Sofie Rønnelund, Author at Scandasia

Singapore and Scandinavia among strongest passports in the world

December 20, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - 1 Comment

Both Singapore, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway are in the top 10 of strongest passports in the world of 2023. The scores are calculated by VisaGuide World Passport Index, which …

Denmark / Finland / International relations / Norway / Philippines / Sweden

Nordic Ambassadors to PH in opinion piece: “We stand together in support of Ukraine”

December 19, 2023December 19, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

The Nordic countries and the Philippines stand firm in their commitment to long-term political, financial and military support to Ukraine. In an article published by Phil Star today, Nordic Ambassadors …

Denmark / General news

Denmark creates new electricity bidding zone around Bornholm

December 19, 2023December 19, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Denmark will facilitate a new electricity market bidding zone, supposed to cover a planned renewable energy (RE) generation cluster around the island Bornholm, the Danish Energy Agency said on Monday. …

China / General news / Indonesia / Malaysia / Singapore / Thailand / Vietnam

Southeast Asian visa simplifications increases tourism

December 19, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

This year, tourism rates has made quite a recovery in Asia, since countries simplified its visa requirements and entry procedures for international tourists. Vietnam In June, Vietnam approved to triple …

China / International relations / Philippines

PH says South China Sea tensions have increased

December 18, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the PH is working to resolve the “exploration issues” in the South China Sea in order to start new energy exploration projects in the …

Finland / International relations / Philippines

Putin warns of problems with Finland after NATO Membership

December 18, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

In an interview published yesterday, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of ‘problems’ with the neighbouring country Finland, after it joined NATO earlier this year. The story has reached the Philippines, …

General news / Indonesia

Beware of COVID-19 increase in Indonesia

December 18, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Tourism and Creative Economy Minister, Sandiaga Uno, advises people to be cautious, as increases in COVID-19 cases are increasing in Indonesia. Yesterday, on 17 December 216 confirmed cases were recorded, …

Denmark / Finland / General news / Norway / Singapore / Sweden

Sweden wins the Women’s World Floorball Championships – again

December 18, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Sweden wins gold in Women’s World Floorball Championships 2023 – for the 9th time in a row. The Swedish nation won the championship after a match against Finland, the scores being …

General news / Norway / Thailand

3. Advent: The youngest participant of Tour de Gulf of Thailand 2023

December 17, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - 1 Comment

Daniel Thu, 36 years old and from Norway, was the youngest participant in Tour de Gulf of Thailand 2023. Normally Daniel works remotely as an agency manager in marketing, which …

Denmark / General news / Thailand

Danish Maria wins title in Mrs. National Universe Thailand 2023

December 17, 2023December 18, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Maria Andreasdottir from Denmark was participant in the Thai beauty contest, Mrs. National Universe 2023, where she won the title as Mrs. National Globe. The Grand Final took place at …

Finland / General news / Indonesia

Finnish man injured on Bali: “I can’t count on my insurance company”

December 17, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Finnish Henri Palomäki broke his back due to a surfing incident on Bali, and didn’t get any help from his insurance company in the first couple of days – at …

Agriculture, fishing, forestry / Business in Asia / Denmark / Philippines

Danish Dairy Board launches campaign in PH

December 17, 2023December 17, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Danish Dairy Board (DDB) is an organization representing dairies in Denmark, supported by the EU who has just launched an educational campaign in PH. The 3-year campaign is called Organic …

China / General news / Norway / Sweden

China and Scandinavia fastest to adopt electric vehicles

December 16, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Data from International Energy Agency (IEA) showed that more and more countries are adopting electric vehicles (EV.) However, some countries have accelerated the adoption faster than others. The leader is …

Community news / Norway

Online Norwegian primary education for kids abroad

December 15, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Globalskolen is a Norwegian primary and lower secondary online education for children of primary school age living abroad. The offer also applies to students who have Norwegian as a second …

General news / Laos / Sweden / Thailand / Vietnam

Swedish Training Programme on Sustainable Forestry still open for applicants from Thailand, Laos & Vietnam

December 15, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Sweden is organizing a one year International Training Programme on sustainable forestry, and the programme is still open for applicants from Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. The deadline for applying is …

Denmark / General news

Suspects of planned terror attack arrested in Denmark and the Netherlands

December 15, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Three people in Denmark and one in the Netherlands have been arrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack, according to Danish police on 14 December. Now the story has …

International relations / Philippines / Sweden

Sweden and PH strengthening ties

December 15, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

PH and Sweden held a joint workshop on 13 December in order to explore further opportunities for cooperation. Specifically regarding finance and development projects in the Philippines. The Filipino government …

Finland / International relations

Brunei and Finland in educational collaboration?

December 15, 2023December 15, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Non-Resident Ambassador of Finland to Brunei, Daraussalam Sami Rafael Leino visited Alias Abu Bakar, Center Director at the Seameo Voctech Regional Centre in Brunei on 13 December. At the meeting, …

General news / Sweden / Thailand

An ‘unexpected’ visitor at the Swedish Embassy in Bangkok

December 14, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

The Embassy of Sweden in Bangkok had an ‘unexpected’ encounter yesterday – a snake. “An unexpected drop-in customer at the Embassy today. Since he didn’t have an appointment we had …

Cambodia / General news / Norway

Norwegians support female Cambodian tuk-tuk drivers

December 14, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

In Siem Reap a group of women is finding economic independence by becoming tuk-tuk drivers. It’s not an easy road to take, as they are met with misogyny and prejudice. …

General news / Sweden / Thailand

The Famous Tiara of Princess Sofia: Made in Thailand?

December 14, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Princess Sofia of Sweden wore her special tiara at the 2023 Nobel Prize Banquet in Stockholm. A tiara, said to be made from a necklace gifted by a Thai prince. …

Denmark / General news / Thailand

New sustainable neo-plane flying from Denmark to Thailand

December 14, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

On 13 December 2023, a new, more sustainable plane flew 373 Spies guests from Copenhagen to Thailand. The plane will continue to fly to Phuket through the winter. The plane …

Cambodia / Community news / Denmark / Thailand

Danes, are your documents legalized?

December 13, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

If you have Thai/Cambodian documents which shall be used in Denmark – or Danish documents to be used in Thailand/Cambodia – then you probably need to get them legalized. This …

General news / Sweden

Five people die in elevator accident in Sweden

December 13, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Five people have passed away due to an elevator accident at a construction site in Sundbyberg on 11 December 2023. Around 10am, a construction elevator collapsed during the construction of …

Finland / General news / Hong Kong / Malaysia / Singapore / Sweden / Taiwan / Thailand

Scandinavia and Southeast Asia among Winners of World Branding Awards

December 13, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

The World Branding Awards is on its 17th edition this year, honoring the success and achievements of the world’s best brands. Both national, regional and global ones. Over 1500 brands …

Business in Asia / Denmark / Philippines / Sustainability / Transportation, maritime

Denmark helps facilitate ‘Green Skills Academy’ in Philippines

December 13, 2023December 13, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

“Huge congratulations to the successful cooperation between Danish organization Aprendio and the Kamaya Point – Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific for the launch of the “Green Skills Academy” …

General news / Sweden / Thailand

Scandinavian Lucia Day celebrated in Thailand

December 13, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

13 December is not just the shortest day of the year according to the Julian calendar. It is also the day of Santa Lucia. A Scandinavian yule-holiday to celebrate the …

Community news / Denmark / Finland / Singapore

Join the Singapore International Music Competition Winners Gala with Scandinavian prizes

December 13, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

The Singapore International Music Competition is back again for young pianists and violinists around the world to show off their skills. Furthermore, the participants will get to showcase their performances …

Community news / Malaysia

New Digital Arrival Card required for visitors to Malaysia

December 11, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

From 1 January 2024, every international visitor traveling to Malaysia has to fill out the new ‘Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)’ before entering. It will be a digital form which …

International relations / Norway / Philippines

Norway-Philippines cooperation recognized by Filipino Senate

December 11, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

The Senate of the Philippines adopted a ‘resolution in recognition’ of the cooperation between Norway and the Philippines. This means the The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila was invited to …

Denmark / Finland / General news / Norway / Singapore / Sweden

Experience a Viking-inspired Winter Wonderland in Singapore

December 11, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

At Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, you can experience a ‘Nordic Christmas Adventure’ when Poinsettia Wishes 2023 takes you back to a Winter Wonderland – inspired by Vikings. In …

Denmark / Indonesia / International relations

New Danish Ambassador to Indonesia meets President Widodo

December 11, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Sten Frimodt Nielsen, the recently new Danish ambassador to Indonesia, presented his Letter of Credence from Queen Margrethe II of Denmark to President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. The happening took …

Community news / Denmark / Thailand

2. Advent: Joining Tour de Gulf of Thailand as a couple

December 10, 2023December 10, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Anne-Marie and Knut are both from Norway but have lived in Thailand since 2000, due to new job opportunities. Throughout the years they got to know the Norwegian Seaman’s Church …

Business in Asia / Norway / Retail & Wholesale / Singapore / Sweden

Nordic Formula expanding to Southeast Asia

December 8, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Swedish-Norwegian Linda Jørgensen owns the beauty brand Nordic Formula. To expand her products into the global market, Linda is targeting the Asia-Pacific world. And Singapore especially, she reveals in an …

Denmark / Finland / General news / Norway / Sweden

A full Scandinavia is now striking against Tesla

December 8, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

It started with Sweden, where Swedish members of the trade union IF Metall at Tesla workshops have been striking since October. They have been protesting the company’s refusal to adapt …

Denmark / General news

It will now be illegal to burn religious texts in Denmark

December 8, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - 1 Comment

It is official. It will no longer be legal to burn the Quran or other religious texts in Denmark. A new law was passed in parliament on 7 December, 2023, …

Community news / Denmark

Danish expats will find it easier to bring their family home to Denmark

December 8, 2023December 8, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

The government will introduce a new scheme so Danish expats will have a better opportunities to bring their family to the country. At the same time, the government will adjust …

Business in Asia / Construction, infrastructure / Denmark / Energy / Philippines

Denmark and Philippines address lack of RE workers

December 7, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Denmark and Philippines have made a job skills program with the aim of addressing the lack of workers to fulfill the renewable energy (RE) transition. The Danish Embassy in Manila …

Finland / General news / Philippines

Finnish Ambassador: This is why we’re the happiest country

December 7, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

For six years in a row, Finland has been named the happiest country in the world, bases on the World Happiness Survey. Juha Markus Pyykkö, Finnish Ambassador to the Philippines, …

Finland / International relations / Vietnam

Finnish Embassy celebrates 50th anniversary of Vietnam

December 7, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

The Finnish Embassy in Vietnam held a ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam – Finland relations. Also to celebrate the 106th Independence Day of Finland. In HCMC …

Business in Asia / Sustainability / Trading & Logistics

Sweden deepens cooperation with Southeast Asia

December 7, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Sweden has announced a new trade and investment strategy for Southeast Asia, as a way to deepen cooperation with partners such as Singapore. Johan Forssell, Sweden’s Minister for International Development …

Business in Asia / Retail & Wholesale / Sustainability

Messy Weekend coming to Thailand

December 7, 2023December 7, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Messy Weekend Copenhagen is a growing, Danish company selling handcrafted sunglasses, and they will soon start distributing its products in Thailand. At least so it seems, when taking a look …

Agriculture, fishing, forestry / Business in Asia / China / Construction, infrastructure / Denmark

Denmark accepts hosting invitation from China

December 6, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Denmark has accepted an invitation from China to co-host a shipping fair in Shanghai. Minister of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, Morten Bødskov, said so in a press release on …

Denmark / Finland / General news / Malaysia

Young people are less literate and numerate

December 6, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

The new results from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 report shows a general and global decline in 15-year-olds skills regarding reading, mathematics and science since 2018. For …

China / Community news / Denmark

Danish Christmas Market in Beijing

December 6, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Just a few days ago, the Embassy of Denmark in China hosted its annual Danish Christmas Market in Beijing. A clear sky joined the party and cold air was full …

Community news / Denmark / Philippines

Earthquake advisory for people in Manila

December 6, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Yesterday an earthquake was recorded and felt in parts of Metro Manila, Philippines and nearby provinces around 4 pm. Workers, students and residents evacuated from buildings after the 5.9 magnitude …

Community news / Norway / Thailand

1. Advent: “Biking made me free again”

December 3, 2023December 24, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

Welcome to our first Advent Christmas Calendar! From this Sunday and up until Christmas Eve, ScandAsia has made little portraits of some of the participants from the Norwegian Seamen’s Church’s …

International relations / Sweden / Thailand

Thai-Swedish relations amplified in Phuket

November 22, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

An Honorary Consul has been appointed in Phuket by the Swedish Embassy in Thailand to amplify Thai-Swedish relations. Anna Hammargren, Swedish Ambassador to Thailand, visited Phuket from 20 to 21 …

China / General news / Norway

Visa exemption for Norwegians in China

November 22, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - 2 Comments.

Are you Norwegian and going trough China soon? Then you might not need a visa. Norwegian citizens are now visa exempt for transits through China for up to six days …

General news / Norway / Thailand

Tour de Gulf of Thailand 2023 completed

November 22, 2023 - by Sofie Rønnelund - Leave a Comment

From Chumpon to Pattaya. 700 kilometres. On a bike. That was the plan, and so it went. “Now we wait for next year,” said one the cyclists as he arrived …

About Sofie Rønnelund