Le Méridien Bangkok has announced the appointment of Dieter Ruckenbauer as General Manager of the recently reconceptualised Le Méridien Bangkok.
An Austrian native, Dieter started his Marriott career in 1996 as a management trainee at Salt Lake City Marriott. He initially pursued his passion for culinary operations, starting as specialty restaurant chef at JW Marriott Hong Kong and culminating as executive chef at JW Marriott Bangkok, with stints at Amman Marriott Hotel, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel and Shanghai Marriott Hotel Hongqiao.
Dieter returned to Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel as resident manager in 2010, before joining the pre-opening team at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park as director of food & beverage. His most recent position was general manager of Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui.
A multi-award-winning leader who excels at talent development, service innovation, strategic hospitality thinking, and loyalty building, Dieter is the personification of Le Méridien’s putting people first culture. At Vana Belle, he led his team to achieve the resort’s highest ever full year occupancy levels with record breaking market share index growth. Inspired by his passion for hospitality, Vana Belle’s associates continue to curate exceptional personalised experiences that are reflected in over two dozen international and regional accolades.
Le Méridien Bangkok is looking forward to seeing how Dieter’s passion for guest satisfaction, our eager associates and our burgeoning business shapes the next chapter of the refreshed and revitalised Le Méridien Bangkok.

Kimpton Kitalay Samui, the first resort in South East Asia for IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury boutique brand has officially opened its doors. This highly-anticipated opening promises a differentiated stay with its take on the Samui way of life, through the brand’s signature heartfelt service, locally-loved restaurants and bars and distinct design approach to create one-of-a-kind spaces that infuse local culture with relaxed luxury.
The resort’s name is derived from two Thai words: ‘kita’, which means ‘song’ or ‘singing’, and ‘lay’, which translates to ‘sea’ and encapsulates the spirit of the local community. ‘Kitalay’ is thus a joyous ode by Kimpton celebrating the siren song of the sea as well as the warmth of human connection and community in an idyllic escape, and this is woven into every aspect of the resort through references to the stories and culture of the island’s fishing village.

It has been three decades now that Mahanakorn University of Technology (MUT) continues to improve and develop Thailand’s tertiary education to keep up with the fast-paced world and the ever-evolving industries. At the dawn of 2022, MUT continues to further its mission and commitment in education with the development of curriculum and teaching model under Active Learning and Real Life Education concepts. The university also continues to support and encourage academic research by both the students and the faculty members to strengthen its excellence in technology and innovation.
 
Asst. Prof. Dr. Panavy Pookaiyaudom, Vice President, Policy and Planning, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, who is also the second-generation management and son of MUT’s founder and first dean, Dr. Sittichai Pookaiyaudom, says that 2022 is another challenging year for academic institutions, considering the ongoing and devastating COVID-9 pandemic situation both in Thailand and around the globe. However, Mahanakorn University of Technology (MUT) is still adamant to further develop and drive Thailand’s educational system to create new generation of high-quality “innovators” to contribute to the country’s industrial sector.

Park Hyatt Bangkok is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark de Leeuwerk as General Manager of Park Hyatt Bangkok from 17 January 2022.  With this appointment, Mark returns to the city in a new role after spending seven years with Park Hyatt hotels in Japan.
 
Mark joins Park Hyatt Bangkok from his most recent role as opening General Manager of Park Hyatt Kyoto, a position he has held since 2018. Prior to Kyoto, Mark was in Tokyo for four years as Executive Assistant Manager at Park Hyatt Tokyo.

With over 15 years in the hospitality industry with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Mark began his career at Hyatt Regency London – the Churchill in August 2006 after graduating from the Hotelschool The Hague in his native Netherlands. His next move took him to Grand Hyatt Dubai as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage and then to Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok as Director of Food & Beverage.
 
After seven years in Japan, Mark is looking forward to returning to the Thai capital and to his new role in leading the narrative at Park Hyatt Bangkok. With his multi-faceted experience and his passion for service excellence, Mark is committed to further building on the reputation of Park Hyatt Bangkok. Commenting on his appointment, Mark says, “Ever since its opening, I have kept a close eye on Park Hyatt Bangkok and have always been impressed by the achievements of the team. The engagement, creativity and passion of the people clearly come through in everything I have seen, and I am very excited to now be joining this team to continue building on this past success.”
 
On moving to Bangkok with his wife and three children, he declares, “My family and I have such fond memories of our time spent previously in Bangkok. The warm hospitality and kind spirit of the people stand out, as do the energy and excitement of the city. We look forward to rediscovering Thailand again.”

SCImago Institutions Rankings (SIR) is the internationally recognized classification and ranking of worldwide academic and research-related institutions. Not only SIR ranks academic achievements of tertiary educational institutions from around the globe, but it also covers specialized institutions that include technological institutions, colleges, hospitals and research institutes. The ranking is based on three criteria, namely, research results, innovation results and impact on society, that reflect in all research publications from an institute or a university on Scopus database.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Panavy Pookaiyaudom, Vice President, Policy and Planning, and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology of Mahanakorn University of Technology reveals that from the 2021 ranking  of leading universities worldwide by SIR, Mahanakorn University of Technology is ranked no.1 in the private university category. The ranking showcases the development of Mahanakorn University of Technology’s potential in various dimensions – from the faculty members’ integrated development, the enhanced accessibility to learning and knowledge sources that comply with emerging technological trends and the support and application of students’ research for both commercial and societal gains as well as the offensive measures to continue to improve research on technology and innovation. These dimensions reflect the campus’ firm standpoint and its image of the best private university in technology and innovation.

Lovell International School was founded on the concept of love through which our loved ones will learn how to love both themselves and others. Self-love is the fundamental stage where students learn through an opportunity for initiation and imagination, understanding and accepting changes. When the students find love within themselves, it results in passing the love onto the others. They will learn to be compassionate and respectful. Not only do they pay the love forward to other people, but they will learn to love their surroundings, be it nature or society. Upholding this vital concept, it is our responsibility to emphasise on our students’ never-ending potentials in order that they can accept those potentials and determine to learn in the academic realm where their intellectual, mental, and societal skills will be simultaneously developed, which, ultimately, leads to healthy self-esteem.  Creativity, Healthy Boundary, and Resilience are the fruits of their full self-acceptance for their harmonious life in society. Our school is, therefore, the primary source of opportunities for creativity, life-learning, understanding and acceptance of the ever-changing society in which they will grow up as the high-quality global citizens.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Pre-Nursery/ Nursery/ Reception
 
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standards to ensure that children grow as a person with physical, emotional and societal skills as well as language and communication abilities that provide the right foundation for good future progress through school and life.

More information please contact & Visit
 
Lovell International School
159 Soi Naklue 16/1 Naklua Banglamung Chonburi 20150
 
E-mail info@lovellschool.ac.th

 
“This year’s MICHELIN Guide celebrates Ayutthaya as the latest city introduced into the guide – yet the oldest and with the richest heritage among all. In addition, this former capital city of Thailand boasts historical charm and retains among the greatest history in Thai cuisine. We are thus convinced that our local and international readers will enjoy exploring this extended coverage of Thailand’s culinary scene,” added Mr.Poullennec.
 
Six New Entrants Joining the one MICHELIN Star List, While the two MICHELIN Star Listing Remains the Same
In the 2022 MICHELIN Guide Thailand edition, two MICHELIN Star listing remains the same with 6 entries – namely, Chef’s Table, Le Normandie, Mezzaluna, R-Haan, Sorn, and  Sühring. However, the one MICHELIN Star selection welcomes 6 new entrants, all located in Bangkok, namely: Aksorn, a Thai restaurant offering flavorsome dishes inspired by chef’s collected Thai cookbooks from the 1940s to the 1970s, with highlights including the coconut cupcakes with salted pork, and the fermented bean curd relish with minced pork and prawns;
Côte by Mauro Colagreco, a French contemporary restaurant with contemporary Riviera-inspired cuisine that serves lunch set menus, à la carte dishes, plus a special nine-course “Carte Blanche” dinner – an Omakase experience where every course is a surprise;

Founded at the beginning of 2021 by co-founders Fred Mouawad and Jennifer Paweensuda Saetan-Drouin, CI Talks (https://citalks.com), owned and managed by CI Talks Global Corp, unveiled a brand new video-on-demand and video streaming website in November and has rapidly followed by announcing the release of it’s app which is available as a free download from both the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android).
 
After downloading the app and creating an account, users gain access to a library of CI Talks original videos and associated media including articles, podcasts and infographics. From the homepage and navigation bar at the bottom of all pages, users can view the latest video releases or find videos by category. There are also links to read articles and explore the CI Talks Coach roster of celebrities and experts who are invited to deliver their messages with impact as stories that spark change.
 
“This year, CI Talks has produced over 50 videos” said serial entrepreneur Fred Mouawad, Chairman of CI Talks, “As a startup, we have clearly demonstrated that there's a strong interest in our content and that our stories are catalyzing personal growth.”
 
Aimed at the younger generation, aged between 18 to 34 years old, CI Talks is an online social enterprise that works with local celebrities and experts who, fuelled by wisdom, experience and passion, want to use their influence to make the world a better place. CI Talks provides them with a platform to deliver their message with impact to an expanding audience. Since releasing its first video talk at the beginning of March, 2021, 27 more video talks and well over 40 trailers and teasers have been released..
 
Fahsai Paweensuda Drouin commented, “we have a total of 21 CI Talks Coaches (the term they use for invited celebrities and experts) who have come to tell their stories, share their wisdom and real life experiences with our online audience. The content has been rich, authentic and entertaining, which is a very rare combination”.
 
CI Talks has spent its inaugural year with a focus on producing cinematic video talks created by locals, for locals in Thailand. 70% of their videos to-date have been in Thai, while the remaining 30% have been in English. The platform has achieved 9 million video views since releasing its first video in March, averaging one million views per month.
 
Moving into 2022, CI Talks will continue to publish new, original content every week but will expand its media to incorporate video series with several episodes and interactive audience discussions. The focus in 2022 is on audience inclusion to ensure that everybody using the digital platforms has a voice and an ear, from Coaches to partners and audience members.
 
Scheduled for launch in January and February of 2022 is Cindy Bishop with her video talks on “Don’t Tell Me How to Dress” and Ticha Kanticha (Ticha The Face) who will, in partnership with experts, be releasing a series on Sex Education. To help amplify the messages and to put the spotlight on select partners who want to be seen (and heard) championing the causes as part of their CSR strategy, CI Talks will also be developing active partnerships with organizations, institutions, and consumer brands. 
 
“We have got off to a strong start.” Fred Mouawad added, “We now need to keep on raising the bar to continuously inspire our viewers. There is never a moment to rest and 2022 promises to be a busy but exciting year ahead for us, our coaches, partners and audience”.
 
CI Talks
‘CI Talks’, which stands for “Catalytic Inspiration Talks”,  is a modern social enterprise that works with local celebrities, experts, organizations and consumer brands to produce cinematic video stories and original programming that sparks change. Owned and managed by CI Talks Global Corp and headquartered in Bangkok, we are a social enterprise on a mission to create and deliver content that opens minds, inspires, and catalyzes our audience to take action.
 
Via its online platforms, CI Talks shares high quality content produced by passionate people who want to help by igniting passion in the younger generation. Together our intention is to inspire young people to spark change so that they can make the world better and have a positive impact on the lives around them. Our platforms offer unique opportunities for brands who align with CI Talks as Mission Partners to further the impact of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). 


Visit Citalks.com, and follow CI Talks on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram for transformational content, updates and news.
 
Stories That Spark Change
#CITalks #SparkChange #CatalyticInspiration #BeInspired

To offer guests a truly transformative experience this festive season, Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel has partnered with Bangkok-based art gallery Joyman to curate a visually arresting exhibition of contemporary art. Taking place from 9 December 2021 to 31 January 2022, the ‘Quantum Kawaii’ show explores the concept of beauty in the 21st century, as seen through the artistic vision of five Thailand-based artists working across various media, from digital painting and 3D animation to manga.
 
Rather than focusing on high or conceptual art, the show aims to be accessible to a broader audience, whilst posing important questions about living in today’s highly digitised society. Japanese manga fans will easily recognise kawaii references, while technology buffs will delight in the creative use of VR, holograms and other technology.
 
“In the age of the internet, when ideas and trends, whether it’s memes, crypto, AR or photo filters, spread with lightning speed, certain aesthetic values become common on a global scale,” said Bancha Wongchotiwat, the head curator at Joyman gallery. “With this unique show at Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel, we wanted hotel guests, restaurant patrons and art lovers to explore this globalised concept of beauty at the confluence of the digital and quantum ages.”
 
On the main exhibition area on the lobby 11th floor, guests will be greeted by a psychedelic motion collage on conjoined TV screens by Tyler James Bangkok, an American artist living and working in Asia. There will also have a dramatic virtual painting on VR glass by an award-winning Thai artist Ayino Verapong Sritrakulkitjakarn; a piece merging Sci-Fi stop-motion animation and hologram technology by Tarntara Sudaduang, a young Thai artist inspired by the cutest animals on earth which has been seen from extraterrestrial; a pop-art style sculpture by Bobby Leash who channels his love for Japanese manga and video games in his striking piece; and a dramatic, angular sculpture by MaMaMiya that evokes origami.
 
Art lovers can see these pieces in the lobby on level 11 of Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel from 9 December 2021 to 31 January 2022. Entry is free. For more information about festive season events, packages and offerings at Avani+ Riverside Bangkok, please call +66 2 431 9100 or riversidedining@anantara.com
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