Issue 57www.apacoutlookmag.com ISS APAC A key driver of technological, sustainable and people-centric change McDOWELLCONNELL Delivering eye-catching construction projects in Australia and beyond Marc Avery , General Manager of New Business and Strategy at Richard Crookes Constructions explores revitalising infrastructure SYNC LIFT ENGINEERING | SWIRE SHIPPING
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Showcasing a diverse selection of other companies with exciting stories to tell, discover insight from Bosch Australia Manufacturing Solutions, Vodafone Vanuatu, Sync Lift Engineering, and many more. We hope that you enjoy your read.
In the online economy, the growing phenomenon of social commerce centres on a heightened level of communication between brands and consumers which continues to reshape Asia’s retail landscape.
Buying into the Brand APAC Outlook issue 57 | 3 WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR
One such brand looking to advance its e-commerce activity through heightened consumer interaction is Indonesian coffee producer Tanamera “WeCoffee.know now that people are looking for more engagement with their favourite brands, so we’ve created interactive content such as QR codes leading to videos on how to make the perfect brew,” explains Founder and CEO Dini ContinuingCriddle.tobuild a brand in the most physical sense, our frontrunner features showcase two major players in the APAC construction space. Over the past 60 years, McConnell Dowell’s iconic structural projects in Australia and beyond have led to the company becoming synonymous with its tagline of ‘Creative Construction’.
The question of brand identity, and how to communicate this intangible concept, is a topic that any business will continually return to. Often, it is an idea laid out in the virtual realm, to be manifested and delivered in the physical.
“Creative construction is not just a tagline, it describes the differentiating value we bring to our customers,” states CEO Scott Cummins. For Richard Crookes Constructions, it is the philosophy of collaboration that underpins any development, as seen with the company’s recent delivery of the Sydney Modern Project.
As an increasing number of brands look to navigate this new frontier of e-commerce, our Expert Eye explores opportunities for small and mid-sized businesses, whilst our Topical Focus unpacks its wide-reaching impact on industry. Complementing the social-commerce craze, delve into TikTok Shop’s entrance into Southeast Asia, as retail infiltrates one of the most widely used social media apps in the world.
EDITORIAL Head of Editorial: Phoebe Harper phoebe.harper@outlookpublishing.com Senior Editor: Marcus Kääpä marcus.kaapa@outlookpublishing.com Editor: Jack Salter jack.salter@outlookpublishing.com Junior Editor: Ed Budds ed.budds@outlookpublishing.com PRODUCTION Production Director: Stephen Giles steve.giles@outlookpublishing.com Senior Designer: Devon Collins devon.collins@outlookpublishing.com Designer: Matt Loudwell matt.loudwell@outlookpublishing.com Digital Marketing Manager: Fox Tucker fox.tucker@outlookpublishing.com Production Assistant: Talia Smits talia.smits@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 Ryan Gray ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Thomas Arnold thomas.arnold@outlookpublishing.com TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Marvin Iseghehi marvin.iseghehi@outlookpublishing.com SALES AND PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER Donovan Smith donovan.smith@outlookpublishing.com SALESJoshMANAGERSHyland josh.hyland@outlookpublishing.com Krisha Canlas krisha.canlas@outlookpublishing.com Vivek Valmiki vivek.valmiki@outlookpublishing.com PROJECTJordanMANAGERSLevey jordan.levey@outlookpublishing.com Kyle Livingstone kyle.livingstone@outlookpublishing.com Liam Pye liam.pye@outlookpublishing.com ADMINISTRATION Finance Director: Suzanne Welsh suzanne.welsh@outlookpublishing.com Finance Assistant: Suzie Kittle suzie.kittle@outlookpublishing.com Office Manager: Daniel George daniel.george@outlookpublishing.com APACCONTACTOutlook 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
Phoebe Harper Head of Editorial, Outlook Publishing
16 REGULARS 6 AroundNEWSAsiaPacific in seven stories 8 EXPERT EYE Global digital commerce: Changing the game for SMBs in APACCONTENTS1000 BUSINESS INSIGHTS 10 Food & Drink An Indonesian Infusion Coffee from crop to cup 16 Technology The Ticking Clock of the Social Media Marketplace TikTok’s pivot into the Asian e-commerce space TOPICAL FOCUS 20 Retail Adaptive E-commerce The growing influence of social media on 166retailTHE FINAL WORD What is your greatest motivator at work? 2024 4 | APAC Outlook issue 57
SUPPLY CHAIN 78 Swire Shipping Sesquicentenary of Shipping Celebrating 150 years of shipping and land-side solutions 88 Solomon Islands Port Authority Green Port Pioneers Sustainable port operations in the Solomon Islands 94 PNG Customs Services Customs Control Regulating cargo in the southwest Pacific MANUFACTURING 102 Prysmian Australia Local Solutions, Global Reach Manufacturing cables that keep the country connected 112 Bosch ManufacturingAustraliaSolutions A Legacy of Advancement Bringing advanced manufacturing to Australia TECHNOLOGY 120 Southern Cross Austereo The Voice of Australia LiSTNR – A Digital Audio Ecosystem embracing an IP-enabled future 132 ISS APAC Integrating Improvements Bettering businesses across APAC 140 Legrand Australia Smart, Simple, Sustainable Systems The one-stop shop for electrical and digital building infrastructure 148 Vodafone Vanuatu Interlinking the Island Chain Bridging the divide in broadband connectivity MINING 156 Sync Lift Engineering The Agile Solution Acting swift with Sync Lift ENERGY & UTILITIES 160 Water PNG Innovation in Hydration Dispensing safe drinking water across Papua New Guinea FEATURES 22 SHOWCASING LEADING TellCOMPANIESusyourstoryand we’ll tell the world CONSTRUCTION 24 McConnell Dowell Creating Better Together Delivering eye-catching construction projects in Australia and beyond 48 Richard ConstructionsCrookes Built to Transform Future-focused infrastructure to support growing communities 66 Hickory Group Prefab on the Rise The innovative, technological alternative to high-rise construction 74 Kerman Contracting Pty Ltd Design, Construct, Deliver Fully integrated design and constructionexpertise48 102 15678 140 112 APAC Outlook issue 57 | 5 APAC OUTLOOK ISSUE 57
AFTER MORE THAN two long arduous years of lockdowns and restrictions, New Zealand is fully reopening its borders and welcoming back all international travellers to the kiwi nation, as it continues to recover from the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.Thecountry
AUSTRALIAN AIRLINE GIANT Qantas has asked its senior execu tives to fill in as baggage handlers for three months, as it attempts to tackle an intensive labour shortage. The firm’s head of operations is searching for a minimum of 100 volunteers to work at Sydney and Melbourne airports.
SUSTAINABILITYAEROSPACEHEALTHCARE WORST CASE SCENARIO Auckland 6 | APAC Outlook issue 57 Around Asia Pacific in seven stories… NEWS
SECTIONS OF AUSTRALIA’S Great Barrier Reef are showing the highest levels of coral cover in 36 years, stretching across two-thirds of this vast natural expanse. However, the reef remains vulnerable to increasingly frequent mass bleaching. The recovery in the central and northern stretches of the UNESCO world heritage-listed reef contrasts drastically with the southern region, where there was a loss of coral cover due to an outbreak of crown-of-thorns starfish.
UNESCO is currently considering whether to classify the Great Barrier Reef as “in danger”, following a visit by experts in March.
officially reopened on July 31st, three months earlier than was previously announced. Earlier this year, the borders were opened to Australians and citizens of 60 locations that do not require visas to enter, including Singapore, the US and theItsUK.largest city Auckland was in lockdown for 107 days, from August to December 2021, due to outbreaks of the highly infectious Delta variant.
SEA-ING SIGNS OF RECOVERY
Tasks will include loading and unloading bags as well as driving vehicles to move luggage around airports. Like much of the global airline industry, Qantas is struggling to resume its services as borders reopen. The high levels of winter flu and a COVID-19 spike across the country, coupled with the ongoing tight labour market, have made resourcing a challenge throughout the aviation industry.
KIWI RESTRICTIONSBORDER UNPEEL
TECHNOLOGY JAPAN’S THREE-DAY FUJI Rock musical event has long been a gathering that can only be experienced by trekking out to the mountains of Niigata Prefecture every summer. However, this year the festival has teamed up with YouTube to livestream select performances for free across the globe. This partnership has helped invigorate one of the country’s mightiest music festivals. While attendance at Fuji Rock fluctuated during the 2010s, the arrival of live video has rejuvenated the event into something anyone with a Wi-Fi connection can now enjoy. Streaming is now the new norm for any festival wanting to attract a wider audience. Coachella, Lollapalooza and Fuji Rock’s biggest inspiration, Glastonbury, have all embraced livestreaming across recent incarnations.
VIETNAMESE CAB CARNAGEAPAC Outlook issue 57 | 7
CHINA NUT AMUSED
FROM STAGE TO SCREEN FOOD & DRINK MARS WRIGLEY, THE maker of the Snickers chocolate bar, has been forced to apologise for a Snickers product launch that Chinese social media users said suggested Taiwan was a Videoscountry.andimages showing a website promoting a limited-edition Snickers bar and saying the product was only available in the “countries” of South Korea, Malaysia and Taiwan, have triggered an outpouring of anger across a variety of Chinese social media platforms.
AN EXTREME TAXI shortage in Vietnam continues to exasperate travellers and expats, leading to outbreaks of fist fights and up to two hour waits at airports, as visitors scrum over cabs. In Hanoi, the city is experiencing a shortage of taxis so severe that brawls over catching a ride have become an almost daily occurrence as the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions has increased demand, while high gas prices have kept drivers at home. Vietnamese locals usually get around using their own motorcycles. However, foreigners working in Vietnam or those arriving on business trips frequently use taxis. The shortage has persisted for several months, starting to affect the quality of life travellers.businessinternationalfor
AEROSPACE SOUTH KOREA HAS joined the global race to the moon with the launch of its first lunar orbiter by Elon Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX. Danuri, which translates as “enjoy the Moon”, was carried on a Falcon 9 rocket, launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida by Elon Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX, aiming to enter the moon’s orbit in December.Ahighlysignificant milestone in the history of Korean space exploration, the mission if successful, will cement South Korea as the seventh country in the world to have launched an unmanned probe to the Moon.
EXPECTATIONSECLIPSING TRANSPORT
Mars Wrigley later published an online apology and said the relevant content had been amended, detailing how it respects China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Written by: Nagesh Devata, SVP for APAC, Payoneer
8 | APAC Outlook issue 57
The future of digital commerce in APAC is about worlds colliding. Traditional commerce and financial services have in the past existed separately to one another, but those days are over. Consumers want a seamless purchasing experience and that has resulted in the extension of financial services beyond traditional banks. There is a ‘Super App’ battle ongoing in the region, with players such as Grab and GoTo dominating the market and offering customers seamless experiences and breadth of choice. These ‘Super Apps’ have been focused on the transport sector but have digital wallets embedded into their platforms; they have also into the wider region need to be nimble and quickly adapt to new ways of operating. A changing landscape Ultimately the acceleration of digital in all aspects of our lives is creating new consumers, and that must result in new types of businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic created a further 60 million digital consumers across APAC, which means that businesses throughout the region are now surrounded by potential customers in different countries. The combination of improving digital infrastructure, digitally-savvy customers and increasing cross-border trade is creating opportunities for SMBs. It means that they need to move quickly but also focus their efforts in the right
It’s fair to say that Southeast Asia has become synonymous with technology, with some of the most important tech companies on the planet starting their journey in the region. But it’s not just tech giants that are changing the game. The emergence and rapid expansion of e-commerce means that there is an opportunity for small and midsize businesses (SMBs), merchants and entrepreneurs to look beyond borders to a new world of global digital commerce.InSoutheast Asia alone, the online economy is set to double to $363 billion by 2025, so it is important that companies are equipped to serve new digitally minded consumers as well as navigate any challenges that arise. Online businesses looking to expand places both in terms of building the right infrastructure and ensuring a seamless customer experience.
Global digital commerce: Changing the game for SMBs in APAC
Nagesh Devata, SVP for APAC at global digital commerce company Payoneer, delves into the rapidly expanding APAC e-commerce market and details how businesses in the region are looking beyond borders
Getting payments right is key The growth of e-commerce means that the payment experience of customers has never been more important for digital SMBs in APAC and indeed across the world. Digital forms of payment are taking over,
ABOUT EXPERTTHE Nagesh Devata is the SVP for APAC at Payoneer and oversees the company’s operations across the region. Nagesh has two decades of experience working for some of the largest players in the payments industry. He specialises in merchant development, partnerships and cross border markets. APAC Outlook
The transition from selling locally to selling digitally across borders requires a shift in mindset. The APAC region is so vast that there are countless behaviour changes and Southeast Asia has the fastest growing e-wallet market in the world. These alternative payment options are more attuned to consumers’ digital lives and therefore lots of the region is leaving physical cash behind. Innovation in payments is continuing at pace with alternative digital payments methods emerging and developing in line with customer needs. We’ll see this innovation continue and staying ahead of the game is vital. We are also seeing digital credit solutions like Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) take off in the region in a big way, with predictions stating that the industry could exceed US$133.7 billion by the end of 2022. This is again about merchants adapting to purchasing habits and giving them the power of choice. We will likely see the digital lending space continue to develop as online sellers and marketplaces compete on the bestThereofferings.areopportunities aplenty for digital SMBs across the entire APAC region, and those who take the right steps will be best placed to drive growth for their business. and nuances that vary by country. Southeast Asia for example comprises of six markets which, whilst closely linked, are diverse in terms of market maturity, regulation, and culture. Educating yourself about new markets and utilising a network of partners with local knowledge is a key part of successful e-commerce strategy.Thereare also new challenges for SMBs to consider when looking to sell to customers across the APAC region. Those who are used to only selling domestically may be shocked by the perceived complexities of receiving payments in multiple foreign currencies with high transaction and FX fees. It’s also important to consider the maturity of each market, from established markets like Singapore and Japan through to those that are earlier on in their e-commerce journey, like Cambodia and Laos. The maturity of the specific market presents unique challenges across areas like logistics and delivery, and depending on how developed the banking and payments infrastructure is, it also impacts consumers’ ability to pay for goods. With the right approach, these barriers are easily broken down; luckily for SMBs across the region, there is a growing e-commerce ecosystem where partnership is the name of the game. Getting all these things right will go far to creating a seamless experience for new customers across Southeast Asia and allow companies to develop strong relationships across borders, leveraging the huge e-commerce opportunity that is on offer across the region.
issue 57 | 9 EXPERT EYE RETAIL
been cultivating a community of loyal customers across the region. Another emerging trend is the growth in Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) e-commerce with SMBs looking to provide their local products directly to customers across the region. This puts more power in the hands of sellers, avoiding the need to rely solely on online marketplaces, meaning larger potential profits and an approach that is more tailored to a company’s brand and customer needs. This is growing exponentially. In India, for example, the market is forecasted to multiply three-fold from 2020 to 2025, reaching a projected $100 billion in sales. These opportunities do not come without their challenges but for the businesses that get it right, rapid growth awaits. Breaking down barriers
Dini Criddle, Founder and CEO
Embodying the diverse flavours of Indonesian culture, Tanamera Coffee (Tanamera) has intricately curated a unique range of premium coffee products that perfectly encapsulate the vibrant personality of the Southeast Asian nation.Tanamera’s journey began with a singular vision: to make Indonesia famous across the globe for its specialty coffee. From the moment this dream was sparked into life, the Tanamera mission has been to bring coffee consumers the very best that Indonesia has to offer. Like the red volcanic soil from which Tanamera derives its name, Indonesia’s archipelago has rich, fertile soils, which provide the perfect breeding ground for growing such flavoursome and distinct coffee beans.Working closely with farmers across the nation, Tanamera’s coffee is sourced with pride from Indonesia itself and nurtured with care all the
Writer: Ed Budds APAC
way from crop to cup, with a focus on continually improving the health, wealth and wellbeing of the farmer community.“Weensure that we remain present in every step of the process –from planting, maintaining, cherry-picking, processing, roasting, and eventually to brewing,” opens Founder and CEO, DiniUnlikeCriddle.the competition faced from other Indonesian brands, Tanamera rigorously controls every element of the complex production.
Outlook issue 57 | 11 TANAMERA COFFEE FOOD & DRINK
“We believe that high-quality coffee starts with two substantial factors: the environment it grows in and the farmers that grow it,” she states.
AN INFUSIONINDONESIAN
Tanamera Coffee is Indonesia’s leading specialist coffee producer, looking to expand its array of premium beverages worldwide. Dini Criddle, Founder and CEO, spills the beans on exciting new products and finding the perfect blend
Producing an envious variety of rich, long-lasting tastes, Indonesian coffees are renowned for being fullbodied, intense, complex, smooth, sweet, syrupy, and fruity, bursting with every flavour imaginable. With tasting notes of chocolate, caramel, hazelnut, blackberry jam, tobacco, spice, herbaceous and citrus, Tanamera takes a more radical, exciting and creative approach to more traditional standard coffee produce, in order to spice up the market and forge a unique niche in the crowded landscape.Currently operational across Indonesia and Singapore, Tanamera has grand ambitions to expand, starting in Malaysia later this year. However, Tanamera refuses to entertain the possibility of sacrificing quality for quantity. Building a stable reputation for premium products has been made achievable as a small family-owned business, a private entity which refuses to compromise on the manufacturing of elite coffee produce.
12 | APAC Outlook issue 57
APAC Outlook issue 57 | 13
As well as bringing out eye-catching new products every couple of months, such as liquid coffee sachets and a range of fresh milk, ready to drink cold brew coffees , single origin biodegradable coffee capsules and filter drip bag coffees, part of building an effective and robust brand is through content production.
BUILDING A BRAND
“We know now that people are looking for more engagement with their favourite brands, so we’ve created interactive content such as QR codes leading to videos on how to make the perfect brew,” describes Criddle.
“WE’RE BUILDING A BRAND FOR THE LONG-TERM. WE WANT TO BE KNOWN INTERNATIONALLY FOR INDONESIAN SPECIALTY COFFEE AND WE ARE HERE TO STAY”
The Tanamera brand has proudly witnessed impressive endorsement from several famous faces and has a strong membership with the MyTanamera app, a loyalty reward programme.
Additionally, Tanamera has developed some strategically masterful partnerships with worldrenowned brands such as the South Korean multinational automotive giant Hyundai, and Marriott Bonvoy
– DINI CRIDDLE, FOUNDER AND CEO, TANAMERA COFFEE
TOHOWBREW
The grinder you use, coffee you choose and yes, even the water from your sink, can alter the taste in the cup. Every machine is different, so you’ll want to think of these parameters to get each coffee to taste just how you like it.
COLD BREW CREW
“With just two tablespoons of our cold brew concentrate, you can easily make any coffee drink you desire, such as Americano, Latte, or a more uncon ventional route of endless possibilities.
Ice cream, soda water or any other favourites can be added according to your choice,” explains Criddle.
“We’re building a brand and product portfolio for the long-term. We want to be known internationally for Indonesian specialty coffee and we are here to stay,” she concludes enthusiastically.
Hotels. Moving forward, Hyundai will serve Tanamera coffee in their showrooms across Indonesia. Alongside their HoReCa partnerships, the company has also started to offer 15-minute coffee roasting masterclasses within some of Indonesia’s busiest hotels. Moving away from exclusively social media driven branding, Tanamera is offering a memorable experience instead, where visitors can create a personally tailored roast profile and select their choice of beans for roasting from across the Indonesian archipelago, which is then available to take home.
APAC Outlook issue 57 | 15 TANAMERA COFFEE FOOD & DRINK
One of the crowning jewels in the sumptuous array of coffee varieties produced by Tanamera, is the highly popular cold brew coffee. A delicious concentrate of high-quality coffee beans extracted into a liquid using the slow drip method, the result is a beverage rich in flavour with mild acidity and a pleasant finish. 20 times more concentrated than traditional hot brewed coffee, it must go through a fine-tuned filtration process being slowly dripped over 24 hours. Variants within the product range include Espresso Blend, Aceh Gayo, Toraja Sapan and many more single origins.
A playground for virtual merchants and digital storefronts, the entertainment realm is being overtaken by e-commerce, as TikTok Shop sweeps across Southeast Asia Writer: Phoebe THEHarper MARKETPLACESOCIALCLOCKTICKINGOFTHEMEDIA 16 | APAC Outlook issue 57
The popular short-form video sharing platform records an average of one billion monthly active users (MAUs).
Following the first year of the UK trial, TikTok was forecasted to continue the app’s growth in key European markets including France, Spain, Germany and Italy, but with no such progress underway, it would appear these plans have been abandoned in favour of growth across Asia.Areport by the South China Morning Post suggests that the re-directed attention of the app’s heightened e-commerce efforts may be a result of the increased scrutiny being placed on TikTok for its questionable data privacy policies and the unsuccessful uptake of its retail programmes in major Western economies, following testing in the UK, US, and Canada. Further supporting this pivot, is that according to Data.ai, TikTok was one of the most downloaded apps in Southeast Asia in 2021. TikTok Shop manifests as an additional tab on the user’s home feed, where a host of products are grouped under different categories, Since its inception in 2016 and subsequent launch of its live-streaming service in 2019, TikTok’s explosive trajectory means that it now ranks as one of the most used social media apps in the world.
Although the efficacy of the platform for merchants remains hotly contested, TikTok’s e-commerce offering has since been rolled out in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Vietnam, as of July 2022. As a result, Southeast Asia has developed into TikTok’s largest geographical market for livestream shopping operations.
FEATURE TECHNOLOGY
To this extent, the app’s e-commerce offering is poised to reshape the region’s retail landscape, with the potential to majorly shift consumer shopping habits towards the social commerce marketplace.
Yet most recently, this social media giant has taken strides into the e-commerce space, following the likes of both Facebook and Instagram. TikTok is owned by Chinese developer, ByteDance. With China alone registering social commerce sales of $351.65 billion in 2021 according to Influencer Marketing Hub, it seems a natural evolution that ByteDance has decided to pursue this dynamic arena forTheretail.launch of TikTok Shop began with an initial trial period of A/B testing in Indonesia, followed by ongoing trialling in the UK – the app’s largest market outside of China.
As a technologically advanced system designed for an accessible and streamlined user experience, the TikTok Shop platform provides application programming interface (API) integration solutions that are entirely determined by TikTok to create a uniform experience for all merchants. In addition, ByteDance has confirmed a one percent commission fee on all orders sold to buyers in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Furthermore, although designed to empower and further the reach of all merchants, by the nature of the app alone, sellers must navigate the intersection of content creation and effective selling strategies by
18 | APAC Outlook issue 57 FEATURE TECHNOLOGY
At present, TikTok’s plans to launch the ‘Shop’ tab in other markets remain unknown, as does whether this latest offering will impact the user experience for the worst.
However, a quick search of the ‘TikTok Shop’ hashtag on Twitter would suggest that the introduction of shopping experiences into the app may be an intrusion too far into an inherently social, recreational space.
‘DIRECTLY TARGETED AT ITS INDONESIAN AUDIENCE, TIKTOK SHOP OFFERS A ‘SELLERS UNIVERSITY’, GUIDING BRANDS ON HOW TO EITHER MAKE THEIR OWN VIDEOS OR DO SO THROUGH COLLABORATIONS THAT WILL ADVERTISE THEIR PRODUCTS WHILST ALSO PROVIDING GUIDANCE ON LOGISTICAL SUPPORT’ between shoppers and sellers. In a statement released on TechCrunch, TikTok declared that “brands on TikTok have found a creative outlet to authentically connect with audiences, and we’re excited to experiment with new commerce opportunities that enable our community to discover and engage with what they love.”
Over the last e-commercedecade,hastaken the world by storm.
We take a look at the way major players and start-ups leverage the power of social commerce to deliver Asia’s retail future
AWS, a subsidiary of the company, provides on-demand cloud comput ing platforms and APIs (application programming interfaces) to people, businesses and governments, based on a metred pay-as-you-go basis. For retailers using AWS, the speedy and flexible cloud platform allows them to pour focus into creative and engaging experiences for customers, rather than focus on the technical aspects of e-commerce.Ontopofthis, Amazon has managed to breach into alternative markets, such as that of streaming video services with Amazon Prime, another realm of opportunity when it comes to product advertising. Where Amazon is the largest e-commerce site, Alibaba is the world’s largest business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce platform. The Chinese giant accounts for over 80 percent of all online sales across its home country, offering in excess of 100 million products in 40 different categories.Withover 27,000 active sellers, Lazada is another popular choice within Asia. The e-commerce com pany attracts customers with its userfriendly experience and diverse cate gories, that can be dictated by filters to refine user searches. Lazada also boasts handy features such as website availability in multiple languages, bulk buying, and cash on delivery (COD).
Following the global rise of technological access en masse, retailers have taken to the digital realm aiming to carve out their own stake in the latest commercial frontier. Retail giants such as Amazon and Alibaba dominate global retail sales, with an increasing trajectory moving forward.InAsia, e-commerce players are privy to one of the largest and most diverse spheres of opportunity across the globe. The rapidly developing regions are becoming hubs full of dis ruptive companies selling all kinds of products, from fashion and electronics to cosmetics and houseware, catering to a highly tech-savvy customer base.
With monthly visitors estimated at around 2.4 billion, Amazon not only takes first place as the globe’s leading online retailer, but also in Asia. The company is supported by decades of experience in the industry work ing with retailers and is redefining e-commerce through offerings such as AWS (Amazon Web Services).
Alongside the rise in e-commerce, the use of social media platforms has skyrocketed, and many companies have taken advantage of combining the influence of social media and the
E-COMMERCEKääpä ADAPTIVE 20 | APAC Outlook issue 57
Writer: Marcus
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses shifted to the digital realm and to e-commerce, fuelling growth in the sector over the course of 2020 while maximising exposure on social media at a time when online communication was at an all-time high. Now that these companies have realised the potential of e-commerce on the whole, the foreseeable future of retail remains digital.
Within this latest frontier of e-commerce, it is vital for companies to remain flexible, adaptable and customer focused in order to succeed in a market made up of international giants and energetic start-ups. In the social commerce space, it is creativity that becomes a keen tool to disrupt the market with new features and stand out. An example of this was the revamping of platforms by the Facebook (Meta) family in 2020, including Pinterest and Instagram. These platforms helped improve social commerce by adding further tools for sellers, helping to streamline shopping experiences for customers, and providing the ability to improve the viewing and new storefronts, as well as the number of visitors increased via paid advertising.
SOCIAL COMMERCE Today, most websites we visit request visitors to accept third-party cookies, to improve browsing performance as well as tailor adverts to user-specific interests or trends, often promoting desirable products; this is one of the many examples of how prominent e-commerce has become. This has dramatically increased when we look at social media and the variety of platforms that leverage advertising to bolster reach, influence and the mutual benefit of companies included.Socialcommerce involves the use of social and online media in the context of e-commerce transactions, be this the assisted buying or selling of products or services and has been key to the growth of companies for over a Withdecade.therise in e-commerce sales, including the boom over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, social commerce has seen enormous growth.Inthe APAC region, the industry itself is set to adhere to this trend from 2022 until the end of the decade, following a recorded compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 34 percent from 2022 to 2028.
APAC Outlook issue 57 | 21 TOPICAL FOCUS TECHNOLOGY
On top of this, a number of larger brands have also entered the space in India, such as Myntra, a major fashion e-commerce company. These companies have aimed to capitalise on the growing social commerce trend, utilising social media platforms in India’s nascent market.
marketing of products to maximise sales internationally.
STAYING AHEAD
Countries including China, India, Indonesia and Singapore have each recorded substantial investments in the areas of internet and smartphone penetration, and supported by the digital boom, there is a major increase in social commerce across the region. Following this rise, there is an increase in start-ups entering the sphere, however, the market is still concentrated with multiple larger players holding the majority of market share, such as Facebook or Meesho in India, and WeChat in China. In India, the social commerce space has already seen an influx in investment provided by individual investors, private equity (PE) firms and various venture capital (VC) funds. The difference between the e-commerce and social commerce markets is that the first is dominated by a few large players, such as Alibaba, whereas the latter is seeing many smaller start-ups popping up to stake their claim.
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McConnell Dowell has built countless iconic structures across Australia and the wider APAC region. We explore socially responsible processes and complex infrastructure with CEO, Scott Cummins Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Ryan BETTERCREATINGGray TOGETHER 24 | APAC Outlook issue 57 McCONNELL DOWELL CONSTRUCTION
Construction is a highly progressive industry that forms a critical part of the economies in which we operate.”
Like many people destined to fulfil long prosperous careers within the vast possibilities of the worldwide construction industry, Scott Cummins, CEO of McConnell Dowell (MCD), started to recognise a passion for construction at a young age. Developing an unwavering desire to build things, this led to a real interest in science and physics, alongside the hunger to develop solutions to problems.
APAC Outlook issue 57 | 25
Australia's first social enterprise security service making a real difference in people’s lives. Your Social Outcomes Partner
Professionalism.Excellence.Integrity.Respect. We aim to create employment and establish employment pathways for those that face barriers engaging in mainstream employment. SOS’s target cohorts are unemployed, underemployed or disadvantaged people, with a specific focus on newly-arrived migrants and women in the workplace. Our aim is to provide high-quality services for our valued clients. Our team goes above and beyond to cater to each project’s specific needs. Through open communication and exceptional service, we understand the needs of our clients and tailor our service to meet their requirements. The demand for ethical and socially conscious goods and services is growing rapidly. SOS is the only social enterprise operating in Australia that offers ethically and socially conscious security services. T. 1300 310 106 M. +61420 636 362 E. admin@sossecurity.com.au www.sossecurity.com.au OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: Security Guards Security Mobile Patrols Gate Entry/Site Access Security Asset Protection Security Static Guard Security Roving Security CCTV Alarm Monitoring Emergency Response
McConnell Dowell does what is right - consistently and transparently. CUSTOMER FOCUS The company builds relationships by collaborating and delivering on its promises.
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within three major geographies - Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, and Southeast Asia. It is an extremely exciting space to be working in for the company, as all these regions currently offer immense opportunities given the demand for new and improved infrastructure in both the public and private sectors. With operations across all subsectors of the construction space, from building, civil, fabrication, marine, mechanical, pipelines, rail, tunnel and underground construction, MCD offers a varied assortment of premium services covering the entire spectrum of construction.In2021and early 2022, the Australian construction sector remained mostly operational, despite various state-based COVID-19 lockdowns. Collaborative contracting approaches, such as alliances and early contractor involvements, continued to be preferred by many customers, reducing the overall risk profile for the business in Australia. The company was awarded projects in all regions across Australia and in all its specialist capabilities, highlighting the diversity of the business unit.
McConnell DowellPurpose and Values SAFETY AND CARE Home without harm, everyone every day. The health, safety and wellbeing of its people, the community and the environment is paramount.
HONESTY AND INTEGRITY
“For me, it all began in the oil industry, where I spent almost 30 years of my career working internationally for a major engineering and construction company,” begins Cummins. “This provided the full suite of capabilities from front-end engineering design, through to the final commissioning of upstream offshore oil and gas facilities for major oil giants around the world.” Cummins did however always crave a comeback to Australia, culminating in a return home when a great opportunity arose for him to lead MCD, a diversified international engineering and construction-based company based in his home city of Melbourne.MCDoperates
Additional water and energy sector
McConnell Dowell holds itself accountable and always strives to exceed expectations.
WORKING TOGETHER McConnell Dowell respects and cooperates with others and leverages its rich knowledge and diversity.
PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE
SOS Security Services Include: • Security Guards • Security Mobile Patrol • Gate Entry/Site Access Security • Asset Protection Security • Static Guard Security • Roving Security • CCTV Alarm Monitoring •
Giving someone a job and being able to witness the positive changes it makes in their lives is an extremely powerful experience. It is not so much the actual job that has the greatest impact, as security work isn’t really that stimulating, it is instead all the indirect benefits that having a job establishes for individuals. It provides a sense of purpose, self-pride and a reason for someone to get out of bed every morning.” Sam “It’scontinues.beingable to respond with self-confidence to that question people often ask, what you do for a living? It re-establishes one’s position and status within their own communities, where they are no longer a dependant, but an active contributor. And most importantly, it gives them a chance to provide a better quality of life for themselves and their significant others.”
T + 1300 310 106 | E admin@sossecurity.com.au | www.sossecurity.com.au Social Outcomes Security (SOS) is amongst the leading security service providers within the construction and infrastructure space. As the only certified social enterprise security business in Australia, SOS delivers a high-quality service, as they strive to disrupt the cycle of disadvantage and build better lives. The successful implementation and delivery of many past and existing major projects, demonstrates SOS’s level of expertise, knowledge and capabilities.
Sam Giacomin, Founding Director of SOS, expresses his gratitude to McConnell Dowell stating, “the most pivotal moment which contributed to our current success, was when McConnell Dowell awarded us with our first contract for a major project. McConnell Dowell understands the broader social impact of engaging with social enterprise businesses like ourselves, which helps to preserve the thriving culture of social procurement. The flow on effect from this opportunity was imminent, which further enabled us to develop our resources, gain valuable recognition and lead us to other opportunities.”
“One of the things I love most about being the owner of a social enterprise business, are the consistent win/ win situations. When we are awarded a contract, the client benefits from social procurement reporting and value for the dollars they invest in us, we benefit and grow as a company, individuals benefit from employment opportunities and the government benefits by reducing unemployment numbers. The chain of positive events that arise from these transactions are endless and often Witnessingunmeasurable.”aperson’s life change for the better makes Sam’s day, every day. “I never would have thought that out of all my many years of experience working within the welfare sector, this would actually be the most rewarding and meaningful work that I have ever done.
SOS appreciates and recognises the welfare of their employees and the importance of maintaining a fulfilling workplace environment. Aligned with their company’s vision and core values, they pride themselves on providing additional support and flexibility, whilst actively promoting a positive team culture and a sense of belonging. Emergency Response
Woolgoolga to Ballina – Pacific Highway upgrade
Need customised mine spec vehicles? Call SIXT!
The Shiploader and Berth Replacement (SABR) Project at BMA’s Hay Point Coal Terminal.
SIXT Regional Sales Manager Josephine Depetro recalls ‘The SIXT team were asked to supply 2 purpose built 12 seater vans requiring complicated modifications in order to meet compliance requirements. SIXT rose to the challenge, invested tens of thousands in vehicle modifications, including a specialised IVMS (In Vehicle Monitoring System). This job also included mobilisation of the vehicles to this remote site. These SIXT vehicles will be onsite for approximately 2 years, assisting the McConnell Dowell team to complete their daily duties and delivery of the project.’
Need 120 dual cab Utes? Call SIXT!
SIXT has an incredible fleet that our partners can rely on to help with the heavy lifting on major road infrastructure projects.
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13 SIXT | corporate@sixt.com.au
In early 2022, SIXT partnered with McConnell Dowell who were awarded a contract by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) to undertake the main berth construction scope for the Ship loader and Berth replacement (SABR) Project at BMA’s Hay Point Coal Terminal near Mackay Qld.
‘SIXT’s commercial rental vehicle fleet is one of the largest in the country and through our national footprint we supply vehicles to the most remote parts of regional and rural Australia. This means we can deliver purpose-built mining and construction specialty vehicles to get the job done, wherever and whenever needed, making us an ideal partner on major infrastructure projects’ says SIXT Australia CEO, Matthew Beattie.
We reflect on transformative projects and how SIXT as a trusted rental vehicle expert, helped solve tricky problems for partners to deliver amazing results.
SIXT Australia has proudly worked alongside building and construction industry giants on some of the country’s largest infrastructure projects. SIXT has the right wheels for any job.
‘SIXT really understood what was most important to the client - reliability and innovation. We sourced brand new nine and six tonne trucks to ensure reliability and we fitted F-Tracks to the internal walls of all trucks, enabling their precious cargo to be rolled into the Pantech on a trolley & locked in position so there was no movement during transit.
Solving everyday problems for our clients so they can conduct their everyday business seamlessly is something we pride ourselves on – it’s a part of our DNA at SIXT’ says Anne Bender, SIXT Business Development Manager.
SIXT Commercial truck fleet saves the day for local Transport Company. Need reliable purpose built delivery vehicles? Call SIXT! A family owned transport company, which delivers bread rolls to outlets of one of the world’s largest fast food organisations needed a new vehicle rental partner that really understood their business requirements.
Ian Moore, Commercial Fleet Manager at SIXT Australia recounts ‘We were tasked with supplying approximately 120 dual cab utes from mid-2015 to mid-2020. The fleet needed to be customised with driver telematics installed. As we were all working towards a clear end-date, it was an easier and more attractive proposition for our client to hire vehicles and have us take responsibility for arranging all maintenance on the fleet throughout the 5 year project. It also meant they could off-hire the fleet gradually towards the end as each component of the job finished.’
When the project alliance needed a trusted and reliable rental vehicle partner they called on SIXT, as we are equipped to support large infrastructure projects and work with key stakeholders to help them deliver great outcomes.
SIXT was proud to work with Pacific Complete (a Laing O’Rourke & WSP Joint Venture) who were responsible for managing the delivery of the 129 kilometre section between Glenugie and Ballina in partnership with Transport for NSW.
SIXT is committed to working with our partners to ensure we help overcome any project challenges along the way.
Ian recalls ‘There were challenges with the driver telematics due to network black spots and functionality, so we needed to change all systems to get better range and functionality across the board. We did this by working closely with the client at all times to achieve the desired outcome.’
The Caulfield to Dandenong Level Crossing Removal Project Need collaboration on big projects? Call SIXT!
SIXT Business Relationship Manager Mani Guardado recalls ‘SIXT had to supply approximately 100 vehicles including: customised mine spec 12 seaters, 3 tonne trays, flatbed trucks, 2 and 4 tonne tippers and dual cab utes over 2 years between 2019-2021, adding additional mine spec modifications to meet specific site requirements. For all larger vehicles we included asset inspection reports and risk assessments as required and ensured implementation of their online plant management system (3D Safety). The project required mobilisation and demobilisation of all vehicles and on site servicing and maintenance which is a key speciality of SIXT and a head-ache we often remove for our partners. We look forward to assisting again on the next bigWhateverproject.’ the job, wherever and whenever you need purpose built commercial rental vehicles and a partner you can trust and rely on to deliver – you know you can call on SIXT. SIXT. Welcome to above and beyonding. sixt.com.au/business
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MCD prides itself on being a highly diversified company, offering solutions and providing value to its clients across a diverse array of sectors: transportation, marine
“Improvingprevalent.the quality of life for all, is key to our overall mandate, whether it be through transport infrastructure, aiming to improve safety and productivity, or satisfying energy demands and the need to transition to cleaner energy. This also includes building for recreation, education, heath, accommodation, and providing clean water, all of which we see as a vital service to provide an increased quality of life. I am not sure we have ever seen such a busy or more demanding time,” explains Cummins. Certainly, these challenges bring another aspect to the overall mission of MCD - being able to meet the demand for such services with the resources available to the industry. Although there are boundless differences between the various regions and countries in which MCD operates, opportunity abounds in them all.
opportunities then began to emerge, and this trend is expected to continue as climate change and energy diversification become more pressing and
CREATIVE CONSTRUCTION
Originally established in Auckland (New Zealand) over 60 years ago, MCD is an engineering and construction company with over 3,000 employees operating in Australia (currently executing significant projects in every state), New Zealand (both the North and South Islands) and throughout the Pacific Islands and in Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines).
From the moment two young entrepreneurial New Zealand engineers sat down in 1961 with a vision to do things better than the company they worked for, MCD was born. Since then, innovation and creative construction have remained at the heart of everything the company offers.
“CREATIVE CONSTRUCTION IS NOT JUST A TAGLINE, IT DESCRIBES THE DIFFERENTIATING VALUE WE BRING TO OUR CUSTOMERS” – SCOTT CUMMINS, CEO, M c CONNELL DOWELL
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For over six decades, customers have been coming to MCD with complex projects that require innovative solutions. It’s because of this reason that it’s widely known as the creative construction company.
“From remote resources and energy projects to city-shaping infrastructure, we’ve built thousands of quality assets and facilities for customers and communities, with our expertise growing steadily to span every facet of the industry.”
We’vesixt.com.au/business13SIXT got the right wheels for any job. Rent purpose built mine spec and construction vehicles, trucks, buses, vans, utes, 4WDs and cars with SIXT. SIXT. Welcome to above and beyonding. SIXT will partner with you and deliver fully maintained vehicles wherever and whenever you need them across Australia.
“Firstly, our culture and the alignment of this with our company purpose of providing a better life, and the fulfilment of these values is extremely important to us. Creative construction is not just a tagline, it describes the differentiating value we bring to our customers. We can achieve this excellence in service through our in-house engineering and technical specialists, who offer specific experience and knowledge in a range of disciplines,” he acclaims.
As a family-owned business, we understand that our clients’ facilities are ultimately about the people and the businesses within them. know that you are more than your upkeep and day-to-day operations, so you can rest assured your assets are maintained in good condition while you focus on what’s important to you. coastal water and wastewater, resources, energy, building (recreation, health, education and accommodation), and additionally private and government clients under varying forms of contract models, suited specifically for the project beingCumminsexecuted.believes that there is a number of qualities that set MCD apart from other competitive rivals, which remains a key component of creating success in the crowded construction sector.
Licences & Accreditations • Qld Electrical Licence 86386 • ARC Refrigerant Handling Licence AU50480 • QBCC Licence 15195374 • Medium rise builder • Plumbing and drainage • Gasfitting • Mechanical ServicesRefrigeration (limited) • ISO9001:2015 • ISO14001:2015 • ISO45001:2018 www.gochamp.com.au
At Champ Group, our vision is to be the strongest player on your team. From labour hire and recruitment to fabrication and facilities management, we strive to help you be the best at what you do. Our mission is to build longstanding partnerships that make a real difference to your business. We have experience in government, mining, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and aged care – just to name a few. Champ Group prides ourselves on our strong teamwork and partnerships with clients who share our values. This way, we guarantee exceptional business outcomes and success within the industries we serve. We are facility managers with frontline experience, and we recognise that your assets are just the beginning.
Creative construction at MCD is the inspired engineering behind the complex infrastructure that the company delivers. It’s the technical problems and challenges solved behind the scenes by people empowered to think creatively and work collaboratively. It’s also the alternative idea or innovation that saves time, reduces cost, makes a process safer, and delivers more value. It might not always be evident when you look at the end product, but it’s there, inside every project.
Champ Group
Leaving no detail neglected, MCD delivers innovative solutions to improve desired project outcomes with its clients, aiding scheduling, cost, environmental enhancement, and ensuring there are less disruptions, all of which are achieved via a collaborative working environment.
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We
Labour Hire & Workforce FabricationFacilitiesManagementManagementandSiteServices sales@gochamp.com.au 1300 GOCHAMP (1300 462 426) www.gochamp.com.au A multi-service company offering facilities management, labour hire, traffic control, fabrication services, and more across Queensland and Australia-wide.
One particularly prosperous region for MCD is Malaysia, where the company has been active since the late 1970s. Located in Kuala Lumpur, MCD has delivered projects for key local customers including major brands such as Ikea, Vale, Nestlé and Petronas. MCD continues to grow its reputation and experience in Malaysia by delivering projects that not only meet, but exceed the local customers’ expectations.Nearby,across the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, MCD has also been incredibly active in Indonesia and has been carrying out project works for over 40 years, where it delivers innovative, creative construction to remote locations across the nation. This required the procurement of all the necessary licenses to operate under the foreign investment laws of Indonesia. MCD specialises in both high risk and technically challenging projects where prestigious Indonesian customers seek international best practice in quality and safety. The company has delivered over 50
“I feel extremely proud when our customers state how they have enjoyed the experience of working with us,” Cummins says. “This is usually because of the solutions that we bring to the table and how we always aim to work collaboratively with our customers, partners, subcontractors, and suppliers.”
Blackwoods Blackwoods is Australia’s largest supplier of industrial and safety products, providing end-to-end MRO solutions for an array of industries. Blackwoods supplies more than 300,000 products, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), safety workwear, workplace tools and equipment, industrial cleaners, lubricants, adhesives and much more.
SOUTHEAST ASIA MCD established its Southeast Asian business in Singapore over 50 years ago and today has local offices and project teams in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. The specialist Southeast Asian team combines a winning combination of intimate local market knowledge with the international expertise and resources of the broader MCD group to deliver complex, multi-disciplinary projects.“Wealso own and operate an extensive regional plant and equipment fleet, bringing certainty and responsiveness to all our projects in the region,” offers Cummins.
In helping to build a better and safer Australia, Blackwoods, buys nearly 90 percent of its products from Australian organisations, and nearly a quarter of its products are Australian made. This includes products manufactured by Indigenous Australian businesses that are all Supply Nation certified. Behaving responsibly and acting with integrity is fundamental to how Blackwoods operates as a business. Blackwoods promotes and supports a rigorous sustainability agenda including a regular review of the sustainability issues that are material to the business. Blackwoods’ approach to sustainability includes assessing and managing material issues most relevant to operations such as Climate Change Resilience, Community Contributions, Ethical Sourcing, Gender Balance, Health, Safety and Wellbeing, Indigenous Diversity, People Development, Product Quality and Safety and Waste and Packaging. The Blackwoods footprint is vast, with six distribution centres in each major Australian city, and over 50 branches spanning cities, and rural, regional, and remote Blackwoodslocations.hasearned a reputation as a leader across a vast array of industries that reflect the diversity of this nation. From snow to fire, waterways to highways, railroads to sea lanes, tilled soil to tunnels deep underground, Blackwoods is helping build a better Australia. www.blackwoods.com.au
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“As part of a global organisation, our Philippines team draws on the vast resources of the entire Group for additional staff, engineering support and plant. This enables us to carry out self-perform projects across all disciplines,” Cummins says.
AVMIN looks forward to supporting this project as it evolves and is extremely proud be working with McConnell Dowell on such an innovative venture.
www.avmin.com.au
projects here to key customers including Saipem, Petro Storindo Energi and Donggi Senoro.
The Kidston Pumped Hydro Project is the flagship project of the Kidston Clean Energy Hub, located in Kidston, Far-North Queensland, and involves MCD, and joint venture partner John Holland, converting a decommissioned gold mine into a clean energy battery. This project represents the future and is the first of its kind, as well as being the first pumped hydro project in Australia for over 40 years, and the third largest electricity storage device in the country, demonstrating the size of project that MCD is capable of tackling.Theproject will create 800 jobs and be a gamechanger for the clean energy industry in both Australia and worldwide, as it is an entirely new approach to large-scale energy storage. The project represents an important step in the move towards a more sustainable energy future.
Apex Vac Solutions have had a working relationship with McConnell Dowell since 2018. Over those four years, it has constantly grown to now having Vac trucks, labourers, and support services on almost all their projects throughout South Australia and some inclusion interstate.
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AVMIN AVMIN are the Aircraft Charter division of the Flight Centre Travel Management group. Our association with the Kidston Hydro Project commenced several years prior to construction through assisting with the management of the Airport upgrade. The inaugural charter services for McConnell Dowell were in October 2021 having been awarded the FIFO logistics contract to support project construction.
Elsewhere in the APAC region, MCD first established an office in the Philippines in 1996 and has since gone on to flourish, successfully tackling a diverse swathe of projects for industry leaders such as Siemens, First Gas/ British Gas, Shell, Foster Wheeler and Van Oord and SN Aboitiz (SNAP).
www.apexvacsolutions.com.au
MCD Philippines operates with a Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board, Triple “A” License, valid for civil, structural, building, mechanical and electrical works.
Once completed, the facility will generate power during peak demand periods and return water back to the upper reservoir during off-peak periods. The facility will also generate enough electricity to power 143,000 homes for eight hours. This is part of the ongoing build of MCD’s presence throughout Australia, and in the successful delivery of major infrastructure projects in the
APEX VAC SOLUTIONS
AVMIN has provided specifically tailored logistics for the project on a daily basis since then now operating several flights per week between Cairns, Townsville and Kidston.
FLAGSHIP PROJECTS
Australia’s leader in end to end remote FIFO logistics. 1300 286 www.avmin.com.auflights@avmin.com.au462
• Apex Vac Solutions is a South Australian Owned and Operated company. Established in 2016 with 1 truck to now having a fleet of 8. Apex Vac Solutions specializes in Non-Destructive Digging and Hydro Excavation.
08 8186 1478 | admin@apexvacsolutions.com.au | www.apexvacsolutions.com.au APAC Outlook issue 57 | 39 McCONNELL DOWELL CONSTRUCTION
• Our mission is to provide innovative, efficient, precise and safe hydro excavation services at rates that are competitive within the industry.
Apex prides itself on our operators who have years of experience in the Civil industry and with that knowledge I guarantee they will not just sit and wait they will help onsite to speed the process up and help the job move forward.
I have taken Apex Vac Solutions one step further, to becoming a “One Stop Shop” and can offer more than our expertise in NDD, but also all supporting trades that a frequently required at the same time. This allows our clients to make one phone call, saving them time in organising multiple trades and purchase orders, they can ring us, and we take care of the rest.
Apex is always looking at increasing its ability to offer more than just its expertise in NDD, the range of supporting services we provide include; Coring for potholes, backfilling including cold mix of the holes, CCTV, Service Locating, Surveying and Traffic Management. Furthermore, to that we have Apex Asbestos Solutions which can remove all Class B non-friable asbestos, this helps for the times we NDD and uncover any AC pipes rather than waiting for a company we can remove whilst on site.
It’s easy doing business with an organisation who is true to their values like McConnell Dowell. resources, energy and transport sectors.Elsewhere,
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With over 70km of assorted types and style road barrier in their fleet and additionally more than 13,000 items alone in their Traffic Solutions Fleet, incl VMS, Arrow Boards, Traffic Lights, Light Towers & Truck Mounted Attenuators, paired against 14 branches located throughout NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC and SA; PremiAir Hire can effectively service the entire east Coast of Australia.
the company recently completed the Echuca – Moama bridge project, providing a much needed second crossing of the Murray River on the Victorian – New South Wales border. After 60 years of plans and promises, it wasn’t just the finished bridge that was cause for celebration in the two towns, but also the social outcomes that were achieved by the construction. For example, providing real value adding work opportunities, for disadvantaged individuals who formed an integral part of the project delivery team. After more than 140 years with a single Murray River crossing, locals and visitors to the region can now enjoy safer and easier travel between Echuca and Moama thanks to the skilled construction from MCD. Cyclists and pedestrians are also benefitting from the project, with nearly five kilometres of new, safe and scenic walking and cycling paths now open between the Murray Valley Highway in Echuca and the Cobb Highway in Moama. This is a prime example of how MCD looks to undertake projects with a direct positive influence on local communities, rather than causing disruption and disturbance with construction that has no benefit to local“Wecitizens.havedeveloped strong
PremiAir Hire/HER are the equipment/ solutions hire specialists of traffic management equipment, diesel and elec air compressors, skid and trailer mounted silenced generators and lighting towers for all your construction related requirements.
PremiAir Hire’s electronic traffic equipment range and their knowledge of the task at hand, has set the benchmark with preferred hire agreements in place with numerous local and state government authorities, and Tier 1 contractors, meeting all regulatory requirements and Australian Standards.
Highway Equipment Rentals
Mk2 As an independently Australian owned company with combined 70 years of human resource management experience Mk2 is incredibly honoured and proud of the relationship that we have formed with McConnell Dowell. Being the preferred recruitment partner for the $160m Adelaide O’Bahn City Access project back in 2016 Mk2 have gone on to partner in every McConnell Dowell Tier 1 project in SA over the last seven years. Through support on the R2P, Ovingham & Granite Island Causeway projects, Mk2 continues to successfully have employees completing formal qualifications in the civil construction industry, supporting indigenous employment and achieving above industry workforce participation results.
1300 WE HIRE PremiAir Hire also have an expanding fleet of fuel trucks driven by a dedicated team to deliver onsite diesel refuelling, servicing a range of equipment, wherever and whenever needed. www.premiairhire.com.au • Air • Fuel • Traffic • Power • Service • Events PremiAir is a complete service provider with multiple divisions that come together to provide a complete solution, we call this the “PremiAir Advantage” Mk2 Recruitment – Blue & White Collar Labour hire: • Mining • Construction • Civil Construction • Oil & Gas • Warehouse & Distribution • Engineering • Defence Mk2 Professional – Permanent White Collar Head Hunting Recruitment: • Mining • Construction • Civil Construction • Oil & Gas • Warehouse & Distribution • Engineering • Defence Administration to C+ Suite & Board Level Mk2 Equip – Apprentices & Trainees: • Electricians • Indigenous Cadet Program • Plumbers • Carpenters • Boilermakers • Diesel Fitters • Business Administration • Cert III Civil Construction AUSTRALIA’S PREMIERE STAFFING SOLUTIONS Western Australia – 08 9381 4776 South Australia – 08 8234 1459Need Staff? Call or Email Us! Ty.kamines@mk2recruitment.com APAC Outlook issue 57 | 41 McCONNELL DOWELL CONSTRUCTION
If the challenge involves delivering high quality transport infrastructure in harmony with the environment, community, and demanding stakeholders, MCD is the company to meet that challenge.
Rangedale Group Pty Ltd
“Inspired engineering has seen us push a 3,000-tonne bridge into place overnight. Smart construction staging has allowed us to rebuild an inner-city railway station while keeping passengers moving safely and on-time. Meanwhile, tireless stakeholder communication has kept residents and businesses fully informed and connected during their road system upgrade,” he tells us.
Concerning environmentally beneficial projects, MCD has completed work on the Mordialloc freeway, and not only delivered this earlier than scheduled, but set new benchmarks in sustainability and workplace mental health. The ninekilometre-long Mordialloc Freeway connects the Mornington Peninsula Freeway in Aspendale Gardens, to the Dingley Bypass in Dingley Village, thereby improving connectivity in Melbourne’s southeast.
By continually exploring alternate designs and technical or staging
“The new walking and cycling path we’ve built along the freeway also provides an uninterrupted path from Aspendale Gardens to Dingley Village and improved access to community spaces like Braeside Park and ChadwickWhetherReserve.”it’sboring a new metro tunnel, refurbishing an historic bridge, or constructing new train and tramways, MCD has created a niche for the company in the oversaturated construction market, where it is considered a reliably safe pair of hands for any transport challenge.
Proudly Australian, family-owned, and run, Rangedale prides itself on being an industry leader offering comprehensive innovative turnkey drainage and infrastructure solutions. With over 300 personnel, 243 vehicles, and our industry knowledge, technology, and expertise, Rangedale is well equipped to deliver solutions of any size across a variable range of projects. From NDD, asset location, drain cleaning, relining, industrial applications, bulk liquid transport, civil works Rangedaleetc. is customer focused delivering high-quality services, reliably and promptly, with safety and compliance as our priority on every project we deliver. rangedale.com.au repeat-business relationships with numerous transport authorities across our operating regions, through the safe and timely delivery of all types of roads and bridges,” Cummins adds.
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To find out more call us on: 1300 669 610 | rangedale.com.au RANGEDALE SERVICES INCLUDE: Drain cleaning, repairs & maintenance Non destructive digging Vacuum truck services Cold cutting & surface preparation Hi rail capability High pressure jet cleaning Sludge removal, disposal, and recycling Concrete demolition Long range CCTV Deep excavation & dig outs Confined space works Tunnelling Construction of new maintenance holes & access chambers Closed set timber shaft UV/LED relining Robotic cutting & grinding Smart Lock & CIPP patching Junction repairs Asphalting & traffic management Asset location and mapping Proudly Australian, family owned, and run, Rangedale prides itself on being an industry leader offering comprehensive innovative turnkey drainage and infrastructure solutions across the eastern seaboard of Australia A PROUD PARTNER OF FOR MORE INFORMATION itseditorial,skillsteamOutlookwww.outlookpublishing.com/creative-servicesVISIT:Publishing’saward-winningin-houseisnowutilisingitsextensiveproductiontoofferafullandbespokerangeofdesignandmarketingservicesvianewOutlookCreativeServicesdivision. ServicesCreativeOutlook APAC Outlook issue 57 | 43 McCONNELL DOWELL CONSTRUCTION
On top of this, MCD has accomplished success with several water and wastewater projects, executed across New Zealand, combining the company’s internal specialist skills in tunnelling and near shore marine and water treatment to dramatically improve water and wastewater infrastructure needs within the Kiwi nation.
CONSTRUCTING ICONIC STRUCTURES
solutions that reduce time and cost for customers, MCD always implements safe traffic and pedestrian management solutions that minimise disruption and maximise safety around its work sites.
With a glistening history of building truly iconic structures, MCD has recently enhanced this reputation further with the construction of the new Apple store in front of the Marine Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore. With a jaw-dropping design, the stunning ball-shaped structure appears to be floating effortlessly on the surface of the water. This project represents another major success story to add to the ever-growing portfolio of exciting, completed projects by MCD. Entirely surrounded by water, the impressive store offers uninterrupted 360-degree panoramic views of the city and its spectacular skyline through its all-glass dome structure. Inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, an oculus located at the apex of the dome provides a flooding ray of light that travels through the space. MCD has also contributed greatly to some hugely exciting building projects across Australia. One example includes the Adelaide Oval Hotel, a state-of-the-art facility where MCD’s building brand, Built Environs, added to the beauty and functionality of the Adelaide Oval cricket stadium and sporting facility. This boutique 138-room hotel is integrated into the eastern façade of the previously existing stadium structure and opened its doors in September 2020. Set at the Adelaide Oval, an iconic institution of Australian sport, this unique project places guests within minutes of the vibrant city centre, while enveloping visitors in the tranquillity of the surrounding parklands. The hotel has been designed to fit as unobtrusively and seamlessly into the existing design of the stadium as possible, retaining the magnificent views without impacting the game day experience for loyal fans. Built on two elevated pods that follow the external curves of the eastern façade of the stadium, the visually stunning structure therefore does not encroach on the parklands or the plaza, fulfilling a key value of the Group’s working manifesto that community and environmental consequences are to always be considered carefully.
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“There is really no project that I am not excited about, as they all present
Gertzel Engineering Surveyors provide survey services in the engineering sector and consider surveying an integral component of any successful project. Gertzel Engineering Surveyors provide a total surveying service using state of the art equipment, the latest software, and appropriately skilled and experienced staff. • Complete project survey management • Control network establishment and monitoring • Feature surveys for design • Set out for earthworks, drainage and sewerage • Set out for bridges, concrete structures, retaining walls, dams TOTAL SURVEYINGwww.gertzel.com.auSERVICE AUSTRALIANAUSTRALIANwww.steelmains.comMADELABOURAUSTRALIANSTEEL 125-175 Patullos Lane, Somerton, Victoria, Australia T: (03) 9217 3110 APAC Outlook issue 57 | 45 McCONNELL DOWELL CONSTRUCTION
Building the new Bridgewater bridge is Tasmania’s largest ever transport infrastructure project, and the new structure will make travel safer and more efficient. As well as this, it will connect local communities, create more open space and change the way people travel between the north and south of the state, opening up previously unavailable travel links to all citizens. With major construction due to start this year, the new bridge will be open by the close of 2024. The innovative design features a new, four lane bridge downstream of the existing bridge including enhanced interchanges at Granton and Bridgewater, a safe shared pathway for cyclists and pedestrians and a navigation height matching the Bowen bridge. The significant upgrade will benefit the 22,000 people that travel across the bridge each day, including local residents, commuters and freight vehicles, and will fix the missing link in Tasmania’s nationalFollowinghighway.extensive
consultation on the project’s reference design in late 2020, a number of enhancements have been incorporated by MCD into their plans, including direct access from Bridgewater onto the new bridge and an uninterrupted connection between the Brooker and Lyell highways.
– CUMMINS, CEO, M c CONNELL DOWELL
46 | APAC Outlook issue 57 McCONNELL DOWELL CONSTRUCTION
A SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS Cummins speaks glowingly of the hard-working staff at MCD, describing them as “dedicated, committed and innovative, driven by purpose and the goal of fulfilling the company’s values. They have so much potential and are so well equipped to deal with the changing nature and the demands of the world. We try to provide some guidance, through mentoring advice, and really do all we can as a company to develop our loyal staff. I personally believe it is best to provide them with what they need, whether that’s inspi ration, guidance, or general strategic direction and then simply get out of their way and let them work it out and tell me how it can best be achieved.
“I’m a firm believer in that it is all about partnering together, whether as team members of a successful staffing unit, or through the manufacturing and supplier relationships that you must manage and nurture in order to achieve optimal outcomes in business. Just as we do with our head contract clients, we rely on partnerships even more with our supply chain. Grasping an understanding of each other’s needs and tapping into the innovation that the supply chain can bring to the project will offer solutions to enhance
“THERE IS REALLY NO PROJECT THAT I AM NOT EXCITED ABOUT, AS THEY ALL PRESENT BOUNTIFUL OPPORTUNITY”
SCOTT
a bountiful opportunity for a variety of potential reasons,” Cummins says.
“Whether it’s excitement about our employees, our customers or the community in which we work, we constantly strive to bring an unrivalled enthusiasm to all new projects that we undertake, as well as being able to bring our specialist capability in an innovative and creative manner to all new projects. In this way, we will soon commence the build of the new Bridgewater bridge, which promises to be another iconic project for MCD, spanning one kilometre over the river Derwent in Tasmania.”
MCD believes that consistent and effective conduct in the way that the company approaches all business and carries out operations, creates the loyalty and trust with its stakeholders and each other. Moving onwards this will be critical for the business to remain sustainable and achieve longtermCumminssuccess.details how MCD has constructed a precise list of targets for the next 12-month period in terms of its potential growth as a company and in improving all aspects of its delivery
MCD places immense value on the focus of the many environmental issues encountered throughout the region and is constantly seeking methods to build and deliver projects in the most sustainable way. “Elsewhere we are very pleased with the inroads we have made in increasing female participation within the organisation. In tackling the need for diversity, we have also just completed our first reconciliation action plan to address the needs of reconciliation with indigenous Australians,” he expands.
McCONNELL DOWELL Tel: +61 3 9816 www.mcconnelldowell.commcdgroup@mcdgroup.com2400performance,specificallyincludingareasoffocusintheESGarena.“MCDenteredthe2022financialyearinaverystrongpositionbutwillremainvigilanttotheongoingimpactsoftheCOVID-19pandemicacrossouroperatingregions,”heexplains.“Coremarketsectors,especiallyinAustralia,showgoodsignsforgrowth,drivenlargelybygovernmentinfrastructureinvestment.Increasedactivityisalsoanticipatedintheprivatesectorduetolowinterestrates,strongcommoditymarkets,andclimatechangedrivenenergytransition.“Wherewehavebeenspendingagreatdealoftimeisnotjustlookingatthecomingyear,butthelongerterm.Wehavecloselyreviewedmacrotrendsasweseetheminareassuchasourmarkets,thesocietyandworkforce,sustainabilityandresilience,regulationsandtechnology,andnowseektodevelopMCDforallformsoffuturereadiness.”
HORIZON 2030 Developing a longer-term business strategy has been defined by MCD as ‘Horizon 2030’. Preparing thoroughly for the future has begun in detail, alongside implementing a thorough strategy to improve organisational capability, so that the company can further increase its relevance and the value it can bring to project solutions in a rapidly changing world. “Looking ahead, we also look forward to returning to full strength operations in Southeast Asia, following two very difficult years of not being able to travel around the region due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
APAC Outlook issue 57 | 47
workingMCD’spractices.”strengthsin its professional partnerships translate to how it operates within the communities it works“Maintainingin. a social responsibility is an extremely important aspect of the organisation. From bottom up, to top down and everything in between, this aligns with our collective purpose,” Cummins affirms. “It adds so much more to a project knowing that you are not only delivering the necessary infrastructure, but the project is providing so much more to the community as it is constructed. The company has recently developed and adopted an MCD specific environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework. This builds upon the ESG components and our values as an organisation, leading to real meaning and relevance to all within our company.”
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BUILT TRANSFORMTOremainthefoundation of the business more than 45 years later.
The commitment of Richard Crookes Constructions (RCC) to delivering projects that make a difference to Australian communities channels its founder’s passion for construction.RichardCrookes, who established RCC in 1976, was himself a carpenter by trade, and his authentic roots
Our genuine connection to construction tradecraft and on-site activities is our guiding mantra and central to everything we do.”
“As tradespeople at heart, the Crookes family has a strong connection to construction. The love for the product has very much been the main driver,” notes Marc Avery,
“People expect us to be more corporate, but as a family-owned and managed company we come across as very down-to-earth and prefer to let our projects do the talking.”
Commercial, residential and social infrastructure in Australia is being revitalised by Richard Crookes Constructions, as detailed by General Manager of New Business and Strategy, Marc Avery
Writer: Jack Salter | Project Manager: Ryan Gray General Manager of New Business and Strategy at RCC.
RCC believes that a truly collabo rative project journey, together with aligned partnership objectives, is what delivers quality project outcomes that speak for themselves. It is this honest approach that ensures the project journey is an enjoyable and harmonious one throughout the RCC ecosystem, allowing the focus to be on reaching project milestones and objectives.
“We ensure that every project has a ‘head start’, where we get together to talk about success factors, things that APAC
Outlook issue 57 | 49 RICHARD CROOKES CONSTRUCTIONS CONSTRUCTION
MLP Co is a leading Sydney based building contractor with a reputation for successful project delivery and exceptional client service. Leaders in construction.106/360PacificHighway, Crows Nest NSW enquiries@mlpco.com.au2065T:0294172000 www.mlpco.com.au
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DELIVERING CERTAINTY – Complete confidence that the project will be delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of safety and quality.
FAMILY – RCC has a strong culture based on family values: openness, honesty, fairness, respect, collaboration, and hard work.
“Collaboration is probably the most overused word in our industry, but it is absolutely essential. From the architects, engineers, programmers and quantity surveyors through to the client, it’s about having higher forms of collaboration, which we are trying to focus more on.”
DOING AS IT SAYS – Being a trusted and reliable builder, and providing a great service, is what RCC is all about.
“We can execute projects, big or small, in regional as well as metropolitan areas. We’re really happy with the diversity and complexity of the projects we’ve been doing, and in the last five years in particular we’ve become quite well known for complex projects.”
create poor outcomes, and expected behaviours throughout the process. To establish these is absolutely critical to collaboration,” Avery outlines.
RCC VALUES – AT A GLANCE
Sydney Modern Project
The Sydney Modern Project will be the city’s most significant cultural development since the opening of the Sydney Opera House nearly half a cen tury ago, and remains on schedule to open to the public in December 2022 despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
A FINE ART Operational throughout New South Wales (NSW), Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), RCC is unique in its ability to work across a client’s entire portfolio, realising efficiencies in contract and construction management. The company generates around AUD$1.6 billion in revenue annually, according to Avery, and works on more than 50 projects at any one time.“The whole strategic focus of the business is to make sure we’re diverse enough and have the relevant experience in every type of project, every geography, and every project size,” he informs us.
FIRST STEP SAFETY – Protecting people to ensure the safety of their future, health, family, friends, and surrounding environment.
CLIENT FIRST – RCC provides a personalised service to clients with a focus on enjoying the journey.
Avery highlights RCC’s involvement in the transformation of the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW). The Art Gallery’s $344 million Sydney Modern Project is a once-in-a-genera tion transformation that features a new standalone building, public art garden, and revitalisation of the existing his toricThebuilding.newbuilding designed by SANAA and built by RCC on behalf of Infrastructure NSW and the AGNSW, brings together art, architecture and landscapes in spectacular new ways, with dynamic galleries, site-specific works by leading Australian and international artists, and extensive outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy. With the creation of the new build ing adjacent to the existing state art gallery, the AGNSW will become a two-building art museum, almost dou bling the amount of space for art to be displayed and enjoyed by the public.
Likewise, by maintaining a flat business structure with visible leadership, RCC ensures that projects remain agile, and decisions are made quickly.“Ourstructure is very open and transparent. We hear the voices of our 800-strong workforce very clearly, and we aim to create a workplace where our staff bring their whole selves to work every day to deliver really high-quality projects.”
RCC’s company values guide the way it works, and ensure it stays true to its origins. RCC takes pride in these values; they reflect the culture, character and vision of the company and help to guide its individual and collective behaviours.
The company was founded by Mitchell Peters, who has presided over a rapid growth period taking on a number of employees whilst still maintaining his commitment to quality and safety. Mitch is a third generation builder who has decades of experience in the construction industry. Paddy O’Halloran joined as Director in 2015 and has managed a vast array of projects and staff in both Australia and the United States, giving him a diverse approach to construction and business management.
T +61 2 9417 2000 | E enquiries@mlpco.com.au | www.mlpco.com.au
MLP Co is a Sydney based building contractor that works across both commercial and residential markets. MLP Co was formed in early 2013 and has grown quickly on the basis of successful project delivery and great client service.
MLPAustralia.Cois proud to have had a long standing relationship with Richard Crookes Constructions, having worked together on a number of projects including Cessnock Correctional Centre, University of Technology Sydney CB02 to CB07, Hornsby Hospital and currently at Wyong Hospital.
TheContractor.NSWGovernment has executed a multi-pillar reform program that has included improving ratings transparency on construction firms to support consumers and the community. When the Trusted Builders Registry went live in May 2022, MLP Co was one of only 19 launch constructors after obtaining a gold star rating from the independent construction industry ratings tool (iCIRT), provided by Equifax
The team at MLP Co is highly experienced and brings a professional and organised approach to construction management and project delivery. Their client base spans across multiple sectors including residential, commercial, health, education and MLPgovernment.Cohasachieved their success through an organised, methodical approach to each project, and exceptional client service. They are capable and experienced in delivering projects under a range of different contract types including Construct Only, Design and Construct, Managing Contractor, Cost Plus, Guaranteed Maximum Price and Custom Flexible Agreements. MLP Co has focused on obtaining repeat business and developing long term relationships with their clients. They are committed to delivering the best results. They ensure that they dedicate appropriate resources to each project and follow a thorough process in selecting suitable subcontractors. Every project includes the personal involvement of senior management in overseeing works, and they pride themselves in being innovators in the industry. They are always looking to find the right solution for complex designs and takes enormous pride in the finished article.
The MLP Co team is committed to the highest standards of safety, innovation and environmental management and they have been ISO certified since 2015. They are also a NSW Government Prequalified
To be able to deliver the Sydney Modern Project successfully is a stand-out performance and gives us an enormous level of pride,” Avery beams.Aswell as the new standalone build ing, RCC’s project scope for this new cultural landmark includes a covered entry plaza, exhibition spaces, roof terraces, landscaping and associated site works, loading and service areas, and services infrastructure.
The Art Gallery’s new building will be the first public art museum in the country to achieve a Green Building Council of Australia 6-star Green Star design rating, with sustainability initiatives like solar panels and rainwater capture and harvesting part of the Meanwhile,design.
“Construction is embracing modernisation, be it through greater diversity in the workforce, increased digital innovation, off-site construction, or sustainable energy, and there’s a fantastic amount of commercial, residential, and social infrastructure being built.”
Precinct 54 | APAC Outlook issue 57 RICHARD CROOKES CONSTRUCTIONS CONSTRUCTION
AUSTRALIA?INDUSTRYTHECURRENTWHATOUTLOOK:ISYOURTAKEONCONSTRUCTIONIN
“There’s also this paradigm shift within construction towards more of a work-life balance, and I think it’s something that’s changing for the better, which is quite exciting.
APAC
Marc Avery, General Manager of New Business and Strategy:
“At the moment, there’s a once-ina-generation series of pressures.
the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct redevelopment delivered by RCC on behalf of the NSW Government, has doubled the arts
There’s a lack of resources, both human and material, which is driving inflation, and we’ve had significant environmental factors to deal with from bushfires to floods on various occasions.
Walsh Bay Arts
Cementing Sydney’s position as the cultural capital of Australia, this major expansion of the Art Gallery will attract yet more tourists from around the“Itworld.isabuilding that will forever be regarded as a landmark in Sydney.
Committed to Excellence Adduso has been the leader in warehouse flooring for over 30 years. The first to own a Somero laser screed in NSW, to increase the high quality of flat floor finishes, from what we were already producing. Our commitment to excellence is the primary reason we constantly upgrade our equipment to the latest technology in order to maintain the highest of standards. Our professionalism and quality of execution is the reason why builders continually use our services. admin@adduso.com.au | (02) 9725 4760 | WWW.ADDUSO.COM.AU
The interplay of old and new underpins BVN’s designs for Sirius. Firstly it retains original proportions and materials - the existing concrete façade will be restored. And secondly it builds on this - new copper pods are a modern interpretation of the original concrete modules. The concrete language speaks to the building’s architectural past, and the new copper responds with a design language of BVNtoday.is also designing the interiors for the 77 apartments as well as the lobby, rooftop and restoring the historic Phillip Bay Room. This means the design for Sirius will be well integrated from top to bottom and from the inside out. And a green rooftop will create an urban oasis amidst the buzz of the harbour city, tying together the entire property.
“It’s not just about making something beautiful. It’s about making something meaningful,” says Sally Campbell, BVN Principal and Interior Designer.
Opera Residences and Quay Quarter Lane apartments 56 | APAC Outlook issue 57 RICHARD CROOKES CONSTRUCTIONS CONSTRUCTION
BVN SIRIUS: Everything old is new again Saved from demolition and now on the brink of a new chapter, Sirius is one of many Australian buildings being redeveloped rather than rebuilt. It’s the more difficult route to take, but the one that will ultimately lead to a harmonious and sustainable harbourside icon.
BVN and Richard Crookes Constructions will deliver a new Sirius into Sydney by the end of 2022. www.bvn.com.au
Elsewhere in Sydney, the iconic Sirius Building is being revitalised whilst protecting its rich heritage, offering high-end, luxury living and an exciting Sydney lifestyle opportunity.
and cultural space on Sydney’s famous waterfront with the creation of new facilities and performance venues.“Wehave taken a landmark heritage project and modernised it for the next 100 years, giving it a real focus on the arts; it was just a really nice experience,” Avery shares.
RCC loves to build spaces with the end user in mind. A prime example of this is the recently completed Westmead Innovation Quarter (WIQ), where research meets technology and the brightest minds in the field are united. Partnering with Charter Hall and Western Sydney University (WSU), WIQ is a multidisciplinary, mixeduse research space that fosters collaboration, knowledge and resource sharing. WIQ sets a new benchmark for market-leading research facilities, bringing together the international research community and Australia’s leading businesses, innovators and academics to solve today’s global challenges.Largeand flexible floorplates within each building offer a variety of office configurations, whilst futureproof technology supports a forwardthinking“We’reworkforce.veryproud of WIQ. It’s an asset that can be used as a workplace
EDUCATIONAL SPACES
“We saw in Sirius the opportunity to retain, restore and reimagine,” says Phillip Rossington, BVN Principal Architect. “It’s an iconic piece of architecture and Sydney history. Our design pays tribute to this in a very tangible way.”
A stalwart of the city skyline, key features of the Sirius Building regeneration include 76 highend apartments with spectacular 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour, three SOHO (small office/home office) units, a separate building that features a pool and café, and several pools for rooftop apartments.
The precinct will be home to an expanded group of prestigious com panies, including the likes of Sydney Theatre Company, Sydney Dance Company and Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, adding vibrancy and diversity to the city’s night-time economy, increasing cultural participation, and enabling a range of new local jobs.
“We’re really proud of some of our high-end residential work, having built some of the highest grossing apartments on Sydney Harbour,” acclaims Avery, who cites the delivery of luxury Opera Residences and Quay Quarter Lane apartments as further examples of RCC’s success in the residential space.
@bvn_architecture@architectureBVN ↘ www.bvn.com.au BVN is proud to be working with RichardConstructionCrookesonSirius
• Green Star environmental rating. Reduce, Reuse & Recycle. Through Combell Steelfab’s work with Richard Crookes Pty Ltd., we have been involved in several strategic projects, including: Horsley Park
• Project Blue - Orchard Hills • Toll - Prestons • Woodpark Rd - Smithfield • Orrcon - Marsden Park • Logos - Marsden Park • Masonry Plant - Horsley Park • Coles - Kemps Creek • Lot 2, 3, 4 - Bankstown Airport www.combell.com.au 6HSL Project 58 | APAC Outlook issue 57 RICHARD CROOKES CONSTRUCTIONS CONSTRUCTION
•
Combell Steelfab Combell Steelfab is one of the leading structural steel fabricators in Sydney. Established in 1970, we are a family-owned business with over 52 years of experience. The company was originally started by Ron Comin and his partner, and over the years Ron’s sons, Paul and Darren, have both joined Combell Steelfab. Having built our name on the key values of performance, reputation, and reliability, we are a prime example of just how successful a family-owned Australian manufacturing business can Combellbe. Steelfab is a leader in providing high-level construction services at a fair and competitive price. We do so by creating a successful partnership with the builder, from tender to project execution, through to completion and beyond. Our aim is to establish lasting relationships with the builder by exceeding their expectations by delivery and erection of steelwork on time every time. We are a member of the Australian Steel Institute (ASI) and by extension, the Environmental Sustainability Charter. This is centred on the key three key pillars of: Responsible steel procurement.
but also a teaching place, so it’s really activating a number of users,” Avery says.Like WIQ, the delivery of the 6 Hassall Street (6HSL) project is also the result of a collaboration between Charter Hall and WSU. A world-class education and innovation hub, 6HSL is another of RCC’s key developments and stands at the heart of the Parramatta central business district, recognisable by the ‘H’ incorporated into the Northern Elevation.Itboasts a stunning ‘tripleheight’ entry precinct with an activated ground floor public plaza complemented by food, beverage and retailCompleteproviders.with dynamic university showcase spaces, user experience labs and technology-rich installations, education meets industry at 6HSL, a collaborative environment that stimulates the best ideas and is the perfect home for ambitious, forwardthinking businesses. It comes as RCC leads the push to futureproof facilities across public, private, and tertiary education infrastructure. The company collaborates with stakeholders to produce educational spaces that create teaching opportunities and optimiseInnovativelearning.construction only becomes a reality when a collaborative team comes together and works hard to do something new. This is often fostered in the tertiary space, where universities invest heavily in planning and design to deliver student-centric, blended learning environments that attract the very best professors and students from across the world; the development of 6HSL is a prime example of these components in action.
•
• GWA - Prestons • Lot 1A Oakdale -
Paul Comin - General Manager 0417 087 773 Darren Comin - Site Manager 0417 087 774 Ron Comin - Managing Director 0417 087 771 Combell Steelfab Pty Ltd 51 Jedda Road, Prestons NSW 2170 (02) 9607 steelfab@combell.com.au3822 Combell Steelfab based in Western Sydney Liverpool, is one of the leaders in structural steel fabrication offering a range of services to the industrial & commercial building industry. From structural steel fabrication, blasting & painting, site delivery & erection, design & construction & project management team, Combell has the capabilities to meet your Providingneeds. structural steel fabrication for the Sydney Metro, Newcastle, and Canberra areas since 1970 OUR SERVICES: - Blasting & Cleaning - Welding & Fabrication - Painting & Paint finishes - Site erection project management - Completion - Transport
ENHANCED CULTURE As a business based on family values with care for people at its core, the culture at RCC is continuously worked on. Austruss Smalls Road Public School is a prime example of the working relationship between Austruss and Richard Crookes Constructions. Innovation demands trust. Our many years of partnership allows innovation of modern methods of construction specific to each project, delivering unprecedented efficiency, safety and quality for clients. At Austruss, we love nothing better than to look at the structure of a building and to develop a way to build it smarter. We look forward to delivering projects of merit for our www.austruss.com.au
Alexandria Park Community School 60 | APAC Outlook issue 57 RICHARD CROOKES CONSTRUCTIONS CONSTRUCTION
Allcott Hire
“Some of the other projects that we’re really proud of include our work at the University of Sydney. We’ve also just finished one of our biggest ever school infrastructure projects at Alexandria Park Community School,” Avery adds.
HEALTHCARECOMMUNITY-FOCUSED
At RCC, health infrastructure is built to support the needs of communities now and into the future across regional and metro areas. With over 40 years of healthcare project experience for both government and private clients, RCC knows the importance of working in live and complex environments such as hospitals, whilst protecting the essential operations. To significantly increase health capacity on the Central Coast and meet the growing healthcare needs of the community, RCC recently delivered a six-storey state-of-the-art Clinical Services Building (CSB) in December 2021 as part of the Wyong Hospital redevelopment. The $200 million CSB project comprised a new emergency department, operating theatre and medical imaging department, more inpatient beds and intensive care services, enhanced paediatric services, and an additional 114 parking spaces.Refurbishment works also took place, such as alterations to the central sterile services department (CSSD) packing and decontamination areas, an additional operating theatre, and more recovery bays and support spaces.“TheWyong redevelopmentHospitalwasreally special for us. We’ve got a very large regional business, and we’re very invested in regional areas,” emphasises Avery.
“We were working right next to a live hospital and had to build quite a large building in a regional area. Throughout delivery we drove a high level of local industry engagement as well as a number of training initiatives. It took a very high level of care to get it done on time and within budget, which we were able to do.”
At Allcott Hire we are constantly expanding and evolving our range of equipment to respond to the changing environmental and safety climate. We also cater for the changing needs of our customers that range from DIY through to construction, building maintenance, traffic management and SoInfrastructure.whateveryour requirements, day or night, you can always count on Allcott Hire to provide you with the quickest service and the best range of tools, plant and equipment to always get the job done, on time and on budget. www.allcotthire.com.au
The project will improve the experience of patients by providing them with access to more health services closer to home, enabling them to remain near family, friends, and existing support networks.
We are proudly Australian owned, designed and made, providing prefabricated light gauge steel framing as well as prefabricated elements such as floor cassettes, wall and facade panels, modular construction, skids for data centres and bespoke solutions. We work in Education, Health, Aged Care, Commercial, Residential and Infrastructure sectors www.austruss.com.au Leaders in prefabrication since 2003 7 Braemar Avenue, Braemar, NSW 2575 | 02 4860 1400 | info@austruss.com.au APAC Outlook issue 57 | 61 RICHARD CROOKES CONSTRUCTIONS CONSTRUCTION
“Our big bet at the moment is the Future Culture programme. It is building on half a century of doing business with a people focus, and enhancing it to the point where both the employee and client experience is better at RCC than anywhere else,” Avery
www.networkarchitectural.com.au
THE CHANGING FACE OF CONSTRUCTION In recent times, RCC has found that wanting to work for RCC, and being proud to do so, involves more than just the projects it builds.
PROJECT SUCCESSFULLY
Indeed, a Future Culture Programme has recently been launched based entirely around RCC’s culture and creating great experiences, for people that work at or with RCC.
“TO BE ABLE TO MODERN IS
Network Architectural Network Architectural is proud to have supported Richard Crookes Constructions with the supply of high-quality cladding products. We are a trusted partner for innovative façade and ceiling solutions, and the exclusive distributor of the industry’s leading brands including Mitsubishi ALPOLIC™ NC, a durable, fire-safe, fully compliant aluminium composite cladding with a 20-year full-cover unconditional warranty.
DELIVER THE SYDNEY
Equally, as a family company, the safety of RCC’s employees and communities is a natural priority and central to achieving a First Step Safety Culture.Thecompany understands the impact its footprint can have on those who come into contact with its construction sites. As such, it goes above and beyond simply ensuring the safety of site entrants. Indeed, RCC sees itself as responsible for educating employees, subcontractors and stakeholders, ensuring they leave RCC sites with increased awareness and the skills and tools to drive a better safety culture in the wider industry.
A STAND-OUT PERFORMANCE AND GIVES US AN ENORMOUS LEVEL OF PRIDE” – MARC AVERY, GENERAL MANAGER OF NEW BUSINESS AND STRATEGY, RCC Alexandria Park Community School 62 | APAC Outlook issue 57 RICHARD CROOKES CONSTRUCTIONS CONSTRUCTION
“We’restates.nine months into the programme and have started the programme with the executives and key leaders in the business, as we believe behavioural and cultural change should be seen from the top down. Our view is that the industry is still very much people-led, and that the success of the industry as a whole depends on providing a better working environment. We’re trying to make that change in our sphere of influence.”
“Safety is a very big thing. We treat our people like family and provide the safest possible workplace for them. The idea of being a family business is very much the basis of everything we do, particularly when it comes to safety.”
Passionate about what we do, we listen, learn, and always strive to improve. Helping find the best solution for your designs, specifications, and project requirements is our priority. We look forward to continuing to support Richard Crookes Constructions on future projects.
T: 13 71 75 E: info@networkarchitectural.com.au www.networkarchitectural.com.au 3 Deemed-to-Satisfy Non-Combustibility 3 Fully Compliant to NCC C1.9 (e) (vii) 3 20-year full cover warranty from Mitsubishi 3 Superior flatness and durability – proven in Australia for over 20 years 3 Weather and impact resistant 3 Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) produced by GECA 3 Large local stock holdings 3 Highest possible safety rating by the Insurance Council of Australia 3 Exclusively distributed by Network Architectural 3 Satisfies all compliance requirements for NSW Project Remediate Program (inc. additional testing for Bonded Laminates) ALPOLIC™ NC/A1: THE GOLD STANDARD IN NON-COMBUSTIBLE CLADDING Your partner for innovative façade and ceiling solutions SYDNEY | MELBOURNE | BRISBANE | DARWIN 1300 727 364 MAIL@SCPCONSULT.COM.AU WWW.SCPCONSULT.COM.AU AGED CARE | AQUATICS | COMMERCIAL | DEFENCE | EDUCATION | HEALTH | RESIDENTIAL | RETAIL | SPORTS & RECREATION SCP Consulting is a privately owned, Australian engineering firm that provides high performance, multi-disciplinary engineering solutions for building and infrastructure projects. Delivering servicescustomised,boutique,engineeringatanationalscale Quay Quarter Lanes AquaticCranbrook and CentreFitnessSirius WestmeadApartments QuarterInnovation Design - Construct - Maintain Craig's Coastal Landscaping is a full-service landscape provider offering design, construction, and horticultural programs to residential, commercial, and municipal clients throughout New South Wales. 02 4229 6501 - www.craigscoastal.com.au APAC Outlook issue 57 | 63 RICHARD CROOKES CONSTRUCTIONS CONSTRUCTION
“OUR VIEW
“In the last four months alone, we have seen a four percent increase in female participation in the business. And while we have a number of Schools Engagement Programmes and University Partnerships to drive female participation in more junior roles, we also have a focus on creating leadership pathways and keeping women in the industry for the long-term.”Aswellas driving a diverse future for the industry, RCC is dedicated to moving towards more sustainable constructionConstructionpractices.hasasizable impact on the environment and climate
It also involves the way in which the company builds, from the impact it has on the environment to diversity within the “Constructionindustry.isone of the biggest employers in Australia, and under traditional workplace practices, we’re excluding almost half of the population from joining, so we’ve got to make the industry more inclusive,” Avery observes.
OF NEW BUSINESS AND STRATEGY,QuayRCCQuarter 64 | APAC Outlook issue 57
To create a diverse workforce from the ground up, the RCC Cadet, Apprentice and Graduate Programmes provide first-hand experience across various aspects of theCadetsbusiness.rotate between four areas of the business to gain exposure across a variety of roles, and ensure they build the skills necessary to progress upon graduation.Theprogramme is designed to provide employment and on-the-job experience to students, as well as support their studies so that when they graduate, they can make an informed decision about their career path and step into a full-time role in their chosen area.
SUCCESS
INDUSTRY
PEOPLE-LED,
important to us,” affirms Avery.
THAT
“By having a Cadet Programme, in which we’ve now got 100 people under the age of 22 starting their careers with us, we’re sowing the seeds for the long-term benefit of both RCC and the industry; that’s so IS THE INDUSTRY IS STILL VERY MUCH AND THAT THE OF THE AS A WHOLE DEPENDS ON PROVIDING MANAGER
A BETTER WORKING ENVIRONMENT” – MARC AVERY, GENERAL
Similarly, from individual projects through to company level, RCC undertakes regionally unique and impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
With this unwavering support, RCC will continue to leave a lasting legacy and deliver the commercial, residential and social infrastructure to enable growing communities. change, however RCC is committed to the delivery of sustainable outcomes for all stakeholders, partners, and communities in which it operates.
relationships with suppliers and subcontractors is a key part of RCC’s future success. For us to go out to the market and have their support when we only win 25 percent of projects is enormous.“Wecan’t thank our subcontractors enough for the fact they keep coming back and supporting us to win and deliver work.”
“We have a very strong connection to the Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation. We provide support for their major fundraising activities, so that’s a key focus of our charitable position; we also make a number of smaller contributions across multiple fronts.“With over 50 live sites we have the ability to have a huge impact on the community. Our focus in on ensuring it’s a positive impact and we can create a legacy in the areas we work. We’ve also just launched our Indigenous Impact Plan (IIP) which formalises a genuine commitment to supporting tangible socio-economic outcomes for First Nations peoples in partnership with indigenousowned businesses, service providers, community leaders and members.”
APAC Outlook issue 57 | 65 RICHARD CROOKES CONSTRUCTIONS CONSTRUCTION
LASTING LEGACY RCC’s company philosophy is built on long-term relationships, and the success of its partners and their projects.“Weprice around 100 projects a year. This exposure to the market allows us to speak to an enormous number of suppliers and subcontractors,” Avery tells us. “Our focus on having better
Tel: 02 9902 www.richardcrookes.com.aureception@richardcrookes.com.au4700
“There are huge focus areas on sustainability in the way you construct buildings, so we want to be at the forefront of that,” Avery reveals.
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Writer: Jack Salter | Project Manager: Nick Kernan
There is high demand for reliable, sustainable construction Prefabricationmethods. – the practice of manufacturing building components offsite and assembling them onsite –could help fill this void. Ensuring that materials are accurately calculated, the ability of prefabricated construction to control the amount and processing of waste further promotes environmental sustainability.“Promoting prefabricated building methods over the medium-term could help to mitigate many of the current cost hikes and labour shortages currently being felt across the construction industry,” opens George Abraham, the Managing Director of Hickory Group (Hickory) since 2018. A global pioneer in prefabrication, Hickory is a privately owned Australian business that has steadily evolved into one of the country’s most diverse property companies.
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George Abraham, Managing Director of Hickory Group, promotes prefabrication as a time-efficient and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional construction
Hickory’s patented prefabrication building technology, Hickory Building System (HBS), takes the majority of the building structure offsite and delivers an innovative, technological alternative to the construction of high-rise projects. The system enables a parallel track construction programme, reducing construction time by up to 50 percent compared with traditional concrete and column construction methods. It also dramatically minimises construction waste, noise pollution, traffic congestion, and overall build time, whilst increasing public and site safety to provide better outcomes for the local community during construction.TheHBSbuilding process begins with an engineered concrete floor, “AT HICKORY, EVERYTHING WE DO AND EVERYTHING WE MAKE IS MADE FOR LIFE” ABRAHAM, MANAGING DIRECTOR HICKORY GROUP ,
HICKORY GROUP 68 | APAC Outlook issue 57 HICKORY GROUP CONSTRUCTION
Quinlan Cranes
For more than 30 years, Hickory has continued to invest in researching and developing people, platforms and products to advance the capabilities of the built world, with expertise in construction, developments, data centres, and manufacturing.
RETHINKING CONSTRUCTION
From conception to completion, our documented ‘Hickory Way’ methodology enables us to mitigate risk on high-rise projects and consistently deliver exceptional outcomes,” Abraham tells us. “We are so much more than just a construction business. We have the expertise in many divisions to create a full lifecycle of the built environment.
- GEORGE
“Hickory, and our associated divisions, are at the forefront of innovation and new technologies.
Quinlan Cranes has all the tools to take care of your critical lifts in house from Conception, Lift Planning/ Engineering, Supervision through to WithCompletion.amodern fleet of equipment ranging from 10t – 250t, call Quinlan Cranes to see and experience the difference a local company can provide on your next project. quinlancranes.com.au
Quinlan Cranes’ success is built on a diversity to handle working in challenging environments without compromising quality or safety. Utilising specialised equipment and highly qualified people backed up by ISO Certifications. (ISO 9001 Quality, ISO14001 Environment, ISO45001 OH&S).
Since 2002 Quinlan Cranes has been providing cranes, riggers/ dogman and heavy haulage solutions to the industrial, construction, infrastructure, energy and maritime industries across Victoria. With depots in Melbourne and Geelong, Quinlans is well positioned to provide you a high-quality personalised service to safely handle your next critical lift. Having serviced over 700 clients over 20+ years including some long-term relationships with Hickory Group, Zinfra and JHG to name a few.
“At Hickory, everything we do and everything we make is MADE for LIFE.”
Streamlined design and engineering – HBS is a state-of-the-art structural system that integrates the core, shear walls, bathrooms and façade of a building into a unified structure, built ex-situ and in parallel with on-site works.
Architectural freedom – Using a series of predesigned, interchangeable components, HBS can be scaled from medium-rise to high-rise, and from large to small aspect ratios as required, translating system flexibility into cost efficiency.
Safe – Because HBS structures arrive to site with finished façades, it eliminates the risk of falls and removes the need for work on the building edge, creating a safer environment for workers and communities alike.
Delivering a turnkey building solution to clients from foundation to final completion, HBS is ever evolving.
HICKORY BUILDING SYSTEM
Sustainable – HBS offers a more sustainable construction solution, utilising less carbon intensive materials and reducing waste, energy and water usage throughout the build process.
The serviced apartment building will feature more spacious rooms
Cost savings – Applying the upfront design and procurement of a manufacturing model to the construction process enables accurate costing of materials whilst significantly minimising preliminary, variation and financing costs, as well as fasttracking the internal rate of return (IRR).
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Faster construction – By creating a parallel construction programme and eliminating the risk of weather delays, HBS projects can be delivered up to 50 percent faster than traditional construction methods allow.
“We are currently manufacturing HBS Generation 8, which is being used to construct a 57-storey tower in the heart of Melbourne CBD. This prefabricated system is posttensioned, reducing wet joints and propping required onsite,” reveals Abraham.Itwillbe the very first Meriton Suites Hotel, complete with 298 luxury hotel rooms as well as two top-floor penthouse suites.
load bearing columns, fully fitted wet areas, and a building façade. Large building components are preassembled prior to delivery to the site, offering exceptional structural stability and enabling fitouts to quickly progress behind the protection of the pre-attached façade.
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“We now have an established team in Sydney, and our presence in the market is growing steadily.”
“Hickory’s in-house façade team is providing an end-to-end delivery solution through the design, procurement, manufacturing and installation phases,” Abraham tells us. The podium at Parkline Place will comprise curved double-glazing units (DGUs), supported by slimline steel over clad mullions and external sandstone fins that have never been attempted before at seven metres high.Elsewhere in Sydney, Hickory recently completed its first tower, at Sydney, the world-renowned Ace Hotel.Designed by Bates Smart, the hotel consists of 264 guest rooms and is built on a nine-storey heritage federation free style warehouse known as ‘Tyne House’, constructed in 1915-16.“Weare incredibly proud of the Ace Hotel,” Abraham smiles.
FORAY INTO FAÇADES Parkline Place, meanwhile, is Hickory’s first façade package outside of its own construction projects. This 39-storey premium office building above the new Pitt Street Station northern entrance will become Sydney’s newest landmark, forming a vibrant commercial hub.
DATA CENTRE DRIVE Redefining the provision of digital infrastructure within Australia and beyond is Hickory Data Centres (HDC). HDC combines extensive knowledge and experience in
than a traditional hotel, with accommodation options including separate bedrooms paired with a large lounge and dining space. Each individual suite will also include a gourmet kitchen with European-style applications, as well as flat screen TVs in the master bedroom and living area.
BUILDING THE FUTURE Hickory prides itself on developing the industry’s most capable, confident, and hands-on construction professionals.Thecompany’s culture of innovation, learning and growth is achieved through unified construction professionals, talented new recruits, and a visionary executive team that leads by example.
Partnering with STACK enables the company to leverage an outstanding global operating platform and innovative capital solutions, to target hyperscale customer growth in key markets.“Partners and suppliers are the backbone of our business, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of all those who we work with on a day-to-day basis,” Abraham notes.
“This approach is how we retain a loyal and enthusiastic workforce, and consistently deliver award-winning projects,” recognises Abraham.
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“As well as strong partnerships, our success is achieved through exemplary values and unrivalled excellence in project execution. With self-performance, vertical integration, standardised processes, and the combined experience of over 1,000 members of the Hickory family, we’ve worked to become experts in our field.”
Hickory, whose highly experienced data centre management team will join the STACK global platform, is well-positioned to help concurrently develop efficient facilities across these three key Australian locations.
“Many long-term, key team members have over 30 years of industry experience, and are responsible for the world’s most iconic“Welandmarks.aremadefor the next generation, with our graduate programme developing the skills and confidence of our future leaders, while fast-tracking their professional development, learning and careers,” he adds.
“The facility is expected to be delivered early in 2023, and will include two 36MW buildings with separate access points to accommodate multiple users with separation of security and services. In parallel, STACK Australia is also expanding into Canberra and Perth.”
As HDC builds its foundations in the Australian market, covering new locations driven by cloud infrastructure expansion, it has recently partnered with STACK Infrastructure (STACK), a leading global developer and operator of data centres.“Together, we are currently constructing a 72MW campus in the high-growth hyperscale corridor of Truganina in Melbourne’s western suburbs,” shares Abraham.
property development and innovative construction technology to build, own, and operate hyperscale data centres, powering global leaders in digital technology.
HICKORY GROUP Tel: 9429 https://www.hickory.com.au/info@hickory.com.au7411
“We are focused on delivering our current workbook to the highest standard, and more than ever, we need to keep a very close eye on our operations,” Abraham concludes.
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Learning from a range of professionals, graduates also receive coaching and practical support from Hickory’s experienced site management personnel.
“Our success is evident, with many of our graduates progressing confidently into management positions within a few years of joining Hickory.”Hickory is building future leaders in construction at a time when the company is confronting several challenging headwinds, such as increased material costs, labour scarcity, and a reduced appetite for risk from subcontractors.
Hickory believes that all employees have the ability, integrity and desire to innovate and perform to the highest level. As such, graduates are offered great learning opportunities to help them reach their career goals.
Kerman has proven its ability to undertake multiple large projects concurrently, and to deliver them successfully.Currentprojects include the design and construction of a bulk and liquid fertiliser import, storage and dispensing facility, following the award of a major contract in September 2021 by CBH Group (CBH), Australia’s largest cooperative and a leader in the country’s grain industry.Completion of the facility, which will store 55,000 tonnes of bulk fertiliser and 32,000 tonnes of liquid fertiliser, is expected in the first half of 2023. The project fits perfectly into Kerman’s core business of designing and constructing large bulk storage and materials handling facilities, as well as SMP and installation works.
Now one of the most experienced design and construction firms in WA, Kerman today works on large structures for major clients in the resources, agriculture, processing, and manufacturing sectors. The company specialises in bulk storage and materials handling facilities, non-process and industrial infrastructure, and the SMP (structural, mechanical, piping) erection of processing plants. With the ability to leverage more than four decades of experience and knowledge, it means that these client solutions are both cost-effective and innovative.Indeed,the success of Kerman in retaining a highly skilled, long-term, integrated engineering and hands-on management team over the years has been key in the delivery of highquality, safe, and timely outcomes for clients, unrivalled by the competition.
It’s October 1981 and Brian Kerman, founder of Kerman Contracting Pty Ltd (Kerman), pulls up at a building site in Kalamunda, a town and eastern suburb of Perth. As he looks up, he sees the beginnings of one of Kerman’s first big structural projects, the Kalamunda Water
OverSlides.40years on from these humble yet fun beginnings, the Kerman name has built a solid reputation for its fully integrated design and construction expertise, both in Western Australia (WA) and across the country.
KermanWithDELIVERDESIGN,CONSTRUCT,considerableexperienceindesignandconstruction,ContractingPtyLtdisdeliveringcost-effectiveandinnovativefacilitiesformajorAustralianclientsWriter:JackSalter|ProjectManager:RyanGray
Likewise, Kerman’s exceptional level of experience and understanding has helped the company to cement relationships with the very best and most experienced subcontractors, and enabled Kerman to become a highly respected name and formidable partner in the construction industry.
APAC Outlook issue 57 | 75 KERMAN CONTRACTING PTY LTD CONSTRUCTION
MAJOR CONTRACTS Exposure to a range of processes and techniques enables Kerman to tailor solutions most suited to the operational functions, design life, durability, environmental or logistical challenges for any particular project. The company’s resilient systems and processes are designed to be scalable, which enables the required expertise, equipment and resources to be dedicated to projects, no matter where they are located.
Fremantle Steel Group Fremantlefremantlesteel.com.auSteelGrouphas
• Construction – Civil/structural, mechanical/pipework, electrical and instrumentation, hydraulics and services, building works, commissioning
Another of Kerman’s ongoing contracts, awarded by Blue Phoenix Western Australia in April 2021, is the design and construction of a new incinerator bottom ash (IBA) processing facility at Hope Valley in Kwinana, WA. It will be Australia’s first IBA processing facility, with Kerman’s scope comprising the structural design as well as the structural, mechanical and electrical installation.
Providing fully integrated design and construction expertise, Kerman’s capabilities are defined by several key areas:
The new ship unloader is the first of its type in Australia, and provides multipurpose bulk commodity unloading efficiencies far superior to machines currently operating across theAncountry.AUD$60 million contract by Mineral Resources Limited (MRL), meanwhile, was awarded to Kerman in May 2022 for the design and construction of their Port of Ashburton ore storage facility in Onslow, WA. The design is already well underway and onsite construction works are expected to commence on the 284-metre-long facility in January 2023.
• Management systems – health, safety and environment, quality assurance, HR/IR management, project scheduling, procurement, budgeting, final pricing and cost control
KERMAN’S EXPERTISE
Kerman is proud to play a significant role in how waste will be managed in the future, and how energy and other resources will be recovered from it.
proudly worked with Kerman Contracting for over 30 years in the supply and fabrication of structural and mechanical steelwork. We are a privately owned family business, established in 1971 and who support local industries through
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PORT INFRASTRUCTURE
Kerman has been successfully constructing transport and port infrastructure, as well as distribution centres and locomotive (un)loading and maintenance facilities since 1995. In New South Wales (NSW), Kerman was recently awarded an AUD$30 million contract for a new ship unloading facility at the Port of Newcastle.Thisdesign and construction contract involved the demolition of two existing ship unloaders and associated conveyor structures, replacing them with a new highcapacity unloader, new conveyor structures, wharf upgrades and electrical systems.
The project will provide employment for about 60 site personnel, as well as opportunities for local businesses, and will also be one of the largest enclosed bulk storage buildings in Australia’s cyclone region once constructed.
• Engineering design – plant layout, civil/structural, mechanical/ pipework, electrical and instrumentation, hydraulics and services, architectural, general arrangement
Superior ProjectTechnology,FabricationInnovativeSolutions 115 Prinsep Road Jandakot Western Australia 6164 Phone +61 8 9417 9111 Email admin@fremantlesteel.com.au fremantlesteel.com.au
Zero harm is a core value at Kerman, with the care and wellbeing of its staff and the environment always its first priority.Byensuring its work activities do not generate negative outcomes, Kerman is committed to safe and
The scope of this greenfield project comprises two separable portions, one of which includes the design and construction of the pyromet buildings, such as the spodumene storage building, acidified ore handling building, and the tailings building.
Ongoing investment in training, safety management, and workplace relations has reaped significant rewards for both Kerman and its clients.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
By providing its people with sensible and practical project management systems, as well as safe, well-main tained equipment, Kerman is able to effectively manage risk on any project.
The common denominator across Kerman’s diverse project portfolio is a philosophy of continuous improvement, which flows through the company from design to operations and staff development.
Kerman has also completed projects at Talison Lithium’s chemical grade plant, and sustainable practices, driven by the aim to contain the environmental footprint of its projects, reduce workplace illness and injury, and minimise the negative impact of workplaceOngoingincidents.inspections and audits are also regularly completed, both internally and externally, to monitor Kerman’s compliance and system implementation.ItisKerman’sintention to seek health, safety, and environmental excellence, supported by the company’s commitment to meet and, where possible, exceed client, statutory and legislative requirements.Assuch,Kerman will continue to design, construct, and deliver tailored solutions, with care for people and planet at the fore. the lithium hydroxide processing plant of Tianqi Lithium, both in WA.
Elsewhere, in the lithium market, Kerman has been awarded a design and construction contract by Albemarle Lithium, at the global specialty chemicals company’s new lithium hydroxide production plant in Kemerton, WA.
The other separable portion includes the sodium sulphate packaging and storage warehouse, sodium sulphate pallet storage building, lithium hydroxide packaging and storage warehouse, lithium hydroxide pallet storage building, as well as the boiler and air compressor buildings.Recently,
APAC Outlook issue 57 | 77 KERMAN CONTRACTING PTY LTD CONSTRUCTION
SESQUICENTENARYSHIPPINGyearshasevolvedtoenrichinglivesthroughconnectingcustomersandcommunitiesovertheworld.“Wetakethispurposeveryseriously,”affirmsAlistairSkingley,CountryManagerforPapuaNewGuinea(PNG)andtheSolomonIslands.“Ithinkthelongevityofthebusiness,inpart,iswhatdifferentiatesSwire
2022 marks an important milestone for Swire Shipping, commemorating 150 years of operations in Asia-Pacific andSinceglobally.1872, the company has been committed to achieving shipping and supply chain efficiencies for customers and facilitating regional trade, through innovations in its land and ocean service offerings. Swire Shipping’s stated purpose in recent OF
Swire Shipping is incredibly proud to reach our 150th anniversary. Our purpose is to enrich lives through connecting our customers and communities, and celebrations this year have focused on the communities we operate in and deepening relationships with our key customers and partners.”
These values, and the Swire Group motto Esse Quam Videri (to be rather than to seem to be), define the identity, ethos, and corporate culture of Swire Shipping, and govern the company’s endeavours to this day.
Then the brand name for all liner shipping services operated by CNCo, Swire Shipping was synonymous with providing sustainable liner shipping services in the Asia-Pacific markets.
Writer: Jack Salter | Project Manager: Cameron Lawrence Shipping. We must be doing some thing right to still be here 150 years later! We are proud of our heritage and live that through our values of integrity, endeavour, excellence, humility, team work, and continuity.”
As Swire Shipping navigates a milestone year, Alistair Skingley, Country Manager for Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, reflects on the recent chapters of a proud 150-year history
APAC Outlook issue 57 | 79 SWIRE SHIPPING SUPPLY CHAIN
As the Swire group’s oldest operating entity, Swire Shipping started out as The China Navigation Company (CNCo) on the banks of the Yangtze River, where it operated a modest fleet of Mississippi-style paddle steamers.
In October 2021, CNCo in its entirety was renamed Swire Shipping as part of a wider exercise to streamline the two identities into a single brand, building on the well-established Swire Shipping name.
INTEGRATED LOGISTICS
“We are a reputable company, with a strong presence in liner shipping in Asia-Pacific and increasingly in specialist project shipping and integrated logistics projects. Our experience over the years illustrates our adaptability and flexibility to innovate, and this has underpinned our commitment to invest in and deliver agile, best-in-class logistics experiences and new customercentric“Swireservices.Shipping has been trading in PNG since the 1940s. This historical connection and continuity of service for over eight decades has resulted in strong, long-standing relationships, and those that we are building now are absolutely critical to our success in PNG,” Skingley emphasises.
“As a private company with a highly experienced leadership team, we can be dynamic to the needs of our customers. A large percentage of our fleet is owned and crewed by Swire Shipping, so the customer receives our values from door to door.”
Alistair Skingley, Country Manager
WHATOUTLOOK:MAKESYOU A TRUSTED INTEGRATED SUPPLY ANDMANAGER:ALISTAIRSOLUTIONSCHAINPROVIDER?SKINGLEY,COUNTRYPAPUANEWGUINEASOLOMONISLANDS:
“We continue to listen to our customers and build solutions around them.
“We take regular audits of what our customers think about us with our quarterly Net Promoter Score (NPS), listening and acting on both the positive and negative feedback.
Headquartered in Singapore, Swire Shipping is committed to facilitating trade between the Asian markets, the US, South Pacific and Europe, with more than 2,900 onshore and seafaring staff and offices spanning 34“Thelocations.coreproduct of Swire Shipping is containerised and multipurpose high frequency liner services covering China and North Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the US, into and around the Pacific,” Skingley tells us. “These regions are covered with direct calls using geared vessels of between 1,300 and 2,750 TEU capacity. We are building our APAC
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“This is a growing area of our business, and we are looking to leverage this capability for upcoming LNG and resource sector projects in PNG.”The company has also ventured into land-side logistics, such as customs clearance, inland transportation services and cargo management solutions, through the launch of its Integrated Logistics business unit in JulySupplementing2021. the company’s shipping services, this integrated logistics arm provides a truly “onestop-shop” offering and door-to-door solutions for customers.
Swire Shipping operates 16 liner services for the transportation of containerised, refrigerated, breakbulk, heavy lift, project and mini-bulk cargoes.Specialist shipping services are offered to the energy, resources, and infrastructure sectors in the project shipping market through Swire Projects, whose diverse marine solutions include project parcelling, turnkey projects, early works infrastructure, and transport engineering.“InOctober 2020, Swire Projects was established as a business unit of Swire Shipping to provide specialist shipping solutions to industrial clients in energy, resources and infrastructure projects worldwide,” says Skingley.
“Project logistics will become more relevant as a number of projects such as Papua LNG, Wafi Golpu, Porgera, and others gain momentum. Finding bespoke integrated logistics solutions to these challenging projects will become key to the development of our Integrated Logistics business; we are well placed to offer these solutions,” he continues.
To support all of these services, Swire Shipping is growing its digital capacity by building an ecosystem of solutions focused on enhancing the customer journey.
PNG Ports Corporation Limited PNG Ports Corporation Limited (PNGPorts) is the premier maritime services company in Papua New Guinea and is the largest port operator in the South West Pacific, outside Australia and New Zealand.
Swire Shipping responded swiftly to the challenges presented by the
DIGITAL JOURNEY
A fully corporatised State Owned Enterprise, PNG Ports provides pilotage, surveillance and line handling, berthage, storage services, commercial leases - warehouses ad vacant land, harbour management and maritime Itresponsibilities.complianceownsandoperates15ports which are located strategically in all maritime provinces. These ports handle in excess of 8.9 million freight tonnes of cargo annually which is 100% of PNG’s entire seaborne trade and the main gateway to more than 300 scattered islands. www.pngports.com.pg transpacific capacity to meet growing Asian and US demand.”
“Our e-commerce channel provides a one-stop workbench for customers to build their unique experience with us.“It is a single dashboard environment that offers a window to their engagement with Swire Shipping, whether that be submitting quotes, searching for prices or schedules, requesting and amending bookings, submitting documentation, procuring additional land-side services, or proactively receiving tracking updates on shipments,” explainsFurtherSkingley.supporting the customer’s digital journey, internal workflows at Swire Shipping are being digitalised to improve transparency, particularly in terms of booking confirmation response times and visibility into the status of containers from origin to destination.“Asweprogress on our digital journey, we aim to provide a fully online end-to-end experience, and a seamless online-to-offline experience for our customers to appreciate the Swire Shipping difference.”
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www.laeinlandlogisticspng.com
“The Integrated Logistics business unit was created to further serve our customers door-to-door, offer them a single point of contact, and assure them that their cargo is in our care throughout the supply chain,” Skingley outlines.
Lae Inland Logistics Limited Lae Inland Logistics Limited (LILL) is a 100% local landowner company, we are Lae based servicing. • Stevedoring and Handling • Storage & Depot Services • Bunded Wash Bay Facility • Agency & Customs Clearance • Door-to-Door Transport • Project Services • Equipment Hire & Procurement LILLServicesprovide a premium supply chain service through a performance driven culture created on relentless pursuit of perfection, operational excellence, and continuous improvement for all its highly valued customers.
Skingley notes that fast-tracking Swire Shipping’s digital journey helped the company to successfully navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and develop as a business.
“With Swire Shipping’s Integrated Logistics business, we are offering a product that is currently not available anywhere else in PNG by reducing the points of contact, simplifying the shipping solution, and generating efficiencies.
LAE’S PREMIER SUPPLY CHAIN SERVICE PROVIDER info@inlandlogisticspng.com APAC Outlook issue 57 | 83 SWIRE SHIPPING SUPPLY CHAIN
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it became very apparent to shipping industry stakeholders that cooperation and positive engagement was necessary to ensure the supply chain remained intact.
In response, the company launched a new container sales and leasing unit in January 2022. It has been well received, and is rapidly establishing a presence in the market covering the needs of businesses large and small, as well as government-owned enterprises.“Whilstthe initial focus has been on Lautoka
Chief 84 | APAC Outlook issue 57
pandemic, which necessitated clear procedures on ship-shore interactions that were essential due to the heightened risk factors involved.
“It became evident that the ‘norm’ for supply chain businesses was not fit for purpose in an environment where physical contact was not possible,” he accepts.“Video conferencing became our primary method of communication, and remote working became the new normal.”Shipping in the Pacific Islands prior to the COVID-19 pandemic still relied heavily on paper exchanges and person-to-person contact. Swire Shipping took the initiative, however, to develop procedures to greatly minimise the spread from ship to shore, or vice versa, whilst maintaining vital shipping services.
The Contactless Port Call protocol was rapidly drafted in consultation with the Fleet Management team and key local offices, who localised the requirements before securing endorsement from local stakeholders andContactlessauthorities.Port Calls were intro duced in PNG and Fiji, key locations in the Swire Shipping network.
Crucially, Swire Shipping was in a unique position to work closely with statutory bodies, vendors, and customers to ensure supply chain continuity.
RESPONDING TO FEEDBACK Storage solutions, particularly mobile and flexible options, are limited in PNG and feedback from Swire Shipping customers supports this.
“We adopted Contactless Port Calls, having worked with authorities to fast-track electronic data exchange and minimise the spread of COVID-19 between crew and land-side workers; this was the only way to maintain the supply chain,” Skingley informs us.
“As we slowly return to normal after the pandemic, it’s remarkable to think back to the disruption it caused around the world, but equally how resourceful shipping and associated industries became to overcome the challenge. It’s no surprise that many of these solutions remain, such as video conferencing, flexible working, and Contactless Port Calls.”
DRIVEN BY COMMUNITIES
“The supply and distribution of container spare parts is another complementary business opportunity that the depot could introduce – all parts are currently sourced from overseas on an ad hoc basis,” Skingley says.
The communities in which Swire Shipping operates are at the heart of the company and its 150th anniversary celebrations. Beyond providing supply chain solutions, Swire Shipping focuses on the needs of the communities it is part of.
“Phaseearly.2requires a dedicated depot facility and self-storage park in Port Moresby. The facility will not only give our sales and leasing unit the ability to upgrade and modify containers, but also undertake storage, handling, and minor repairs or upgrades to other shipping lines where required.
the sale of older containers, it is very apparent that there is an appetite in PNG for new containers for specific projects, and to cover local leasing demands,” observes Skingley.
A far cry from his hometown in the UK, it was the opportunity to experience different cultures around the world that enticed Skingley to first enter the shipping industry in 1982, when he joined Shell Tankers UK as a deck cadet. Today, the sector is more exciting than ever, at a time of unprecedented prosperity and growth.“Thispresents opportunities for those within the shipping industry to generate positive returns on the investments they’ve made over the last 20 years, restoring shareholder value and credibility for investors,” he explains.“Ofcourse, there needs to be a balance between profitability and ensuring supply chain continuity. This is especially the case in geographies where the affordability of consumer goods is critical, and Swire Shipping serves communities in the Pacific where this is particularly relevant.”
Outlook issue 57 | 85 SWIRE SHIPPING SUPPLY CHAIN
Container sales and leases have exceeded Swire Shipping’s expectations to date, and as a result it is progressing to Phase 2 of the project
“At our head office, we have a team dedicated to sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR), and they drive our strategy,” Skingley shares.“InPNG, we are in the process of creating a Sustainability Management role, which will enact this strategy to really add maximum value to our CSR efforts.”Lastyear, Swire Shipping was involved in several projects in PNG. For instance, a number of gowns, masks and gloves were donated to hospitals around Port Moresby, Lae, Kimbe and Rabaul, whilst a 40’ high cube reefer was lent to the Port APAC
150 IS VERY SPECIAL FOR ALL OF US. IT REPRESENTS HOW WE HAVE GROWN AND THRIVED FROM THE DAY WE STARTED IN 1872 TO WHERE WE ARE TODAY”
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JAMES WOODROW, MANAGING DIRECTOR, SWIRE SHIPPING Fengning project 86 | APAC Outlook issue 57 SWIRE SHIPPING SUPPLY CHAIN
The company was also asked by the main hospitals in Port Moresby and Lae to supply refrigerated containers to assist with the processing of fatalities.“Withthanks to the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA), PNG Ports Corporation (PNGPC), International Container Services (ICTSI), Pactow, and Consort Express Lines, this was a truly collaborative effort from all acknowledgesstakeholders,”Skingley.“Wealsosponsorednetball items for indigenous women from six Motu Koitabu villages in Moresby South who were taking part in the 2021 Moresby South – Motu Koitabu Netball Tournament. Swire Shipping is committed to the community, and we are very pleased to support a platform for the women of Motu Koitabu to showcase their sporting talent.”
Moresby General Hospital to provide additional capacity during the COVID19 Onpandemic.aprobono basis, Swire Shipping helped to ship medical oxygen containers from Auckland to Lae, and supported HEAPS International Foundation with shipping donations to remote village schools in the East Sepik Province of PNG. The donations included support for COVID-19 education and protection, improved sanitary conditions, and remote school classroom furniture.
Elsewhere in PNG, Swire Shipping is a major sponsor of the Lae Fest 2022 community engagement project, and continues to sponsor the position of Child Protection Officer (CPO) for Eastern Highland Family Voice (EHFV), recognised as a leading NGO in the country working on issues of family and sexual violence. EHFV runs a range of education programmes for families and communities, and provides direct “TURNING
THE NEXT 150 YEARS Strong organisational governance is key to operating a socially responsible organisation, and it is imperative for Swire Shipping to act with probity, transparency, and accountability to achieve its long-term objectives.
“Swire Shipping will continue to ensure that we retain a key focus on our activities, both commercially and operationally in the Pacific, with the aim to save our customers’ time,” says Skingley.Likewise, safety remains a key priority for the business, as it strives to create a strong safety culture onboard, onshore, and land-side. In 2021, Swire Shipping launched its updated safety strategy – to be a leading organisation that provides sustainable safety excellence –supported by three programmes and a 2025 roadmap to roll the strategy out to 25 stevedoring companies.
To support all of the above, Swire Shipping needs to ensure that it fosters a healthy, inclusive, and supportive culture for its people.
It also reflects a wider commitment to sustainability across the Swire group. In October 2021, John Swire & Sons Limited, Swire Shipping’s parent company, and the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping signed a partnership agreement committing to a long-term
Motu Koitabu women’s netball sponsorship PNG office - a unique and diverse group of people from all over the world PMGH
International Women’s Day, Port Moresby
strategic collaboration around the development of safe and sustainable decarbonisation solutions for the maritime industry.
For the next 150 years, sustainability will also take centre stage. “Decarbonisation will continue to be a priority for Swire Shipping. Last year, we announced our commitment to reduce our greenhouse gas footprint to net zero by 2050.
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“Our diversity, equity and inclusion strategy underpins everything that we do. We will offer equal opportunities and build a talent pipeline for the sustainability of the business.” support to children. Keeping kids safe in PNG’s Eastern Highlands, the CPO position focuses on safeguarding children at risk, such as those with a disability or in danger of violence and abuse.
Tel: (+65) 6603 www.swireshipping.comenquiry@swireshipping.com9400
“Swire Shipping serves many communities in the Pacific that are directly impacted by global warming, and with many at risk of disappearing, we must take action to drive change,” asserts Skingley.
Embarking on a Green Ports initi ative in order to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increase the usage of renewable energy in its daily operations, is Solomon Islands Port AuthorityEstablished(SIPA).inJune 1956, SIPA is a wholly owned Solomon Islands government authority, responsible for operating the ports of Honiara and Noro.Operating under the jurisdiction of SIPA, it is these two ports that
I
nternational trade volumes are constantly increasing, and much of the world’s freight is being transported by sea. With the appeal of lower costs and energy consumption, the exponential growth of marine transportation comes as the world becomes more environmentally conscious.
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PIONEERSCompletewithsignificantportupgrades,SolomonIslandsPortAuthority’ssustainabilityandrenewableenergyendeavoursareresonatingacrosstheSouthPacificWriter:JackSalter|ProjectManager:EddieClinton
are carrying out the Green Ports initiative, tasked with tackling a global challenge for the maritime industry and transport sector. With a vision to be carbon neutral by 2030, SIPA is a regional leader when it comes to championing the use of renewables. As of 2020, close to 45 percent of electricity at SIPA’s ports came from renewable sources, and last year the company officially commissioned an
PORTGREEN
As part of the project roadmap going forwards, it will be extended towards more deprived communities in all provinces of the Solomon Islands. An investment of USD 100,000 has been allocated for community projects to promote and encourage more communities across the country to use more renewable energy sources, and reduce GHG emissions.
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LED lighting system for Noro Port. It follows the installation of 20 LED lighting poles at Honiara Port in 2019, which saw SIPA become the first company in the South Pacific to use the energy-efficient, environmentally friendly system in its facilities and operations.TheLEDlighting system enhances the efficiency of SIPA’s port operations and productivity output, especially for fast vessel turnarounds. It also ensures the safety and security of SIPA employees, given the higher visibility LED lights provide during night-time operations, and allows the ports to operate 24 hours a day. SIPA has also undertaken the Green Ports initiative in order to support rural communities, by providing sustainable power to those who could not previ ously access any form of energy.
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With the size of domestic ships using jetties getting larger every year, the idea of increasing the size of the jetties is to allow more manoeuvrability for both vessels and port users during ship operations.
IMPROVEMENTSINFRASTRUCTURE
Meanwhile, a ground-breaking ceremony was also held at Honiara Port in August 2021 to commemorate the construction of four new jetties.
Ela Motors Contributing to the country’s economy for almost 60 years, we are proud to be a part of the history and we continue to develop our people who will redesign the future of the automotive industry in Solomon SomeIslands.of our memorable moments are: 2022 - Jan, Arrival of the new Land Cruiser 300 2021 - Nov, Introduction of Raize SUV Passenger Vehicle Launch 2019 - May, 5th Generation RAV4 Launch 2018 - Jun, Completion and relocation of new dealership 2016 - Jun, Construction of new dealership site 2015 - Oct, 8th Generation Hilux Vehicle Launch 2014 - Recorded the second highest annual sales - 162 units 2011 - Feb, Toyota Tsusho took over Avis 1998 - Oct, Toyota Tsusho Corporation took over company 1997 - Established Gizo and Noro branches 1994 - Ela Motors replaced Mendana Motors as the trading name 1993 - Company name changed to BTPT (Solomon Islands) Ltd 1985 - Record annual sales - 232 Toyota units 1982 - SIIL becomes a Burns Philip Subsidiary 1978 - Solomon Islands gains independence from the United Kingdom 1973 - Mendana Motors Ltd set up as the “Motor Division” of the company 1972 - Solomon Islands Investments Ltd (SIIL) incorporated 1963 - Ela Motors Solomon Islands’ first year of trade 1894 - Toyota Tsusho Solomon Islands dates back to Burns Philip & Co Ltd
Widening the jetties will allow two vehicles to enter at the same time, thereby speeding up the loading and unloading process so that ships can leaveAccessquicker.tothe new jetties will include paved roads with sufficient car parking facilities, specialised parking areas for individuals with disabilities, as well as resting areas for passengers.Self-funded by SIPA, the project will cost SBD 28 million including onshore developments, whilst other works SIPA WINS HISTORIC TOP AWARDINTERNATIONAL
Targeting carbon neutrality by 2030, SIPA endeavours to promote and build social cohesion towards establishing renewables for rural communities.
SIPA continues to improve the domestic terminal at Honiara Port, and to ensure proper waste management practices, has installed buoys and barriers.
These barriers are used to trap plastic waste and rubbish from the Mataniko river, and along the Honiara coasting. SIPA officers from the harbour patrol division are in charge of monitoring the barriers and buoys during their regular patrols, and responsible for collecting plastics trapped in the barrier.
The new, larger jetties, which will be 50 metres in length and 12 metres in width, will be better equipped to facilitate the number of vessels using the domestic terminal.
In May 2022, SIPA was victorious at the International Association of Ports and Harbours’ (IAPH) Sustainability Awards. SIPA was awarded as the winner of the Community Building category for its “Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Community” project, in recognition of the company’s ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions in its operations and help rural communities around the country access clean, green energy through solar power.
SIPA has been actively implementing sustainable energy initiatives at the ports of Honiara and Noro, by switching to more energy efficient solutions.
www.elamotorssolomon.comElaMotorsSolomon
Our Infrastructure Toyota launched its global campaign "Start your Impossible” marked the start of a shift from a product driven into a purpose led company focused mobility company, creating sustainable mobility solutions and happiness for people and society
Ela Motors Solomon Islands strives to support this purpose and vision "to become the most reliable mobility and lifetime partner in the Solomon Islands” We emphasise the Japanese principles of Kaizen or 'continuous improvement’ and ANZEN 'safety’ We have the size and capability to accommodate the ever growing number of customers in a very demanding market.
Our people undergo rigorous training to enhance their capabilities to deliver only the best in customer service and we invest in their training by sending them to our Ela Motors Academy PNG They are trained using industry leading technology and standards that provide skills for life
Ela Motors is committed and proud to be able to serve Solomon Islands communities, businesses, families and support initiatives, significantly to help improve the lives of many disadvantaged people Today as our communities recover and look forward to a future with many possibilities we THANK YOU to all Front liners and Essential workers across Solomon Islands for your valiant efforts in keeping our neighbourhood safe and functioning. THANK YOU!
Our People Are The Best Assets
The domestic terminal threestoried exit gatehouse was also completed in July 2021, when the proposed plans and design concept for the new domestic terminal building were also unveiled.
Costing over SBD 30 million, and fully funded by SIPA once more, the new exit gatehouse, as well as ongoing developments at the domestic terminal, will ease the movement of people using the port to travel in and out of the Solomon Islands’ capital city. Indeed, for the last 50 years, Honiara Port has been without a proper domestic terminal facility. By improv ing efficiency and service delivery to port users, these new developments will improve the standard of Honiara Port, and make it a model port in the South Pacific region.
and repairs to existing jetties are also underway, mainly to replace fenders andConstructionbollards. of the first jetty and onshore features is set to be com pleted and commissioned by mid2022, as SIPA continues with domes tic terminal upgrades with the aim of improving port facilities and services to users travelling to the islands.
The exit gatehouse hosts several services that port users can make the most of whilst waiting to board domestic vessels, including first-floor cafés and shops, a public viewing gallery on the second floor, and thirdfloor feature offices.
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The SBD 8.5 million project was approved by SIIP’s joint Australia-Solomon Islands Steering Committee in March 2022, with the design expected to be completed by JulyBy2023.increasing the port’s capacity, and speeding up both passenger and freight processing times, the project ultimately addresses the connectivity and long-term prosperity of the SolomonAmongIslands.otherthings, it will increase the ability of the Solomon Islands to export tuna to lucrative international markets, for instance, and help to unlock the country’s sustainable natural resources for the benefit of all Solomon Islanders.
Your Electrical Supplier (YES) is a locally owned electrical shop in the Solomon Islands. YES was established in 2014, and links the manufacturing world with the buying world in this country. YES supplied many international and local electricians, and other trade technicians operating in the country with the right standard electrical products they need, as well as helping many manufacturers to sell their products in the Solomon Islands. Your Electrical Supplier. PO Box 2225, Honiara, Solomon Islands. T: (677) 24488 | M: 74 85 266 E: gabby.yes@hotmail.com YOUR ELECTRICAL SUP PLUMBING | ELECTRICAL | ROOFING | STEEL | PAINT | HARDWARE Phone: +677 38159 Email: sales@tongscorp.com @Tongs Buildim Better Honiara, Solomon Islands Solomonleadingsupplier.materialsIslands PLUMBING | ELECTRICAL | ROOFING | STEEL | PAINT | HARDWARE Honiara, Solomon Islands | T +677 38159 | sales@tongscorp.com | @Tongs Solomon Islands leading materials supplier
NORO UPGRADES Australia’s flagship Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP) recently signed an MoU with SIPA in May 2022, to support upgrades to the country’s second largest port in Noro. SIIP will deliver detailed designs to increase the capacity and efficiency of Noro Port, which processes both domestic and international shipping traffic, including passenger, freight, and fishing fleets.
SIIP is focused on helping Solomon Islanders harness the economic potential of both its human and natural resources to build a stronger economy. After all, island nations such as Australia and the Solomon Islands need efficient and effective ports to connect people and goods to local and international markets.
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PREMIER HUB OF ACTIVITY
For SIPA, the completion of a 15-year Solomon Ports Master Plan (SPMP) is another major focus. The urgency for such a plan has become more critical with each passing year, owing to the need for a comprehensive investment strategy that specifically aimed to address a number of issues, primarily to do with Honiara Port but encompassing all SIPA ports. The implementation of this sustainable master planning exercise will bring positive long-term benefits and enhanced financial returns to the company.Withupgrades to more modern infrastructure, SPMP will help SIPA to achieve its aim of becoming the South Pacific’s strategic gateway to theThus,world.SIPA envisages the development and promotion of the Solomon Islands into the premier hub for port and maritime activities in the South Pacific.
The designs will be a critical step for SIPA, in attracting the international investment required to finance such a major port upgrade. As the current wharf in Noro can’t accommodate larger vessels or increasing shipping demands, the new design to be overseen by SIPA and implemented by SIIP will ensure that Noro Port can meet the future shipping needs of the Solomon Islands for many years to come.
Port Moresby, PNG’s capital, lies on the underbelly of the country, in a strategic position to bolster international trade and export resources such as gold, copper, rough wood, oil and natural gas to a multitude of countries, including Australia, China, Japan and South Korea.Within the realm of trade and export, PNG Customs Services (PNG
Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a unique country. On top of its diverse flora and fauna, such as the Raggiana bird-ofparadise whose flamboyant silhouette is captured on the national flag, PNG’s geographic position places it as one of the many island nations that bridge Australia and New Zealand to Southeast Asia.
CUSTOMS
Writer: Marcus Kääpä | Project Manager: Eddie Clinton
PNG Customs is spirited and committed to being a regional leader in securing PNG’s national border to enhance the security and socio-economic development of the country.Sinceits humble beginnings in 1888, PNG Customs has contributed immensely to national development as it has grown from strength to strength, even in spite of increasing responsibilities and challenges. These challenges are not only geographical, with much of PNG being made up of APAC issue
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Papua New Guinea is a southwestern Pacific hub of trade. We take a look at PNG Customs Services, and the organisation’s efforts towards regulating cargo for the betterment and development of the nation
Customs) has the exceptionally important duty of regulating the imports, exports and supply chain across PNG, led by the words ‘protecting our border, securing our future’ that are embodied across the organisation.
Outlook
Coinciding with the country’s substantial level of serious and gang-related crime, the import of illegal firearms, drugs trafficking and other major offences are a serious issue within PNG. As a result of such crime, a large proportion of people and businesses in the country are impacted negatively, suffer losses, and pay higher levels for security costs. From a commercial perspective, this in turn slows business expansion and hampers PNG’s economic development as a whole.PNG Customs stands as one of the key players maintaining regulation in the country, helping businesses, and indeed the nation as a whole, to grow.
REGULATING PNG 130 years on, PNG Customs is a vibrant, independent and modernised organisation widely regarded as one of the leading government organisations in the country, with over 500 officers employed in over 20 different locations in 14 provinces. Under the leadership of Chief Commissioner Ray Paul and Commissioners James Bire (Trade
Some of the island nation’s largest imports include refined petroleum, crude petroleum, heavy industrial machinery (such as excavation machinery), rice, and other edible preparations, from its associated export destinations as well as Singapore and Malaysia. Trade represents around 60 percent of PNG’s GDP, and is a central focus for national growth when it comes to jobs creation, goods and services.
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rough terrain that requires substantial investment to develop infrastructure, but also national crime rates.
IMPORTS IN PNG PNG’s top exports are gold, copper ore, petroleum gas, rough wood, and nickel mattes, to China, South Korea, Japan, and Australia, and there is a great tie to these countries when it comes to imports.
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CUSTOMS ICT In this current post-pandemic environment, digitalisation and online software have become ever more present and necessary across every industry.Alongside this, PNG Customs has evolved to establish regulations for digital documents and information pertaining to customs and cargo to best serve the people and the country. Under PNG Customs’ new organisational structure, Customs Information Communications & Technology (ICT) is now responsible for the maintenance and expansion of the customs information technology infrastructure.Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), a sub-branch of Customs ICT, is responsible for the development and implementation of the ASYCUDA system. ASYCUDA is the electronic reporting and data processing system for all import, exports and excise entries lodged with customs. It has been upgraded over the years from ASYCUDA 2.7 to ASYCUDA++, and now ASYCUDA World, which was recently implemented in Port Moresby in 2017 and in its training stage in Lae. ASYCUDA World will eventually be implemented in all declared ports in the near future.
PNG Customs draws its powers from the Customs Act 1951 to control, supervise and authorise all forms of conveyances, persons and cargo that move in and out of PNG. The organisation has jurisdiction under the Customs and Excise Tariff Acts to charge and collect duties and taxes, and also has responsibility for protecting the country’s border and community as well as preventing transnational crimes and ensuring there is effective supply chain security across the nation.
& Corporate Service) and Benjamin Sine (Border Security), PNG Customs continues to uphold its mandated duties of border and community protection, trade facilitation, and revenue collection.
PNG Customs has an important responsibility to work collaboratively with a number of key partner agen cies both with other government agencies as well as industry. The Chief Commissioner of Customs is the prin cipal officer in the organisation and is responsible to the Minister for Treasury.
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There have been a number of benefits realised over the past years with the use of ASYCUDA, that include simplified documentation, adoption of international standards, codes, harmonised tariff systems, valuations, and exposure of customs staff and traders to a computer
The hire car industry has added significant value towards facilitating the transportation needs of the Civil Society in Government/Public Sector, Private Sector plus NGO’s in Papua New Guinea for many years.
Island Mobile Hire Cars
Island Mobile Hire Cars, a 100% nationally owned company, has realised this need and has tapped into the industry for more than fifteen years. The company has grown since, from humble beginnings to now owning and operating well over 445 different models of Toyota brand vehicles across 1000 fleets, meeting all needs and demands of our clients at competitive prices. Our support team is available 24/7 for back-up in the event of a break-down.
Landline: 323 3127 / 323 3127 Mobile Sales Team: 73629481 / bookings@imhc.com.pg73942740 www.imhc.com.pg
Since inception back in 2003, Island Mobile Hire Car’s (IMHC) has aggrandized to a colossal rental car venture across PNG, and is still thriving today. IMHC proudly owns and operates an immaculate fleet of more than 1,000 reputable Toyota automobiles. We have categories and models, encompassing but not limited to Sedans, 4X4 Land Cruiser Troopers, Luxury Cars, Shuttle Buses, and Commercial Vehicles. With offerings to satisfy a myriad of clientele’s needs, we are continuously expanding and improving our service. PNG offers behemoth challenges in both geography and demography. Come what may of this daunting summons to contest, IMHCL has come of age, from modest beginnings to a top-notch brand in the rental car trade. Our meteoric rise is attributed to our esteemed clientele’s loyalty, which has been key in providing the much-envied impetus behind our advancement. Our clientele’s loyalty in such a highly taxing and cutthroat industry has and shall eternally be our number one leverage going forward. In every approach and element of decision making, we are customer-centric, in ensuring that the satisfaction, comfort and the safety of our customer is held at the highest of standard, as a reward to their undying allegiance. We strive incessantly to provide good value for money hire car services at the behest of our client-oriented mission, conjoined with an expeditious customer care service that is available 24/7, and with great reliability our clientele can bank on without a shadow of doubt.
IHMC has carved out a niche in the hire car space as a ‘Premium Brand’ with peerless pricing, quality, and speed, paired alongside a network of branches nationwide, nestling in a legacy of continuous improvement on its vanguard products and services. Further, we are well established in all four regions throughout Papua New Guinea. Our General HQ base is in Port Moresby, the Nations Capital Metropolis, on Portion 2311, alongside Taurama Road, joined with the Southern Regional Office. Our other respective regional head offices are in Mt. Hagen (Highlands), Lae (Momase) and Kokopo (New Guinea Islands). We can perform under a hugely increased or expanding workload or scope. With our durable system that scales well, it enables us to maintain or even increase the level of performance or efficiency even when it is tested by larger operational demands, and with exceptional ease.
ISLAND MOBILE HIRE CARS
The brand name “Island Mobile” conveys the philosophy of the brand – “to provide customers with a quick and hassle-free service experience, without any tidal waves of paperwork, mountains of confusing jargon or protocol and without hidden payment traps” – just a convenient and reliable car renting Ultimately,experience.IslandMobile Hire Cars is your ideal travelling partner anywhere in PNG. We will always deliver, irrespective! For bookings and reservations, please visit us via www.imhc.com.pg and or e-mail us through bookings@imh.com.pg
The responsibilities and functions of Customs ICT also extend to the maintenance and upgrading of the customs network and equipment, the updating of ASYCUDA itself, and its database, references and control tables. On top of this, the functions of Customs ICT are to also provide help desk support to PNG Customs and external ASYCUDA users such as brokers, to provide statistics to customs management, government departments such as NSO/DTI, BPNG, and the treasury, and other interested parties or organisations, and finally to conduct training for all ASYCUDA users.Itis a requirement for all importers and exporters to register with PNG Customs as a measure to integrate with the taxation division of the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC), to facilitate trade and cargo clearance.
Understanding the key changes to the Motor Vehicles Insurance Limited’s (MVIL) enabling legislations
It is important to take note that compensation is only awarded after a thorough assessment and determination is completed. For more information, call us on 302 4600 or email us at info@mvil com.pg PNG’s Compulsory Third Party Insurance Provider environment, and the management of tradeAlongstatistics.withASYCUDA, new payment processes have been developed and implemented to ease the traffic of duty payment, clearance of cargo and main taining a cash free office. This includes payments via electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS) - the use of cards and card machines, electronic funds transfer, and prepayment accounts.
The incorporation and use of digital tools and software enable PNG Customs to maximise its efficiency, and allows information to increase stakeholder awareness when it comes to accurate and timely reporting, lodging, and paying of cargo to the organisation.
Accurate and timely submission of cargo reports and SAD lodgement are critical in enabling PNG Customs to complete risk assessment and intervention activities before cargo moves into the PNG community.
DIGITAL RECORDS
In order to register, importers and exporters must acquire a tax identification number (TIN) from IRC, complete a G26 Form, attach required documents, and log with Customs ICT.
The amendments to the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) Act (Chapter 295) and the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) (Basic Protection Compensation) Act (Chapter 296) came into effect on 22 September 2021.
As for the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) (Basic Protection Compensation) (Amendment) Act 2021: The change involves the increase of the compensation payment awarded in respect of the death of any person f rom K5,000 for males and K2,500 for females and minors to K10,000, irrespective of gender and age.
1. A change in the definition of the words “motor vehicle” extends to and covers all vehicle types including trucks and equipment used in the extractive, logging and agriculture industries; 2 A change in the definition of the word “street” to include all streets or roads, either public or private, including the streets in the extractive, logging and agriculture project sites, and in the private property estates; and, 3. No compensation or claims payment for uninsured and unregistered motor vehicles, equipment and trucks; and where the identity of the motor vehicle cannot be established after due inquiry
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The amendments include Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) (Amendment) Act 2021 and the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) (Basic Protection Compensation) (Amendment) Act 2021
On top of this, PNG Customs ensures that the correct information and data are provided in reports, approved forms and documents are used for such reports, the timely lodgement of customs entry, and the timely payment of customs taxes (import duties, import GST, local excise and penalties).
PNG Customs relies on accurate information to effectively facilitate trade in PNG. This means that the organisation facilitates legitimate trade and protects communities and businesses by ensuring the timely submission of cargo reports and manifests, within 48 hours for vessels and three hours for aircraft.
The key amendments under the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) (Amendment) Act 2021 are threefold:
In Australia, where seven million people – around 30 percent of the population – live in rural or remote areas, the importance of connection cannot be understated. These areas encompass diverse communities and locations, with many facing challenges unique to their geographies.Helpingtobring connection to all people across the country, Prysmian Australia comprises two manufacturing facilities and is the largest manufacturer in Australia, supplying energy and telecommunication cables for all sectors of the domestic economy. These sectors range from construction (residential and non-residential) and transport infrastructure (road and rail), to mining, oil and gas, renewable, Hama Shroff, CEO Prysmian Group helps keep Australia connected. We speak to Hama Shroff, CEO of Prysmian Australia, about the company’s use of local expertise, green methods and global experience to bring the best solutions to industries across the
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Writer:countryMarcusKääpä
“Our history of local manufacturing dates to 1944 and continues today in our two local Sydney plants, where we employ around 500 Aussies and therefore support our local economy, infrastructure, businesses and supply chains. Our local development capability is indeed a strong point of differentiation for Prysmian Australia, allowing us to easily adapt to change.”
Project Manager: Ryan Gray
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power transmission, distribution, and telecoms.“Weare a proud part of the world’s largest global actor in the cable manufacturing business – Prysmian Group,” begins Hama Shroff, CEO of Prysmian Australia.
Prysmian Group is a global market leader in optical and metallic systems The energy telecommunicationsand sectors keep modern lives turning.
The core of Prysmian Group’s global and Australian approach is focused on local quality and simplicity.
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Prysmian Group’s technology encompasses optical fibres, optical fibre cables (both single mode and multimode), copper cables, optical connectivity, services and project management – ensuring that not only the right cable but the right total passive optical system is matched to its customers’ needs. Prysmian Group provides a full range of integrated products and services, to create optical networks from international communication links spanning continents, to local access networks for business or residential and local area networks.
“When it comes to navigating tough and hazardous conditions in Australia, we solve the specific environment’s demands through our advantage of being global. Our business approach has made us the world’s largest producer of safe and reliable cables for the power and telecommunication industry.”Thisemphasis on quality, safety and reliability is echoed in the company’s multiple projects. In recent years, Prysmian Australia has successfully
“We act quickly, we are flexible, and we are predictable, which makes us reliable,” Shroff says. “From the deepest oceans and mines to the farthest satellites orbiting Earth in space, you will find products made by us. No matter how large we are, we live and expand thanks to our customers and business partners. We go above and beyond for our customer’s needs – developing customised cable solutions.
DELIVERING CONNECTION
for the telecommunication market. The company supplies a major share of the world’s metallic and fibre optic cable requirements, and offers complete end-to-end passive optical systems. At the company’s local manufacturing plant in Dee Why, Sydney, Prysmian Australia adapts this worldwide knowledge in telecommunication to fit Australian conditions and standards.
global
Stockwell International is an Australian, privately family-owned international freight forwarding and customs logistics company with over 50 years’ experience. Specialising in a variety of services freight, air freight, customs transport, warehousing and logistics, supply chain project management, Stockwell’s can do it all. Stockwell’s, we strive to be the best freight company and are dedicated to delivering exceptional service and world-class logistics services.
consulting, linehaul and
1300 786 468 | www.stockwells.com.au
brokerage, port
At
including sea
Exceptional Service, World Class Logistics.
PROUDLY CELEBRATING 50 years
INNOVATION AND TRANSITION
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delivered key projects such as the WestConnex M4 East Tunnel (AUD$18 million), WestConnex M8 Tunnel (AUD$20 million), Sydney Metro NorthWest Rapid Transport (AUD$31 million), and Santos Gas field development/electrification, as well as various windfarms and mining projects.“Wealso have ongoing contracts in the telecom space supplying all optical and copper cables to service providers such as NBN, TPG and Telstra,” Shroff continues. “Our power distribution contracts include Ausgrid, Endeavour, Essential Energy, Western Power, Ausnet, South Australia Power Network, Powercor and Tas Network.
“Additionally, we are also currently delivering the Sydney Metro SouthWest Project and the WestConnex M4-M5 Tunnel.”
“At two large production sites in Sydney, we merge our worldwide expertise with our local experience and know-how to manufacture topnotch cables to customers all over Australia,” Shroff tells us. “In addition, we also have a manufacturing plant in New Lynn, Auckland (New Zealand) with the capacity of producing 7,000 tonnes of cables annually.”
Prysmian Group has the acuity to innovate and customise solutions to perfectly match the needs of its clients, and has 25 R&D centres all over the world to be utilised.
While providing such solutions, Prysmian Group aims to also make the world a greener place. The company’s ambition is to act as an enabler for accelerating the energy transition, while also creating business value, by supporting the development of greener and smarter power grids with innovative cable technologies to cover longer distances and sea depths, ensuring higher performances, reliability and sustainability.
“This ambition is translated in our everyday business activities, with the
The relationship between our two companies was cemented that day, Stockwell’s showed Prysmian that we were a freight forwarding partner who were willing to do the extra work, no matter the issue and we would find a solution no matter what. In 2016 we took on warehousing as our yard suited large reels and our secure facility had the room for not only open large storage but export packing and staging.
Overall, whilst Stockwell International understand we work amongst other service providers for Prysmian, we will always see Prysmian as true partners to Stockwell’s. We look forward to other opportunities as they present themselves for both of our companies’ futures.
The partnership was tested beyond measure in August 2016 when Hanjin went into administration and their containers were grounded around the world. Whilst Stockwell’s did not handle their forwarding at this stage, Director Angela Gambell took it upon herself to contact several solicitors around the world to negotiate their release, unpack, repack before the deadline of Hanjin containers being seized for auction resulted in a multimillion loss for PrysmianPrysmian.had 28 containers in three different ports with a commercial value in the millions. Stockwell’s were able to get all 28 containers switched, unpacked re-packed and shipped in time with a mere one day to spare (for the containers in Singapore).
It was also in 2016 that Prysmian engaged with Stockwell’s for linehaul and whilst we didn’t win any major tender we were/are able to react on urgent transport requests where another provider was unable to assist. During the floods and the initial pandemic congestion, it was Stockwell’s trucks that moved containers over state lines before storage or detention became an issue. Our trucks ran straight across the country to Perth several times during the rail derailment and fires, one of these Perth runs being just shy of Christmas eve. Stockwell’s also worked with Prysmian for shipping, clearance and delivery of some of their major projects; Lincoln Gap Wind Farm, West Connex, Finley Solar Farm, Moorabool South Windfarm, Snowy Hydro Scheme to name a few. These types of projects were made easier for Prysmian as the Stockwell’s team were in constant contact with our own drivers as they navigated some pretty treacherous topography to lay down the cable reels.
n 2015 Stockwell International entered a Prysmian tender and bid against the usual multinationals, but what we believe stood out for Prysmian was that Stockwell’s were “just the right size”. As a family-owned business our core value of offering personal customer service and attention suited their frenetic nature and the scale of our business allowed us to remain competitive, adaptive and flexible at all times. A major bonus of this partnership being that we own our own fleet of trucks; working in Prysmian’s favour when immediate transport or critical solutions were required either off the wharf or through one of our many projects we worked with Prysmian on.
T 1300 786 468 | www.stockwells.com.au I
“Our goal is to maintain environmentally and socially sustainable business practices. We believe that a safe work environment is a sign of efficiency and quality,” Shroff says. “Accidents can be prevented, and we are committed to continually improving safety and low incidents of work-related injury, illness and environmental impact.
BASF currently supplies Prysmian Group with Ultradur® polybutylene terephthalate (or PBT) for fiber optic cables as well as Elastollan® thermoplastic polyurethane (or TPU) for other applications.
BASF With a track record of innovation, reliability, quality and cost competitiveness, BASF’s Performance Materials division has built a longstanding partnership with the Prysmian Group globally, having supplied them for more than 20 years.
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basf.comwww.performance-materials. supply of cables and solutions for the liquid natural gas (LNG) industry to the renewable sector, where a number of local wind and solar farm projects have been successfully delivered to drive Australia’s “green aspirations”,” Shroff explains. “On the telecom front, we are heavily involved in supplying fibre optic cables to service providers NBN, Telstra, TPG and Vodafone, driving the digitalisation era in Australia.”
Technological advancement, digitalisation, safety and progressive sustainability are core aspects of Prysmian Group, and these values are mirrored in Prysmian Australia, and the company’s effort and operations across the “Innovationcountry.is,and always will be, the cornerstone of our company,” Shroff affirms. “Focus on sustainability is key, therefore we aim to improve our footprint in APAC OUTLOOK: WHAT INDUSTRY?STANDPRYSMIANMAKESAUSTRALIAOUTINTHE HAMA SHROFF, CEO: “Prysmian Australia differentiates itself from competitors as a high-quality and reliable local supplier. Our customised and innovative solutions designed for local needs and sometimes harsh conditions are backed up by our local R&D “Wecentre.also have the advantage and leverage our global footprint and resources from Prysmian Group being the world’s largest supplier of cables and solutions, operating in over 50 countries worldwide and employing over 29,000 people.”
“We also aim to help our customers fulfil their environmental responsibilities by providing cables and solutions that are economically and environmentally sustainable. Our health and safety system complies with and is certified to AS/NZ 4801 and OHSAS 18001. Meanwhile, our environmental system complies with and is certified to ISO 14001.”
SAFETY FIRST Sustainability - social as well as environmental - is an increasingly important issue for any company. Prysmian Australia strives to achieve these efforts everyday through its customers and business partners.
32-40 Derby Street, Silverwater, NSW, 2128, Australia T: +61 2 9748 2638 E: info@rbmplastics.com.au RBM PLASTICS Innovators NOT Imitators SPECIALISTS IN THE COMPOUNDING OF PVC MATERIAL APAC Outlook issue 57 | 109 PRYSMIAN AUSTRALIA MANUFACTURING
“WE A PROUD PART OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST GLOBAL ACTOR IN THE CABLE MANUFACTURING BUSINESS –PRYSMIAN GROUP” – HAMA SHROFF, CEO, PRYSMIAN AUSTRALIA 110 | APAC Outlook issue 57 PRYSMIAN AUSTRALIA MANUFACTURING
This has shown in Prysmian Groups’ first rank in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index amongst its peers in the electrical industry. Prysmian Group is the only pure cable maker included in the most recognised sustainability index at a global level – an index covering over 5,300 companies.
GREEN SUITABILITYSTAR – PVC CREDIT Green Star certification is Australia’s only national, voluntary rating system for environmentally sound building practices. Assessed buildings can achieve a Green Star rating from one to six, and Prysmian Group’s PVC cables can help its customers achieve points. Prysmian Group supports customers through: • Green manufacturing standards for PVC • Green initiatives internally • Recycling its PVC nationally • Auditing by PrysmianInternationalPlusNCSGroup’scables do not contain any mercury asbestos, lead chromium or acetylene process. PRYSMIAN AUSTRALIA Tel: 1300 300 workplace.”ourwhilstsupplymitigatetopnavigatingextremelytheandmorephasehttps://www.prysmiancable.com.ausales.au@prysmiangroup.com304fromfossilfuelgenerationtoandmorerenewablesources.“WiththeCOVID-19pandemicglobalsupplychainchallenges,businessenvironmenthasbeenvolatile.Mypriorityremainsthroughandstayingonofthingsthatareinourcontroltoanyrisktothebusinessanddisruptiontoourcustomers,ensuringthatweprovideemployeeswithaCOVID-safe terms of energy efficiency and waste management. Some of our ongoing local sustainability projects include using plastic drums to replace timber drums and increasing recycling efforts through our drum recycling system.
“Over the last couple of years, we have re-established ourselves in the local high voltage cable and solutions underground power transmission market, investing in resources to be able to do turnkey projects as well as offer our capabilities with system design and engineering,” Shroff tells us. “This is where I see the opportunities for growth in Australia as we go through an energy transition
A GREEN AUSTRALIA Moving forward through 2022 and beyond, Prysmian Australia’s goal is to continue its mission for innovative, quality and reliable solutions that promote a sustainable Australia alongside its gradual expansion, while remaining vigilant in the face of a world that is yet to fully recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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“We are also in the process of establishing a ‘green’ product label system, increasing the usage of recycled polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and conducting R&D on improving the sustainability of our PVC, used for electrical insulation, pipes, and films, and cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) materials whilst maintaining the integrity of our products. Our established expertise and vast research efforts have allowed us to deliver not only key technologies and superior performance to our customers, but also to continue to shape the future of the industry itself.”
experience, knowledge, and resources of talent from across the globe for manufacturing solutions here in Australia. Simply put, this means our Peter GeneralHook,Manager
135 years of quality service and expertise - this is the legacy of Bosch Australia Manufacturing Solutions (BAMS), subsidiary of the internationally spanning Bosch Group (Bosch).Across the manufacturingAustraliansector,BAMS is deservedly a well-known, reputed and trusted brand, supported by expertise in the industry, a track record of proven results, and led by intrinsic customer-centric values that echo throughout its operations.
Industry 4.0 has arrived in Australian manufacturing. We take a look at Bosch Australia ProjectWriter:countryforstreamliningcompany’sPeterspeakSolutionsManufacturing(BAMS),andtoGeneralManagerHookaboutthetrackrecordofproductioncompaniesacrosstheMarcusKääpäManager:RyanGray
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“At BAMS, we apply a ‘global/ local’ approach for our customers,” introduces Peter Hook, General Manager of the division. “We draw on
MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS APAC Outlook issue 57 | 113
BAMS has become one of the country’s leading factory automation companies, working with a diverse “WE ON KNOWLEDGE, FROM THE FOR SOLUTIONS HERE HOOK, GENERAL AUSTRALIA
IN AUSTRALIA” – PETER
EXPERIENCE,
MANUFACTURING
DRAW
This sits at the core of the company’s overall mission; providing unique and tailored solutions to the needs of each and every customer. This, alongside the support to maintain these solutions, has been integral in the building of the BAMS business.
MANAGER, BOSCH
By offering custom machine building, engineering and manufacturing support, and consulting services for Australian manufacturing operations, BAMS is helping to elevate Australian manufacturing. Based in Clayton (Victoria), BAMS has over 100 customers receive manufacturing solutions that are innovative while delivering world class results.
engineers and support staff servicing Bosch plants locally and around the world. WORKING WITH HEALTHCARE
AND RESOURCES OF TALENT
“At BAMS, we are not only optimising our own worldwide manufacturing base, but we are also actively seeking to work with partners to turn advanced manufacturing into reality. BAMS offers the ability to understand the unique environments of each individual manufacturer.”
ACROSS
GLOBE
“At the very beginning of COVID-19, BAMS was invited to be part of an industry consortium to build ventilators in Victoria,” Hook explains. “Grey Innovation, an Australian-based technology commercialisation company, led an initiative supported by the Victorian Government and Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, to supply life-saving ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic. At our Clayton headquarters, the BAMS team manufactured test equipment required to check the ventilators.”
Applied Automation & Engineering Applied Automation & Engineering Pty Ltd was established in 1993 to provide a high quality service to the pharmaceutical, automotive, defence/ military, food and plastics industries. Specialising in automation and high precision CNC machining, the company brings together the combined skills and experience of Australia’s leading CNC operators, automation specialists, and a team of highly skilled engineers, designers and machine builders to develop machinery from prototype stage all the way through to full turn key production machines.
www.appliedauto.com.au Comtec
The power of partnership Comtec’s philosophy is that the success of each project lies in the power of partnership. Supplying and supporting the world’s finest automation and robotic equipment to ensure your vision becomes a reality, is what we do best.
Being Australia’s exclusive distributor of Stäubli, Arburg and Flexibowl®, Comtec not only delivers the best equipment in the business, we supercharge our offering with in-house programming, service and engineering. We’re there when you need us with our experience and expertise. You don’t just do business with Comtec, you partner with Comtec. T 1300 768 826 comtec.com.au array of blue-chip, mid-tier and start-up manufacturers to automate their manufacturing. In 2021, BAMS opened a new Manufacturing Automation Centre, a purposebuilt facility to boost strategic collaboration and innovation. At present, the company is working with multiple medical clients following on from the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Automation technology was utilised to help combat the pandemic in the production of healthcare products and componentry.
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Applied Automation & Engineering holds current ISO 9001:2015 certification and our quality management systems and processes ensure reliable high quality results.
Australian Engineering, CNC & Automation Solutions Applied Automation & Engineering is a leading engineering and automation solution provider. 100% Australian owned & operated. Utilising in-house industry leading engineers and equipment our services include 3D mechanical design, mechanical fabrication, custom turn key automated machinery builds, electrical systems and high quality CNC machining. Precision CNC Machining & Fabrication, backed by quality assurance procedures to ISO 9001:2015 standards. In-house capabilities also include high level fabrication and welding to AWS D17.1 Class C. We manufacture highly accurate and extremely durable fabrications for your project. Complete mechanical, electrical system & commissioning services. With our in-house controls team we are uniquely positioned to provide a complete range of electrical systems, field wiring & programming services to compliment our mechanical capabilities. Contact us to discuss your project: sales@appliedauto.com.au+61395455011 www.appliedauto.com.au Superb automation and robotics support As technology continues to deliver incredibly exciting opportunities, Comtec sets new standards in the supply and support of stateof-the-art automation and robotic equipment. Being Australia’s exclusive distributor of Stäubli, Arburg and Flexibowl®, Comtec has the world’s finest machinery at its fingertips and backs it up with precisely-tuned servicing, programming and unrivalled in-house engineering. If your business needs the assurance of a partner who makes it their business to provide support and expertise every step of the way –please consider Comtec. | 1300 768 826 Exclusive Australian Stäubli, Arburg and Flexibowl® distributor Connect with tomorrow comtec.com.au APAC Outlook issue 57 | 115 BOSCH AUSTRALIA MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS MANUFACTURING
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Since then, BAMS has been supporting clients with an increased focus on the diagnosis of COVID19 and other pathogens. There has also been an additional focus on blood products which are related to vaccines and assisting clients with the associated support systems, delivery systems, and infrastructure required in the manufacturing process.
CHANGING THE FACE OF MANUFACTURING
The COVID-19 pandemic period saw BAMS collaborate with multiple companies in order to safeguard Australia. One such project was that of BAMS’ work alongside digital diagnostic and healthcare product
“With extensive experience in precision assembly and production automation, BAMS worked closely with the client’s engineering team to build and install state-of-the-art automated assembly lines to increase production capacity. The assembly “OUR CUSTOMERS
“BAMS introduced technology to automate the high-volume production of the COVID-19 tests,” Hook says.
RECEIVE MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS THAT ARE INNOVATIVE WHILE DELIVERING WORLD CLASS RESULTS” – PETER HOOK, GENERAL MANAGER, BOSCH AUSTRALIA MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS APAC Outlook issue 57 | 117 BOSCH AUSTRALIA MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS MANUFACTURING
APAC OUTLOOK: CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER TO
producer Ellume, a company that enlisted BAMS to automate manufacturing for high-performance COVID-19Brisbane-basedtests. Ellume developed a suite of COVID-19 tests for use by laboratories, doctors and consumers that produced results in less than 15 minutes. The Ellume technology was developed to address the unprecedented global demand for rapid, accurate diagnostics during the period and into the present. The first batch of the product was shipped to PETERDATE?HOOK, GENERAL MANAGER: “I started my career as an electrician in the mining sector, and then progressed through service and then the sale of electronics for the “Overindustry.thenext 20 years, I moved into General Manager roles in manufacturing across many industries, from electronics to the heavy industry, and during that time I was involved in factory automation and robotics. I was aware that Bosch was committed to manufacturing, and that they were transitioning from an inward facing technical support company, to a customer-facing solutions provider. It was a good opportunity to be a part of that transition. With over 280 plants worldwide, Bosch has unparalleled experience in manufacturing activities and first-class expertise in industrial IoT “Now,solutions.after five years at Bosch, it’s all about supporting manufacturers. We work with businesses at all stages of the lifecycle, from startups to well-established publicly listed companies. Bosch brings a manufacturing expertise that is built into our DNA. This means that we work with many different applications and industries; it is certainly never boring.” the US, and Ellume’s manufacturing facility in Richlands (Brisbane) swiftly scaled-up its production capacity to meet necessity and demand.
“Working at Bosch means sticking together: with a clear mission, a clear focus, and clear values to live and work by: We are Bosch. We work hard for our customers and for society, but we also work hard to create a thriving and warm culture. That takes brave and confident leadership, the latest technology and plenty of space for networking and learning.”
PETER HOOK, GENERAL MANAGER: “Our company slogan, “Invented for Life”, is testament to the value we place on human life by providing technology and services that improve the quality of lives.
lines included end of line functional testing to ensure reliable product quality. Overall, BAMS provided 18 fully automated assembly lines, whilst also manufacturing an additional nine lines to assist with assembly for another part of the product associated with the test.”
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Around the same time, BAMS announced a contract for the production automation of manufactured hardwood.
APAC OUTLOOK: WHAT DOES THE COMPANY CULTURE LOOK LIKE AT BOSCH AUSTRALIA?
Based in Melbourne and Adelaide, 3RT developed a world-first technology in collaboration with Flinders University, that converts wood waste into timber that looks and performs like 100-year-old tropical hardwood, called Designer Hardwood™. A leader in the design
“In 1886, Robert Bosch founded the ‘Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering’ in Stuttgart (Germany). This was the birth of today’s globally operating company. Right from the start, it was characterised by innovative strength and social commitment.
“We’ve recently put together a Consulting Services team whose main priority is to provide services for lean assessment, design for manufacture and assembly, value stream mapping and lean line design. They will also provide Industry 4.0 capability assessments and collaboration on digital transformation,” Hook explains.
BOSCH MANUFACTURINGAUSTRALIASOLUTIONS Tel: +61 3 9541 55 future.towardsmanufacturing,changecontinuesattheirofbeyondcompaniesBAMS’foryieldingwww.boschmanufacturing.com.auBAMS.Sales@au.bosch.com55adigitaltwinthatcanbeusedongoingplantsupport.”Throughtheincorporationofautomationsolutions,acrossAustraliaandhavebeenabletomakeuseBAMS’industryexpertise,tobetterproductioncapabilities.Withadvancedmanufacturingtheforeofitsoperations,BAMStobeaprovenleaderofinthesphereofAustralianmovingthecountryanefficientandautomatedand development of special purpose machinery, BAMS delivered fully automated production cells to enable the production of Designer Hardwood™ around the world.
“Beyond healthcare, we also secured a global 3RT contract to transform wood waste into sustainable hardwood, where we automated the manufacturing of such hardwood,” Hook continues.
AUTOMATING THE FUTURE Bosch is a global leader in IoT technology. With a company-wide commitment to implement IoT technology into every product, Bosch aims to make everyday life easier in mobility, at home, and in manufacturing. For BAMS, this means engaging with businesses looking to expand their digital manufacturing.
“The cooperation provided us with great opportunities to leverage BAMS’ know-how in manufacturing, sensor technology, and software around the Internet of Things (IoT) for the wood manufacturing industry,” Hook explains. “With a project value of over AUD$1 billion, BAMS’ expertise and automation supported the entire value stream of connected manufacturing, and this partnership ensured that multiple production cells of Designer Hardwood™ were underway to satisfy the increasing demand across the globe.”
Lucassen Precision Asia manufactures custom products out of Ho Chi Minh City while guaranteeing the highest standard of quality and expertise in process monitoring in the field of mechanical metal working. This is possible by using a wide range of metal working techniques, such as: CNC turning, CNC milling, EDM and grinding. As well as components, we also manufacture complete assemblies that are delivered in accordance with customer specifications.
“BAMS has also recently been supporting clients in simulation of plant processes and layouts to assist in design and validation. This function allows us to virtually commission facilities, significantly reducing the time to engineer a system whilst also +84 8 381 62646 | m.cuong@lucassen-precision.com www.lucassen-precision.com
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Today’s global audio landscape is dominated by mobile connectivity, music streaming, podcasts, digital car dashboards and smart speakers, all of which have entirely re-shaped consumer habits in a major shift towards delivering content through IP-enabled devices. The result of this technological renaissance in digital audio, is that listenership has never beenGranthigher.Blackley sits as CEO of major ASX-listed media company, Southern Cross Austereo (SCA). A true juggernaut in the Australian audio entertainment space, SCA’s network of radio, music stations, podcasts, sports and local news and information reaches 95 percent of all Australians every single week. This encompasses over 99 radio stations owned and operated by SCA, an additional 25 music-only stations, and Australia’s largest premium podcast network with 108 original Australian titles. This is complemented by 105 TV signals. Behind this monster enterprise is a workforce of 1,750 people spread across 60 offices, with primary locations in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne. After 35+ years in the media and entertainment industry, Blackley is accustomed to the shifting trends of a dynamic media and entertainment LiSTNR is an innovative digital audio ecosystem combining a global best practice with a local focus.
Writer: Phoebe Harper | Project Manager: Josh Hyland
THE VOICE AUSTRALIAOF APAC Outlook issue 57 | 121 SOUTHERN CROSS AUSTEREO (SCA) TECHNOLOGY
Since radios were first established in Australia one century ago, the audio realm has evolved at breakneck speed.
Exclusively developed by Australia’s largest radio broadcaster – Southern Cross Austereo - we speak with members of the executive team to find out more
space and maintains an astute perspective on its habits through his complementary position as Chairman of Commercial Radio Australia (CRA).
“Our transformation sees us adopt a digital-first operating model across the business – hiring digital staff, replacing legacy software, building new facilities, adopting new structures and developing new business models across our content,” explains Haddad.
SCA occupies the very forefront of the audio space, encapsulating the spirit of digital transformation as it continuously evolves from a traditional broadcasting model.
A standout point of differentiation at SCA is the culture of innovation fuelling its agility. “Our culture embraces change and innovation. We have embedded an agile culture that continues to mature and change and even embraces failure,” says CEO Grant ThisBlackley.culture propels the evolution of LiSTNR, as our people are encouraged to contribute ideas through the company’s extensive innovation programme, The Lab. “It’s critical for all our people to have a voice. It’s about adding business value, but it’s also about involving the whole culture and continuing forward as one business,” adds Head of Technology and Innovation, Chris Johnson. “No one is immune to looking at their smartphone and understanding what features and functionalities exist, and that stimulates creativity across the whole business.” SCA’s unique culture has been recognised with multiple industry awards, including the Cultural Transformation and Sustainability Award in 2018, and the Culture Sustainability Award in 2021, both from globally recognised Human Synergistics.
Leading with its overarching mission to “Entertain, Inform, and Inspire Australians. Anytime. Anywhere”, SCA ensures future relevance through continual adaptation. As Johnson affirms, “any business that stands still is slowly losing value.” In so doing, SCA keeps its finger firmly on the international pulse, maintaining competitiveness on a global“We’rescale.de-risking the company against disruption, whilst ourselves becoming disruptors in the market,” Johnson elaborates.
A CULTURE INNOVATIONOF
As reported in a recent survey by GFK – Commercial Audio has hit record audience levels of 12 million people, with a boom in listenership driven by a 34 percent increase in listeners using digital streaming compared to 2021, and a 27 percent increase in listening via DAB+.
THE LISTNR GENERATION
Breaking away from the limitations of a traditional broadcasting model, the LiSTNR app is SCA’s wholly owned and operated digital audio ecosystem. As one single aggregated platform accessible to anyone on any device, LiSTNR is the gateway to a diverse array of premium content.
“The industry has leant in and embraced digital streaming of radio. Podcasts and on-demand content are growing exponentially, and both are equal companions to radio,” says Blackley.Joining Blackley is SCA’s Head of Digital and Innovation, Chris Johnson, and Chief Technology Officer, Stephen Haddad. “As listeners evolve, so does the content we need to make, the way in which it is distributed and the way we commercialise,” says Haddad.
“We have constant dialogue with our international peers including Global, Bauer, the BBC, Mediaworks, NZME and all major players across the US,” adds Blackley. In addition, SCA has partnerships with international premium publishers including the BBC, ESPN, Schwartz Media, along with exclusive sales representation of both SoundCloud and Sonos in Australia.“Inmany ways, we have led the world in the ongoing transfer of consumption of radio from linear to an IP-enabled market. While Radio is growing in consumption, the overarching Audio market is expanding with premium audio on-demand,” Blackley says.
“Our transformation is personified by our new LiSTNR platform. More than just an app, it brings all our audio assets into a single experience
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TRANSFORMING AUDIO
a personal touch audio ads with LEARN MORE AT impactfulDAILYLOCALIZATIONFREQUENCYADS.COMSPORTSALIGNMENTWEATHERTRIGGERSPROMOS&OFFERSaudiocreative at scale 35+ data signals for real time contextual & dynamic targeting TURN LISTENERS INTO CUSTOMERS fast-track insights to optimize to performance Hey, Sydney!. Watching footy tonight, Sharks vs. Dragons?. No need to go out in this rainy weather.. Order your game time Large Pizza now for $10.99!. partner for digital & linear audio
“We have a large and skilled journalist group that produces fiercely local news, information, sports and weather updates on a daily basis across 105 Australian regions,” he explains. across mobile, tablet, web, in-car, and smart speaker devices, providing a personalised audio environment to the user,” explains Haddad.
“Locally focused, premium content is the natural antidote to globalism.” This is where LiSTNR’s expansive offering of news, information, weather and local updates provides a huge advantage. In addition, SCA holds streaming rights to Australia’s three major sporting codes – the AFL, NRL, and Cricket Australia.
“WE DOUBLE DOWN ON PREMIUM AUSTRALIAN STORIES AND THE EXPERT CONTENT PRODUCERS BEHIND IT” – GRANT BLACKLEY,
The app is best summarised by the idea of the ‘House of LiSTNR’ - an audio experience whereby listeners are presented with a series of ‘rooms’. The first entails radio, through to podcasts, and on to live sports, local news, and information. The final room is for developing international content, where relationships are formed with the best breed of global audio producers. By taking complete ownership of LiSTNR, SCA is not as limited as other entities who license such platforms might be, in its ability to have full flexibility and autonomy over content and product functionality and enhancements. Additionally, SCA has the power to take this model into any new“Liketerritory.anystart-up or scale-up business, we have that same potential trajectory, but luckily we’re backed by the biggest broadcaster in Australia,” Johnson observes. So far, the app has only been met with success, regularly ranking amongst Australia’s top 10 entertainment apps and hints at a promising future. As Haddad attests, “the growth of the platform and the engagement of users has dramatically exceeded our expectations.” LOCAL, PROUDLY NATIONAL The secret sauce behind the app’s success is a combination of the varied CEO,
FIERCELY
SCA 124 | APAC Outlook issue 57 SOUTHERN CROSS AUSTEREO (SCA) TECHNOLOGY
audio ecosystem that it offers, with a strong emphasis on localism. In line with the SCA mantra of “Proudly National, Fiercely Local”, LiSTNR’s selection of local content is a key point of differentiation compared to other major audio streaming platforms, such as Spotify or Apple Podcasts.“Wesee our product and Spotify as companions. We’d be naïve to think there isn’t some overlap, but to date Spotify does not provide the localism we serve,” shares Blackley.
This is further complemented by LiSTNR’s diverse range of podcasts, all of which are based on homegrown Australian stories. These are created by a range of talented producers that SCA contract, coming to the company with the ideas and stories that make for compelling listening.
THE PERSONAL TOUCH Despite offering such a vast catalogue of content, LiSTNR’s offering presents a carefully curated selection, backed by solid research into the consumer and their audio appetites.“Ouraudience has come to expect a level of diversity. If we’re trying to engage all 25 million people in Australia, you can’t serve up a limited amount of content and hope they’ll enjoy it. We need to understand the behavioural habits and broad appetites of consumers,” Blackley affirms.Thisis a significant departure from the traditional broadcast model of ‘one to many’, where content has a vast reach, but individual listeners, their habits, and crucially, their feedback remains relatively anonymous.“Weconducted a lot of research into changing consumption habits and reducing friction between different need states for audio across the day is critical to the app’s success,” addsSCAHaddad.isnowin its sixth year of measuring consumer behaviour for the audio sector, primarily through Edison Research – a globally renowned third party measuring the three mature markets of the US, UK and Australia.
“LISTNR IS 100 PERCENT SIGNED IN, WHICH MEANS OUR OFFERING TO ADVERTISERS IS NOT ONLY GROWING IN SCALE, BUT IS UNDERPINNED BY ADDRESSABILITY, AND TURNING ANONYMOUS AUDIENCES TO KNOWN LISTENERS” – STEPHEN HADDAD, CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER, SCA
“Across a fully integrated digital architecture comprising some 250 digitised studios, we give creators a place to craft their stories with exceptional broadcast quality supported by expert producers that help them curate the best of content,” BlackleySubsequently,adds. SCA creates, digitises, distributes and monetises this material to over 95 percent of the Australian population each week. For Blackley, this “fiercely local point of difference” is the key ingredient to captivating audiences, fostering a level of stickiness in listenership and encouraging referral that organically grows the ecosystem.
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To learn more, visit numbereight.ai/advertisers !"#$%&'()"*(*++(,+-.+%*/)01(*+( 01/21(*31(3+"415(6%71%(&+"%(0+,/0( 7108,8+"4#144(*+(,"%1(/00(98#74(+.( ,%/28#$4: ;+#$(7/&(/*(<+%95(6%71%(.++7( /#&<31%1'(%8$3*(*+(&+"%( =*1->+%/%&?(7++%4*1>:(@+"A21( 1/%#17(8*B C%+*18#D>/,917(0"#,314(/#7( $%11#(43/914(*3/*(>+<1%(&+"( *+($+(*31(1E*%/(-801:(@+"( <8##1%'(&+": !"#$%&" '()"*(+, *"-(&".!%/0' 1(22"& ON WORK TRAVEL WORKING LONG HOURS We encounter 4,000-10,000 ads each day. Grab listeners' attention by sending a message that is relevant to what they need. With over 250 contextual insights, there’s something for every brand. Welcome to mobile advertising 2.0. Louder Actions Speak digital audio partner
Some significant recent findings identify the exponential surge in podcast listening. With over a quarter of Australians now owning a smart speaker, the average weekly time spent listening to podcasts has increased by five hours since 2021 to just over seven hours a week. In the past week, this equates to an average of seven episodes per podcast listener. As a result, the development of its podcast offering has been a huge focus for LiSTNR.
Another is SCA’s partnership with Number Eight, which enables users to be grouped by context, all whilst adhering to user privacy.”
Meanwhile, Haddad also highlights SCA’s partnership with Salesforce as a means to enable even greater segmentation of audiences based on interests and behaviour through their Customer Data Platform (CDP).
“They help us deliver on our promise of captivating audiences and engaging with clients in a meaningful way, both in our region and in comparison to our global peers,” Blackley confirms.
“We’ve partnered and invested in start-ups in the audio advertising space to bring new capabilities to market,” Johnson says. Two key examples include Frequency, as a system that allows audio adverts to be changed on-the-fly in a dynamic response to live data feeds based on weather, or sports scores for example.
“Two years ago, we launched with 65 podcasts and today we have 108. That’s purely homegrown, before we bring in any international content into our offering. Effectively we’re building out a diverse premium library of content,” Blackley says.
Personalisation is the bedrock of the LiSTNR experience and a critical ingredient when offering such a vast catalogue and catering to the appetites of a wide demographic, split into different genders, age groups, and economic circumstances.
When handling more complex uses of data, such as ML or AI, SCA engages with small start-ups in the space. Such arrangements are designed to be mutually beneficial, with LiSTNR becoming a test case for the partner’s software, and that partner in turn benefitting from privileged access to SCA that exceeds a standard client relationship.
SCALE AND SIMPLICITY
“Everyone is different, and LiSTNR has personalisation at the core to accommodate this,” comments Haddad.IntheIP-enabled world, the unknown becomes the known, as LiSTNR requires an onboarding activity whereby consumers can indicate tier preferences. Going forward, the app can then monitor behaviour and offer suitable content suggestions.
“We embrace partnerships and believe that we can be stronger with partners, whether in developing product, content or AdTech.
“We’re constantly looking for particular market trends that we think are going to give us an advantage in the LiSTNR digital audio world and the partners that will further that strategy,” he continues.
By combining a clear trajectory for growing the LiSTNR ecosystem with systems to advance the advertiser experience, SCA aims to achieve both scale and simplicity. Through this model, a symbiosis can flourish between both consumer experience and commercial growth.
PIONEERING PARTNERSHIPS
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SCA leverages such partnerships to not only enhance the user experience (UX), but also to increase its appeal to advertisers and streamline how this content is managed, as an advertising-driven business.
Such technological advances that allow an unparalleled level of connection with the consumer have been made possible through the company’s investment in advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools through strategic partnerships.“Welookat partnerships as a way to explore technologies that are beyond our core competencies,” shares Johnson.
Johnson credits SourseAI as one such partner, providing invaluable behavioural data that offers recommendations to guarantee the personalised app experience.
Content management platform for spoken Sonnant clearly and comprehensively translates into time savings and extra revenue Increasesoutcomessponsor Enhancesengagementcontent We use Sonnant for sponsor mention reporting. We preload our brands and credits and Sonnant automatically does the rest. The accuracy and speed are superb. “ ” Matt Saraceni - Innovation Director LiSTNR Podcast, broadcast and sports content challenges solved. sonnant.com Sonnant a4 ad SCA v6.pdf 1 12/8/2022 5:38 pm
The essential ‘simplicity’ entails enhanced measurement, frictionless self-service platforms, real time tracking, measurement and dynamic pricing.“LiSTNR is 100 percent signed in, which means our offering to advertisers is not only growing in scale, but is underpinned by addressability, and turning anonymous audiences to known listeners,” says Haddad.
“If you can track it, you can sell it.
“Right now, our content is very focused on Australian users, but our experience is relevant to any audio consumer with an IP-enabled device.
“The greatest validation that we received after completing Horizon 1, is that our board has agreed to embrace Horizon 2, with the same mindset but an enhanced commitment to the journey that we are actively employing. We see that as an endorsement to continue to accelerate down the right path with LiSTNR.”Indeed, the vision and potential for LiSTNR, may be global.
“We’ll look at how we continue to fuel LiSTNR’s growth and innovation, potentially go into more audio channels, and explore ubiquity beyond Australian shores,” shares Johnson.AsHaddad attests, “having recently spent time immersed in the audio industry in the US, UK and Europe, we certainly recognise that there is a clear opportunity for a similar offering in other“Watchmarkets.thisspace.”
Tel: +61 (0)2 9375 www.southerncrossaustereo.com.auhello@sca.com.au1041
“We’vecapabilities”.usedalotof techniques to make our advertising more addressable and make campaign creatives more adaptable to the audio medium,” he “Contextuallyadds.relevant advertising combined with clever creative techniques will create a far more effective campaign.”
SOUTHERN CROSS AUSTEREO (SCA)
“We want our customers to be able to interact with our services online in a seamless and effective manner. While our industry has been built on human interactions for the past 40 years, the market is changing and we must adapt to include this trend.”
Such sophisticated measurements and tracking open the gateway to dynamic pricing, as SCA transitions from the traditional “recall model”, into an observed model of identifying user preferences and habits.
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A broader ecosystem for advertisers that creates a marketplace for digital audio enables dynamic pricing, thereby charging a rate that is commensurate with the environment, value and demand in market,” Blackley concludes.
FUTURE HORIZONS Benefitting from the unlimited reach of digital audio in a world where almost everyone has an IP enabled device, the sky is the limit for LiSTNR and“WeSCA.have a strategic mindset that says, we want to know how we are going to win, and where we’re going to play,” says Blackley. SCA’s confidence in pursuing this fruitful path has been substantiated, after recently completing the first of its two-year ‘Horizons’ within a rolling six-year model.
By leveraging data to enrich targeting capability, SCA enriches its offering to advertisers and grows opportunities for the commercialisation and monetisation of its Johnsoncontent.iskeen to further explore optimised commercial messaging aimed at different user segments, deploying techniques similar to those used in display or video mediums in order to “push the boundaries of creative
With advertising as the lifeblood of LiSTNR’s commercial success, Blackley’s other major priority is helping SCA’s clients to succeed.
Single view of customer AI driven DeliverOrchestratealignedInsightsbehaviouraldynamicsegmentationandpredictionstoyourmetricsandtestcampaignsomni-channelpersonalisation32541 superchargedHyper-personalisationbyAI Behavioural data is uniquely used to segment the LiSTNR audience, deliver personalised recommendations and hyper-personalise the product experience. Are you ready to harness the power of data in your personalisation strategy? Get in touch! sourse.co info@sourse.co Personalise your customer experience today
INTEGRATING IMPROVEMENTS 132 | APAC Outlook issue 57
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Helping improve businesses across the world, ISS is a key driver of technological, sustainable and people-centric change. We speak to Garry Parker, CCO Asia-Pacific at ISS APAC, about the company’s mission, values and initiatives in the
Writer:industryMarcus Kääpä | Project Manager: Kyle Livingstone
APAC Outlook issue 57 | 133 ISS APAC TECHNOLOGY
ISS is a leading workplace experience and integrated facilities services company, providing placemaking solutions that contribute to better business performance making its customers’ lives easier, more productive and enjoyable, while being delivered to high standards by people who care. Formed in 1901, ISS grew from a nightwatchman business into a multiservice and then integrated facility services company over its century-long history. Throughout that time, people have been at the heart of ISS, alongside the company’s passion for providing great service experiences to its customers.
According to Garry, every one of the nearly 200,000 ISS APAC employees in every customer facility is trained, equipped, motivated and working to high standards.
“They choose us because we create, manage and maintain environments that make life easier, more productive and enjoyable. Our people care about the people they support, always adding a human touch to create places that deliver and delight.”
his decade has already seen dramatic change in the way that we work. From technology to increased health and safety (especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic), the workplace has become a focal point of transformation and improvement for companies across the globe. Helping businesses achieve such improvements is ISS, with its numerous divisions spanning over 30 countries and more than 40,500 customers.
“We leverage our global presence to meet the demand from key account customers in need of workplace and facility service solutions across borders,” begins Garry Parker, CCO Asia-Pacific, ISS APAC. “We believe that people make places and places make people. From strategy through to operations, we partner with customers to deliver places that work, think and give.
Alongside these people-centric aspects of the workplace, ISS APAC ensures that it recognises the achievements and efforts of its staff and how they have impacted the company and its customers globally.
Diversity and inclusion are core principles at ISS, and are mirrored across its divisions, including ISS APAC. The company embraces and encourages this in its broadest terms, including ethnicity, race, age, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, language, cultural and educational background.
“We also prioritise the well-being of our people. We take all steps necessary to prevent accidents and injury arising out of, associated with, or occurring in the course of work. That includes the necessary training and equipment. In fact, safety is critical to our success – we want all our people to be happy and to return home safe and well every day.”
“Our diverse workforce is recognised as a key competitive advantage and a vital asset in our long-term sustainable business success,” Garry says. “Our inclusive culture empowers our people, and make us more creative, productive, and attractive as a workplace.
Regency Foods Australia
CARE AND RECOGNITION
At Regency Foods Australia we pride ourselves on our customer service and the ability to deliver product tailored to your individual needs. We take the time to understand how your business works, from the initial ordering process right through to the delivery of your goods. We understand that customers have individual needs, we will discuss these with you and identify the range and quality of product that best suits your menu and budget. We encourage feedback from our customers so that we can maintain and improve.
“As a global company with a heritage of fairness, equality and inclusion, we empower all of our people to deal with problems and opportunities when they arise. We see it as our job to help our customers achieve their purpose. Whether it’s hospitals healing patients, businesses boosting productivity, airports transferring passengers or manufacturing sites producing goods, we’re there to help. We know that when we get things right, it enhances lives and makes the world work better, and that is what drives us.”
sales@regencyfoods.com.au
“We recognise and celebrate our people’s successes,” Garry affirms.
“WE PARTNER WITH CUSTOMERS TO DELIVER PLACES THAT WORK, THINK AND GIVE” – GARRY PARKER, CCO ASIA-PACIFIC, ISS APAC 134 | APAC Outlook issue 57 ISS APAC TECHNOLOGY
“Working with customers day by day, side by side, we come to understand every aspect of the employee experience,” he continues. “We deploy data, insights and knowledge to develop innovative strategies and intelligent solutions to meet the intricate realities of service delivery. This helps us manage risk, reduce cost and ensure consistency.
Specialising in suppling quality meat and smallgoods to a range of mine site and offshore catering companies. Proudly a supply partner to ISS Facilitate Services T: +61 89494 7600 E: sales@regencyfoods.com.au 39 Jessie Lee St , Henderson WA, 6166 RH Trotter & Co is a wholesaler supplier of fresh produce supplying the food catering sector, focussing on the mining and shipping Weindustries.supply excellent-quality fruit and vegetables at competitive prices, while ensuring that yield rates are as high as possible. This is achieved through long established supply arrangements, and a just-in-time purchasing process for those highly perishable products. Our product range includes whole fresh fruit and vegetables, but we also supply produce that is fresh cut, peeled, and prepacked. Bradley Flint (Managing Director) | bradley@rhtrotter.com.au Phone: +61 08 9455 2533 | www.rhtrotter.com.au APAC Outlook issue 57 | 135 ISS APAC TECHNOLOGY
RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS ISS recognises its corporate responsibility to the planet, with a corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy representing a fundamental driver of the company’s ambition to make the world work better.
PEOPLE MAKE PLACES AND PLACES MAKE PEOPLE” – GARRY PARKER, CCO ASIA-PACIFIC, ISS APAC 136 | APAC Outlook issue 57
“Every day, we aim to make the world work better,” Garry tells us. “At ISS APAC, we have a great ambition to be the difference in the lives of our employees and customers. We help our people have a positive effect on the places they work and live in. “We contribute to sustainable development around three core competencies, including through our focus on five relevant United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We have reduced our electricity consumption and water consumption by nearly 35 percent from 2018 to 2020. In Indonesia, we have engaged with local communities in North Sumatra in transforming the mindset and behaviour of the community to create a clean environment. We run a Global Environmental Campaign every year to raise awareness across the organisation, and on top of this, we have the ISS Green Offices Programme designed to reduce
“WE BELIEVE THAT
“We have a special thing called an Apple Award, which is given throughout the year, with awards given at sites, on accounts, and at country level. This culminates once a year, when ISS is hosting its annual global leadership conference. Here, the official Apple Award is given to an employee, called a placemaker within ISS, that has gone above and beyond and been an outstanding representative for the corporate values.“Traditionally a global winner is announced at the Global Leadership Conference. We all share that success when they reach the stage because it is a testimony to the fact that we can only be successful if we work together as one ISS, constantly learning from each other and thereby improving the service delivery towards our customers.”
VISION AND MISSION ISS has developed its Environmental Sustainability Landscape to illustrate the direction and concepts that will empower the company’s journey to net zero, and that will ensure that ISS establishes sustainability as a differentiator.
ONEISS ISS APAC undertakes all activities while embodying these key practices of ISS as a whole. These are essential for the company to deliver a consistent service performance and fulfil the company’s brand promise.
sustainability has strong potential to be a key differentiator for ISS, and it can be packaged and promoted as part of ISS´ value points and key customer propositions. However, ISS has just begun - it is a continuous journey to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions, one where ISS recognises the need to combine efforts and scale and, where it can, to enhance the company’s positive impact and potential.
“Our values represent our behaviours - how we act as managers, as colleagues, and as partners to our customers. They are fundamental to who we are and everything we do and help us act as one company, one brand, one culture,” Garry explains. “Our overall aim is to connect people and GREEN BUSINESS Sustainability, including environmental sustainability, builds brand trust, enhances efficiencies, and can improve margins and revenue. It is not just related to governance and reporting but can also be a way to make processes more Environmentalefficient.
ISS’ vision (and ambition) is to be recognised among the best environmental leaders and a catalyst of change in the industry. ISS is striving to become the partner of choice for businesses and customers who require support with their own sustainability efforts, ambitions, and transformations, by creating significant, measurable value for its business, customers and society as a whole.
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the impact of our own ISS offices and daily work practices on the environment.”Withinthisrealm of CSR, ISS APAC takes great pride, responsibility and the opportunity to change the lives of its employees in the years that they spend at the “Educationcompany.istheenabler of that change, which is why we offer world class training to every one of our over 370,000 employees - we call our commitment ISS Journeys,” Garry continues. “Before 2025, all employees will be offered training to upgrade their languages, internet and computer skills, because we want every one of our employees to grow during the time they spend at ISS APAC.“Inan organisation of over 370,000 people, we have nearly a 50 percent female to male workforce. In Spain, over 5.5 percent of our employees of 30,633 people are people with disabilities with an aim to increase this to 6.1 percent by 2023. In Hong Kong, we partner with secondary schools and various organisationsnon-governmental(NGOs)tolaunch a project named SHINE@ISS to provide trainings, career opportunities and buddy support for youth with Special Educational Needs (SEN). At ISS Denmark, over 50 percent of our employees have another ethnic background than Danish.”
“At the same time as providing placemaking solutions that contribute to better business performance, we are continually strengthening our value proposition with better products and services that meet the changing needs of our customers through technology, innovation, operations performance and global partnerships.”Thistechnological and innovative side of business is a core facet of ISS APAC’s provision of services for its customers as well as itself. “2021 was a year of fundamental change for ISS. We made significant progress strategically, financially and operationally,” Garry elaborates. “As a result of our turnaround initiatives, the execution of our OneISS strategy – sharpening our focus on key business segments and accelerating technology investments - and a great effort by our more than 370,000 place makers worldwide, we delivered a full-year result in line with our financial“Financialguidance.results were in line with expectations. Organic growth in 2021 was two percent compared to -6.6 percent in 2020. The improvement was supported by solid demand for both portfolio and above-base services in the fourth quarter of 2021. All regions, except for the Americas, reported positive organic growth in 2021, supported by COVID-19-related projects and above-base work as well as initial portfolio recovery, as tight COVID-19 restrictions were eased across Europe towards the end of the year.”
MOVING AHEAD According to Garry, the execution of the OneISS strategy continues to develop as planned. Key milestones were achieved during 2021, and the foundation for the future execution of the operating model has been established. ISS is now turning to the next phase of the strategy execution
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places to make the world work better.
“The divestment programme is nearing completion. With the divestment of ISS Russia and ISS Portugal, only Brunei is still up for sale. The expected total divestment proceeds of DKK two billion is
“The commercial momentum has strengthened throughout 2021 and the pipeline is improving. The two largest contracts due to expire in 2022 have been successfully extended,” he elaborates. “A new IT and digitalisation strategy and organisation have been introduced with the first early deliverables and applications introduced in the market. With the strategy, ISS will develop high quality digital solutions for customers and employees, build scalable and secure cloud-based technology platforms, and run stable IT operations and services.
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ISS APAC Tel: +65 6227 globalwastefood,reductiongasreachofhasunchanged,https://www.issworld.com/sales.marketing@sg.issworld.com9711ofwhichDKK1.8billionbeensignedorcompleted.Ontopthis,ISS,andISSAPAC,commitstofull-scopenet-zerogreenhouseemissionsby2040,includingtheofourCO2footprintfromhalvingtheamountoffoodby2027,andelectrifyingthefleet.”ISS – AT A GLANCE INDUSTRIES: • Aviation • Banking • Healthcare • Life sciences • Manufacturing • Tech SERVICES: • Cleaning • Capital Projects • Food • Security • Support • Technical • Workplace • All services and industries • Reopening places • COVID-19 solutions with five updated strategic priorities.
specialising in transforming hotels, workplaces and homes through technology. We
General
– Commercial,
Legrand Australia is a one-stop shop speak to Tosh Bourke, Manager about the
company’s smart systems, industry expertise and green vision for the future Writer: Marcus Kääpä | Project Manager: Ryan SYSTEMSSUSTAINABLESIMPLE,SMART,Gray LEGRAND AUSTRALIA TECHNOLOGY 140 | APAC Outlook issue 57
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It’s an exciting time in a segment that’s growing at a rapid rate, driven by consumer demand and acceptance.
Connected devices have seen significant growth and usage within Australia and New Zealand in recent years. In Australia alone, each home currently has on average 21 connected devices, and within the next three years growth is expected to exceed 60 percent with an estimated 34 connected devices per home by 2025.”Thewords of Tosh Bourke, General Manager - Commercial at Legrand Australia (Legrand), provide insight into the current growth of the technology market in Australia. Amid the rise in the everyday pieces of tech we use – mobile phones, laptops, games consoles, PCs – there is the simultaneous growth of smart systems for buildings such as those for the workplace and home. A prime example of this is smart speakers. According to Bourke, a major increase in connected devices comes from smart speakers, which are currently used in multiple units throughout the house by an estimated three million Australian homes. It is the smart systems market where LegrandLegrandthrives.combines technical expertise, high quality smart systems and products with a professional service that operates as a one-stop shop for customers, allowing the company to answer the rising
SINCE 1886, LAWRENCE & HANSON HAS BECOME AUSTRALIA’S MOST RECOGNISED ELECTRICAL WHOLESALER SUPPLYING QUALITY PRODUCTS TO CUSTOMERS ACROSS MULTIPLE MARKET SECTORS INCLUDING RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND DEFENCE. KEY MARKETS: MININGINDUSTRYUTILITIESDEFENCE INFRASTRUCTURE
OUR CAPABILITIES: • Electrical, industrial and safety equipment • Specialised teams across renewable energy, project lighting and data • Customised supply chain solutions • Vending, Vendor Managed Inventory and Integrated Supply solutions • National fixed price solutions • National stock availability footprint OUR DIFFERENTIATORS: • Lawrence & Hanson are part of Sonepar, the world’s largest electrical distribution group providing Australian customers local knowledge, National coverage and global support from over 2,800 branches with 45,000 staff • Over 135 years servicing the Australian electrical market • 160 Branches Nationally covering metropolitan and regional areas • Key account managers supported by 1,200 electrical experts • Industry leading IT systems, cyber-security protection and reporting capabilities • Sustainability promise to accelerate the market adoption of clean energy solutions QUALITY MEMBERSHIPSAPPROVALS,&AFFILIATIONS: FOOD BEVERAGE&HEALTHCARE MANUFACTURINGINFRASTRUCTURE ECONTACT:contracts@lh.com.au T (03) 9243 3555 W www.lh.com.au
“In 2007, Legrand acquired HPM to bolster its position in the APAC region which was the start of my career with the global leader in the electrical and building infrastructure market.
Ritz Carlton, Perth
Legrand has over 400 staff across Australia and New Zealand with head offices and manufacturing plants in Sydney and Auckland, sales offices in each state, along with multiple distribution centres.
“Legrand’s strength in connected devices and its wide range of products have come from our ongoing commitment to reinvest significant revenue back into R&D each year. This ties in with Legrand’s purpose to improve lives by transforming spaces where people live, work and meet, with electrical and digital infrastructures and connected solutions that are simple, innovative and sustainable.”
PROJECT EXPERTISE
HPM was a family-owned leading manufacturer in the Australian and New Zealand electrical market with manufacturing and distribution across both countries.
“Throughout my time with Legrand and HPM, I’ve been lucky to work in numerous roles including Area Manager, Customer Service Technical Team Leader, Sales Manager, Account Manager, Commercial Manager and my current role General Manager- Commercial.”
demand from clients across Australia and New Zealand.
Legrand’s smart systems and improvements are best showcased by Legrand’s many successful projects.
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The Crown Towers Sydney, a luxury hotel, casino and residential resort overlooking the water in the city’s harbourside of Barangaroo, has made use of many products and services provided by Legrand, transforming the way people experience the building.“Crown Towers Sydney is quite an iconic building. It really stands out on the city skyline, you can’t miss it,” Bourke tells us. “We have a wide variety of products within the site, from emergency lighting systems, custom-made products and a wide variety of wiring devices.
The company has numerous brands including Legrand, Bticino, Cablofil, CP Electronics, HPM, Netatmo, Raritan, Sanus, Server Technology, Starline and Trical amongst others. These brands cover a wide range of products including wiring devices, emergency lighting, cable management, data solutions, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, power distribution products, door entry and automation systems to name a handful.
TOSH BOURKE, GENERAL MANAGER - COMMERCIAL:
“I started my career as an electrician working as a Project Manager after finishing my apprenticeship. This gave me a strong insight into the needs of installers, builders, developers and consumers that’s helped me throughout my career since moving to the supply side of the “Iindustry.started as an Area Manager with HPM, the lighting and electrical supplies specialist, upon deciding to make the move in my career from being an installer.
“With the growth of smart speakers, the desire to increase connected devices in homes has expanded, rapidly increasing our exposure and footprint in this segment. Legrand’s global revenue in residential and commercial connected devices now exceeds $1 billion annually,” Bourke tells us.
“Part of the Legrand Galaxy emergency lighting system installed included designing specialised exit signs with interactive signalling that integrate with the central fire alarm system. Highlighting which direction people should or shouldn’t evacuate in case of an emergency was a very important part of building safety, to lead people swiftly and safely to exit points throughout the building. It was quite a unique process and we worked closely with all key stakeholders from the developers through to the fire engineers on the site. This really highlights our capabilities in R&D and manufacturing locally and showcases how we can cater for projects with specificBeyondrequirements.”safety,theCrown Sydney project made use of a wide variety of different products provided by Legrand, including energy management sensors to enhance energy efficiency throughout the building.“Thisis a critical aspect for our clients,” Bourke affirms. “There is a huge focus and need to reduce energy consumption and the impact that this has on the environment which we are heavily focused on as a business. Alongside this we provided our clients with cable management, APAC OUTLOOK: CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR CAREER TO DATE?
Crown Towers Sydney
“Both the Crown Sydney and the Ritz Carlton showcase Legrand’s ability to meet our clients’ needs, and we are very proud of both projects.
On top of these, we have provided similar solutions across thousands of different projects across Australia and New Zealand utilising our vast range of products. Whether we are working with hotels, casinos, universities, hospitals, prisons, commercial or residential high-rise buildings, the most important aspect of our work is to support our customers with a wide range of products and ensure that our solutions meet their desires.”
Customer experience (CX) is a key focus for Legrand. This begins at the product development stage, ensuring high quality products that are user friendly for both the installer and end user, while being supported by expertise that the company provides.
“We work with a broad range of customers in the building industry chain including investors, developers, engineers, architects, builders, installers, and distribution partners along with other key decision makers, each of which has different support needs. It’s critical that we continue to focus on how we can fulfil those needs to make working with Legrand a positive experience,” Bourke says. Legrand is proud of creating manufacturing roles locally Legrand employs 2,000 R&D engineers, with 30 in Australia aloneLegrand’s manufacturing facility in Prestons, NSW Legrand factory
CUSTOMER FIRST Another prime example of Legrand’s professionalism is the Ritz Carlton luxury hotel based in Perth. Similar to Crown Sydney, the Ritz Carlton project involved a wide variety of different products from emergency lighting to wiring devices, but also the incorporation of main switchboards and distribution boards throughout the“Abuilding.keypart of our business is our overall capability, and this is how we stand out against the competition,” Bourke explains. “Our breadth of products and range of solutions provide our clients with a one-stop shop for their needs, no matter the type or size of a project.
Emergency lighting manufactured and tested in Sydney AUSTRALIALEGRAND SERVICES AT A GLANCE • Wiring Devices • Emergency lighting • Intercoms and doorbells • Smart home solutions • Energy distribution and management • Electric Vehicle Chargers • Data communications • Cable management • Ventilation • Electrical accessories 146 | APAC Outlook issue 57
smoke detectors, wiring devices in multiple styles, colours and finishes to cater to different areas of the building and the different level and standards of the rooms involved.”
“Digitalisation plays a big part in our focus on CX, and to support this ongoing improvement initiative we’ve just completed a multimillion-dollar ERP (enterprise resource planning) upgrade. This will help us continue to improve our services to our customers and further strengthens our security, since this is a critical requirement in today’s world.”
LEGRAND AUSTRALIA Tel: 1300 369 www.legrand.com.au777 One of the company’s many CSR initiatives, Elle@Legrand designed to empower female employees
The company has ambitious targets in place in its current roadmap which it is committed to achieving after meeting and exceeding its previous three-year roadmap that finished last year.
“With our strong CSR initiatives, energy efficiency continues to be a key segment we are heavily focused on. Some 40 percent of global CO2 emissions result from the use of energy in buildings,” Bourke tells us.
All the while, Legrand is focused on responsible growth, and in order to limit its environment impact, the company has made reducing its carbon footprint a priority and is stepping up efforts to develop the circular economy. It is also committed to promoting diversity and inclusion while pursuing its day-to-day actions as a responsible business towards all stakeholders.Thesecommitments are the four pillars of Legrand’s CSR programme.
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Palash Nandy CEO ANZ featured with his Executive team and Regional Management
A SMARTER FUTURE When it comes to improving its services, Legrand makes use of its local and global R&D teams that define the future of the company’s products. Legrand’s Australian New Zealand R&D and Compliance team consists of 30 staff who collaboratively work with Legrand R&D teams across the globe, utilising the strengths of each team’s expertise.“Locally we support all technical aspects for products sold by Legrand in Australia and New Zealand. For example, we’re still proudly designing and manufacturing two of our main product segments – wiring devices and emergency lighting - in our facili ties in Sydney along with thousands of other products across multiple prod uct ranges,” Bourke continues. “Globally we have over 2,000 R&D engineers, with around 200 of these working on our connected devices with a key focus to design user friendly products that are easy to install and use, while offering unique functions to differentiate ourselves from other products in the market.”
By addressing the challenges facing the world, including the climate emergency, Legrand is taking concrete action every day to shape a more sustainable future for generations to come.
“Reducing this consumption is therefore a key priority in our efforts to combat climate change. Legrand has long offered its customers energy efficiency solutions to help them limit their energy use and reduce their bills. Now, with the climate emergency gathering pace and energy prices soaring, Legrand plans to accelerate the development of these solutions and other products to complement this including electric vehicle chargers.”
INTERLINKINGsector. THE ISLAND CHAIN VODAFONE VANUATU TECHNOLOGY
In the face of challenging geography, Vodafone Vanuatu strives to interconnect the country’s population with the latest digital services. We speak to CEO Tangavel Lutchmoodoo about bridging the divide in broadband connectivity across the islands
“Being a country with large surface area, numerous islands and a very small population, Vanuatu is host to multiple challenges,” begins Tangavel Lutchmoodoo, CEO of Vodafone Vanuatu. “Firstly, it is very difficult and extremely costly to ensure that 100 percent of the population receives broadband connectivity and coverage. Despite this, we have been working closely with government authorities to improve the coverage year on year through universal access policy coverage. At Vodafone Vanuatu, we are very happy with our achievements and contributions to ensure that people have access to broadband services so“Infar.addition to this primary challenge, the Vanuatu border was closed for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and even though the economy was struggling, Vodafone Vanuatu ensured that its operations were not negatively impacted. Most importantly, we managed to retain all of our employees throughout this trying period.”
Writer: Marcus Kääpä | Project Manager: Josh Hyland Vanuatu is a cluster of tropical islands blessed with abundant wildlife, lush rainforests, mountains, valleys and stunning coastlines, and in many ways regarded as a paradise for those who make the islands their permanent residence.Butthere is a caveat to the varied natural beauty of the country; Vanuatu’s geography and dispersed population leads to its own host of challenges when it comes to countrywide infrastructure development, be it road networks or electricity. On top of this, interconnecting the country and the wider world through digital means and communications is an equally monumental task.
Now that the borders are once again open, optimism has returned to Vanuatu, and the company is looking towards growth opportunities in all industries of the economy, including the IT
www.tcl.com
CONNECTING VANUATU Today, Vodafone Vanuatu is 100 percent owned by internetareasbusinessnetworkonlysuchgoals.ourmakeboard“Withcompanies,”coveragecustomers,toVanuatu,theSamoaFijisubsidiariesaTelecommunicationsAmalgamatedHoldings(ATH),companythatownsallVodafoneacrossthePacificfromandPapuaNewGuinea(PNG)toandtheCookIslands.VodafoneVanuatuitselfoperateslargest4Gnetworkacrossofferingmobiledataservicesover50percentofthemobileandhasapopulationofover80percent.“ATHisagreatgroupofLutchmoodoosays.thevisionandsupportofourmembers,wewereabletoahugeinvestmenttoimplementstrategyandachieveourbusinessIamveryfortunatetobepartofdynamicgroup.“VodafoneVanuatuisalsotheoperatorwithanextensivefibrecoverageinthecentraldistrictandresidentialinPortVila.Weofferfibresolutionstoover60percent
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Vodafone Vanuatu is also the fourth largest employer in the country, with over 90 percent of positions in the company being held by locals, as well as a substantial female presence in the workforce.“Weoperate in the main islands in Vanuatu, Efate, Santo, Malekula and Tanna where we have outlets in these islands. We have a strong distribution ecosystem, having over 2,000 retailers and partners across the country,” Lutchmoodoo adds.
of businesses in urban areas and individual homes, and we have complementary technologies like satellite and radio in areas that include schools, clinics, and in agricultural and rural areas.
Vodafone Vanuatu aims to continue closing the digital gap across the country with a world class network and solutions.”
BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE For Lutchmoodoo, the communications and broadband space has given rise to a new normal that has changed consumer dynamics drastically, and it is Vodafone Vanuatu’s duty to step up and ensure that its solutions are catered to its consumers’ needs in this everchanging period.
“Digital solutions are one of our main aims when it comes to improving customer journeys, customer reach and customer lives,” Lutchmoodoo tells us. “We launched the M-Vatu app, our mobile money service, in 2019. This is a replica of the popular “VODAFONE VANUATU IS VERY HAPPY TO BE PART OF THE DRIVERS OF FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN THE COUNTRY” – TANGAVEL LUTCHMOODOO, CEO, VODAFONE VANUATU
OUR 5G FUTURE TCL has been a pioneer in the 5G field and the company fully developed 5G R&D as early as 2015 as well as actively participated in standard customization. It was the first company to implement the pre-5G end-to-end solution demonstration at MWC 2019. In 2020, TCL Communication launched its new line-up of TCL 10 Series smartphones, including the company’s first 5G phone, TCL 10 5G. In 2021, TCL Communication revealed its 20 Series smartphones line-up, including the 5G flagship model, TCL 20 Pro 5G, as well as the TCL 20 R 5G. The 5G smartphones demonstrate our commitment to 5G For All, where the technology’s potential is unleashed to multiple mobile categories for more consumers to benefit. In 2022, TCL Communication has released its TCL 30 series lineup, including three 5G phones: TCL 30 XE 5G, TCL 30 V 5G, TCL 30 5G. It further shows TCL’s determination to bring a more affordable and accessible 5G world for all.
ABOUT TCL COMMUNICATION
Through the unique multi-brand approach, TCL Communication is able to provide innovative products and services to customers around the world. Each brand has a distinct identity, allowing TCL Communication to offer a comprehensive device portfolio to meet the needs of all consumers.
TCL Communication received a Gold Rating from the EcoVadis Business Sustainability Ratings in 2017 and a Silver Rating in 2021. The company has also received the outstanding products & services award in 2021 from Vodafone. In addition, TCL received an award from the Joint Audit Cooperation (JAC) in 2018 and 2019. Those organizations recognized that TCL Communication had best-in-class environment, labor, fair business, and sustainable procurements practices. More information is available on: www.tcl.com/global/en/mobile-devices-list.html
OUR AI x IoT STRATEGY
TCL’s AI x IoT strategy focuses on helping users start their journey toward a smarter home and life. It merges hardware, software, connectivity and fusion into comprehensive solutions that help users create smart, convenient, secure and environmentally responsible TCLlives.has established a comprehensive End, Edge and Cloud IoT ecosystem of devices. The ecosystem works with the world’s top cloud services to provide connection and convenience that serve users’ needs anytime, anywhere using their smart phones and TVs as central hubs of control. The corporate will continue expanding its smart home offerings with enhanced infrastructure and more comprehensive services, continually building superior products and service experience for users around the world.
“Through partnerships with more than 80 carriers in 160 countries, TCL is delivering on its mission to provide lightning fast, reliable and affordable yet powerful 5G for everyone to enjoy a smarter home and life,” said Aaron Zhang, Chief Executive Officer at TCL Communication. “As our 5G portfolio grows with the TCL 30 series and the LINKHUB 5G, your favorite experience will be matched with top-notch connectivity, rich design, and competitive pricing to improve the connected experience for users around the world.”
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
TCL Communication adheres to the concept of sustainable development, focusing on issues including environmental protection, employment promotion, protection of employees’ rights and interests, health and safety, fair operation, consumer relations, and community participation and development.
TCL Communication is the first global multi-brand mobile company, manufacturing a comprehensive portfolio of devices, including smartphones, feature phones, tablets, wearables, mobile broadband devices and connected home products. The company’s devices are sold in more than 160 countries across North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.
M-Pesa app launched by Vodafone in other countries in Africa and Europe, with over 28 million users across the globe. M-Vatu has become a financial solution for our consumers, especially for people that live in remote areas of Vanuatu.“Weoffer remittance for international and domestic transactions, and we were the first to introduce QR code payment in the country through the M-Vatu app. We have partnered with utility service providers, schools, businesses and supermarkets for our customers to be able to pay for their bills, goods, and services through a simple tap on their phones. Vodafone Vanuatu is very happy to be part of the drivers of financial inclusion in the country. Access to banking facilities was limited as there are only a few branches on the islands. This new, innovative, and convenient payment system has been facilitating trade, money transfer, and bill payments for the people all across the islands.” Bridging the digital divide present in the country is one of the top priorities for Vodafone Vanuatu. Serving around 80 islands, the development of each area is critical to the whole and the people that make upAccordingVanuatu. to Lutchmoodoo, the most important collaboration was with the national government, “VODAFONE VANUATU
AIMS TO CONTINUE CLOSING THE DIGITAL GAP ACROSS THE COUNTRY WITH A WORLD CLASS NETWORK
CEO,–SOLUTIONS”ANDTANGAVELLUTCHMOODOO,VODAFONEVANUATU
the remote locations of mobile towers have proved to be a challenge in themselves.“Thefocus now is the delivery of high-quality services to our customers and more innovations for their benefit. In terms of innovation, we are looking forward to bringing top quality content through TV services. For the next three years, we are aiming to see our mobile money services as the product that will contribute to financial inclusion for all the citizens of Vanuatu.” alongside which Vodafone Vanuatu developed the Universal Access Policy“The(UAP).objective of the UAP was to ensure 98 percent of the population receives broadband access,” Lutchmoodoo elaborates. “Every year, we have identified areas and plan for a number of 3G or 4G mobile sites. We still have few unserved areas at the moment, and we hope to fully bridge the gap by “Another2024.important milestone with regards to providing digital solutions to these areas, was the introduction of satellite services in Vanuatu. Our partnership with Kacific has enabled us to provide broadband connectivity to around 200 schools, local councils, cooperatives, and health centres at a very affordable rate despite the fact that satellite connectivity is very expensive. Finally, Vodafone Vanuatu has been working closely with the telecom regulator to ensure the affordability of our digital solutions. This is critical for all the different institutions to adopt new digital solutions.”
Tel: +678 www.vodafone.com.vubusiness@vodafone.com.vu7781111
APAC OUTLOOK: CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR STAFF SUPPORT AND TangavelINITIATIVES?UPSKILLINGLutchmoodoo,
CUSTOMER FIRST Moving ahead into the company’s future, Vodafone Vanuatu is currently assessing the launch of 5G in Vanuatu. The aim is to understand the task ahead and work alongside the regulator to build a regulatory framework for the time when 4G will be“Asobsolete.wemove forward to the end of this year and the next, our number one priority will remain quality customer experience and excellence,” Lutchmoodoo says. “This is the area where we will drive to stand out.
APAC Outlook issue 57 | 155 VODAFONE VANUATU TECHNOLOGY
VODAFONE VANUATU
For years, we have been working on network expansion to ensure that our 4G broadband network will reach the maximum population possible. Recently, the investment was mainly to improve network resilience and service availability, as
CEO: “We are a technology company, but Vodafone Vanuatu considers its staff as a major asset. We put a lot of emphasis on customer experience (CX). Unfortunately, due to recent pandemic restrictions, our team were not able to travel. “Now with borders opening, we are looking forward to starting our programme which consists of training and upskilling of local talent. We are also looking to have a talent sharing programme with other ATH subsidiaries in the regions which will mutually benefit such subsidiaries.”
AGILE Abbot Point Team SYNC LIFT ENGINEERING MINING 156 | APAC Outlook issue 57
Our catchphrase is “Replace Limitations with Innovation.”
The opening words of Brian Lynch, Director and General Manager at Sync Lift Engineering (Sync Lift) evoke the spirit of dynamism and agility that lies at the core of the Australian service provider.
“We decided to form the company because we saw an opening in the market for more niche-based, personalised services beyond what the Tier One companies had been providing,” he explains. Collectively, the three directors bring a wealth of industry expertise and significant experience across varying fields. Lynch himself has spent over 22 years working in mining maintenance and shutdowns, with a background amongst many of the major players of the industry in Queensland, Australia. It was during Lynch’s time oversee ing the major projects division at UGL Operations and Maintenance Services that he and Richards first crossed paths, eventually leading to Sync Lift’s inception. Although still a relatively young business, the three direc tors maintain a hands-on approach ensuring the efficient completion of all projects and undertakings. Sync Lift Engineering is a market leader in innovation.
Joining Lynch is Marc Richards, Director and Operations Manager. Lynch and Richards founded the company in 2017, along with fellow Director Brad Klease, after identifying a gap in the industry.
Writer: Phoebe Harper | Project Manager: Thomas
Providing the number one solution for diverse project needs, we find out more from two of the company’s three Directors
“We’re very nimble, agile, and innovative in our thinking. We love a challenge and having to think outside the square and challenge the status quo, to come up with new solutions to make the job a whole lot safer and more efficient,” Lynch continues.
SOLUTIONArnoldTHE
APAC Outlook issue 57 | 157
“We serve the needs of many sectors – mining, ports, and industrial around Queensland and into New South Wales, and soon to embark over into Western Australia,” says Lynch.Although the Queensland coal mining industry is the bread and butter of the business, Sync Lift ensures the company’s sustainability by spreading its reach far and wide to alumina, mineral processing, and oil andAdditionally,gas.
“One of our best-received traits is that the three people who own the business are still very much in the trenches working in the business and with our people and our clients as well,” shares Richards.
Hitachi EX5500 Bucket Overhaul
(Workshop) 158 | APAC Outlook issue 57
Brian GeneralLynch,Manager
DELIVERING DIVERSITY Sync Lift’s headquarters are situated in Gladstone, Queensland, where they operate their Mechanical Overhaul and Fabrication business unit.
Sync Lift is involved in port infrastructure and maintaining the assets involved in loading commodities for shipping, from inloading facilities, stacker reclaimers
Alongside this division, Sync Lift’s services are split into several busi ness units, including Labour Hire and Recruitment, Specialised Lifting Services, and the mainstay of the busi ness – Field Services and Shutdowns.
Marc OperationsRichards,Manager Brad SeniorKlease,Project Engineer
The Specialised Lifting Services division is Sync Lift’s most recent addition to its varied portfolio and has been supported by significant investment into major assets and innovative products, such as Hydraulically Jack Electric Rope Shovels and Hydraulic Excavators.
CAT 7495 Shovel De-deck
Tel: (07) 4837 www.synclift.com.auenquiries@synclift.com.au7030
“We’re able to react extremely swiftly to support people in breakdown situations,” he adds. “We love problems, and being able to provide the Throughoutsolutions.”anyundertaking in such high-risk environments, the business maintains an uncompromising standpoint on safety. As Lynch attests, “safety is our number one priority.
KEY PROJECTS
and surge bins to ship loaders, complementing its work in mining and industrialIndeed,assets.across Queensland’s eastern seaboard, Sync Lift offers a complete service solution, from pit to port.
“We are currently delivering the second portion of two back-to-back projects for a client at a coal terminal. Both are complex projects where we support and unload pivot points to install upgraded components and increase the availability of their assets,” explains “WeLynch.also have a P&H 4100 rope shovel de-decked with one of our specialist hydraulic jacking systems to enable the removal of the carbody assembly. In addition to both these projects, we also have a BE 1350 Dragline supported with the tub removed, completing extensive structural upgrades and overhauls for that machine to increase its operating life for one of our key clients,” adds Richards.Elsewhere, the Gladstone Mechanical Overhaul and Fabrication business unit continues to undertake complex fabrication projects, including the manufacture of a new bucket wheel for a reclaimer at a port facility in Queensland. In parallel, this business unit also continues extensive maintenance support work at Boyne Smelters Limited, which is one of the largest alumina manufacturing facilities in the world.
FUTURE AMBITIONS
In line with this, the company will continue to bolster its Field Services Division.“We’re effectively building a field services team that’s more aligned to providing preventative maintenance for our clients’ assets in the local area rather than just focusing on shut downs,” Richards elaborates.
“If we deliver our projects in full, on time, and safely, the commercial results follow.”
Encapsulating the diversity of Sync Lift’s service offering, the team highlight a series of projects running in parallel that attest to its strengths in varying fields across fixed and mobile plants.
Looking to the years ahead, Sync Lift’s future will be fuelled by its overarching priority of delivering projects, safely, on time and in full.
“For such a young business, we’ve invested quite heavily upfront. We have a very large spectrum of tooling and equipment to support what we do,” Richards observes. Despite the breadth of its solutions, Sync Lift prides itself on its rapid ability to react and respond to a customer’s needs.
Bucyrus Erie 1370 Dragline ShutdownBoom Removal and Replacement Coal Handling Plant Screen Replacement Stacker Reclaimer Bucketwheel Boom Pivots ReplacementStacker Reclaimer Slew Bearing Replacement APAC Outlook issue 57 | 159 SYNC LIFT ENGINEERING MINING
“We will also continue to think innovatively, both technically and commercially, acting as a market leader in innovation,” states Lynch.
In all future endeavours, the personalisation, agility and safety behind Sync Lift’s service offering will continue to make all the difference to the client experience.
“Our clients know they’re going to get high attention to detail and a focus on delivering safe and qualitative successful projects. They love the fact that we’re able to react and make decisions when required. We’re not a big cumbersome unit that requires multiple levels of approval.
“We’re there to meet their needs and we can do that swiftly whilst focusing on safety and quality.”
Offering a vital service across Papua New Guinea, Water PNG provides safe drinking water and sanitation assistance to increase the quality of life. Manager of Programs and Business Development, Kila Gare, unpacks the details of this life-changing mission Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Jordan ININNOVATIONLeveyHYDRATION
For WPNG, ‘connect, inform, educate’ is not just a tag line, but the road map that the company follows each day to motivate the global pump industry, drive thought leadership, and create future leaders in the industry. The company creates connections for pump professionals
APAC Outlook issue 57 | 161 WATER PNG ENERGY & UTILITIES
Water is a catalyst for economic development in any town, city or village inhabited by Water is a catalyst for economic development in any town, city or village inhabited by people. Water is life, and people need water to live. Safe drinking water reduces water-related or borne diseases and helps to produce a healthy working population.WaterPNG (WPNG) offers the safest possible drinking water and treats wastewater, using facilities built from hands-on experience in the industry over the last 30 years. Beyond water and sanitation supply, WPNG has the ability to design, install, maintain, and in specific cases, operate premium water supply and wastewater treatment systems across the nation of Papua New Guinea (PNG).Asof last year, PNG’s total pop ulation is estimated at 9.2 million according to data reported by the United Nations (UN). As recently as 2020, access to water was only at 40 percent, and proper sanitation at just 20 percent across the country. However, WPNG, who works exclu sively in urban areas, has helped boost water coverage to around 90 percent and sanitation up to 70 percent.
WASH POLICY TARGETS: In rural areas, 70 percent of the population will have access to safe, convenient and sustainable water supply. In urban areas, 95 percent of the population will have access to a safe, convenient and sustainable water supply.
SANITATION In rural areas, 70 percent of the population will have access to safe, convenient and sustainable sanitation facilities, 85 percent for urban areas.
A
SDG TARGETS: By 2030, to achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
REWARDING YET CHALLENGING INDUSTRY
After graduating from the University of PNG in 1999, with a bachelor’s degree in economics, and then going on to spend eight years in the petroleum industry, Kila Gare, Manager of Programs and Business Development for WPNG, found her way to the company in 2012.
WPNG MISSION STATEMENT VISION: To be the leading state-owned-entity that is prudently managed, and which seeks optimised, effective, innovative and sustainable ways to provide safe, reliable and affordable water supply and sanitation services to Papua New Guineans.
“Despite having previously dealt with fluids such as crude oil, with water it is another type of feeling altogether that motivates you to work harder and smarter. The challenges that come with development and providing access to proper water supply and sanitation systems are huge, and I have come to appreciate the value of pota ble drinking water, which is accessible to only a very small portion of PNG’s population,” opens Gare.
100 percent of educational institution and medical/health centres will have access to safe, convenient and sustainable water supply.
100 percent of educational institution and medical/health centres will have access to safe, convenient and sustainable sanitation facilities.
“My interest and passion in the water supply industry grew immensely because you gain great satisfaction when people who had never previously had access to
by providing a platform for people to share their knowledge and experience.
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MISSION: WPNG’s plans are aligned with the government’s overarching infrastructure development targets and sectoral policies so that by 2030, WPNG will have developed water supply and sanitation systems to 30 additional towns.
HYGIENE 100 percent of educational institutions and medical/health centres have hand washing facilities with running water and soap. 100 percent of households have access to an improved water supply and sanitation practices.
Lohberger Engineering has an experienced and able team of technicians across multiple disciplines that are able to solve any problem. We have an expert team of Mechanics and Electricians who specialise in marine engines, heavy equipment and pumps and generators of all sizes. Our huge warehouse carries spare parts for most models of machinery and our fabrication workshop can custom design and produce parts as needed. Lohberger Place, Frangipani Street, Hohola | Port Moresby, NCD | Papua New Guinea 121 | T +675 311 3552 | info@lohberger.com.pg | www.lohberger.com.pg ITT Flygt Pumps | Grundfos Pumps | Onga Pumps | Thomson Kelly & Lewis Pumps | Tsurumi Pumps | Everflow Pumps | Caprari Pumps We supply RHINO Tanks from sizes ranging from 30kl to 1.5 mega liters or more. T +675 982 9242 | M + 675 7039 6510 | jd.nbdrillers@gmail.com | www.newbritaindrillers.com Established in 1997, New Britain Drillers have maintained the title of PNG’s premier water drilling contractor through their expertise, equipment and ability to deliver service on time in the most difficult Beingconditions.theonly licensed drilling contractor in PNG able to complete work to the Australian standard, NBD have worked together with WPNGL for more than 2 decades helping to deliver vital services of potable water distribution throughout Papua New Guinea. Based in Kokopo ENBP we have a large complex consisting of office, workshop and general storage area where we run our drilling operations. Also supplying and installing a wide range of submersible pumps and motors and a licensed bore servicing division for cleaning and descaling of biofauling and contaminants. Niugini Islands Insurance Brokers We’ll go to great heights to give you what you need. And we’ll cover you... FOR PROPERTY INSURANCE FOR FINANCIAL RISKS FOR CONSTRUCTION INSURANCE FOR PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE FOR ACCIDENT, HEALTH & LIFE INSURANCE FOR MARINE INSURANCE FOR AVIATION INSURANCE Your insurance risk is our Business Contact us for a quote: T +675 321 0033 F +675 321 www.ngiibrokers.com0077 Dedicated to offering insurance products through its insurer network quality insurance protection with value pricing. APAC Outlook issue 57 | 163 WATER PNG ENERGY & UTILITIES
BENEFITTING COMMUNITIESURBAN
Gare believes that water supply remains an exciting industry to work in, partly due to the challenges, but also because of the opportunity to catch up with the rest of the world in terms of technology, workmanship, and land issues faced in PNG. The state owns three percent of the land throughout the nation while the rest is customary, meaning it belongs to tribes, clans, and other forms of communal ownership, which often poses problems that can delay project implementation.“Thechallenges are real and that makes it more interesting. We must come up with innovative ideas, stra tegic plans and actions, funding and more importantly expertise, in order to rapidly develop water supply and sani tation systems in provincial and district towns around PNG,” he adds. “The water supply and sanitation industry, which work hand in hand together have been given prominence since 2010, when PNG lagged behind in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, in relation to access to water and sanitation levels.”
potable water celebrate with joy, smiles on their faces and less burden. Especially ladies and girls who have to carry buckets or containers of water from kilometres away every single day of their lives.”
WPNG’s main products and services include providing potable piped water and collection, treatment, and discharging wastewater in urban areas exclusively. Operating within 14 provincial towns including Port Moresby and 10 district towns in PNG in terms of water supply, WPNG also manages sewerage systems in eight provincial towns.“Our urban town coverage for water is around 90 percent, with sewerage at 70 percent. This is because WPNG has coverage of all the biggest and highly populated towns in PNG. The rest of the provincial towns and district towns have a smaller pop ulation,” clarifies Gare. WPNG is a monopoly for both water and sanitation services across the nation. The company’s fiercest competition takes the form of large water consumers, factories in particular, that often prefer to use their own water sources. However, WPNG counters this loss of water sales through a legal pricing mechanism called standby fees.
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“Elsewhere there is a wealth of domestic suppliers to turn to, however, quality and pricing seem to be a deterring factor. Often, these suppliers cannot meet our demands, especially for big items such as pipes, fitting, meters and valves,” details
“Standby fees are charged to customers within our water-declared district (which is a legal Ministerial Declaration) where WPNG can charge a certain fee per kilolitre (Kl) for water taken from their bores or surface water sources,” explains Gare. On a smaller scale, many customers are using products from water bottling companies for drinking and cooking, while using WPNG water for laundry and showering as well as using it in toilets. This is despite the fact that WPNG water is one of the safest tap waters in the world, boasting an impressive nephelometric turbidity unit (NTU) level of less than 1.0, as well as being fully chlorinated.
in advance to source factory-made supplies within the nine-month period which is available. Otherwise, projects can be delayed by three to six months, which is unfortunately often the case. Understandably, the challenges encountered from 2019 to 2021 led to fewer projects being delivered across WPNG’s operational output. This has morphed to a stage of gradual recovery since the end of 2021 but is still not fully restored to previous levels.“There is a need to explore and expand our supplier base in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia and Europe. The shipping and airline industries have opened up their travel routes and improved the timely delivery of cargoes, so distance should not be a concern anymore. Furthermore, this can lead to competitive negotiations for bulk purchase, and delivery saving both time and money,” Gare concludes optimistically.
OVERCOMING RECENT ADVERSITY Naturally, WPNG’s supply chain operations were severely devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. With most of the company’s supplies coming from Australia and New Zealand, WPNG chooses to partner with these nations, as they consistently set high standards in terms of quality, durability and accessibility across the APAC region.
“This scheme needs to be established to empower and recognise the contributions of smart, hardworking individuals and groups including promoting officers to come up with innovative ideas, concepts and proposals to improve overall operations and the profitability of the company,” he details.
There is a need to explore Water PNG’s supplier base with countries such as Australia and New Zealand
Gare.Factories and warehouses in Australia and New Zealand only operate between February and October, so WPNG must plan well
APAC Outlook issue 57 | 165 WATER PNG ENERGY & UTILITIES
BECOMING AN EMPLOYER OF CHOICE Ranked prestigiously in the top 20 companies in PNG as an “employer of choice” in terms of remunerations and other benefits, WPNG has developed a housing scheme for its team of dedicated staff. However, this is something the company is planning to overhaul, in order to make it easier for officers to afford a house within their financial capacity. The company has identified staff wellbeing as a key priority moving onwards in terms of the environmental, occupational and general health and safety of all staff, an initiative which has picked up great momentum throughout the business at every level. Gare explains how WPNG now plans to introduce monthly, quarterly and annual awards or bonus schemes for exceptional service to the company.
One impressive recently finished project saw the completion of the Japanese-funded Joyce-Bay sewerage treatment plant (STP) in Port Moresby. This is a state-of-the-art STP that uses supervisory control and data acquisition software (SCADA) and telemetry to monitor each stage of the treatment process.
Tosh Bourke General Manager - Commercial, Legrand Australia “We have a very committed workforce who are focused on delivering high quality products and services to our customers, and many of these employees have been with the company for a very long time. We create a very positive impact on people, families and communities across Australia, New Zealand and beyond, and this remains a strong motivator for me.”
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“I feel that we’re in a city-shaping business. We come to work every day, and some of the things that we do will change the shape of our city, which is phenomenal. It’s hugely motivating and it means you have interesting and big conversations on a daily basis.”
Marc Avery General Manager of New Business and Strategy, Richard Crookes Constructions
Peter Hook General Manager, Bosch Australia Manufacturing Solutions “Collaborating with local organisations to support and strengthen the manufacturing industry. We are uniquely positioned to bring in global expertise and to make a significant difference. Providing best in class capabilities motivates me.”
Are you a CEO/Director with a company story to tell? Contact APAC Outlook now!
THE FINAL WORD
What is your greatest motivator at work?
To round off each issue, we ask our contributing business leaders for their views on the same question
Delivering eye-catching construction projects in Australia and McConnellwww.apacoutlookmag.com/work-with-usbeyond...Dowellhastolditsstory.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 Asia Pacific businesses across all industries. Reaching an audience of over 220,000 readers, your company can take advantage of 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. To share in this unrivalled opportunity, contact one of our project managers today! See 24page26 Issue 57 www.apacoutlookmag.com ISSAPAC Akeydriveroftechnological,sustainableandpeople-centricchange McCONNELLDOWELL Delivering eye-catching construction projects in Australia and beyond MarcAvery,GeneralManagerofNewBusinessandStrategyat RichardCrookesConstructionsexploresrevitalisinginfrastructure SYNC LIFT ENGINEERING | SWIRE SHIPPING
EDITORIAL: Phoebe Harper +44 (0) 1603 363 phoebe.harper@outlookpublishing.com655 Marcus Kääpä +44 (0) 1603 363 marcus.kaapa@outlookpublishing.com653 DESIGN: Stephen Giles +44 (0) 1603 363 steve.giles@outlookpublishing.com634 Devon Collins +44 (0) 1603 363 devon.collins@outlookpublishing.com656 ServicesCreativeOutlook Complementing the production of APAC Outlook, Africa Outlook, EME Outlook and North America Outlook magazines, Outlook Publishing’s awardwinning in-house team is now utilising these same specialist production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division. For more information on how we can work with you in providing a plethora of completely flexible and customisable production services, please visit: www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services
