Berita BMCC - July/ August 2014

Issue 96 PP 11826/07/2013 (032918)

July-August 2014

Driven To Excel:

The Business Of Sport PLUS:

■

Flying The Flag Overseas

■

July-August■2014 Inspiring Women A Year In Review

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July-August 2014

First Lines

W

hile it would be hard to deny that 2012 was huge in terms of sport with the grand showcase of the London Olympics, 2014 is also shaping up to leave its mark in history. What with the

tight battle for the English Premier League title, the thrilling matches of this year’s Wimbledon and now the drama of the World Cup. In spite of the challenging time difference for us here, there has been a keen following of events in Brazil, on and of the pitch!

Next up is the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Then it will be time for the EPL again followed by the run in to the 2015 Rugby World Cup, which this time takes place in the UK. Our feature section looks at some aspects of the huge sport sector. Along with all the fun for the fans, sport is big business, generating substantial revenues and employment opportunities. A number of our members are involved in a variety of ways. See Page 19 for more.

As for BMCC, our own recent sporting event was the 10th Annual Charity Rugby Dinner. This delivered three excellent speakers and an evening of first-class entertainment along with an afternoon of expert coaching for rugby juniors. Not to mention the funds raised for local charity.

See Page 36. Later this year, we are organising a sports event of a different kind with YB Khairy Jamaluddin, Minister of Youth & Sports, as guest of honour. Keep a look out for details.

As we enter the second half of the year, activity levels at the BMCC are high with our International Division making further inroads into attracting exporting SMEs to Malaysia. See Page 10. This initiative forms an important element of our partnership with UKTI and UK business in general.

At our recent AGM, we heard from Acting High Commissioner Ray Kyles about the impressive progress made over the last 12 months, progress that we hope will continue with the arrival of our new High Commissioner later this year.

At the AGM, we also launched “Jolly Good Lah”, the BMCC Coffee Table Book. This is a very special publication that marks not only our 50 years in Malaysia but is also a story of bilateral trade with historical snippets, anecdotal insights and personal tales. Contact the Executive Office to order your copies.

On the local front, our team is working hard to attract new members to the Chamber and expand the business pool of our community. We look forward to welcoming you to BMCC – it’s the place for business.

BMCC 2014 Annual Sponsors & Partners PLATINUM SPONSORS:

GOLD SPONSORS:

BMCC Executive Office: 4th Floor, East Block, Wisma Selangor Dredging, 142B Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: Fax: Email: Web:

+60 3 2163 1784/2163 1786 +60 3 2163 1781 membership@bmcc.org.my www.bmcc.org.my

Follow us on:

AIRLINE PARTNER:

BMCCMALAYSIA July-August 2014

The Chamber

The British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce is the leading business networking organisation in Malaysia with over 350 top member companies with an outreach of over 75,000 employees. Since 1963, the BMCC has been a catalyst in providing businesses in Malaysia with support, networking, knowledge exchange and bilateral trading assistance. We serve as a dynamic hub for enterprise to thrive and businesses to connect with each other, helping to promote and foster trade and investment between Britain and Malaysia.

BMCC is proud to be part of British Chambers in South East Asia or BiSEA, enabling our members to enjoy similar Chamber benefits in seven other countries including Vietnam, Thailand, Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Singapore.

BMCC Board of Directors: Patrons: YBhg Tun Musa Hitam

Chairman: Dato’ Larry Gan, Catcha Media Bhd

Deputy Chairman: Andrew Sill, The Royal Bank of Scotland Bhd

Directors: Soo Kim Wai, Amcorp Properties Bhd Bob Olivier, Aspac Executive Search Sdn Bhd Andrew Diamond, Bubblegum Sdn Bhd Mark Burgess, Honeywell Aerospace Avionics Sdn Bhd David Ng, International SOS Sdn Bhd Datuk Seri Michael Yam, InvestKL Amanda Powell, KL Kudos Design Sdn Bhd Michael McIver, Plus Three Consultants Sdn Bhd Osman Morad, Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Bhd Bill Addington, TechSol Sdn Bhd Datuk Peter Wentworth, OBE, Weir Minerals Malaysia

Ex-Officio: Gavin Anderson, British Council Tony Collingridge, OBE, UK Trade & Investment Dr Zainal Abidin Majid, Advisor To The Board

BMCC Executive Office: Nik Tasha Nik Kamaruddin: Executive Director Stephanie Ho: Events Manager Danielle Horsnell: Business Development Executive Andre Nasution: Operations Executive Agnes Elizabeth: Executive PA/Events Afiq Sahidi: Office Executive

BMCC Magazine: Editor: Amanda Powell Editorial Committee:

• George Aveling • Marcus Osborne • Nik Tasha Nik Kamaruddin • Bill Addington Production: KL Kudos Design Sdn Bhd Printing: Tinggi Press Sdn Bhd Lot 6, Jalan Kuang Bulan, Taman Kepong, 52100 Kuala Lumpur.

Berita BMCC is published bi-monthly for distribution to BMCC members and other organisations in the business community. The views expressed or implied herein are those of the authors or contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Chamber.

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July-August 2014

In This Issue Kick Off! The Business of Sport There’s a different sport for almost

Cover Story

every letter in the alphabet and some. Whether it’s the multi-billion dollar world of football, the craziness of competitive cycling or a couple of kids knocking a shuttlecock over a net, sport is all around us. And it’s big business with huge sums involved. Our feature section has more. Turn to Page 19.

■ First Lines ................................................. 3 ■ Hot Happenings ........................................ 6 ■ Trade Talk ................................................... 8 >

BMCC: Another Year Of Progress

>

Jolly Good Lah! BMCC’s Coffee Table Book

>

BMCC: Flying The Flag For Malaysia

■ Report Back............................................. 12 >

Inspiring Women - BMCC Power Lunch

>

Eyeing Up Iskandar - Delegation Tour

>

Big on Big Data - BMCC Leaders Dinner

July-August 2014

■ Market Insight .......................................... 16 Europe Boosted By RMB Clearing Banks

By Janet Ming, Head of RBS China Desk

■ In The Spotlight ........................................ 17 Driven To Perform - Range Rover Sport

■ Cover Story ............................................. 19 Kick Off! It’s The Business of Sport

■ Meet Our New Members ....................... 32 ■ News From Our Members ..................... 33 ■ On The Social Scene ................................ 36

BMCC Magazine: September-October All About Retail Plus: Coming Up: November-December Innovation In Business

>

10th Annual Charity Rugby Dinner

>

Bring On The Brains! BMCC Quiz Night

Retail developments continue to crop up everywhere in Malaysia, each new one claiming to be bigger, better, bolder. International tourism campaigns are centred around the country being the top shopping destination to head for. With rentals on the increase and the cost of living on the up, what effect is this having on this key sector? Is your company involved? Get in touch! We want to hear your story!

Sponsorship and advertisement opportunities available!

Deadline Imminent: Contact: 03 2163 1784 or editor@bmcc.org.my July-August 2014

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Hot Happenings

August Thurs 14th

BMCC Speed Networking 9am-11am - Intercontinental Hotel KL See opposite for details

New Dates For Your Diary

Fri 15th

BMCC & Luther GST Workshop A Legal Perspective On The Impact Of GST Istana Hotel Kuala Lumpur See opposite for details

TBC

BMCC Power Lunch Series With Standard Chartered Bank Details to be confirmed

September Sun &thFri 12th

GREAT Inward Mission

Weds 10th

BMCC Inspiring Youth Event With YB Khairy Jamaluddin Sports & Youth Minister In collaboration with Gleneagles & ACCA The Square, Publika

Weds 10thFri 12th

PowerGen Asia & Renewable Energy World Asia Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre www.powergenasia.com www.renewableenergyworld-asia.com

Fri 12th

BMCC Briefing With TalentCorp & Expat Group Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral See opposite for details

Weds 17thFri 19th

Ecobuild South East Asia Putra World Trade Centre www.ecobuildsea.com

October Thurs 2nd

BMCC Members Networking Golf In The City @ Mandarin Oriental KL

Sat 18th

Great British Ball Shangri-la Hotel Kuala Lumpur See Page 38 for details

Sat 18th

BMCC Golf Scramble Details to be confirmed

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter For More Event Details

November TBC

BMCC Delegation Tour To Sarawak

TBC

BMCC Power Lunch Series With Standard Chartered Bank

December Fri 4th

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July-August 2014

BMCC Annual Corporate Christmas Lunch

Hot Happenings

THURS 14TH AUGUST

BMCC Speed Networking is back! And you are invited! Make your mornings work for you at this unique BMCC event. Get your business cards ready, your elevator pitch refined and put on your best smile! Join us to connect with industry professionals. It’s fast, it’s fun, it’s famous!

9am to 11am

BMCC Member: RM85 nett Non-Member: RM100 nett

Intercontinental Hotel

Register via events@bmcc. org.my with company name, designation, contact number and email by 8th August 2014.

Jalan Ampang, KL

What is GST?

LUTHER WORKSHOP: A legal perspective on the impact of GST on business.

WHEN: Friday 15 August 2014 WHERE: Istana Hotel Kuala Lumpur WHO: Guest Speaker: Bhupinder Singh Bhupinder Singh has been extensively involved in the implementation of GST in Malaysia since 2005. His knowledge and experience will be invaluable in assisting businesses in planning for the implementation of GST. PROGRAMME: 10:00am Registration & Refreshments 11:00am Understanding GST, Application, Scope 1:00pm

Lunch

2:30pm

GST Implementation: Templates for supplies, Acquisition, Contracts & HR, transitional issues

4:00pm

Software Implementation: GST logic to identify issues, to implement compliant software; notification to customer, GST identification number

5:30pm

GST Administration: GST Registration, Documentation, Retention

6:00pm

Refreshments

PRICE:

RM500 less 10% discount for BMCC Members

Brought to you by:

A talk by

Syamil Chelvam Shah Assistant Director of Expatriate Services Division

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE

EXPATRIATE

SERVICES DIVISION Moderated by Siva Kumaren Head of Foreign Talent Facilitation Division, Talent Corp

WHEN:

Friday 12 September 2014 10.00am-12 noon

WHERE: Aloft Hotel Kuala Lumpur Sentral WHO:

Expatriates & HR Personnel

Meet Syamil Chelvam Shah, Assistant Director of Expatriate Services Division (ESD) who will provides updates on the new ESD system and changes in Immigration Department. The ESD is part of the Immigration Department of Malaysia and was established to meet the aspirations of the Economic Transformation Programme to attract more highly skilled expatriates and serve a centralised service delivery for all immigration facilities. ESD will act as an integrated facility, offering efficient, seamless service to expatriates and their dependants in matters relating to immigration procedures.

BMCC & TEG Members: RM150 Non-Member: RM185

To register, call +603 2166 0085 or +603 2163 1874 Email: malaysia@luther-services.com or events@bmcc.org.my www.luther-services.com

To register email events@bmcc.org.my with company, designation, contact number and email address before 29 August 2014.

July-August 2014

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Trade Talk

BMCC AGM & BBQ Bash Another Year Of Progress

T

he 2014 BMCC Annual General Meeting took place recently, providing members with the opportunity to hear from Chairman Dato’ Larry Gan about the latest developments and activities at the Chamber. Held at the Best Western Dua Sentral, the event kicked off with a review of the year at hand with Dato’ Larry highlighing the key achievements during the period.

“We organised a number of premier events held during the year including the sell-out Corporate Christmas Luncheon in December and the 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner in March attended by Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak.”

The meeting then moved on to the formal agenda of adopting the Audited Accounts and election of Board Directors.

Acting High Commissioner Ray Kyles took to the stage to provide a brief update on progress achieved in trade and investment between the UK and Malaysia over the last 12 months.

“There have been a number of key milestones in the last year, kicking off with the launch of the Great British Retail Fashion

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which have already enabled us to expand.

In October, the World Islamic Economic Forum was hosted in London for the first time.

Campaign in September, a campaign that paved the way for a much bigger, regional programme this year.

July saw the historic groundbreaking of the Battersea Redevelopment Project which was attended by both our Prime Ministers plus the Mayor of London and many other dignitaries.

Another historic occasion was our move out of the High Commission building into commercial premises in Menara Binjai. The move has transformed our business and freed up resources

This year so far we have seen the Malaysian-based FPSO major Bumi Armada winning work in the North Sea while Smiths Detection Systems have confirmed a major investment here.

BAE Systems has opened its Global Service Centre here and Pinewood Studios Malaysia has begun operations.

Coming up in the next quarter, Epsom College Malaysia will open its doors in September and the GREAT Week hits town in October.

The UKTI relationship with BMCC is going from strength to strength and the Overseas Business Network Initiative is making good headway in providing a channel for British SMEs to find out more about exporting to Malaysia.

Trade Talk

Jolly Good Lah! J

BMCC Coffee Table Book

A unique compilation, spanning 120 pages, of bilateral stories, historical images, insto teresting anecdotes and quirky customs. A celhave come about as a result of ebration of the achievements that hav the long, established relationship between Britain and Malaysia. Published in conjunction with our 50th Anniversary celebrations. Get your copy now!

Price: RM180 (w/o slipcase) and RM210 (with Limited Edition slipcase).

Discounts available for bulk purchases. Contact Andre at BMCC to order your copies.

Tel: +603 2163 1784 Email: andre@bmcc.org.my

Following the AGM, the Directors held a separate Board Meeting during which Dato' Larry Gan was voted in as Chairman with Andrew Sill being re-appointed as Deputy Chairman.

The guests meanwhile had adjourned to Hugo’s on 6 at the Poolside with its uninterrupted views of the Istana Negara. The networking continued over a delicious spread of BBQ delights.

The event also saw the launch of Jolly Good Lah! the BMCC Coffee Table Book commemorating BMCC’s 50 years of business. See above.

July-August 2014

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Trade Talk

Flying The Flag For Malaysia 8 Cities In 6 Days!

Overseas Business Network Initiative (OBNI) Project Director Dr Amita Krishna outlines the latest happenings and BMCC’s ongoing efforts to attract British SMEs exporting to Malaysia.

B

uilding on our early success of the pilot Overseas Business Network Initiative (OBNI) in Year 1, the trade efforts of the BMCC have been recognised as BMCC is placed in the top 6 markets globally for the innovative OBNI to support British SMEs to export.

The emerging markets, with envious growth rates, continue to make headlines in the UK, however, the challenge of creating awareness of Malaysia Inc and the respective opportunities remains.

While the partnership with UKTI, FCO and the BCC continues to flourish, much of the focus for BMCC has been working with UK Chambers and Local Enterprise Partnerships to continue building the network and create awareness. Accordingly, BMCC recently joined the ASEAN OBN teams to attend the International Festival of Business and the second series of roadshows across the UK. Opportunities in the respective sectors are highlighted below. If you are interested in finding out more about any of these or you are keen to explore the potential of exporting your goods or services to any of the regions, please contact the OBNI team.

First Stop – LONDON: London Business Matters!

HULL & HUMBER:

The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is the largest independent networking and business support organisation in the capital. Representing the interests of thousands of corporate firms, the chamber connects over 500,000 business people every year and offers its members a wide range of benefits and services across a diverse range of business sectors.

Our journey continued up North to Hull where I met with Pauline Wade, International Trade Director from the Hull & Humber Chamber. We attended meetings in Hull, Grimsby and Cleethorpes.

In addition to hosting over 200 B2B events each year, LCCI provides member-to-member marketing opportunities, unlimited access to legal and HR advice, access to exclusive central London meeting space and the opportunity to be part of an extensive international trade mission programme.

Marilise Saghbini was a fabulous host and arranged a series of meetings.

With origins dating back to 1837, the Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce is one of the UK's oldest, but its core objectives remain the same - to help strengthen the local economy by supporting its members in their business activities. With 1,400 members representing all types of businesses in the region, the Chamber organises networking events and publications designed to raise the profile of its members companies together with their products and services. The International Trade Centre assists companies with their exporting projects and organises Trade Missions abroad.

OPPORTUNITIES: British Muslim sports apparel, financial services, legal, property investment opportunities.

OPPORTUNITIES: Partnerships for logistics, transportation, Infrastructure, food and drink, and Halal products

LIVERPOOL: Voted Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2008 Home of the Beatles. With its famous Liver Building and Docks, Aintree Race Course, world famous architecture, magnificent museums, to music legends revolutionising popular culture, Liverpool has always been a hub of creativity and attracts millions of visitors every year. On the agenda there was the International Festival for Business (IFB) which I attended along with Tony Collingridge, UKTI’s Director of Trade in Malaysia.

International Festival for Business (IFB) 2014: the largest global concentration of business events this year. The 50-day festival, spanning seven weeks in June and July, is designed to attract business delegates and trade intermediaries from around the world. It is a key part of UK Government's target of rebalancing the economy and achieving its export and investment objectives. Key themes: • Cities, Enterprise & Urban Business • Creative & Digital Industries • Financial & Professional Services • Higher/Further Education & Research • Low Carbon and Renewables • Manufacturing, Science & Technology • Maritime, Logistics & Energy OPPORTUNITIES: As above plus cosmetics, food & drink, ports, retail, property investment, education, oil & gas.

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July-August 2014

Trade Talk

BRISTOL:

DAY 6: TGIF! SLOUGH:

Hosted by Sarah Hildersley, we went to Leigh Court (left) – an amazing mansion just outside the centre of Bristol - the home of Business West’s offices. We spent the day meeting firms and ITAs who were keen to explore exporting in the ASEAN markets.

The morning was spent being hosted by the Thames Valley Chamber located in Slough. This Group works with businesses across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon, offering members a range of services including business advice, networking events, training and international trade support. The Chamber is one of the largest Chambers accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce in the UK and is recognised as the leading voice of business, representing micro to major multinational organisations; a ‘Centre for Excellence’ providing international trade services and global representation.

Business West is an influential independent business leadership organisation with offices in Bristol and Swindon employing over 190 staff and has a turnover of £20m.

Representing and working with over 16,000 businesses across the South West, Business West is the local access point for a whole host of business and export solutions.

OPPORTUNITIES: Financial services, food & drink, organic products, recycling, manufacturing, investment, education, training and consultancy.

NOTTINGHAM: The Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire Chambers of Commerce Group is the second-largest chamber in the country with a membership base of 3,800 businesses and 3,000 affiliates. A wide range of business support services is provided. Local delivery is provided from 10 locations across both counties, including main offices in Derby, Chesterfield and Nottingham. It works in close partnership with many communities, political and funding organisations within both counties, across the East Midlands and is the leading voice for business.

Accompanied by my counterpart from Singapore, Jenny Hainsworth, we were hosted by Louis Balestrini (pictured below) from the Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire Chamber for a series of meetings.

OPPORTUNITIES: Footwear, household cleaning products, education and vocational training, life science, automotive.

“BMCC is placed in the top 6 markets globally for the innovative Overseas Business Network Initiative to support British SMEs to export.”

BIRMINGHAM: A quick dash to our next stop Birmingham to meet International Trade Advisors for the region and then onto Aston University to meet more firms. The importance of meeting the ITAs cannot be undersated. There are over 100 ITAs who work with UKTI located in over 40 local offices around the country. Every UK region also has dedicated sector specialists. We are building relationships with many of these ITAs to create awareness of Malaysia and the opportunities that exist.

The last of our meetings in the Midlands was held at Aston, a world-class researchled University with strong links to industry, government and commerce, Aston has been a leading university for graduate employment success for over 25 years.

OPPORTUNITIES: Access to ITA opportunities across a range of sectors. Tourism, security, ICT, agriculture, education and vocational training, automotive.

OPPORTUNITIES: Refrigeration systems, life sciences, financial services, transport, education.

CROYDON: Coast to Capital is the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for Brighton and Hove, Croydon, Gatwick Diamond, East Surrey, Lewes and West Sussex. Formed in 2011 as one of the UK's new Local Enterprise Partnerships, it is focused on delivering growth for one of Britain's most economically important areas which includes the airport economy surrounding London Gatwick. Coast to Capital represents a population of 1.9 million people, more than 85,000 businesses supporting more than 776,000 jobs and 141,000 self-employed individuals.

With global ambitions and strong pursuit of trade opportunities, the region is welcoming bi-lateral trade opportunities.

Coast to Capital LEP is one of 39 partnerships established across the UK by Government to determine regional economic priorities, while making investments and delivering activities to drive growth and job creation. Their role is to help re-balance the economy and promote private sector growth.

OPPORTUNITIES: Food & drink, infrastructure, transport, tourism, property investment, creative industries, education & training.

If you are keen to learn more about any of the sector opportunities outlined above, please contact the OBNI team. We have identified over 100 firms looking for potential partners in Malaysia as well as companies who have opportunities for Malaysian firms. Get connected and come talk to us…. Or drop us a note: amita@bmcc.org.my

July-August 2014

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Report Back

Inspiring Women BMCC recently teamed up with annual Platinum Sponsor Standard Chartered Bank along with The Malaysian Women’s Weekly to present the first in a series of Power Lunches. And what a punch it packed! Three hugely inspiring guest panellists, quite possibly some of the best food in town, and an audience of KL’s leading businesswomen, along with a few very courageous gentlemen!

MARINA

SONIA

T

aking the theme of Inspiration & Empowerment, the panel of guests featured none other than Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, Sonia Wedrychowicz-Horbatowska, Head of Retail at Standard Chartered and Nora Murat, Regional Director for the International Planned Parenthood Federation.

These three powerhouse women focused on justice and democracy for women, the importance of financial freedom and education, and achieving a work-life-balance. Dr Amita Krishna, of BMCC International, took the role of very capable event moderator, feeding direct questions to the three panellists who responded with equally frank answers.

The selected venue was Zenzero at St Mary Place Kuala Lumpur, one of the city’s must-go dining venues. Chef Andrea and his team kept a steady stream of dishes flowing out to the tables, each more delicious than the last and none too intrusive to disrupt the lively networking.

MARINA “Why is it that the first reaction to any woman is how she looks or what she is wearing? Take politics. When Hillary Clin-

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ton was running for President, all the mainstream media and her opponents could talk about was her hairstyle or her outfit. It was the same thing here in the run-up to recent Teluk Intan elections.

Regardless of whether or not the individual in question is attractive or well-dressed, this type of behaviour completely negates any contribution they may have. It cancels out any value. It’s a disease that is affecting the whole world.

Rather than becoming more empowered, women are becoming less so. This patriarchy infiltrates our laws – civil and syariah.

These laws are meant to protect women and families. Instead, changes are being pushed through and equality is being eroded.

It may sound a contradiction but I believe in quotas for women on boards. In some cases, it’s the ONLY

NORA

way women will get the chance to demonstrate to men what they are capable of.

At least by enforcing quotas, women will have some voice.

Another example. Take the diplomatic corps. The preconception is that there is nothing out of the ordinary for our women Ambassadors to do a full day’s work and then have to plan, organise and host social events. Men are oblivious to what’s involved. Women are being forced to choose.

Report Back I have interviewed male and female candidates for the same role. Even though their respective experience might be similar, the difference in what the guy will say he can do versus what the woman will ‘shout about’ is striking.

There needs to be a change of mindset. For example, if a woman is assertive, it is often portrayed as ‘aggressive’, whereas a man is described as ‘dynamic’. Similarly, ‘determined’ behaviour in one gender is sometimes deemed ‘obstinate’ in the other.

NORA The IPPF was founded 60 years ago, at a time when planned parenthood and sex education were taboos in many countries around the world. Although a lot of progress has been made in the last six decades, and the Foundation is now active in 26 countries, there are still many places, Malaysia included, where social attitudes prevent young people from having the right to decide what happens to their bodies and their lives. When to have children. How many children. The right to say no. How to prevent pregnancy. How to themselves

ing. In many Malaysian communities still today, they will be shunned if not ostracised. Once born, the babies in question stand little chance of a decent life, often being sent to an orphanage or given up for adoption.

By engaging with young people, we try to demystify sex and providing access to education. We also work with governments and policymakers to get them on board.

SONIA

from sexual diseases. When to marry. Whom to marry. And more.

Malaysia may appear to be an upwardly mobile society in some circles, but believe me there are many, many cases of young girls – far, far too young – who end up pregnant, either due to lack of sex education or due to abuse. We have seen girls as young as 12 years old – yes 12 – in our clinics who have become pregnant. Some don’t understand how this can have happened and relay all kinds of stories as to the ‘protection’ they say they used – CocaCola being the ‘magic’ ingredient in one case. Yes it sounds comical but it is tragic.

The effect on these young girls’ lives because of this kind of ignorance is devastat-

I have been in the corporate world since I started my career and have held a number of senior positions. That said, I feel a great sense of personal success. I am happily married, I am married, I take all of my holiday entitlement and I have recently taken up kick-boxing! Work-life balance is about choices. If you make them you can have them. I have worked hard all my life. I realised that I am able to achieve things at work because I plan. So I started planning!

Yes it might be tough to go against the tide but the skill is in finding a different way to do achieve the same results. As business leaders, it’s our role to educate people, to show them they have something to gain. Use the power of questions.

When it comes to looks, as women in business, we need to ask ourselves are we our own worst enemy?

Do we equate how some dresses with their performance?

Another thing. As leaders do we provide enough opportunities? Do we open enough doors? I have found also that there is a lack of self-belief among some women. An example.

July-August 2014

13

Report Back

Eyeing Up Iskandar islative Assembly and Iskandar Regional Development Authority. Representatives of British companies who already have a presence in Iskandar were present at both the networking and dinner sessions.

The following day, the delegation headed out on a tour of the area, with the first stop being the Iskandar Malaysia Information Centre (IMIC) where they received a briefing from IRDA. Other stopping points on the itinerary included Marlborough College, Kota Iskandar, Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia, Legoland and Educity.

Joining the delegation from BMCC was Deputy Chairman Andrew Sill.

“Iskandar offers interesting investment prospects for companies wanting to establish a presence in this region, the fastest growing in ASEAN. This visit pro-

B

MCC jointly collaborated with Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) recently in organising a delegation tour to Iskandar, Johor. The 35-strong delegation comprised representatives from companies such as Atkins Global, Lafarge, Michael Page, Plus Three and Zerin Properties.

The 2-day visit began with a networking session at Traders Hotel Puteri Harbour, followed by a private dinner hosted by The Hon Datuk Tengku Putra Haron Aminurrashid Jumat, a member of Johor Leg-

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vides our members with the chance to gain a better appreciation of the substantial opportunities here and find out what IRDA has to offer.” Iskandar provides multi-sectors investment opportunities ranging from healthcare, education, creative, financial advisory and consulting to tourism.

The Honourable Datuk Tengku Putra Haron (above) said, “It is a privilege to be hosting this dinner reception for BMCC and forging stronger relations in all areas. We hope that this visit is a fruitful one based on our famous hospitality and the extensive prospects available here in Johor.”

Report Back

BIG On Big Data B

MCC teamed up with our Platinum Sponsor ACCA recently to host a special Leaders’ Dinner to hear more about Big Data.

Held at Tanzini Upper Deck Restaurant at G-Tower, with its breathtaking views over the city skyline, the Dinner featured Guest Speaker Ms Faye Chua, ACCA’s Head of Future Research.

Her talk covered a balanced picture of the impact of big data on the accountancy and finance professions in the coming five to ten years. “Converging technology trends, the shift from analogue to digital, widespread mobile device adoption, internet-connected systems and ‘exhaust data’ from physical objects (the Internet of Things) have combined to create the vast amounts of structured and unstructured data we now call ‘big data’.

“These types of data will also throw up new challenges. Over the next decade, new standards for measuring and valuing data will be developed, with the inclusion of new g, and more diverse datasets in reporting, modelling and forecasting. Gettingg o these standards wrong could prove to be explosive.”

Event Partner:

July-August July-August2014 2014

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Market Insight

Europe Boosted

By RMB Clearing Banks

By Janet Ming, Head Of RBS China Desk In London

L

uxembourg, Paris and Switzerland can now develop RMB business through those clearing banks much faster because it bypasses the time difference involved when dealing with Hong Kong.

The two new clearing banks will significantly boost cross-border trade between Europe and China. Germany is the People Bank of China’s (PBoC) biggest trading partner, and London is the world’s largest foreign exchange and bond trading centre – with 62 per cent of RMB payments outside China processed there.

Germany’s Bundesbank and the UK’s Bank of England have signed a “memorandum of understanding” with the PBoC to set up clearing services for RMB in their respective countries.

It’s another major step forward in the RMB’s rise as a global currency and further proves the Chinese, German and UK governments’ commitment to its expansion. The fact Chinese president Xi Jinping signed the German agreement during a visit to Berlin is another strong sign of the growing links between Europe and China.

“China continues to grow while its currency steps closer to global status.”

Businesses that ignore RMB are potentially missing out on the opportunity to cut costs by up to 15 per cent. China-based suppliers do not charge for FX risk when paid in their local currency which, market practice shows, can lead to price reductions of 3 to 15 per cent or an extension of credit terms.

Using RMB can also give companies access to a wider buyer or supplier base in China enabling more flexible liquidity management and more diverse investment.

Frankfurt and London must now each get a clearing bank appointed by the Chinese central bank, which will most likely take about two months.

Those banks interested will need to apply to the Chinese central bank to be considered. Factors taken into account include

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Financial centres across Europe will benefit from Frankfurt and London housing the first clearing services for renminbi (RMB) outside Asia. their size, clearing capabilities, global network and market influence. It will almost certainly end up being one of the top five Chinese banks in both cities.

Once appointed, the new banks will create a channel for cross-border RMB settlement through the banking system.

China continues to grow while its currency steps closer to global status.

Before the Chinese government launches the China International Payment Platform, which will serve as a global RMB clearing system, the assigned clearing banks will help Frankfurt and London access the existing onshore clearing system – the China National Advanced Payment System – to ease the RMB clearing process.

It will make settling business in the currency smoother and less risky in both cities.

The uptake of the RMB as a payments currency was initially slower than first anticipated. Many companies are simply not adding it to their currency portfolio because they are unaware of the potential benefits and feel there is no need because of its link to the US dollar.

Some businesses have also been hesitant because they are uncertain about the business and regulatory environment in China and are concerned about the country’s economy slowing.

The fact remains, though, that China continues to grow while its currency steps closer to global status. It has gone through industrialisation and domestic demand is growing, so the general expectation is that the controlled appreciation of the RMB will continue.

The Chinese government, pressured to reduce its reserves of foreign currency, knows it must continue to internationalise the currency and is likely to adopt more initiatives

to liberalise its economy in the near future.

These latest moves between Germany, the UK and China show the priority this is being given. It will also help both countries trade more and attract more foreign direct investment from China – which is at the early stages of global expansion and leveraging its huge foreign currency reserves.

It is good news for Frankfurt and London, but for their European neighbours too.

New RMB clearing banks in Frankfurt and London will help financial centres in Europe

They are further proof of the RMB’s rise as a global currency and the Chinese government’s commitment to its expansion

Both clearing banks will almost certainly be one of the top five Chinese banks

In The Spotlight

Driven To Perform D

ubbed the fastest, most agile and most responsive Land Rover ever, the new Range Rover Sport has arrived. Here in Malaysia. Built on the chassis of the flagship Range Rover, this ultimate premium sports SUV features a state-ofthe-art, lightweight aluminium monocoque platform, with transformational on-road dynamics delivering the world’s best allterrain performance.

Launched by Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia, the exclusive importer of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles in the country, there are three Range Rover Sport models available for the Malaysian market – the 510PS 5.0-litre V8 Supercharged Petrol, the 340PS 3.0-litre V6 Supercharged Petrol and the 292PS 3.0-litre SDV6 Diesel – each with different equipment levels.

Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia Managing Director Syed Mudzhar Syed Ali says, “The new Range Rover Sport occupies a unique position within its segment, sitting as it does firmly at the heart of the marque’s striking new three-model premium portfolio: between the highly-acclaimed new Range Rover flagship and the best-selling Range Rover Evoque.” In his view, the new Range Rover Sport is destined to continue the outstanding success of its predecessor which was introduced in 2005 and has reached global sales of over 380,000 units to date.

This latest interpretation of the Range Rover Sport is packed with technology and presents customers with a more assertive and muscular exterior, more luxurious interior and the flexibility provided by a 5+2 seating option. Designed and engineered at Land Rover’s development centres in the UK, the new Range Rover Sport is produced at a state-of-the-art low-energy manufacturing facility at Solihull, UK and sold in 169 markets worldwide.

Designed to capture the distinctive DNA of its predecessor, but with a bold evolution, the Range Rover Sport has been engineered to deliver dramatically improved on-road driving dynamics, with more connected and agile handling complemented by enhanced ride and refinement.

“The new Range Rover Sport: more

The new model adopts advanced luxurious, more efficient and better to lightweight vehicle technologies and drive than ever before.” new powertrains from the highly acclaimed new Range Rover to transform the weight we have removed and that lends a driving experience. With its ‘faster’ windspecial character to the car in terms of inscreen angle, streamlined profile and slopcredible dynamics.” ing roofline, the new Range Rover Sport is Available for viewing and test-drives at eight percent more aerodynamic than the Sime Darby Auto ConneXion’s 4S facilities previous model. at Petaling Jaya and Jalan Ipoh; and Sisma Only 62 mm longer than its predecessor, Auto’s 4S facility at Glenmarie, Shah Alam. at 4850 mm, it is still shorter than other Backed by a five-year warranty and free 7-seater SUVs and most E segment sedans, service for five years. bringing greater manoeuvrability and ease Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd is a of parking. However, a significantly longer joint venture between Sime Darby Motors wheelbase - an increase of 178 mm - proand SISMA Auto following SISMA’s acquisivides greater room and improved access tion of a 40 percent share in Sime Darby for rear passengers. The new Range Rover Motors’ Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. JagSport is also packed with smart technology uar Land Rover Malaysia has appointed Sime to ensure that drivers enjoy a relaxed and Darby Auto ConneXion and SISMA Auto as stress-free experience behind the wheel. dual-brand Jaguar Land Rover super dealers In the words of Nick Rogers, Vehicle Line Diacross Malaysia, taking advantage of more rector, Range Rover, “From the moment you than 50 years’ experience the respective climb aboard it is immediately obvious that partners have accumulated with Jaguar and the Range Rover Sport is better in every asLand Rover in Malaysia. pect. From the outset, it is clear how much www.landrover.com.my

July-August 2014

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Cover Story

From Athletics to Zorbing and everything in between, sport is a multi-billion dollar business with huge sums changing hands. Whether in the lucrative world of championship football, the craziness of competitive cycling, the drama of motor racing or simply a couple of kids knocking a shuttlecock over a net, sport is all around us.

Getting a nation inspired is no easy feat but it is starting to happen as countries, companies and citizens begin to recognise the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle. Our feature section has more.

! f f O Kick

t r o p bout S

All A

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Getting Across The Finish Line P

cubed has been involved in a number of iconic sporting events not least of which are the London 2012 Olympics, the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and more recently the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

As Cilia van Woensel of Pcubed Malaysia says, “The biggest challenge is that these types of initiatives have immovable deadlines. Also, for most major sporting events, a further major factor is that there is no permanent organising committee or delivery authority. We have to help build that organisation at the same time as we're delivering infrastructure for the specific event.”

For the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Pcubed worked alongside the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) from its formation in 2006, supporting it through its transition to mature operation. The initial scope involved the design of the Programme Management Office and then into developing the Programme Assurance function.

Stakeholder Management One of the major tasks was stakeholder management across a wide range of entities each with a differing agenda. Change management strategies were needed to manage this diversity. “This ranged from Olympic committees to local government officials to the many vendors supporting the Games. It was critical to keep them focused on a common goal and engaged over this long-term, multi-year programme.”

“A major undertaking was the relocation of overhead powerlines into 6km of underground tunnels and removal of 54 pylons.”

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Delivering some of the world’s most important sporting events demands a particular kind of expertise and experience. BMCC recently spoke with Cilia van Woensel, a senior consultant at Pcubed in Kuala Lumpur to learn more about the challenges involved and the criteria for success.

With Pcubed guidance, the ODA developed and deployed a streamlined value-for-money methodology for approving projects and then assisted the ODA to develop business cases for many key venues and for critical support programmes, such as Construction Logistics and Park Operations.

pylon removal programme, ensuring that site interface issues were resolved swiftly; and leading the development of an innovative building arts solution that maintained planning requirements whilst realising programme savings and satisfying stakeholder concerns.

Logistics Interfaces

Lasting Legacy

The Delivery Partner to ODA, responsible for the construction of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games venues and infrastructure, was CLM.

The third element of Pcubed’s involvement with London 2012 was with the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC). A joint venture between UK Government and the Mayor of London, OPLC was responsible for the development of a lasting legacy from the Games at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park site.

A major undertaking for CLM was the relocation of overhead powerlines into 6km of underground tunnels and removal of 54 pylons. It was a programme-critical workstream essential to the ongoing development of the Olympic Park site and the wider regeneration of the local area.

Complex project stakeholder arrangements, co-ordination of site logistics and the numerous interfaces between various contractors were among the challenges to be managed.

Pcubed provided CLM with experienced project management resource to resolve the complex interface issues and guide the Power-Lines-Under-Ground (PLUG) project to a controlled completion.

Pcubed responsibilities included: acting as Project Manager for the delivery of the

With multiple Founder Member signatories, OPLC faced a significant challenge in securing project approvals in a timely manner to achieve successful project delivery.

Facing its first spending review settlement, OPLC had an urgent requirement to get approvals in place and establish company processes for business case production before the Games. With a portfolio of over 50 projects ranging from Real Estate development to sustainable Parks & Venues, there were further challenges around the development of an overarching business plan and being able to substantiate the spending review submission.

Cover Story

5 Principles of Big Events 1. Integrate the organising bodies early on.

2. Keep the end state in mind from the start.

3. Avoid early independence of projects.

4. Engender an appetite for organisational change.

5. Baseline early.

OPLC required a complete HMG-Compliant appraisal methodology to be developed and implemented in order to ensure robust justifications of business plan spend. During a twelve-week period, with Pcubed assistance, OPLC stabilised activity and issues and implemented a long-term sustainable methodology.

Capturing Synergies According to Cilia, since Pcubed began with its first client Ford Motor Company in 1994, the firm has delivered real business transformation through a deep expertise in complex portfolio, programme and project management. Its approach is based firmly in the disciplines of robust and flexible programme and portfolio management.

“Our project resourcing is tailored to client needs and consists of pragmatic consultants and experienced executives - with the flexibility and intuition that comes from working across multiple sectors, functions and locations. We help clients focus on capturing synergies quickly, ensuring strategic alignment and avoiding the risk of misallocated resources and subsequent value erosion.”

More than 80 percent of new business is derived from existing clients that rely on Pcubed to help them manage the complexity of their programmes and key initiatives over multiple engagements.

“Twenty years on, Ford Motor Company is still a major client today and one of our many long-term global clients.”

Regional Strategy Pcubed opened its Malaysia office in 2011, a year after its first venture into the region in Singapore in 2010. The firm now has operations in Hong Kong, Singapore, Jakarta, Manila and Kuala Lumpur.

In Malaysia, Pcubed began its work with a series of interesting projects in the insurance sector, which ultimately led to supporting the same client in its highly successful sales process. Pcubed also worked on the integration of Exxon Mobil assets when they were sold to Petron to form the fourth largest oil and gas downstream operator in Malaysia.

•

The 20th Games

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6,500 athletes

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71 nations

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17 sports ranging from Athletics to Wrestling and a lot more in between

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12 venues

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11 days - 23rd July to 3rd August

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1 city

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Global audience of 1.5 billion people

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1 million live spectators

“Public and private operations in Malaysia need strong and reliable programme managers to design, manage and build their projects and programmes in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.

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More than 58,000

“We see a high demand for programme management professionals to look at the numerous initiatives in Malaysia, from new rulings of Bank Negara to be implemented to the huge oil & gas programmes like RAPID. Currently we are engaged with several projects in Malaysia.”

monwealth Games - the big-

“Our strategy for Southeast Asia is simple.

We are creating highly experienced and knowledgeable country-based delivery hubs with a mix of local and international project managers who can work on complex transformation projects across industry and situation.”

Future Prospects On the potential that Malaysia offers, Cilia says the scope is enormous ranging from a series of government initiatives around infrastructure and education to major local and international corporates with a portfolio of special projects they need to complete successfully.

Email: cilia.vanwoensel@pcubed.com

volunteers That is the Glasgow 2014 Comgest sporting event in Scotland for a generation, putting Glasgow at the centre of the sporting world.

www.pcubed.com

www.glasgow2014.com

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Creating A Stage D

uring the build-up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, much of the public fascination and media attention was devoted - understandably - to the grand venues of the Olympic Park, as they arose from their foundations.

There is, though, a whole other dimension to the enterprise, where the goals were been durability, adaptability and post-event usefulness to the community - where the ideals have in fact been an absence of legacy and minimal disruption to the pre-existing site.

This is the world of the Games’ temporary venues and facilities, over 120 of them spread throughout London and other parts of the UK. It is an area where Atkins was deeply and widely active, providing services across many engineering disciplines, including civil, structural, electrical, public health, air conditioning, cooling, fire & accessibility and acoustics.

In collaboration with a venue-design team from the architects Populous, Allies & Morrison and Lifschutz Davidson, Atkins worked with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games’ (LOCOG) project- and cost-managers to create an entire range of integrated venue-designs.

International Competitions, National Treasures One of the distinctive features of the 2012 Games planning was the way it embraced London’s historic cityscape rather than treat it as a problem. To take but one example, spectators at beach volleyball were able to witness the action set against the18th-century Palladian splendour of Horse Guards.

An even grander spectacle, though, was planned for the Royal Park at Greenwich, the designated temporary venue for the equestrian competitions. It is a World Heritage Site, not least because of its unique global importance since the 1880s: home to the Meridian, dictating the world’s time zones. Such grandeur and weight of history, in combination with the park’s topography - all 74 hectares of it - did, however, pose a conundrum for the planning of an equestrian event.

Dressage and show jumping require a flat, firm surface, which allows horse and rider to perform at their best. But the designated area in front of the Queen’s House slopes by nearly 4 metres from one end to the other.

The challenge for Atkins was to come up with a scheme to create a temporary, level, Olympic-standard field of play, while not damaging the fragile historic site. The result would also need to be capable of being erected and dismantled very quickly in order to minimise disruption to the normal use of the Royal Park, and to fulfil the exacting criteria of the Games’ Temporary Materials Guidelines.

The solution, in the end, was an unprecedented one for equestrian sports, made possible through considerable ingenuity and lateral thinking: an elevated platform, consisting of a lightweight steel frame and suspended timber deck, good enough to mimic the qualities of the actual ground.

Tests found that when a horse jumped there was a small vibration in the deck.

The damping effect of the structure caused the vibration to stop while the horse was in midair and dissipate by the time horse and rider horse landed.

Good Vibrations The Equestrian Federation (FEI) was concerned that the proposed temporary platform might be too bouncy and that the consequent disturbance to the horses might affect their performance adversely.

Atkins accordingly went through several design iterations and mock-ups with the supplier of the platform, The Structure Group, to optimise the design and deaden the vibration. The FEI asserted that the response factor or measure of vibration from the deck would need to be similar to that felt if the riders and horses were jumping on solid ground.

Atkins’ engineers had to think laterally, because such a temporary suspended equestrian surface had not been attempted before. The winning iteration turned out to be a proprietary timber deckon-steel substructure, capable of being jacked up and down to provide a perfectly even surface.

Office Floor To Field Of Play As part of its effort to fine-tune the platform’s response, Atkins brought in engineers from its structural dynamics team.

Atkins used the latest guidance on the vibration of floors and drew on the considerable research in this area which has focused mainly on office-floor design, because ever increasing spans have generated more responsive floors.

The vibrations from the temporary deck were already low but Atkins undertook further research on how to reduce them further and made comparisons with other floor specifications with very low response factors. Atkins then applied these principles of structural dynamics to the more subjective, less predictable world of horses’ sensitivities. Atkins measured the responses from the show jumping surface at the London International Horse Show at Olympia to provide the baseline for comparisons.

At various times during the design phases three mock-up platforms were built to measure the response factors. Each of these prototypes was tested by international show jumpers and the feedback was taken into account, the design ultimately achieving a positive seal of approval from event competitors.

In the test decks, the structural legs were placed at different spacings to find the optimum position to reduce vibration and

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Cover Story The designated area slopes by nearly 4 metres from one end to the other. The challenge for Atkins was to come up with a scheme to create a temporary, level, Olympic-standard field of play, without damaging the fragile historic site.

Keeping It Green In line with the green credentials underpinning the 2012 Games, sustainability in method and materials needed to be uppermost in planning across the temporary venues. The desire was to minimise an estimated 400,000 tonnes of embodied carbon that the Games was predicted to generate around half of it a product of the temporary venues.

Developed by Atkins in partnership with the architects Populous, the Temporary Materials Guidelines offered a kit-ofparts approach, setting out a hierarchy of materials, from seating stands and tents to portable cabins. This ensured that the temporary venues were simpler to build than they otherwise would be and consumed fewer materials.

The Guidelines gave guidance as to principles for choosing materials. Designers were encouraged to ask whether human supervision or a ‘passive’ technique - such as natural ventilation instead of a cooling system, or thermal properties versus a heating plant - could do away with the need for a materialsbased solution.

The lightweight steel frame and suspended timber deck as designed by Atkins. Steel footings protected the ground on the World Heritage Site. During the testing engineers were on hand to measure vibrations and make the necessary adjustments.

the base plates on the ground were replaced with larger ones to spread the weight of the deck and reduce the impact on the historic site. The testing found that when the horses jumped, the deck initially vibrated, but when they landed on the other side of the fence the vibration had stopped because of the damping of the structure.

It was a scenario acceptable to the FEI. It is a truism about the Olympic and Paralympic Games that the participants compete on a world stage. At the 2012 Games though, for the first time, competitors in the equestrian events were able to compete on an actual stage, made possible through the structuralengineering innovation led by Atkins.

www.atkinsglobal.com

The next priority was to rent. Where not possible to rent, the question became: could materials be made from recycled or reusable components - and might the seller agree to buy back the materials at the end of the Games for a reduced price?

When this was not available, the Guidelines stipulated that an end use should be found for materials wherever possible, even down to the light switches. If that were unavailable, might the material be recycled - and if ordered in a ‘raw’ form (ie with no paint or laminate finishes), would that ease the recycling? Might the material fulfil a useful, permanent role at the site after all? Could it be donated to, say, a local sports club? Could it be converted into energy?

When it came to waste, Atkins worked with government guidance on how to reduce waste in design, for example by developing strategies for ‘just-in-time’ delivery, to reduce packaging. For the temporary equestrian venue at Greenwich Park, the criteria of the Temporary Materials Guidelines operated across not only the field of play, but also the 23,000-seat temporary arena and supporting stabling and spectator facilities.

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Investment In Technology

First For Fitness S

ince the beginning of the year, Fitness First has embarked on a comprehensive rebranding programme. Born out of the UK some 20 years ago, the Group now has a global reach with nearly 400 clubs located in 16 countries including UK, Germany, Middle East, Australia and SE Asia.

While the Group had a first mover advantage for many years, being one of the first in the industry to offer quality fitness facilities and professional service, there have been many changes in the fitness industry.

Hugely capital intensive and increasingly fiercely competitive, the market in many of its strong territories were either becoming saturated or no longer sustainable.

Simon Flint, CEO of Fitness First Asia, says.

“The changing trends in the market caused us to re-evaluate our offering and our goals.

Our vision has always been to Be The Best and we needed to look at how to regain that market leader position. We have reengineered our value proposition. Yes there is a new logo, a new look and feel but it goes way beyond that. The key theme behind the repositioning is to encourage people to lead an active lifestyle.”

With a new bold red ‘F’ logo said to symbolise “passion, energy and strength”, the underlying aim is to create an atmosphere where members feel supported, encouraged and confident enough to use all the equipment and machines at the gyms.

Based on extensive research conducted as part of the rebranding, the Group is also aiming to provide a more personal experience to members that will help motivate them rather than just providing a venue.

A more holistic approach to help members stick to their fitness goals is being adopted.

As such the Group has invested heavily in its own inventory to provide a more interactive fitness experience for its members.

Some of this technology is present in the new Fitness First Training App for mobile which enables members to track their progress against training goals. The App offers features including food plans and workout regimes and can integrate with other fitness Apps so users can link their gym activity with other exercise they may do.

It also has plans for a “Bioage” service that will show members the difference between their chronological age and their fitness age and build an appropriate exercise programme to help people improve their fitness.

The data from the fitness programmes can be fed to wearable technology so that members can monitor and manage their fitness programme no matter where they are.

They can also share their achievements with their friends if they wish.

New freestyle group training sessions have also been introduced to appeal to those who may not necessarily enjoy using gym machines or conventional class sessions. “The training is designed to be fun and replicates daily activities such as going upstairs, carrying heavy bags, picking things up off the floor, stretching up for things etc.”

Understanding Fitness Another initiative will see all Fitness First employees fitness-certified by 2015, not just the trainers, everyone. As Simon says with 4,000 employees worldwide that’s a big programme, one that has already begun in Asia.

“Our view is that if people are going to work for a company that encourages members to follow a healthy, active lifestyle, they should understand what’s involved. We want to motivate members with the right balance of training, nutrition and motivation. Our personal trainers and staff members will raise the bar in delivering positive messages of self-belief and confidence to go further in life.”

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Cover Story “Yes there is a new logo, a new look and feel, but it goes way beyond that. The underlying theme behind the rebranding is to encourage people to lead an active lifestyle and to build their confidence.”

Marketing Mix The Group has also increased its marketing activities two-fold. As a part of this, it has teamed up with Imagine Group again to launch Fit For Fashion, a reality TV show with a difference. “We worked with Imagine for two seasons of the Biggest Loser series. Now we want to broaden our appeal in line with our value proposition of building people’s confidence, inspiring them to go further.”

The 10-week series, which has been filmed in Malaysia, will see the contestants who hail from all four corners of the world battle it out to become the winner and take home a juicy cash prize. The programme, which is supported by the UK’s GREAT campaign, is hosted by two inspirational fitness leaders and two fashion icons.

www.fitnessfirst.com.my

In terms of clubs in Malaysia, there are currently 13 here with one additional one to be opened soon. The Group has allocated RM12 million this year to upgrade four outlets here - Avenue K, The Curve, 1Mont Kiara and Empire Subang - and will open its 14th at Gardens later in the year. Currently membership in Malaysia stands at 30,500 and the aim is to grow this by 10 percent.

In terms of playing a larger role in developing fitness standards and involvement in Malaysia, Fitness First stands ready to support the Government’s agenda to get more Malaysians to lead a more active lifestyle and pay more attention to their nutrition. The Group was one of the first to offer corporate membership programmes when it first opened in Malaysia ten years ago. “It is hoped that the Government may acknowledge the role that exercise has in reducing stress and improving productivity among the workforce perhaps by introduc-

ing reliefs as has been the case in other countries.”

The Group estimates that only 5 percent of Southeast Asia’s population are currently members of a health and fitness club, compared to 30 percent in more established markets like the US and 15 percent in Europe. As such, the Group’s owners, US hedge fund Oaktree Capital Management and Marathon Asset Management, are keen to open up 50 more outlets in Southeast Asia from the current 88 clubs.

Expansion plans are focused on Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines and Thailand, with particular focus on Singapore and Thailand, the chain’s strongest Asian markets. It has also set aside more than RM130 million (US$40 million) to upgrade existing clubs in the region.

With all this activity, the Group looks set to be on its way to Be The Best in its field.

Each week, the contestants are put through their paces in a number of challenges – both physical and fashion-related. The series airs over StarWorld HD beginning in October and will then go free to air after that. “Our goal is to grow the category and market share and the reach that this platform gives us is enormous.”

Inventory Upgrade The Group is also introducing a new tier of Club that goes above and beyond its Premier and Platinum categories. Focused on all-round executive wellness, the new facility will be by invitation only.

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Engaging Experience Standard Chartered’s name has appeared on the Liverpool Football Club shirts since July 2010. Originally a four year sponsorship deal, the Bank has now extended the contract for a further two years until the end of the 2015-16 season. We spoke to Christopher Domitter, Head of Corporate Affairs at Standard Chartered Bank in Malaysia, to find out more about the partnership and what it means for the Bank.

“

Sponsorship is not about raising awareness anymore. Just because the deal is done and the logo appears on a shirt or a billboard, it doesn’t stop there. In fact, it starts there and goes far beyond that or should do if it’s the right kind of tie-up.”

It all starts with the premise. For Standard Chartered, sponsorship is a platform or vehicle to access specific audiences and market sectors, each of which may vary in terms of sophistication.

“Signing a sponsorship arrangement is just the beginning. It’s what happens after that that counts. English Premier League has a huge following in our key markets of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. And Liverpool is a hugely popular team with a massive fanbase in those markets. The partnership with Liverpool allows us access to some of the most successful players in football history, past and present, so we can create a host of unique experiences for our customers and clients.”

Successful sponsorship is all about taking a holistic view. “The partnership needs to deliver activation value for customers – we need to know what’s in it for them, not just for us.” It also needs to provide engagement value for employees. Why sport? Football in particular? The audience is global, universal if you will.

The tie-up proving extremely popular across Standard Chartered’s international markets. Witness the thousands of supporters who came out in force to meet their heroes in person during the Club’s very successful 2013 pre-season tour which visited Jakarta, Melbourne and Bangkok. The two-year extension of the deal is a clear indication of the value that is being derived.

Community Engagement Another key element of any sponsorship is community engagement. Liverpool has a similar heritage to the Bank – over 100 years of history, strong values and a determination to give back to the local community.

“This has enabled us to partner on a number of community initiatives. We've taken

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Liverpool FC coaches to a dozen of our markets – Kenya, Korea, India and Dubai, to name a few – where they have run soccer clinics for disadvantaged and visually impaired children.”

There are 39 million blind people worldwide, yet in eight out of ten cases, blindness can be prevented or treated. Through simple treatments and affordable surgery, it is possible to transform the lives of both children and adults, benefiting not only those who receive treatment, but also their families. It is one of the most cost-effective health interventions with a cataract operation, for instance, costing as litle as RM100.

To raise awareness and funds for those living with preventable eye diseases, Standard Chartered has so far partnered with the Club on three occasions to change the logo on their famous red home shirts with the logo of its Seeing is Believing initiative.

“Signing a sponsorship arrangement is just the beginning. It’s what happens after that that counts.”

“These kind of initiatives have helped raised significant funds over the years for communities in need.”

This year the Club worked with the Bank to raise awareness for Seeing is Believing by releasing a series of videos, pitting players, legends and celebrities against each other.

These videos formed the basis of a competition to win signed Seeing is Believing Liverpool FC shirts.

The highlight of the week-long campaign was the match against Tottenham Hotspur FC at the end of March, where Liverpool FC achieved a compelling victory with a final score of 4-0. After the game, five limited edition player shirts from the match were auctioned to raise money for Seeing is Believing with all donations matched by Standard Chartered.

Building Aspirations Another initiative is the Standard Chartered Trophy Road to Anfield, a five-a-side Futsal Tournament, now in its third year. Teams from the UK, Asia, Middle East and North Africa compete to take part for the dream chance to represent their country on Liverpool FC’s home pitch, Anfield. In Malaysia, the tournament is championed by 1Malaysia for Youth (iM4U). This year over 800 teams from around the country signed up to compete against each other in the knock out rounds and regional finals.

The winning team, TOT from Selangor, were then invited to train with legendary former Liverpool FC players John Barnes and Ian Rush ahead of their finals. “This kind of experience for these young players is unique. Regardless of who ends up winning the Trophy - which this year was team Vietnam – it’s all about taking part and building aspirations.

Inspiring Future Generations One of Standard Chartered other major community events is the KL Marathon which recently scooped a Platinum Award in the Kuala Lumpur Mayor’s Tourism Awards 2014.

With registration already oversubscribed for this year’s event which takes place in October, the KL Marathon has taken the city by storm.

Now in its 6th year, this year some 35,000 runners from Malaysia and nearly 50 other countries will take to streets to compete in a series of categories right up to full Marathon distance. “The vision of the event is to encourage commitment to a healthy lifestyle, enhance people’s confidence, and celebrate the courage of participants.”

www.sc.com

Cover Story

Below: Moveable Tier & Seats Bottom:Temporary supports to steel structure

Stress Management B

uilding iconic sports facilities involves multiple challenges. Opened recently to much acclaim, the National Stadium at the new multi-purpose Singapore Sports Hub is crowned by a dramatic roof structure along with a number of other ground-breaking features. Evan Ho, Regional Manager, Tony Gee and Partners Sdn Bhd, outlines some of the challenges involved with its construction.

Located at the former National Stadium site in Kallang, the Stadium is a part of the new Sports Hub which also includes the OCBC Aquatic Centre, OCBC Arena, Singapore Sports Museum, Sports Hub library, Kallang Wave shopping mall and the current Singapore Indoor Stadium, as well as a Water Sports Centre at the adjacent Kallang Basin.

The Government client overseeing this Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project is the Singapore Sports Council with Dragages Singapore Pte Ltd engaged as Design & Build Partner. Other partners included Global Spectrum Asia for venue operations, UGL Services for facility management, and World Sport Group for commercial rights and sports events. The major equity shareholder is InfraRed Capital based in London.

The National Stadium is currently the only one in the world which has mechanised and automated retractable seating configurations on the lowest tier. This enables the hosting of football, rugby, cricket, athletics, concerts, cultural and other entertainment purposes at any point of time.

With a maximum seating capacity of 55,000 for football and rugby, 52,000 for cricket and 50,000 spectators for athletics events, it only takes approximately 48 hours to reconfigure seating arrangements to suit an upcoming event.

Tony Gee and Partners was engaged by Yongnam Engineering and Construction (Pte) Ltd for the Construction Engineering and Temporary Works design of the fixed roof erection for the Stadium. The firm also provided site supervision services throughout construction.

The team at Tony Gee and Partners faced some unique challenges on this project. Not least of these were: the height of the arch above the playing surface, the weight of the critical components, the complexity of making connections in highly irregular 3-D trusses, the movements that occurred during assembly and the methods needed to ensure the steelwork was in the correct location at the end of construction.

The incorporation of a movable section of roof into the design demanded closer tolerances than are common for a structure of this type. With its heavy architectural influence, the roof spans a total of 340 metres about each principal axis giving spectators a completely unimpeded view of events.

The structural members are tubular steel trusses, the connections of which demand high quality fabrication and very accurate site assembly.

The roof skeleton was propped from temporary trestles during construction, the tallest being 70 metres high. Others were supported from the concrete terracing structure which reduced their height but limited the allowable reactions at these locations. The geometry of the part-built structure was carefully controlled to ensure the correct fit-up of components and an acceptable distribution of locked-in stress when the structure was complete.

The changes of shape that occurred as construction progessed were monitored continually so that significant discrepancies could be identified early and appropriate remedial action taken. The control of geometry of large, complex components so high above the ground involved a major surveying exercise.

The temporary works were designed using existing ‘standard’ equipment that the client already owned and had used before on other projects. Thus the demand for new material was kept to an absolute minimum, a sustainable benefit. The whole scheme was designed to minimise the locked-in stresses while maintaining the stability of the erected structure. Key factors to be considered in the design of the trestles was making them too rigid (which would therefore attract more load) and making them too flexible (in which case stability and geometry control were at risk). Few projects have to face this problem.

The assembly was completed without any major difficulty, within the required tolerances and, as such, the Construction Engineering and Temporary Works designs can be seen to have been highly successful. Tony Gee and Partners has since been shortlisted for this year’s BCIA Awards for this project.

[Photos courtesy of Singapore Sports Hub, copyright reserved]

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Cover Story

It’s Complicated As the 2014 FIFA World Cup concludes, attention will turn to the English Premier League (EPL) and the Football League. Graham Kendall provides some insights on what’s involved generating the all-important fixture list.

I

nterest in the EPL is historically high in Malaysia, with Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal being among the most supported teams. After the last minute goal

by Bobby Zamora for QPR in the Championship play-off final, Malaysia has an even greater interest in the EPL what with Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, of Air Asia fame, being the majority shareholder of QPR. Of course, this is tempered by the fact that Cardiff City, owned by Tan Sri Dato' Seri Vincent Tan Chee Yioun, were relegated from the EPL.

It’s Complicated Once the relegation and promotion issues have been resolved, the focus quickly switches to the fixtures for the next season. These were announced on in mid-June, typically accompanied by criticism from the fans who feel that their team have an unfair schedule, or their rival team has an easier schedule. Producing the fixture lists for the EPL and the Football League, the four major divisions in England, is not as straightforward as it may appear however.

There are a number of aspects which have to be respected, else the fixtures are not valid. The most obvious one being that each team must play every other team, both home and away. This is known as a double round robin tournament. Knowing that we have a double round robin tournament, for each division, enables us to easily calculate the total number of fixtures (excluding play offs) that make up a complete season. This works out to be a total of 2036 games.

Other factors that have to be considered may not be quite so obvious. Over the Christmas and New Year period, for example, the distance that the teams, and thus the fans, travel is the shortest when compared against other times in the season.

The fixtures also incorporate a pairing system. This identifies teams, and sometimes more than two, that cannot play at home on the same day. For example, Manchester United and Manchester City are paired; as are Liverpool and Everton. Some of the pairings are between teams in different divisions, so it is not possible to schedule each division independently. Teams are paired in order to reduce the problems of policing those fixtures.

If the two Manchester teams play at home on the same day for example, that would mean four sets of supporters in the city something the police would like to avoid.

It is not always possible to avoid all paired teams playing at home on the same day, but it is an important factor when generating the fixture lists.

Another factor to be considered are home/ away patterns. Ideally, teams should play at home and then away for their next fixture; or vice versa. It is not possible to do this for every team but long runs of home or away fixtures are generally to be avoided.

How It Could Be Done Whether tackling football fixtures, logistics, supply chain management, vehicle

routing, or an almost infinite number of other problems, the first task is to develop a mathematical model. This is usually the most challenging part of the whole process.

Once a model exists, we usually test it on small instances of the problem, so that we can validate it. Once we scale up to realworld instances of the problem, there are many tools available that we hope will produce solutions that are acceptable to the end user. It is not often possible to produce the optimal (ie best) solution to a problem.

Many of these solution methodologies are based on Darwin’s principle of survival of the fittest. Rather than trying to write a computer programme to produce a solution to the problem, we generate a population of potential solutions and then let evolutionary processes evolve solutions, in the same way that evolution shapes the world around us. It is surprising how effective this approach can be.

Even if we do not resort to evolutionary approaches, there are still a plethora of other techniques available, and part of the skill of Operations Research is choosing the most appropriate method for a given problem.

About The Author: Graham Kendall is a Professor of Computer Science at University of Nottingham and currently Vice-Provost (Research & Knowledge Transfer) at the Malaysia campus. A Fellow of the British Computer Society and of the Operational Research Society, he is also a member of the Automated Scheduling, Optimisation & Planning (ASAP) Research Group.

Research interests include Operational Research, Evolutionary Computing, Scheduling, Cutting & Packing, Timetabling, Logistics and Vehicle Routing.

He is also CEO of MyResearch Sdn Bhd, a company with MIDA R&D status, which enables Malaysian-based companies to invest in R&D in a tax efficient way. He has written several papers on the topic of sports scheduling. Anyone interested in learning more about scheduling and operations research in general invited to get in touch. www.graham-kendall.com

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Cover Story

Tee Time s t s i m e r T X T

he line between insanity and genius is said to be a fine one, and in early 20th Century France, anyone envisaging a near 2,500-km cycle race across the country would have been widely viewed as unhinged. But Géo Lefèvre, a journalist with L’Auto magazine, pushed ahead with his inspired plan. His editor, Henri Desgrange, was bold enough to believe in the idea and to throw his backing behind what was to become known as the Tour de France. And so it was, on 1 July 1903, that 60 pioneers set out on their bicycles from Montgeron. After six mammoth stages, only 21 “routiers” - just one third - made it to the end of this first epic.

Now, more than a century later, the Tour de France remains the most gruelling competition of all sports. Nearly 3,665 kilometres, ridden over three weeks across all terrains in all weathers. It’s brutal. From the steep inclines and long pulls of the Yorkshire Dales, where this year’s Tour began, to the treacherous cobblestones of Northern France and on down to the breathtaking – literally – summits of the mountain stages in the Alps.

The Tour eats up victims like a hungry boy at breakfast. In this year’s first stage, sprinter extraordinaire Mark Cavendish went down with a broken collarbone. Then 2013 champion Chris Froome had to withdraw after crashing for the second straight day.

Aside from providing some thrilling action, the Tour has also inspired a new generation of wannabe “Tour-ists” to leave the couch and push their bodies to the limit, while clad in lycra and space-age helmets, astride equally super hi-tech machines.

Forget BASE jumping, kite-surfing or snowboarding. The Tour de France. That’s the original extreme sport.

F

orget the torrential rain and the scorching heat! Indoor Golf has arrived in the heart of the city – in the comfortable setting of the 5-star luxury Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur Hotel (below). Located on Level 3, the facility features impeccably realistic golf simulation in a relaxed casual atmosphere. Seasoned golfers or novices alike can play an indoor round at a choice of over 50 different courses.

The technology used is that favoured by some of the greatest golfers in the industry, from PGA Tour pros to renowned instructors. Known as 3Trak, it is the first and only reference-quality laboratory level and commercially available launch tracking system. It provides unyielding dynamic performance and pinpoint accuracy for every element of the golf ball and club at launch. Recognised by major golf clubs for its accuracy, robustness and versatility, 3Trak is the only simulator launch engine that will precisely measure ball and club kinematics on every plane.

Players will be able to choose from any of the three golf simulators on site and enjoy playing at their own pace in luxurious yet casual comfort.

Indoor Golf at Mandarin Oriental also features the latest 7-series POWER PLATE, scientifically proven for its potential for widespread therapeutic and health benefits for all: from high-performance athletes to the elderly or those simply wishing to improve their general health and fitness.

A VIP Simulator Room is available at RM245+ per hour per room and there is also an unlimited day rate at RM195+ per person per room which entitles guests to unlimited play for up to 12 hours. Golf lessons are available from RM150+ for 30 minutes. A golf lounge serving a variety of imported and local beverages and snacks complete with live sports on big screen TVs is also available.

The facility is also well-suited for corporate team building, orientation, customer brand and relationship building, private functions and special events.

For details on rates and services offered or reservations, call +603 2380 8888 or email golf@moindoorgolf.com

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Cover Story

Grassroots Action P

roviding a pathway for youngsters to access a sport, grow their interest and enhance their skills is a vital part of sports development. While government organisations and educational institutions have a significant responsibility to fulfill in this area, sport in the community makes an important contribution to this process.

Everyone knows how popular football is in Malaysia. However, it may come as some surprise to learn that the sport of rugby – that’s the one with the funny shaped ball…. is played in around 1,000 schools across the country, from Alor Star to Johor Bahru. The under 9’s play touch rugby, while the older ones – and yes not just boys, girls play too – play the full contact version of the game.

There are several organisations on the local scene that work to bring rugby to the grassroots and help youngsters get that allimportant step up to the next level of the sport. For the most part, these organisations operate on an entirely voluntary basis with individuals giving their time and many contributing funds to run the clubs.

One such organisation is KL Saracens. First established as Bintang Rugby Club in 2007, the Club now has 400 plus active junior players aged from as young as four years

old up to 18, some 80 percent of whom are Malaysian.

As of November last year, KL Saracens became part of the Saracens Global Network, a growing family of leading clubs sharing the same ambition and values. Others currently in the network are in Moscow, Abu Dhabi, Tonga, Kenya, Brazil and Seattle.

As a member of this Network, KL Saracens receives visits from Saracens senior and community coaches and has access to regular advice and guidance in all areas of the game. In June this year, the youngsters had the opportunity to train twice with international legends. First with former All Black Eric Rush and former England players Richard Hill and Ben Kay and then a few days later with Rory Teague, the Saracens Academy coach.

The club participates in Malaysian and international tournaments all year-round and also hosts its own tournaments, with the first one held in 2008. This year’s event, which took place in January, saw a total of 156 teams from all around Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Macau and Sri Lanka descend on KL to play rugby. Over 2,300 youngsters took part in more than 480 games played across 10 age groups from Under-7 to Under-18.

One of the leading protagonists behind the Tournament and of KL Saracens in general is Paul Tipton. He is one of some 40 volunteers who somehow find the time and energy to run coaching sessions, organise tours and project manage the Tournament. The coaches are IRB qualified and many have either been players at one time or still are.

“One key differentiator is among those candidates who have spent time overseas - it tells a potential employer that they are adaptable, they can take a risk, and that at a young age they can thrive abroad.”

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“We all enjoy seeing how the kids develop over time. Even though only a few may go on to pursue a career in the sport, it’s great to witness the enthusiasm and everyone working together as a team.”

In 2011, the club created a senior team to provide a pathway for its youth players to transition all the way to the top level of rugby in Malaysia and perhaps beyond. This year, nine youngsters will have the experience of a lifetime when they head to New Zealand for a training programme at the Inside Running Academy. “They will train just like the pros do and work with a conditioning coach and a physio,” says Paul.

Other clubs very active on the local scene include the KL Tigers, also a volunteerbased organisation that takes boys and girls from as young as 4 years old up to 18, as well as Senior Men, Women and Veterans.

With the Rugby 7’s at the upcoming Commonwealth Games promising some fast and furious action, the teams, including Malaysia, will try their best to wrest the Gold away from long-term champions New Zealand. Whatever the outcome, everyone involved in bringing rugby to the community – volunteers and juniors alike – will be inspired and ready to tackle their next challenge.

Cover Story

Inspiring Passion

F

ew players can claim to have had as big an impact on Rugby World Cups as England’s Jonny Wilkinson. Having racked up no fewer than 277 points, he is the tournament’s all-time leading point scorer.

Jonny Wilkinson with the Webb Ellis Trophy, the ultimate prize in Rugby

The eighth Rugby World Cup, which takes place in 2015, will return to the original home of the game - England. England was chosen to host the competition in July 2009, beating rival bids from Italy, Japan and South Africa.

Twenty teams have qualified and the first match kicks off on 18 September at Twickenham. The action returns there for the final which will take place on 31 October when the William Webb Ellis trophy will be claimed by the next Champions.

Who will it be this time? Can the All Blacks retain the title? Or will South Africa return to take victory as they did in 2007? Or can we dare to dream that England can be crowned once again....?!

He can look back at a glittering international career that spanned four campaigns between 1999 and 2011, including a Rugby World Cup winner’s medal in 2003. Along the way, despite being beset by injury, he remained totally committed, utterly professional and, frankly, inspirational.

On 31 May 2014, Wilkinson finally hung up his boots in professional rugby, but not without first achieving after a fairy tale season with Toulon FC, which saw the French outfit crowned both domestic and European champions. For many though, Wilkinson’s greatest achievements came in an England shirt and, in particular, on the Rugby World Cup stage.

Reaching The Pinnacle Wilkinson made his first appearance at a Rugby World Cup against Italy on 2 October, 1999. He was in imperious form, scoring a try as well as kicking five penalties and six conversions, going on to feature twice more at RWC 1999. But the best was yet to come.

England arrived in Australia for RWC 2003 full of expectation on the back of a successful tour of the southern hemisphere. After beating Georgia 84-6, and recording a decisive 25-6 victory over South Africa, a score which included 20 points from Wilkinson’s boot, England were then confronted by and overcame the formidable Samoans.

In the quarter finals, England survived a further scare, this time in the shape of Wales, managing a final score of 28-17, again with

the help of 23 points from Wilkinson. In the semi-final against France, Wilkinson scored all of England’s points in a 24-7 victory to set up the showdown with the tournament hosts and reigning champions Australia.

The RWC 2003 Final was to cement Wilkinson’s immortality in English rugby, after slotting a last-gasp drop goal deep into extra-time in what is arguably the most exciting Rugby World Cup Final ever played. For the first time ever, a northern hemisphere side were crowned champions. Wilkinson finished RWC 2003 as the tournament’s leading point scorer with 113 points.

Legendary Play Maker Wilkinson played for England in the next two Rugby World Cups - in 2007 when the team reached the final against South Africa and in 2011 in New Zealand. The quarter final showdown against France at Eden Park on 8 October, 2011 was to be Wilkinson’s last appearance at a Rugby World Cup. Shortly after, he announced his retirement from international rugby to focus on his club career.

RWC 2015 Role The next Rugby World Cup takes place in England! Games will be hosted in 10 cities across England and also in Cardiff. Alongside Lawrence Dallaglio, Will Greenwood and Maggie Alphonsi, Wilkinson is one of the four tournament ambassadors and is already involved in the build-up.

"This is going to be a huge celebration of rugby, and give many people the opportunity to experience the game for the first time. Rugby World Cups provide amazing moments and unforgettable memories. I know RWC 2015 is going to be fantastic!”

www.rugbyworldcup.com

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New Members

A warm welcome to our new members!

AECOM Global provider of professional technical and management support services to broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government. Over 40 years’ local experience In Malaysia, and more than 600 staff in offices across KL, Petaling Jaya, Johor Bahru, Penang and Kuching. Provides integrated solutions incorporating master planning, economic planning, engineering design & consultancy, quantity surveying, landscape architecture and environmental management.

Service provider to Malaysia’s Economic Transformation Programme, playing lead role in major projects such as Klang Valley MRT, Penang Second Bridge, Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit Link and PTP. Suite 2A, Level 2, Tower Block, Menara KLK, 1 Jalan PJU 7/6, Mutiara Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya. Tel: +603 7863 7800 Fax: +603 7863 7900 Email: askmalaysia@aecom.com www.aecom.com Scott Dunn - Vice President & Director of Development

Henry Butcher Malaysia Sdn Bhd Member of GoIndustry DoveBid International Asset Consultants. Established in 1987 and operating from 25 offices around Malaysia with further presence across ASEAN through equity participation in asset management firm in Thailand, full office in Cambodia and cooperation with associates in Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong and UK. Consultancy services in real estate and plant & machinery covering valuation, estate agency, investment advisory, project marketing, international marketing, market research, development consultancy, asset management, retail consultancy, leasing and management and auctions. Pioneered auction of Malaysian artworks In 2008 and has held annual art auctions since, as well as providing consultancy to institutional and private collectors. Also provides Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) advice.

25, Jalan Yap Ah Shak, 50300 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: +603 2694 2212 Fax: +603 2694 5543 Email: admin@henrybutcher.com.my www.henrybutcher.com.my New allLim Eng Chong - Founding Director

Qatar Airways National carrier of State of Qatar, currently one of the fastest growing airlines serving over 140 destinations. Operating one of youngest fleets in the world including long-range Boeing 777, the new Boeing 787, Airbus A340, A330, A320 and A319 which includes a corporate jet configuration. Multi-award winning airline across several categories including World’s Best Business Class Airline in 2013. On board comforts include 180-degree horizontal flat beds on several aircraft configurations, with five-star service on board and on the ground. Now operating out of brand-new Hamad international airport in Doha. Member of oneworld Alliance since October 2013 with partnership arrangements with multiple airlines.

Tel: +603 2118 6084 Fax +603 2118 6001 www.qatarairways.com Emmanual Oswald - Country Manager, Malaysia & Brunei

OpenSymmetry Malaysia Sdn Bhd Global sales performance management (SPM) consulting firm delivering end-to-end solutions that integrate people, processes and technologies for aligning sales resources, improving decision-making and motivating behaviour. Clients range from SMB to Fortune 500 companies in Communications, Financial, Health/Life Sciences, and IT/Distribution industries. Providing performance management roadmaps consisting of strategic and technical services enabling customers to transform their sales performance solutions into actionable results.

J-3A-1, Soho KL, Solaris Mont Kiara, 50480, Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: +603 6206 3930 Email: contact_my@opensymmetry.com Anthony Hutchins - Vice-President & General Manager, APAC

The Roof Premium integrated F&B and entertainment hub offering over 50,000 sq feet of dining, entertainment and event space, spread over five outlets: MALT & LEAF: for cigar aficionados and discerning single malt enthusiasts. STRATOSPHERE: Asia’s only luxury bar located on infinity grassed helipad, providing unprecedented 360-degree view of the city and beyond. SIGNATURE: premium gastro-lounge serving award-winning signature cocktails and great selection of international premium beverages. PLAY: designer superclub and premium dance club with international DJs. SCORE: ultimate bar for sports enthusiasts.

Skylevel,1 First Avenue, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Tel: +6012 691 0628 www.theroof.com.my

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Members News Assistance App From ISOS Provides Vital Updates On The Move A new app from International SOS - Assistance App - helps travellers and expatriates in a wide range of situations by delivering crucial information, advice and connectivity into the palm of their hands and putting peace of mind into their pocket or handbag.

Key features include: •

Location check-in improves location accuracy by allowing business travellers to share their location with employers via the International SOS TravelTracker platform

•

Push Notifications that show travellers an alert, even if the app isn’t open

•

One-click dialling to the nearest Assistance Centre, even before logging-in. Great if you forget your membership number!

•

Mobile-friendly medical and travel security advice for trip preparation

•

Ability to store alerts when offline, or with data services switched off

•

Setting favourite countries for fast navigation to travellers’ most used information

Available for iOS, Android and Blackberry smartphones from app.internationalSOS.com.

Etihad Marks Major Milestone Launches Revolutionary New Cabins

Etihad Airways recently celebrated a major milestone as the fastest growing airline in commercial aviation history when it took delivery of its 100th and 101st aircraft on the same day. Later this year, the airline will also take delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A380 aircraft in October and December respectively.

These aircraft feature revolutionary new cabins, including for the first time in the airline industry, a luxurious self-contained three room cabin on the A380 known as ‘The Residence’ (pictured above). Featuring a separate living room, bathroom and double bedroom, the Residence is designed for up to two guests travelling together and offers the ultimate in luxury and privacy. Also on the A380 is First Apartment, a living space large enough to walk around in and featuring a wide armchair and ottoman which transitions into an 81-inch long bed.

Crown Fine Art Brings Vermeer Masterpiece Home Crown Fine Art has brought Johannes Vermeer’s masterpiece, Girl with a Pearl Earring, back home to the Mauritshuis in The Hague. The gallery, which is housed in a magnificent 17th century building, had spent the last two years under renovation including connecting an adjacent building and doubling its exhibition space.

During this time, the heart of the collection and one of the most iconic works of art in the Netherlands, Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, travelled across the world, accompanied by a number of other important artworks. Crown Fine Art handled the packing, crating and shipping of the travelling exhibition throughout. All the works of arts have now been reinstated in their newly-renovated home.

Crown Fine Art specialises in providing secure transportation, storage, installation and de-installation services for museums, art galleries, collectors and art institutions worldwide.

On Board the B787 Dreamliner, Etihad has incorporated First Suite, an exclusive space with personal wardrobe and space that allows another guest to join for dinner or a meeting. Business Studios available on both the A380 and B787 and offer a seat that converts into a comfortable fully-flat bed of up to 79-inches with special mattresses for bedtime comfort as well as many other features. www.etihad.com

ACCA & TalentCorp Launch Certify Me Now! Upskilling Initiative For Fresh Graduates ACCA has teamed up with Talent Corporation Malaysia (TalentCorp) to launch the Certify Me Now! Programme, a government funded upskilling initiative that will enable local fresh graduates to read the ACCA Qualification. The aim is to equip these graduates with the right competencies and experience to further enhance their employability in the competitive business environment.

Participants must be fresh graduates with less than 1 year of working experience; not registered as an ACCA student; in employment; completed a degree in Finance/Accounting from an ACCA accredited university in Malaysia; Malaysian citizens. Successful applicants will enjoy the following benefits: Waiver of initial registration fee (normally GBP79); Tuition fees funded by TalentCorp and an employer; Study/tuition support at an ACCA Approved Learning Partner. Terms & conditions apply.

Email: michelle.kamalam@accaglobal.com

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Members News

Enfiniti Vision Brings History Alive With Unique New Production Enfiniti Vision Media has embarked on a project in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur City Hall as part of its achieve its vision of turning KL into a world-class cultural city by 2025. The first part of this commitment is to restore the former glory of the 110-year old city theatre Panggung Bandaraya with the launching of ‘MUD: Our Story Of Kuala Lumpur’. The musical tells the tale of three young men who make the journey from their village to a small tin mining town to seek their fortune and is set against the backdrop of the historical events of early Kuala Lumpur.

Tiara Jacquelina, Group President of Enfiniti Vision Media said, “Many of us have lived all our lives in Kuala Lumpur, oblivious to the rich history, before the skyscrapers and high-tech development came about. We believe MUD will generate a new sense of pride and belonging, just knowing what wonderful stories exist within the walls of this part of the city.

Desa Park City Swim Team Puts On Good Show At Tournament A determined band of 11 swimmers from The International School @ ParkCity (ISP) took part in the prestigious International Schools Phuket Swimming Championships recently, joining over 600 swimmers from 15 teams across Asia to battle it out. The ISP swimmers had been well-prepared under the training and guidance of Ivan and swim coaches Trent and Jon. The competition was of a very high standard and the ISP team rose to the occasion breaking many school swimming records and countless personal bests. This was the first ISP Sporting tour and gave the students the chance to compete on an international level, proving themselves to be quality ambassadors for the School, with great sportsmanship and team spirit.

Panggung Bandaraya, Jalan Raja. Performances daily. www.mudKL.com

Students of Garden International School have donated funds of over RM138,000 to nine charities operating in Malaysia and other parts of Asia.

The phenomenal amount was raised by the students through a programme of activities including the annual MUFTI day event. This event sees the school campus turned into a theme park for the day with games, rides and a battle of the bands music competition. Other activities throughout the year included a football tournament, a Movember competition and a day when teachers wore school uniform.

A third of the funds went to the Malaysian Children's Operation, while another third was donated to the Typhoon Haiyan Aid charity to help with rebuilding efforts in the Philippines. The remainder was split between seven other organisations including WAKE, Stepping Stones, Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation and Women's Aid Organisation.

GIS Students Raise RM138,000 For Charities Across The Region 34

July-August 2014

Blood Drive At KLCC Contributes To National Target Close to 44,000ml, or 44 litres of blood was collected at KL Convention Centre’s seventh consecutive annual Blood Donation Campaign recently. Organised in conjunction with the National Blood Centre (NBC) and themed ‘safe blood for saving mothers’ in line with the 2014 World Blood Donor Day, this year’s drive saw participation from 110 donors comprising team members and the public. Turnout was 25 percent higher than the 2013 campaign. NBC’s Dr Farah Ahmad Hulaimi said, “This year’s drive achieved an impressive 93 percent of our collection target of 100 pints. This is an excellent accomplishment as every drop collected counts and helps us reach our weekly target of 5,000 pints. We hope to see more organisations follow in the Centre’s footsteps.”

Members News

DoubleTree Hosts Careers Event Showcasing Opportunities For The Future DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur recently took part in Careers@Hilton Live: Youth in Hospitality Month, Hilton Worldwide’s largest ever global career event.

The month of May saw Hilton Worldwide hotels and corporate offices around the world hosting hundreds of events to inform those looking for employment about the vast array of exciting opportunities available in the industry. The event was part of Bright Blue Futures, a global programme that encourages Team Members to donate their time and expertise to help young people achieve stability and bring hope to their communities, preparing them for a brighter future.

Tune Hotels Group Wins Accolades Announces Expansion Plans At Home & Abroad

In KL, the team hosted a ‘Cookie Hunt’ event which saw 30 children from Sekolah Kebangsaan Sentul 1 and HOPE Worldwide embark on an excursion to the hotel’s ‘back of the house’. The children, aged 11 to 16 years old, were took part in a line-up of fun activities in various departments such as Food & Beverage, Kitchen, Housekeeping and Front Office.

These included decorating DoubleTree by Hilton’s signature chocolate chip cookies and cupcakes, setting up of banquet tables, making beds at the guest rooms, among others.

The newly-opened Tune Hotel klia2 has received prestigious recognition for its green technology and energy-efficient features with the award of a provisional Gold Rating by the Green Building Index (GBI) Accreditation Panel. Beyond conventional green products of LED lights and energy-efficient equipment, Tune Hotels took its green initiative to the next level by incorporating a holistic sustainability agenda into its building design from the outset. The Hotel has also been submitted as the first demonstration project under the Building Sector Energy Efficiency Project, a national initiative that seeks to support the design and construction of other real-life energy efficient buildings.

Ian Barrow, General Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur, said, “Young people continue to face challenging employment prospects, so it is more important than ever to make sure they get the right advice about the options available and the skills and attributes they will need once they embark on their chosen careers. We are delighted to be doing this through one of our biggest ever careers events across the globe.”

Overseas, Tune has announced a partnership for expansion into East Africa and plans its first hotel on the continent in Nairobi, Kenya. Working in partnership with Imba Investments Limited, the consortium has strategic plans for a further 15 Tune Hotels in the region. Scheduled to open next June, the 280-room Tune Hotel Westlands Nairobi will be located close to the CBD.

In Kedah’s state capital Alor Setar, the historic old quarter will undergo a facelift with the arrival of a new hotel by Tune. Bangunan HBR will be refurbished, retaining its heritage features, to house the 88-room property that is scheduled for opening by end November 2014.

July-August 2014

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Report Back

Charity Action:

Game On!

O

ver 430 guests arrived at the Shangri-La Hotel recently ready for a glittering evening of thrilling rugby action. It was game on for the 10th BMCC Charity Rugby Dinner! And they weren’t disappointed.

International rugby legends Richard Hill, Ben Kay and Eric Rush took to the stage and regaled the audience with tales from the game – from on and off the field. Then Celebrity Auctioneer Justin Sampson kicked up the action a notch further with the Charity Auction of rugby memorabilia, luxury holidays and other items, which drew great support from the audience.

Earlier in the day, the three legends gave their time to lead an action-packed Coaching Session for around 80 juniors from local community rugby clubs.

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July-August 2014

Report Back

July-August 2014

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Report Back

T

he colourful El Sid‛s Bar in Damansara Heights was the venue for the latest round of BMCC‛s

Q Quiz Night. Twelve teams battled it o out answering questions on all manner o of topics. Plenty of liquid refreshm ment and hearty servings of food kept the brain cells ticking over and the hunger pangs at bay. After a close run fight, the winning team was ICHemE - who were

crowned the brains of BMCC - till the next time! Keep an eye out for details of the next challenge and get your team ready!

Bring Out The

Brains of BMCC

Break out the tux! Dust off the tiara! Wear a kilt if you must! Whatever your dress preference, don’t miss the social gathering of the year!

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July-August 2014

AMCORP

July-August 2014

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A BRIGHTER START WITH THE BEST KUALA LUMPUR CAMPUS

603 9200 9898 admissions@kl.tis.edu.my

July-August 2014

PUCHONG CAMPUS (Opening in Jan 2015)

603 5879 5000 admissions@pc.tis.edu.my