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Bangkok Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Thailand's gem and jewelry industry moves to embrace sustainability
Thailand is stepping up efforts to integrate sustainability across its gem and jewelry industry, aiming to strengthen its position as a global leader amid growing international scrutiny over ethical sourcing, labor practices, and transparency. Sumet Prasongpongchai, Director of the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT), said the shift was partly prompted by the global reckoning that followed the 'blood diamond' crisis in Africa, which drew attention to labor exploitation, particularly of women and children, and the seizure of community resources. That episode became a turning point, he said, pushing the industry worldwide to place sustainability at the heart of its business practices. Today, sustainable practices span the entire supply chain, encompassing traceable sourcing, fair labor compensation, the use of blockchain technology, and adherence to global standards such as those set by the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). Thailand adopted these standards in 2019, reinforcing its role as Asia's key processing hub for rubies and sapphires and a global centre for gem enhancement, cutting, trading, and auctions. To support this transformation, GIT has ramped up research, compliance mechanisms, and training programmes. This year, it aims to help at least 40 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) meet international standards, including the RJC Code of Practices. In the long term, GIT is working toward Thailand being formally recognised as a Standard Development Organization (SDO). While sustainability standards remain voluntary in Thailand, GIT has proposed supportive government policies, including a revision of the tax structure. It is advocating for a flat 0.6% tax on sales—replacing the current 20% tax on profits—to ease cost burdens and improve access to raw materials. The gem and jewelry sector is a significant contributor to the Thai economy, comprising more than 13,000 businesses and employing over 800,000 people. In the first five months of 2025, exports surged by 90% year-on-year to more than 400 billion baht, driven largely by strong global demand for gold and accelerated stocking in anticipation of potential changes to U.S. import tariffs. Domestic retail sales, however, remain subdued. Looking ahead, export performance in the second half of the year will depend heavily on U.S. tariff policy. Competitive rates will be essential for sustaining momentum, particularly in original design manufacturing (ODM) and in expanding market share across ASEAN countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines, as demand from China slows. Currently, 90% of Thai production still relies on original equipment manufacturing (OEM), but the future lies in value-added products, brand building, and empowering local artisans and SMEs to meet global sustainability standards. A major step in that direction will be the 'GIT 2025: Responsible Gem & Jewelry Supply Chain' international seminar, to be held from September 8–9 at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok. The event will gather global experts, researchers, and stakeholders to exchange insights and promote Thailand's role in the global industry. The seminar will be followed by the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair from September 9–13 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, a key platform for business matching and driving export growth in the second half of the year. As the industry navigates a changing global landscape, Thailand is positioning itself to lead through responsible growth, with sustainability at the core of its strategy.
Time of India
25-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
GIT flags engg flaw on NH-48 curve; NHAI urged to act soon
Pic: The stretch on NH-48 between Pune and Bengaluru has been marked as a black spot Belagavi: Professors from KLS Gogte Institute of Technology (GIT), Belagavi, identified a critical engineering flaw in the construction of Pune-Bengaluru National Highway-48 at the Badekollamath curve, an accident-prone stretch located about 18km from the city. The curve has been the scene of 18 accidents in recent years and has been officially designated a black spot by police. Acting on a request from Belagavi City police commissioner Bhushan Borase, GIT conducted a technical survey of the spot. The findings, submitted to the police department, were forwarded to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for immediate corrective action. The survey, carried out by professors Archana Shagoti, Somanath Khot, and Kartik Kulkarni, revealed serious deficiencies in the road's geometric design, especially at a descending curve. The team found that the curve's radius is only 220 metres, which is below the 230-metre minimum recommended by the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) for areas with an 80 km/h speed limit. Additionally, the report points to a dangerous narrowing of the carriageway near an underpass — from 11.1 metres to just 9.5 metres — greatly increasing the risk of collisions. The GIT team also observed frequent overspeeding on the undulating terrain and poor lane discipline, further contributing to the high accident rate. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Do you have a mouse? Desert Order Undo While some safety measures like rumble strips and concrete crash barriers were already put in place, the professors found these interventions to be insufficient given the severity of the issue. Urgent recommendations To mitigate further accidents, the report recommends strict enforcement of a reduced speed limit of 65 km/h with clearly visible signage, installation of flashing warning lights at regular intervals, replacement of outdated guardrails with modern crash barriers, enhanced lane discipline through improved road markings, and deployment of smart surveillance cameras. Legal provisions for accountability Speaking to TOI, police commissioner Bhushan Borase said the role of police is to identify accident-prone black spots and submit the report to the relevant authorities. "There is a Supreme Court-appointed high-power committee on road safety, which directs police to report such sites. If the authorities fail to rectify the problem, contractors can be held liable and blacklisted under Section 198(A) of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019," he stated. Borase also noted that the curve sees a spike in accidents during the monsoon, underlining the urgency for infrastructural intervention.
The Citizen
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) champions youth empowerment and inclusive growth: Onicca Kekae
IMSAf's inclusive culture and robust support systems were pivotal in Onicca's transition from graduate to professional. As Youth Month shines a spotlight on the next generation of leaders, Isuzu Motors South Africa's (IMSAf) ongoing commitment to inclusive growth and economic opportunity is evident in the journey of Onicca Kekae. Her story is a testament to how IMSAf's youth-focused initiatives are empowering young professionals and driving transformation in South Africa's automotive sector. Onicca's entry into the automotive industry was unexpected but purposeful. With a BCom in Economic Sciences and Econometrics, she joined IMSAf through the YES Programme in 2022, stepping into a world she knew little about. 'If someone told me in university that I'd end up in the automotive industry, I probably would've laughed,' she recalls. Yet, IMSAf's supportive environment, structured mentorship, and exposure to real business challenges quickly turned her curiosity into a passion and a promising career. Being placed in the Rest of Africa and International Markets team allowed Onicca to apply her academic background in international economics directly to her work, making her first year both challenging and rewarding. Central to her development were the YES and Graduate in Training (GIT) programmes. The YES Programme provided her with her first real work experience, offering meaningful tasks and the chance to learn from different teams. The GIT Programme then gave her space to explore her strengths, connect with leaders, and reflect on her long-term path. Structured modules on emotional intelligence, strategic management, and leadership for the 21st century helped her grow beyond technical skills, nurturing her ability to lead with purpose. The Management Development Programme (MDP) further shifted her perspective from task-based work to strategic thinking, ultimately preparing her for her current role as a Market Analyst. IMSAf's inclusive culture and robust support systems were pivotal in Onicca's transition from graduate to professional. She highlights how mentorship from managers and executives not only taught her the job but also instilled confidence and resilience. 'IMSAf's inclusive and people-focused culture created a space where I felt seen and supported. I wasn't treated as 'just a graduate', I was empowered as a future leader,' she reflects. A defining moment in her career was applying for the Market Analyst position, a leap she prepared for with determination and the support of her manager. The experience taught her the value of preparation and self-belief, reinforcing IMSAf's ethos of backing young talent to take on new challenges. Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Onicca's growth. Her mentors encouraged her to make mistakes, held her accountable, and helped her define her leadership style, one rooted in integrity and lifting others. IMSAf's culture of listening to young voices has also enabled her to contribute fresh perspectives, from innovating market data tracking to simplifying communication processes. Facing the challenge of impostor syndrome as a young woman new to the industry, Onicca found strength in her team's consistent support and validation. This sense of belonging empowered her to own her seat at the table and, in turn, inspire others. IMSAf's commitment to youth empowerment and diversity has allowed her to make an impact beyond her immediate role, contributing to youth-focused strategies and championing representation in spaces that need it most. Education, training, and upskilling are woven into Onicca's daily work and long-term prospects. Formal programmes and informal learning opportunities ensure she is constantly developing new skills, laying the foundation for a fulfilling career and future leadership. Her advice to aspiring young professionals: 'Be curious, be brave, and be prepared. Don't wait for someone to tell you 'you're ready', start showing up like you already are. Own your journey, and make it count.' Onicca Kekae's story encapsulates how IMSAf's investment in youth, mentorship, and inclusive culture is not only shaping individual careers but also driving broader economic growth and transformation for South Africa's future.
Express Tribune
11-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
K-P approves cannabis rules, free textbooks
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Cabinet has approved a supplementary grant Rs1 billion for the scheme "Provision of Free Textbooks and School Bags in Merged Districts" and directed the preparation of a comprehensive plan in this regard. A marathon meeting of the cabinet was held on Thursday, presided over by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur. The cabinet also approved the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (Cultivation, Extraction, Refining, Manufacturing and sale of Derivatives of Cannabis Plants for Medicinal Research, Industrial and Commercial Purposes) Rules, 2025. The regulatory framework will allow the provincial government to oversee cannabis production for medicinal and industrial use. The cabinet approved a revision in the cost of the 'Missing Basic Facilities in Schools' project under the Conditional Grant Program and also revised the expenditure ceiling in the Parent Teacher Council (PTC) guidelines. The annual expenditure limit for PTCs has been increased from Rs.05 million to Rs.07 million, with an emphasis on transparent and efficient utilization of these funds. Additionally, the cabinet approved the restoration and enhancement of Grant-in-Aid for Deeni Madaris, releasing Rs100 million for the purpose. In the health sector, a new 'Sehat Card Transplant & Implant Scheme' was launched. Under this initiative, the provincial government will cover the cost of bone marrow, liver and kidney transplants, as well as cochlear implant, for eligible patients across the province. The cabinet granted a waiver to the health department from standard procedures for leasing local government property for the construction of civil dispensaries in polio-related super high-risk union councils of Peshawar. It also approved the merger of the Governor's Inspection Team (GIT) with the Provincial Inspection Team (PIT) as the GIT had become redundant following the merger of FATA and the amendments in the Universities Act, 2012. Approval was given for the construction of the remaining section of the Northern Peshawar Ring Road, from Warsak Road to Nasir Bagh Road. The chief minister instructed that the new section be linked with the Industrial Estate Hayatabad for better connectivity. It also approved The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Government Servants Housing Foundation Bill, 2025. Under the scheme, government servants will be provided plots for construction of houses in a proper manner. The cabinet decided that instead of hiring legal counsel for Anti-Narcotics Force Case Constitution (Petition No. 11 of 2020) and others, in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the Advocate General Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa will defend the province. It also approved a grant of Rs30 million for the K-P Bar Council. The cabinet approved Rs3.6 billion for the purchase of sanitation vehicles for 132 TMAs of the province. The cabinet emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness and protecting the environment in all areas. To address the growing water needs of Peshawar's population, the cabinet approved the construction cost of the intake structure and tunnel for a drinking water supply scheme from the Mohmand Dam Hydropower Project, to be funded by provincial resources.
