Legal

Making Cambodian Cities Better: How Prince Group’s Chen Zhi Responded to Cambodia’s Urbanization Needs

Neak Oknha Chen Zhi established Prince Holding Group in 2015 in order to prepare Cambodia to deal with rapid urbanization.

It’s well-known that urbanization is good for developing countries. More than 80% of global GDP is generated in cities, according to the World Bank.

But it’s not easy for countries if they have to deal with millions of new urban residents.

In 2010, Neak Oknha Chen Zhi, the chairman of Prince Holding Group (also known as Prince Group), came to Cambodia.

He realized the potential of Cambodia as a developing country with a growing urbanization need.

Why is urbanization good for a developing country?

First, let’s consider why urbanization is good for a country like Cambodia.

There are two reasons: agglomeration effects for businesses and human capital development for cities.

Agglomeration is the term we use to explain how businesses cluster within the same area.

It makes it easier for businesses to work with their suppliers and it makes it easier for them to target their customers as well.

Apart from industries that require a large amount of land, most industries function better (medicine, food & beverages, entertainment, education etc) if they are in a dense urban setting.

Secondly, it’s easier for people to find jobs in a city. As a result, the economy also becomes more productive.

It can be difficult for most people to find a job that matches their skill set and interests. It’s much easier to try a different job in a city. In rural areas, it’s difficult to find different types of jobs.

In cities, people can work in service sector roles, enroll in universities or vocational institutes and can even get to work at multinational companies.

Good thriving job markets in cities make it easier for developing countries to move away from agriculture.

In any case, it’s becoming more difficult for farmers to earn a living through farming. Nowadays, it’s becoming much easier for food buyers like supermarkets to import items from all over the world.

A modern developer for a modern Cambodia

When he arrived in Cambodia, Neak Oknha Chen Zhi saw a future in the market of modernized Cambodia, particularly in the sector of property development.

Instead of just building boreys or villa homes, he realized that real estate projects need to be more innovative and sustainable.

Not just that, he realized that Cambodians would want good shopping malls and supermarkets.

Moreover, it was becoming very difficult for Cambodians to get mortgage loans.

Cambodia needs 50,000 new homes every year until 2030. By then, Phnom Penh’s population is expected to rise to 7 million.

In 2015, Neak Oknha Chen Zhi founded Prince Holding Group, the parent company of Prince Real Estate Group, holding a total of 6 different large business groups in Cambodia, who brought expertise in banking, airlines, real estate development and private equity.

Now, Cambodians can get access to homes, flight routes and banking services that are common in many parts of the world.

Prince Real Estate, has a land bank of 20 million square meters. It has worked on projects that have already redefined Phnom Penh’s central business district. In Sihanoukville, it has also embarked on an 834-hectare project near the Sihanoukville airport.

Through Prince Bank, it’s getting Cambodians the financing solutions they need to help them realize their dream of owning an urban home.

Quality urbanization is the need of the hour

Neak Oknha Chen Zhi has a vision for Cambodia: to progress exponentially in parallel to its neighboring country – Thailand.

As of 2021, more than half of the Thai population lives in cities whereas three-quarters of Cambodia still lives in the countryside.

A country that was once known as ‘the rice bowl of Asia’ now focuses on manufacturing machine parts, integrated circuits, cars and motor vehicle accessories.

Much like Thailand, due to rapid modernization, Cambodians will move towards cities and away from agriculture.

That’s why Neak Oknha Chen Zhi knew that Cambodia’s cities needed to be ready when a big population of skilled professionals from the provincial areas moves into the cities for occupation prospects.

For good-quality urbanization, most Cambodians should be able to own good-quality homes that are part of high-quality townships.

Most importantly, the development must be sustainable.

Bringing in expertise from the region

Neak Oknha Chen Zhi has brought with him experienced real estate professionals that have ensured the construction of homes (apartments and boreys) built out of durable materials and which are situated close to schools, hospitals, commercial malls and offices.

Meanwhile, he has ensured that commercial malls are energy-efficient and filled with international brands.

Prince Holding Group’s member companies are run by qualified professionals from across the region such as Singaporeans and Malaysians, bringing in more than a decade’s worth of experience in their respective fields.

With the help of regional real estate professionals, Neak Oknha Chen Zhi has brought in professionals who then brought international standards to Cambodian products and services.

Growth beyond Phnom Penh

Neak Oknha Chen Zhi is also keen to make an impact beyond Phnom Penh.

Siem Reap also has some cultural sights and art heritage tourism.

While such industries can help rural families, many of whom are involved in fishing or farming, earn a better living and help their children migrate to the cities, there’s still a long way to go for rural development.

New types of industries can be formed in Cambodia due to its geographic close proximity and favorable ties to various global trade giants.

With the development of the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, there has been exponential growth in foreign business registrations.

Not just that, Sihanoukville also holds the potential as a hospitality hub for eco-tourism, given an upper hand in the existing logistical infrastructure such as the airport, berth and expressway.

Empowering Cambodians with jobs

Neak Oknha Chen Zhi, however, has done more than just ensure the construction of malls, offices, homes, luxury resorts and more.

He has increased employment opportunities by investing, acquiring or entering joint venture agreements through Prince Bank (one of Cambodia’s top banks with digital capabilities), Prince Supermarket and Awesome Investment Group (which owns the food delivery platform WOWNOW and LM Car, the ride-hailing platform).

Because of its presence across a diverse range of industries, Prince Holding Group was also able to overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic with a solid business sustenance plan and focused on its long-term development plan.

Neak Oknha Chen Zhi’s long-term vision has led to a great deal of success. The Group now counts assets under management exceeding US$2 billion.

As Cambodia’s cities grow, Prince Holding Group also continues to work.

Growing popularity

For all of its efforts, Prince Holding Group is now becoming a lot more popular – it has already secured 14 international awards in 2022 (including one for the entrepreneur of the year*).

Neak Oknha Chen Zhi is also a leader in local philanthropy as the chairman of Prince Foundation, a corporate foundation that does a lot of work to improve education, healthcare and human capital development across Cambodia’s two main cities.

It is most famous for creating a horology vocational training center (a school for watchmakers) in Phnom Penh, called Prince Horology, and it is promoting affordable education through a scholarship program helping rural students attend the top universities in the capital.

A positive outlook for the Kingdom

With pro-business policies that continue to promote foreign direct investment and a growing expat population, Cambodia’s cities have a promising decade ahead of them.

Neak Oknha Chen Zhi is confident that Cambodia will have what it takes to swiftly position itself amongst global giants in the economic arena.

He believes in and supports human capital development in Cambodia, and looks forward to the country’s future with optimism.

Neak Oknha Chen Zhi’s economic and philanthropic contributions showcased his immense interest in helping Cambodian cities to become more ready for urbanization.

*Neak Oknha Chen Zhi was recognized as the entrepreneur of the year among leaders of conglomerates at the 2022 International Business Awards.

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Legal

Thai Court Amends Law to Allows Wives to Sue Husband’s Lovers

Thailand's Constitutional Court Allows Wives to Sue Husband's Lovers

Angry Thai Wife: File Image

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has changed the Civil Code will allow women to sue their husbands’ lovers, male or female. The Constitutional Court found on Tuesday that Section 1523 of the Civil Code breached Section 27 of the constitution, which safeguards Thais’ rights and liberties regardless of gender.

The court directed that the verdict be enforced within 360 days.

Section 1523 of the Civil Code states that husbands can sue their wives’ lovers, and wives can sue other women who publicly display an adulterous connection with their husband.

Keirov Kritteeranon, secretary-general of the Office of the Ombudsman, stated that the Ombudsman had previously urged the court to rule on the legality of Section 1523, which allowed wives to suit only female lovers.

Husbands can now sue their wives’ boyfriends regardless of gender, and there was no requirement for any public declaration of an adulterous connection, he claimed.

Once enforced, Tuesday’s Constitutional Court order, according to the Ombudsman, will correct this imbalance.

Thailand Amends Marriage Law

Meanwhile, Thailand is set to become the first Southeast Asian country to recognise same-sex marriage, after its marriage equality law was passed in the Upper House on Tuesday and is now on its approach to being promulgated before going into effect in the coming months.

LGBTQ+ advocates rejoiced as the Senate voted 130-4 to pass the bill on its final reading, with 18 abstentions. They hailed the development as a win in their long struggle for equal rights.

When the advocates who had gathered at parliament on Tuesday to witness the Senate’s final reading and vote on the measure heard the outcome, they burst out in cheers.

They next went to authorities House, where the authorities had planned a celebratory reception for them later in the day. They then went to the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, where the party lasted until late at night.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who is on sick leave due to Covid-19, congratulated them via Zoom call from Government House.

The new law will allow any two people aged 18 or older to register their marriage and obtain the same advantages and rights as heterosexual couples. The bill refers to married couples as “two individuals” rather than “a man and a woman,” and changes their legal status from “husband and wife” to “spouses.”

LGBTQ+ people from any country can legally marry in Thailand. When the bill goes into force, foreign same-sex married partners will be eligible for a spousal visa.

The law will be sent to the government for approval before being presented to the monarch.

It will take effect within 120 days of its publication in the Royal Gazette, making Thailand the third Asian country to accept same-sex marriages after Nepal and Taiwan.

Senator Kamnoon Sidhisamarn, spokesman for the Senate’s special committee evaluating the proposed law, called it a victory for equal rights campaigners.

“There is no reason for the Upper House to disagree with the judgement made by the House of Representatives,” he told reporters. He was referring to the legislation’s passage in the Lower House prior to its submission to the Senate for approval.

The battle for same-sex marriage legislation began 23 years ago. Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, a Move Forward Party list-MP, said that the law’s passage on Tuesday signified the beginning of a new chapter in Thai history.

Source: Bangkok Post

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Legal

Thailand’s Senate Passes Landmark Marriage Equity Bill Legalizing Gay Marriage

Thailand’s Senate has approved a long awaited marriage equality bill on Tuesday, making the country the third Asian country to accept same-sex couples. The Senate approved the law 130-4 with 18 abstentions.

The marriage equality bill will be sent the palace for royal clearance. The marriage equality law takes 120 days to take effect after Royal Gazette publication.

LGBTQ+ advocates welcomed the proposal a “monumental step forward” because Thailand would be the first Southeast Asian country to legalise marriage equality. Thailand is popular with travellers due to its LGBTQ+ culture and tolerance.

“This would underscore Thailand’s leadership in the region in promoting human rights and gender equality,” the Civil Society Commission of marriage equality, activists, and LGBTI+ couples said.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who wore a rainbow shirt to commemorate Pride Month, joined thousands of LGBTQ+ revellers and activists in a Bangkok parade at the start of June.

The prime minister will open Government House to commemorate the bill’s passage. Pride supporters will march from Parliament to the prime minister’s office. Mr. Srettha, who has Covid-19, will join them online after taking several days off.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai anticipates June’s Pride Month to create approximately 4.5 billion baht in economic cash flow.

Marriage Equity Bill

Pride Month in Thailand

On Saturday, Mr. Phumtham said the government under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is encouraging sexual diversity and working with the commercial sector to plan more Pride Month festivities to attract LGBTQ+ tourists.

He claimed it will increase the country’s trade potential by giving SMEs business expansion chances and adding soft power value.

Mr. Phumtham claimed Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, told him Pride Month celebrations will make Thailand a “pride-friendly destination” for LGBTQ+ Thai and global consumers.

This would help the country become a regional tourism hub under the government’s “Ignite Tourism Thailand” initiative to enhance tourism in 55 “worth visiting” provinces.

He added that such festivals will support downstream industries like event planners, food and beverage companies, hotels, and transport services and disperse cash to local areas. Mr. Phumtham stated Thailand’s Pride Month began in 1999. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Chon Buri host parades, festivities, and campaigns.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects approximately 860,000 people to attend this year’s festival and contribute at least 4.5 billion baht for the economy. LGBT Capital estimates that the world’s LGBTQ+ population has US$4.7 trillion in purchasing power and Thailand’s sexually varied population has US$26 billion.

LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand are improving, but there’s still much to do. The LGBTQ+ community in Thailand is notably strong in Bangkok and Pattaya.

Strong legal recognition allows transgender people to change their names and titles. Many LGBTQ+ couples lack legal rights since same-sex marriage is banned.

Marriage Equity Bill

LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand

Thailand is becoming more accepting despite these difficulties. LGBTQ+ rights are gaining favour. Activists want legal changes to guarantee equality.

Pride parades are becoming increasingly visible, demonstrating diverse acceptance. While challenges remain, LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand are improving as awareness and acceptance expand.

Legal

Protecting Your Designs: Intellectual Property Rights in the Jewelry Manufacturing Industry

Intellectual Property jewellery

The jewelry manufacturing industry is a vibrant and highly competitive sector where creativity and innovation are paramount. Designers invest significant time, effort, and resources into crafting unique pieces that appeal to consumers’ tastes and preferences. However, this industry faces a persistent challenge: the protection of original designs from imitation and unauthorized use.

Intellectual property rights (IPR) play a crucial role in safeguarding jewellery designs, ensuring that creators receive recognition and financial benefits from their work. This article delves into the various forms of intellectual property rights pertinent to the jewelry manufacturing industry and offers insights on how designers can protect their creations.

Understanding Intellectual Property Rights

Intellectual property rights are legal mechanisms that grant creators exclusive rights to their inventions, designs, and artistic works. These rights encourage innovation by providing creators with the means to control the use of their creations and to benefit financially from them. In the context of jewelry design, the most relevant forms of IPR are copyrights, trademarks, patents, and design rights.

Copyrights

Copyright protection extends to original works of authorship, including artistic creations such as jewelry designs. Under copyright law, the designer of a piece of jewelry automatically acquires the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and display the design upon its creation. This protection does not require registration, although registering the copyright with the appropriate governmental body, such as the U.S. Copyright Office, can provide additional legal benefits and evidence of ownership.

For jewelry designers, copyright protects the aesthetic aspects of a piece, such as the specific design, patterns, and artistic expressions. However, it does not cover the functional elements or the materials used. The duration of copyright protection varies by country, but it typically lasts for the life of the creator plus an additional 50 to 70 years.

Trademarks

Trademarks protect symbols, names, logos, and slogans that distinguish goods and services in the marketplace. For jewelry manufacturers, a trademark can cover the brand name, logo, or even a unique product line name.

Registering a trademark with the appropriate authority, such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), provides nationwide protection and the exclusive right to use the mark in connection with the specified goods or services.

A strong trademark helps consumers identify and differentiate a brand’s products from those of competitors, fostering brand loyalty and reducing the risk of confusion in the marketplace. It also provides legal recourse against counterfeiting and unauthorised use of the brand’s identity.

Patents

Patents protect new inventions and technical innovations. In the jewelry industry, this could include innovative manufacturing processes, unique mechanisms for adjustable or interchangeable jewelry, or novel materials and techniques. A patent grants the inventor the exclusive right to use, make, and sell the invention for a limited period, usually 20 years from the filing date of the patent application.

Obtaining a patent involves a rigorous process of proving that the invention is novel, non-obvious, and useful. For jewelry designers, the primary benefit of patent protection lies in safeguarding their innovative techniques and mechanical features, which can provide a competitive edge in the market.

Design Rights

Design rights specifically protect the visual appearance of a product, including its shape, configuration, pattern, and ornamentation. These rights are particularly relevant to the jewelry industry, where the aesthetic appeal of a product is a key selling point. In many jurisdictions, design rights must be registered to be enforceable, though some countries offer unregistered design rights that provide limited protection.

Registering a design right involves submitting detailed representations of the design to the relevant authority, such as the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) for protection within the EU. Registered design rights typically offer protection for up to 25 years, subject to renewal fees.

Steps to Protect Jewelry Designs

Document Your Designs: Maintain detailed records of your design process, including sketches, prototypes, and finished pieces. This documentation can serve as evidence of originality and ownership in case of disputes.
Conduct Searches: Before launching a new design, conduct thorough searches to ensure it does not infringe on existing intellectual property. This can prevent legal issues and costly disputes.
Register Your IP: Where applicable, register your copyrights, trademarks, patents, and design rights with the appropriate authorities. Registration enhances protection and provides legal advantages in enforcing your rights.
Use NDAs and Contracts: When working with manufacturers, suppliers, and collaborators, use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and detailed contracts to protect your designs and outline the terms of use. ( Check out EJ: A Jewelry Manufacturer with NDA’s.
Monitor the Market: Regularly monitor the market for potential infringements. This can involve online searches, attending trade shows, and staying informed about competitors’ activities.
Take Legal Action if Necessary: If you discover an infringement, take prompt legal action to enforce your rights. This may involve sending cease-and-desist letters, pursuing litigation, or seeking alternative dispute resolution methods.

Challenges and Considerations

While intellectual property rights offer significant protection, there are challenges and limitations to consider. The cost and complexity of obtaining and enforcing IPR can be prohibitive, especially for small designers and startups. Additionally, the global nature of the jewelry market means that protections obtained in one jurisdiction may not be recognized elsewhere, necessitating international strategies for comprehensive protection.

Moreover, the fast-paced nature of fashion and jewelry trends can make lengthy registration processes impractical for certain designs. In such cases, relying on unregistered design rights or focusing on brand protection through trademarks may be more viable strategies.

Conclusion

Intellectual property rights are a vital tool for protecting the creativity and innovation that drive the jewelry manufacturing industry. By understanding and strategically utilizing copyrights, trademarks, patents, and design rights, designers can safeguard their creations, enhance their competitive edge, and ensure they reap the financial rewards of their ingenuity. As the industry continues to evolve, staying informed about IPR and adapting to emerging challenges will be crucial for sustaining success in the dynamic world of jewelry design.