2013-02-01 07:20:13 -
BANGKOK, 30 January 2013 – RMA Group, a world-class provider of automotive and infrastructure solutions to the international Aid & Development community, has partnered with AIDF (Aid and International Development Forum) to deliver Asia’s first AIDF Asia-Pacific. The event at Impact Muang Thong Thani Bangkok presents a significant forum for governments, the United Nations and NGOs (Non-Government Agencies) to build partnerships and share best practices. AIDF Asia-Pacific aims to empower organizations operating in disaster relief programs, post-conflict regeneration activities and infrastructure improvement projects throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The opening day attracted over 1,600 visitors and nearly 100 exhibitors. The forum runs for two days, on the 30 and 31 January.
AIDF Asia-Pacific opened with an address by Kevin Whitcraft, CEO, RMA
Group, followed by a keynote speech by Oliver Lacey-Hall, Head of the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). RMA Group then presented a group discussion with media guests.
In its role as headline sponsor, RMA is displaying a number of stands including modified vehicle demonstrators, infrastructure solutions, video presentations and interactive activities. Representatives of RMA Group also appear as speakers in key workshops and seminars, covering topics which include fleet management, vehicle maintenance, road safety, sustainability, core corporate strategy, and flood prevention, better planning and co-ordination. RMA Group has also employed the use of Ford Motor Company’s new Ford Ranger simulator to raise awareness of driver safety in difficult terrain.
RMA has been a partner of AIDF for five years, and in bringing the forum to Asia, has sought to improve co-ordination across the region, involve the private sector in Aid & Development (an area with vast potential for corporate entities) and host a platform for NGOs to engage with the private sector. This will enable stronger interaction between public and private stakeholders, and allow for greater efficiencies and cost savings. AIDF Asia-Pacific is also a cost-effective platform for enabling smaller organizations to form key engagement opportunities with governments and larger entities in order to maximize their efforts in some very vital operational areas in the Asia-Pacific.
Kevin Whitcraft, CEO, RMA Group, said, “It is a great privilege for RMA Group to be able to partner with AIDF in bringing this, one of the world’s most significant A&D forums, to Asia; and also specifically, to Thailand, as the country functions as one of the primary operational hubs for aid in the Asia-pacific. I’m pleased with the number of NGOs which have chosen to either participate or attend, and that is actually the key function of this forum. The other aim of AIDF Asia-Pacific is to perform as an international platform which will create synergies and foster best-practice working methodologies.”
###
About RMA Group
Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, RMA is an international company with a global presence providing essential automotive and infrastructure solutions for clients operating in difficult markets and terrains. Where a country is in transition or the early stages of recovery, entire populations are often in need of basic infrastructure support for such essentials as power, fresh water, transportation; they are often at risk of illness and disease. RMA is a provider of the equipment, services, and comprehensive solutions that respond to commercial and humanitarian needs in such environments.
About AIDF
Connect at: @FollowAIDF and facebook.com/AIDF2013
AIDF is a world-leading forum for humanitarian relief professionals to cement relationships, build partnerships, gain understanding and share experiences.
www.aidforumonline.org
