APAC Outlook - issue 53

G O O D PAC K | M E R X G R O U P

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Issue 53

THONG GUAN INDUSTRIES BERHAD Packaging solutions for the planet

HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AUSTRALIA

Eric Green, General Manager of Mining at Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia discusses the company’s mission, values and developments

DAVE NG, Chairman of the Singapore Logistics Association, examines a thriving supply chain ecosystem

PACIFIC TOWING

The marine services provider redressing the gender balance in Papua New Guinea

travel magazine I

n a changing world, where the travel industry must adapt to challenging global situations, our mission at Outlook Travel remains the same. We will continue to showcase some of the world’s most inspiring destinations, offering real insight and comprehensive travel guides for when global mobility resumes.

ISSUE 06

The major component of the publication takes the form of our Outlook Travel Guides, providing executives, avid travellers and our existing 575,000 international subscribers with the ultimate rundown of all the major economic drivers and thriving hubs across the world, with exclusive input from tourism industry associations and stakeholders – the people who know these places the best.

T R AV E L G U I D E

SOUTH AFRICA’S WESTERN CAPE

Sprawling mountains, ocean vistas and world-class wine T R AV E L B U S I N E S S

AUTO EUROPE

Reinventing the meaning of service for the travel industry

TRAVEL GUIDE

MEXICO CITY

You can join the vast numbers of tourism sector players enjoying the exposure we provide across our digital and print platforms with a range of options, from advertising through to free-of-charge editorials, extensive social media saturation, enhanced B2B networking opportunities, and a readymade forum to attract new investment and increase exposure.

Mezcal and mole in Mexico’s mega-city

JORDAN BANKS, the highly acclaimed travel and lifestyle photographer, tells all about keeping busy during the pandemic

THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE

THAILAND

MALAYSIA TRAVEL GUIDE

This Southeast Asian country is a perennial favourite, thanks to an intoxicating combination of beautiful beaches, world-renowned cuisine and incredible temple complexes

M A L AYS I A

Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Jordan Levey

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nown as the ‘Land of Smiles’, Thailand is a friendly country that welcomed 38.27 million tourists to its shores last year.

There are plenty of reasons why this Southeast Asian destination is so popular.

For a start, there’s the beaches. In the south, Thailand’s two coastlines stretch for miles, populated by swathes of icing-sugar soft sand, the bays speckled with dramatic limestone formations. Thailand is also home to 1,430 islands, ranging from full moon party spots like Koh Pha Ngan to the more off the beaten track Similan Islands, a national marine park popular with scuba divers.

Then, there’s the food. Thailand’s noodles, stir fries and curries are beloved around the

world, characterised by the fragrant taste of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and tulsi. Every town is bursting at the seams with floating markets, street food stalls and high-end restaurants where you can try delicious local dishes.

Thailand’s rich spiritual heritage also attracts tourists. Golden temples and larger-than-life Buddha statues can be found across the country. Visitors can experience colourful religious festivals in the northeast of the country or explore the underground cave shrines in Kanchanaburi and Phetchaburi.

Despite Thailand’s popularity, it’s easy to find a quiet corner to relax, be it on a deserted island or an eco-retreat in the craggy mountains north of Chiang Mai.

Malaysia is a melting pot with a unique culture, a world-renowned food scene and a spectacular landscape of islands, ancient rainforest and mountains Writer: Dani Redd Project Manager: Joe Palliser

NAMIBIA TRAVEL GUIDE

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here are many reasons why Malaysia is a tourist favourite.

For a start, there’s the landscape. Imagine 878 islands, ringed with white sand beaches leading down to translucent waters. Vibrant coral reefs lie just offshore, home to a profusion of marine life. Inland are ancient rainforests, the shaded canopy seemingly impenetrable.

Take a guided walk to learn about this habitat’s astonishing biodiversity.

You might even catch sight of a tapir, or a silver-leafed monkey swimming through the jungle canopy.

Outdoor enthusiasts will also relish tackling some of region’s towering granite mountains or exploring the intricate networks of limestone caves.

Then, there’s the culture. Malaysia

is a melting point of Malay, Indian, Chinese and aboriginal groups (Orang Asli). There’s a packed calendar of religious festivals, including Wesak, or Buddha’s birthday, celebrated with processions of flowers and candles.

Cities such as Melaka and Georgetown boast fascinating heritage districts where you can experience this fascinating fusion for yourself. Make sure you take time out to try Malaysia’s delicious cuisine, which reflects its multicultural population.

Of course, Malaysia has a modern side too. It can be found in the SEYCHELLES malls, skyscrapers and fine dining TRAVEL restaurants in larger cities, such as the GUIDE capital Kuala Lumpur.

S E YC H E L L E S Most people visit this archipelago in the Indian Ocean for the beaches, but it has much more to offer than that Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Jordan Levey

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escribing the Seychelles, it’s easy to veer into cliché. These picture-perfect islands are blessed with white sand beaches lapped by translucent water, fringed with palm trees and interesting rock formations. The dramatic sunsets, laidback atmosphere and a wide range of luxury accommodation make them a popular spot for honeymooners.

The Seychelles consists of 115 islands and some small islets, located

NAMIBIA Namibia is a country of rugged, otherworldly landscapes; a desert realm with a complex history and culturally diverse inhabitants Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Joe Palliser

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amibia is known for its sparse, otherworldly landscapes. It gets its name from the Namib, the world’s oldest desert; a sparse, windswept region extending 1,900 kilometres down Africa’s Atlantic coast. The desert is characterised by its red dunes, which plunge down towards the ocean at Sandwich Harbour and Skeleton Coast. It’s also known for its white clay and salt pans, such as Deadvlei, where there are hundreds of ossified trees.

Another scenic spot in the desert is Moon Landscape, named after its eerie, pockmarked topography.

But sightseeing in Namibia isn’t just about deserts.

Inland you’ll find the green-gold grasslands of the Kalahari, and rugged mountains such as the Brandberg, Spitzkoppe and Damaraland.

Tourists flock to Namibia to experience its remote corners. Hot air ballooning, sand boarding and offroad quad bike excursions are all popular activities.

When it comes to safaris, Namibia offers some unrivalled experiences – head to Etosha National Park to see big cats, elephants and black rhinos.

Namibia has a fascinating history. It was inhabited as early as 25,000 BC, with tribes such as Ovambo and Herero gradually migrating into the country. In the “Scramble for Africa” Namibia became a German colony, known as German South West Africa, in 1884. After over a century of bloody battles, Namibia finally gained independence in 1990. These days it’s a country rich in historical attractions and cultural diversity; a country with plenty of stories to tell.

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in the Indian Ocean at a crossroads between Asia and Africa. Most of the action is concentrated around the three major islands: Mahé, La Digue and Praslin. Mahé is the largest and most populous; home to the capital, Victoria, and transport hub to the rest of the islands. La Digue is renowned for having some of the best beaches in the archipelago. Praslin, meanwhile, is home to the idyllic Vallée de Mai nature reserve.

But there’s more to the Seychelles

than just the beaches. Trek through the granite mountains and lush rainforests of the Morne Seychellois National Park. Try some of the island’s traditional Creole dishes at a local restaurant. Or if you’re a nature lover, head to Bird Island to observe its population of fairy terns and common noddies, as well as the giant Aldabra tortoises endemic to the archipelago. You’ll be bowled over by what the Seychelles has to offer.

WELCOME

Closing the Loop

EDITORIAL Head of Editorial: Phoebe Harper phoebe.harper@outlookpublishing.com Senior Editor: Marcus Kääpä marcus.kaapa@outlookpublishing.com Junior Editor: Jack Salter jack.salter@outlookpublishing.com

As another unpredictable twelve months of business

PRODUCTION Production Director: Stephen Giles steve.giles@outlookpublishing.com

draws to a close, our final 2021 edition of APAC Outlook comes full circle, returning to the theme that set the tone

Senior Designer: Devon Collins devon.collins@outlookpublishing.com

for our first magazine of the year – sustainability.

Designer: Matt Loudwell matt.loudwell@outlookpublishing.com Production Assistant: Courtney Solomon courtney.solomon@outlookpublishing.com Social Media Manager: Dan Nash dan.nash@outlookpublishing.com BUSINESS CEO: Ben Weaver ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com Managing Director: James Mitchell james.mitchell@outlookpublishing.com Sales Director: Nick Norris nick.norris@outlookpublishing.com Commercial Director: Joshua Mann joshua.mann@outlookpublishing.com HEADS OF PROJECTS Callam Waller callam.waller@outlookpublishing.com Eddie Clinton eddie.clinton@outlookpublishing.com Matt Cole-Wilkin matt.cole-wilkin@outlookpublishing.com Thomas Arnold thomas.arnold@outlookpublishing.com

In this 53rd issue, we unpack the concept of the circular economy as the new standard of business. For our cover feature, Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia (HCA), the idea is central to the iconic company’s mission of facilitating mining operations across the country. With innovative remanufacturing facilities, General Manager of Mining Eric Green tells us how HCA is recycling components to offer quality equipment with the added saving of cost, production resources, and environmental burden.

“Collectively, HCA’s policies and initiatives contribute to ensure we leave the world a better place for future generations,” Green comments.

Another frontrunner in the field, as Malaysia’s largest plastic packaging manufacturer, Thong Guan Industries Berhad is forging a future for cleaner,

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Vivek Valmiki vivek.valmiki@outlookpublishing.com

greener plastic. General Manager David Ang outlines the company’s ‘LIVE

SALES AND PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER Donovan Smith donovan.smith@outlookpublishing.com

collecting post-usage waste to be processed into stable recycled resins that

SALES MANAGERS Jordan Levey jordan.levey@outlookpublishing.com Krisha Canlas krisha.canlas@outlookpublishing.com Ryan Gray ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com PROJECT MANAGERS Kyle Livingstone kyle.livingstone@outlookpublishing.com Matthew Taylor matthew.taylor@outlookpublishing.com

GREEN’ initiatives, whereby Thong Guan champions plastic circularity by are repurposed as high-quality products with a whole new lifespan.

In the supply chain realm, we discuss sustaining a vibrant and thriving ecosystem for the sector with the Singapore Logistics Association, and showcase Goodpack as the material handling company taking the wheel of a circular supply chain system.

“Goodpack ensures that each container used can and is reused by

Sam Love sam.love@outlookpublishing.com

businesses at their point of destination. This digitally led method allows us

ADMINISTRATION Finance Director: Suzanne Welsh suzanne.welsh@outlookpublishing.com

to achieve a circular system while also remaining environmentally friendly throughout,” explains CEO Eric Gregoire.

Finance Assistant: Eleanor Bennett eleanor.bennett@outlookpublishing.com Office Manager: Daniel George daniel.george@outlookpublishing.com CONTACT APAC Outlook Ground Floor, 69-75 Thorpe Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1UA, United Kingdom.

Sales: +44 (0) 1603 363 631 Editorial: +44 (0) 1603 363 655 SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel: +44 (0) 1603 363 655 phoebe.harper@outlookpublishing.com www.apacoutlookmag.com Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/apacoutlook Follow us on Twitter: @apac_outlook

Enjoy insight from several other major players committed to sustainable industry including the likes of Suzlon Energy Australia, the Environmental Group Limited, Pacific Towing, and Sabah Ports.

We’ll be back again in the New Year to continue showcasing inspiring business stories across Asia Pacific.

Enjoy your read!

Phoebe Harper Head of Editorial, Outlook Publishing APAC Outlook issue 53 | 3

CONTENTS

20

10

REGULARS

6 NEWS Around Asia Pacific in seven stories

8 EXPERT EYE Exploring the need for effective investment in Artificial Intelligence

BUSINESS INSIGHTS Mind Over Matter The international pharmaceutical company tackling the mental health crisis

14 Economy

16

The New Economy

TOPICAL FOCUS

The Asian transition towards a circular future

16 Sport

Formula for Success Asia Pacific’s latest F1 feat

14

20 INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

Singapore Logistics Association (SLA) Lifting the veil on a world-class logistics hub

20 4 | APAC Outlook issue 53

102 THE FINAL WORD What or who has been a source of inspiration for you during your career?

PHOTO: BY JEN ROSS

10 Healthcare

APAC OUTLOOK MAGAZINE

32 80

88 F E AT U R E S

TRANSPORT

80 Pacific Towing

30 SHOWCASING LEADING COMPANIES

A New Age of Seafaring The marine services provider redressing the gender balance across Papua New Guinea

Tell us your story and we’ll tell the world

CONSTRUCTION

32 Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia

56

Redefining Mining

Reliability, innovation and safety-centric mining solutions

46 Merx Group Inspiring Spaces

The independent consultancy celebrating 20 years of inspiring spaces

MANUFACTURING

56 Thong Guan Industries Berhad

ENERGY & UTILITIES

88 Environmental Group Limited

Solutions for the Environment Economy World-class turnkey solutions in environmental services

Making Plastic Sustainable Packaging solutions for the planet

SUPPLY CHAIN

64 Goodpack

The Future of Goods Transport Evolution and resilience in the global supply chain

46

96

74 Sabah Ports

96 Suzlon Energy Australia​

Welcoming the world to the shores of Sabah

Winds of change for the Australian energy market

Gateway to the Far East

Powering a Greener Tomorrow

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 5

NEWS Around Asia Pacific in seven stories…

TECHNOLOGY

Samsung plans to build Texas chip plant

B U S I N E S S T R AV E L

AUSTRALIA HALTS BORDER REOPENING AMID CONCERN S regarding Omicron, the new variant of COVID-19, Australia has paused its plans to reopen borders to some foreign nationals.

Prior to this, the country was planning to allow vaccinated international students and skilled migrants to enter from December, but Prime Minister Scott Morrison has stated that a two-week delay is necessary in light of the emergence

of Omicron. The heavily mutated variant discovered in South Africa is not yet fully understood, but initial findings suggest there is a higher reinfection risk.

Australia’s decision matches the pre-emptive mindset of others around the APAC region, such as Japan, which recently announced that all foreign travellers would be banned from entering the country due to the potential spread of Omicron.

A G R I C U LT U R E

Thailand boosts crop yields with an app T HE T HA I company Ricult is aiming to help small farmers across Thailand and Pakistan develop and improve crop yields using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

The start-up has signed up almost 400,000 individual small farmers in Thailand, and tries to help maximise 6 | APAC Outlook issue 53

SA M S U N G P L A N S to establish a chip plant in Texas with total investment estimated to reach $17 billion.

This is the largest investment that the South Korean electronics company has ever made in the US, and will include machinery, equipment, property improvements and buildings, covering an area of five million square metres.

This plant is aimed to help increase the production of phone and computer parts such as advanced semiconductors. Samsung expects construction of the plant to begin in the first half of 2022 with active site operations underway by the latter half of 2024.

With this latest plan, Samsung’s investments in the US will total in excess of $47 billion. The plant will not only increase the company’s chip production capacity, but also diversify the geography of production that was seen as a necessity in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

crop farming efficiency and results through modern means, including analysing weather patterns and providing advice for the best times to sow crops and add fertiliser.

Ricult does not charge farmers for the app but instead collects fees from banks when the users apply for a loan.

The company is growing swiftly and has expansion plans for Vietnam and the Philippines, with multiple high-profile backers such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

TRANSPORT

GEELY PLANS TO RELAUNCH LOTUS BRAND

BP unveils CCUS project in Indonesia O IL AND gas giant BP has unveiled its plan for a carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) project in Indonesia, which will be the first of its kind in the country.

The CCUS project is expected to cost well over $2 billion and will act as a component of a wider development plan for the Tangguh gas block located in eastern Indonesia, an area operated

by BP and multiple industry partners.

Completion of the project is aimed for 2026 or 2027, by which time it is expected that four million tonnes of

CO2 will be injected back into the reservoir each year, rising to a total of 25 million tonnes of CO2 injected by 2035, and 33 million by 2045.

In doing so, BP is aiming to combat the energy dilemma by increasing production while at the same time lowering emissions.

EVENTS

Singapore to Host Natural Disasters Expo 2022 APRIL 2 02 2 will see the upcoming Natural Disaster Expo hosted at the Singapore Expo.

The event is set to be the centre for disaster preparation specialists and emergency response professionals to share and source the latest products and services in the disaster-related field.

Made up of four primary expos (Heat and Fire, Earthquake, Flood and Storm), the event will discuss the maximisation of recovery methods as well as community outreach and preparedness.

The Natural Disasters Expo will include key spokespeople with proven experience in the fields of disaster preparation, response, relief and management, to cover topics ranging from developing trends to cuttingedge technology.

Chinese multinational automotive company Geely is preparing to relaunch the Lotus brand with an SUV. Under Geely, Lotus’ combustiondriven fleet of vehicles is coming to an end, and the company’s new team at Raunheim (Germany) is tasked with renewing the Lotus brand as an electric vehicle (EV) business. In contrast to Lotus’ historic association with producing two-seater models, the company is instead looking towards a crossover SUV currently named the Type 132.

To move production forward, a $1.3 billion plant is being constructed in the Chinese city of Wuhan. This new Lotus model is expected to enter the Chinese market in 2022, prior to entering those of Europe and North America.

ECONOMY

APAC STOCKS FALL AMID OMICRON UNCERTAINTY Across the Asia-Pacific region stocks have fallen, caused by renewed COVID-19 uncertainty with news of the new variant Omicron.

Part of this decline was caused by concerns that COVID-19 vaccines could be less effective against the new variant, and that it could take months to develop and deliver an Omicron-specific vaccine, as stated by experts such as Moderna CEO, Stephane Bancel.

Among those in decline, South Korea’s KOSPI index led losses in major markets, falling over 2.4 percent, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index fell in excess of 1.5 percent.

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 7

EXPERT EYE

Powering the Future of Business with AI Paul Boye, CEO at Retail Insight examines the need for effective integration and strategic investment in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) Written by: Paul Boye, CEO, Retail Insight

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any leaders now recognise that artificial intelligence (AI) can add significant value to a business’ operations. Implementing AI can save time and cost through process automation to improve operational efficiencies and productivity. As the adoption of AI accelerates across multiple industries, it is evident we are heading into a fourth industrial revolution with AI at the forefront – and there is no sign of this slowing down.

However, despite the momentum, businesses – no matter what industry they operate in – need to appreciate that AI only unlocks its full value if it is invested in appropriately and integrated effectively.

The business challenges for AI There is no universal use case for the best application of AI, the differences are just too complex to compare across industry. For example, manufacturing industries have the most success automating processes 8 | APAC Outlook issue 53

on the production line. Meanwhile, in the agricultural industry, AI’s most practical function operates by analysing data to optimise crop yields.

There is little value in trying to be ‘future first’ for the sake of it. Being seen to shift significant capital towards a solution without having a realistic and pragmatic vision for the technology nor an appreciation for how it will work is to be avoided. To date, AI has not proven itself to be a solution capable of answering a huge breadth of operational challenges. Its application is much more discreet.

Creating a partnership between AI and human creativity One of the core challenges for a business when integrating AI into their organisation is how the implementation behaves with and within the organisation. We have established it has the capacity to replace some aspects of the workforce – such as production line tasks in manufacturing – but it would be

short-sighted to say it will supersede all human jobs, despite the sciencefiction predictions.

In some businesses, AI is leveraged most effectively when it unlocks the workforce from repetitive tasks to dedicate more focus on complex or value-add activity. Moreover, many industries are finding that AI has its limitations in that it cannot match the expertise and tactical knowledge provided by human experience and critical thinking. Thus, in order to be a driving force between efficiency and execution, it is imperative that a business establishes a consistent balance between the two. The combination can be hugely powerful.

Effective practices in the retail sector Understanding this balance is key in adopting the technology correctly.

At Retail Insight, we work with many retail businesses that have benefited from adopting AI within the retail sector. This has been most effective within warehousing and fulfilment

TECHNOLOGY

“The biggest misconception surrounding AI is that it will replace the role of the human.

In reality, this is highly unlikely” where machines can work 24/7 without the need for breaks, replacing the need for humans in this capacity.

However, AI technology has been equally beneficial on the shop floor, albeit deployed differently. In the store, it can be used to augment store staff experience and skill – being implemented to analyse and capture items at risk of going out of stock or being wasted. The AI directs the store staff to the issue.

AI can also help to empower store staff and allow them to further champion the in-store experience – freeing them up to serve and sell. Store staff today are tech-savvy and will benefit from being more ‘connected’

through digital touchpoints that are driven by AI. This can include realtime updates on stock, events or store activity. AI can be used to eliminate the cost of mundane and repetitive tasks impacting the bottom line but can also be used by store staff to understand all the supply and demand signals, from footfall to weather, to improve the overall customer experience which will grow satisfaction, loyalty and, ultimately, drive sales.

Conclusion The biggest misconception surrounding AI is that it will replace the role of the human. In reality, this is highly unlikely.

Whilst it is an effective way to automate discreet, repetitive tasks, AI struggles to compare to the breadth, judgement, and creativity of the human mind. However, the augmentation of humans with AI could be an increasingly powerful application – being used to intelligently serve data and insight to

speed-up human decision making and action. Business leaders should look carefully at this combined force as they seek to deploy investment that enables transformation and significant ROI.

ABOUT THE EXPERT Paul Boye has served as COO since the company’s inception in 2005 and became CEO in 2011. He is passionate about everything that makes Retail Insight unique: from its people and products to helping its client partners find value every day. Previously, he was part of the Commercial and Strategy departments at P&G and HJ Heinz.

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 9

LUYE PHARMA

Luye Pharma’s R&D site based in China

10 | APAC Outlook issue 53

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MIND OVER MATTER

HEALTHCARE Keeping Asia Pacific in good health, Andy Siow, Director for APAC at Luye Pharma, discusses addressing the mental health crisis and what makes the company a partner of choice Writer: Phoebe Harper There is no health without mental health.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a global mental health crisis. According to the World Health Organisation, close to one billion people are living with a mental health disorder with one person dying by suicide every 40 seconds.

In recent times, this mental health epidemic has been exacerbated

by COVID-19 with medical surveys revealing a direct link between the two, as 50 percent of those infected by the virus display at least moderate symptoms of major depression.

“Mental health is so, so important during COVID-19 and this has been proven in every single country,” continues Andy Siow, Regional Director of APAC at leading pharmaceutical company, Luye Pharma.

Andy Siow, Director for APAC, Luye Pharma

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 11

LUYE PHARMA “These services need to be expanded and fully covered, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when so many people are losing their jobs, income, and even lives. This has created a lot of stress, anxiety, and depression among not only healthcare workers, but also just everyday people.”

Andy brings to Luye Pharma over 25 years’ experience working for various multinational corporations across Asia Pacific. Within this, he has experienced all the different sides of the healthcare pharmaceutical industry, from MNC manufacturers to distributors and medical centres.

To name just a few, this has included roles such as Business Unit Director at Bayer, Executive Director at Beverly, Managing Director at Exeltis Malaysia and Singapore, Commex Director at AstraZeneca, and Senior Director at DKSH Vietnam.

“Since my time at university, I was certain that I would work in pharmaceuticals all my life. There have been so many unique opportunities presented to me over the past two decades,” he reflects.

Presiding over the APAC region of the company’s international footprint, the wider Luye Pharma group specialises in the R&D, manufacturing, and sale of innovative medications.

With dedicated R&D centres across China, the US and Europe, Luye Pharma has a number of new drugs and formulations in the central nervous system (CNS) and oncology therapeutic areas currently under study. In addition, Luye Pharma offers over 30 products covering CNS, oncology, cardiovascular, and other therapeutic areas, with business conducted in over 80 countries, including the major pharmaceutical markets of China, US, Europe and Japan, as well as the fastest growing emerging markets.

In a bid to further develop the company’s footprint outside China, Asia Pacific represents a dynamic area of growth for Luye Pharma. With businesses across 15 countries and offices in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Australia, it is a number that is set to continue rising, as the company pursues active expansion.

The company is engaged in a host of activities, such as the Asia Pacific Psychiatry Symposium where Luye Pharma advocates for the progress of clinical diagnosis and treatment in the CNS field with industry-wide conferences. It is during these discussions that healthcare experts have analysed the bidirectional relationship between COVID-19 and mental disorders.

Luye Pharma International Industrial Park

12 | APAC Outlook issue 53

‘WE CARE ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH’ Luye Pharma’s contribution in the Asia Pacific Psychiatry Symposium is directly linked to one of its most significant ongoing initiatives, ‘We Care About Mental Health’.

Launched in June 2020 in collaboration with its partners across the region, the programme aims to raise mental health awareness, supporting patients, physicians, and health systems in overcoming unmet needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Across Asia Pacific, mental health cases and suicide cases are on the rise, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and Major Depressive Disorder.

“We have been communicating with the public that sometimes it’s ok not to be ok – it’s perfectly ok to go see a doctor,” Andy explains.

Within this programme, a total of 32 educational activities have taken place since the initiative’s inception in June, through to November of the same year.

The company is still engaged in continuing this initiative by collaborating with more partners in countries and regions across Asia Pacific.

“We have responded to the opportunity of serving more patients during the COVID-19 pandemic by running this series of activities with doctors across different countries.

We have done this in Hong Kong of China, Korea, and recently in Malaysia, and just this morning we concluded another one internally as well,” he tells us.

In terms of treatment, key products within the Luye Pharma portfolio are Seroquel® (quetiapine fumarate, immediate release) and Seroquel XR® (extended-release formulation).

These are atypical anti-psychotic (AAP) medicines with antidepressant properties. The main indications for Seroquel® and Seroquel XR® are the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Seroquel XR® is also approved in some markets for major

HEALTHCARE

Luye Pharma APAC Team depressive disorder and generalised anxiety disorder.

As a staple of Luye Pharma’s supply to the Asia Pacific market, throughout the past two years the company has been working tirelessly to overcome supply chain challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure that there are enough quantities available for its patients.

A PARTNER OF CHOICE Luye Pharma stands as a competitive choice for a regional partner, bolstered by decades of continuous presence and expertise in partner and alliance management to ensure delivery of maximum returns. In addition, Luye Pharma works with leading complementary healthcare and hospitals across the region.

The company has a dedicated local alliance management team, in order to make its partnerships truly effective. To date, this team has

already been successful in cementing strong local partnerships in Taiwan of China, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Pakistan, and elsewhere.

“The right local partner can increase the value of the product by accessing more patients, as commercialisation experts in their local countries. Also, at Luye Pharma, our alliance team continuously supports the partners to achieve and are regularly involved in business meetings to strategise the best go-tomarket tactical plans to ensure that together we deliver the set objectives and goals,” comments Andy.

“Alongside European and American companies, there are also many Chinese pharmaceutical companies now who would like to work outside of China and are looking for competence partners in the Asia Pacific region.

“Being one of the most established Chinese Pharmaceutical company in the APAC region, with the best knowledge in go-to-market strategy, we have the advantages and the competency to be considered the right choice for all these companies – whether it’s in terms of licencing, or agencies model of partnership.

“Our highly engaged full-service team covering sales and marketing, pharmacovigilance, business development, regulatory functions are committed to bringing more access of medicines to more people in the world’s fastest growing countries,” Andy states.

With its rich pipelines in CNS and Oncology, and the vigorous business development activities in the region, Luye Pharma welcome all pharmaceutical companies for potential business collaboration and to improve patient’s access to medicines in the APAC region.

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 13

CIRCULAR ECONOMY

THE NEW ECONOMY With a booming industry and growing population, Asia is waking up to the practical and environmental benefits of an advanced circular economic system. We take a look at the possibilities and realities of the economy transition Writer: Marcus Kääpä

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rom individual families to companies and countries, the way humans operate across the planet is changing.

With an ever-growing population exceeding 7.9 billion, the renewable and sustainable use of materials and resources has never been so important, both to the present and vitally to the future of planet Earth.

In light of this acknowledgement, citizens and governments at every level are gradually rethinking the way they work, travel and consume, preparing for the years ahead while simultaneously trying to combat the 14 | APAC Outlook issue 53

ever-worsening impacts of climate change.

Asia is widely associated with coal and fossil fuel usage, manufacturing (and resulting waste), and high levels of emissions especially concentrated within its urban and industrial areas, yet it is also a region that is progressively implementing a circular economy.

OUT WITH THE OLD A circular economy is a closed-loop economic system of using and reusing resources to maximise materials and minimise waste. And it has to

be, when Asia alone accounts for 60 percent of the global populace, who live, work and consume everyday across the region.

Existing as both a powerhouse of production and consumption, Asia has great potential to set a global example when it comes to enacting a large-scale circular economy. Collectively, countries within the region have become hubs of manufacturing for the entire world, and over the past 20 years China and India have both grown rapidly, expanding their urban areas and industrial capabilities to stand as Asia’s largest economies.

However, this growth has come at the cost of huge environmental impacts. The Yamuna River in India, for example, was recently plagued with a thick layer of toxic foam formed from industrial waste and sewage.

It is a river traditionally used for religious bathing and is a tributary of the much larger Ganges River, a body of water that flows through the country all the way into Bangladesh, with the industrial waste negatively

ECONOMY impacting people and areas throughout both countries. This is one of many examples of the harmful and dangerous consequences of mass industrial production.

But studies by experts and organisations have shown that both national economies have the opportunity to foster new economic growth from the transition to a circular economy.

TRANSITION ACROSS ASIA Applying such a system to China, especially its densely packed cities and urban areas, has the potential to make both goods and services more affordable, as well as providing living spaces that produce less emissions, general waste and congestion on the whole.

There have been many opportunities identified, ranging from the built environment, increased mobility, wider provision of nutritional foods, and repurposing electronic parts for reuse, saving households and businesses around CNY 70 trillion over the next two decades as a result.

The notion of a circular economy and its resulting policies are also supported by China’s leadership, with Chinese cities being in a solid position to represent the progressive front of successful economic transition in Asia.

India is also in a strong position to adopt such an economic system.

The country boasts an existing circular mindset, and this, coupled

WHAT IS A CIRCULAR ECONOMY? Aimed at tackling global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, waste and pollution, a circular economy is an economic system comprised of closed loops through which raw materials, products and components reduce value loss, and are reused as much as possible.

Within a common linear economy, raw materials and natural resources are made into products that are destined to produce or turn to waste due to their design. This open system is also described as a ‘take, make, waste’ model, defined by resource consumption instead of resource replacement.

In contrast, a circular economy is a closed-loop economic system that utilises said resources for a longer stretch of time through reuse.

A circular economy makes use of a model of production and consumption that consists of sharing, reusing, repairing and recycling existing resources, materials and products for as long as possible. Waste materials and energy are widely used as input resources for a range of processes.

In this way, waste is limited, and resource efficiency is maximised for the benefit of people and planet.

with its vast digital sphere, shows that India could be a future leader in the implementation of a circular economy.

In terms of the potential outcomes, such a system could bring India total annual benefits of around $624 billion by 2050. On top of household and business gains, a circular economy would also see a reduction in the dangerous and negative environmental consequences of its industrial operation. Impacts such as congestion, pollution and the improper disposal of hazardous waste could be reduced or avoided, bringing further health and socio-economic benefits.

Furthermore, when landfills are also taken into account, a circular economic system provides multiple benefits over the burden of such waste sites. For example, the capacity of the landfill in Da Nang (Vietnam) is being used up far quicker than expected, one of many examples across the Asian urban space.

The best way to combat such issues is not to create further landfill sites, but instead to focus on addressing the core problems. By transitioning from the ‘take, make, waste’ model, cities and countries across Asia can eliminate pollution and waste through the reuse of materials and resources to form a profitable, practical and environmentally beneficial circular system; a concept that is progressively being realised as the future of the human way of life.

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 15

TOPICAL FOCUS

By Lukas Raich - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

SPORT

FORMULA FOR

Success

Guanyu Zhou is set to become Formula 1’s first ever Chinese driver, in the latest milestone for motorsport in the APAC region Writer: Jack Salter

H

istory will be made in the 2022 Formula 1 (F1) season when Guanyu Zhou lines up on the grid for Alfa Romeo Racing.

Announced in November, he will replace the departing Antonio Giovinazzi, becoming the very first Chinese driver to compete in the pinnacle of motorsport in the process.

At the age of 22, Zhou will be the latest in a blossoming generation of talent from Asia Pacific to make it to F1. He will be joined next

season by Daniel Ricciardo, Yuki Tsunoda and Alex Albon, who are Australian, Japanese and Thai-British, respectively.

A sport traditionally dominated

by European drivers, it now means that a fifth of the 20-man F1 grid in 2022 will be of APAC descent, an unprecedented reflection of the continued growth of motorsport pedigree in the region.

Historically, for regions such as Asia, the cost of climbing the motorsport ladder has been prohibitively high for drivers, limiting access to feeder series’ such as Formula 2, which form the pathway to F1.

Zhou is an exemption to the rule, as he joins F1 not only with significant feeder series experience, but also substantial financial backing. As a

THE BENEFITS OF HOSTING A GRAND PRIX

• Puts countries on the map – F1 is an entertaining, glamorous and global sport that can lift the profile of a nation, and prove it is capable of hosting major sporting events.

• Injection into the local economy – As a three-day event that spans practice sessions on Friday to the race on Sunday, local businesses experience increased footfall.

• Increased jobs – Building a new track or setting up a street circuit requires a lot of people, whilst hospitality and travel roles can also be indirectly created by a Grand Prix.

• Direct boost to investment – Improvements to infrastructure surrounding the event, such as transport, can entice private investors and companies to the area.

By Poppo154 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

• Exposure to target markets – Many sponsors within the sport are in the B2B market, meaning race weekends provide a great networking opportunity.

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 17

TOPICAL FOCUS

By Lukas Raich - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

result, it is anticipated that Zhou’s arrival will allow Alfa Romeo Racing, and the wider sport, to commercially benefit and entice more Chinese sponsors into the championship over the coming years. Similarly, Yuki Tsunoda is heavily backed by Honda and Red Bull, facilitating his entry into F1 in 2020 with the Honda-powered, Red Bull-owned AlphaTauri team.

In order for F1 to truly market itself as having the world’s best drivers, it must address the hurdles that remain for drivers outside of Europe.

Many young Asian drivers still move to Europe to grow up in a more established motorsport environment.

Having started karting in China when he was eight years old, Zhou himself 18 | APAC Outlook issue 53

moved to Sheffield in 2012 to race in a more competitive European field.

The hope for Asia is that the grassroots motorsport scene will improve to allow more drivers to develop in their native region, and encourage more youngsters to take up the sport. Now that APAC is producing a number of high-quality drivers, such as Zhou, the sport has never had a greater chance of thriving in the region.

It comes as F1 recently agreed deals with multiple broadcast partners in Asia until the end of the 2022 season, ensuring that millions of fans can continue to watch live F1 action on the continent.

F1 also recently extended its

contract with the Chinese Grand Prix until 2025, keeping the Shanghai International Circuit on the race calendar alongside other established tracks in the APAC region such as the Suzuka Circuit in Japan, the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore, and the Albert Park Circuit in Australia.

Furthermore, F1 remains hopeful of hosting a Vietnamese Grand Prix, which was postponed and later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the sport’s endeavour to continue increasing its APAC footprint.

As somewhere that continues to thrive in terms of tourism and business, F1’s plans for a Vietnamese Grand Prix exemplify the sport’s

SPORT

F1 RACES HELD IN THE APAC REGION • Australia – 1985 – present • Azerbaijan – 2017 – present • China – 2004 – present • India – 2011 – 2013 • Japan – 1976 – 1977, 1987 - present • Malaysia – 1999 – 2017 • Singapore – 2008 – present • South Korea – 2010 – 2013

desire to penetrate so-called destination cities and countries – locations that can capture the world’s imagination.

The Philippines, meanwhile, has also been publicly linked with hosting an F1 race in recent years, at a time when the archipelago is making a major push into motorsport.

It remains to be seen whether Vietnam, or indeed the Philippines, will join the likes of China, Japan and Singapore in becoming an F1 staple in the APAC region, or suffer the same fate as India and South Korea, two destinations in which the sport tried but ultimately struggled to take hold.

The addition of the Buddh International Circuit in India, an

emerging international power with one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, was widely welcomed a decade ago in 2011, whilst a South Korean Grand Prix in Yeongam made commercial sense for F1 as one of the most westernised economic boom regions in APAC. Political and financial issues meant both venues last hosted a race in 2013, four years prior to the omission of Malaysia’s much-loved Sepang International Circuit from the calendar, which first paved the way for F1’s eastern migration in 1999.

However, it’s clear that the appetite remains to increase F1’s presence in the APAC market, both in terms of tracks and drivers.

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 19

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

SPOTLIGHT ON LOGISTICS IN SINGAPORE Shining the light on Singapore as a global trade hub, and the strides still to be taken to secure relevance, sustainability and competitiveness for the logistics industry Writer: Phoebe Harper | Project Manager: Jordan Levey

20 | APAC Outlook issue 53

SINGAPORE LOGISTICS ASSOCIATION (SLA)

R

eputed worldwide as a nexus of global trade, for the past 10 years Singapore has consistently ranked top in Asia within the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index. Boasting both Changi Airport, and PSA, Singapore is home to one of Asia’s largest cargo airports and the world’s largest transhipment seaport respectively.

Unparalleled connectivity secured through the region’s network of trade blocs and Free Trade Areas makes Singapore a gateway to a region that accounts for 60 percent of global GDP. These agreements include the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and most recently the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) which is breaking new ground and amplifying trade throughout Asia Pacific.

Singapore’s status as a prime location for trade is evidenced by the host of leading global manufacturers who choose to locate bases and distribution centres in the country, including Rolls Royce and Unilever. The country’s logistics industry is supported by a thriving ecosystem of leading global logistics and supply chain managers such as DHL and Agility as well as homegrown companies such as YCH Group, Bok Seng Logistics and CK Shipping.

Nevertheless, challenges prevail that may hamper

the logistics industry’s progress and sustainable development, such as geopolitical tensions which may curtail trade connectivity and a limited pool of manpower. The government has put in place an Industry Transformation Roadmap for logistics players to capitalise on digital technologies and transform industry capabilities to boost competitiveness in international markets, and reduce reliance on manpower.

With sustainability becoming an increasingly pertinent issue for all major players, the logistics sector must collectively push for green supply chain solutions to remain both relevant and competitive.

Within this dynamic shift, the sector must also advance on its path to digital transformation and the future of business by incorporating Industry 4.0 and digitalisation. With such innovation comes opportunity, particularly as the industry seeks to recover from the ruinous wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption wreaked on global supply chains.

The need is therefore born for an industry advocate to consolidate the diverse array of businesses within the logistics sector, from freightforwarders to transport and warehousing providers, branching all communities to reinforce what is needed to pave the way forward.

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 21

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

Interview: Singapore Logistics Association (SLA) With membership encompassing over 630 logistical enterprises, the SLA is the trade body developing a thriving supply chain ecosystem for Singapore.

Chairman Mr. Dave Ng tells us more

Mr. Dave Ng Chairman

APAC Outlook (AO): Can you talk me through the origins of SLA, how it came about, and its initial vision?

Dave Ng, Chairman: The association was first established as Singapore Freight Forwarders Association (SFFA) in 1973 with an initial membership base of 70 companies. A group of like-minded pioneers saw the need for a collective trade body to represent the freight forwarding businesses that were enabling Singapore’s bustling trading activities since the 19th century.

The association engaged and shared business issues with government agencies, including the Port of Singapore Authority, to promote better understanding and cooperation between the haulage and seaport community, and began representing Singapore internationally by joining the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA).

Subsequently in the 1980s, many Singapore-based freight forwarders expanded geographically in SEA as well as broadened their range and complexity of logistics services. New growth areas such as warehousing, regional distribution and integrated 22 | APAC Outlook issue 53

logistics flourished in tandem with higher economic activities in infrastructure development and oil and gas.

SFFA was renamed Singapore Logistics Association (SLA) in 1999 to reflect the growth and diversity of its members. New members include those providing transportation and haulage, warehousing and distribution, container depots, project logistics, as well as urban logistics.

AO: Since inception, how has the SLA developed and progressed in terms of its key objectives and the messages it tries to get across?

DN: The role of SLA to collectively represent and champion the development and growth of the logistics industry’s business concerns and operating needs, as well as to support the expansion of Singapore’s logistics ecosystem, has not changed over the decades. From the outset, we have been committed to supporting the development of world-class and effective logistics capabilities for Singapore and our members, and over time we have continued to build our credibility as a dedicated and reliable partner with government agencies, international bodies, logistics enterprises and other stakeholders.

During its initial years, the association focused on professionalising the industry and setting standards to improve Singapore’s standing in the global market. For example, in 1986, a set of standard trading conditions was officiated to spell out commercial relationships between freight forwarders and shippers. The association’s constitution was also revised with the primary objective of promoting Singapore’s reputation for

SINGAPORE LOGISTICS ASSOCIATION (SLA)

reliability, integrity and high standards in freight forwarding practice and management. Finally, vocational training was also instituted.

In the 1990s, the association focused on expanding its international presence. An association’s diploma in freight forwarding for the industry was developed with assistance from United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Trainmar Resource Centre. The association also hosted the 22nd FIATA World Congress in 1991, which was a first for Asia and Singapore, and a proud moment for the industry as we hosted 1,200 global delegates in our little red dot.

Following our name change from SFFA to SLA in 1999, from the 2000s onwards, we focused on industry branding, capability development such as human capital, innovation and technology, workplace safety, and driving business transformations so that Singapore’s logistics enterprises can remain relevant and ahead of the competition. Our initiatives include printed publications that are used in tertiary schools today as logistics guidebooks, the Supply Chain Challenge which is a national business case competition, and the industry branding movement ‘We Can. Singapore Logistics Makes Everything Possible.’

There is also The Logistics Academy, which is a wholly owned subsidiary training arm of SLA, and the successful inauguration of the annual WSH Innovation Awards for the logistics and transport sector, just to name a few.

Today, Singapore remains one of the region’s leaders in logistics, and is home to many companies

with specialised logistics capabilities in healthcare and cold chain, petrochemicals, oil and gas and food supply chains. SLA now represents over 630 logistics enterprises and stays anchored in our commitment to sustain a vibrant and thriving ecosystem for the logistics sector through active industry participation, collaborations with both local and international logistics partners, and by nurturing a pipeline of global and future ready logistics talents for the industry.

We offer a wide range of industry programmes to help enterprises level up their value proposition and be future-ready. We also partner with government agencies and learning institutes to fund and implement business transformation improvements, such as the placement of students with companies to gain industry experience through the Global Ready Talent programme. SLA provides industry inputs and continually raises awareness and adoption of leading business and technological topics, trends and best practices in digitalisation, data sharing, RPA, cyber security, green logistics and sustainability, and workplace safety.

AO: What do you find most exciting about the logistics industry across Asia Pacific?

DN: Growth through trade and consumerism - Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed growth in many economies, the Asia Pacific region has endured and exhibited resilience. The International Monetary Fund projects the Asia Pacific region to remain the fastest growing region despite the pandemic’s resurgence, with a 6.5 percent growth in 2021 that is largely led by China and India.

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 23

INTERVIEW

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

According to McKinsey, while global trade contracted by about five percent in 2020, Asia’s share of intraregional trade continued to remain at around 60 percent. Besides intra-Asia trade driving the formation of a more robust Asia-for-Asia supply chain, the pandemic also created a boost in new business opportunities for the logistics industry in cold chain, healthcare and e-commerce with advanced economies, and the logistics demand to fulfil these continues to rise.

Aside from trade blocs such as the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Regional Comprehensive

Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement was signed in November 2020. This trade pact of 15 countries in APAC makes it the world’s largest Free Trade Agreement (FTA), covering a market of 2.2 billion people and $26.2 trillion of global output, which is about 30 percent of global GDP and about a third of the world’s population. We expect these trade agreements to boost trading activities.

Coupled with Asia’s large population, we expect trade to continue to drive APAC’s growth. In ​ addition, more opportunities are gradually opening up as economies recover and step up ​their economic activities – this makes it increasingly exciting for

From the outset, we have been committed to supporting the development of world-class and effective logistics capabilities for Singapore and our members” - Dave Ng, Chairman, SLA

24 | APAC Outlook issue 53

SINGAPORE LOGISTICS ASSOCIATION (SLA)

adopt Big Data and IoT technologies, are expected to come to life in the coming years and bring about revolutionary changes to the way we operate in the region.

AO: On the flip side, what are its biggest challenges?

the logistics industry to support ​​ the improving global trade and supply chain activities that inevitably come along w ​ ith it, even as the region trudges out of a pandemic into an endemic phase.

Innovation and acceleration of new growth drivers in logistics - In addition, Asia had also posted the largest shares of regional growth in key technology metrics according to McKinsey. Therefore, the future of logistics is highly exciting as many of the gamechanging, smart innovations and initiatives we speak of today such as autonomous vehicles, augmented reality, robots, and gig economy digital platforms that

DN: The fragmentation and disparities in infrastructure, regulations, and logistics capabilities are longstanding challenges across APAC, that hinder productivity and visibility for the sector. This continues to be a major obstacle as seen with the current and ongoing global port congestion due to a myriad of challenges, including varying port and inland logistics competencies across the region.

Hence, there is a greater need for seamless crossborder movements and information symmetry for the industry. We’re hopeful that stronger trade relations and continued government to government (G2G) dialogues will further harmonise trade rules, eliminate cross-border complexities and inefficiencies, and boost the region’s competitiveness as a location for supply chains.

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 25

INTERVIEW

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

SLA has been supporting the prospective growth of logtech start-ups as we strongly believe in the synergies they bring to help create a more robust technology ecosystem in Singapore” - Dave Ng, Chairman, SLA

26 | APAC Outlook issue 53

SINGAPORE LOGISTICS ASSOCIATION (SLA)

AO: What trends are currently transforming the logistics industry in your region? How are you responding to them?

DN: The biggest trend since COVID-19 occurred was the shift from ‘just-in-time’ supply chains to ‘justin-case’ systems for greater flexibility to meet the evolving and changing needs for essential suppliers.

Other trends include altering consumer behaviours and patterns, as the industry witnessed a surge in e-commerce and last mile delivery activities, and many traditional trade flows, routes, and transport modes shifted to a more agile supply chain that can easily pivot to alternatives in a COVID-19 pandemic situation.

To adapt to these trends as well as existing operational challenges such as the tight manpower situation in Singapore, SLA has been pushing and curating initiatives for logistics companies to improve business productivity through digitalisation such as RPA, e-invoicing and e-payments, and working together with logistics technology companies to encourage members to adopt digital technologies to improve vehicle routing and fleet management, as well as to monitor and actively manage driver fatigue.

We are also encouraging members to collaborate and band together to optimise their resources and orchestrate an efficient and comprehensive fulfilment network, as well as for members to leverage logtech and join digital platforms enabling end to end supply chain orchestration and resource sharing, so that they can digitally connect and collaborate with other stakeholders in the logistics workflow to receive up-to-date visibility of ship schedules, port and road traffic conditions.

AO: Have you got any projects in the pipeline you wish to highlight?

DN: In recent months, we have inked a couple of key partnerships that will help to attract more talent and specialists into the industry over the next few years. This includes partnering with Yellow Ribbon Singapore to set up a logistics training centre, implement industry accredited logistics training courses, and facilitate employment opportunities with SLA’s member companies.

As part of our continual efforts to build a thriving and sustainable ecosystem for the industry and secure Singapore’s foothold as a world-class

logistics hub, SLA has embarked on an industry branding exercise that will help us further strengthen the logistics sector’s image, attracting and nurturing more talent to join this exciting and future-ready space that offers meaningful and progressive careers.

On the sustainability front, SLA has launched initiatives to help members keep abreast of sustainability trends, best practices and policies, with the aim of capturing business opportunities with greener logistics solutions and new innovations as we work towards achieving the Singapore Green Plan 2030.

SLA has been supporting the prospective growth of logtech start-ups as we strongly believe in the synergies they bring to help create a more robust technology ecosystem in Singapore. These technology enablers focus on the use of digital technologies and products that can potentially harmonise the existing gaps in the air, sea and land sector, and enable logistics service providers to offer new value creation and solutions for their global customers.

Tel: (65) 6499 9799 slamail@sla.org.sg www.sla.org.sg APAC Outlook issue 53 | 27

Improving People’s Lives with Bok Seng Group Total logistics service since 1975.

Boasting an esteemed legacy of over 40 years in operation, Bok Seng Group is a leading one-stop solutions provider.

Since its early roots in the business of heavy equipment and transportation, the logistics provider has evolved to encompass a full range of supply chain solutions, whether at sea or on land.

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From its headquarters in Singapore, the Group’s comprehensive offering spans a gamut of services within both Contract Logistics Management and Project Logistics Management. It is this unparalleled array of services that distinguishes Bok Seng Group from industry competitors, thanks to its extensive capabilities from intermodal transportation, to warehousing and the handling of large-scale complex logistics projects. With a wide-reaching presence, Bok Seng Group’s intermodal transportation covers the region, and is supported by inventive in-house engineering.

Bok Seng Group – Services at a Glance Contract Logistics Management • Container Depot Management • Container Trucking Management • Warehousing and Inventory Management • Supply Chain Solutions Project Logistics Management • Heavy Haulage • Heavy Lift and Positioning and Installation • Specialised Movers • Conventional Trucking • Marine Logistics

Bok Seng is certified with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, meaning quality is guaranteed. The Group’s Singapore operations comprise the subsidiary businesses Bok Seng Logistics, BS Technology, Bok Seng Asia, Marinteknik and Asiaone. In addition, Bok Seng’s footprint also extends to regional operations in Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Brunei, Vietnam and Thailand.

In the field of warehousing, distribution and container depot management, Bok Seng Group’s warehouse facilities span a total storage area of almost 500,000 sq ft. The company’s sixstorey warehouse cum office complex boasts 24-hour security measures and a state-of-the-art computerised inventory management system. The company offers container depot and depot services including storage, washing, repairs, survey and the handling of reefer containers.

Bok Seng Logistics’ wide-ranging contract logistics services add value to your supply chain management process. We take care of all stages of the supply chain needs – from supplier to customer order fulfilment, from goods storage to specialised value-added service, from reverse logistics to aftermarket support, Bok Seng Logistics constantly strives to improve service level by investing in and driving innovation and digitalization to bring today’s ideas to tomorrow’s unique capabilities.

Our contract logistics services offer specialist and proven expertise within the FMCG, Chemical, High-tech, Defence, Healthcare, Retail, Industrial sectors. As today’s markets continue to evolve, our innovative contract logistics solutions are ready to help.

Our team of professional logisticians bring deep industry knowledge and coupled with customized designed solutions, we are the Supply Chain Management partner of choice for efficiency, quality and competitive edge. Bok Seng Logistics keeps your supply chain—and business—moving!

Our goal has always been to simplify contract logistics so that our clients can focus on their core business, while we at Bok Seng Logistics take care of the rest.

www.bokseng-IPL.com Wide range of service Scope: • • • • • • • • • •

General Warehousing Bonded Warehousing Temperature-controlled Logistics In-plant/On-site Logistics Dangerous Goods Transportation Inventory Management Order Fulfilment Packaging & Re-packaging Clearance & Documentation Value-added Services

Turning to transportation, Bok Seng Group’s relatively young fleet of prime movers are capable of ensuring smooth haulage operations for container trucking. All vehicles are equipped with mobile radio and a mobile data terminal for two-way communication, and a computerised tracking and management system via GPS for optimal efficiency.

Complemented by the company’s capabilities in conventional trucking, and a fleet of 6.5 tonne to 100 tonne lorry cranes, Bok Seng Group is able to offer its equipment and expertise to suit consignment cargo requirements.

For heavy lift, the company has a range of hydraulic cranes with lifting capacity ranging from 20 to 1000 tonnes to cater to varied lifting requirements. Whether to support infrastructure development or the positioning and installation of industrial equipment and machinery, Bok Seng employs custom design packages to meet the specific needs of its clients.

In support of its project logistics management, Bok Seng

Logistics has one of the largest fleets of modular multi-axle trailers in Singapore, which are recognised as some of the most advanced equipment available.

In addition, the Group specialises in engineering, equipment rental, distribution services, training, equipment trading and insurance, with a wealth of successful projects behind its name.

The Bok Seng Difference Bok Seng Group is united in its overarching mission of Improving People’s Lives – providing logistical solutions that are seamless and stress-free. The company prides itself on working closely with clients to tailor Bok Seng’s services to their specific needs, covering every stage of the logistics process – from port to project. This is enabled by its full range of services across warehousing, transportation, heavy lift and marine logistics, supported by various auxiliary services.

By opting to use Bok Seng Group as your end-to-end logistics provider, you are guaranteed the benefit of time saving. The company’s synergistic teams effectively reduce the amount of time taken to complete your logistics needs. Subsequently, clients can enjoy increased levels of productivity as Bok Seng Group provide a service experience designed to achieve optimal results with less effort for the customer, thereby freeing up their resources to focus on other important tasks.

Finally, Bok Seng Group promises clients ultimate peace-ofmind, knowing that regardless of whatever challenges may arise, you can always find immediate help through your one point of contact at Bok Seng Logistics.

APAC Outlook issue 50 | 29

Tell us your story and we’ll tell the world.

APAC OUTLOOK is a digital and print product aimed at boardroom and hands-on decision-makers across a wide range of industries on the continent.

With content compiled by our experienced editorial team, complemented by an in-house design and production team ensuring delivery to the highest standards, we look to promote the latest in engaging news, industry trends and success stories from the length and breadth of the Asia Pacific region.

We reach an audience of 220,000 people across the continent, bridging the full range of industrial sectors: agriculture, construction, energy & utilities, finance, food & drink, healthcare, manufacturing, mining & resources, oil & gas, retail, shipping & logistics, technology and travel & tourism.

In joining the leading industry heavyweights already enjoying the exposure we can provide, you can benefit from FREE coverage across both digital and print platforms, a FREE marketing brochure, extensive social media saturation, enhanced B2B networking opportunities, and a readymade forum to attract new investment and to grow your business.

To get involved, please contact Outlook Publishing’s Managing Director, James Mitchell, who can provide further details on how to feature your company, for FREE, in one of our upcoming editions.

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Issue 53

THONG GUAN INDUSTRIES BERHAD

REDEFINING MINING

CONSTRUCTION

We speak to Eric Green, General Manager of Mining at Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia, about the company’s mission, values and business developments Writer: Marcus Kääpä | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold

Packaging solutions for the planet

HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AUSTRALIA

Eric Green, General Manager of Mining at Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia discusses the company’s mission, values and developments

PACIFIC TOWING

The marine services provider redressing the gender balance in Papua New Guinea

2 | APAC Outlook issue 53

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 3

DAVE NG, Chairman of the Singapore Logistics Association, examines a thriving supply chain ecosystem

www.apacoutlookmag.com/work-with-us

Marketi ng Oppo rtunity

HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AUSTRALIA

REDEFINING M

32 | APAC Outlook issue 53

MINING

CONSTRUCTION

We speak to Eric Green, General Manager of Mining at Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia, about the company’s mission, values and business developments Writer: Marcus Kääpä | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 33

HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AUSTRALIA The industry has evolved over the years. Looking back to the mining contracting space in the 1980s, the largest piece of equipment you would work with was around a 50-tonne truck along with a matching excavator or shovel. Today, the sector in Australia has ramped up tremendously.”

For Eric Green, General Manager of Mining at Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia (HCA), the growth of the country’s mining equipment and contracting space has matched, and in many cases led, the fast pace of globalisation over the past four decades. HCA is a subsidiary of the globally renowned Hitachi Construction Machinery (Hitachi), in turn part of the internationally spanning Hitachi Group.

For 20 years, HCA has been at the centre of facilitating mining

34 | APAC Outlook issue 53

operations across Australia, providing customers with high quality mining, earthmoving, material handling equipment and aftersales product support, having built a reputation founded on the reliability of Hitachi products.

“This supportive maintenance and ongoing product support is a key aspect of HCA,” Green tells us.

“We have a national network of 23 company-owned branches, equipped with service and parts facilities.

Across these branches, our factory-trained technicians provide maintenance, repair work and field service for onsite support.

“For decades, we have serviced the mining, construction, recycling, forestry and quarrying industries, providing solutions underpinned by reliability and our overarching vision of ‘total customer satisfaction’.”

HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY – EXPERTISE AT THE CORE Over eight years ago, Hitachi established a training and development department, where all technical training is developed and delivered by in-house trainers. Hitachi invested further to provide online training modules by employing instructional designers, through which some 80 percent of online training is developed in-house. As well as participating in the Hitachi Global Technician Competition programme, HCA facilitates staff recognition through appraisal programmes, service recognition milestones and a company bonus structure.

Penske and mtu Delivering excellence for Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia Penske Australia’s long-standing relationship with Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia is underpinned by a mutual goal of delivering excellence.

Through our range of highly efficient and powerful mtu engines, we power Hitachi equipment that delivers superior performance with marketleading reliability and low cost of ownership. penske.com.au

HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AUSTRALIA HCA embodies a safety-first culture in which the welfare of staff, customers and the end-users of machinery takes priority over everything else.

“We keep promises and aim to be an industry leader, providing true value to our customers,” Green says. “Our goal is to strive for and achieve total customer satisfaction; our promise is to be the best solutions partner.”

LEADING THE WAY HCA has grown since Green joined in 2001. At that time, the company had a total of around 700 staff, a number that has risen to 1,250 across the whole country today.

“We are based in every major city and territory in Australia. Additionally, we operate three parts distribution centres and customers are also

APAC OUTLOOK: CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE PRIORITISATION OF SAFETY ACROSS YOUR BUSINESS? Rick Moledo, Director of HCA Product Support: “Safety is an integral part of HCA and the wider group, and we are really proud of our dedication to it.

“The nature of work in our industry with it the potential for harm. We deal with large machines with multiple components, heavy material handling, special tooling and stored energy; there is a myriad of practical aspects of the business that could go wrong for those manually handling equipment, working on customer sites or in one of our own parts, workshop or office facilities.

“In light of this, we embarked on an even stronger safety strategy with ongoing reviews that has seen the company make major improvements to our injury rate since 2018. This change has not only been consultative in its implementation, but also ingrained into our business culture from the top down and bottom up to ensure the maximum and proper safety at all levels of the company, supported by every single employee.

“We have 20 years of history, and with that comes the wisdom and teachings of experience. Anyone who operates in the industry knows that when a bad thing occurs, it can happen in a dramatic way and impacts many lives. So, this notion of safety taking priority above everything else, is about a commitment to gauging risk every single day and following proper guidance and instructions to make the difference.

“We coined the phrase ‘See You Tomorrow’ to underpin this safety journey.”

SureLift Crane Hire SureLift Crane Hire, established in 2006, is an expanding crane hire company servicing Moranbah & surrounding areas.

Our fleet of cranes range in various capacities from 20T to 300T, this includes four non-slew cranes, five slew cranes & one recently acquired crawler crane. An additional service our company offers is transport for site equipment and machinery.

SureLift Crane Hire supplies on an ad hoc basis to current and new customers. However, we are available for long term projects upon request and rates can be negotiated to suit the length and scope of work for the project.

At Surelift Crane Hire, safety and customer satisfaction is key. Our team of qualified and experienced riggers, operators and supervisors provide an exceptional standard of service, in turn building sustainable company relationships.

Working on different scopes of work, our team tailors customer requirements to ensure safety, efficiency and quality. Regardless of the job, our multi-skilled crew thrive on customer satisfaction & challenges thrown their way.

We are best known for our company appearance, as maintenance and presentation of equipment is one of our key priorities.

Above all, we are committed to the wellbeing and safety of our team and those we interact with, this commitment is supported by our “Safety First” attitude and culture.

Our company culture has been built over the years, our team is our foundation & company ethics and morals have been set in their ways.

Senior personnel within our company that have witnessed the company grow over the years, guiding the team to be at its best potential.

With the best team in the basin, our vision is to be the industry leader and specialist in lifting and cranage.

www.surelift.com.au

36 | APAC Outlook issue 53

Website Phone Number Email Address Postal

www.surelift.com.au 0418 184 057 admin@surelift.com.au Site – Shed 3/12 O’Neill Street, Moranbah, QLD, 4744 11 Wickham Street, Moranbah, QLD, 4744

Taking you to new heights in crane hire.

SERVICES: Non-Slew Cranes (20T, 25T & 40T) Slew Cranes (60T, 100T, 140T, 220T & 300T) Crawler Cranes (280T) Haulage fleet consisting of: step deck widener, step deck extendable & super tilt trailers.

Capable of B-double & road train combinations. Tilt tray services.

HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AUSTRALIA

38 | APAC Outlook issue 53

HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AUSTRALIA supported by our 24/7 Customer Support Centre, specialising in parts ordering and processing,” Green informs us. “To further support our customer base, we operate three re-manufacturing facilities to recycle components, providing customers with an exchange service.

All components are remanufactured to OEM specification and the scope of work is supported by warranty.

This gives our customers product confidence at a reduced cost compared to new replacement. With our stock holding, it is an almost instant replacement option.”

HCA has in excess of 200 field service staff who venture out to customer sites tasked with

diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining equipment. This efficiency and support sits at the heart of HCA, alongside its innovative nature as a company that utilises the latest technology in the field.

HCA makes use of the Wenco International Mining Systems’ (Wenco) fleet management system, a product designed to redefine mine standards of productivity and efficiency, through managing hauling, loading, tracking progress and providing an insight to help users realise the value of an operation.

Wenco is a Canadian based technology company that manufactures, develops, and distributes computer systems to

AT A GLANCE HCA AFTERSALES SUPPORT FUNCTIONS SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE HCA takes pride in ensuring customer equipment performs to the highest possible standard, maximising productivity, reducing costs, extending machine life and ultimately increasing return on investment. Hitachi has 23 purpose-built workshops nationally, as well as factory-trained technicians, field service crews and specialists who are dedicated to supporting service and maintenance requirements.

REMAN (CERTIFIED COMPONENT REMANUFACTURE) For over a decade, HCA has been remanufacturing components to meet OEM factory specifications. The company’s fixed price programme provides quality components for less than the price of new replacements, with the added environmental benefit of recycling parts for reuse.

Each remanufactured part is backed by the company’s national parts warranty. The purpose-built Reman facilities in the West and East of Australia offer remanufactured components for many Hitachi and Bell models. HCA’s extensive range of products include hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic pumps, swing motors, track adjusters, idlers, drive tumblers, final drives, oil coolers, intercoolers, radiators, alternators, wheel motors, blower motors, and more.

24/7 CUSTOMER SUPPORT CENTRE Hitachi established a 24/7 Customer Support Centre in 2013 and is available around the clock to help provide support to customers.

Total Fire Solutions Deploy. Protect. Escape – That’s a Total Fire Solution Reliability and speed are essential to fire safety systems, which is why Hitachi partner with Total Fire Solutions, who own, manufacture and service Ingstrom Escape Chutes.

We thank Hitachi for fitting Ingstrom Escape Chutes as a standard product, to their series 7 Mega Class excavators. The chute’s Deploy, Protect, Escape system offers operators protection from falling, flame and heat within seconds. Total Fire also fit fire suppression systems on Hitachi’s Australian mining equipment.

For over 20 years, Total Fire Solutions have specialised in safety solutions for mining and heavy industry.

totalfire.com.au

Schlam Schlam builds lightweight Hercules dump bodies for Hitachi’s range of dump trucks, including EH3500AC-3, EH4000AC-3, EH4500AC-11, and EH5000AC-3.

The unique curved design of the Hercules body reduces stress throughout the truck and means that the body is lighter and can carry a greater payload while maintaining structural integrity.

The Hercules body is fitted to Hitachi trucks across Australia and is used by end-users such as Roy Hill, Whitehaven Coal, Goldings, Peabody, Batchfire, and more.

Schlam has a transparent working relationship with Hitachi and has used the company’s feedback to refine future versions of the Hercules.

The centre specialises in parts order processing, parts interpreting, service bookings and fleet management services. www.schlam.com

40 | APAC Outlook issue 53

CONSTRUCTION

The total safety partner for Hitachi fit Ingstrom Escape Chutes to all their Mega Class excavators, for export globally.

Ingstrom Escape chutes has undergone extensive testing with Hitachi engineers to withstand vibrations and all weather conditions around the world.

As a proud Hitachi partner, Total Fire Solutions owns and operates Ingstrom Escape Chutes.

For total fire solutions you can rely on, talk to us.

1800 807 740 • totalfire.com.au

MEET THE NEW HERCULES HX. LIGHTWEIGHT MEANS MORE PAYLOAD, EVERY TRIP. The Schlam Hercules continues to revolutionise the payload capacity of all classes of haul trucks. Now it comes with genuine Hardox® wear-resistant steel providing extra strength and durability.

Hardox® wear-resistant steel means your Hercules HX is even lighter, potentially improving fuel economy and enabling you to carry more payload each trip.

Every Hercules HX carries the certified Hardox® In My Body mark, guaranteeing that you are using genuine Hardox® wear plate and not an imitation. schlam.com

PO-0067_Schlam Hercules HX Half Page Ad APAC Outlook_160x97mm_FA.indd 1

26/11/21 2:19 pm

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 41

HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AUSTRALIA

“WE KEEP PROMISES AND AIM TO BE AN INDUSTRY LEADER, PROVIDING TRUE VALUE TO OUR CUSTOMERS” - ERIC GREEN, GENERAL MANAGER OF MINING, HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AUSTRALIA manage and control surface mining equipment. They are a provider of fleet management, asset health, machine guidance, and industrial safety technology to the mining sector.

“Wenco helps us gain the maximum benefit and utilisation out of our operations,” Green tells us. “They have also helped us branch further into the realm of data management regarding machine health. The capture and use of data, and ability to analyse such data, has become an invaluable aspect of our business.

“And on top of this, Wenco is vital in Hitachi’s movement towards autonomous haul truck systems.”

42 | APAC Outlook issue 53

WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY Where reliability and innovation stand as two key pillars of the company, the third core component of HCA’s mission exists beyond the business itself.

Corporate social responsibility is a key principle in the wider Hitachi Group’s operating strategy, to enhance the synergy between society and business.

“We are proud to be actively involved in the communities that we share in our national network, making a difference through our support in healthcare, education and societal connectedness,” Green

continues. “We commit to enriching communities toward improved and sustainable futures though our support of The Humpty Dumpty Foundation, Roy Hill Community Foundation, Clontarf Foundation and Beyond Blue, Cancer Research as well as university internships.”

The Humpty Dumpty Foundation provides a means for hospitals to donate much needed medical equipment to paediatric wards across Australia. HCA is proud to partner with The Humpty Dumpty Foundation and provide positive contributions to the communities in which it operates.

Since 2012, HCA has had the privilege of donating more than 142 pieces of equipment valued at over $800,000 to paediatric units nationally, to help improve the lives and outcomes of children in hospital and their families.

Western Australia’s Pilbara Region shares a great business mining partnership with Hitachi, which Hitachi extends to support

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APAC Outlook issue 53 | 43

HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AUSTRALIA its community. In 2015, Hitachi proudly became one of The Roy Hill Community Foundation Inaugural Partners, whose mission is to provide lasting outcomes for indigenous communities through delivering technology in medical care, better futures through education and mentoring, and supporting indigenous arts and culture.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT Hitachi is also committed to reducing

the environmental impact of its dayto-day business activities, to help leave the world in a better place. This includes steps to decrease energy usage, minimise the burden on landfill, increase the fuel efficiency of its machines and offset the effects of company emissions. For almost 10 years, Hitachi has been investing inbiodiversification initiatives, offsetting over 38,000 tonnes of CO2 produced from its fleet vehicles, business travel and national energy consumption.

“Our branch facilities are fitted with energy efficient installations including LED lighting, rainwater harvesting and solar power at selected sites,” Green states proudly. “The introduction of fuel-efficient vehicles ensures that our fleet runs with minimal emissions.

Additionally, improved waste management and recycling practices together help reduce our carbon footprint.

“Our Reman facilities offer cost saving options on quality components. With the added benefit

“OUR GOAL IS TO STRIVE FOR AND ACHIEVE TOTAL CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. OUR PROMISE IS TO BE THE BEST SOLUTIONS PARTNER” - ERIC GREEN, GENERAL MANAGER OF MINING, HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AUSTRALIA 44 | APAC Outlook issue 53

CONSTRUCTION

of saving on materials, production resources and environmental burden, Hitachi’s Reman facilities have the capability to remanufacture used components to OEM specifications.

Collectively, HCA’s policies and initiatives contribute to ensure we leave the world a better place for future generations.”

GREEN PLANS Looking ahead to the future, HCA is focusing on two main areas of development. The first is to continue prioritising the safety and wellbeing of its employees, and working on the efficiencies within the company to provide total customer satisfaction.

Secondly, HCA is working on new

product development, including the increasingly expanding area of alternative and renewable energy.

Highlighting its own recognition of the mining industry’s impact on the environment, electric vehicles (EVs) and trucks fuelled by batteries are an aspect of operation that is on the cards for the company.

“That reality is an area of development for our mining market,” says Green. “Hitachi is well aware of environmental concerns and is driven to help limit negative impacts. We are currently working with multiple partners to facilitate an electrified future.”

Fuelled by this recognition of a need for sustainable means of

operation, HCA exists as a key leader in making the mining industry of Australia more environmentally friendly. While it holds these aims, the core of the company will remain focused and unwavering in its dedication to reliability, innovation and safety above all else.

HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AUSTRALIA www.hitachicm.com.au

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 45

MERX GROUP

INSPIRING SPACES Reflecting on 20 years in operation, we unpack the pursuit of excellence and performance in project management with CEO of Merx Group, William Forwood Writer: Phoebe Harper | Project Manager: Ryan Gray

46 | APAC Outlook issue 53

CONSTRUCTION

Metrojet, Philippines

Axis Communications, Singapore

Marshall Wace, Hong Kong

W

hen APAC Outlook last spoke with William Forwood, CEO at Merx Group (Merx), the leading project management consultancy, he predicted continued geographical growth and the further expansion of Merx’ sector-spanning services.

Today, our discussion coincides with a landmark year in the company’s history, as Merx celebrates its twentieth anniversary.

“Starting out 20 years ago with

William Forwood, CEO

one employee, I couldn’t foresee that I would still be running Merx two decades later, although we did secure our first major client the day after the business was registered,” he recalls.

With an impressive portfolio of projects centred on partnerships with some of the world’s most iconic brands, Merx continues to “Inspire Spaces” throughout Asia with its bespoke client focused construction and real estate project management services.

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 47

MERX GROUP

EKOBOR “The BEST posture is the next posture” – Peter Opsvik. We are often asked to sit upright to maintain a good posture. However, who can really sustain the same posture for prolonged hours? Posture is meant to be dynamic.

With its parent company originated from Sweden since 1910, EKOBOR has been providing tailor-made sit stand office furniture solutions in Hong Kong. We offer a wide range of furniture solution but with a focus on standing desks and ergonomic chairs, aiming to help customers maintain a good posture and healthy workstyle.

BlockOne, Hong Kong

“ONE OF THE KEY DIFFERENTIATORS BEHIND OUR LONGEVITY AND ONGOING SUCCESS IS THE STYLE OF PROACTIVE MANAGEMENT USED BY OUR LEADERS” - WILLIAM FORWOOD, CEO, MERX GROUP “Deep down I had an ambition and a vision to build Merx into a sustainable company and be a market leader.”

Centred on innovation, independence, cost-efficiency, and personality, Merx excels in tailoring its offering to the individual needs of each client, with expertise that have been honed and crafted over the past two decades to ensure a passionate client focused project journey from pre-planning, briefing, design, sourcing and procurement, negotiations, build, relocation and post completion.

“Our primary role is to lead the projects we run and transform our clients’ vision into an Inspiring Space.”

For Forwood, Merx’ trajectory thus far has been defined by a constant drive to grow and improve the company whilst always putting clients and the Merx team first. The CEO promotes an ethos revolving around the three key pillars of services, sectors, and geography. The three pillars are continually reinforced as central to 48 | APAC Outlook issue 53

Merx’ provision of project, cost, procurement, and advisory services throughout Asia to the industrial, retail, workplace, and hospitality sectors.

“We’ve constantly expanded in some way during our journey, whether through new areas of business, geographically or our internal process and systems. We have continually set up new offices, entering Malaysia in 2006, Dubai and Hong Kong in 2008, Myanmar in 2016 and most recently establishing alliance agreements in Philippines, Australia and Japan,” he explains.

That same dynamism and agility continues to propel the independent consultancy firm forward today, now a known brand within the industry.

“We’ve been working with industrial and urban infrastructure the whole way and have always been deeply connected to the workplace corporate office sector. Over time we’ve expanded into hospitality, as well as specialist niches including the business jet hangar space,” he tells us.

The founder of EKOBOR - Kei Kei is a certified office ergonomist, as well as a mother of twins. During her pregnancy, she suffered from severe back pain. After realizing the important correlation between health and correct posture, she started to explore and studied further on ergonomics.

Kei Kei’s mission is to bring health and wellness to workplace through EKOBOR. She is very passionate about advocating the concept of wellness through high quality sitstand solutions. Recently, EKOBOR received the Health Partnership Awards “Outstanding award in ergonomic furniture” from ETNET.

www.ekobor.com.hk

Prevention Is The Cure! – Ergonomic Furniture

EKOBOR Store Locations: Causeway Bay: Room 2803, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Tsim Sha Tsui: 18 Salisbury Road, K11 Musea, 403A Phone: 2555 5555 | E-mail: info@ekpac.com | www.ekobor.com.hk

MERX GROUP

DVI Solutions Asia DVI Solutions Asia is Asia’s leading provider of Integrated Workplace Technology Solutions.

Established in 2002, DVI has helped many global organisations to rethink and reshape their regional workspaces to drive hybrid team productivity, customer engagement as well as workplace safety particularly in the safe management measures of Covid-19.

Leveraging on the latest innovative workplace communication and collaboration technologies; and with organisations planning to bring employees back to its workspaces, it has become imperative to deploy solutions with the latest IOT and AI capabilities for the safe management and monitoring of workplace people density and movement.

Bombardier, Singapore

“MERX IS PROUD TO BE RECOGNISED AMONGST LEADING INDUSTRY FIRMS WITH AN ESTABLISHED REPUTATION FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE AND REGIONAL EXPERTISE” - WILLIAM FORWOOD, CEO, MERX GROUP Throughout 2020/2021, Merx has represented major clients on large developments for prestigious global companies including Metrojet in the Philippines and Bombardier in Singapore, both of which are in their final stages of completion.

In 2018, the company joined the Asian Business Aviation Association, pursuing a promising path into the business jet arena following on from the strengths of its work with Jet Aviation. This was complemented by overseeing the construction of a state-of-the art maintenance facility and hangar with business aviation parking at Clark in the Philippines. As business aviation demand continues to soar in the context of COVID-19, it has proved a timely pivot for Merx.

In addition, within hospitality Merx has recently undertaken several exciting projects, including the master 50 | APAC Outlook issue 53

planning role for a Club Med resort in Kota Kinabalu – a unique design centred on ecological principles and sustainable luxury. Similarly, Merx is now in its eleventh consecutive year of working with Marina Bay Sands, the most iconic integrated resort development in Singapore.

In Hong Kong, Merx is engaged in ongoing projects with Morning Star and the Australian Trade Commission.

Centred out of Hong Kong, the Macau and Greater Bay geography will be a major focus for geographical expansion in 2022/2023.

Across the Merx portfolio, and particularly in Hong Kong, corporate office and workplace construction projects are the bread and butter of business. “We are now working with our key clients all around the region, which is something we have worked towards for many years. Being part

DVI Solutions’ designers have provided customised and functional systems that enhance productivity through hybrid work environments, leading to a more comfortable and environmentally sustainable workspaces throughout Asia.

DVI Solutions observes a number of core philosophies and principles.

All employees are required to have the appropriate training and certifications. System design, installation, implementation, training and support are provided by DVI’s team of experienced engineers and programmers.

“We had a good experience in our project collaboration with DVI Solutions Asia where the team displayed a high level of professionalism and service quality. Thanks guys!” – Ruchika Dhar, Senior Project Manager, MERX Construction Project Management Singapore Working closely with clients to ensure that they receive the best user friendly solution for their business needs, within their budget and timeframe; DVI Solutions ensure that clients receive the most innovative, appropriate, and reliable equipment maximizing their investment from our partnerships with well-established brands.

DVI Solutions Asia is headquartered in Singapore, with offices in China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia.

www.dviasia.com

Asia’s leading provider of Integrated Workplace Technology Solutions Integrated Workplace Technology solutions designed by DVI enhance hybrid work environments, manage and monitor workplace safety (including covid-safe measures), and lead to a more environmentally sustainable and comfortable work atmosphere.

What We Do: Solution Design & Implementation Project Management Installation & Commissioning On-site Solution Maintenance & Managed Services Preventive & Remedial Service & Maintenance

www.dviasia.com

SINGAPORE CHINA

HONG KONG (SAR) INDIA THAILAND PHILIPPINES MALAYSIA INDONESIA

MERX GROUP

Tarkus Interiors Pte Ltd Established in 1990, Tarkus Interiors Pte Ltd has grown from a small carpentry team to a strong workforce of over 200 staff able to generate up to $100 million in revenue year-on-year. Today, we are the industry leaders with the capability to perform as the best builder for interior fit-outs and renovation works, delivering to numerous specifications and complexity.

We have a well sized in-house factory of 32,000 square feet, located in Singapore, which is well equipped with automated machinery and spray painting booths with curing facilities that able us to produce super high quality works.

EFG Bank, Singapore of our clients’ growth and success as they grow and expand throughout Asia is very rewarding for us all” A significant example of Merx’ growth and stature within the workplace sector is represented by the appointment by Dyson on its global headquarters in Singapore.

The iconic innovative company is converting the historic St. James Power Station into a state-of-the-art office and R&D space.

MERX AT A GLANCE Sectors: • Workplace • Hospitality • Retail • Industrial Services: • Consulting • Advisory • Contract Management • Merxcheck - Merx also provides a professional workplace review providing analysis and insights on future direction.

52 | APAC Outlook issue 53

“It’s one of our proudest moments that we’ve been able to win this work competitively and deliver it in our twentieth year. It’s the type of project that may only come along once in a career, being one of Singapore’s oldest buildings with the heritage listed “monument” classification.”

THE MERX DIFFERENCE Over the past two decades, Merx has created a core identity and built upon its brand values that define the company and what it stands for.

“Our tagline is Inspiring Spaces.

That’s what our staff get excited about and what makes Merx tick as an overall business.”

Touching on the motivation behind the company’s staff, it is the human element that runs at the core of Merx’ values and identity - whether it be staff, clients, or the vast numbers of people using the spaces that Merx help to “inspire”.

“We are acutely aware that we are impacting not only our direct clients during the project delivery, but also the thousands of individuals that will ultimately occupy and visit a space.

Through our project management we help to create in a collaborative way by managing our projects with the

In Tarkus Interiors, customer satisfaction is critical to our success, and we continue to consistently demonstrate our ability in providing the best services to our clients and partners by adopting industry best practices.

While enjoying the fruits of our success with our respectable clients and partners, we are mindful of the impact that our work may have, directly or indirectly, on the environment.

We at Tarkus Interiors have taken a strategic approach to improve the environmental performance and regularly review our workflow and operating guidelines according to the local statutory and regulatory requirements.

www.tarkus.com.sg

MERX GROUP landlords, designers, contractors, and suppliers.

Returning to the company’s 20-year journey, for Forwood it is the people who stand out the most.

“There have been many people that I have had the privilege of not only mentoring but also learning from – it’s that symbiotic relationship with all staff whom I’ve been able to spend so much time with over the years.”

Merx advocates a model of leadership whereby there is active involvement between staff at all levels, centred on collaboration and fostering a close-knit way of working.

This guarantees what Forwood refers to as the “active delivery of projects”, and the pro-active involvement of the Merx leaders is a big part of what sets the company apart.

MERX OCTAGON – EIGHT STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL PROJECT MANAGEMENT Merx Octagon identifies eight key steps to delivering every project successfully with each step containing control procedures and processes tailored to the unique circumstances of the project. As a consistent delivery system, Merx Octagon allows full client visibility throughout and identifies key approval gateways required to ensure effective time management and budgetary control.

1. Initiation 2. Communication 3. Programme 4. Cost 5 Design 6. Procurement 7. Construction 8. Handover

54 | APAC Outlook issue 53

“One of the key differentiators behind our longevity and ongoing success is the style of “active management” from our leaders.

“The shareholders along with the other directors have always been hands on managers in the business, which provides that real drive from those with a personal stake in the company at all times,” he tells us.

Ultimately, it is a client-centric focus that best defines the Merx way of working. The company stands alongside clients, measuring its success based on projects delivered and the subsequent value contributed to their business.

In times of change, whether in the pursuit of new growth areas or the diversification of services, this remains a mainstay.

ENDLESS INNOVATION Aside from diversification, at the crux of driving innovation at Merx are the technologies that the company leverages to streamline and continually improve operations.

“We use a lot of third party, beneficial software. It is a differentiator that not all of our competitors match, and it really makes a difference for our clients,” comments Forwood.

These technologies can be instrumental in monitoring ongoing work and ensuring total control and visibility. Software that provides live camera footage of the sites, allows Merx clients to view project progress with 360-degree photos, helping the clients “walk the site” even when in a different country.

Another prime example is the Merx Octagon platform, which has been integral to both internal development and improving the client experience.

As a project tracking and dashboard system, Octagon offers clients total visibility with a single viewpoint to oversee status updates.

It is an area of innovation that Merx will continue to refine and develop.

“In terms of where we are looking to invest in tech, it’s mainly taking that Octagon system into the next iteration - version 2.0 and continuing to work with the best third-party software in the market.

“If we invest in the right way in the back-end processes, not only can we improve the consistency, quality and performance of our teams, but we can also create more time for the Merx team to focus on analytical, client-facing work and business development.”

THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTION Another foundational of Merx’ corporate identity centres on a focus on continual improvement, attained through experimentation.

“Our general appetite to experiment with different products on the market in our industry, identify the best ones, then weave them into our day to day is key to improving how we operate,” says Forwood.

“An intrinsic value of Merx is the idea of “mastery” - seeking to constantly improve,” he adds. Indeed, in the complex realm of project management, where every project consists of a host of moving parts, there is always more to be learnt.

For both Forwood and Merx, this energy shows no signs of abating, and our discussion draws to a close with the same mission of growth firmly at the forefront.

“We’re looking at our strategy for expansion now and putting together a four-year plan, new geographies we’ll be entering via acquisition or organic growth, the clients, and the services we want to provide to those clients.

“Watch this space for 2022.”

MERX GROUP Tel: +65 6423 9664 enquiries@merxcm.com www.merxcm.com

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APAC Outlook issue 53 | 55

THONG GUAN INDUSTRIES BERHAD

MANUFACTURING

MAKING PLASTIC SUSTAINABLE We unwrap the emergence of Thong Guan Industries Berhad as one of the largest stretch film manufacturers in Malaysia, as General Manager, David Ang, emphasises the importance of sustainability in plastic packaging Writer: Jack Salter | Project Manager: Matthew Taylor It feels like I’ve been a part of the company for as long as I can remember.”

David Ang, General Manager of Thong Guan Industries Berhad (Thong Guan), is the face of the fourth generation at the family-owned plastic packaging powerhouse.

Founded as a tea and coffee trader in 1942, it wasn’t until two decades later that Thong Guan entered the plastics industry, where it now specialises in stretch films while investing heavily in flexible packaging, namely stretch hood, shrink film, wicket bread bags, courier bags and more.

“Thong Guan saw great potential in the plastic market at the time, so the company decided to delve into the production of stretch film and flexible packaging,” explains Ang. From stretch films and food wraps to perforated bags and sheets, Thong Guan today is one of Malaysia’s largest plastic packaging manufacturers.

“We sell high quality stretch films that are on par with the best in the market, focusing on performance consistency for our customers.

“We are constantly innovating to help customers achieve performance consistency, load stability and safety, and sustainability goals. Our

customers come back to us because of the integrated innovation of our products,” Ang acclaims.

The establishment of the Newton R&D Centre in 2016, equipped with state-of-the-art testing facilities, has helped Thong Guan to better understand customer packaging problems and provide solutions that focus on load stability, safety, and visibility of the entire wrapping process, which promotes sustainability.

The centre is a leading research institute, offering expertly designed packaging solutions for palletised loads, courtesy of a dynamic simulation lab focused on load stability and safety during transportation.

“As of now, we are increasing our footprint in Europe with Newton Europe. Thong Guan is considered a local player by our European customers due to our solid presence in Italy and Germany, so we are highly regarded in terms of performance and quality consistency.

“Together, we are also helping our customers through education where the Newton Europe Academy covers training topics like load stability, wrapping optimisation, and more,” Ang affirms.

“Thanks to our local warehouses, we can achieve faster order fulfilment – they know they can count on us to deliver, instead of waiting eight to 12 weeks for us to ship from Malaysia to their factory. In many instances, we are faster than their local providers.”

Thong Guan has joined forces with Newton in the ENGAGE programme, a special collaboration to help optimise clients’ stretch film applications, thereby reducing waste and increasing profit.

W&H Machine

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 57

THONG GUAN INDUSTRIES BERHAD Pallet delivery performance can be impacted by variables such as weight, contents and travelling distance, which are factored into the ENGAGE programme to help customers find the best optimised wrapping

THONG GUAN AT A GLANCE Products and solutions: • Stretch films • Industrial flexible packaging • Consumer flexible packaging • Food wraps • Additives • Food and beverage manufacturing Industries served: • Industrial packaging • Commercial packaging • Waste and energy • Retail and e-commerce • Transport and logistics • Food and beverage • Hygiene and medical

Cast film

58 | APAC Outlook issue 53

solutions.

Thus, Thong Guan does not merely produce and supply packaging products, but also helps customers in achieving better load safety and cost efficiency, delivering value-added services that give impetus to their business goals.

PLASTIC GOES GREEN The Newton R&D Centre has enhanced Thong Guan’s innovative spirit, which is also being channelled towards the development of cleaner, greener plastics.

As part of LIVE GREEN, Thong Guan’s sustainable transformative goal towards plastic circularity, sustainability is being made possible for customers and partners through innovation, as well as education, recycling, alternative resourcing and more.

“Since 2018, Thong Guan has embarked on a journey of posterity to progress our business and make our customers more sustainable,” Ang states.

“Through our LIVE GREEN initiatives, we hope to mobilise industry players to accelerate green innovation and progress. We inculcate sustainability not just in our products, but in our culture as well.

NO.EL. NO.EL. is a private company founded in 1983 and is involved in the development of the industrial technology underlying the production process of stretched films after extrusion.

The company’s strength lies in special systems for winding and stretching extruded films.

Today, thanks to its high levels of quality, the company is able to compete on the global stage, and its systems are used by the biggest and most important stretch film producers worldwide.

One of the company’s strengths is its constant investment in research and development, which enables it to always be at the cutting edge of technology.

All this is made possible and is thanks to the important collaborations that NO.EL. has built over the years with its main customers, working side-by-side to develop new and sophisticated systems that are now used on world markets.

Since 2020 also Thong Guan has been producing high quality pre-stretched with our latest-generation machines.

Roberto Colombo V.P. Global Sales

www.noel-automation.com

PRE-STRETECHED FILM

v. G. Leopardi, 30 – San Pietro Mosezzo (NO) - Italy

www.noel-automation.com info@noel-automation.it

Why NO.EL.

EXPERIENCE

IMPROVEMENT

INNOVATION

TECHNOLOGY

SPEED

NO.EL. has over 20 years of experience in producing pre- stretch film machines. More than 800 machines installed.

NO.EL’s goal has always been to improve its machines in reliability, performance and profitability (best price / productivity ratio).

Since 2004, NO.EL. developed and patented different innovative solutions involving the cold pre-stretch.

The selection and relation of the technological components (choice of materials, their treatment, special technical solutions) guarantees the highest performance.

New algorithms that allow our machines to pre-stretch at speeds well above 1.0001.100 mt / min. while guaranteeing optimal features to the product.

CORELESS FILM Why NO.EL.

EXPERIENCE

SPEED

OUTPUT

TECHNOLOGY

INNOVATION

Hundreds of coreless winders (off-line and inline) working all over the world in 500/1.00/1.300 mm. More than 300 machines installed.

Winding speed of up to 1100 m/min.

Manual and Machine rolls up to 300 mm. diameter.

Coreless, pre-stretched, and conventional films

Patented shaft for coreless from 30 mm. (diameter).

Patented rewinding shafts able to run up to 7000 RPM without vibrations (from 1.5” to 3”).

Sophisticated algorithms that control and modify the tensioning of the film every second during the winding process.

Sophisticated algorithms that control and modify the pressure applied to the roll every second during the winding process.

Auto tuning of the machine according to the characteristics of the film.

THONG GUAN INDUSTRIES BERHAD “Whilst it may be hard to believe that a plastic manufacturer would want to promote sustainability, right now we are very focused on it.”

Driven by a philosophy of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Thong Guan even has a dedicated subsidiary, TGSH Plastic Industries, devoted to recycling with an annual output of 5,000 metric tonnes.

It comes as recent National Geographic figures show that billions of tonnes of plastic have been made over the past decades, a whopping 91 percent of which isn’t recycled.

“We cannot eradicate plastic use in many areas of our lives, but we can manage it,” Ang acknowledges.

THONG GUAN’S VISION AND MISSION VISION To be a leader in providing value, solutions and services as the most technologically advanced plastic packaging film and additives manufacturer in Asia Pacific.

MISSION • Deliver quality products and trustworthy services to customers, partners and stakeholders.

• Continuously acquire knowledge and make improvements that exceed customer expectations.

• Create a safe working environment to promote a strong, positive culture.

“That way, we are making a conscious effort to leave the planet in a good condition for the next generation.

Thong Guan’s in-house recycling machines, meanwhile, can convert rejected plastics into recycled resin, which is subsequently reused in the manufacturing process to produce certain plastic packaging products.

The company’s R&D team is focused on producing performance and quality consistency in bags and films containing recycled resin, in the hope of increasing the use of recycled resins in more products.

“We are working with plastic waste that has already been generated.

As such, we ensure we have internal recycling processes and facilities to support our initiatives,” adds Ang. It is clear that Thong Guan is serious about its sustainability goals as it takes the necessary steps to enable customers to participate in closing the loop.

Thong Guan’s total end-to-end solution supplies customers with their stretch film needs, helps collect postusage waste via strategic recycling partners, and processes waste into stable recycled resins, which are transformed to produce high-quality repurposed products to serve another lifespan in the economy.

SIGNODE Signode Wrapping Every product packaging should be optimised for transport to minimize costs and ensure customers remain confident in your brand.

No matter how your products are transported, it is essential they do not shift, tilt, or topple, which could lead to product damage.

The right investment in wrapping equipment can provide you with the optimum outcomes at the optimum cost-performance ratio. Start with an assessment of application requirements to identify your biggest challenges and then choose the right wrapping solution for your needs.

The Signode Octopus® range of stretch wrappers are available for many products in multiple industry segments, including food and beverage, eCommerce, retail business and others. The innovative wrapping technology allows for both variable pre-stretch and lay-on-force providing huge flexibility in applying the right amount of film tension at any place on the load providing optimum load stability at reduced costs. A sustainable solution – saving film and thus having less environmental impact.

The Signode Lachenmeier stretch hooders offer more than just a closed film hood being applied to a uniform load. The machines apply film sleeves as well as short hoods, and they can wrap the load with perforated film to avoid condensation as well as apply film reinforcement on the load where needed. In addition, stretch hood is suitable for products with different shapes and sizes and especially onelayer loads where traditional stretch wrap is not as effective.

For more information: www.signode.com

• Relentlessly pursue technological innovation.

• Cultivate a spirit of giving back to the community and helping out the world. www.signode.com

60 | APAC Outlook issue 53

STRETCH WRAP AND STRETCH HOOD EQUIPMENT WE’LL PROTECT IT FROM HERE

The Octopus ring wrapping technology allows for both variable pre-stretch as well as variable lay-on-force providing huge flexibility in applying the right amount of film tension at any place on the load providing optimum load stability at reduced costs.

Lachenmeier stretch hooders provide load stability at reduced costs for products in multiple industry segments, including food and beverage, building, construction, chemicals, and others. A sustainable solution – saving film and thus having less environmental impact.

| DIGITAL SPACE Explore our Digital Space showroom – a new interactive and digital way to experience and discover Signode’s Transit Packaging Solutions. www.signode.com/digitalspace

Signode Phone +60 3-8025 9363 email info@lachenmeier.com www.signode.com

Signode offers a comprehensive portfolio of end of line packaging products and systems designed to protect, secure, simplify and streamline the bulk transportation of goods, continually adapting our product line to address evolving supply chain demands.

THONG GUAN INDUSTRIES BERHAD It means that when consumers recycle their stretch film waste, they are knowingly contributing to the development of the circular economy.

CLOSING THE LOOP Despite this, plastics remain a valuable commodity in the packaging space, but Thong Guan is

striving to close the plastic waste loop through recycling in order to reduce waste and the company’s carbon footprint.

Not only are recycled plastic machine films comparable to conventional stretch films, but the move towards recycled films is sustainable for the packaging ecosystem.

APAC OUTLOOK: WHAT ROLE DOES INNOVATION PLAY AT THONG GUAN IN FURTHERING YOUR SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS?

Hudson-Sharp Now part of Paper Converting Machine Company, the HudsonSharp brand still sets the standard for bag and pouch making equipment.

With 100 years of experience and industry leading technology, the Hudson-Sharp name is known for high-quality machinery and worldrenowned customer service.

David Ang, General Manager: “Innovation plays a leading role in our sustainability efforts.

From wicketers to stand-up pouch machines to the revolutionary InnoLok® and Pour & Lok™ pre-applied closure product lines, HudsonSharp brand is the solution for bag converting companies.

“NanoGreen, our 30 percent recycled machine film, contributes to customers’ sustainability goals while adhering to the packaging policies of certain countries or regions, for instance the EU’s Plastic Packaging Tax.

Our innovative team of engineers and dedicated support staff can custom design machinery for your specific flexible packaging applications.”

“Bolt is a stretch film dispenser uniquely designed to achieve hand wrapping consistency. As a fatigue fighting tool, Bolt’s super-lightweight design is suited for anyone, anytime to hand wrap with consistent containment force. When there is consistency in the hand wrapping process, there is no unnecessary tension that may cause the film to snap – all this reduces waste, wrapping time and ensures the safety of pallets. Bolt also comes with one-inch paper core stretch films, compared to typical market three-inch core and nano thin films to increase sustainability efforts.

“Then, we have iPak5, the eagle-eye for achieving operational excellence and sustainability goals. As an IoT solution, iPak5’s data-centric ecosystem is designed to provide holistic solutions to customers, enabling performance visibility and traceability for every wrapped pallet.

Connecting the entire supply chain from end-to-end with data, iPak5 is a tool for monitoring consistency, sustainability, and savings on your wrapping machine. The collected data allows our customers to make informed decisions about machine film usage, optimised to prevent wastage among many other benefits. It has just launched, and with it we plan to infiltrate the European market.”

62 | APAC Outlook issue 53

mark.bampfield@pcmc.com

That brings us to NanoGreen, Thong Guan’s first high-quality recycled machine film made with 30 percent recycled materials.

Specially formulated to meet packaging requirements, NanoGreen is characterised by its excellent containment force, high tear resistance and outstanding puncture resistance, proving that pallet load stability need not be compromised by recycled materials.

With NanoGreen, Thong Guan helps customers to reach their sustainability goals faster through high-quality recycled machine films.

“By ramping up our recycling efforts, introducing NanoGreen recycled machine film and acquiring the necessary certifications for our green products, we are spearheading the circular economy and closing the loop,” outlines Ang. “As we continue to do our part, we are helping and encouraging other brand owners to achieve their

MANUFACTURING

Our latest state of the art high dynamic servo technology allows production speeds over 450 bags per minute.

The Apollo series will help your business: • Improve your accuracy on recurring orders • Reduce your scrap rates • Collect improvement metrics to help you make the right production decisions

Learn more by contacting Mark Bampfield at mark.bampfield@pcmc.com • +63 929 407 0191

sustainability goals.”

Thong Guan is also focused on bio-based plastics. The TG Bio series, for example, is made of green polyethylene resins from renewable feedstock such as wood chips.

Thong Guan’s bioplastic products, which range from plastic bags and garbage bags to stretch film, shrink film and even meat liners, are further reducing plastic packaging waste in the industry.

SUSTAINABLE GROWTH Thong Guan believes that environmental sustainability is just as important as business sustainability, practiced by carrying out business operations responsibly and creating a positive impact in the community through investment in education, sports, community care, environmental projects, and occupational health and safety.

Over the years, Thong Guan has also supported charities and other

Features: • Quick changeover features including automation • Enhanced ergonomics and user interface • Increased output speeds • Industry 4.0 smart features

meaningful causes, efforts through which the company hopes to foster community spirit as well as encourage its 2,200 employees to be actively involved in CSR programmes.

In the fast-paced era of globalisation, meanwhile, Thong Guan has been continuously evolving to strive for sustainable growth.

With an annual turnover of over RM 960 million, it is one of the fastest-growing companies in Asia Pacific, bolstered by additional manufacturing operations in China and Thailand. As Thong Guan

continues to grow, however, it believes in striking a harmonious balance between its business pursuits and social responsibility.

“Our sustainability goals are at the top of our list, so we will continue to work on reducing waste and closing the loop as we aim to hit RM 2 billion turnover by 2027,” confirms Ang. “Next year, we are looking to invest in many areas. We have machines coming that include stretch film, shrink film, stretch hood, and flexible packaging capabilities.”

With Thong Guan at the plastic packaging helm, the future of film is green.

​ el: 604-4417 888 T info@thongguan.com www.thongguan.com

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 63

GOODPACK

S

ustainability comes in many forms.

Presented with the term, thoughts of greenery, clean energy, carbon capture projects and waste recycling spring to mind. Yet there are more subtle practices that fall under such a term that often go amiss.

Within this realm, smart storage and space utilisation are two things that maximise efficiency, and in doing so, promote a sustainable means of transport and delivery through streamlining the logistical system.

Less wasted space equals maximised product transport in a minimised number of journeys, saving fuel, effort, CO2 and time.

Amid the international logistics sector, Goodpack is a key player and promoter of efficient and sustainable means of cargo transport. The company is a global logistics provider servicing industries that require safe, protective, cost-efficient packaging and supply chain solutions.

“We are based in Singapore but operate around the world,” begins Eric Gregoire, CEO of Goodpack.

“Our first and original business was the transportation of natural rubber, which by nature made us a global company from the get-go. Over time we expanded from natural rubber to synthetic as well, and because there is a tyre plant in every corner of the world, it means that we operate across every continent. This defined the first two decades of the company.”

Over the past 10 years, the company has significantly grown its global footprint and established itself as a premier partner in delivering integrated supply chain solutions to customers in the most demanding industry sectors.

“Across the last five to seven years, we have evolved,” Gregoire continues. “We have taken the idea of modernising the supply chain to make it more environmentally friendly, more resilient, and less costly by making use of a returnable fleet of containers.

64 | APAC Outlook issue 53

THE FUTURE OF GOODS TRANSPORT Behind the wheel of a circular supply chain system, we speak to Eric Gregoire, CEO of Goodpack; the company representing resilience, efficiency and sustainability in global material transportation Writer: Marcus Kääpä | Project Manager: Eddie Clinton

SUPPLY CHAIN

Eric Gregoire, CEO of Goodpack

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 65

GOODPACK “That is the definitive purpose of Goodpack; to take the supply chain, look at it holistically end-to-end, and modernise it by introducing a mutually beneficial fleet of containers.”

EVOLVING OPERATIONS Goodpack is an innovator in developing safe and cost-efficient transportation and storage solutions for challenging payloads, including natural rubber, food, liquids and specialty industrial goods such as tyres and automotive parts. The

GOODPACK IN NUMBERS

5,000 GLOBAL DELIVERY AND COLLECTION POINTS

EIGHT

SIX

MILLION GLOBAL MOVEMENTS ANNUALLY

19

MILLION PAYLOAD TONNES MOVED ANNUALLY

SUBSIDIARIES ACROSS SIX CONTINENTS

80

FOUR

COUNTRIES WITH GOODPACK OPERATIONS

MILLION ACTIVE RETURNABLE CONTAINERS

company boasts team members, operations and depots around the world dedicated to simplifying customers’ supply chain processes and to reducing waste with recyclable containers replacing one-way packaging.

“We make transportation more sustainable because we are waste free,” Gregoire tells us proudly. “Our returnable containers reduce freight costs as the process eliminates the waste that is empty space. We are a very efficient storage and transportation solutions provider, and this maximised space utilisation also eliminates the need for vast storage facilities around the world that take up millions of square feet collectively.

“Our basic principle is being truly global in serving the short and long supply chain. Simply put, we are the constant throughout a very complex operation, making it leaner and more resilient.”

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic period, the global supply chain has been key to maintaining the daily operation of businesses and lives worldwide. For Gregoire, this period has highlighted the necessity of reliability in the sector.

“If I asked a supply chain manager what the greatest priority was prior to the pandemic, they would have said, ‘number one: cost, number two: cost, and number three: cost,” he reflects.

“Now, having collectively experienced what we have, the answer to this question would be ‘resilience, sustainability, cost’.

“The pandemic has created an entirely different story and profound change within the industry, and resilience has become the front and centre of conversations across the world.”

EXPERTS IN THE SECTOR The team behind the company are the dedicated staff that ensure Goodpack upholds its mission in developing and delivering end-to-end 66 | APAC Outlook issue 53

Lantone Systems Lantone Systems Pte Ltd is an established IT provider with seven offices worldwide. We specialise in Data Centre, Cloud, IT Security and IP Telephony, Managed IT and 24/7 IT Helpdesk services. Today, we work with more than 3,000 companies around the world and across different industries including finance, healthcare, telecommunications and more.

As one of the earliest practitioners of VoIP in Singapore, Goodpack looked to us in 2008 to connect all their global offices via VoIP. Since then, our partnership has expanded into most areas of IT, such as infrastructure, security and cloud services. To provide a smooth working experience for Goodpack’s 400 plus employees across 22 offices globally, we manage all of their IT-related requests and incidents through a 24/7 IT Helpdesk and have consistently earned praises from users, while exceeding agreed SLAs. We carry a wide range of Yealink and Sangoma products, such as Desk IP Phones, Wireless IP Phones, VoIP Gateways, Telephony Cards, and Video Conference equipment, which are SIP and Teams compliant. We are also a well known system integration company, with the ability to deliver our solutions anywhere in the world, from Abuja to oil rigs in the middle of the ocean.

Other notable examples of our work include the deployment of our standards-based contact center solution, FocalScope, within the strict IT environment of a prison facility, upgrading the network infrastructure and phone system of a Supreme Court, and helping a regional equipment manufacturer connect its branch offices through a cloud-based telephony system.

We thank Goodpack for giving us the opportunity to work with them and placing their trust in us. We wish Goodpack continued success, and look forward to scaling greater heights together.

www.voip.com.sg

Lantone Systems Keeping your IT networks ahead of the curve

Managed IT Services 24/7 IT Helpdesk

IP Telephony People, Process, Technology

IT Security Software

Cloud Services Data Center Services

About Lantone Systems Pte Ltd Since 1998, Lantone Systems has established itself as a leading industry player in the provision of IT solutions for MNCs and SMEs alike. We are equipped to offer a broad range of solutions that are tailored to meet the Computing, Network, Telephony, Security and Infrastructure needs of your organisation.

“As a global transport and supply chain solutions provider, it is absolutely critical that we have comprehensive IT coverage that supports our employees, and through them, our customers.

Any disruption, no matter how small, can have devastating ripple effects. That’s how important IT is to us, and hence why we trust Lantone Systems, our partner for more than 13 years, with our IT network and infrastructure requirements.

With their dedicated 24/7 IT Helpdesk support, our people can focus on their day-to-day work, knowing that help is always available. Thanks to Lantone Systems, we are well-equipped to do our best.”

Eric Gregoire - CEO, Goodpack Pte Ltd

Contact us Email: vikas@lantone.com.sg Phone: +65 9437 3774

GOODPACK supply chain solutions for its customers. The business relies on the experience, skills and commitment of its employees from every level to maintain the high level of innovation and service it is globally renowned for.

And from under the direction of the company’s management

and leadership, Goodpack is ever expanding in its role as a world leader in transport packaging and an enabler of global supply chain ecosystems.

“In recent years, we have been successful in expanding distribution into the food and beverage, and vehicle components sectors,” Gregoire

APAC OUTLOOK: HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN SECTOR? Eric Gregoire, CEO: “I worked for material companies earlier on in my career, namely DuPont and General Electric. For around 16 years I crossed between various jobs within those companies before moving on into another sector.

“Around a decade ago I switched from working for those large corporations into the private equity space, where I moved on to work for two different companies in Germany in roles such as regional president, before I was offered the position of CEO of Goodpack in 2017. So, my arrival in the field of supply chain solutions was through the private equity space.

“Our mandate at that point was to transform what was fundamentally an asset and equipment leasing company to a supply chain solution partner, and today Goodpack exists as such.”

68 | APAC Outlook issue 53

Yusen Logistics Yusen Logistics was established in 1955 and currently has more than 355 cities in 47 countries, approx. 2.6 Million SQMs of warehousing space.

Our comprehensive services are designed to create better connections between businesses, customers and communities through innovative supply chain management, freight forwarding, warehousing.

As Yusen Logistics Turkey, we have handled Goodpack shipments in Turkey for more than 10 years which shows today, a strong relation and mutual cooperation between two companies.

For shipments from Turkey to Europe, Middle East, Far East; we also improve all logistics processes offering flexible solutions.

info@tr.yusen-logistics.com

SUPPLY CHAIN

SU STA I NABLE AND RELIABLE SERV I CE S BUILT ON S TRONG RELATI ONS HIP S Tighter environmental regulations and intensified global trading conditions mean shipping goods around the world is increasingly challenging. Focusing on the fundamentals of your supply chain matters more than ever.

While technology is essential, it cannot replace the power of a solid relationship. Working as an extension of your team, we leverage our global network and long-established carrier connections to support your business needs. We’re the partner that won’t let you down.

For your logistics inquiries in Turkey, get in touch at info@tr.yusen-logistics.com to get connected

Your Trusted Premier Supply Chain Partner Your one-stop comprehensive logistics solution provider – tailor made to your business needs to fulfil your requirements.

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APAC Outlook issue 53 | 69

GOODPACK

APAC OUTLOOK: CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE NATURE OF YOUR PARTNERSHIPS WITH EXTERNAL COMPANIES IN THE SPACE? Eric Gregoire, CEO: “We either already provide the best services in the world, or we partner with the best to provide the best.

“We have a collection of at least 15 different partners in the IT sector who are each vital to our digital services at Goodpack. On top of this, our business works with partnerships for transport and safety, and we have some separate joint ventures as well.

“Over the years we have narrowed down the scope of our partnerships so that each of them shares the same values as Goodpack. We believe that these businesses represent the true essence of our company, understand our needs and that of our customers, and are the critical factors towards our success.”

elaborates. “We are transporting anything from purées, concentrates or pickles, to automotive and aeroplane parts, and we leverage our global network to support our customers worldwide, at the same time creating leaner supply chains with higher network density and shorter repositioning distance.

“This expansion and reliable service would not be possible without our various hard-working and talented teams.”

Having globalised its teams, Goodpack operates via five primary divisions in Asia, the Americas and the EMEA region, each led by a regional president who oversees various teams of staff.

“These teams are the fuel behind the business, and they heavily depend on each other,” Gregoire explains.

“As Goodpack relies on the return of containers from customers, and the repositioning of containers to restart the process, each division must work together to balance the supply for continued operation and the benefit of all.”

With an employee-centric focus at the fore of the company, Goodpack ensures that training is provided to staff and makes use of specific advanced training for future leadership in the business.

“Our leadership training can cover a variety of topics, from digital transformation to business economics,” Gregoire comments.

“This helps develop our future leaders’ understanding of how the world and our company is going to impact the supply chain, and what the best strategies are moving forward.”

EFFICIENCY AND ENDURANCE Goodpack’s strategies lead to smart thinking and solutions within the supply chain. The company’s container formats answer specific needs within the space and represent the progressive, sustainable purpose behind the business.

“We have launched a format of container called MB6, designed to 70 | APAC Outlook issue 53

maximise the utilisation of space for American railcars, consisting of 60-foot containers and larger,” Gregoire elaborates.

“Each of these, like most of our containers, are made of metal that provides a multi-faceted advantage for efficient goods transportation.

This format works perfectly when it comes to transporting fragile products, such as automotive components, that require a great deal of protection and care.

“The metal containers keep the goods safe and provide a long life for the assets; we are still using containers that are more than 20 years old.”

And the added benefit of Goodpack’s metal containers is the reusable nature of the material. If, after a long stint of service, the metal containers become damaged and unfit for use, they can be melted down and repurposed. For Goodpack, this mixture of reliability and repurposing becomes a dual-focal reason for

SUPPLY CHAIN

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We simplify logistics, for you.

YANG KEE LOGISTICS (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD 8 Jurong Pier Road Singapore 619160 T: (65) 6430 4388

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APAC Outlook issue 53 | 71

GOODPACK

SMART SOLUTIONS Goodpack’s fleets of patented galvanised containers are collapsible, stackable and nestable. Constructed to ensure protection against shocks and contaminants, they are also quick, easy and safe to set up and knock down by a single individual.

- Rugged, returnable, and reusable.

- Zero wood and plastic contamination.

- Hygienic and food safe.

- Standard and custom solutions.

- Green with zero disposal emissions.

- Economic unit design with a lower raw material storage capex.

- Safe to assemble and dismantle by a single individual in seconds.

72 | APAC Outlook issue 53

their use; one that merges with the business’ core values.

“Our containers and delivery vessels are all square or rectangular in shape, which becomes the most practical when it comes to saving space,” Gregoire adds. “We are replacing the use of drums for example; their shape is impractical and wastes space that could be better used for product storage during transport, and moving the drums themselves often requires a high level of manual labour that could be better spent elsewhere.”

UTILISING THE DIGITAL REALM Goodpack is further developing its capabilities in the digital realm. Within this space, the latest digital tools become vital to continued fluidity and ease of business operations, and Goodpack’s recognition of this is represented by its customer portal, a user-friendly digital platform that monitors container cycle time, location, supply trends and much more.

“Our digital portal allows the businesses to follow and track the containers and the related details and information,” Gregoire says.

“On top of this, we also guarantee a circular economy through digital means. Goodpack ensures that each container used can and is reused by businesses at their point of destination, so that each container can deliver goods and then continue its service to multiple locations globally without having to be returned to its original destination.

“This digitally led method allows us to achieve a circular system while also remaining environmentally friendly throughout.”

GROWING GOODPACK For Goodpack, efficiency and expansion are two key words, and the future holds a lot of promise. In the short term, the company will be aiming to completely eradicate ineffective supply solutions such as transporting goods via drums, that are both impractical in their design

SUPPLY CHAIN

when it comes to maximising space, and often require a great deal of manual labour on either end. On top of this, Goodpack will simultaneously be making headway in alternative markets.

“We are looking to become an even bigger player in the food and beverage supply space, ,” Gregoire informs us.

“Maximising space and resilience are of course a major short-term aim of ours.

“Some of the current packaging is a simple wooden pallet carrying goods wrapped in film, which is both riskier when it comes to product vulnerability, more wasteful, and does

not allow the pallets to stack upon one another. It is at the top of our agenda to replace all use of wooden pallets with metal containers that are more robust, stackable and that are interlocking for both space utilisation and goods/material security.

“Lastly, Goodpack is looking to develop our business from raw material supply solutions to also move into the fast-moving consumer goods (FMGC) space, moving from the transportation of raw materials into that of finished goods, from one plant to the point of consumption.”

Goodpack’s aims and

developments are moving in conjunction with an increasingly progressive, efficient, green and smart industry. With resilience at the core of all the company does, Goodpack represents the enduring nature of the global supply chain.

Tel: +65 6382 1788 www.goodpack.com

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 73

SABAH PORTS

GATEWAY TO THE FAR EAST Port operations in the Malaysian state of Sabah have been managed by Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd (SPSB) since 2004.

Datuk Ng Kiat Min, Group Managing Director of Suria Capital Holdings Berhad, delves deep into the success of the subsidiary and the wider state Writer: Jack Salter | Project Manager: Eddie Clinton

Sapangar Bay Container Port

74 | APAC Outlook issue 53

SUPPLY CHAIN

S

abah is famed for the iconic 4,095-metre-tall Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s highest peak renowned worldwide for its tremendous biodiversity and crowned with its distinctive granite spires.

Against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kinabalu, it is all the way down at sea level where Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd (SPSB) provides berthing, handling and cargo facilities to

customers across eight ports located to the east and west of Sabah.

It has done so since 2004, when SPSB officially took over the management of all port operations from the Sabah Ports Authority in Malaysia, a country in which maritime transport accounts for almost 90 percent of international trade.

As the state’s main port operator, SPSB, a wholly owned subsidiary of

Suria Capital Holdings Berhad, has welcomed the world to the shores of East Malaysia’s golden gateway, delivering maritime logistics, access and opportunities to Sabah.

“Most Malaysian ports adopt a model whereby one operator or authority manages a single port; however, it is quite different with us as we manage multiple ports across the state,” says Datuk Ng Kiat Min, Group

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 75

SABAH PORTS Managing Director at Suria Capital Holdings Berhad.

“By being the sole operator and manager of the eight main ports in Sabah, it has enabled us to achieve better coordination, planning and synergy among our ports.”

The state of Sabah is on the right trajectory for growth, and recent developments have proven that it has the potential to evolve as an investment hub and a centre for manufacturing and industrial activities.

Significant major foreign investment from SK Nexilis, a global leader in copper foil production, is evidence of this potential, with the Korean-based company choosing to set up its first overseas production base at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park in Sabah.

The investment bodes well not only for the state of Sabah, but also SPSB, who will further benefit from 50,000 tonnes of export cargo annually as a result of SK Nexilis’ new base.

Kota Kinabalu Port

76 | APAC Outlook issue 53

SPSB’S EIGHT PORTS AT A GLANCE WEST COAST Sapangar Bay Container Port (SBCP) – A dedicated container facility, boasting state-of-the-art facilities, efficient and effective operations, and competitive freight charges.

Kota Kinabalu Port – Identified as a dedicated international cruise terminal, handling general cargo and providing roll-on/roll-off services.

Sapangar Bay Oil Terminal (SBOT) – A dedicated terminal for the handling of refined petroleum products and liquid chemicals.

EAST COAST Kudat Port – Close proximity to the Philippines makes it a top choice for maritime trade to the archipelago.

Sandakan Port – The second biggest port in Sabah, renowned for handling palm oil products.

Tawau Port – Close proximity to the Kalimantan region of Indonesia provides vast business potential.

Lahad Datu Port – Poised to be a catalyst in the booming palm oil industry and set to become the central hub for bulk fertiliser imports.

Kunak Port – A major, dedicated crude palm oil port.

SUPPLY CHAIN

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Kudat Port

ABOUT BIMP-EAGA

Sandakan Port

The Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) was launched in 1994 as a regional cooperation initiative to bring more economic development to specific focus areas within each region through economic complementation.

Collectively, BIMP-EAGA covers a land area of 1.6 million square kilometres, has a combined population of approximately 70 million people, and is one of the world’s most resource-rich regions.

The economic development of BIMP-EAGA areas is highly dependent on the creation of intraregional transport, which includes enhanced sea connectivity.

When viewed as a single market, there are vast untapped opportunities that can truly bring an economic impact to all BIMP-EAGA stakeholders.

Lahad Datu Port

Kunak Port

Tawau Port

Sapangar Bay Oil Terminal

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 77

SABAH PORTS “With the entry of SK Nexilis, I am optimistic that it will entice other multinational corporations (MNCs) to follow,” Ng Kiat Min says confidently.

DRIVING GROWTH The expansion of the Sapangar Bay Container Port (SBCP), meanwhile, has been identified as a major thrust in revitalising industrial activities in Sabah.

A port of international standing, SBCP is strategically located along busy shipping routes between the Far East and Europe, positioned as the premier transhipment hub for the Brunei Darussalam-IndonesiaMalaysia-Philippines East ASEAN

SPSB VISION AND MISSION VISION – To be the ports of preference in the BIMP-EAGA region.

MISSION – To be committed to providing excellent port services, with dedication that consistently meets customer and stakeholder expectations.

78 | APAC Outlook issue 53

Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

“SBCP has the potential to become the focal point of the BIMP-EAGA shipping cluster,” says Ng Kiat Min. “It is SPSB’s aim to designate SBCP as a regional hub for containerised cargo from BIMP-EAGA, as well as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).”

Funded by the Malaysian government, SBCP’s major expansion will upgrade its jetty length, handling capacity, as well as commissioning reclamation works, boosting the port’s handling capacity from 500,000 TEUs to 1.25 million TEUs per annum.

“We need to work closely with each of our strategic partners, who can all play a role in maximising SBCP’s potential,” Ng Kiat Min emphasises.

“SBCP will be game-changing and seen as a driver of economic growth for the BIMP-EAGA region, whilst providing the impetus to encourage manufacturing and industrial activities in Sabah.”

It comes as part of SPSB’s five-year development plan which also includes a jetty extension at the Sapangar Bay Oil Terminal (SBOT), whose capabilities are being upgraded to accommodate larger tankers and

thereby greater volumes.

The extension entails the construction of an additional jetty, incorporating two extra berths designed to handle two vessels at once. More importantly, the new jetty will allow pipeline maintenance works to be carried out more efficiently side by side, without interrupting operations or compromising safety.

“SBOT will be able to cater for more vessels, and the twin jetties will enable 60,000 DWT vessels to be accommodated which is double the current capacity,” explains Ng Kiat Min. “Currently, it handles an average volume of 1.2 million tonnes of bulk oil on an annual basis, serving oil majors such as Shell, Petron and PETRONAS.” As part of the long-term development plan, general cargo operations currently handled at Kota Kinabalu Port will be relocated to the Sapangar Bay area, paving the way for a mixed development project being undertaken by Suria Capital Holdings Berhad to transform it into a prime commercial zone.

To this end, SPSB will embark on the construction of a general cargo port by the name of Sapangar Bay Conventional Cargo Terminal (SBCCT) to enable general cargo operations, infrastructure and facility requirements.

With the relocation of general cargo from Kota Kinabalu to Sepangar, SPSB also plans to create the Sapangar Bay Integrated Port (SBIP) which is expected to encourage industrialisation and manufacturing growth, thus laying the foundation for a free trade zone and other economic activities to take place in the area.

“Our plans have a specific focus on catering for the future and enabling enhanced connectivity for trade to reach global markets. We hope to play a role that brings more investments and ultimately elevates Sabah as an attractive investment destination,” Ng Kiat Min says.

SUPPLY CHAIN POSITIVE IMPACT

Roll-on, roll-off ferry

Some of the many female staff at Sabah Ports

Offshore crew exchange operations

Oil and gas storage services

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES SPSB, whose 1,000-strong workforce follow developments in the BIMPEAGA region closely, has been bolstered by the news that Indonesia is moving ahead with plans to relocate its capital from Jakarta to Kalimantan, an Indonesian territory neighbouring Sabah on the island of Borneo.

A deadline of 2024 has been set for the move to Kalimantan, which will undeniably benefit Sabah and especially SPSB’s east coast ports.

Tawau Port, for instance, has a long history of trade with Indonesia and is considered a main avenue for Indonesian exports to enter Sabah.

Sabah and North Kalimantan in particular not only share extensive land and maritime borders, but significantly, they complement each other economically.

“Maritime-wise, the vision for North Kalimantan’s Tarakan Island is to develop it into a cross-border gateway, mainly through seaborne and airborne transport, whilst Tarakan City is recognised as the main

distribution point for cargo shipping,” notes Ng Kiat Min. “There will be many areas of economic spill-over once the relocation materialises, so Sabah should be prepared for the future and seek opportunities for collaboration that will benefit both sides.”

Further, Sabah offers ample opportunities for the oil and gas industry, with the state also ideally positioned along the trading routes of vessels plying between Australia and East Asia.

For this very reason, SPSB has capitalised to provide integrated marine services, with the company making its first foray into LNG bunkering operations in October 2021 after being appointed as the main service provider for Malaysian national energy giant, PETRONAS. “The venture signifies the upgrading of services offered by SPSB, and in the long run, we aim to offer a one-stop solution with a range of marine services for the industry,” outlines Ng Kiat Min.

Among SPSB’s other key priorities is its commitment towards building a green, sustainable port, the principles of which are becoming increasingly important and form part of the company’s development.

Guided by Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG), on top of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, SPSB’s goal is to ensure it is contributing effectively and making a positive impact.

This goal is already being achieved, with the APEC Port Service Network (APSN) recognising SPSB’s active engagement in ecological conservation through projects such as seagrass transplantation, mangrove restoration, and marine rehabilitation projects in 2019.

A year later, SPSB was rewarded for its green initiatives at the Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability Awards, which acknowledged the company’s use of natural resources as well as reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions in port business operations.

“In the future, we have plans to introduce port reception facilities to ensure proper waste management for vessels coming into our port,” Ng Kiat Min reveals.

Together with an active support for employee development and gender equality, it is clear that SPSB has evolved in many areas since taking over port management operations from the Sabah Ports Authority in 2004.

“What Sabah Ports has achieved today is reflective of two decades of growth,” concludes Ng Kiat Min.

SABAH PORTS Tel: +6 088-483390 ​customer_relations@spsb.com.my www.spsb.com.my

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 79

PACIFIC TOWING

An video overview of Pacific Towing Marine Services

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TRANSPORT

A NEW AGE OF SEAFARING With a legacy of excellence and reliability, Pacific Towing is Melanesia’s leading marine services business. General Manager Neil Papenfus discusses educating a future of maritime professionals for Papua New Guinea Writer: Phoebe Harper | Project Manager: Eddie Clinton

F

rom its headquarters in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Pacific Towing (PacTow), stands at the prow of advancing a new age of seafaring.

Presently engaged in trailblazing industry initiatives while also charting geographical expansion to new shores, PacTow is a market leader in the provision of a diverse array of marine services. The company specialises in customised and projectbased solutions within towage, salvage, moorage, commercial diving, emergency response, and a host of other services.

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 81

PACIFIC TOWING As a full member of the International Salvage Union (ISU) and the International Spill Control Organization (ISCO), PacTow is increasingly servicing the oil and gas sector. Its service offerings include oil spill response and prevention, video pipeline inspections, PLEM valve hook up and release, alongside other niche solutions.

With a name that has become synonymous with excellence and reliability, PacTow operates as a division of the Steamships Trading Company – a group of businesses and an historic PNG establishment boasting an esteemed legacy centred on driving community development.

PACTOW SERVICES AT A GLANCE • Towage – harbour, ocean, coastal, fluvial.

• Salvage.

• Moorage.

• Commercial diving.

• Life rafts - sales and servicing.

• Emergency response.

• Hull cleaning.

• In-water class surveys.

PacTow’s Pacific footprint extends beyond its Port Moresby headquarters, where the company operates a dedicated tug base, to vessels and operations based throughout PNG with additional operations in Fiji and Solomon Islands. The company’s towage and salvage services extend even further afield with recent projects in Micronesia, Indonesia, and Guam.

PacTow’s fleet comprises 25 vessels, with the company’s operations supported by over 200 members of personnel, alongside the necessary workshops, warehouse, emergency response equipment, servicing stations and accommodation, training venues, commercial kitchen and dining facilities.

The company boasts a competent and experienced in-house team of marine engineers and technicians, as a result of which PacTow is increasingly sought after for its capacity to oversee the entire life cycle of design, engineering, and implementation of customised project solutions.

As reflected by the level of customisation within PacTow’s solutions, the company is reputed for its agility and creativity in sourcing and adapting its services to cater to client demand.

“A considerable advantage when

PNG Ports Corporation LTD PNG Ports Corporation Limited (PNG Ports) is Papua New Guinea’s premier port facilities provider of berthage, wharfage and pilotage services.

It has sole authority over all declared ports in the country and manages 15 of the 23 declared ports in Lae, Port Moresby, Kimbe, Madang, Alotau, Rabaul, Kavieng, Oro Bay, Kieta, Buka, Vanimo, Lorengau, Wewak, Daru and Aitape.

Two of the busiest ports in Lae and Motukea (Port Moresby) are being operated by international terminal operator - International Container Terminal Services Inc. Marine pilotage services provided at the declared ports are done by a team of highly qualified and experienced marine pilots based at all ports.

Boasting a fleet of well-equipped pilot boats stationed right across the network of ports, PNG Ports takes pride as the only capable marine pilotage services provider in the region, and has been safely and efficiently delivering this service for over 50 years.

PNG Ports is also responsible for all maritime regulatory laws through the Harbour Management Services division.

This division overseas the control of any port development, management and operation of ports, and transporting of dangerous goods, among others.

As a key partner in the growth and development of the nation, PNG Ports continues to invest greatly in its services, facilities and people.

Through the ongoing ‘modernisation drive’, PNG Ports is now on par with global industry standards, has opened doors to more regional partnerships, and is set to witness more developmental progress over the next five years.

Visit www.pngports.com.pg to know more.

www.pngports.com.pg

82 | APAC Outlook issue 53

PACIFIC TOWING “A CONSIDERABLE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE OF PACTOW WHEN IT COMES TO PROJECT-BASED WORK, IS OUR ABILITY TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND PROBLEM SOLVE” - NEIL PAPENFUS, GENERAL MANAGER, PACTOW

it comes to project-based work, is our ability to think outside of the box and problem solve,” states General Manager Neil Papenfus.

PRIDE IN PNG For Papenfus, the second greatest defining advantage of PacTow’s

prowess is its proudly national workforce – of which 97 percent, including senior management, are localised. This national strength is nothing but beneficial.

“We are big on local content and hire local whenever we can,” he says.

“No one knows our waterways, reefs and weather patterns like our local hires. They know how to improvise, persevere and circumvent roadblocks - they are our undisputed competitive advantage.”

In such an intimate business environment as PNG, a reputationbased working relationship applies

both within the staff of the company, and the national context of the country itself. Here, reliability and recommendations are paramount when it comes to the success of a business.

“Established 44 years ago with just a single tugboat, PacTow is a ‘born and bred’ Papua New Guinean company,” he tells us proudly.

As such, the company benefits from a solid backing of relationships centred on trust and integrity that have been fostered thanks to PacTow’s longevity in the PNG landscape.

TRANSPORT

MARINE PILOTAGE IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA

WE PROVIDE CUSTOMISED PORT AGENCY SERVICES TO PRINCIPALS, CHARTERERS AND SHIP OWNERS LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY

Niugini Pilots Limited (NPL) is a Papua New Guinean owned Marine Pilotage company operating in various ports in Papua New Guinea.

Harbor Pilotage Coastal/Reef Pilotage River Pilotage Ferry Services AIR FREIGHT | OCEAN FREIGHT | SEA/AIR FREIGHT | ROAD TRANSPORT | CUSTOMS CLEARANCE Paradise Shipping Services is a reliable shipping, forwarding and transportation company with service to all transportation combined modes and logistic service.

Paradise Shipping Services offers a large scale of freight forwarding and logistics services including air, ocean, local pickup, delivery, warehousing and distribution.

We also provide long-term relationships with many customers who are confident that their goods will be safely handled as per their requirements when we handle their shipments.

PARADISE SHIPPING & LOGISTICS LIMITED | PO BOX 3082 | BOROKO. 111. NCD. PAPUA NEW GUINEA. S42/L92, BOROKO. PORT MORESBY Phone: 675 76866870 / 675 72113070 / 675 72510680

www.niuginipilots.com.pg

“PacTow enjoys a reputation as a good company to do business with.

“In a nation of almost nine million people, the business community of PNG is relatively small - therefore trust, integrity and reliability are critical not just to securing business, but more importantly to generating repeat business,” he continues.

With this people-centric ethos, PacTow is heavily committed to nourishing and fostering PNG’s next generation of seafaring professionals.

This is evidenced by the company’s significant investment in high quality training for its valued workforce – whether onshore or at sea.

PacTow staff participate in training programmes across the globe, from Australia to Denmark, Hong Kong to Taiwan, and elsewhere.

EMPOWERING MARITIME WOMEN A defining component of PacTow’s

Email: paradiseshipping2012@gmail.com | solomon.ravu@paradiseshipping.com.pg | joe.aufeke@paradiseshipping.com.pg | vagi.ravu@paradiseshipping.com.pg | eric.kopi@paradiseshipping.com.pg

endorsement of education and training is its commitments to a diversified workforce that is now explicitly focused on attracting and retaining female talent.

Indeed, much like the close-knit business environment of PNG that makes reputation so important, the nature of the country itself translates to a relatively small working pool of talent and professionals.

In this context, training and education become crucial in ensuring the sustainability of talent resources with suitably qualified maritime professionals. Without the appropriate personnel in place, business will inevitably suffer.

PacTow’s significant investment in this area is evidenced by the company’s two cadetship programmes. The first, which is run in-house, typically attracts a majority of male participants. Therefore, to redress this balance and further

diversify the skill pool, in 2018 PacTow introduced the ‘Women in Maritime’ programme, specifically targeting young women in PNG. For Papenfus himself, it is the opportunity to take giant strides and chart new waters that makes working within the marine industry so endlessly exciting.

“The industry has allowed me to travel, enter niche markets, innovate and reform, develop products and services and initiate ground-breaking programmes,” he comments, with reference to PacTow’s ‘Women in Maritime’ cadetship programme.

A ground-breaking industry initiative, the programme is run in partnership with the Australian Government’s ‘Australia Awards, PNG’, the China Navigation Company, and Consort Express Lines. Currently, the programme is fast-tracking the careers of 26 female cadets.

Graduates from both PacTow APAC Outlook issue 53 | 85

PACIFIC TOWING cadetship programmes emerge from their training as officers, taking charge of vessels and overseeing crews.

It is expected that by the end of this year, 10 women from the first intake of female cadets will complete their Women in Maritime training.

This feeds into PacTow’s greater goal of implementing a 100 percent female-crewed tug operating out of Port Moresby by 2023 – all of whom will have successfully completed the Women in Maritime training programme.

For Papenfus, the reasoning behind these initiatives stems from both a moral obligation and a recognition that taking such strides simply makes good business sense - particularly in a location where women comprise 50 percent of the national talent pool.

“As a country we need to draw upon the potential of each and every one of our citizens – male AND female – so that we can strengthen our country’s economy and prosper. It makes absolutely no economic sense to only rely on the men of PNG (i.e., just half the workforce) to do this,” he says.

By developing the all-female crewed tug, PacTow seeks to provide consistently excellent and reliable harbour towage services, whilst retaining a proportion of women within the workforce who may have family commitments prohibiting them from spending extended periods of time at sea.

In boosting the representation of women within the maritime industry, PacTow seeks to increase the numbers whilst also addressing the typical barriers that prevent female participation, including safety concerns, through programmes such as ‘Gender Smart Safety’.

“Maximising the workplace safety of female staff, whether it’s on vessels at sea, down on the wharves, or in the office is essential. We have heavily invested in programmes to increase the number of women we employ and there is no way we’re going to 86 | APAC Outlook issue 53

GENDER SMART SAFETY Recognising that women experience additional workplace safety concerns compared to men, PacTow is also cognisant to the fact that PNG women suffer some of the highest rates of gender violence in the world. As such, PacTow introduced ‘Gender Smart Safety’, a programme developed by the PNG Business Coalition for Women (BCFW).

Gender Smart Safety ensures that more women are involved in overall safety management, including hazard identification, risk assessment and risk mitigation. This allows women to take maximum control of their safety in a realm where their requirements have often gone unnoticed.

Importantly, many of the recommendations for safety improvements are relatively simple and low cost (e.g., allowing female staff to wear trousers rather than skirts and having ‘women only’ designated seats on company buses).

“Each and every one of our employees, whether they’re male or female, equally deserve to be safe at work” declares Papenfus.

TRANSPORT

jeopardise that investment,” states Papenfus.

NEW SHORES PacTow is equipped for the aforementioned geographical expansion with a new fleet underway – indeed, at present the company is halfway through a re-fleeting programme that is scheduled for completion by 2025.

By this time, PacTow will have a total of 11 Asimuth Stern Drive (ASD) tugs in its fleet. These upgraded vessels meet the needs of harbour towage in the face of increasing vessel sizes, whilst also catering to the company’s growing capacity within oil and gas.

The programme will equip PacTow with newer, safer, and more powerful tugs, whilst enabling a higher quality of service provision in addition

to generating more training and development opportunities for staff. This will be invaluable for the progression of cadets from PacTow’s two programmes, ensuring that they are rotated through the ASD tugs and other major projects to enhance the breadth of their knowledge.

With these dynamic movements propelling the company forwards, PacTow ensures that its leading commitments to quality remain consistently at the fore.

“As always we will strive for continual improvement and adoption of best practice,” comments Papenfus.

As a mark of this quality, earlier this year PacTow completed a series of ISO Certification Audits and is now in the final stages of certification after satisfying all standards.

“We are confident that ISO

Certification ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environment) and ISO 45001 (OHS) will be achieved by end of year.”

With this unwavering commitment to standards of quality and a prevailing concern for the welfare of its people, PacTow continues to chart a promising course into the years ahead.

Tel: +675 3211206 / 3211278 info@pacifictowingmarineservices.com www.pacifictowingmarineservices.com

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 87

THE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP LIMITED

SOLUTIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT ECONOMY

Environmental Group Limited is cleaning up Australia’s act in pollution and waste management.

Driving the circular economy with solutions-based environmental services, CEO Jason Dixon tells us more Writer: Phoebe Harper | Project Manager: Nicholas Kernan

Jason Dixon, CEO

88 | APAC Outlook issue 53

I

n an age where environmental sustainability is paramount, the Environmental Group Limited (EGL) has its finger on the pulse in driving a collective effort to deliver change.

“Environmental services are a growing part of the economy as more and more businesses strive to be part of the circular economy, providing environmentally friendly solutions to many facets of the emissions our society generates,” opens CEO Jason Dixon.

Flourishing in alignment with the dynamic growth of this burgeoning sector, Dixon ensures EGL’s positioning as an innovative enterprise ready to implement technologies and identify business opportunities that are revolutionising the space, delivering efficiencies and improvements for its clients across a wide spectrum of applications.

“The desire to achieve better environmental outcomes is not

ENERGY & UTILITIES

going away, so innovative solutionsbased companies will continue to thrive throughout the APAC region,” Dixon continues.

From air pollution to water treatment, EGL’s remit comprises five key operating units; Baltec Inlet and Exhaust Systems (IES), Tomlinson Energy Service, Total Air Pollution Control (TAPC), EGL Waste, and EGL Water. Both TPAC and Tomlinson Energy Services operate across all of Australia, while Baltec IES has a global

reach encompassing three divisions supported by approximately 110 staff.

The continual stream of innovation that defines the environmental services industry has presented exciting new opportunities across the board at EGL, broadening the company’s comprehensive range of solutions.

This is best evidenced by EGL’s most recent strides within two areas of organic growth, primarily the development of a revolutionary

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) solution in the water space, and the Turmec Agency Agreement as part of the EGL Waste division – a significant partnership that is breaking new ground in the world of waste.

Though EGL prides itself on delivering the newest, cutting-edge solutions, it is bolstered by solid longevity within the sector.

“EGL has been providing services for the environment for more than APAC Outlook issue 53 | 89

THE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP LIMITED half a century, with a particular focus on air and water pollution, and more recently waste solutions,” Dixon tells us.

Since entering the role of CEO in early 2021, Dixon has brought to EGL a wealth of experience in the realm of environmental services, through which he has witnessed its evolution and increasing prevalence. During the nascent days of his career working in funds management, Dixon became aware of Tox Free Solutions – an Australian-listed company and the country’s largest treater of hazardous waste.

The potential of Tox Free Solutions triggered not just a sense of renewed environmental responsibility within Dixon, but also proposed an interesting business proposition

EGL OPERATING UNITS 1. Baltec Inlet and Exhaust Systems – Providing the Gas Turbine power industry with quality inlet, exhaust, and heating/cooling systems.

2. Tomlinson Energy Service – The leading vendor of steam boilers and related thermal energy systems in Australia.

3. Total Air Pollution Control (TPAC) - Australia’s largest full-service air pollution control and process company.

4. EGL Waste – Turmec Agency Agreement – An exclusive partnership for the sale of world leading recycling solutions in Australia.

5. EGL Water – Innovators of water treatment, protecting and preserving access to clean water with leading research institutions.

90 | APAC Outlook issue 53

which led to him joining the company’s mergers and acquisitions team, thereby acquiring technologies and licenses to broaden waste streams and drive more eco-friendly outcomes for those generating waste.

“I could see the strength of the company’s strategy - that waste needed to be dealt with in other ways than simply being taken to landfill,” he recalls.

Following a decade of executive experience at Tox Free Solutions, Dixon brought his environmental expertise to EGL.

COMBATTING CONTAMINATION In the world of water, PFAS contamination has been heralded as “the next asbestos”. It is in the face of this environmental dilemma that EGL is trialling industry-leading water treatment, with the company currently in the final stages of proving its PFAS separation technology.

PFAS are manufactured chemical components that are used across a wide array of products and industries; from making carpets stain resistant, to keeping food from sticking to cookware. These manmade chemicals present a threat through leaking into our water supply, with research still ongoing as to potential health problems resulting from PFAS exposure and consumption.

Since its inception in 2017, EGL Water continues to recognise water as one of the world’s most valuable assets and persists in its vision to reduce water pollution through low-cost technological solutions, particularly concerning the continued widespread use of PFAS without full understanding of both its environmental and health impacts.

Through its leading research partnership with Victoria University, EGL Water continues to develop a solution to the rapidly emerging issues surrounding PFAS contamination. Over two years of extensive research and trialling

PTSC Quang Ngai Until mid-2017, after several surveys and rigorous qualification processes, EGL and PTSC Quang Ngai began to establish a partnership by specific orders monitored and evaluated to keep on the appraisal and verification as the detailed roadmap.

Currently, PTSC Quang Ngai maintains good cooperative relationships with subsidiary companies of EGL Group such as Baltec, TAPC and Tomlinson in commercial and service sectors and is especially a strategic partner in the field of material and equipment supply based on the collaborative approach from the project initiate phase.

To meet the market demands and customers’ requirements, PTSC Quang Ngai has continuously improved its proficiency as well as significantly invested in machinery and equipment to mechanize to get high reliability and performance in schedule and quality control. Up to now, in addition to the accreditation and certifications for manufacturing the oriented-market products such as ASME, EN, CW, and CE Marking Certificate, PTSC Quang Ngai always gets the up-todate ISO certifications in terms of the management system. All safety, quality, and progress KPIs outcomes fully meet the customers’ needs.

PTSC Quang Ngai have been implementing more than twenty manufacturing orders to supply products for Power Plants as HRSG & Exhaust Bypass System Components.

Moreover, we also establish partnerships with other companies, and we are especially engaged in other OEM’s global supply chain.

http://ptscquangngai.com.vn/en/

• UNITY • DYNAMIC • CREATIVE • PROFESSIONAL • COMPASSIVE Located in the central of Vietnam, PTSC Quang Ngai was established in 1998 as a branch of Petro Vietnam Technical Services Corporation (PTSC Corporation), a member of Vietnam Oil And Gas Group (PETROVIETNAM) for the purpose of high quality technical services supply for Dung Quat Refinery.

Over many years, PTSC Quang Ngai had catapulted and currently has become one of the foremost demands in quality service suppliers with hundreds of effectively completed projects for Oil and Gas, Power and Energy and other industries. With experienced, professional, and dedicated team and well invested facility, we are always committed to supply the best services to our value customers.

VISION: PTSC Quang Ngai has made non-stopping efforts to expand innovative solutions and services to overseas market in future.

MISSION: Safe operational performance is optimized; availability is maximized; and cost is minimized.

VALUE: Increasing operating revenue, professional maintenance, extending the productive lifetime of assets, resulting in a reduction in the client’s capital expenditure as well as environmental risks.

CORE SERVICES Mechanical & Construction Services Repair & Maintenance Services Port Operation & Logistics Services Marine Service – Towage Service QUALIFICATION ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018 ASME U/R/S Stamp EN ISO 3834-2:2005, EN 1090-1: 2009 + A1: 2011 CWB CSA Standard W47.1

Lot 4H, Ton Duc Thang Street, Le Hong Phong Ward, Quang Ngai City, Vietnam Phone: +84 255 3827 492 Mail: info@ptscquangngai.com.vn Mail: ptscquangngai@ptsc.com.vn http://ptscquangngai.com.vn/en/

THE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP LIMITED

92 | APAC Outlook issue 53

ENERGY & UTILITIES later, successful pilot trials have been completed for the separation of PFAS from liquid waste. A full commercial trial is currently underway at a licensed liquid waste treatment facility as the final stage to commercialising a highly effective PFAS separation solution.

“The results exceeded expectations with samples of effluent 12-17 removing between 99.4 percent and 100 percent of regulated PFAS in the treatment process,” Dixon tells us proudly.

As such, EGL is in the process of mobilising a trial plant capable of treating 50,000 litres per day with the company’s new partner, Reclaim Waste, for further testing and certification.

“If the separation process is successful in removing regulated PFAS below the required levels, EGL will use its own in-house design, drafting and engineering services to fabricate its

first commercial plant,” he adds. As such, EGL stands on the precipice of unbound commercial opportunity.

THE WAR ON WASTE As EGL’s newest subsidiary, and another dynamic area of organic growth for the company, EGL Waste centres on the company’s exclusive agency agreement with Turmec Pty Limited (Turmec).

Renowned as leading specialists within recycling solutions for the global waste industry, Turmec is

a company based in Ireland that provides bespoke systems to enable their customers to efficiently recover high-quality material from waste, reducing the need for landfills, and accelerating the move to a circular economy.

“Tens of millions of tonnes of waste end up in Australian landfills every year, releasing toxins into the soil and water supply, greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, fumes, dust and litter into surrounding areas,” says Dixon.

“TENS OF MILLIONS OF TONNES OF WASTE END UP IN AUSTRALIAN LANDFILLS EVERY YEAR, RELEASING TOXINS INTO THE SOIL AND WATER SUPPLY, GREENHOUSE GASES INTO THE ATMOSPHERE, FUMES, DUST AND LITTER INTO SURROUNDING AREAS” – JASON DIXON, CEO, EGL

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 93

THE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP LIMITED

WORLD-CLASS WATER TREATMENT THE EGL PFAS TRIAL EGL Water has developed enhanced patented technology to protect water from contamination by PFAS substances.

Following demonstrations with various PFAS waste streams at pilot plant level, EGL has proved successful in the removal of regulated PFAS, and preparation for a commercial trial is now underway.

Using foam fractionation to extract and concentrate PFAS contaminates, the concentrating effects of PFAS compounds of 1:100 and 1:10,000 have been demonstrated on the three main sources of PFAS contaminated waters; Leachate water, Groundwater and industrial wastewater.

EGL Water has since lodged a provisional patent application with IP Australia for the proprietary technology used, and continues to trial work within contaminated soil with the aim of also commercialising this process.

The EGL PFAS Strategy: 1. Commercial trial for water.

2. Prove soil treatment concept.

3. Commercial trial of soil.

4. Combining of water and soil treatment.

5. Design plant for total PFAS destruction.

6. Go to market with the only onsite PFAS destruction plant.

94 | APAC Outlook issue 53

“In addition to our focus on developing partnerships that enable a more sustainable way of processing contaminated water, EGL is proud to be working with Turmec for the sale of world leading recycling solutions in Australia.”

Through this strategic partnership, EGL benefits from Turmec’s European experience within this area, which remains in a comparative stage of nascency throughout Australia.

“This is a great opportunity to partner with a world class recycling solutions company; Europe has long been recognised as the leading technology provider into the Australian waste market.

“This exclusive partnership will enable Turmec to grow their global sales. It is also an excellent opportunity for EGL to deliver environmental benefits to our community and strong returns for our shareholders,” Dixon tells us.

With the aim to foster a long-term

partnership, EGL will leverage Turmec’s wide range of recycling plants across all major solid waste streams. This extends to co-mingled separation, construction and demolition waste, municipal waste, industrial waste, waste to energy and other specialised plants, with the ability to secure 98 percent recovery rates for commercial and industrial waste, and 50 percent recovery for metal fines.

As a result of the agreement, EGL will fulfil the role of Turmec’s local sales, engineering, and service agent for plants sold in Australia, cottoning on to the growing potential of the ‘waste as resource’ market, as increasingly favourable government policies and regulations are introduced to support the growth of the domestic circular economy across Australia.

“Turmec is determined to lead the way in reducing waste diversion from landfills and is now strongly supported

by EGL in Australia,” Dixon surmises.

“WITH TURMEC’S STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATIVE ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS, AND EGL WASTE SERVICES’ SALES AND SERVICE EXPERTISE, WE FULLY EXPECT THIS TO BE A SIGNIFICANT AND EXPANDING OPPORTUNITY INTO THE FUTURE” - JASON DIXON, CEO, EGL

ENERGY & UTILITIES This latest project is significant in representing the commitment to a sustainable future that EGL upholds, by supporting a refinery that will be instrumental in producing a battery quality product that can store the energy required for the global renewable energy sector.

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

A RENEWABLE FUTURE

Emission control is an additional focus area for EGL where partnership has strategically heightened its prowess in the field.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of EGL, Total Air Pollution Control (TAPC), is a leading Australian solutions provider of complex gas offtake systems that reduce harmful gases, particulate matter and odour emissions into the environment.

This is achieved through the development of effective and energy-efficient industrial air pollution control technologies. These technologies include a world-class range of emission control units, such as electrostatic precipitators, bag filters, thermal oxidisers, flue gas desulphurisation and wet and dry scrubbers used across medium to heavy industries.

With a portfolio of over 800 clients across Asia Pacific, in the area of wet scrubbing alone, TAPC and EGL have established over 210 plants across a variety of industries.

Most recently, this segment of EGL is undergoing significant activity after securing a contract for the design and supply of emissions control systems with FLSmidth Pty Ltd for a lithium refinery to be built in Kwinana, Western Australia.

Common to all aspects of EGL’s operations is its robust partnerships that are paving new ground in the industry. It is the success of these ongoing ventures and valued relationships that will continue to define the company’s successes for the years to come.

Presently, EGL’s greatest priority concerns the successful completion of the PFAS trial – an objective that, once completed, will reshape the future of water treatment and lead to significant opportunities for the company.

Aside from this, with such a diverse array of solutions and services, consolidating the collective EGL mission and objective represents a key area of focus for the years ahead.

“We intend to continue building a strong culture to form one EGL,” Dixon concludes.

Within this, TPAC has designed a state-of-the-art emissions control system leveraging gas scrubbers to reduce the plant’s environmental impact by treating off-gas generated by the acid roast kiln within the refinery. Critically, this will enable the plant to meet stringent air emission limits.

“After working for months to design a unique technical solution, our engineering team should be very proud; they have been able to achieve a world class solution for the project. TAPC has again been able to prove it is a leader in designing gas treatment systems that protect our environment,” Dixon states proudly.

With progress already underway, the design, supply, and commissioning of the plant is due for completion by the first quarter of FY2023.

Telephone: 03 9763 6711 admin@egl.com.au www.environmental.com.au

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 95

SUZLON ENERGY AUSTRALIA

POWERING A GREENER TOMORROW Suzlon Energy Australia (SEA) has been a breath of fresh air for the Australian wind energy market, as CEO, Tejjas Parmar, tells us Writer: Jack Salter | Project Manager: Nicholas Kernan

I would say Australia has taken the right steps at the right time on the path to leading the world’s renewable energy sector.”

Tejjas Parmar, CEO of Suzlon Energy Australia (SEA), is confident that Australia has the right resources in place to set a new market-leading benchmark in the field of renewable energy.

96 | APAC Outlook issue 53

Tejjas Parmar, CEO

Indeed, Australia has some of the best wind energy resources in the world. Mainly located in the south of the country, they lie in the path of strong westerly winds found in the Southern Hemisphere, known as the Roaring Forties.

Wind power is therefore unsurprisingly Australia’s leading source of clean energy, contributing to 37.5 percent of total renewable

ENERGY & UTILITIES

energy supplied in the country in 2020 as well as 10 percent of electricity.

When it comes to Australian wind energy, SEA is a pioneer in the domestic market, of which it holds a 17 percent share, currently servicing and maintaining seven windfarms in Australia.

“When SEA was established in Australia in 2004, it was one of the

early movers and within five years it was the market leader in the wind energy industry,” says CEO, Tejjas Parmar, who soon expects the country to be 50 percent powered by renewable energy.

Parmar is also CEO of International Business at the wider Suzlon Group, whose presence is felt in another 17 countries across a further five continents. The Suzlon footprint has

rapidly expanded around the world since its inception in 1995, making a name for itself through technological and product innovation.

With over 12,000 wind turbines installed worldwide, Suzlon Group, consisting of Suzlon Energy Limited (SEL) and global subsidiaries such as SEA, is among the world’s leading renewable energy solutions providers, revolutionising and redefining the APAC Outlook issue 53 | 97

SUZLON ENERGY AUSTRALIA way sustainable energy sources are harnessed to power a greener tomorrow.

On a global level, Suzlon Group has a strong presence across the entire wind value chain, with a comprehensive range of services including wind resource assessment, design, supply, site procurement and development, installation, commissioning and dedicated life cycle asset management.

APAC OUTLOOK: HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN THE WIND POWER AND RENEWABLE ENERGY INDUSTRIES? Tejjas Parmar, CEO: “In 1999, I pursued a master’s degree in business administration and entrepreneurship at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia.

LONG-STANDING COMMITMENT In Australia, SEA has been a dependable partner in supplying equipment and completing wind farm constructions for almost two decades.

The Australian market is one of Suzlon Group’s most recent expansions, and SEA is already the partner of choice for energy generation organisations in the region.

The wholly owned subsidiary had humble beginnings in 2004, though, starting out with just two employees, but a long-standing commitment to every aspect of wind energy production in Australia has seen SEA increase its headcount to 80 members of staff.

“We have created a friendly, positive environment within the business, which has resulted in a very high retention rate,” says Parmar, revealing that the majority of SEA’s wind turbine technicians have been with the company for more than a decade.

“It was at this time that I started to develop my interest in renewable energy, as concerns over climate change grew around the world, and Australia became one of the first to commit to CO2 reduction efforts.

As a leading global supplier to automotive and industrial sectors, Schaeffler has been driving forward ground-breaking inventions and developments in the fields of motion and mobility for over 70 years.

Schaeffler develops and manufactures high-precision components and systems for engine, transmission and chassis applications, electrified powertrain systems, as well as rolling and plain bearing solutions for several industrial applications. With innovative technologies, products, services and a strong local presence, Schaeffler is your reliable partner for making motion and mobility more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable.

Reliability made by Schaeffler for Wind Energy Cost-effective wind turbines require reliable components. As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of rolling bearings and a development partner for the sector we have been producing bearing supports for wind turbines for over 30 years. We offer the right bearing solution for every wind turbine and an integrated concept for safety.

Simulation, calculation and test

CGWF team

“Australia has always been close to my heart, and I was instrumental in building SEA as part of the Group’s global footprint.”

Our specialists work in close cooperation with wind turbine developers, manufacturers, and operators. Stateof-the-art calculation and simulation programs ensure that optimum designs for bearings for wind power applications are produced. The entire system is considered, from individual rolling bearings and their components and adjacent construction through to the entire power transmission system.

Schaeffler is proud to be at the forefront of bearing technology to support Wind energy develop and we look forward to a cleaner, greener and sustainable future.

SWF team

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We pioneer motion

In order to ensure that the high standards of the sector are maintained, we work closely with customers and suppliers across the entire process chain all the way up to volume production. We offer optimum solution for every bearing position – from the rotor shaft to the gearbox, generator, nacelle, and blade adjustment system.

“I decided to contribute towards this global cause and wrote a thesis on wind energy, before joining Suzlon Group’s Indian headquarters in 2002.

“Suzlon Group was one of the early movers in the renewable era, with the objective of building a sustainable future for the planet with clean air, water and power for generations to come.

Schaeffler

www.schaeffler.com.au

Added Value Through Digitalization

Whether it is automobiles, express trains, wind turbines, or machine tools – today, mechatronic products from Schaeffler are ubiquitous wherever added value is created. Thanks to cloud-connected sensor systems, actuator systems, and software, our components and systems are becoming digital. Using the gathered data, we are developing specific solutions in order to network processes, machines, and facilities and to offer innovative services. Go digital. www.schaeffler.com/innovation/digitalization

SUZLON ENERGY AUSTRALIA “SEA is focused on continuous improvement, meaning a lot of thought and effort has gone into enabling on-site technicians, as well as office staff, to execute tasks more easily and efficiently.”

The flatline organisational structure of SEA has also facilitated quick decision making and project execution, augmented further by the digitalisation of forms, reports and other critical business processes at every level of the company.

For Parmar, the excitement of working in the renewable energy space as a whole is only increasing, with more and more innovative hybrid solutions being explored in areas such as green hydrogen, electric vehicles and battery storage.

“Hybrid projects have caught the attention of the rest of the world, and I personally expect more and more global companies to set up their operations in Australia,” notes Parmar.

In the wind energy sector, SEA has invested in developing innovative solutions that not only help to ensure the highest performance levels, but also to increase the overall return on investment beyond the technical lifespan of a wind turbine generator (WTG).

SEA therefore stands behind its commitment to be present throughout the entire project, as part of Suzlon Group’s clear, collective focus on providing a sustainable operations and maintenance service (OMS) for the full lifecycle of each of its WTGs. A custodian of its clients’ assets, SEA is committed to ensuring the best customer service through its world-class OMS team, ensuring turbine efficiency and profitability together with value-added products

and services such as blade repair and maintenance across the renewable energy value chain.

“SEA believes in the philosophy of acting as a customer’s long-term service partner,” Parmar emphasises.

“We have always held a high service benchmark which goes way beyond contractual commitments, and with our customer-centric approach, SEA has always been flexible in fulfilling customer needs.”

TAKING THE INITIATIVE SEA has contributed immensely towards sustainability initiatives in Australia, not least through the engineering, procurement and construction of the entire Hallett Wind Farm in the Mid North region of South Australia.

HALLETT WIND FARM Farm

Capacity in megawatts (MW)

Operational since

AT A GLANCE

Brown Hill

95 MW

June 2008

SUZLON’S WIND TURBINE GENERATORS

Hallett Hill

71 MW

May 2010

North Brown Hill

132 MW

May 2011

S111 WIND TURBINE – With a rotor diameter of 111.8 metres, the S111 has been designed for higher energy generation and a better return on investment.

Bluff Range

53 MW

March 2012

S120 WIND TURBINE – The S120 is equipped with nextgeneration controls and stateof-the-art software, including the all-new individual pitch control mechanism, which is able to harvest energy even in low wind areas.

S128 WIND TURBINE – The latest addition to Suzlon’s product portfolio features Double Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) technology.

Hallett Wind Farm team

100 | APAC Outlook issue 53

ENERGY & UTILITIES

Four separate wind farms make up the Hallett Wind Farm, which can generate enough clean energy to power around 200,000 Australian homes and save approximately 770,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year alone.

Owned and operated by AGL Energy, Australia’s largest natural gas and electricity retailer, Hallett Wind Farm is delivering on its promise to bring $6.25 million in operational value to the area.

The community has substantially benefitted as a result, with local employment boosted and full-time roles now supporting the four wind farms constructed by SEA. “Housing occupancy rates have increased significantly, and with an estimated 98 full-time workers directly employed on-site at any one time, flow-on expenditure has been noticed by businesses throughout the area,” Parmar observes.

It comes as SEA, whose other clients include Tilt Renewables, Pacific Hydro and Palisade, focuses on generating more local employment and increasing business opportunities in regional areas close to where its

wind farms are being serviced and maintained.

The company is also focused on making Australia self-sustainable together with state and federal governments, through a Local Refurbishment Strategy.

“Due to the disruption of global supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been working very closely with our local suppliers and service partners to refurbish key major components such as gearboxes and generators,” reveals Parmar. “To date, we are refurbishing more than 15 major components and spare parts locally in Australia.”

One of SEA’s key priorities for the future is to continue improving

the sustainability of the business by extending any upcoming service contracts, as well as increasing the design life of assets such as wind farms.

It’s therefore clear that SEA will continue to power a greener tomorrow for years to come, as the winds of change blow ever stronger across the Australian energy market.

Tel: (03) 8415 8900 debbie.truswell@suzlon.com www.suzlon.com

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 101

THE FINAL WORD To round off each issue, we ask our contributing business leaders for their views on the same question

What or who has been a source of inspiration for you during your career?

Neil Papenfus General Manager, Pacific Towing “I’m inspired by the hard work and tenacity of men and women from Papua New Guinea, their huge love for the country, their hospitality, and their sheer ingenuity when it comes to problem solving.

If a client has a problem in a saltwater environment there is a good chance that PacTow’s team of PNG engineers, project managers, technicians, crew and divers will be able to solve it – this capacity to pull a left-field solution ‘out of the hat’; to design and implement a solution, is a credit to PacTow’s PNG workforce.

I find this capacity to problem solve and innovate, especially since it is often done without high tech support, to be a real source of inspiration.”

Tejjas Parmar CEO, Suzlon Energy Australia “There are two ways through which energy is generated – conventionally and 102 | APAC Outlook issue 53

unconventionally. We, as humans, are responsible for protecting Mother Earth, and I have chosen to do so the unconventional, renewable way.

I was inspired by this approach and selected this field as my career.

“I’m also inspired by people who have made a difference, such as the Founder and Chairman of Suzlon Group, Tulsi Tanti. He has driven change in combating climate change globally through renewable energy.”

Eric Green General Manager of Mining, Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia “For me it is the privilege of working for HCA for 20 years. It is inspiring to have watched the business transform from a loss position to over a $1 billion turnover today.

This is due to the tenacity and resilience of a dedicated team at all levels working through many challenges to grow and support its people, the customers and the products.”

Jason Dixon CEO, Environmental Group Limited “In 2008, the firm I worked with was an investor in Toxfree Solutions. The Chairman, Ian Burton, put a proposal to me - to leave my life in financial services and to join Toxfree to help it grow and give it the corporate edge.

His pitch was simple: you can help the environment, work in a great culture, and generate Australian jobs rather than shuffling paper across your desk just to make other people money.

“Fast forward the clock almost 10 years and we have diverted thousands of tonnes of waste from landfill, improved environmental outcomes and built a team of 1,500 employees.”

Are you a CEO/Director with a company story to tell? Contact APAC Outlook now!

Reliability, innovation and safetycentric mining solutions...

HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AUSTRALIA

CONSTRUCTION

REDEFINING MINING

See page

We speak to Eric Green, General Manager of Mining at Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia, about the company’s mission, values and business developments

26 32

Writer: Marcus Kääpä | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold

HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AUSTRALIA its community. In 2015, Hitachi proudly became one of The Roy Hill Community Foundation Inaugural Partners, whose mission is to provide lasting outcomes for indigenous communities through delivering technology in medical care, better futures through education and mentoring, and supporting indigenous arts and culture.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT Hitachi is also committed to reducing

the environmental impact of its dayto-day business activities, to help leave the world in a better place. This includes steps to decrease energy usage, minimise the burden on landfill, increase the fuel efficiency of its machines and offset the effects of company emissions. For almost 10 years, Hitachi has been investing inbiodiversification initiatives, offsetting over 38,000 tonnes of CO2 produced from its fleet vehicles, business travel and national energy consumption.

“OUR GOAL IS TO STRIVE FOR AND ACHIEVE TOTAL CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. OUR PROMISE IS TO BE THE BEST SOLUTIONS PARTNER” - ERIC GREEN, GENERAL APAC OutlookMANAGER issue 53 | OF 3 MINING, HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AUSTRALIA

2 | APAC Outlook issue 53

CONSTRUCTION

“Our branch facilities are fitted with energy efficient installations including LED lighting, rainwater harvesting and solar power at selected sites,” Green states proudly. “The introduction of fuel-efficient vehicles ensures that our fleet runs with minimal emissions.

Additionally, improved waste management and recycling practices together help reduce our carbon footprint.

“Our Reman facilities offer cost saving options on quality components. With the added benefit

of saving on materials, production resources and environmental burden, Hitachi’s Reman facilities have the capability to remanufacture used components to OEM specifications.

Collectively, HCA’s policies and initiatives contribute to ensure we leave the world a better place for future generations.”

GREEN PLANS Looking ahead to the future, HCA is focusing on two main areas of development. The first is to continue prioritising the safety and wellbeing of its employees, and working on the efficiencies within the company to provide total customer satisfaction.

Secondly, HCA is working on new

product development, including the increasingly expanding area of alternative and renewable energy.

Highlighting its own recognition of the mining industry’s impact on the environment, electric vehicles (EVs) and trucks fuelled by batteries are an aspect of operation that is on the cards for the company.

“That reality is an area of development for our mining market,” says Green. “Hitachi is well aware of environmental concerns and is driven to help limit negative impacts. We are currently working with multiple partners to facilitate an electrified future.”

Fuelled by this recognition of a need for sustainable means of

operation, HCA exists as a key leader in making the mining industry of Australia more environmentally friendly. While it holds these aims, the core of the company will remain focused and unwavering in its dedication to reliability, innovation and safety above all else.

HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AUSTRALIA www.hitachicm.com.au

14 | APAC Outlook issue 53

APAC Outlook issue 53 | 15

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APAC Outlook issue 53 | 15

AUSTRALIA CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY APAC Outlook issue 53 | 3OF MINING, HITACHI MANAGER - ERIC GREEN, GENERAL PARTNER” IS TO BE THE BEST SOLUTIONS SATISFACTION. OUR PROMISE AND ACHIEVE TOTAL CUSTOMER “OUR GOAL IS TO STRIVE FOR

2 | APAC Outlook issue 53

Secondly, HCA is working on new provide total customer satisfaction. efficiencies within the company to of its employees, and working on the prioritising the safety and wellbeing development. The first is to continue is focusing on two main areas of Looking ahead to the future, HCA

a need for sustainable means of Fuelled by this recognition of future.” partners to facilitate an electrified are currently working with multiple to help limit negative impacts. We environmental concerns and is driven says Green. “Hitachi is well aware of development for our mining market,” “That reality is an area of cards for the company. an aspect of operation that is on the and trucks fuelled by batteries are environment, electric vehicles (EVs) the mining industry’s impact on the Highlighting its own recognition of alternative and renewable energy. the increasingly expanding area of product development, including

Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia has told its story.

Hitachi is also committed to reducing

COMMITMENT ENVIRONMENTAL

indigenous arts and culture. and mentoring, and supporting better futures through education delivering technology in medical care, indigenous communities through is to provide lasting outcomes for Inaugural Partners, whose mission Hill Community Foundation proudly became one of The Roy its community. In 2015, Hitachi

consumption. business travel and national energy CO2 produced from its fleet vehicles, offsetting over 38,000 tonnes of inbiodiversification initiatives, 10 years, Hitachi has been investing of company emissions. For almost of its machines and offset the effects landfill, increase the fuel efficiency usage, minimise the burden on includes steps to decrease energy leave the world in a better place. This to-day business activities, to help the environmental impact of its day-

GREEN PLANS

future generations.” leave the world a better place for initiatives contribute to ensure we Collectively, HCA’s policies and components to OEM specifications. capability to remanufacture used Hitachi’s Reman facilities have the resources and environmental burden, of saving on materials, production

www.hitachicm.com.au MACHINERY AUSTRALIA HITACHI CONSTRUCTION

and safety above all else. dedication to reliability, innovation focused and unwavering in its the core of the company will remain friendly. While it holds these aims, Australia more environmentally in making the mining industry of operation, HCA exists as a key leader

components. With the added benefit cost saving options on quality “Our Reman facilities offer footprint. together help reduce our carbon management and recycling practices Additionally, improved waste our fleet runs with minimal emissions. fuel-efficient vehicles ensures that states proudly. “The introduction of solar power at selected sites,” Green LED lighting, rainwater harvesting and energy efficient installations including “Our branch facilities are fitted with

Now, why not tell yours? Our bi-monthly magazine APAC Outlook is essential reading for business executives wanting to keep up with the latest in global news and trends affecting HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AUSTRALIA

CONSTRUCTION

Asia Pacific businesses across all industries.

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Reaching an audience of over 220,000 readers, your company can take advantage of Writer: Marcus Kääpä | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold

and business developments about the company’s mission, values Construction Machinery Australia, Manager of Mining at Hitachi We speak to Eric Green, General

exposure in APAC Outlook with a FREE article and FREE digital brochure, as well as access to further digital and print-based marketing tools that could transform your business.

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To share in this unrivalled opportunity, contact one of our project managers today!

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Issue 53

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