ASEAN Insight Provider, CrossASEAN Research

Angus Mackintosh

ASEAN Insight Provider

CrossASEAN Research

At CrossASEAN Research we strive to produce unbiased and differentiated on the ground insights on companies across South East Asia. Our Research is produced for the most part after face to face meetings and conversations with company management to dig deep into the long term vision and strategy of the companies we cover. We seek to deliver investable and actionable themes on sectors and markets across SE Asia, often in collaboration with other Insight Providers across the region, pooling the vast experience of the analysts within the Smartkarma Ecosystem. We also offer bespoke work and tailor made trips for our clients. 

Insights across South East Asia

Cross Asset Strategy

<div class="content-highlight">
<p><strong>The week that was in ASEAN@Smartkarma</strong><strong>is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable insights from across South East Asia and includes macro, top-down and thematic pieces, as well as actionable equity bottom-up and credit insights over the past week.</strong></p>
<p><strong>We add below a NEW section</strong>, <strong>which includes emerging themes in ASEAN and selects important news flow or developments for commentary, which may impact SE Asian companies and markets.  </strong></p>
</div><h3>Macro Insights</h3><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/more-rune-reading-trade-balances-have-given-a-good-insight" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43301" rel="noopener">More Rune Reading: Trade Balances Have Given a Good Insight,</a> Economist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/dr-jim-walker" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1628" rel="noopener">Dr Jim Walker</a> looks at the relationship between trade balances and domestic demand across the region. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/thailand-s-tourism-dilemma-buy-retailers-hospitals-and-select-hotels" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43526" rel="noopener">Thailand's Tourism Dilemma - Buy Retailers, Hospitals, and Select Hotels,</a> CrossASEAN Insight Provider <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/angus-mackintosh" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:937" rel="noopener">Angus Mackintosh</a> examines the impact of the sharp downturn of tourism in Thailand and which sectors and companies will benefit most from an impending recovery.  </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/could-vietnamese-equities-be-set-for-take-off" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43793" rel="noopener">Could Vietnamese Equities Be Set For Take-Off?,</a> Strategist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/michael-j-howell" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:2312" rel="noopener">Michael J. Howell</a> zeros in on the Vietnamese market, where he sees potential for a sharp recovery. </p><h3>Equity Bottom-Up Insights</h3><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/comfort-delgro-cd-staycation-expo-and-no-more-rental-relief" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43391" rel="noopener">Comfort Delgro (CD): Staycation, Expo and No More Rental Relief,</a> CrossASEAN Insight Provider <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/henry-soediarko" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1006" rel="noopener">Henry Soediarko</a> revisits Singapore's leading taxi operator <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/comfortdelgro-corp-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:497:1" rel="noopener">Comfortdelgro Corp (CD SP)</a>, as he sees potential catalysts on the horizon. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/wilmar-yka-s-pricing-cheap-rump-stake" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43702" rel="noopener">Wilmar: YKA's Pricing &amp; Cheap Rump Stake,</a> events specialist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/david-blennerhassett" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:840" rel="noopener">David Blennerhassett</a> returns to look at the listing of its China Agribusiness unit under Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings' (YKA), which is seeing strong demand but he finds the real value in the stub value if Wilmar's other assets.</p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/fct-placement-well-flagged-but-still-a-large-deal-to-digest" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43659" rel="noopener">FCT Placement - Well Flagged but Still a Large Deal to Digest,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/sumeet-singh" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:4" rel="noopener">Sumeet Singh</a> revisits the deal dynamics of the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/frasers-centrepoint-trust" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2870:1" rel="noopener">Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT SP)</a> planned placement.</p><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/frasers-centrepoint-trust" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2870:1" rel="noopener"></a>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/scg-packaging-ipo-short-term-catalysts-are-not-attractive" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43675" rel="noopener">SCG Packaging IPO: Short-Term Catalysts Are Not Attractive,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/supun-walpola" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1650" rel="noopener">Supun Walpola</a> take an initial look at this upcoming Thai packaging IPO and finds it unattractive short-term. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/scg-packaging-ipo-risks-rewards-attractive-at-the-higher-end-of-the-ipo-price-range" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43751" rel="noopener">SCG Packaging IPO: Risks-Rewards Attractive at the Higher-End of the IPO Price Range,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/supun-walpola" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1650" rel="noopener">Supun Walpola</a> revisits this major Thai packaging IPO, with a more positive tone. </p><h3>Sector and Thematic Insights</h3><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/thai-banks-down-but-coming-back" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43744" rel="noopener">Thai Banks: Down But Coming Back,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/brian-freitas" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:4091" rel="noopener">Brian Freitas</a> takes a look at Thai Banks in light of a gradual opening-up by the country to foreign tourists, albeit in a small way short term. </p><p> In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/thai-media-spotlight-collapse-or-redemption" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42462" rel="noopener">Thai Media Spotlight: Collapse or Redemption?,</a> out Thai guru <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/athaporn-arayasantiparb-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:766" rel="noopener">Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA</a> revisits the Thai Media sector in light of the COVID-19 recovery in the country.</p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/ipo-stalker-sisb-s-pandemic-is-sri-trang-gloves-profits" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42035" rel="noopener">IPO Stalker: SISB's Pandemic Is Sri Trang Gloves' Profits</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/athaporn-arayasantiparb-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:766" rel="noopener">Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA</a> reports back having met with management from two recently IPO'd companies, namely <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sisb-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27425:1" rel="noopener">SISB Public Company Limited (SISB TB)</a> (the country's only listed school) and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sri-trang-gloves-thailand-public-company-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29141:1" rel="noopener">Sri Trang Gloves (STGT TB)</a>, the world's third-largest rubber glove producer and the hottest IPO on the SET in 2020. </p><div><div id="ember7971"><div id="ember7972"><p>In a Smartkarma Original,<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/asia-dividend-forecasting-the-rise-and-fall-of-dividends-across-asian-companies" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43022" rel="noopener"> Asia Dividend Forecasting | The Rise and Fall of Dividends Across Asian Companies,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/ankit-agrawal-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:4555" rel="noopener">Ankit Agrawal, CFA,</a> bring us a quantitative approach for identifying Asian companies that are likely to raise/cut dividends. </p></div></div></div><h3>Credit Insights</h3><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/jababeka-trade-war-beneficiary-with-time-on-its-side" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43636" rel="noopener">Jababeka: Trade War Beneficiary with Time on Its Side,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/derek-silva" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:13468" rel="noopener">Derek Silva</a> provides a view from a credit perspective on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kawasan-industri-jababeka-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:7755:1" rel="noopener">Kawasan Industri Jababeka (KIJA IJ)</a>. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/gajah-tunggal-tear-sheet-lucror-analytics-2e687246-c77c-4d11-8a86-0d019a4b61c1" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43788" rel="noopener">Gajah Tunggal - Tear Sheet</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/leonard-law-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:7106" rel="noopener">Leonard Law, CFA</a> provides a top-down credit view on one of Indonesia's largest tyre manufacturers. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/alam-sutera-event-flash-tender-offer-for-2021-and-2022-notes-lucror-analytics" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43760" rel="noopener">Alam Sutera - Event Flash - Tender Offer For 2021 And 2022 Notes</a>, credit specialist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/trung-nguyen" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:7108" rel="noopener">Trung Nguyen</a> revisits this Indonesian property developer in light of a tender offer for its 2021 and 2022 Notes. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alam-sutera-realty-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2312:1" rel="noopener"></a></p>


The week that was in ASEAN@Smartkarmais filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable insights from across South East Asia and includes macro, top-down and thematic pieces, as well as actionable equity bottom-up and credit insights over the past week.
We add below a NEW section, which includes emerging themes in ASEAN and selects important news flow or developments for commentary, which may impact SE Asian companies and markets.  
Macro InsightsIn More Rune Reading: Trade Balances Have Given a Good Insight, Economist Dr Jim Walker looks at the relationship between trade balances and domestic demand across the region. In Thailand's Tourism Dilemma - Buy Retailers, Hospitals, and Select Hotels, CrossASEAN Insight Provider Angus Mackintosh examines the impact of the sharp downturn of tourism in Thailand and which sectors and companies will benefit most from an impending recovery.  In Could Vietnamese Equities Be Set For Take-Off?, Strategist Michael J. Howell zeros in on the Vietnamese market, where he sees potential for a sharp recovery. Equity Bottom-Up InsightsIn Comfort Delgro (CD): Staycation, Expo and No More Rental Relief, CrossASEAN Insight Provider Henry Soediarko revisits Singapore's leading taxi operator Comfortdelgro Corp (CD SP), as he sees potential catalysts on the horizon. In Wilmar: YKA's Pricing &amp; Cheap Rump Stake, events specialist David Blennerhassett returns to look at the listing of its China Agribusiness unit under Yihai Kerry Arawana Holdings' (YKA), which is seeing strong demand but he finds the real value in the stub value if Wilmar's other assets.In FCT Placement - Well Flagged but Still a Large Deal to Digest,Sumeet Singh revisits the deal dynamics of the Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT SP) planned placement.In SCG Packaging IPO: Short-Term Catalysts Are Not Attractive,Supun Walpola take an initial look at this upcoming Thai packaging IPO and finds it unattractive short-term. In SCG Packaging IPO: Risks-Rewards Attractive at the Higher-End of the IPO Price Range,Supun Walpola revisits this major Thai packaging IPO, with a more positive tone. Sector and Thematic InsightsIn Thai Banks: Down But Coming Back,Brian Freitas takes a look at Thai Banks in light of a gradual opening-up by the country to foreign tourists, albeit in a small way short term.  In Thai Media Spotlight: Collapse or Redemption?, out Thai guru Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA revisits the Thai Media sector in light of the COVID-19 recovery in the country.In IPO Stalker: SISB's Pandemic Is Sri Trang Gloves' Profits, Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA reports back having met with management from two recently IPO'd companies, namely SISB Public Company Limited (SISB TB) (the country's only listed school) and Sri Trang Gloves (STGT TB), the world's third-largest rubber glove producer and the hottest IPO on the SET in 2020. In a Smartkarma Original, Asia Dividend Forecasting | The Rise and Fall of Dividends Across Asian Companies,Ankit Agrawal, CFA, bring us a quantitative approach for identifying Asian companies that are likely to raise/cut dividends. Credit InsightsIn Jababeka: Trade War Beneficiary with Time on Its Side,Derek Silva provides a view from a credit perspective on Kawasan Industri Jababeka (KIJA IJ). In Gajah Tunggal - Tear Sheet, Leonard Law, CFA provides a top-down credit view on one of Indonesia's largest tyre manufacturers. In Alam Sutera - Event Flash - Tender Offer For 2021 And 2022 Notes, credit specialist Trung Nguyen revisits this Indonesian property developer in light of a tender offer for its 2021 and 2022 Notes. 

The NEW Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkarma - Thailand'sToursim Dilemma, Thai Banks, and Wilmar's Stub

<div class="content-highlight">
<p>The week that was in ASEAN@Smartkarma is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable insights from across South East Asia and includes macro, top-down and thematic pieces, as well as actionable equity bottom-up and credit insights over the past week.</p>
<p>Please find a brief summary below, with a fuller write up in the detailed section. We also include in the detailed section the past week's relevant discussions in <a href="mailto:ASEAN@Smartkarma" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ASEAN@Smartkarma</a>.</p>
</div><h3>Macro Insights</h3><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/anwar-makes-his-move-at-last-election-in-sabah-this-week-should-bolster-him-too" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43522" rel="noopener">Anwar Makes His Move at Last; Election in Sabah This Week Should Bolster Him Too,</a> CrossASEAN Chief Economist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/prasenjit-k-basu" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:612" rel="noopener">Prasenjit K. Basu</a> comments on Anwar's move to form a new Government in Malaysia.</p><h3>Equity Bottom-Up Insights</h3><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/gojek-and-grab-a-merger-of-the-super-apps-on-the-offing-we-think-not" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:39926" rel="noopener">Gojek and Grab - A Merger of the Super Apps on the Offing? We Think Not,</a> CrossASEAN Insight Provider <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/angus-mackintosh" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:937" rel="noopener">Angus Mackintosh</a> takes a look at South East Asia's two leading ride-hailing companies in light of recent talk of a merger of the two Unicorns. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/mitra-keluarga-mika-margin-expansion-from-covid-19" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43470" rel="noopener">Mitra Keluarga (MIKA): Margin Expansion from COVID-19</a> comments on one of Indonesia's best quality hospitals in light of COVID-19. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/snippets-44-more-turbulence-at-thai-four-new-airports" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42364" rel="noopener">Snippets #44: More Turbulence at THAI, Four New Airports!,</a> out Thai guru <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/athaporn-arayasantiparb-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:766" rel="noopener">Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA</a> comments on five pieces of interesting news or developments that could impact Thai equities.  </p><p>in <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bangkok-s-finest-bangkok-glass-and-bam" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:41197" rel="noopener">Bangkok's Finest: Bangkok Glass and BAM,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/athaporn-arayasantiparb-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:766" rel="noopener">Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA</a> follows up with two companies which came to IPO around two years ago, namely <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bangkok-glass-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27024:1" rel="noopener">Bangkok Glass PCL (BG TB)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bangkok-commercial-asset-management-public-company-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28442:1" rel="noopener">Bangkok Commercial Asset Management (BAM TB).</a></p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/dbs-reckoning-at-quarter-end" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43528" rel="noopener">DBS – Reckoning At Quarter End,</a> banking specialist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/daniel-tabbush" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:12" rel="noopener">Daniel Tabbush</a> revisits <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/dbs-group-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22:1" rel="noopener">DBS Group Holdings (DBS SP)</a> ahead of its quarterly results, where he sees the potential for a positive surprise.</p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/scg-packaging-ipo-unexciting" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43557" rel="noopener">SCG Packaging IPO - Unexciting</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/sumeet-singh" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:4" rel="noopener">Sumeet Singh</a> revisits this up-and-coming IPO born out of <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/siam-cement-pcl-the" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2589:1" rel="noopener">Siam Cement (SCC TB)</a>. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/scg-packaging-ipo-valuation-insights" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43464" rel="noopener">SCG Packaging IPO: Valuation Insights,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/arun-george" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1680" rel="noopener">Arun George</a> casts his eye over this significant Thai IPO looking at valuations.</p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/home-improvement-sector-outlook-2h20" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43567" rel="noopener">Home Improvement Sector Outlook 2H20,</a> our friends at <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/companies/country-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="companies:965" rel="noopener">Country Group</a> provide an update on the home-improvement segment in Thailand and maintain a positive outlook on both <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/home-product-center-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:9906:1" rel="noopener">Home Product Center (HMPRO TB)</a>,  <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/siam-global-house-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:19449:1" rel="noopener">Siam Global House (GLOBAL TB),</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/dohome-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27331:1" rel="noopener">Dohome PCL (DOHOME TB)</a>. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/gunkul-profit-from-japan-asset-disposal" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43534" rel="noopener">GUNKUL: Profit from Japan Asset Disposal</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/companies/country-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="companies:965" rel="noopener">Country Group</a> revisit <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/gunkul-engineering-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15272:1" rel="noopener">Gunkul Engineering (GUNKUL TB)</a> following the disposal of a 67MW solar project in Japan (SCOD in 2022), where it booked special profit of Bt715m. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/jkn-await-for-new-rerating-catalyst" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43529" rel="noopener">JKN: Await for New Rerating Catalyst</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/companies/country-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="companies:965" rel="noopener">Country Group</a> revisit <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jkn-global-media-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:24236:1" rel="noopener">JKN Global Media (JKN TB)</a> following the recent surge in the share price and downgrade the company recommendation to HOLD. </p><h3>Sector and Thematic Insights</h3><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/thai-banks-leveraged-to-tourism" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43487" rel="noopener">Thai Banks – Leveraged To Tourism?</a>, banking specialist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/daniel-tabbush" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:12" rel="noopener">Daniel Tabbush</a> revisits the Thai banks as the country prepares to open its borders to foreign arrivals, albeit in a small way to start with.  </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/top-100-asian-unicorns" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43552" rel="noopener">Top 100 Asian Unicorns</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/douglas-kim" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:342" rel="noopener">Douglas Kim</a> provides a list with summaries of the top 100 unicorns in Asia (including a number in South East Asia), broken down by the major countries in Asia. </p><h3>Credit Insights</h3><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/pakuwon-jati-tear-sheet-lucror-analytics-3ea61a3d-39e3-4628-b256-4d7b1da56f77" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:43496" rel="noopener">Pakuwon Jati - Tear Sheet</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/trung-nguyen" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:7108" rel="noopener">Trung Nguyen</a> from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/companies/lucror-analytics" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="companies:1350" rel="noopener">Lucror Analytics</a> provides us with a bird's eye view of this leading Indonesian Property company from a credit perspective. </p>


The week that was in ASEAN@Smartkarma is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable insights from across South East Asia and includes macro, top-down and thematic pieces, as well as actionable equity bottom-up and credit insights over the past week.
Please find a brief summary below, with a fuller write up in the detailed section. We also include in the detailed section the past week's relevant discussions in ASEAN@Smartkarma.
Macro InsightsIn Anwar Makes His Move at Last; Election in Sabah This Week Should Bolster Him Too, CrossASEAN Chief Economist Prasenjit K. Basu comments on Anwar's move to form a new Government in Malaysia.Equity Bottom-Up InsightsIn Gojek and Grab - A Merger of the Super Apps on the Offing? We Think Not, CrossASEAN Insight Provider Angus Mackintosh takes a look at South East Asia's two leading ride-hailing companies in light of recent talk of a merger of the two Unicorns. In Mitra Keluarga (MIKA): Margin Expansion from COVID-19 comments on one of Indonesia's best quality hospitals in light of COVID-19. In Snippets #44: More Turbulence at THAI, Four New Airports!, out Thai guru Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA comments on five pieces of interesting news or developments that could impact Thai equities.  in Bangkok's Finest: Bangkok Glass and BAM,Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA follows up with two companies which came to IPO around two years ago, namely Bangkok Glass PCL (BG TB) and Bangkok Commercial Asset Management (BAM TB).In DBS – Reckoning At Quarter End, banking specialist Daniel Tabbush revisits DBS Group Holdings (DBS SP) ahead of its quarterly results, where he sees the potential for a positive surprise.In SCG Packaging IPO - Unexciting, Sumeet Singh revisits this up-and-coming IPO born out of Siam Cement (SCC TB). In SCG Packaging IPO: Valuation Insights,Arun George casts his eye over this significant Thai IPO looking at valuations.In Home Improvement Sector Outlook 2H20, our friends at Country Group provide an update on the home-improvement segment in Thailand and maintain a positive outlook on both Home Product Center (HMPRO TB),  Siam Global House (GLOBAL TB), and Dohome PCL (DOHOME TB). In GUNKUL: Profit from Japan Asset Disposal, Country Group revisit Gunkul Engineering (GUNKUL TB) following the disposal of a 67MW solar project in Japan (SCOD in 2022), where it booked special profit of Bt715m. In JKN: Await for New Rerating Catalyst, Country Group revisit JKN Global Media (JKN TB) following the recent surge in the share price and downgrade the company recommendation to HOLD. Sector and Thematic InsightsIn Thai Banks – Leveraged To Tourism?, banking specialist Daniel Tabbush revisits the Thai banks as the country prepares to open its borders to foreign arrivals, albeit in a small way to start with.  In Top 100 Asian Unicorns, Douglas Kim provides a list with summaries of the top 100 unicorns in Asia (including a number in South East Asia), broken down by the major countries in Asia. Credit InsightsIn Pakuwon Jati - Tear Sheet, Trung Nguyen from Lucror Analytics provides us with a bird's eye view of this leading Indonesian Property company from a credit perspective. 

The Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkarma - Unicorns & Super Apps, SCG Packaging, and Thai Banks

<div class="content-highlight">
<p><em><strong>Corrigenda: There is an error in this Insight. Please note the correction.</strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong>Correction: The <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/singapore-sti-macro-bear-pressure-mounting-with-tactical-relief-from-2-400" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42932" rel="noopener">Singapore STI Macro Bear Pressure Mounting with Tactical Relief from 2,400</a> Insight is improperly attributed to Thomas Monaco. That Insight was published by <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/thomas-schroeder" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:381" rel="noopener">Thomas Schroeder</a>.</strong></em></p>
</div>
<hr>
<div class="content-highlight">
<p>The week that was in ASEAN@Smartkarma is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable insights from across South East Asia and includes macro, top-down and thematic pieces, as well as actionable equity bottom-up and credit insights over the past week.</p>
<p>Please find a brief summary below, with a fuller write up in the detailed section. We also include in the detailed section the past week's relevant discussions in <a href="mailto:ASEAN@Smartkarma" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ASEAN@Smartkarma.</a></p>
</div>
<h3>Equity Bottom-Up Insights</h3>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/kalbe-farma-klbf-ij-a-nutritional-spin-off" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42533" rel="noopener">Kalbe Farma (KLBF IJ) - A Nutritional Spin-Off?,</a> CrossASEAN Insight Provider <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/angus-mackintosh" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:937" rel="noopener">Angus Mackintosh</a> revisits South East Asia's largest pharmaceutical company in light of news that the company is considering spinning off its Nutritionals division to raise around US$500m. </p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/link-net-tbk-pt-link-ij-summer-migration-at-last" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42829" rel="noopener">Link Net Tbk Pt (LINK IJ) - Summer Migration at Last,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/angus-mackintosh" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:937" rel="noopener">Angus Mackintosh</a> revisits Indonesia's highest quality high-speed broadband provider following a call with managment, which focused on its recent results, as well as the decision to build its own pole infrastructure to carry its fibre.  </p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/singtel-make-the-call" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42900" rel="noopener">SingTel: Make The Call,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/david-blennerhassett" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:840" rel="noopener">David Blennerhassett</a> zeros in on Singapore's leading telecom provider and finds deep value appearing in the stock.</p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/scg-packaging-ipo-initiation-shrink-wrapping" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42967" rel="noopener">SCG Packaging IPO Initiation: Shrink Wrapping,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/arun-george" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1680" rel="noopener">Arun George</a> takes a first look at the upcoming spin-off from <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/siam-cement-pcl-the" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2589:1" rel="noopener">Siam Cement (SCC TB)</a> and IPO of SCG Packaging, which will get a lot of investor focus given ist size and share in of the packaging market in SE Asia. </p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/sembcorp-last-chance-before" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42886" rel="noopener">Sembcorp - Last Chance Before...</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/travis-lundy" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:25" rel="noopener">Travis Lundy</a> looks at the enormously dilutive rights issue and de-merger of Semcorp Marine. </p>
<p> In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/singapore-sti-macro-bear-pressure-mounting-with-tactical-relief-from-2-400" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42932" rel="noopener">Singapore STI Macro Bear Pressure Mounting with Tactical Relief from 2,400,</a> technical analysis specialist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/thomas-j-monaco" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:1716" rel="noopener">Thomas J. Monaco</a> works his technical magic on the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ftse-straits-times-index-sti" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22902:1" rel="noopener">FTSE Straits Times Index (STI) (STI INDEX).</a></p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/ratch-3q20-earnings-to-improve-from-overseas-performance" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42789" rel="noopener">RATCH: 3Q20 Earnings to Improve from Overseas Performance</a>, our friend at <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/companies/country-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="companies:965" rel="noopener">Country Group</a> report back on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/ratch-group-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15338:1" rel="noopener">Ratchaburi Electric (RATCH TB)</a> post its more recent analyst meeting, which left a positive impression.  </p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/b-work-good-dividend-yield-makes-an-attractive-investment" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42782" rel="noopener">B-WORK: Good Dividend Yield Makes an Attractive Investment,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/dr-andrew-stotz-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:756" rel="noopener">Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA</a> revisits <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bualuang-office-leasehold-real-estate-investment-trust" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26187:1" rel="noopener">Bualuang Office Leasehold Real Estate Investment Trust (B-WORK TB)</a> and takes a positive view. </p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/rbf-the-excessive-outperformance-may-come-to-a-halt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42788" rel="noopener">RBF: The Excessive Outperformance May Come to a Halt,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/dr-andrew-stotz-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:756" rel="noopener">Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA</a> upgrades his recommendation on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/r-b-food-supply-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28949:1" rel="noopener">R&amp;B Food Supply PCL (RBF TB)</a> to HOLD from SELL based on raising his target price of THB9.25 from THB8.70, implying a downside of 9% from the current price. </p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/sti-acquisition-benefits-are-not-fully-priced-in-strong-buy" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42785" rel="noopener">STI: Acquisition Benefits Are Not Fully Priced In, Strong BUY,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/dr-andrew-stotz-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:756" rel="noopener">Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA</a> revisits <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/stonehenge-inter-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27353:1" rel="noopener">Stonehenge Inter (STI TB)</a> with a BUY recommendation based on his target of THB10.10, implying an upside of 31% from the current share price. </p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/dod-strong-performance-deserves-a-re-rating" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42676" rel="noopener">DOD: Strong Performance Deserves a Re-Rating,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/dr-andrew-stotz-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:756" rel="noopener">Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA</a> upgrades his recommendation on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/dod-biotech-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26179:1" rel="noopener">DOD Biotech PCL (DOD TB)</a> to BUY from HOLD based on raising his target price to Bt10.70 from Bt7.55, implying an upside of 26% from the current price. </p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/vranda-the-calm-before-challenging-times" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42781" rel="noopener">VRANDA: The Calm Before Challenging Times,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/dr-andrew-stotz-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:756" rel="noopener">Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA</a> has a SELL recommendation on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/veranda-resort-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29176:1" rel="noopener">Veranda Resort PCL (VRANDA TB)</a> based on a target price of THB4.30, implying a downside of 26% from the current share price. </p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/ace-results-are-not-stunning-stay-on-hold" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42784" rel="noopener">ACE: Results Are Not Stunning, Stay on HOLD,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/dr-andrew-stotz-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:756" rel="noopener">Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA</a> upgrades his recommendation on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/absolute-clean-energy-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29155:1" rel="noopener">Absolute Clean Energy PCL (ACE TB)</a> to HOLD from SELL based on raising his target price to THB3.49 from THB2.64, implying an upside of 8% from the current price. </p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/spa-weak-demand-continues-to-pressure-2h20-earnings" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42813" rel="noopener">SPA: Weak Demand Continues to Pressure 2H20 Earnings,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/dr-andrew-stotz-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:756" rel="noopener">Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA</a> downgrades <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/siam-wellness-group-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:3765:1" rel="noopener">Siam Wellness Group (SPA TB)</a> from BUY to HOLD rating and cut his target price by 31% to THB6.6 to factor in weakening earnings momentum in 2H20. </p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/gunkul-new-60mw-power-plant-to-drive-2h20-earnings" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:42820" rel="noopener">GUNKUL: New 60MW Power Plant to Drive 2H20 Earnings,</a> <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/companies/country-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="companies:965" rel="noopener">Country Group</a> maintain a BUY rating on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/gunkul-engineering-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:15272:1" rel="noopener">Gunkul Engineering (GUNKUL TB)</a> with a target price of THB3.24 derived using DCF method (WACC 7.8% and TG 1%) implying 11.4x FY20E PER or 0.5x relative PER to Thai utility sector. </p>
<h3>Sector and Thematic Insights</h3>
<p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/telecom-review-sept-2020-ais-and-asiasoft-get-aggressive-on-gaming" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:41022" rel="noopener">Telecom Review (Sept 2020): AIS and AsiaSoft Get Aggressive on Gaming,</a> our Thai guru <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/athaporn-arayasantiparb-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:766" rel="noopener">Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA</a> takes a look at gaming, specifically related to <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/advanced-info-service-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:947:1" rel="noopener">Advanced Info Service (ADVANC TB)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/asiasoft-corp-pcl" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:5429:1" rel="noopener">Asiasoft Corp (AS TB)</a> in Thailand. </p>


Corrigenda: There is an error in this Insight. Please note the correction.
Correction: The Singapore STI Macro Bear Pressure Mounting with Tactical Relief from 2,400 Insight is improperly attributed to Thomas Monaco. That Insight was published by Thomas Schroeder.



The week that was in ASEAN@Smartkarma is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable insights from across South East Asia and includes macro, top-down and thematic pieces, as well as actionable equity bottom-up and credit insights over the past week.
Please find a brief summary below, with a fuller write up in the detailed section. We also include in the detailed section the past week's relevant discussions in ASEAN@Smartkarma.

Equity Bottom-Up Insights
In Kalbe Farma (KLBF IJ) - A Nutritional Spin-Off?, CrossASEAN Insight Provider Angus Mackintosh revisits South East Asia's largest pharmaceutical company in light of news that the company is considering spinning off its Nutritionals division to raise around US$500m. 
In Link Net Tbk Pt (LINK IJ) - Summer Migration at Last, Angus Mackintosh revisits Indonesia's highest quality high-speed broadband provider following a call with managment, which focused on its recent results, as well as the decision to build its own pole infrastructure to carry its fibre.  
In SingTel: Make The Call, David Blennerhassett zeros in on Singapore's leading telecom provider and finds deep value appearing in the stock.
In SCG Packaging IPO Initiation: Shrink Wrapping, Arun George takes a first look at the upcoming spin-off from Siam Cement (SCC TB) and IPO of SCG Packaging, which will get a lot of investor focus given ist size and share in of the packaging market in SE Asia. 
In Sembcorp - Last Chance Before... Travis Lundy looks at the enormously dilutive rights issue and de-merger of Semcorp Marine. 
 In Singapore STI Macro Bear Pressure Mounting with Tactical Relief from 2,400, technical analysis specialist Thomas J. Monaco works his technical magic on the FTSE Straits Times Index (STI) (STI INDEX).
In RATCH: 3Q20 Earnings to Improve from Overseas Performance, our friend at Country Group report back on Ratchaburi Electric (RATCH TB) post its more recent analyst meeting, which left a positive impression.  
In B-WORK: Good Dividend Yield Makes an Attractive Investment, Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA revisits Bualuang Office Leasehold Real Estate Investment Trust (B-WORK TB) and takes a positive view. 
In RBF: The Excessive Outperformance May Come to a Halt, Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA upgrades his recommendation on R&amp;B Food Supply PCL (RBF TB) to HOLD from SELL based on raising his target price of THB9.25 from THB8.70, implying a downside of 9% from the current price. 
In STI: Acquisition Benefits Are Not Fully Priced In, Strong BUY, Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA revisits Stonehenge Inter (STI TB) with a BUY recommendation based on his target of THB10.10, implying an upside of 31% from the current share price. 
In DOD: Strong Performance Deserves a Re-Rating, Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA upgrades his recommendation on DOD Biotech PCL (DOD TB) to BUY from HOLD based on raising his target price to Bt10.70 from Bt7.55, implying an upside of 26% from the current price. 
In VRANDA: The Calm Before Challenging Times, Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA has a SELL recommendation on Veranda Resort PCL (VRANDA TB) based on a target price of THB4.30, implying a downside of 26% from the current share price. 
In ACE: Results Are Not Stunning, Stay on HOLD, Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA upgrades his recommendation on Absolute Clean Energy PCL (ACE TB) to HOLD from SELL based on raising his target price to THB3.49 from THB2.64, implying an upside of 8% from the current price. 
In SPA: Weak Demand Continues to Pressure 2H20 Earnings, Dr. Andrew Stotz, CFA downgrades Siam Wellness Group (SPA TB) from BUY to HOLD rating and cut his target price by 31% to THB6.6 to factor in weakening earnings momentum in 2H20. 
In GUNKUL: New 60MW Power Plant to Drive 2H20 Earnings, Country Group maintain a BUY rating on Gunkul Engineering (GUNKUL TB) with a target price of THB3.24 derived using DCF method (WACC 7.8% and TG 1%) implying 11.4x FY20E PER or 0.5x relative PER to Thai utility sector. 
Sector and Thematic Insights
In Telecom Review (Sept 2020): AIS and AsiaSoft Get Aggressive on Gaming, our Thai guru Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA takes a look at gaming, specifically related to Advanced Info Service (ADVANC TB) and Asiasoft Corp (AS TB) in Thailand. 

The Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkama - Kalbe Spin-Off, SingTel's Deep Value, and Thailand's Gamers

<div class="content-highlight">
<p>This past week's offering of Insights across ASEAN@Smartkarma is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable insights from across South East Asia and includes macro, top-down and thematic pieces, as well as actionable equity bottom-up and credit insights.</p>
<p>Please find a brief summary below, with a fuller write up in the detailed section. We also include in the detailed section the past week's relevant discussions in <a href="mailto:ASEAN@Smartkarma" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ASEAN@Smartkarma.</a> </p>
</div><h2>Macro Insights</h2><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/inevitable-selling-pressure-compounded-by-inept-mitigation-need-to-expand-fiscal-deficit" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:37454" rel="noopener">Inevitable Selling Pressure Compounded by Inept Mitigation / Need to Expand Fiscal Deficit,</a> CrossASEAN Insight Provider <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/kevin-o-rourke" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:2060" rel="noopener">Kevin O’Rourke</a> comments on the most significant political and economic developments over the past week. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/the-thai-corona-crisis-impact-and-response" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:36821" rel="noopener">The Thai Corona Crisis: Impact and Response,</a> our Thai guru <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/athaporn-arayasantiparb-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:766" rel="noopener">Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA</a> provides us with his view on the impact of Corona Virus on Thailand.</p><h2>Equity Bottom-Up Insights</h2><div class="content-highlight"><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/kalbe-farma-klbf-ij-over-the-hump-but-in-the-trough" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:37243" rel="noopener">Kalbe Farma (KLBF IJ) - Over the Hump but in the Trough</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/angus-mackintosh" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:937" rel="noopener">Angus Mackintosh</a> circles back to Indonesia and South East Asia's biggest pharma company following a company visit in Jakarta. A face-to-face meeting with <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kalbe-farma-tbk-pt" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:6303:1" rel="noopener">Kalbe Farma (KLBF IJ)</a> in Jakarta last week revealed a company over the worst in terms of the impact from the increasing sales of unbranded generic drugs, with a number of new positive growth drivers on the horizon. </p></div><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/reality-check-2020-did-cp-all-really-win-the-tesco-deal" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:36515" rel="noopener">Reality Check 2020: Did CP All Really 'Win' the Tesco Deal?</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/athaporn-arayasantiparb-cfa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:766" rel="noopener">Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA</a> comments on the recent result of the fierce bidding for <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tesco-plc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22187:1" rel="noopener">Tesco PLC (TSCO LN)'s</a> Thai and Malaysian assets.</p><div class="content-highlight"><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/singtel-holdco-trade-a-good-level-to-build-a-position" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:37379" rel="noopener">Singtel HoldCo Trade - A Good Level to Build a Position,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/zhen-zhou-toh" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:673" rel="noopener">Zhen Zhou, Toh</a> zeros in on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/singapore-telecommunications" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:20:1" rel="noopener">Singtel (ST SP)</a> and finds value in its discount as a holding company. </p></div><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/scg-packaging-pre-ipo-shift-to-packaging-has-been-aiding-margins-but-acquisition-drove-up-leverage" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:37324" rel="noopener">SCG Packaging Pre-IPO - Shift to Packaging Has Been Aiding Margins but Acquisition Drove up Leverage,</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/sumeet-singh" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:4" rel="noopener">Sumeet Singh</a> comments on the upcoming IPO <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/siam-cement-pcl-the" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:2589:1" rel="noopener">Siam Cement (SCC TB)</a>'s packaging subsidiary. <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/scg-packaging-public-company-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28684:1" rel="noopener">SCG Packaging (SCGP TB)</a> aims to raise around US$1bn in its Thailand IPO. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/jwd-more-projects-in-pipeline-to-drive-growth" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:37343" rel="noopener">JWD: More Projects in Pipeline to Drive Growth,</a> our friends at <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/companies/country-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="companies:965" rel="noopener">Country Group</a> circle back to <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jwd-infologistics" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28438:1" rel="noopener">JWD Infologistics (JWD TB)</a> after attending the company's analyst meeting. </p><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/mandarin-oriental-overhead-sell-signals" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:37344" rel="noopener">Mandarin Oriental Overhead Sell Signals,</a> technical analysis specialist <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/thomas-schroeder" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:381" rel="noopener">Thomas Schroeder</a> works his magic on this leading hotel operator.</p><h2>Sector and Thematic Insights</h2><div class="content-highlight"><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/thai-retail-life-after-the-tesco-lotus-sale" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:37360" rel="noopener">Thai Retail - Life After the Tesco Lotus Sale?</a> CrossASEAN Insight Provider <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/profiles/angus-mackintosh" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="accounts:937" rel="noopener">Angus Mackintosh</a> comments on the implications of the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tesco-plc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22187:1" rel="noopener">Tesco PLC (TSCO LN)</a> sale of its Thai and Malaysian assets to CP Group and the implications for the sector. </p></div><p><strong><em>At CrossASEAN Research we strive to produce unbiased and differentiated on the ground Insights on companies, economies and stock markets across South East Asia exclusive to Smartkarma.</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>Our research is produced for the most part after face to face meetings and conversations with company management to dig deep into the long-term vision and strategy of the companies we cover. </em></strong></p><p><strong><em>We offer bespoke work, company visits and tailor-made trips across South East Asia to our clients through Premium Services on Smartkarma. Please feel free to show your appreciation for any of our insights you find useful using the like button. It makes a difference!</em></strong></p>


This past week's offering of Insights across ASEAN@Smartkarma is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable insights from across South East Asia and includes macro, top-down and thematic pieces, as well as actionable equity bottom-up and credit insights.
Please find a brief summary below, with a fuller write up in the detailed section. We also include in the detailed section the past week's relevant discussions in ASEAN@Smartkarma. 
Macro InsightsIn Inevitable Selling Pressure Compounded by Inept Mitigation / Need to Expand Fiscal Deficit, CrossASEAN Insight Provider Kevin O’Rourke comments on the most significant political and economic developments over the past week. In The Thai Corona Crisis: Impact and Response, our Thai guru Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA provides us with his view on the impact of Corona Virus on Thailand.Equity Bottom-Up InsightsIn Kalbe Farma (KLBF IJ) - Over the Hump but in the Trough, Angus Mackintosh circles back to Indonesia and South East Asia's biggest pharma company following a company visit in Jakarta. A face-to-face meeting with Kalbe Farma (KLBF IJ) in Jakarta last week revealed a company over the worst in terms of the impact from the increasing sales of unbranded generic drugs, with a number of new positive growth drivers on the horizon. In Reality Check 2020: Did CP All Really 'Win' the Tesco Deal?, Athaporn Arayasantiparb, CFA comments on the recent result of the fierce bidding for Tesco PLC (TSCO LN)'s Thai and Malaysian assets.In Singtel HoldCo Trade - A Good Level to Build a Position,Zhen Zhou, Toh zeros in on Singtel (ST SP) and finds value in its discount as a holding company. In SCG Packaging Pre-IPO - Shift to Packaging Has Been Aiding Margins but Acquisition Drove up Leverage,Sumeet Singh comments on the upcoming IPO Siam Cement (SCC TB)'s packaging subsidiary. SCG Packaging (SCGP TB) aims to raise around US$1bn in its Thailand IPO. In JWD: More Projects in Pipeline to Drive Growth, our friends at Country Group circle back to JWD Infologistics (JWD TB) after attending the company's analyst meeting. In Mandarin Oriental Overhead Sell Signals, technical analysis specialist Thomas Schroeder works his magic on this leading hotel operator.Sector and Thematic InsightsIn Thai Retail - Life After the Tesco Lotus Sale? CrossASEAN Insight Provider Angus Mackintosh comments on the implications of the Tesco PLC (TSCO LN) sale of its Thai and Malaysian assets to CP Group and the implications for the sector. At CrossASEAN Research we strive to produce unbiased and differentiated on the ground Insights on companies, economies and stock markets across South East Asia exclusive to Smartkarma.Our research is produced for the most part after face to face meetings and conversations with company management to dig deep into the long-term vision and strategy of the companies we cover. We offer bespoke work, company visits and tailor-made trips across South East Asia to our clients through Premium Services on Smartkarma. Please feel free to show your appreciation for any of our insights you find useful using the like button. It makes a difference!

The Week That Was in ASEAN@Smartkarma - Thai Corona, Kalbe Pharma, and SingTel's "Discount"

Asian Insight Provider - Actionable ideas, CrossASEAN Research

Henry Soediarko

Asian Insight Provider - Actionable ideas

Equity Bottom-Up

Lee & Man Paper Manufacturing / Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>2025 results were better than expected; net profit jumped 50% YoY, and dividend doubled. The company's investment in South East Asia also help them to secure feedstock. </li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/lee-man-paper-manufacturing" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:529:1" rel="noopener">Lee &amp; Man Paper Manufacturing (2314 HK)</a> reportedly used AI to streamline its production  as well as upgrade its power stations, which resulted into higher margins.</li>
<li>At 0.5x PBR, combined with the intent to increase profitability through higher production efficiency (AI), <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/lee-man-paper-manufacturing" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:529:1" rel="noopener">Lee &amp; Man Paper Manufacturing (2314 HK)</a> is a steal. </li>
</ul>


2025 results were better than expected; net profit jumped 50% YoY, and dividend doubled. The company's investment in South East Asia also help them to secure feedstock. 

Lee &amp; Man Paper Manufacturing (2314 HK) reportedly used AI to streamline its production  as well as upgrade its power stations, which resulted into higher margins.
At 0.5x PBR, combined with the intent to increase profitability through higher production efficiency (AI), Lee &amp; Man Paper Manufacturing (2314 HK) is a steal. 


Lee & Man (2314): Higher Dividend, AI + ASEAN Launch

Thailand

SCG Packaging is a leading multinational provider of integrated packaging solutions, offering a comprehensive portfolio including fiber-based packaging, performance and polymer packaging, foodservice products, pulp, and paper products. The company provides innovative and sustainable products and services for various industries, including food, beverage, consumer goods, and medical supplies. Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, the company was founded in 1975.

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SCG Packaging (SCGP TB)

The NEW Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkarma - Thailand'sToursim Dilemma, Thai Banks, and Wilmar's Stub

The week that was in ASEAN@Smartkarma is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable insights from across South...

Angus Mackintosh

The Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkarma - Unicorns & Super Apps, SCG Packaging, and Thai Banks

The week that was in ASEAN@Smartkarma is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable insights from across South...

Angus Mackintosh

The Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkama - Kalbe Spin-Off, SingTel's Deep Value, and Thailand's Gamers

The week that was in ASEAN@Smartkarma is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable insights from across South...

Angus Mackintosh

The Week That Was in ASEAN@Smartkarma - Thai Corona, Kalbe Pharma, and SingTel's "Discount"

This past week's offering of Insights across ASEAN@Smartkarma is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable...

Angus Mackintosh

Lee & Man (2314): Higher Dividend, AI + ASEAN Launch

Lee & Man Paper exceeded expectations in 2025 with a 50% YoY profit jump, doubled dividend, and AI-driven production efficiency leading to higher...

Henry Soediarko

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

The NEW Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkarma - Thailand'sToursim Dilemma, Thai Banks, and Wilmar's Stub

The week that was in ASEAN@Smartkarma is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable insights from across South...

Angus Mackintosh

The Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkarma - Unicorns & Super Apps, SCG Packaging, and Thai Banks

The week that was in ASEAN@Smartkarma is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable insights from across South...

Angus Mackintosh

The Week that Was in ASEAN@Smartkama - Kalbe Spin-Off, SingTel's Deep Value, and Thailand's Gamers

The week that was in ASEAN@Smartkarma is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable insights from across South...

Angus Mackintosh

The Week That Was in ASEAN@Smartkarma - Thai Corona, Kalbe Pharma, and SingTel's "Discount"

This past week's offering of Insights across ASEAN@Smartkarma is filled with another eclectic mix of differentiated, substantive and actionable...

Angus Mackintosh

Lee & Man (2314): Higher Dividend, AI + ASEAN Launch

​Lee & Man Paper exceeded expectations in 2025 with a 50% YoY profit jump, doubled dividend, and AI-driven production efficiency leading to higher...

Henry Soediarko

Lee & Man Paper exceeded expectations in 2025 with a 50% YoY profit jump, doubled dividend, and AI-driven production efficiency leading to higher...