Zong, Pakistan’s No.1 data network, and ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, have announced the commercial launch of the industry’s first high-power 8T8R Ultra-Broadband Radio (HP 8T8R UBR) and Digital Intelligent Antenna (DIA) solution.
This pioneering deployment marks a significant milestone for both companies. ZTE’s HP 8T8R UBR solution delivers the industry’s highest power (8x120W) for FDD dual band (1800MHz and 2100MHz), which are the key bands of Zong network. It is also the first such solution to be commercially launched worldwide.
This breakthrough in RRU high integration design enables a single unit to replace multiple legacy RRUs, saving up to 67% of RRUs for towers. This consolidation dramatically reduces the complexity of deployments, minimizes antenna space requirements, and lowers the overall equipment footprint.
Coupled with ZTE’s DIA antenna solution, the system supports the beamforming function by software definition which enables two 4T4R cells for current network or one 8T8R cell for the next-generation network.
The two companies are also exploring cost-efficient deployment strategies. For the scenario defined for newly rolled-out sites, they are used as “422” site which means one 4T4R cell and two 2T2R cells per site, particularly in scenarios where space and power are constrained.
Results from Zong’s commercial launch revealed significant performance enhancements, including a capacity increase of 34% in daily and 83% in busy hour, a user experience improvement of 173% in daily and 115% in busy hour. Beyond improved performance, it simplifies deployment and has proven to be a reliable and efficient alternative to traditional multi-radio setups.
Zong has expressed strong interest in scaling these solutions across its network, citing clear operational benefits, cost savings, and improved service quality.
This milestone underscores the shared commitment of Zong and ZTE to driving technological innovation and delivering next-generation network experiences. Through close collaboration, both companies are not only accelerating the evolution of Pakistan’s digital infrastructure but also setting a new benchmark for efficient, high-performance mobile networks across emerging markets. As the partnership deepens, Zong and ZTE will continue to explore cutting-edge solutions that empower users and enable sustainable growth.
Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund exited positions in several US-listed stocks in the second quarter, including Meta Platforms Inc., during a period of market volatility sparked by President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
The $1 trillion Public Investment Fund also sold holdings in FedEx Corp. and Shopify Inc., according to a Bloomberg News analysis of its latest 13F filing. Meta, the parent of Facebook and Instagram, rose about 28% during the quarter and was among the PIF’s biggest exits.
Vision 2027: Mahindra’s new generation of SUVs, based on NU_IQ platform, set to launch starting 2027
Heartcore Design: The new SUV concepts showcase the next generation of Mahindra’s HEARTCORE design philosophy
Exploring The New Impossible: The multi-energy NU_IQ platform has been engineered to address untapped white spaces across India and global markets
World beating SUVs with no compromise:
Command Seating with Superior Driving Dynamics
Super Spacious Cabin with class-leading boot space
Flat form architecture takes first flat-floor ICE SUV from drawing board to reality
Lightweight design with top-tier safety standards
Sci-Fi Tech with Intuitive NU_UX: Next-gen Integrated Domain Architecture
Endless Adaptability: Multiple Top Hats, Powertrains, FWD/AWD, LHD/RHD capability
Mumbai, August 15, 2025: Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, India’s leading SUV manufacturer, today unveiled its all-new modular, multi-energy NU_IQ platform that will underpin a new range of disruptive SUVs. The company offered a glimpse of its next-generation products by showcasing four world-beating concepts based on the new platform.
The revolutionary NU_IQ platform is the result of innovation born out of Mahindra’s strategy in the automotive space by creating products that rewrite the rules of mobility and free consumers from compromises. The manifestation of this vision has been showcased via four world-beating SUV concepts – the Vision.S, Vision.T, Vision.SXT and Vision.X, which address the white spaces while staying true to Mahindra’s core attributes of turn-on design – unmissable presence, spirited performance – on-tap power, world-class safety, sci-fi today and tough yet sophisticated.
R Velusamy, President – Automotive Business (Designate), Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and Managing Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile Ltd., said, “NU_IQ is a strategic blueprint for the future of Mahindra SUVs globally. With its modular, multi-energy architecture, it gives us the flexibility to innovate across multiple top hats and powertrains whilst staying true to our SUV DNA. Designed to resolve paradoxes, NU_IQ forms the foundation for our next generation of SUVs. It marks a bold step and the start of a new era that frees customers from compromises and puts truly desirable, premium core SUVs squarely in the mainstream.”
Pratap Bose, Chief Design & Creative Officer – Auto & Farm Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said, “The NU_IQ SUVs, designed at our Global Design studios in Mumbai and Banbury, represent the start of a new chapter of our HEARTCORE design philosophy. They build on the central tenet that great design should create an emotional bond between people and their vehicles while re-imagining it for a new future. Based on the theme ‘Opposites Attract’, where the juxtaposition of contrasting elements creates an expressive new design language, these concepts promise to shape experiences that inspire adventure, confidence, and connection on any terrain, anywhere in the world.”
Nalinikanth Gollagunta, Chief Executive Officer – Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and Executive Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile Ltd., said, “NU_IQ blends innovation, global design and advanced technology to disrupt the white spaces in the automotive industry in India and internationally across Right-and-Left-Hand-Drive markets. The four concepts we are showcasing here offer a bold preview of what’s to come. They usher in a new no-compromise era of mobility and give freedom a new meaning.”
The Next Phase of HEARTCORE Design Philosophy:
Vision.S,Vision.T,Vision.SXT andVision.X, each represent a distinct expression ofMahindra’s future- ready NU_IQ platform. These concepts represent Mahindra’s commitment to redefining personal, all-terrain mobility for a global audience, combining strong brand heritagewith advanced, expressive design. From the Born Iconic spirit of Vision.T and Vision.SXT, to the Sporty Solidity of Vision.S, and the Sculptural Athleticism of Vision.X, each model is crafted with a clear, unique personality. Developed collaboratively by Mahindra India Design Studio (MIDS) in Mumbai and Mahindra Advanced Design Europe (MADE) in Banbury, UK, the four concepts are a testament to the brand’s evolving design language, one that balances timeless brand cues with modern, future-focused innovation.
These concepts, engineered at Mahindra ResearchValley, will go into production starting 2027. This bold strategy furthers Mahindra’s vision of delivering class-leading, luxury SUVs to a larger audience in India, while redefining the premium SUV experience in global markets, including Left-Hand Drive regions.
Social Media Addresses for Mahindra Auto and Mahindra Electric Origin SUVs:
Founded in 1945, the Mahindra Group is one of the largest and most admired multinational federation of companies with 260,000 employees in over 100 countries. It enjoys a leadership position in farm equipment, utility SUVs, information technology and financial services in India and is the world’s largest tractor company by volume. It has a strong presence in renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, hospitality, and real estate.
The Mahindra Group has a clear focus on leading ESG globally, enabling rural prosperity and enhancing urban living, with a goal to drive positive change in the lives of communities and stakeholders to enable them to Rise.
Learn more about Mahindra on www.mahindra.com / Twitter and Facebook: @MahindraRise/ For updates subscribe to https://www.mahindra.com/news-room.
The owner of Kingsmill has agreed to buy its rival Hovis in a deal that would create the UK’s biggest bread brand if the competition regulator approves it, but also put jobs at risk.
The deal comes after decades of decline in the popularity of the packaged sliced loaf, with Hovis, owned by the private equity company Endless, and its rival Kingsmill – part of Associated British Foods (ABF) – struggling to get out of the red for some years.
ABF, which also owns the Primark clothing chain, said the tie-up would combine the production and distribution activities of the two businesses, which is expected to lead to roles being shed.
The potential merger between the UK’s second- and third-largest bread brands will attract scrutiny from the competition watchdog, which it is understood could take a year. The Competition and Markets Authority will have to decide if the brands face sufficient rivalry on price and quality from supermarket own labels and other options as well as the UK’s current market leader, Warburtons.
The Hovis directors said in accounts recently published at Companies House that they thought any deal was “unlikely to be concluded” before September next year and that scrutiny was likely to continue until at least then.
Sales at Hovis, which employs 2,925 people, fell almost 9% to £447m in the year to 28 September 2024 as pre-tax losses widened to £4.7m from a loss of £3.6m a year before after £530,000 in one-off costs, the majority of which related to restructuring.
It said it had been battling “extreme price volatility across key raw materials” during the year.
Meanwhile, ABF’s bakery division, Allied Bakeries – which includes Kingsmill, Allinson’s and Sunblest – incurs annual losses of about £30m despite sales of about £400m, according to analysts at Panmure Liberum.
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Both businesses are facing strong competition from the family-owned Warburtons, now the UK’s biggest bread brand, which has gained a bigger slice of the market through innovation – from giant crumpets to seeded flatbreads. It is now understood to account for more than a quarter of packaged bread sold.
Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a sophisticated Android banking Trojan named PhantomCard, capable of hijacking contactless payments.
Disguised as a card protection app, it tricks users into tapping their banking card to their phone, secretly relaying card data to fraudsters who then complete ATM or POS transactions remotely.
How PhantomCard Works
PhantomCard is delivered through fake Google Play pages that host a deceptive app called “Proteção Cartões”. The app uses NFC to read EMV card data and request your PIN without requiring suspicious permissions. It then transfers this sensitive information to a relay server, allowing criminals to use your card as if it were physically present at the point of sale or ATM.
Variants of the malware are sold as Malware as a Service (MaaS), enabling multiple affiliates to carry out tailored NFC relay attacks in regions like Brazil and potentially worldwide.
Echoes of Past NFC Threats and Global Trends
Tech experts compare PhantomCard to earlier NFC threats like NGate and NFCGate, malicious toolkits that paved the way for real-world NFC relay attacks in Europe. The malware’s evolution underscores how contactless payments, once seen as secure, are now a major attack vector.
Another variant, SuperCard X, also blends smishing, fake bank alerts, and NFC relay to clone cards and steal funds via ATM and POS terminals, first spotted in Italy through Telegram-run campaigns.
What You Should Do to Protect Your Wallet From PhantomCard
Download only from trusted stores, and ignore suspicious links or unsolicited apps.
Disable NFC when not in use, especially if your device allows it.
Install mobile security software with malware detection, like zDefend or Google Play Protect.
Watch for unusual banking alerts, double-check any prompts, and never share your PIN or allow card taps without context.
Fraudsters are now empowering remote NFC relay scams that bypass typical banking safeguards. Since smartphones naturally support contactless communication, this technique gives cybercrime a whole new level of stealth and efficiency.
Broker is busy in trading at Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. — PPI
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed flat on Friday as profit-taking wiped out earlier gains.
PSX’s benchmark KSE-100 Index closed at 146,491.63 points after losing 37.67 points or 0.03%, down from the previous close of 146,529.30 points.
However, the PSX registered +0.76% week-on-week increase. Topline Securities said attributed the weekly rise largely to the account of buying by mutual funds. “However, decline in positive stride was observed during the week.”
Top positive contribution to the index came from EFERT, LUCK, ENGROH, MEBL & AIRLINK, as they cumulatively contributed +512 points, on the other hand OGDC, UBL, PPL, HUBC and MARI lost value to weigh down on the index by -499 points.
“It’s a range bound activity nowadays led by mutual funds’ liquidity and earnings seasons. Moody’s credit rating is already incorporated,” said AAH Soomro, an independent investment and economic analyst.
Moody’s upgraded Pakistan’s credit rating from Caa2 to Caa1, citing an improved external position and progress on reforms under the IMF (International Monetary Fund) Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme.
The agency noted that foreign exchange reserves are likely to continue improving, though dependent on timely financing from official partners, while fiscal strengthening is supported by a broader tax base. However, it cautioned that debt affordability remains among the weakest globally, with governance and political uncertainty still high.
This marks the third upgrade in four months, following similar moves by S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings, underpinned by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government’s commitment to fiscal consolidation and reforms.
On the performance front, Pakistan secured the top global spot for equity returns in USD over FY24–FY25 combined, Bloomberg data showed. In FY25 alone, Pakistan ranked eighth globally but outperformed regional peers, returning far more than India’s BSE Sensex (+3.2%), China (+14.8%) and India’s broader market (+6%), according to AHL data.
The State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) latest Monetary Policy Report (MPR) projected GDP growth at 3.25–4.25% in FY26 and a current account deficit between zero and 1.0% of GDP.
With the policy rate maintained at 11% in June and July, the SBP expects the real policy rate to remain positive to stabilise inflation within target. Reserves are forecast to reach $15.5 billion by end-December 2025, supported by projected financial inflows and continued SBP FX purchases.
Enhanced by Generative AI, Bixby now offers a more conversational and personalized experience for TV users to get more from what they’re watching without leaving the screen
Samsung Electronics announced an update[1] to its AI-powered Bixby feature on its 2025 TV lineup, introducing a more advanced Bixby voice assistant designed to make information discovery more natural, intuitive and seamless.
“Samsung has led the global TV market for 19 consecutive years, and we continue to raise the bar by delivering meaningful innovation that enhances everyday experiences,” said Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “With a smarter Bixby, we focused on making AI practical, helping viewers connect with content in smarter, more natural ways.”
Ask your TV Anything. A Smarter Bixby Answers
A smarter Bixby voice assistant on Samsung TVs now delivers a more natural and personalized experience. With a smarter Bixby, users can easily wake it up by voice or by pressing the mic button to start a conversation — no commands, no menus, no typing.
The new Bixby understands context and follow-up questions, enabling more fluid interactions that feel like a real conversation. Powered by Generative AI, Bixby can answer any questions you may have, whether you’re asking about general information, such as “How tall is Mount Everest?”, or recommendations like “Please suggest chill playlists for a rainy day”. By simply asking, Bixby can help answer questions about on-screen content, as it retrieves the most relevant details and displays them on screen. It’s a smarter, faster way to get more out of your TV without breaking your viewing flow.
Effortless Home Device Management with Bixby and SmartThings
Equipped with a smarter Bixby, Samsung TVs can detect, connect and control appliances with Samsung SmartThings enabled. By speaking directly to their screen, users can leverage the SmartThings ecosystem to execute voice commands, such as “Turn off the oven now,” or “Set the air conditioner to 25 degrees,” transforming their smart TV into a central hub for managing other smart home appliances.
Moreover, Bixby is secured by Samsung Knox, the industry-leading security solution designed to protect users’ sensitive personal data. Users can enjoy AI-driven personalized features without worrying about privacy concerns, as no user voice data is stored on servers or TVs.
Ongoing Support and Availability
Smarter Bixby will be available on 2025 Samsung TVs, including Neo QLED, OLED, The Frame and QLED models, with availability starting in South Korea and extending to global markets in phases.
Building on the integration of Bixby within Vision AI, Samsung will introduce a newly upgraded version of Vision AI in October 2025. This evolved Vision AI will be available through Samsung’s 7-year free Tizen OS Upgrade program, which ensures ongoing software enhancements and long-term support.
For more information, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/my/.
[1] The update will start rolling out in the U.S. on August 4, with plans to expand to four European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain) within August.
Enhanced by Generative AI, Bixby now offers a more conversational and personalized experience for TV users to get more from what they’re watching without leaving the screen
Samsung Electronics announced an update[1] to its AI-powered Bixby feature on its 2025 TV lineup, introducing a more advanced Bixby voice assistant designed to make information discovery more natural, intuitive and seamless.
“Samsung has led the global TV market for 19 consecutive years, and we continue to raise the bar by delivering meaningful innovation that enhances everyday experiences,” said Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “With a smarter Bixby, we focused on making AI practical, helping viewers connect with content in smarter, more natural ways.”
Ask your TV Anything. A Smarter Bixby Answers
A smarter Bixby voice assistant on Samsung TVs now delivers a more natural and personalized experience. With a smarter Bixby, users can easily wake it up by voice or by pressing the mic button to start a conversation — no commands, no menus, no typing.
The new Bixby understands context and follow-up questions, enabling more fluid interactions that feel like a real conversation. Powered by Generative AI, Bixby can answer any questions you may have, whether you’re asking about general information, such as “How tall is Mount Everest?”, or recommendations like “Please suggest chill playlists for a rainy day”. By simply asking, Bixby can help answer questions about on-screen content, as it retrieves the most relevant details and displays them on screen. It’s a smarter, faster way to get more out of your TV without breaking your viewing flow.
Effortless Home Device Management with Bixby and SmartThings
Equipped with a smarter Bixby, Samsung TVs can detect, connect and control appliances with Samsung SmartThings enabled. By speaking directly to their screen, users can leverage the SmartThings ecosystem to execute voice commands, such as “Turn off the oven now,” or “Set the air conditioner to 25 degrees,” transforming their smart TV into a central hub for managing other smart home appliances.
Moreover, Bixby is secured by Samsung Knox, the industry-leading security solution designed to protect users’ sensitive personal data. Users can enjoy AI-driven personalized features without worrying about privacy concerns, as no user voice data is stored on servers or TVs.
Ongoing Support and Availability
Smarter Bixby will be available on 2025 Samsung TVs, including Neo QLED, OLED, The Frame and QLED models, with availability starting in South Korea and extending to global markets in phases.
Building on the integration of Bixby within Vision AI, Samsung will introduce a newly upgraded version of Vision AI in October 2025. This evolved Vision AI will be available through Samsung’s 7-year free Tizen OS Upgrade program, which ensures ongoing software enhancements and long-term support.
For more information, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/my/.
[1] The update will start rolling out in the U.S. on August 4, with plans to expand to four European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain) within August.
Let’s begin with the most important question: what stands the test of time? “Not a whole lot,” says 51-year-old Chanond Ruangkritya cheerfully. As he sees it, the self is nothing more than a physical construct of the body, and any pursuit of wealth and fame is ultimately pointless. Ruangkritya is not only a successful real estate developer and sports car collector, but also a devout Buddhist. He meditates regularly and practices breathing techniques and the art of letting go.
Chanond Ruangkritya
Asked about the last time he lost control, he thinks long and hard – but nothing comes to mind. “Sometimes my wife asks me how I can keep so calm when the kids are tearing around,” he says and laughs.
Outside, the rain beats against the tall windows on the 37th floor of the Coco Parc residential complex with views over Benjakitti Park. Located on the expansive grounds of a former tobacco factory, the green oasis not only offers space for recreation away from the hustle and bustle of city life, but also serves an environmental function with its forest, wetlands, and lakes.
Ananda Development, Ruangkritya’s real estate group, was responsible for developing the luxury apartment building close to the park, like so many other modern buildings that dominate the cityscape today. The company head calmly conducts a business call as assistants rush back and forth around him. Then he starts his playlist, which alternates between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. “If it were up to me, I’d spend 80 percent of my time listening to music.”
While he can usually do as he pleases, even a very busy CEO has to occasionally submit to the onslaught of meetings and appointments. However, there are always clearly formulated objectives. “All of the participants need to know in advance what to expect from the meeting. Otherwise, nothing gets done.” Ruangkritya manages the approximately one thousand employees in his company with a firm hand, but also motivates them wherever possible. “Sometimes you need to crack the whip. But only very rarely.” If you spend any time with him, you’ll notice that all of the employees around him seem to be incredibly focused on their work.
Ashton RAMA IX: Ruangkritya plans his buildings around the lifestyle of an emerging middle class. The Ashton Condominium is one of the projects with which his company, Ananda Development, has grown.
The residential building is almost a Bangkok icon itself, as it’s impossible to miss on Rama IX Road. Despite its location in the heart of the city, you may also choose to spend some enjoyable days indoors – for example, at the pool or the gym.
Studying in the US
He moved from Thailand to the US at the young age of eight, “at his own request,” as he says. School in Florida, an economics degree in Berkeley, California. In 1998, Ruangkritya moved from the US back to Thailand to support his parents, who also had a real estate company. At that time, the Asian economic crisis had thrown everything into turmoil. The baht – the Thai currency – plummeted, and banks went bankrupt. “It was like 2008 in the US, when Lehman Brothers collapsed, except that there was no government in Thailand to bail out the banks,” recalls Ruangkritya. More than anything else, he sorted out the finances of the family business, which was fundamentally healthy. After that, the banks knew who he was. Some of the investors from that time have maintained a trusting relationship with him to this day and support his construction projects.
When he was little, as he says today, he couldn’t stand the constant stop-and-go traffic on the way to school in the booming city of Bangkok.
A booming city: Bangkok’s population has nearly doubled over the past 30 years. A great deal has been invested in the infrastructure to deal with the gridlock, making the Skytrain and Metro the better everyday choice.
That’s why he likes to plan his real estate projects for a growing, rising middle class in popular areas – with a good connection to public transportation. “People here spend 44 days a year in traffic,” says the entrepreneur.
He had that figure calculated when he founded Ananda Development in 1999, at which time around 6.3 million people lived in Bangkok. Now it’s around 11.2 million. His company is growing with the city. Gazing out into the rain, Ruangkritya explains that he enjoys jogging in Benjakitti Park, but sometimes even runs from his home in the Thonglor district to Chinatown – approximately 30 kilometers there and back – setting off at daybreak.
In the evening, the many shops bathe Yaowarat Road in the heart of Chinatown in neon light. But in the morning, before temperatures rise to 30 degrees Celsius, business activities dominate the scene.
Old temples next to modern towers
He loves this variety. If you walk on to the river, you can see Wat Arun temple on the other side. The city’s iconic landmark stands there confidently nestled in a row of modern skyscrapers. The fact that the tall and short buildings, the old temples, and the ultramodern towers ultimately join to form a man-made panorama has always fascinated a professional like Ruangkritya, who played an active role in shaping this landscape.
“I started my long runs in preparation for marathons,” he says. It’s worth mentioning here that the avid jogger looks more like a fit 40-year-old than a 51-year-old. “Biohacking!” he says in response. He makes sure to get enough sleep, maintains an anti-inflammatory diet, meaning he prefers foods that help to reduce inflammation in the body, gets regular exercise, but also enjoys going to parties. He’s well aware that his time – including his time on earth – is limited and wants to make the most of it.
On a walk through the town center, the city icon Wat Arun is omnipresent.
On the banks of the big river: Winding its way through the heart of Bangkok, the Chao Phraya both separates and links the city and often offers the fastest solution for getting from A to B.
Calm in the chaos: Wat Prayurawongsawat (Wat Prayun, for short) is a green temple complex that is rarely as busy as the better-known Wat Arun.
“It’s a good idea anyway for a real estate developer to explore the city on foot,” he says. That’s an absolute must for tourists too. Sometimes he takes a tuk-tuk back to his home in the Thonglor district. His garage houses 13 Porsche models, which he very rarely drives in city traffic.
We climb into an electric van and head through the city toward Thonglor. “Look at this. I have everything I need here,” explains Ruangkritya. He slides the seats back and forth and shows how the screen lowers from the ceiling when it’s time for a phone conference. The seats can even massage the passengers’ backs. All in all, this is the opposite of the Porsche RS models that Chanond Ruangkritya collects. “But this here is more of an everyday device, like a microwave,” he says.
Shopping as a lifestyle: Chanond Ruangkritya in front of the EmSphere shopping mall and behind the wheel of a 911 Carrera RS in the original paint, Ruby Star, one of his favorites in his collection.
He wants to make a short stop at the EmSphere shopping mall, a concept developed by a friend of his. It just might be the most popular mall in a city with no shortage of shopping options. “Shopping malls are a part of our everyday culture,” says Ruangkritya. When it’s always hot outside, you come to love places that are air-conditioned throughout and offer both shopping and entertainment. At EmSphere, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of products more casual than luxurious, but also an exquisite club on the roof.
Visiting Curvistan Bangkok
The next stop is Ruangkritya’s current favorite place in the city. The best way to describe Curvistan Bangkok in Thonglor might be as a pop-up store for Porsche enthusiasts. An alternating selection of special models are displayed on a platform along with posters and design relics. And there’s a good café. “It’s more about cultivating the brand and looking after customers and the community than selling vehicles,” explains Ruangkritya.
Porsche owners can enjoy the visually powerful stories behind the individual models, while others can dream about it as they sip their coffee. With luxury products taxed at exorbitant rates in Thailand, a Porsche sports car is a purchase that requires extraordinary passion. A temple like Curvistan Bangkok is a suitable space for honoring the vehicles.
Ruangkritya came up with the project with German creative designer and photographer Stefan Bogner, who publishes the travel magazine Curves. There’s a meeting room set up on the second floor with dark wood, a luxurious kitchen, and a low lounge suite. The entrepreneur drops onto a sofa and hands the floor over to an enthusiastic employee, who presents a video about the planned Porsche Design Tower Bangkok, which will be built just a stone’s throw away, and explains the exciting concept. Scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2028, it will be the first structure of its kind in Asia and the third worldwide, after Miami and Stuttgart. Porsche Design Tower Bangkok is not only making a dream come true for the real estate developer, but is also his company’s 100th construction project. And Ruangkritya would like to expand the concept to other big cities in Asia.
From design to tower: The real estate developer plans for his most ambitious project to date, Porsche Design Tower Bangkok, which is currently under construction in his neighborhood.
The Porsche Design Tower
The exclusive project’s location in Thonglor is no coincidence, as Ruangkritya’s neighborhood boasts a pretty unique mix of street food and fine dining, along with hidden bars behind unassuming doors. Both elegant and attractive. The tower will house 22 residential units – rather than apartments, they’ll be “stacked villas” consisting of quadplex and duplex units. There will be a spiral-shaped ramp at the core of the tower referred to as “The Loop,” allowing him to drive his vehicle up to the “Passion Space.” “One customer is interested in setting up a Pilates studio there, while others will park their cars.” Any exhaust gas will be extracted from the Passion Spaces, which are also soundproof. “They can throw parties here without disturbing their neighbors,” explains Ruangkritya. Additional project highlights include a customizable facade, which, inspired by the “Kinetic Move” of the Targa roof mechanism and its hybrid design, features a fully automatic terrace door system that enables a seamless transition between the inside and outside.
The “X-Frame” pedestal structure reflects the design of the Mission R concept vehicle. And “The Crown,” a light signature at the top of the 95-meter tower, takes its inspiration from the Porsche light signature and will enrich Bangkok’s skyline at night.
The prices for the exclusive residential units begin at 15 million US dollars. Some of the units have already been sold, and Chanond Ruangkritya himself will also own one of the villas there. He and his wife plan to leave their previous condo to their three children, who will soon be grown up.
Three levels of sports cars
Now we accompany the successful entrepreneur to a building that’s unassuming from the outside, close to his home. A roller door lifts to reveal a matte black hall that houses three levels of sports cars lined up next to and above each other. He can raise and lower the cars at the press of a button, like in a vertical closet. “Which model would you like to see?” he asks. There’s a Cayman GT4 in one space, a 911 (964) in another, and in front of that a Carrera GT raring to go. Ruangkritya pushes the car himself a few yards into the right position for the photographer, the wheels squeaking along the carefully polished floor.
To this day, Ruangkritya is still passionate about all things analog: internal combustion engines and manual transmissions. He takes the visitors up to the mezzanine for an even better view of the collection, which also includes two 911 GT3 RS models of generations 996 and 997 as well as a 911 Carrera RS (993). “I initially only wanted to install two levels, but my wife immediately said, ‘Do three!’ And still, I’ve run out of space.” If he wants to buy a new car, he’ll need to sell one first.
Colorful: Chinatown is the ideal backdrop for the Cayman GT4 in the legendary “Pink Pig” design.
From the mezzanine, you can also read the German words on a Cayman GT4, which say in red on pink, “Rüssel,” “Hals,” “Schulter,” “Wamme,” “Schinken,” and “Schwanz” (snout, neck, shoulder, jowl, ham, and tail). “An homage to the famous race car with the nickname ‘Sau’ (Pink Pig), which competed in Le Mans in 1971,” explains Ruangkritya. Many old racing posters adorn the walls of the hall. On the mezzanine, you’ll find a kitchen, a lounge suite, and two roll cages in which you can play the video game Gran Turismo.
Board games, model cars, and microphones for an evening of karaoke are ready and waiting. Ruangkritya laughs out of sheer pleasure. “But,” and here his mood dampens just a bit, “I don’t come here nearly often enough.” However, the sports cars do make it out of the garage – less in Bangkok than in the area surrounding the city – with Ruangkritya behind the wheel himself.
If he’s not training for a marathon, Ruangkritya’s ideal Sunday is an early drive in one of his RS models. And that’s not limited to the regular excursions with other Porsche fans in Thailand referred to by the German name “Das Treffen” (The Meeting). “I enjoy those too, especially for getting together with friends,” says Ruangkritya. “But we tend to make too many stops. I love to drive and only stop when the car has to.” In other words, at the gas station to top up or eat a quick sandwich – and then back on the road. “For twelve hours, if at all possible.” Without music, even if it is so important to him at other times. That’s his idea of happiness, driving a 911 GT3 RS until his back hurts.
There’s just one question left: what’s the point of it all if you’re always aware of just how transient everything is? As far as Chanond Ruangkritya is concerned, that’s not a contradiction. “It’s the moment that counts,” he says. And every moment should be purposeful. That’s why he likes to get up so early in the morning and watch the sun rise. “It reminds me of the beauty and transience of life.” And that’s the reason for the meditation, the Sunday drives, living life to the fullest, the structured conferences, and the music, which should be playing whenever possible. And that’s why he very rarely gets worked up. That would spoil the next moment.
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Text first published in the Porsche magazine Christophorus 415.
Text: Dani Heyne Bilder: Philipp Rupprecht
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