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The mai plans to set up a venture capital fund, which will be supported by The Stock Exchange of Thailand’s (SET) seed money of THB1.0 billion. The fund is expected to be established by early 2006, and will be used to invest in companies having potential to list on the mai.
“Such listing candidates will be in target industries such as information and communication technology (ICT), culture technology (CT), bio/nano technology, media and professional services. The venture will strengthen the capital base of the targeted firms before they list,” Mr. Vichate Tantiwanich, President of the mai said.
In 2005 (up through December 14), there were a total of 10 new listings on the mai, boosting the total mai-listings to 32. The total market capitalization of the mai was recorded at THB13.26 billion (approx. USD323.34 million). Four additional listings are planned before year-end, boosting the total mai-listings to 36.
At present there’s a mutual fund exclusively investing in mai-listed companies: SCB Asset Management’s “mai stock long-term equity fund”, with THB5 billion under management.
“The mai doesn’t aim only for small- and medium-sized firms (SMEs), but targets all sizes of companies. The characteristics held by potential mai listings include having young, active entrepreneurs as well as high-growth, knowledge-based, and innovative business,” Mr. Vichate noted.
To tap the above targets, the mai has employed a proactive marketing approach by sending its team out to meet the firms, to educate and help them to prepare for listing. Furthermore, the mai has formed the FANZI Club to build up a network among executives as well as to provide opportunities for them to exchange views and information.
Other mai activities include programs to help educate the market and promote better market awareness. These activities include disseminating research reports on mai stocks, hosting seminar sessions, and participating in various events such as the Business Fair, Money Expo, SET in the City and the Thai Investors’ Days.
Salient Statistics of the mai
|
As
of |
As
of |
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| mai Index | ||
| - Close | 188.07 | 157.12 |
| - High | (Jan. 16) 371.45 | (Feb. 16) 214.00 |
| - Low | (Nov. 1) 178.08 | (Dec. 2) 154.05 |
| Total turnover (THB million) | 34,220.73 | 34,963 |
| Daily turnover (THB million) | 140 | 150 |
| Total mkt. capitalization (THB million) | 11,703 | 13,257 |
| Newly-listed companies | 14 | 10 |
| Total listed companies | 24 | 32 |
