Nordic News, Business and Life in Asia
Follow the latest business developments connecting the Nordic countries
with Asia. ScandAsia covers companies, investment, trade, technology,
energy, manufacturing and new opportunities across the region.
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AstraZeneca Indonesia -the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company – has been chosen as the Best Place to Work in Indonesia for the second year in a row. According to an internal survey, …
AstraZeneca Indonesia voted as best workplace once again Read More
European Union countries installed 40% more solar panels in 2023 than the year before. The main supplier being China. There are some cases where 95% of the solar panels were …
Europe installing massive amount of Chinese solar panels Read More
This week the Norwegian telco group Telenor announced a drop of value in their True Corp investment. A 8.04 billion Norwegian kroner impairment has been announced. In accounting, impairment is …
Telenor recognizes impairment in Thai True Corp investment Read More
The Swedish company Electrolux, mostly known for creating Swedish home appliances, will shut down their regional headquarters in Singapore in May 2024. It has been stated by sources that this …
Electrolux regional HQ in Singapore announces shutdown Read More
The Finnish telecom equipment maker Nokia announced on Monday 5 February 2024 that they had signed a multi-year license agreement for 5G with the smartphone vendor Vivo from China. Nokia …
Nokia signs 5G patent deal with China’s Vivo Read More
The Chinese car HiPhi Z won the El Prix in Norway, held by the Norwegian Automobile Association to test Electric Vehicles’ ability to drive in cold weather. The biannual El …
Chinese HiPhi Z wins cold weather test in Norway Read More
Bangkok is known for all fabulous shopping malls. They seem to pop up like mushrooms, one after the other. After the Icon Siam, which is huge and very impressing, I …
Bangkok’s new Shopping mall EMSPHERE is about everything, amazing, beautiful,crazy,dazzling, you name it! Read More
Way up north, in the Norwegian town of Kirkenes, Chinese energy buses will now be driving on the icy roads. The buses have been constructed by Yutong Bus Co., Ltd., …
Chinese energy buses successful in Kirkenes’ arctic climate Read More
An impressive amount of Norwegian frozen cod has been exported to Vietnam. 1,382 tons, which is 141 percent higher than in the same month last year, according to The …
Vietnam increases import of Norwegian cod Read More
Nordcham Indonesia and Mandala Consulting host a joint event in Jakarta where the business implications of the Indonesian elections in 2024 will be discussed. High-level executives in Nordic companies and …
Nordcham invites to discuss business implications after Indonesian election Read More
Indonesia’s Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono is interested in the services of the Norwegian company Kongsberg Satellite Service (KSAT). In a news released by the official Indonesian …
Indonesia interested in Norwegian satellite services Read More
Ericsson AB issues a cautionary outlook for 2024, due to a persistent market decline, particularly outside China. The warning is caused by what CEO, Börje Ekholm, identifies as “unsustainably low” …
Ericsson anticipates continued decline in non-China markets Read More
Research from Norwegian Rystad Energy shows that Southeast Asia will account for 10% of the region’s total solar capacity by 2030. Countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand are …
Norwegian research sets goal for solar energy in Asia Read More
On December 22, 2023, Swedfund invested 12 MUSD in Southeast Asia Clean Energy Fund II (SEACEF II). This investment will contribute to providing scale-up capital to early-stage companies focused on …
Swedfund investment accelerates energy transition in Southeast Asia Read More
Tourism Malaysia received the gold award in the Transportation, Travel & Tourism category at the Putra Aria Brand Awards. The tribute, deemed the People’s Choice Awards, is organized by the …
Tourism Malaysia wins gold at Putra Aria Brand Awards Read More
SEB Group, a Swedish financial institution, is targeting Vietnam for expansion. Marcus Wallenberg, SEB Group’s Chairman, praises Vietnam’s development, positioning it as a key investment destination. In a strategic move, …
SEB Group targets Vietnam for expansion Read More
Finnish telecommunications company, Nokia, is set to exit its joint venture with Chinese Huawei amid the escalating US-China tensions. Nokia had initially proposed a deal last year, but it was …
Nokia set to exit joint venture with Huawei Read More
Malaysia made a comeback at the MATKA Travel Fair in Helsinki from January 18 to 21, 2024. The main focus was on promoting green tourism initiatives. Led by Tourism Malaysia, …
Malaysia returned to the MATKA Travel Fair in Helsinki Read More
Thailand and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) are set to conclude a free trade agreement by the end of this year. This has been confirmed in a meeting between …
Thailand and EFTA expect a free trade agreement by the end of 2024 Read More
Norwegian subsea company IK Group has successfully secured a contract to supply clamps for emergency repairs to an oil and gas pipeline base in China. The contract marks a significant …
Norwegian subsea company makes entry into Asian market Read More
Volvo Car Thailand is set to open a battery repair center for EVs and PHEVs in Thailand. The center is planed yo open by mid-year, extending its reach to the …
Volvo opens news battery repair center in Thailand Read More
Norway, in collaboration with Yara Fertilizers Philippines Inc., has allocated a grant of 4.0 million Philippine Pesos to introduce solar-powered water pumps in the Philippines. The initiative aims to boost …
Norway assists Filipino farmers with solar-powered water pumps Read More
Indonesia is aggressively pursuing sustainable tourism, eyeing 14.3 million international visitors in 2024. Tourism Minister Sandiaga Uno emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including promoting electric vehicles and green energy accommodations. The initiative …
Indonesia sets sights on 14.3 million eco-conscious tourists in 2024 Read More
Indonesia stole the spotlight at Norway’s largest Travel Expo, hosted at the Telenor Arena in Oslo on January 13-14. The Indonesian booth, decorated with the theme “Escape the Winter,” drew …
Indonesia takes center stage at Norway’s Premier Travel Expo in Oslo Read More
The family of Yimin Dong, a Norwegian citizen serving a 13-year prison sentence in China for smuggling Norwegian salmon, has accused SalMar, the world’s second-largest salmon producer, of being complicit …
Family claims Norwegian company knew of salmon smuggling to China Read More
Volvo Malaysia is eagerly awaiting details on the upcoming High-Value Goods Tax (HVGT). There is still a hope that the luxury tax will avoid hindering efforts to promote electric vehicle …
Volvo Malaysia awaits details on new High-Value Goods Tax Read More
The Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) has embarked on a marketing campaign to promote the country’s mackerel products in China. In the pursuit NSC has formed strategic partnerships with influential Chinese …
Norwegian mackerel marketed as premium product in China despite sustainability concerns Read More
The surge in Scandinavian flights to Thailand, with Norse Atlantic Airways, Thai Airways and SAS, is to attract more Scandinavian tourists in 2024. Orn Duangchan, Director of the Tourism Authority …
Several Bangkok flights increased to attract Scandinavian tourists Read More
Juneyao Air is set to resume daily flights between Shanghai and Chiang Mai, beginning January 20, 2024. The airline will depart Shanghai at 18.35 and arrive in Chiang Mai at …
Chinese airline launches flights between Shanghai and Chiang Mai Read More
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to receive a 60 percent increase in its fiscal year 2023/24 budget, positioning the tourism industry as a key driver of economic …
Thai tourism budget sees record boost for post-Covid revival Read More
In a recent interview with Tatler, Mats Johansson, the Swedish founder of L:a Bruket, reveals the brand’s success lies in its early embrace of sustainability and a unique blend of …
Swedish L:a Bruket – a fusion of Scandinavian spa and Asian skincare wisdom Read More
Polestar Automotive Holding fell short of its 2023 delivery target, citing weak demand for higher-priced models in China as a reason for the shortage. The company delivered 54,600 vehicles last …
Swedish Polestar misses 2023 delivery target amidst weak demand in China Read More
In a strategic move, the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) is trying to revolutionize the perceptions of Norwegian seafood in Thailand. The aim is to capitalize on the nation’s rich culinary …
Norwegian Seafood Council is trying to rebrand Norwegian seafood in Thailand Read More
Norwegian cod farming company, Norcod, has inked a significant deal with a Chinese distribution firm. The deal is for a minimum of 800 tons of fish, constituting around 10 percent …
Norwegian cod farmer lands supply deal with China retailer Read More
China has become the global producer of drive motors and power batteries, with a 74 percent share in power battery patent applications. In Norway, Chinese high-end electric vehicles are making …
The Norwegian market embraces Chinese EV brands Read More
IKEA has expanded its presence in key cities across the Philippines, reaching Davao, Cagayan de Oro City, and Iloilo City. IKEA Philippines seeks to bring its signature stylish and functional …
IKEA expands presence in the Philippines Read More
Chinese automaker Geely has confirmed, that the company has reduced its stake in Volvo AB, the Swedish truckmaker. Geely transferred over 7 billion SEK ($685 million) worth of stock to …
China’s Geely decreases Volvo stake Read More
Ericsson has appointed Daniel Ode as Head of Ericsson for Singapore, Brunei, and the Philippines. Ode brings more than 17 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, having previously served …
Ericsson appoints new head of Singapore, Philippines & Brunei Read More
A team of students from Lund University in Sweden and Hanoi University of Science in Vietnam has been recognized for their plant-based food project at the annual APAC Food Innovation …
Students from Sweden and Vietnam awarded for joint plant-based venture Read More
The Norwegian fish farm company SalMar, has strongly denied allegations of involvement in the illegal import of salmon into China, refuting claims by NRK Dagsnytt. The radio station broadcasted a …
Norwegian fish farmer denies China salmon smuggling claims Read More
AirAsia kicks off 2024 with a 24 percent fare discount from Kuala Lumpur to ASEAN cities and AirAsia X destinations. The campaign includes tickets to cities like: Almaty, Taipei, Melbourne, …
AirAsia kicks off the year with discounts and a new route Read More
Danish Carlsberg secured a licensing agreement with Japanese Sapporo Brewery to distribute Sapporo Premium Beer in Southeast Asia last year. Now, Carlsberg’s Malaysia unit has further secured the license agreement …
Carlsberg to brew Sapporo beer in Malaysia Read More
Danish jewelry maker Pandora attributed its recent market share gains to targeted marketing strategies, including high-profile campaigns featuring celebrities like Pamela Anderson. Despite a stagnant overall market, the company reported …
Pandora’s Pamela Anderson campaign sparked growth in 2023 Read More
Hong Kong’s Red Sugar, a cocktail bar at the Kerry Hotel, and Sweden’s Tjoget cocktail bar, have teamed up to revolutionize the city’s cocktail scene. The exclusive collaboration blends Tjoget’s …
Nordic-infused cocktail revolution hits Hong Kong Read More
TGS, a global provider of energy data and intelligence, in collaboration with PGS and SLB, has announced the successful securing of pre-funding to expand multi-client seismic data coverage in the …
Norwegian energy giants secure funding for Malaysia project Read More
Swedish Ericsson named Anders Rian the new Head of Ericsson Thailand on January 8, 2024. Formerly VP of Sales at Ericsson in Indonesia, Rian brings over 23 years of telecom …
Ericsson appoints Anders Rian as head of Thailand operations to drive 5G advancement Read More
Volvo Cars announced a stellar performance in 2023 with a total of 708,716 cars sold during the year. The Swedish automaker attributed the success to a 15 percent overall sales …
Volvo Cars celebrates sales surge in 2023 fueled by growth in China Read More
Indonesia AirAsia is launching a new route from Bali to Bandar Lampung, with the first flight on January 17, 2024. The airline aims to boost tourism in Lampung by providing …
Indonesia AirAsia launches Bali-Bandar Lampung route Read More
In a new move to revitalize its tourism sector, the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) has set an ambitious target of 7.7 million international visitors for the year 2024. The …
The Philippines sets ambitious 2024 tourism target after remarkable rebound in 2023 Read More
In the comprehensive assessment conducted by AirlineRatings.com to determine the safety rankings of low-cost airlines globally for 2024, Norwegian Airline secured the fourth position and AirAsia came in 12th. The safety …
Norwegian Airlines and AirAsia secures position among the safest low-cost airlines Read More