we suggest that you take a taxi to the city centre (approximate cost: US$ 10). Alternatively, you may book the limousine service of the Shangri-La Hotel. This service can be arranged by the hotel upon request.

3.2 Meeting Venue The meeting will take place at:

Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu New Road, Bangrak Bangkok, 10500 Thailand Phone: 0066 2 236 7777 Fax: 0066 2 236 8579 Website: www.shangri-la.com/bangkok

Most sessions, lunches and dinners of the meeting will take place in the Shangri-La Hotel. Exact locations will be indicated in the final programme.

3.3 On-site Transportation Transport will be provided for any activities taking place outside the Shangri-La Hotel.

To and from the Welcome Dinner Transport will be provided for the Welcome Dinner at the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall on Thursday 31 May. Boats will depart from the dock of the Shangri-La Hotel as of 18.45 and will return to the Shangri- La Hotel from the dock of the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall.

Please note that you must wear your badge to access the transport provided and take part in the Cultural Soirée. Smart casual attire is appropriate.

3.4 On-site Registration Important: For security reasons, you must personally pick up your badge and will be required to show identification to the Registration Manager.

Registration will take place at the Shangri-La Hotel at the following times:

Wednesday 30 May* Thursday 31 May Friday 1 June 08.00 - 20.00 07.00 – 20.00 07.00 - 19.00

*Early registration opens on Wednesday 30 May at the Shangri-La Hotel. Pre-meeting participants will be informed of the registration procedure separately.

At registration, you will receive a:

Participants badge, a personalized security card with your name and photo. It allows you to enter the meeting venue and access your mail account and agenda in the Kiosk system. You must wear it visibly throughout the meeting to have access to all the activities; it will also facilitate contacts.

Participants bag, containing the meeting programme, the participants booklet and other important information. Remember to place your business card in the outside pouch of the bag so it can be easily identified.

Please note that the Registration Desk also serves as the Information Desk throughout the meeting.

4. On-site Information

4.1 Special Events and Networking Occasions Community Breaks and Lunches allow participants to meet informally. We encourage you to network before the meeting, and have provided contact details of participants for this purpose on the Private Area of the World Economic Forum website at https://private.weforum.org/events/EastAsia2012 .

Meals are excellent networking opportunities in an informal setting. Places at meals are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. No sign-up is required.

Partners Lounge and Meeting Rooms Participants from Partner companies have exclusive access to the Partners Lounge. In addition, closed meeting rooms are available to Partners upon reservation for private meetings with business executives and/or public figures. The World Economic Forum’s Partners Team works with Partner companies prior to and during the meeting to coordinate their participation.

Participants and their spouses are cordially invited to the Welcome Dinner on Thursday 31 May at the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall, the Community Lunches and Plenary Sessions during the meeting and to the Farewell Reception on Friday 1 June.

4.2 About the Sessions 4.2.1 Session Types Please refer to the Meeting Overview document on the private area of our website for information on the different session types in the programme.

4.2.2 Programme Modifications The latest version of the programme is always available online via the Private Area of the World Economic Forum website or the mobile apps. See the Sources of Information section hereunder (4.3) for more details. In the meeting venue, the Internet and Insight Centre provides direct access to the updated programme, including all changes made during the meeting. Major programme changes are also displayed on the Bulletin Board screens.

4.2.3 Interpretation The official language of the meeting is English. Sessions will be held in English with simultaneous interpretation provided into Thai, Mandarin Chinese and Japanese in all plenary sessions and most other sessions. Where provided, the languages of interpretation are indicated in the final programme distributed at registration. No interpretation will be provided at meals.

4.2.4 Session Summaries Summaries bring out the key issues, trends and news items discussed in the sessions of the World Economic Forum on East Asia. Summary writers cover most of the sessions of the programme. Summaries are distributed electronically from the Internet and Insight Centre and are also available for printing on demand. All summaries are posted on the World Economic Forum’s website and are available via the mobile apps.

4.3 Sources of Information 4.3.1 Online – Private Area of the World Economic Forum website and the Mobile Apps The Private Area of the World Economic Forum website https://private.weforum.org/events/EastAsia2012 is the principal information and communication platform for the World Economic Forum on East Asia.

Participants with mobile devices will be able to download and install dedicated applications (apps) for the World Economic Forum on East Asia. These apps provide access to the programme, personal agenda and participants booklet when on the move and even when offline. Other core services such as messaging will be available from the apps, depending on network connectivity. If you will be coming to the World Economic Forum on East Asia with your Android, BlackBerry, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch or Windows Phone 7 device, we strongly encourage you to visit www.weforum.org/apps approximately one week before the meeting for full details on how to install the relevant app.

To use the Private Area of the World Economic Forum website area or the mobile apps, you will need your personal access information. Contact [email protected] if you have lost your username and/or password or have additional questions.

To make the most of the World Economic Forum on East Asia online services, we encourage you to: Use the list of participants to find full contact information of fellow participants Check and search the regularly updated programme to quickly find information of interest Find out who are the discussion leaders in a session, closer to the event Check your personal agenda, including any speaking roles, private events and bilateral meetings Access logistical information Connect to other participants using the messaging service

4.3.2 Public Website (www.weforum.org) Colleagues, family and friends often ask participants about their participation in the World Economic Forum on East Asia. Their interest can be addressed on our website, which is dedicated to public engagement on the topics discussed at our meetings. Visitors to the website can view webcasts and photos, benefit from links to outside coverage and review the major outcomes of each day. Additionally, the website provides an overview of Forum activities including public-private partnerships, research and activities and the knowledge captured at past Forum events.

4.3.3 Bulletin Board During the meeting, a set of plasma screens throughout the meeting venue will display relevant programme information, including programme updates and changes, “newsworthy” quotes of panellists and key insights of the day.

4.3.4 Information Desk Staff at the Registration Desk can answer questions you may have regarding the programme or the venue.

4.3.5 Internet and Insight Centre The Internet and Insight Centre offers participants dedicated laptops and printers for personal Internet use. The provided laptops also give direct access to continually updated electronic versions of the programme and participant booklet alongside key Forum documents including session summaries. Documents may be e-mailed for reading after the event, saved on a participant’s personal USB key or printed on demand. Hard copies of all documents are also available on request.

Available documents include: General information on the Forum Industry reports Initiative reports Regional reports and information on upcoming activities Session summaries Speeches

Documents to be distributed must be pre-approved by the World Economic Forum.

4.3.6 Your Contact Person at the World Economic Forum Hannah Snaith Business Engagement Associate Tel.: + 41 (0)22 869 3692 Fax: + 41 (0)22 594 8488 E-mail: [email protected]

4.4 Spouses Spouses are cordially invited to the Cultural Soirée on Thursday 31 May as well as to the Community Lunches, Plenary Sessions and the Farewell Reception on Friday 1 June. Access to the Interactive Sessions is on a space-available basis - spouses are kindly requested to wait at the entry of the session room until meeting participants have been seated. Please note that all other sessions are reserved for meeting participants only.

Participants should advise Hannah Snaith at [email protected] if their spouse will take part in the meeting so a security badge can be prepared to facilitate entry.

4.5 Media Media Leaders and Reporting Press The World Economic Forum hosts two types of media representatives: Media Leaders and reporting press. Media Leaders range from publisher or editor-in-chief of an international media organization to editor-in- chief, editor or columnist of a regional or national media organization. Media Leaders have full participant status. They wear white badges marked “Media”. Media Leaders are considered experts and have active roles in sessions, but are expected to abide by the off-the-record nature of some of the sessions. The reporting press includes reporters, foreign correspondents, news agency journalists and broadcast journalists. They have full access to all the public sessions but not to off-the-record sessions.

Press Conferences There are many opportunities to make yourself available to the media during the World Economic Forum on East Asia. The Forum’s Media Team arranges press conferences on newsworthy and relevant topics with participants such as business leaders, public figures, scientists, NGO representatives and academics for journalists covering the meeting.

Social Media The Social Media Corner at the meeting will serve as the central social hub for interaction with the general public to discuss a range of topics on the official theme “Shaping the Region’s Future through Connectivity”, with an emphasis on shaping East Asia.

Forum staff members will be available at the video booth throughout the meeting to help participants record video answers to questions asked on the Forum’s social networks.

Davos Debates (http://www.youtube.com/davos) is a YouTube channel that allows the general public to interact with global leaders about the key issues of the meeting. Launched at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2008, Davos Debates gives anyone the opportunity to directly address participants taking part in the World Economic Forum on East Asia.

Twitter Please let us know if you are tweeting from the World Economic Forum on East Asia so we can add you to the official Twitter list (http://twitter.com/Davos/wefeastasia). We invite you to follow the Forum on Twitter at

@Davos and @WEF, where we tweet key quotes from the plenary sessions and where most of the Twitter chatter will happen. You can also follow Forum communities at @SchwabFound, @TechPioneers, @YGLVoices and @GlobalShapers.

The official hashtag of the meeting is #WEF. Please use this in all your tweets about the meeting. The hashtag #WEFASK is being used by members of the public to submit questions and comments.

Blogging If you are blogging from the East Asia meeting, please let us know your blog address and the RSS feed.

Selected participants will be invited to guest blog on the Forum:Blog (http://forumblog.org/) prior to and during the East Asia meeting. Please let us know if you would like to be considered.

Webcasts All plenary sessions of the World Economic Forum on East Asia will be webcast live on Livestream at http://wef.ch/live. The session videos will also be available on demand on the Forum’s YouTube channel, http://www.youtube.com/worldeconomicforum.

Facebook/Google+ All plenary sessions can be watched live on the Forum’s Facebook page, http://wef.ch/facebook. For selected sessions, we will tap into the collective wisdom of the Forum’s 99,000 Facebook fans and over 1,000,000 Google+ followers. Their views will be fed back into the panel discussion of specific sessions. Highlights, images, videos, photographs and more from the meeting will be shared with the Facebook and Google+ communities.

Flickr The best photos taken at the meeting will be made available free of charge under a creative commons licence on Flickr http://wef.ch/pix. All photos from the World Economic Forum on East Asia are also available on the private area of the Forum website.

Foursquare We have plotted the meeting venue on Foursquare, making it easy for participants to check in on this new geo-location social network.

5. Support Services

5.1 Cultural Programme No cultural tour has been arranged. If you wish to sightsee, please contact the concierge at the hotel.

5.2 Medical Services A doctor and medical emergency response team are available inside the meeting venue during official programme hours.

5.3 Security The Government of Thailand will provide full, state-level security at Bangkok International Airport and the meeting venue.

Participants entering the security zone at the meeting venue must have a badge and be listed on the World Economic Forum’s security list. Should you have any security-related questions, please contact:

Guy-Serge Baer Director, Head of Security Affairs World Economic Forum Tel.: +41 (0)22 869 1499 Mobile: +41 (0)79 418 7806 E-mail: [email protected]

6. Miscellaneous

6.1 Table for Two The World Economic Forum supports Table for Two, an initiative of the Young Global Leaders, which simultaneously addresses hunger in the developing world and obesity and lifestyle-related diseases in the developed world. For each “Table for Two” meal taken at the East Asia meeting, the World Economic Forum will donate 20 cents to fund a school meal in a developing country.