Bangkok, Thailand, October 14, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Siam Piwat, owner and operator of renowned, world-famous retail projects such as Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, and joint venture partner of ICONSIAM and Siam Premium Outlets, is strengthening Thailand's position on the international stage and the confidence of its partners and all relevant industries by announcing a partnership with Pavilion Group, a leading developer, investor, and operator of shopping centers in Malaysia. As part of this collaboration, Siam Piwat will showcase its selected Thai brands at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, which is set to become the largest fully integrated lifestyle shopping center in the southern corridor of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This is part of Siam Piwat's global expansion plans.

A milestone in the history of Asian retail has been reached: two retail giants are joining forces as business partners. This historic partnership underscores Siam Piwat's vision to further establish Thailand internationally and to give Thai entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their creative crafts and products on international platforms. ICONCRAFT, Absolute Siam, and Ecotopia, three Thai brands popular with foreigners, are thus launching their first international presence.

Ms. Usara Yongpiyakul, CEO of the Retail Business Group at Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., commented on the collaboration as follows: “One of Siam Piwat’s main strategies is to increase the international recognition of Thai brands and develop local businesses into global leaders to expand their operations internationally, as COVID-19 has made travel to Thailand more difficult. This collaboration not only opens up additional sales channels for SMEs and helps them expand beyond online and e-commerce platforms, but also contributes to strengthening the Thai economy. As part of this expansion, we have partnered with the Pavilion Group, an experienced operator and developer of large shopping malls.”

We have chosen Pavilion Bukit Jalil as the location for our first brick-and-mortar stores in Malaysia. There, three carefully selected Thai brands will be showcased in a way that will appeal to both Malaysian and international visitors. The Pavilion Group is one of Siam Piwat's global Privilege partners, and we already collaborate to offer our customers exclusive benefits. This new partnership to introduce Thai products to an overseas market is another important step for Siam Piwat in building a strong network with influential business leaders.

For over ten years, Siam Piwat has collaborated with numerous government agencies, including the SUPPORT Arts and Crafts International Center of Thailand (SACICT) and the Creative Economy Agency (CEA), to support aspiring entrepreneurs. We enhance their products by connecting them with experts and assisting them with product and packaging design. We also train them in data management systems, creating online platforms, and securing sponsorships. Furthermore, we provide them with knowledge of financial management, developing new sales channels, and public relations. All of these initiatives have not only expanded their income opportunities but also empowered them, instilled pride in them, and opened doors to greater visibility and international business opportunities.

Siam Piwat's three Thai brands – Ecotopia, ICONCRAFT, and Absolute Siam – enjoy great popularity among international tourists thanks to their unique identities and the creativity of their products. Developed by Siam Piwat, these brands showcase Thailand's high level of craftsmanship: from innovative, contemporary handicrafts to products created by Thai artisans, SMEs from across the country, designers, and young, environmentally conscious co-creators. The products of these three brands offer an authentic Thai experience and appeal to international buyers in a special way.

Ecotopia: Ecotopia is an environmentally conscious community of like-minded individuals who believe in the motto "Together we create a better world." It is accessible and practical for all aspects of life. Ecotopia reflects Siam Piwat's co-creation business model, which aims to create added value for all participants and represents the core vision of all the company's retail projects. Together with twelve dedicated eco-initiative partners, Ecotopia offers a new and enjoyable, environmentally conscious experience.

ICONCRAFT: Siam Piwat founded ICONCRAFT as an inspiration hub to showcase Thailand's exceptional craftsmanship, first domestically and then globally. ICONCRAFT celebrates local knowledge from a fresh perspective, presenting it through Thai craftsmanship. Most importantly, ICONCRAFT opens doors for over 800 artisans, designers, and local communities across Thailand, paving the way for them to enter the modern retail market. Its initiatives include training, brand development, marketing, and financial consulting to create a retail ecosystem that fosters sustainable success and mutual benefit for all involved. The product range is diverse and appealing, featuring jewelry, souvenirs, home accessories, unique arts and crafts, lifestyle and everyday items, fragrances and flavors, as well as food and snacks.

Absolute Siam: A trendsetting multi-brand concept store that unites leading fashion and lifestyle brands under one roof. Numerous first-time and unique collaborations with established and emerging Thai designers present exclusive collections. Over 60 brands from the fields of fashion, art, technology, and lifestyle offer innovative and bold products that set new trends and provide services in the unmistakable Absolute Siam style.

“Thailand possesses a culture as rich and unique as any other country. This uniqueness and richness are characterized by exceptional creativity and expressed in a wide range of exquisite artworks and design products that enjoy great popularity worldwide. We appreciate the significance and subtle splendor of Thai culture, as well as the creativity of Thai artisans, designers, and artists. We are proud to present Siam Piwat exclusively at Pavilion Bukit Jalil as the company continues its international expansion. These new stores offer Malaysians and international visitors the opportunity to experience a taste of Thai culture without having to leave Kuala Lumpur,” said Dato’ Joyce Yap, Chief Executive Officer of Retail at Kuala Lumpur Pavilion Sdn Bhd, the retail planner for Pavilion Bukit Jalil.

“Malaysia and Thailand share a very close relationship; they not only share borders but also many cultural similarities. We are convinced that this cooperation is just the beginning and will lead to even greater things, such as joint efforts to strengthen the regional economy and initiatives to showcase and promote the uniqueness and splendor of the ASEAN countries,” Usara concluded.

Siam Piwat has continued to position Thailand on the world stage and support SMEs by compiling a selection of products from various categories that are very popular with foreigners in its affiliated stores, and by collaborating with various retail partners abroad to showcase these on promising international platforms both online and offline in Asian countries with high purchasing power and high economic growth rates such as China, Malaysia, Vietnam and others.

About Siam Piwat Co., Ltd. Siam Piwat is a leading, internationally recognized retail and real estate developer from Thailand. For over 60 years, we have owned and operated Bangkok's most visited shopping and lifestyle destinations, such as Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, ICONSIAM, and Siam Premium Outlets. We are considered thought leaders in our industry, developing exceptional prototype properties and providing excellent management in retail development. Our goal is to consistently offer our clients unparalleled experiences that delight and inspire. Absolute Siam, ICONCRAFT, and Ecotopia are unique prototypes curated and operated by us.

About Pavilion Bukit Jalil: Located in the heart of Bukit Jalil, Pavilion Bukit Jalil, the icon of connectivity – Malaysia's lifestyle shopping center – is transforming Kuala Lumpur's southern corridor into a new hub for urban lifestyle and retail. With 1.8 million square feet of leasable space, Pavilion Bukit Jalil offers a diverse mix of retail outlets, culinary highlights, and innovative leisure options, solidifying its position as a lifestyle shopping destination that combines world-class retail, dining, and leisure experiences.