Asia Outlook - Issue 29

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ASIA

ISSUE 29

ASIA’S TOP FIVE SKYSCRAPERS 14

Looking up to the continent’s construction conquests

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDES

Solomon Islands Brunei Sarawak

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ACCENTURE INDONESIA

The vision to transform

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HOPE AMBULANCE 126 A commitment to responsive, compassionate and professional patient care

ALSO FEATURING: C O N E R GY | H I M A L AYA N B R E W E RY LT D | M I N I N G I N V E S T M E N T A S I A

Business Travel Guides

A complete guide to the world’s most popular locations B S O L O M O N

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Solomon Islands

the major tourism is set to become ic bases enter ‘sunset mode’, to come As traditional econom ic fortunes in the years n Islands’ ongoing econom contributor to the Solomo Manager: Joe Palliser Writer: Phoebe Calver

or many, notions of paradise revolve around peace, relaxation, untouched beauty, and isolation; a haven that in its make-up. almost seems unearthly Islands When visiting the Solomon loaded, though, you get a more form of complex, deep and poignant natural g its paradise that is optimisin its overall tourism appeal to boost acumen. economy and business solitude for Not just a fortress of Islands holiday makers, the Solomon as a genuine in fact made its name War II and now fortress during World deserves of reaps the sympathy and a tourist influx that hardship through veterans buffs, war s that comprise the inevitable and families; as well as scuba divers, swathe of holiday-makers, ers each year. surfers and backpack a new More recently though, the demographic has entered of the form equation too, in the a circle of business traveller. Creating in tourism opportunity, the increase hospitality and has boosted levels of

| Project

described the Lonely Planet recently top five in the country as one of the them “the South world to visit, calling used to be”, and Pacific Islands as they tly by those this is backed-up vehemen Solomon Islands truly in the know. The a frontVisitors Bureau has enjoyed its beautiful row seat to the rise of an integral role playing is and country, in the in capitalising on its potential future. ted multi-face , emerging “The newly pretty much cater Languages: Malay, English Solomon Islands can and budget with Area: 28,400 square kilometres to every taste, desire dation; 599,419 (2016): accommo n of Populatio its myriad choice the GDP (2011): $840 million the ‘big gun’ hotels of from resort Dollar (SBD) Currency: Solomon Islands capital Honiara to boutique and s Time zone: UTC+11 accommodation, eco-lodge entire the home stays dotted across Dialling code: +677 says. “Best archipelago,” the Company many Internet TLD: .sb for of all, and quite a surprise Climate: Ocean-equatorial Islands are very Solomon the , travellers less than three easy to reach. It takes Islands’ in the country; conference potential hours to reach the Solomon flying on ing more Brisbane from Honiara subsequently encourag capital ns and weekly services and more expos, delegatio Solomon Airlines’ four across the s bi-weekly conventions to be hosted or via Virgin Australia’ prominently in nine provinces - most services.” the capital, Honiara.

FACT S & FIGU RES

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26 Our Business Travel section not only gives executives the complete guide to the world’s most popular and populous locations, but also gives said locations the perfect opportunity to showcase their own businesses, events, venues and services to a truly international audience and readership of more than 220,000 each month.

To share in this unrivalled exposure and to put your own offering on our map, then please contact our Sales Managers, Joe Palliser or Ryan Gray to find out more.

joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 676

ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 672

W E L C O M E Accelerated Development

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ASIA

It has now been a whole year since Asia Outlook embarked on its business travel journey, and in that time we have explored the luxurious, the clinical and everything in between across Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Vietnam.

As such, Outlook Publishing was recently nominated for a British Travel Journalism Award, acknowledging the work carried out so far in bringing you the leading and emerging business travel hubs around the world; while also providing the perfect footing for our travels to come.

And what better way to commemorate the accolade than by saturating October’s edition with no less than three business travel guides; documenting the rises of Brunei, Sarawak and the Solomon Islands as tourist hotspots with a flair for business.

The latter represents our biggest Guide to date; nearly 40 pages delving into the history, the economy, the attractions, and the trends that make up one of Asia-Pacific’s most understated yet spectacular locations. Its growing appeal as a tourist destination is facilitating a meteoric hospitality revolution in the buildup to 2023’s Pacific Games, and we partner with the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau to analyse the finer details, and indeed the finer establishments.

This kind of accelerated development has been a common theme across Asia’s business travel guide assortments this past year, and is also mirrored by our leading company profile this month; courtesy of DMIA Sdn Bhd. The Malaysian construction and rail infrastructure specialist’s expansion into India has kick-started what is set to be a substantial increase in project capabilities and geographical footprint in the years to come, and the business’s Executive Director, Datuk Seri Subramaniam Pillai lays out his plans for this new and exciting scope.

The remainder of our showcasing rundown comprises the usual multi-sector offering across areas including healthcare, technology and food & drink, with Hope Ambulance; Elite Tech Group of Companies and Accenture Indonesia; and Himalayan Brewery flying the flags for each respectively.

ISSUE 29

ASIA’S TOP FIVE

SKYSCRAPERS 14 Looking up to the continent’s construction conquests

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDES

Solomon Islands Brunei Sarawak

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ACCENTURE INDONESIA

The vision to transform

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HOPE AMBULANCE 126 A commitment to responsive, compassionate and professional patient care

ALSO FEATURING: C O N E R GY | H I M A L AYA N B R E W E RY LT D | M I N I N G I N V E S T M E N T A S I A

Matthew Staff

Editorial Director, Outlook Publishing

ASIA

EDITORIAL Editorial Director: Matthew Staff matthew.staff@outlookpublishing.com Deputy Editor: Phoebe Calver phoebe.calver@outlookpublishing.com

PRODUCTION Production Manager: Daniel George daniel.george@outlookpublishing.com Art Director: Stephen Giles steve.giles@outlookpublishing.com Advert Designer: Mandy Farnell mandy.farnell@outlookpublishing.com Images: Thinkstock by Getty Images

BUSINESS Sales Director: Nick Norris nick.norris@outlookpublishing.com Operations Director: James Mitchell james.mitchell@outlookpublishing.com Training Development Manager: Eddie Clinton eddie.clinton@outlookpublishing.com Sales Managers: Joe Palliser joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com Ryan Gray ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com Heads of Projects: Arron Rampling arron.rampling@outlookpublishing.com Josh Mann josh.mann@outlookpublishing.com Kane Weller kane.weller@outlookpublishing.com Tom Cullum tom.cullum@outlookpublishing.com Project Managers: Callam Waller callam.waller@outlookpublishing.com Donovan Smith donovan.smith@outlookpublishing.com Joshua Hyland joshua.hyland@outlookpublishing.com Matt Cole-Wilkin matt.cole-wilkin@outlookpublishing.com Stuart Parker stuart.parker@outlookpublishing.com

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OUTLOOK PUBLISHING Managing Director: Ben Weaver ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com Chairman: Mark Weaver Contact: Outlook Publishing Ltd Woburn House, 84 St Benedicts Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 4AB, United Kingdom Sales: +44 (0) 1603 959 652 Editorial: +44 (0) 1603 959 655 SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel: +44 (0) 1603 959 655 matthew.staff@outlookpublishing.com

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Enjoy the issue!

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In this issue...

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NEWS

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CONSTRUCTION Asia’s Top Five Skyscrapers

All the latest top stories from across Asia

Looking up to the continent’s construction conquests

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ENERGY & UTILITIES Conergy’s Iconic Installation

Bringing solar power to Marina Bay Sands

S E C TO R F O C U S

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SHIPPING & LOGISTICS Asia’s Shipping Pollution Hotspots Painting a realistic picture of Southeast Asian shipping emissions

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDES

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SOLOMON ISLANDS Seek the Unexplored

BRUNEI

The Abode of Peace

SARAWAK

Business Meets Adventure

ASIA 88

ENERGY & UTILITIES

SHOWCASING LEADING COMPANIES Tell us your story and we’ll tell the world

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CONSTRUCTION

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DHAYA MAJU INFRASTRUCTURE ASIA SDN BHD (DMIA GROUP) Accelerated Development

Realising a nation’s vision of a modern, efficient, high quality environment

GUNKUL ENGINEERING PUBLIC COMPANY LIMITED Smart Energy in Action Adapting to Thailand’s renewable energy market

F O O D & D R I N K T E C H N O L O G Y

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ACCENTURE INDONESIA High Performance, Delivered

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ELITE TECH GROUP OF COMPANIES Advancing Wireless Awareness

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HIMALAYAN BREWERY LTD Quality on Tap The best choice for excellent beers

The vision to transform

A new wave of collaborative telecommunications in Myanmar

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NATIONAL AIRPORTS CORPORATION Smarter Airport Solutions At the forefront of aviation

ACTA Aspirational Architecture An award-winning approach to architecture

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NTT COMMUNICATIONS THAILAND Transform, Transcend

Improving system reliability through digital transformation

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T R A N S P O R T

LUMINA GROUP Soulful Design

Developing distinctive character for local markets

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GAS ASIA SUMMIT & EXHIBITION (GAS) 2017

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INTERNETRETAILING EXPO INDONESIA 2018

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MINING INVESTMENT ASIA

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AEROTECH INDONESIA 2018

H E A L T H C A R E

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HOPE AMBULANCE SERVICE PTE LTD When Life Matters

A commitment to responsive, compassionate and professional patient care

F O C U S

Connecting the gas and LNG value chain across Asia

Pick the right strategies, execute with lower risk and lower cost, and achieve greater success

The foremost Southeast Asian forum for the global mining community

Bringing the commercial aerospace, airport and maritime industry under one roof

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Outlook Creative Services Complementing the production of Africa Outlook, Asia Outlook and Europe & Middle East Outlook magazines, Outlook Publishing’s award-winning 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

CONTACT DESIGN: Stephen Giles +44 (0) 1603 959 656 steve.giles@outlookpublishing.com

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Phoebe Calver +44 (0) 1603 959 660 phoebe.calver@outlookpublishing.com

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Indonesia Investigates Standard Chartered over $1.4 Billion Transfer Indonesia is investigating reports that $1.4 billion held

by Standard Chartered Plc in Guernsey, mainly on behalf of Indonesian clients, was transferred to Singapore just before the island moved to new tax transparency rules The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Guernsey’s Financial Services Commission were looking into the movement of assets in late 2015, months before the Channel Island adopted a global framework for the exchange of tax data.

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Under those rules, countries automatically share annual reports on accounts belonging to people subject to taxes in each country. Britain, Guernsey and Singapore have all signed up, but Guernsey implemented the rules ahead of Singapore.

The investigation was first reported

by Bloomberg, which cited anonymous sources saying that Standard Chartered reported the matter itself to the regulators. It revealed the sources said regulators were looking into Standard Chartered’s processes, but had not suggested the bank colluded with clients to evade tax.

Standard Chartered said last year that it was to close its trust operations in Guernsey and centralise that part of its business in Singapore.

A MAS spokesperson said in a statement: “As our supervisory probe is still ongoing, we are unable to provide more information at this juncture.”

Indonesian and other regulators have not identified the customers or given information about concerns about the funds.

“We are now checking their annual tax reports, as well as their report of assets, for those who participated in the (Indonesian) tax amnesty,” Hestu Yoga Saksama, a spokesman for Indonesia’s tax office, said.

“If those assets are reported in annual reports or declared during the tax amnesty, it surely means there are no problems. But if they were not, we are going to follow up under the prevailing regulations.”

Ken Dwijugiasteadi, the head of the tax office, later told a news conference that 81 clients were involved in the transfer, including 62 who were tax amnesty participants, and none were government officials, law enforcement officers or in the military. ”We will look for possible tax crimes, but any other criminal probe is not my business,” he said, adding that his office hoped to finish the investigation this month.

Singapore and Indonesia said in July they were ready to share financial data automatically for tax purposes.

GO TO WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM/NEWS FOR ALL OF THE LATEST NEWS FROM ASIA

ASIA M I N I N G & R E S O U R C E S

Indonesia President Urges Action on Freeport Mine Deal Indonesian President, Joko Widodo called for faster progress to wrap up a deal with Freeport-McMoRan Inc on rights to the giant Grasberg copper mine, which the US firm owns.

The deal is intended to replace an existing contract with a special mining permit and give Jakarta greater control over its mineral resources.

But significant differences remain which include how Grasberg - the world’s second largest copper mine - will be valued on the timing and

“In principle, Freeport is still committed in accordance with the agreement,” Djuraid told reporters, noting that issues over divestment and state revenues from Grasberg had not been resolved yet by the finance ministry.

The Government is seeking a winwin solution as quickly as possible, according to an official transcript of remarks the president made to reporters in Banten province west of structure of the required divestment, the capital Jakatra. leading some analysts to raise doubts Adding pressure to end the dispute, Indonesia’s Supreme Audit about the future of the agreement.

Hadi Mustofa Djuraid, an aide to Agency (BPK) told parliament this week that between 2009 and 2015, Mining Minister Ignasius Jonan, said Freeport CEO, Richard Adkerson had Freeport Indonesia’s royalty and met Jonan and other company and levy payments were $445.96 million lower than they would have been government officials in Jakarta after the president said “the sooner the if the miner had taken up a new better” referring to an end to the talks. mining permit during that period.

O I L & G A S

Gas Trucks Boom in China as Government Curbs Diesel Usage Sales of large LNG trucks are expected to hit record levels in China this year as the Government steps up an anti-pollution campaign that includes curbs on heavy-duty diesel vehicles.

LNG trucks account for approximately four percent of the more than six million heavy vehicles able to haul 40 to 49 tonnes of goods that are currently on China’s roads. The vast majority of the 43 billion tonnes of freight transported across China last year was by highway.

But demand for LNG trucks is soaring as companies and manufacturers shift to vehicles that run on the gas that Beijing sees as a key part of its war against smog.

Sales of LNG heavy trucks surged 540 percent to nearly 39,000 in

the first seven months of the year, according to Cassie Liu, a truck analyst with the IHS Markit consultancy.

That was partly fuelled by a ban this year on the use of diesel trucks to transport coal at northern ports in provinces like Hebei and Shandong, and in the city of Tianjin.

“We are seeing a blowout in LNG trucks this year, thanks to the Government’s policy push,” said Mu

Lei, marketing manager for China National Heavy Duty Truck Group, known as Sinotruk, the country’s largest manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks.

The shift to gas trucks is helping fuel demand for LNG in China, as are other government measures aimed at clearing the air, especially in the north, which is shrouded in hazardous coalfuelled smog for much of the winter.

GO TO WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM/NEWS FOR ALL OF THE LATEST NEWS FROM ASIA

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Air France Continues Long-Haul Drive with Vietnam Airlines Joint Venture

TRAVEL & TOURISM

Singapore Airlines Plans Cost Cuts to Offset Competition Singapore Airlines Ltd intends to cut fuel consumption, review its supplier relationships and invest in digital technology under a threeyear transformation plan to boost its competitiveness.

Singapore Airlines and Hong Kongbased rival Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd are struggling against mounting international competition from Chinese and Middle Eastern rivals, without domestic flights to underpin their earnings.

After a surprise fourth-quarter loss, Singapore Airlines set up a dedicated transformation office to review its strategy in May, although it has not released a cost-cutting target.

Since the review was launched, Singapore Airlines has handed two of regional arm SilkAir’s routes to budget carrier Scoot, merged part of SilkAir’s finance team with its parent and offered unpaid leave to cabin crew.

CAPA Centre for Aviation Chief Analyst, Brendan Sobie said Singapore Airlines should consider the more radical move of merging SilkAir with its parent as part of the review.

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Air France has signed a new joint venture deal with Vietnam Airlines and said it was in advanced talks with India’s Jet Airways over a partnership as part of efforts to boost its long-haul network.

The joint venture with Vietnam Airlines, due to start from November, 2017 - depending on approval from authorities - builds on code shares that have been in place since 2010 and will see the two airlines coordinating their flight schedules to offer customers better connecting flights.

Air France is also looking at working more closely with Indian carrier Jet Airways, with which it has had a code share since 2016.

Parent company Air France-KLM is currently seeking ways to boost its position on long-haul markets and compete against Gulf carriers.

It is launching a new budget brand, Joon, to fly short and long-haul routes and in July rejigged its North Atlantic alliance in a three way deal with Delta and Virgin Atlantic.

E C O N O M Y

EU Sets New Trade Rules to Limit Cheap Chinese Imports The European Union agreed new rules on Tuesday to guard against excessively cheap Chinese imports, ending 18 months of wrangling over trade ties with Beijing.

The European Union and many of China’s other trading partners have debated whether to treat China as a market economy, which Beijing says was its right at the end of 2016.

The EU kicked-off discussions early in 2016 and held public consultations, gathering more than 5,000 opinions on how to handle trade complaints against China.

The European Commission, member states and EU lawmakers finally overcame their differences recently after a number of failed attempts.

Until now, China has been treated as a special “non-market” case, meaning EU investigators decide that its exports are artificially cheap if the prices are below those of a third country, such as the United States.

China last year launched a complaint at the WTO against Europe and the United States over their trade defence practices.

GO TO WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM/NEWS FOR ALL OF THE LATEST NEWS FROM ASIA

ASIA Thailand was downgraded in June, 2015 after its regulator missed a deadline to resolve significant safety concerns - meaning that airlines were unable to add further international routes - though they could continue to operate routine flights.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thai airlines can now add flights to the Thailand (CAAT) said the ICAO had growing China, South Korea and Japan made the decision after a recent markets after the UN International meeting. The red flag that appeared Civil Aviation Organisation removed a against Thailand on the Montrealred flag against Thailand over safety based UN agency’s website has since concerns. disappeared.

T R AV E L & T O U R I S M

Thai Air Safety Upgrade Opens up Growing China, Korea, Japan Markets

A G R I C U LT U R E

China’s Soybean Imports Face Delays as Hurricanes Hit Crop Quality China’s soybean imports from the United States are likely to be delayed by at least two weeks as suppliers struggle to find high-quality beans following crop damage from hurricanes.

Shipment delays could result in tight supplies at the end of October and early November, they warned, driving up soymeal and soyoil prices in the world’s biggest importer of soybeans.

“Exporters are asking Chinese buyers to lower the quality specification, but they are not agreeing,” said one Singapore-based trader at an international trading company.

R E TA I L

M A N U FA C T U R I N G

Nissan to Recall All New Cars Sold in Japan in the Past Three Years Nissan Motor Co Ltd will recall all 1.2 million new passenger cars it sold in Japan over the past three years after discovering final vehicle inspections were not performed by authorised technicians.

The recall is the second major misconduct incident involving a Japanese automaker in as many years, after Mitsubishi Motors Corp admitted in April, 2016 it had falsified the fuel economy for some of its domestic market models.

Nissan, Japan’s second-biggest carmaker, said it would recall 1.21

million passenger vehicles produced for the domestic market between October, 2014 and September, 2016, including top sellers, the Serena minivan and the Note compact hatchback.

Japanese Firms Closely Study Malaysia’s Halal Industry Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp (SMBC) is looking to back a push

by Japanese firms planning to invest in Malaysia’s Sharia-compliant halal market, an SMBC official said.

Japanese companies active in food, cosmetics, logistics, transportation and storage are keen to tap the Malaysian market in a drive to appeal to Muslim customers globally, Yoshimi Gunji, the head of SMBC’s Malaysia operations told Reuters.

“For the whole supply chain for the halal industry, there’s interest...

That’s one area where SMBC is really focused on,” Gunji said. He declined to identify firms considering Malaysian investments, nor give details of how much finance SMBC might be involved in lining up.

GO TO WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM/NEWS FOR ALL OF THE LATEST NEWS FROM ASIA

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TELL US YOUR STORY

AND WE’LL TELL THE WORLD A S I A O U T L O O K is a digital and print product aimed at boardroom and hands-on decision-makers across a wide range of industries on the continent.

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

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

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

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

W W W. A S I A O U T LO O K M A G . C O M Tel: +44 (0) 1603 959 650

Email: ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com

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Asia is home to some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, going above and beyond in the pursuit of innovative architectural excellence Writer: Phoebe Calver

ankind has always been fascinated with the ability to build something spectacular and outrageous, perhaps beginning with the pyramids and moving to the modern science and technology that we have now which enables the assembly of truly humungous constructions.

Now construction has moved beyond the need to create a superstructure, with the ever-increasing fascination with green-buildings indicating that it’s not just size that matters anymore. Amongst those at the forefront of this race are UAE, China, India, Malaysia and many more countries within Asia. It looks set in the near future that Asia’s skylines will be filled with mega-structures, with many more already proposed and under construction.

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1. Shanghai Tower, China Located in Lujiazui, Pudong in Shanghai, the tower was designed

by Marshall Strabala of the American architectural firm, Gensler.

Construction began in November, 2008 and cumulated in February, 2015 and the building stands at 2,073 feet, with 121 floors that are capable of accommodating up to 16,000 people daily.

Within Shanghai Tower is the Four Seasons Hotel, located between the 84th and 110th floors and with a capacity for 320 rooms.

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3. Shanghai World Financial Centre, China The Shanghai World Finance Centre is a giant located within the skyline of the Pudong district of Shanghai, China, standing at an impressive 1,614.2 feet.

The Building was developed by the Mori Building Company and designed

by Kohn Pedersen Fox, with Leslie E. Robertson Associates working as the structural engineer.

Similarly to a large number of skyscrapers all over the world, the Shanghai World Finance Centre is multi-purpose. It has offices, the Park Hyatt Shanghai Hotel located between its 79th and 93rd floors, conference rooms, observation decks as well as a shopping mall located on the groundfloor. Alongside its array of services on offer, the building was awarded the Best Tallest Building from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat at the Asia & Australasia awards.

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2. Taipei 101, Taiwan The Xinyi District’s Taipei 101 - also named the Taipei World Finance Centre - was designed by taking inspiration from traditional Chinese architecture.

The building’s shape resembles a pagoda and was developed by a team at C.Y.Lee & Partners and constructed

by KTRT in partnership.

With 101 floors located above ground and five below, the construction is 1,667 feet high and was awarded LEED Platinum certification in 2011 as both the tallest and most energy efficient building in the world. The building has two observation decks - one inside and one outside - which are located on the 89th and 91st floor.

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5. Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia The Petronas Twin Towers is perhaps one of the most recognisable buildings in Asia and the tallest twin towers in the world, located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The tower complex was opened by the Prime Minister of Malaysia in August, 1999 and designed by architect CĂŠsar Pelli. The two towers

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are connected by a double skybridge, connecting the two towers via the 41st and 42nd floor and making it the highest two-storey bridge.

Petronas and a number of its associate companies fully occupy Tower One, while the second tower is home to a mixture of multinational companies including IBM, TCS, Bloomberg, Microsoft and Reuters.

4. International Commerce Centre, Hong Kong The commercial skyscraper known by most as the International Commerce Centre - also Union Square - stands at approximately 1,588 feet tall.

The spectacular building is widely recognised as the gateway for Victoria Harbour and the International Finance Centre, located on the opposite side of the harbour. The gateway was designed by an American architectural firm named Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates and the project was developed by MTR Corporation Limited and Sun Hung Kai Properties.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel is situated centrally between floors 102 and 118, with the Sky100 observatory located just below.

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C O N E R G Y ’ S

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I N S T A L L A T I O N

Conergy’s Iconic

INSTALLATION

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Marina Bay Sands is receiving a new addition to its already iconic building, working with Conergy to create a 145 kwp rooftop solar power system Writer: Phoebe Calver

ASIA onergy, one of the region’s largest downstream solar companies, has designed and installed a 145 kWp solar power system for one of the most iconic landmarks in Singapore’s skyline, Marina Bay Sands; a leading destination for business, leisure and entertainment in Asia.

As one of the region’s leading solar companies, Conergy has a well-established sales network, extensive expert knowledge and a strong footprint in individual solar markets. A solar pioneer, Conergy has a special focus on emerging markets in Southeast Asia where it holds a leading position and banks on its excellent track record and execution experience.

Conergy offers a wide range of solar energy solutions from its regional headquarters in Singapore as well as satellite operations in Australia, Japan and Thailand. Since entering Asia in 2006, Conergy has secured numerous exciting projects, with a real milestone being found in its current project in Marina Bay Sands.

Providing a service with exceptional quality and engineering, Conergy continues to excel in its designs and installation of customised solar solutions for both large commercial and industrial applications for the generation of clean energy.

This is an especially exciting project for Conergy as it marks the first commercial-scale rooftop installation for the Company in Singapore, as well as the highest location in the country that it has fitted panels on up to this point in time. The installation will stand at an impressive 200 metres above sea level.

With solar panels lining the roofs of the iconic Sands SkyPark and covering an area of 880 square kilometres, Marina Bay Sands will be able to reduce carbon emissions by 70 tonnes every year. The iconic building will contain 536 solar panels which have

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the ability to generate 187 megawatthours of energy a year.

Perhaps some of the most important features of the Marina Bay Sands solar rooftop installation include Conergy PE 270 mono noir PV modules from JA Solar, as well as rooftop racking solutions from Mounting Systems GmbH. Conergy has collaborated with Asiatic Engineering Pte Ltd in order to carry out the local installation and construction of the intricate rooftop system.

Alexander Lenz, Conergy CEO, said: “This project is a milestone for Conergy in Singapore, as it is our first commercial-scale rooftop installation in the country, as well as the highest at 200 metres above sea level. We are very pleased to work with Marina Bay Sands, a leader in sustainability within the hospitality industry, on this significant achievement for such an iconic landmark that is recognised the world over.”

Hendrik Bohne, Conergy’s VP for Engineering, Procurement and

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‘The integrated resort’s environmental sustainability efforts include a $25 million Intelligent Building Management System that automates lighting, heating and water supplies...’

Construction (EPC) added: “We are delighted to work with Marina Bay Sands and support their sustainability efforts while demonstrating that solar energy is a reliable and economically competitive resource. I am also very proud to share this accomplishment with the entire Conergy team who contributed in executing this project, generating a positive impact in Singapore.”

Kevin Teng, Executive Director of Sustainability at Marina Bay Sands, continued: “Marina Bay Sands is

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always looking for ways to better manage our energy consumption by harnessing technology and implementing innovative measures.

This project is another step towards our commitment to operating sustainably, as we continue to explore the use of alternative energy sources and minimise our carbon footprint.”

The integrated resort’s environmental sustainability efforts include a $25 million Intelligent Building Management System that automates lighting, heating and water supplies, a water conservation programme utilising rainwater harvesting and low-flow water taps, and the use of green materials during the property’s construction phase. Marina Bay Sands is also the first venue in Southeast Asia to attain the ISO 20121 Sustainable Events Management certification, and the first integrated resort globally to benchmark and certify its entire property through EarthCheck’s leading eco-benchmarking and certification programme.

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Asia’s

Shipping Pollution

HOTSPOTS A new study using an Automatic Identification System has been carried out to discover the true levels of pollution in the global shipping industry, shadow being cast across Southeast Asia in particular Writer: Phoebe Calver

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sia is home to many large-scale ports containing products from all over the world and therefore it is no surprise that it has three of the most polluted harbours. The continent suffers badly from the shipping pollution emanating from Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai harbours respectively.

It is to be expected that the coastal areas across Southeast Asia will be the biggest sufferers from pollution with thanks to the ship traffic, and this information is with thanks to a global study that estimates shipping emissions in real-time.

When taking a closer look at the activity found in Asia in particular, details from the research showed

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that emissions were coming from approximately 300,000 vessels over a yearly period in 2015. Recordings found that the Malacca Strait, Eastern China Sea and Yellow Sea have some of the highest concentration of shipping

‘In the year that the team was working on the project, more than one billion kilometres were covered by the commercial ships worldwide’

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The data used in order to make these discoveries includes was collated from the regular reporting of ships of 300 tonnes or more, where each would inform the Automatic Identification System (AIS). In comparison to previous studies, this allowed for a far more precise estimate of the actual amount of shipping pollution emerging in Asia.

Data combination

During the course of the data collection, a group from the Finnish Meteorological Institute joined the team to work with AIS. In the year that the team was working on the project, more than one billion kilometres were covered by the commercial ships worldwide.

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In order to then take the collated date and turn it into bite-sized and usable information, the team had to then combine it with information on vessel size, engine type and the amount of fuel used. From that data they were able to create a highresolution image of the true amount of shipping pollution.

The success of this research is of

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‘Although the study suggests that the distance travelled by these ships should only account for approximately 3.5 percent of the recorded shipping kilometres; experts have suggested that the impact on local areas should not be underestimated, particularly when it comes to coastal cities’

paramount importance to the health of residents across the continent now and in the future, with the consequences of inhaling these pollutants incredibly serious.

Unregistered vessels

The current situation with shipping pollution in Southeast Asia is compounded by a vast number of unregistered local vessels, none of which were included in the study.

As well as these local unregistered vessels, there were anther 76,000 vessels globally which could not be accounted for in the study due to the fact that there was no technical data available.

Although the study suggests that the distance travelled by these ships should only account for approximately 3.5 percent of the recorded shipping kilometres; experts have suggested that the impact on local areas should not be underestimated, particularly when it comes to coastal cities.

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The registered ships counted within the study were responsible for 93 percent of small-particle emissions, as well as approximately 91 percent of carbon dioxide emissions discovered.

Rapid economic growth

The extremely high concentration of shipping emissions in Asia is quite easily explained by the rapid economic growth taking place in the region, with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) being predominantly fuelled by exporting consumer goods.

At present the ASEAN GDP is growing by an average of six percent each year, and this is thanks to 74 percent of its exports travelling to countries by sea outside of the region.

Although Asia and particularly Southeast Asia can direct a certain

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amount of blame towards the export culture it has now developed, it is also in part due to the fact that its location places it close to the densest shipping traffic in the world.

In order for the region to tackle these growing emissions, it will need to make a regional effort to curb its shipping and this is an aspect that has been ignored up to this point. Moving forward it looks like the likelihood of auctioning more legally binding regulations could be enforced in the region, especially targeting the worst affected areas.

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Solomon Islands

As traditional economic bases enter ‘sunset mode’, tourism is set to become the major contributor to the Solomon Islands’ ongoing economic fortunes in the years to come Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Ryan Gray

or many, notions of paradise revolve around peace, relaxation, untouched beauty, and isolation; a haven that almost seems unearthly in its make-up.

When visiting the Solomon Islands though, you get a more loaded, complex, deep and poignant form of paradise that is optimising its natural tourism appeal to boost its overall economy and business acumen.

Not just a fortress of solitude for holiday makers, the Solomon Islands in fact made its name as a genuine fortress during World War II and now reaps the sympathy and deserves of that hardship through a tourist influx that comprises war buffs, veterans and families; as well as the inevitable swathe of holiday-makers, scuba divers, surfers and backpackers each year.

More recently though, a new demographic has entered the equation too, in the form of the business traveller. Creating a circle of opportunity, the increase in tourism has boosted levels of hospitality and

FACTS & FIGURES

Languages: Malay, English Area: 28,400 square kilometres Population (2016): 599,419 GDP (2011): $840 million Currency: Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD) Time zone: UTC+11 Dialling code: +677 Internet TLD: .sb Climate: Ocean-equatorial

conference potential in the country; subsequently encouraging more and more expos, delegations and conventions to be hosted across the nine provinces - most prominently in the capital, Honiara.

Lonely Planet recently described the country as one of the top five in the world to visit, calling them “the South Pacific Islands as they used to be”, and this is backed-up vehemently by those truly in the know. The Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau has enjoyed a frontrow seat to the rise of its beautiful country, and is playing an integral role in capitalising on its potential in the future.

“The newly emerging, multi-faceted Solomon Islands can pretty much cater to every taste, desire and budget with its myriad choice of accommodation; from the ‘big gun’ hotels of the capital Honiara to boutique resort accommodation, eco-lodges and home stays dotted across the entire archipelago,” the Company says. “Best of all, and quite a surprise for many travellers, the Solomon Islands are very easy to reach. It takes less than three hours to reach the Solomon Islands’ capital Honiara from Brisbane flying on Solomon Airlines’ four weekly services or via Virgin Australia’s bi-weekly services.”

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ROPIKO BEACH R E S O RT

S I T U A T E D O N Gatokae Island in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands, Ropiko Beach Resort is the gateway to the beautiful Marovo Lagoon, the largest double barrier lagoon in the world. Nestling in a large coconut grove with a private white sand beach and surrounded by stunning Orchids Ropiko is a true tropical paradise.

The newly built accommodation buildings are right on the oceans

doorstep, all rooms have private amenities and fans making for a perfect nights sleep as well as safes available for peace of mind while out and about.

Whether you’re here to relax or explore Ropiko can cater to everyone.

Activities include world famous diving and snorkeling, walks to the local village (and up Gatokae’s mountains, if you’re keen), World War II site visits, whale watching, visiting an underwater volcano and kayaking. And if that’s all to much you can

simply relax on the beach.

Environmental sustainability and community support are at the centre of our business. We take pride in doing everything we can to support local ecosystems and give back to the villages surrounding the resort while allowing them to preserve local cultures.

Tel: +677 74 95 805, +677 28066

E: ropiko.enterprise@solomon.com.sb Gaktokae Island, Mbekambeka, Solomon Islands

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Solomon Islands: A History

By Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau A SCATTERED ARCHIPELAGO of some 990-odd richly forested mountainous islands and low-lying coral atolls, the Solomon Islands has been attracting international tourism since 1568 when Spanish explorer, Alvaro de Mendana first sailed into this tucked-away corner of the South Pacific.

Mendana’s legacy can still be found in the Solomon Islands today with many of the islands still bearing the Spanish names he gave them; Santa Isabel, San Cristóbal and perhaps the most famous of all, Guadalcanal, the name synonymous with World War II which takes its name from a small township in Andalucia in Southern Spain.

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But for the most part, the Solomon Islands and their quiet, reserved people - a mix of Melanesian, Micronesian and Polynesian cultures - were left pretty much alone after Mendana’s visit until 300 years later when Great Britain was given control of the entire territory.

Things changed dramatically during World War II and the Solomon Islands became a household name when the forces of Imperial Japan invaded, the region becoming the scene for some of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific theatre and most famously the battle of Guadalcanal when thousands of Japanese and US servicemen lost their lives.

2017 is particularly significant as it marks the 75th anniversary of the

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Guadalcanal campaign.

The British re-gained control in 1945 and in 1976, the Solomon Islands became self-governing before gaining full independence in 1978.

Little has changed in the Solomon Islands since then and it’s thanks to this that the Solomon Islands have become such a breathtakingly fresh destination for those international travellers to get off the beaten track and look for a new and very different experience.

Today, World War II buffs, veterans and their families - mostly American and Japanese - as well as SCUBA divers and surfers looking for the ultimate uncrowded wave, make up the bulk of the 24,000 or so international travellers who visit every year.

Welcome to Honiara Hotel Experience fine Melanesian hospitality...

T H E H O N I A R A H O T E L was established in

1968. It offers a variety of rooms from Deluxe, Executive and self-contained units with private balconies overlooking the famous Iron Bottom sound. All rooms are air-conditioned, satellite TV, IDD phone, coffee making facilities, private bathrooms and safety deposit box.

Services Offered • • • • • •

Dinning and restaurant Accommodations Massage Fitness gym Conferences Catering and functions

Three Restaurants • Mandarin and Chinese cuisine available for dinner only • Club Havana – French and Italian cuisine • Oasis – International cuisine available, breakfast, lunch and dinner

For reservations call:

+677 21 737, 23412

reservation@honiarahotel.com.sb

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The Business End It is those 24,000-plus international travellers who have helped mould the financial infrastructure of Solomon Islands that thrives in the present day. The aforementioned increase in tourists, historians and business travellers entering the country from a growing number of access routes has had a profound impact on the hospitality sector in particular.

Even over the past year, the rise has been notable and thus, the hotel, lodge, resort and home stay domains are responding accordingly.

“Figures for 2016 show for the third year in a row that Solomon Islands’ international visitation increased; up 7.3 percent on 2015,” the Visitors Bureau explains. “Australian visitor arrivals led the way, accounting for 41.1 percent of overall international visitation, with New Zealand and the USA coming in as our second and third most important source markets.

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"One of our biggest opportunities lies in the fact that the Solomon Islands holds a strong appeal for international travellers looking for something different"

“But we also continue to see good growth from PNG, up 2.6 percent in 2016.”

The challenge now for the businesses flourishing as a result of this visitor increase is differentiation. The attention is slowly but surely turning away from saturation, to competition.

Sub-sectors such as lodges, motels and home stays are adding diversity for the different wealth statuses and preferences of visitors; but each having to retain a strong sense of Solomon Islands identity and culture.

The Visitors Bureau continues: “One of our biggest opportunities lies in the fact that the Solomon Islands holds a strong appeal for international travellers looking for something different; a unique ‘living’ culture, WWII history, diving, fishing, surfing, trekking and yachting to cover just some of the niche tourism opportunities we offer.”

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With a route network that spans 22 destinations in 12 countries our airline provides unequalled access to the Pacific through our hub in Nadi, Fiji to Australia. New Zealand and exotic Pacific islands. Travellers from Asia will find convenient flights departing to Fiji and beyond from Hong Kong with 4 flights per week and twice weekly from Singapore using brand new Airbus 330 aircraft, offering worldclass service in both Business and Economy class. Our airline is also a partner in the Qantas Frequent Flyer programme and members can earn and redeem points as well as credit those points towards their tier status. Within Fiji, Fiji Link offers services that are reliable, comfortable and competitively priced, with a comprehensive range of schedules to connect to and from international arrivals.

Visit FIJIAIRWAYS.COM or call us any time SG: 800 852 3666 I MH: 1 800 81 8186 I CN: 400 120 6268 I HK: 852 3192 7568

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Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau www.visitsolomons.com.sb www.facebook.com/visitsolomonislands F O U N D E D I N 1 9 6 9 as the Solomon Islands Tourist Authority (SITA), before rebranding in 1996 as the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau, the SIVB is a statutory body incorporated into the Ministry of Culture & Tourism, and administered specifically under the auspices of the Department of Tourism.

As the national tourist office of the Solomon Islands, the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau’s primary role is to promote the many and varied opportunities the destination offers to international travellers; in the process fostering an appreciation of the country’s unique culture, history and natural environment and helping to create

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a sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism industry to the benefit of all Solomon Islanders.

Today, with full Government support, the SIVB plays a major role both domestically and internationally and is playing a major role in the country’s economic future.

The Bureau introduces: “Tourism is being seen as an economic saviour for the Solomon Islands and is now positioned as the fifth major source of foreign exchange after timber, crude palm oil, cocoa beans and copra. The Government has gone on record as saying it sees tourism becoming a top two source of foreign exchange within the next five-10 years.”

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Asia Outlook (AsO): What is the strategy being encouraged by the SIVB to reach this goal?

SIVB: From the SIVB’s perspective we ideally want to grow our leisure market which currently sits at 30 percent of our overall international visitation. With new operators coming online in both our traditional and developing source markets we are confident this growth will be achieved.

We also hope to see an increase in our accommodation infrastructure, particularly in Honiara. We see huge potential from the MICE and related business traffic and need more resources to tap into and grow this area of the business.

“Best hotel in Honiara” Leisa D

I moved here from another hotel in the city. While it is expensive, if you’re staying somewhere like The Solomon Islands you want comfort at the end of the day and Heritage Park can meet all your needs. The staff are excellent, the resort is beautifully maintained and the rooms are large and very comfortable, most with a seaside view.

HERITAGE PARK HOTEL is located on the island of Guadalcanal in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. Here you can enjoy some of the best food available on the islands in a great atmosphere.

Traveling alone or in a group, Heritage Park Hotel has five different accommodation configurations to suite your needs. Heritage Park Hotel prides itself on warm, friendly staff, unparalleled security and a stay you won’t forget. Stay with Heritage Park Hotel and see why we are referred to as the best accommodation in Honiara.

Tel: +677 24007 Fax: +677 24010 info@heritageparkhotel.com.sb www.heritageparkhotel.com.sb Special sightseeing packages available.

“Excellent hotel”

Aug 21, 2017 Imagination Island Sol, Gizo, Solomon Islands If you want to say goodbye to Honiara after being in Gizo, on Imagination Island, it’s best to go through this beautiful hotel.

It has all the amenities, cute shops and a lovely restaurant. It has air conditioning and also has wifi. Having fallen in love with the Solomon Islands, I will be back whenever I can.

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SIVB We are hopeful more accommodation will come on line as we approach the 2023 staging of the Pacific Games which will see big infrastructure development in and around Honiara.

The Solomon Islands Government has determined tourism - currently one of the country’s top five economic pillars - will achieve status as the number one source of foreign exchange earnings within the next five-10 years.

Priority is now being placed on tourism development and an effort is being taken to facilitate growth under the country’s National Tourism Policy as well as bring focus to bear on upgrading tourism accommodation and product.

The development of the extremely lucrative cruise sector remains a key focal area of the strategy and one which the Ministry of Culture & Tourism and the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau has aggressively developed in partnership with Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises.

The outlook for 2017 is strong with a further 19 vessels expected to visit Solomon Islands waters this year which is a great achievement in itself.

"Within the Solomon Islands, traditional economic bases particularly the mining and timber industries are moving into ‘sunset’ mode, and tourism is set to play a major role in the Solomon Islands’ ongoing economic fortunes" 36

AsO: Where is the major influx expected to come from and how is it being facilitated from an access perspective?

SIVB: Australia and New Zealand remain strong market sources. Having a proactive national airline in Solomon Airlines plays a critical role in us meeting our objectives around the world; and Solomon Airlines’ ongoing codeshare agreements with Qantas Airways, Air Nuigini, Air Vanuatu - and

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on a more regional basis, Air Kiribati gives the Solomon Islands access to the globe.

Within the Solomon Islands, traditional economic bases - particularly the mining and timber industries - are moving into ‘sunset’ mode, and tourism is set to play a major role in the Solomon Islands’ ongoing economic fortunes.

Having a fully-supportive government is critical to the Solomon Islands’ tourism sector achieving its objectives.

Explore the Solomon Islands from the Hibiscus Motel

H I B I S C U S M O T E L , run by the Temotu Development

Authority, has 13 self-contained rooms with double beds at $460.00 per night and single rooms at $410.00 per night.

There are many destinations in these islands, occupied by native Melanesians and Polynesians. Connections to other islands from Hibiscus Motel and other local rest houses are by OBM powered canoes, and monthly shipping from Honiara.

Flights from Honiara to Lata are twice weekly, and more during the Christmas holiday season.

Tel: +677 53145, +677 53169 and +677 53127. tdalata@solomon.com.sb

Hibiscus Motel

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SIVB AsO: Taking a more general industry stance, how would you evaluate the tourism sector in the Solomon Islands now compared to its condition when the Visitors Bureau began?

SIVB: Huge changes have occurred in the time that current CEO, Josefa Tuamoto has been in the chair. A Fijian national and former CEO and head of Tourism Fiji - where he enjoyed immense success and is credited with having played a major role in helping to change the country’s tourism fortunes - Tuamoto was invited to take on the

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"A shrewd marketer, Tuamoto has looked beyond the Solomon Islands to strengthen his international team with PR and marketing consultants in Australia, the US and continental Europe..."

role in 2013 and since he came on board, the country’s international visitation figures have increased year-on-year by an average of seven percent.

A shrewd marketer, Tuamoto has looked beyond the Solomon Islands to strengthen his international team with PR and marketing consultants in Australia, the US and continental Europe, and the Solomon Islands is now firmly placed under the international spotlight; certainly a far cry from where it was in the ‘60s.

Imagination Island is an eco resort located on a privately owned island in the stunning Gizo lagoon, in the western province of Solomon Islands.

Located just minutes away from Nusatupe airport and Gizo town, the island is an

D I VE FI S H SNORKEL S WI M PAD D L E R E L AX

unspoilt paradise both above and below the water.

I MAG I N E I T.

We give guests an unforgettable adventure! www.imaginationisland.com - Call us +677 774 7774

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SIVB AsO: What is in store for the Solomon Islands over the course of 2017 and beyond to continue the good work already commenced and to enhance its reputation as a tourism and business travel hub further in the future?

SIVB: New constructs include new resorts in and around Honiara such as Ginger Beach Resort and the Coral Seas Resort & Casino.

In terms of events, The Guadalcanal 75th anniversary celebrations took place in August. But the next really big thing on the horizon is the staging of the Pacific Games in 2023 which is a catalyst for a major increase in investment in the country; from stadia to hotels and new roads, upgraded hospitals, general infrastructure, etc.

"Hopefully the SIVB will have played a major role in attracting new hotel development both in and around Honiara and further afield to the other eight provinces" AsO: Looking forward, what progress and development would you hope and expect to be able to report back for the SIVB and for the business travel industry in the Solomon Islands as a whole?

SIVB: Hopefully the SIVB will have played a major role in attracting new hotel development both in and around Honiara and further afield to the other eight provinces. And tourism will be well on the way to becoming one of the country’s prime sources of foreign exchange earnings.

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Honiara’s Entertainment Hub

With 142 spacious rooms and endless entertainment options, Pacific Casino Hotel is Honiara’s favourite Entertainment Hub. Come put your feet up at the seaside Canoe Bar and have a meal at The Garden Restaurant. You can visit Club Supreme Casino for Poker, Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat and more! Or if feel like dancing, Cowboys Nightclub is the best for a night out!

Tel: (677) 25009

www.pacificcasinohotel.com www.facebook.com/pacificcasinohotel/

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Out and About

COMPETITION COULD B E C O M E the key word in the Solomon Islands over the next decade, as the country gears up for a hospitality contest in order to prepare for an equally competitive Pacific Games which is set to take place in 2023.

Having never had a better chance to showcase its credentials on such an international scale, it will also be an opportunity to show off and to boast its infrastructural evolution to those in the surrounding region who are no doubt looking to replicate the country’s rise to prominence.

From a transport perspective, the might of Solomon Airlines will be complemented by regional airlines such as Air Niugini in Papua New Guinea and Fiji Airways in Fiji to help facilitate ease of access to the Solomon Islands, while

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businesses such as Ela Motors will be on hand to ensure smooth transition once in the country.

And then, the aforementioned hospitality games can begin. Athletes, spectators and media will join the swathes of visitors and tourists; each with their own preferences and ideas about the experiences they want to gain from visiting the Islands.

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For many, the beach resort still serves as the most alluring option, bringing back to mind those elements of ‘paradise’. For the business traveller, even in the build-up to the Games, this opportunity can be found in abundance. Unlike most ‘exotic’ business trips, there needn’t be a decision between luxury accommodation, and convenient CBD-dwelling. The two are merged here, most commonly in and around the capital, Honiara.

Ropiko Beach Resort and Honiara Hotel epitomise examples from each side of the coin: the former serving as a gateway to Marovo Lagoon and an idyllic retreat on the doorstep of civilisation, while the latter offers engulfed civilisation on the doorstep of an idyllic paradise.

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Out and About

A similar contrast can be found between the enigmatic and thoroughly enjoyable Imagination Island Coral Reef Resort, and Heritage Park Hotel; once again showcasing the mix of ocean adventure, and sophisticated hospitality that now exist harmoniously, often within yards of each other.

Alternately, the growing number of low-mid budget accommodations is diversifying the sector even more; the Rock Haven Inn and Hibiscus Homestay perfect examples of a growing home-from-home experience that can now be found across the nine provinces and that are often

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perfect for the business traveller demographic.

From these bases, the leisure activities on offer leave little by way of surprise, but everything in terms of adventure and amazement. And once again, this needn’t be a choice between pleasure and business, with much of the country’s ocean-based activities a mere stones-throw from the key towns and cities.

The aforementioned Marovo Lagoon is chief among the ‘pleasure’ category, its coral reefs having been described as the “eighth wonder of the world”. Bonegi offers a slight variation on the theme however. In 1942, two large Japanese freighters sank 12 kilometres off the coast of Honiara, and the remains now serve as a poignant diving nirvana reminiscent of an enlarged fish tank display.

Kolombangara Volcano and Mataniko Falls will give you the chance to explore nature in all its glory should time - and fitness - allow, but inland pursuits are equally catered for should history, culture and cuisine be more your style. Vilu War Museum and Honiara’s Central Market are experiences not to miss to this end.

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Connecting PNG and the world

- Future routes

Call our Air Niugini Representative in Honiara on (677) 22586.

EXPERIENCE THE SOLOMON ISLANDS WITH AVIS We offer a wide range of vehicles and competitive pricing to get you on your way.

677 24180 avis.com.sb avishoniara@ela.com.sb

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Outlook Recommends "Forget what travelling the Pacific used to be like – around the Solomon Islands it's still that way. These islands are laid-back, welcoming and often surprisingly untouched."

- Lonely Planet

HOSPITALITY Ropiko Beach Resort As the gateway to the world-renowned Marovo Lagoon - the largest double barrier lagoon in the world - Ropiko Beach Resort is a “true topical paradise”.

Situated on Gatokae Island, Ropiko Resort makes the most of the local produce, styles and culture, on the doorstep of the ocean; boasting newly built accommodation that encompasses both relaxation and leisure.

“Whether you’re here to relax or explore Ropiko can cater to everyone,” the Resort states on its website.

“Activities include world famous diving and snorkelling, fishing, walks to the local village (and up Gatokae’s mountains if you’re keen), World War II site visits and visiting an underwater volcano. Or if that’s all too much you can simply relax on the beach.”

Honiara Hotel The Honiara Hotel offers a more central option close to the capital’s city centre. Complementing a recent expansion of its accommodation offering, the hotel has also strived to diversify its facilities in recent years; aiding aspects of comfort, entertainment, refreshment and external excursions.

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Imagination Island Coral Reef Resort

“At Imagination Island, we aim to give guests an unforgettable adventure,” the Resort emphasises on its website.

Providing a more exclusive feel, you can enjoy your very own paradise at Imagination Island’s four reef bungalows, which are built over the water and suit couples, individual and families alike.

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LOCATED ON on its own private island, Lola Island in Vona Vona Lagoon, Zipolo Habu Resort is the lost paradise of your childhood dreams. We offer a wide range of accommodation options to suit a variety of budgets and group sizes. Our bar is known for serving the coldest beer in the Western Province and our restaurant prides itself on its fresh seafood and unique use of local produce.

Activities include fishing, scuba diving, surfing, snorkelling and boat excursions.

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Zipolo Habu Resort

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Your escape to nature’s wonderland

Leana Hola! See you in the West.

T: +677 62178 • M: +677 7471105/+677 7906830 • E: zipolo@solomon.com.sb • www.zipolohabu.com.sb

MARAVAGI RESORT

A short distance from the main island of Guadalcanal across the Iron Bottom Sound is Mangalonga Island. Here you will find a wonderful and a true hideaway retreat. Its colorful coral reef and superb views of the sheltered bay with its deep water anchorage and the charming white sand beach across the island channel is known to be one of the islands paradises.

The traditionally built bungalows have modern amenities of basic ceiling fans, mosquito nets and a private cold water bathroom. There are six bungalows which can accommodate up to 3 people each and are all beach fronts with amazing view across the bay except one dormitory style setup of 7 rooms.

Tel: +677 8738777, +677 7105842 maravagi@solomon.com.sb

PO Box 36 • Tulagi • Central Province • Solomon Islands

The choices of food is yours with Islandstyle meals featuring fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables and are served in a separate dining hut built along the sea front... While at the resort you can enjoy a whole range of activities which include snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, swimming, bush walking, beachcombing, cultural entertainment, sightseeing trips, and surfing. Or you can just sit back and look out over the colourful coral reef at the resort sea front. The Maravagi Resort Reef is a superb place for hours of snorkelling and easy scuba diving.

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Outlook Recommends Hibiscus Homestay

HOSPITALITY Rock Haven Inn In a region where modernity and glamour are so prevalent, Rock Haven Inn continues to allure visitors virtue of its older style accommodation; albeit renovated with contemporary requirements in mind. Offering budget to mid-range rooms and apartments, much of the Inn’s attraction comes from its fantastic views and central location.

IBS Monarch Hotel

Since relocating, Hibiscus Homestay has reaffirmed its reputation as a home away from home. Originally successful as a family residence, those core values have been retained across the new comfortable bedrooms, while the veranda, barbecue and transport links compound its everyman appeal.

Pepele Seghe

Heritage Park Hotel Honouring the history of Honiara, Heritage Park Hotel’s appeal goes beyond the confines of the comfortable and attractive facility; instead serving as a historical document that looks back across the pasts of all nine Solomon Islands provinces.

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Raiders Hotel & Dive

Zipolo Habu Resort

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RAIDERS HOTEL & DIVE EXPLORE • DISCOVER • RELAX • TULAGI • SOLOMON ISLANDS

Located one hour from Honiara, on the waterfront of the historic Tulagi Harbour, Solomon Islands

REEF & WRECK DIVING • ACCOMMODATION BAR & DINING • SNORKLING • HIKING & MORE Office: +677 32070 • Mobile: +677 7494185 / 7938017 raidershotel@solomon.com.sb • www.raidershotel.com

Indulge your senses at Fatboys Resort, Solomon Islands!

Sheltered from the Coral Sea by the surrounding islands, Fatboys resort could be considered the perfect hideaway for you and your family. Located along our private jetty, 100m out over the reef is Fatboys Bar & Restaurant where meals are prepared daily using only the freshest, just-caught produce. Fatboys bar and restaurant is renowned as a favourite dining destination for local business operators and special guests alike.

Tel: 677 60095 / 677 744 3107 | Fax: 677 60095 fatboys@solomon.com.sb | www.solomonislandsfatboys.com FAT B O Y S R E S O R T, P O B O X 1 4 0 , G I Z O , W E S T E R N P R O V I N C E , S O L O M O N I S L A N D S

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Outlook Recommends HOSPITALITY Rekona Flourish Lodge

Tavanipupu Island Resort

Tanuli Royal Plains Motel

Berina Guest House

Vanita Motel & Restaurant

Fatboys Resort

Marawagi Resort

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Warm welcome to you from Vanita Motel!

A fully licensed and locally owned accommodation and restaurant; we are situated on Tulagi Island in Central Province, overlooking the picturesque Tulagi Harbour.

Rich with ww2 sites and blessed with white sandy beaches and clear aqua water.

Come and discover the unseen beauty of the Florida Islands.

Land Line +677 32166, +677 32052 Mobile Phone +677 7484148 For bookings and reservations bookings@vanita.com.sb For general enquiries and correspondence vanita@solomon.com.sb

www.vanita.com.sb

Pepele Seghe

Pepele is a family run eco-lodge operating since 2005.

It is close to the eastern shoreline of New Georgia Island in Marovo Lagoon, the word’s longest saltwater lagoon in the world. Guaranteeing a uniquely “Solomon Island” experience, accommodation at Pepele is peaceful, private, comfortable and affordable.

Pepele caters for up to 8 people in traditional leaf bungalows, plus a guest house complete with lounge area, kitchen, deck and garden. Meals are provided from local grown gardens or sea food. A small shop sells basic supplies.

Pepele is a 10 minute boat ride from Seghe. There are daily flights available from Honiara and Gizo. Passenger ships operate from Honiara through Marovo Lagoon on a weekly basis. We will collect and return you to the air terminal or Seghe wharf. Tours & activities are also available.

Tel: +677 743 6885 Mobile: +6777436885

info@sivb.com.sv Seghe, Western Province, Solomon Islands

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Connecti the soutH

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HONG KONG

Outlook Recommends

TARAWA

SINGAPORE

HONIARA

Air Niugini

TRANSPORT

PORT VILA

FUNA

NADI

BRISBANE

Fiji Airways Complementing its domestic links and its routes to Tonga, Samoa, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, Fiji Airways’ flights to the Solomon Islands have helped to facilitate numerous backpackers and tourists in recent years as they paradise hop. As such, the Company is revered as the country’s proud flag carrier, and among the region’s leading airlines.

SYDNEY ADELAIDE MELBOURNE CHRISTCHURCH

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EXPERIENCE THE SOLOMON ISLANDS WITH AVIS We offer a wide range of vehicles and competitive Ela Motors pricing to get you on your way.

677 24180 avis.com.sb avishoniara@ela.com.sb

With a route network that spans 22 destinations in 12 countries our airli Solomon Airlines in Nadi, Fiji to Australia. New Zealand and exotic Pacific islands. Travel beyond from Hong Kong with 4 flights per week and twice weekly from S class service in both Business and Economy class. Our airline is also a p can earn and redeem points as well as credit those points towards their comfortable and competitively priced, with a comprehensive range of sc

Visit FIJIAIRWAYS.COM o SG: 800 852 3666 I MH: 1 800 81 8186 I CN

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Tel: +677 74 16581 / 79 39713 Seghe Island, Marovo Lagoon Seghe, Solomon Islands

www.berinaguesthouse.com

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Outlook Recommends ENTERTAINMENT Pacific Casino Hotel Close by to the Honiara Henderson International Airport, Pacific Casino Hotel could offer a profitable and enjoyable beginning, middle or end to your stay on the Islands; bridging leisure and hospitality seamlessly across 142 spacious, ocean-view rooms.

“Let us show you the warmth of Solomon Island hospitality,” it declares on its website.

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Experience an amazing tropical paradise

TAVANIPUPU PRIVATE ISLAND RESORT is located in Marau Sound, Solomon Islands. Only 25 minutes east by plane from the capital Honiara, this privately owned 5-star island is the South Pacific’s best kept secret.

The island has an interesting history. It was once a coconut plantation in the 19th century owned by Norwegian Traders, who bought it off the locals for some ammunition. Some of the traders old gravestones still remain hidden amongst the long grass on the island.

Today the island is a tropical paradise surrounded by a vast turquoise lagoon. Manicured lawns studded with lines of coconut palms are the only remaining evidence of Tavanipupu’s colourful past.

Tavanipupu PRI VAT E I S L A N D RE S O RT

Tel: +677 74 603 15 or +677 36082 mocemereonidike00@gmail.com bookings@tavanipupu.com.sb Tavanipupu Private Island Resort | Marau Sound | Solomon Islands

The Best Value Motel in Honiara TANULI ROYAL PLAINS MOTEL is situated 15 minutes’ walk from the waterfront. Guests receive a free transfer service to Honiara City Centre, 10 minutes’ drive away. Local shops and restaurants are 5 minutes’ drive away.

All rooms are air-conditioned with flat-screen TV and offer tea and coffee making facilities, minibar and refrigerator. The private bathroom includes a shower and free toiletries. Towels and linen are provided with a free daily maid service and 24-hour front desk. Guests have access to a shared lounge and TV area. The property offers free parking.

This property is rated the best value in Honiara!

Tanuli Royal Plains Motel Tel: +677 20203 or +677 755 8899 trpm@solomon.com.sb Tanuli Royal Plains Motel, PO Box 308, Honiara, Guadalcanal Island, Solomon Islands

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Transport Links

UNDERSTANDABLY AND S E N S I B L Y , the Solomon Islands’ transport links from an external and peripheral perspective are dominated by the collaborating airlines in the surrounding Pacific region; and equally importantly from Australia. The latter especially is a hub for all international visitors emanating from around the world; Brisbane serving as the key portal.

This not only boosts visitation from all other continents but has inevitably had a primary effect on people coming to the Solomon Islands from Australia itself.

“International visitation to the Solomon Islands has been buoyed by a huge 61.9 percent increase, with Australian visitation jumping by 29 percent in June alone,” the SIVB notes. “Official figures released by the Solomon Islands’ National Statistics Office shows a total of 2,561

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"The SIVB is confident of an even stronger result across Q3, where there is guaranteed to be a huge influx of visitors - predominantly American, Australian, New Zealand and Japanese " international visitors recorded for the month.

“This represents a 29.1 percent increase over the 1,984 tally achieved for the corresponding month in 2016 and is a vast improvement over a sluggish Q1 performance which saw

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figures for the period dip by 3.1 percent compared to Q1 2016.

“The SIVB is confident of an even stronger result across Q3, where there is guaranteed to be a huge influx of visitors - predominantly American, Australian, New Zealand and Japanese - attending the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal and related commemorative services across the archipelago.”

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TOKYO TAIPEI DUBAI

NEW YORK DALLAS

LOS ANGELES

HONG KONG MANILA TARAWA

KUALA LUMPUR SINGAPORE

Choiseul Bay

Choiseul

Ballalae

Mono

PORT MORESBY

Darwin

Perth

SOLOMON ISLANDS HONIARA

New Georgia

Suavanao

Santa Isabel Fera

Seghe

VILA BRISBANE SYDNEY AUCKLAND

Canberra Melbourne Hobart

Guadalcanal

NADI

Auki Atoifi

HONIARA

Cairns Townsville

Adelaide

Kagau Ramata Gizo Munda

Bellona

Malaita

Afutara Marau

Arona Kirakira

San Cristobel

Santa Ana

Santa Cruz

Rennell

Wellington Christchurch Queenstown

Legend

Codeshare with Qantas Qantas Domestic/International Interline International Partner Airline Interline with Air New Zealand Interline/Codeshare with Fiji Airlines Codeshare with Air Niugini Domestic island connections Fly Solomons International services

Now flying to the Solomon Islands is easy with four weekly flights from Brisbane and twice weekly from Nadi.

With over 900 islands, you’ll find so many things to do. Dive in pristine waters amongst WWll wrecks. Take a trekking or fishing adventure. Discover our friendly island culture soon.

Visit solomonairlines.com

A theme park designed by Nature

IBS Monarch Hotel Accommodation Absolute seafront location Air-conditioned rooms with Alfresco Duplex suites with balconies 24-hour surveillance & security Club Monarch - Live music daily

Enjoy your stay with us at Iron Bottom Sound Tel: +677 28633 / 24455 | info@monarchsolomon.com | Tandai Highway, Rove, West Honiara GPO Box 300, Honiara

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Transport Links The June figures bring the number of visitors recorded over the six month period at the start of 2017 up to 11,306; a 5.5 percent rise on 2016’s numbers and “keeping the Solomon Islands’ tourism industry on track for yet another positive year”.

The SIVB continues: “Australian visitor arrivals continue to dominate; the 1,443 tally recorded for June representing a 61.9 percent increase over the 891 recorded in June, 2016 and accounting for 40.2 percent of all visitations.

“Increases were also achieved in several other key source markets including New Zealand and the US, 10.6 percent and 29.5 percent respectively, while visitation from Papua New Guinea jumped by a huge

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'A host of ferry companies are on hand to facilitate your hops to this end, ensuring that your adventure never stops, and is instead ingrained into your stay on the Islands" 128.5 percent.”

The next focus then hones in on internal transport infrastructure. In the same way that the hospitality sector has had to adapt and evolve according to visitor number increases, so too has the transport network.

Having said that, unlike most

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countries who would be working hard on enhanced roads or rail routes; this need has presented the opportunity for businesses in the Solomon Islands to flourish on less stable ground. As an archipelago, the best way to travel, almost exclusively, is by sea; especially if you wish to explore more than one of the islands and provinces.

A host of ferry companies are on hand to facilitate your hops to this end, ensuring that your adventure never stops, and is instead ingrained into your stay on the Islands.

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Perculler Accommodation Tel: + 677 764 4442

alwinpini155@gmail.com East Guadalcanal, Marau, Solomon Islands

Welcome to Rekona Lodge Surrounded by fruit trees and coconut palms, the Rekona Lodge, Gizo, Solomon Islands will make you feel that you are waking up in a tropical paradise. Our comfortable, family owned accommodation is set in a quiet, elevated position while conveniently located near to the main shops, markets and business areas of Gizo.

We offer rooms ranging from spacious air conditioned suites with lagoon views to comfortable budget accomodation. The suites have en suite bathrooms, hot water, coffee and tea making facilities, a TV and a refrigerator. All guests can use the shared kitchen and dining area, enjoying their meals on the balcony with lagoon views. Breakfasts can be provided on request at check-in.

Airport transfers can be arranged, quotations given on request.

Phone: +67760368 Mobile: +677 74 16751 rekona.lodge@gmail.com

P.O. Box 91, Gizo, Gizo Island, Western Province, Solomon Islands

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Landmark Attractions Marovo Lagoon

“The Marovo Lagoon is a double barrier reef enclosed lagoon, which in practise means a chain of coral reefs and islands that encircle the big Vangunu Island... large parts of the Marovo Lagoon are nearly as untouched as in 1946 when American Author James A. Michener in his Pulitzer Prize winning book Tales from the South Pacific described it as the eighth wonder of the world.”

- Pacific Island Living

Bonegi

“About 12km west from Honiara, Bonegi is music to the ears of divers, snorkelers and sunbathers.

Two large Japanese freighters sank just offshore on the night of 13 November, 1942, and make for a magnificent playground for scuba divers, who call them Bonegi I and Bonegi II. As the upper works of Bonegi II break the surface, it can also be snorkelled.

There’s also a black-sand beach that is suitable for a picnic.” - Lonely Planet

Honiara Central Market

“While Honiara won't be mistaken for Lagos, the country’s bubbling principal food market covers a whole block between Mendana Ave and the seafront. It has a huge selection of fresh produce, especially fruits and vegetables that come from outlying villages along the northern coast and from Savo Island.”

- Lonely Planet

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Nugu Eco Lodge FLORIDAS ISL ANDS, NGGEL A Nugu Island Retreat is located on the Islands of Buena Vista. The Retreat consists of four accommodation bungalows and offers the choice for guest cooking and preparing their own meals.

Dive and help preserve the unexplored

Tel: + 677 747 7657 zacsepo@gmail.com

BUENAVESTA GROUP OF ISLANDS, FLORIDAS ISLANDS, GELLA, CENTRAL PROVINCE

Outlook Creative Services

Outlook Publishing’s awardwinning in-house team is now utilising its extensive production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

Landline: +677 62156 Cellphone: +677 789 6869 divemunda@dive-solomon-com www.divemunda.com Agnes Gateway Hotel, Lambeti Station, Munda, New Georgia, Western Province, Solomon Islands

Roviana’s home away from home

Services and Facilities Daily housekeeping Doctor/nurse on call Car rental Free laundry service & self-service laundry Back-up power generator Phone reception Free Wi-Fi F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N V I S I T: www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services

Conveniently located in the heart of Munda, we are next to the fresh produce market, shops and a five-minute walk to the airport, the bank and the Kava bar. A minute walk to the wharf where you can also watch the sun set in the western shores.

A one hour thirty minute flight from Honiara to Munda with Solomon Airlines twice daily. For flight information visit www.flysolomons.com

Qua Roviana

Tel: +677 62123 | Mob: +677 7472472 | quaroviana@gmail.com

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Landmark Attractions Kolombangara volcano

“Kolombangara is a possibly active stratovolcano that forms the almost perfectly round, 15km diameter Kolombangara Island in the New Georgia Islands group of the Solomon Islands. Its name in local language roughly translated to "Water Lord", referring to the many (about 80) rivers and streams that drain its flanks.” - Volcano Discovery

Vilu War Museum

“The journey to Vilu War Museum from Honiara takes about an hour and visitors with an interest in military history should write it down as a must-visit attraction.” - Richard Moore, Tiki Touring

Mataniko Falls

“One of the star attractions in Honiara’s hinterlands is Mataniko Falls, which feature a spectacular thundering of water down a cliff straight into a canyon below... A guide from Lelei is required – the tourist office in Honiara can make arrangements on your behalf.” Lonely Planet

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Chester Resthouse

ASHLEE STREET, LOWER VAVAEA RIDGE, HONIARA Chesters Resthouse offers full cooking facilities and a small canteen for those who wish to pick up last minute items.

Both upper and lower floors have large covered verandahs. Its central location and low cost makes it quite appealing for the budget minded.

Tel: +677 7489 189, +677 26355

agarimae@yahoo.com or mbhches@solomon.com.sb

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Leleana Lodge

TO P H IL L , GIZO Leleana Lodge offers a friendly, family orientated accommodation on Gizo Hilltop enjoying ocean breezes from the southern seas.

Guests can enjoy an outdoor setting in the shady leaf house with a BBQ and the Lodges living area adjoins a neat kitchen with stove, fridge, utensils and pots. Rooms share a newly renovated bathroom with shower and two toilets.

Water supply is from rain catchment.

Parking is available on the property with easy driveway access.

Tel: +677 60498 or +677 7631683 eric.ghm@gmail.com

LELEANA LODGE, ASHLEY PO BOX 7, GIZO, WESTERN PROVINCE OF SOLOMON ISLANDS

Roderick Bay GUEST HOUSE Cegily Guest House Western Province, Gizo

Cegily Guesthouse is a very comfortable modern accommodation on the hillside below Phoebes Resthouse offering panoramic views of the surrounding islands. With easy access to the waterfront via a flight of stairs, guests can walk to the Hospital grounds in 2-3 minutes or a 5 minute stroll to the local markets. The house is very quiet as there are no live-in staff.

Tel: +677 7484172

patricksara275@gmail.com Hanikoga Haroro Village, West Big Ngella, Central Solomon Islands

Tel: +677 60035 / +677 7467982 yolsemi@solomon.com.sb Malakerava 1 Hillside, Gizo, Western Province, Solomon Islands

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Brunei Despite being renowned for its tranquil atmosphere, there is an abundance of exciting and somewhat surprising discoveries to be made in Brunei, one of Asia's wealthiest countries Writer: Phoebe Calver Project Manager: Joe Palliser

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runei is famous for some of the largest oilfields spreading across Southeast Asia and thanks to the money those fields have created, the country has been able to retain its resplendent rainforests.

The tranquil nation is widely recognised for its abundance of magnificent mosques, contrasted against the slightly haphazard water villages. The aforementioned mosques are in part with thanks to the vast natural gas and petroleum resources found there, making Brunei an incredibly rich country in a multitude of areas.

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Brunei could almost be described as pint sized in comparison to the surrounding Malaysia. Despite its size, the significant wealth found there has enabled the country to go from strength to strength.

It is important to remember on a trip here that the sale of alcohol is banned, however, the country has become renowned for its incredible array of culinary delights that will more than make up for it. It is also helpful to note that during the fasting month of Ramadan - usually around May or June - although many restaurants and cafĂŠs will still be open, it is considered rude to eat, drink or smoke in front of those who are fasting, and asking permission is appropriate.

Brunei enjoys a consistently pleasant climate, generally averaging around 24 degrees celsius throughout the year. There are no typhoons, earthquakes, severe flooding or any other form of natural disaster to worry about during your travels, making for a very relaxing trip.

ASIA FACTS & FIGURES

Languages: Capital: Area: Population (2016): GDP (2016): Currency: Time zone: Dialling code: Internet TLD: Climate:

Malay, English Bandar Seri Begawan 5,765 km2 423,196 $33.376 billion Brunei dollar (BDN) UTC+8 +673 .bn Tropical equatorial

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The Business End I N 1 9 8 4 B R U N E I gained its independence from the United Kingdom, from which point its economic growth expanded exponentially and in particular throughout the 90s and into the 2000s. Brunei became a heavily industrialised country, developing its wealth predominantly through extensive work in petroleum and natural gas fields. The bulk of its wealth and business development can be found in the country’s capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan.

In the present day Brunei holds the second highest Human Development Index among Southeast Asian nations - closely behind Singapore - and is now classed as a developed country.

Adding to its stature as a developed country, Forbes also currently ranks Brunei as the fifth richest

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nation out of 182 with thanks to its petroleum and natural gas fields.

Petroleum was originally discovered in the country after several failed attempts in 1929, and by 1940 oil

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production was at more than six million barrels and has only continued to increase since.

All sectors of business are heavily regulated by the Government and governmental policies, following a mixture of protectionism, subsidies and encouragement of entrepreneurship. The leading figures in charge of the creation of the aforementioned policies have been attempting a steady integration into the world economy.

There is a wide array of business plans in place for the economic development of Brunei, including workforce upgrades, reducing unemployment, strengthening banking and tourism sectors while widening the overall economic base beyond the original oil & gas sectors.

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Out and About P E R H A P S O N E O F the most striking things that you will notice on a trip to Brunei is the sheer volume of large and equally beautiful mosques that will surround you. However, here you will find something for everyone, with the ability to explore bustling mosques, tranquil towns as well as vast expanses of untouched forest.

Depending on the amount of time you have to spare in the country, there are various day and half day trips in place for you to explore wonders such as Ulu Temburong National Park. Or if you are interested in discovering more about the splendours on offer in the various ornate mosques, there are also a wide array of tours on offer.

With alcohol banned in the country, restaurants have taken a precedent in providing culinary treats for the

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Ulu Temburong National Park

country’s residents and guests. Bandar Seri Begawan in particular has become a hub for a plethora of different restaurant styels, including Kaizen Sushi which will provide you with an

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experience not to be forgotten. It will provide you with a relaxed atmosphere at the end of a long day, also providing the option of take-out if you would rather spend the evening relaxing in your hotel.

Depending on where you will be based during your trip, Brunei provides an excellent selection of hotels in each of the country’s heavily populated business areas. One of the most popular is the Radisson Hotel - located centrally in the capital - which provides exceptional service, especially when on a business trip where you can make the most of the hotel's business centre.

The vast majority of hotels are located just a short drive from Brunei International Airport, enabling you to make the most of your time in the country.

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Outlook Recommends “Look beneath the surface of this well-ordered and tightly regulated sultanate and you'll see the underlying warmth of Brunei's people and the wildness of its natural environment.”

- Lonely Planet

MUSEUMS

HOSPITALITY

Brunei Museum

ARH Group of Hotels

Royal Regalia Museum NATURE AZ BACK 2 NATURE

Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum PICTURE: ZULFADLI51

Pulau Selirong Recreational Park

NSEY Hotel & Apartments

Ulu Temburong National Park RESTAURANTS

CULTURE

Kaizen Sushi

Thien Thien Restaurant Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque Istana Nurul Iman Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

The NSEY Hotel and Apartments are widely recognisable in Brunei, standing proudly as the tallest building in the Belait district. It is perfectly located for those with a busy schedule, centrally placed in Kuala Belait and with easy access to the local sights.

Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam

It’s a Grind Coffee House

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Located a short drive from Brunei International Airport and the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, the ARH Group of Hotels provides the perfect balance of business and leisure. Just outside your door you will find Gadong, Brunei’s retail and entertainment district which will give you a wide range of experiences during your free time.

The Radisson Hotel provides the perfect accommodation for a business traveller, centrally located in Brunei’s capital Bandar Seri Begawan and only 15 minutes from Brunei International Airport.

During your visit you can stay productive outside working hours with the hotel's complimentary Wi-Fi and business centre, while also finding plenty of opportunities to relax close by thanks to the free shuttle service to nearby destinations.

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experience brunei

Enjoy 15% off* Best Available Rates while you explore the exciting sights of Brunei Darussalam.

Our proximity to popular attractions offers a taste of local culture and our complimentary shuttle service provides stress-free transportation to nearby shopping destinations. In addition, get 15% off* when you dine at our all day dining restaurant, Tasek Brasserie. And, enjoy the Radisson experience for longer with check-outs available as late as 6pm* radisson.com/bruneitravel

*Terms & Conditions apply. Booking period from 13 October 2017 - 14 January 2018

Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam Jalan Tasek Bandar Seri Begawan, BS8211 +673 224 4272 radisson.com/brunei

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Transport Links

ROYAL BRUNEI AIRLINES, the national air carrier in Brunei is in the process of turning Brunei into the new hub of international travel between Europe, Australia and New Zealand. A central facet to this strategy is the position that the airline currently holds at London Heathrow Airport, where it currently holds a daily slot serving Bandar Seri Begawan via Dubai.

There is currently only one motorway

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in Brunei that runs from Bandar Seri Begawan and runs along the coast. It then splits into a series of dual and single carriageways which are relatively easy to navigate if you chose to find your way around the country by car.

Car ownership and usage in the country is very high, and subsequently there are very few taxis running in the country. If that is how you are planning to make your way to meetings, ensure you book ahead to avoid any delays.

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Buses are perhaps the best possible way to travel around, especially when working in the capital city. There is a sizable network of minibuses, with a large variety of routes to suit most travel requirements. Alternatively depending on the size of the party you are travelling with, you can also hire a van to drive you around Brunei. This is an extremely flexible way to travel; hiring the bus for either a whole day or a few hours depending on your needs.

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AZ BACK TO NATURE TOUR SERVICES is a locally owned Brunei Company specialising in small group nature, adventure and culture based tour for the active travelers and adventurers. An extensive range of tours are available exploring the highlights and hidden delights Brunei’s four districts namely: Brunei-Muara, Tutong, Belait and Temburong.

The Tours have an emphasis on the unique scenery, wildlife and culture of each area. Tour range from 1 to 14 days and are tailored based on the traveler’s requirements and standards- from camping to pension houses to private charters and deluxe hotels. Many tours have been conveniently combined into tour packages for those wanting an extended value for money travel option.

Ulu Temburong National Park is a well preserved rainforest for scientific research, wildlife and visitors. Truly gives you time to experience and enjoy uniquely preserved wilderness.

Contact: Tel. No.: +673 2240529 / +6738818530 / +6738137159 / +6738845695 E-mail: b2nbrunei@gmail.com Website: www.b2nbrunei.com FB: Discover Brunei

Outlook Creative Services

Brunei Step is a program developed by AZ B2N Tour Services (B2N) consultants as a way of showing support and promotion of sustainable tourism in Brunei. Through this program, clients and guests of B2N will follow sustainable travel practices and will have the opportunity to set an example both to the locals and to the future guests. So that Brunei, located in the heart of Borneo, will be kept protected and maintain its balance and will allow the future generation to see and enjoy its unexpected treasures.

Outlook Publishing’s awardwinning in-house team is now utilising its extensive production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

WE’RE POURING HAPPY AT

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N V I S I T: www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services

CENTREPOINT, GADONG | THE MALL, GADONG | MAYAPURI, BANDAR | BRUNEI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DEPARTURE & TRANSIT HALL | TIMES SQUARE, BERAKAS | SUPA SAVE, MATA-MATA | MINISTRY OF FINANCE | RIPAS HOSPITAL, MAIN LOBBY | SUPA SAVE, SERIA | SEAVIEW HOTEL, KB | BSP HQ | BLNG

thecoffeebeanbrunei

coffeebean_brunei

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Landmark Attractions Ulu Temburong National Park

PICTURE: JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD

“It's odd that a small, regulated country such as Brunei should contain a sizable chunk of true untamed wilderness. Therein lies the appeal of Ulu Temburong National Park, located in the heart of a 500-sq-km area of pristine rainforest covering most of southern Temburong. It's so untouched that only about 1 sq km of the park is accessible to tourists, who are only admitted as part of guided tour packages.”

- Lonely Planet

Brunei Museum

PICTURE: SOMEBAL

“Exhibits of artifacts and specimens demonstrate the research interest of Museum staff in such diverse areas as Archaeology, Ethnography, History and Natural History. As a cultural and educational showcase for Brunei Darussalam, the Brunei Museum attracts both local and foreign visitors.” - Aseumus

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

“Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is an exclamation point above the Brunei River, and the so-called village in the water, Kampong Ayer. Built on an artificial lagoon on the banks of the river, the mosque initially seems more attraction than place of worship.” Atlas Obscura

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PICTURE: DE:BENUTZER:CHTREDE

“The Palace is the house of Brunei’s sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

The palace stands on the banks of the Brunei River, several kilometers south of Brunei’s capital. Istana Nurul Iman is a massive white construction with golden domes and minarets…

Breathtaking views of the palace open from the nearby Persiaran Damuan Park.”

- istananuruliman.org

Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

PICTURE: HAJOTTHU

“Built in 1992 to celebrate the 25th year of the current sultan's reign, Brunei's largest mosque and its four terrazzo-tiled minarets dominate their surroundings. It's impossible to miss as you head towards Gadong, about 3km from the city centre. The number 1 bus goes here… It's certainly an impressive building; because the sultan is his dynasty's 29th ruler, the complex is adorned with 29 golden domes. At night the mosque is lit up like a gold flame.” - Lonely Planet

Royal Regalia Museum

PICTURE: BALOU46

“When called upon to present a gift to the sultan of Brunei, you must inevitably confront the question: what do you give a man who has everything? At this entertaining museum you'll see how heads of state have solved this conundrum (hint: you'll never go wrong with gold and jewels). Family photos and explanatory texts offer a good overview of the life of the sultan, who is himself depicted in myriad forms (including a hologram) in a series of portraits.” - Lonely Planet

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alaysia’s largest state, Sarawak has opened up access to the natural wonders located within Borneo and endless cultural surprises. A trip to Sarawak will leave you spoilt for choice, whether you’re exploring perhaps the island's most dynamic city, Kuching or finding your way around its exquisite rainforests.

If you are one for getting out of the city in your spare time and really immersing yourself in the more natural elements your destination has to offer, in Sarawak you will be able to spot orangutans, crocodiles and proboscis monkeys among the region's abundance of wildlife.

This really is the perfect spot when it comes to packing a lot into your business trip, with an array of day trips and shorter excursions available that will leave you with plenty of time to settle in for a delicious meal by the waterfront.

Known as one of Malaysia’s most culturally diverse states, Sarawak is a warming area in every sense of the word; down to the friendly and hospitable nature of its residents, or indeed the temperature.

Perhaps unlike the majority of your business trips, you will find Sarawak offers a truly authentic experience.

Free from a heavy tourist influence, the state already has an extraordinary mixture of people and cultures which will leave you with a true understanding of life in Sarawak.

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Sarawak A trip to Sarawak provides the perfect combination of nature’s marvels with a business-minded edge and cultural splendours around every corner Writer: Phoebe Calver Project Manager: Joe Palliser

FACTS & FIGURES

Languages: Malay, English Area: 124,450 km2 Population (2015): 2,636,000 Currency: Malaysian Ringgit Time zone: UTC+8 Dialling code: 082 - 086 Climate: Tropical Climate

PHOTO:SARAWAK CONVENTION BREAU

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The Business End A S I A - P A C I F I C S T A N D S O U T as an area of extensive growth economically, therefore it is natural that Malaysia with its resources and aspirations for the future to be a part of the aforementioned evolution.

With this in mind, business events and tourism is an ever-increasing sector within Sarawak and has become widely acknowledged as a main contributor to the nation’s economy. In Sarawak the state was very quick to notice the potential benefits that could be generated through business tourism, leading to the establishment of the Sarawak Convention Bureau in 2006.

Tourism is beginning to play more of a major role when it comes to the economy of the state, with visitors in the past predominantly coming from Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and China. However, this is becoming more widely spread with thanks to a large number or organisations - both state and private that have been involved in promoting tourism within Sarawak.

Throughout the rule of the previous three White Rajahs, historically Sarawak had a reputation for its stagnant economy. Now in the present day it is thriving, largely virtue of the rise in petroleum output and the global petroleum prices.

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Located in the heart of Legacy Square, and a five minute walk away from the Kuching Waterfront, The Waterfront Hotel is an Artrageous 5-star boutique hotel, where convenience meets indulgence.

The Artrageous concept brings art into every corner of the Hotel, where each space is carefully designed to bring a different experience to our guests, along with collaborations with artists from multiple fields.

Guests will have unmatched access to business, shopping, tourist attractions, entertainment and dining options while staying with us.

Tel: +60 82 227 227 info@thewaterfrontkuching.com www.thewaterfrontkuching.com / thewaterfrontkuching

/ thewaterfrontkuching

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Sarawak Convention Bureau

AR: Primarily we have found that SCB has become a major factor in helping to develop Sarawak - the destination - as a business travel hub.

We do this by being a one-stop centre to assist meeting and event planners to bid for and stage national, UP UNTIL 20 years ago, business regional and international business events were unchartered territory events in Sarawak. SCB has developed within Sarawak and Malaysia as a its business arm as well, by connecting whole. In 2006 the Sarawak Convention associations, corporate organisations, Bureau (SCB) was established with and government bodies with elements a small and creative team that has necessary to ensure success of the pioneered the business events (BE) we events. This business matchmaking can see in the state today. service indirectly creates a foundation Branching out from its humble for future international business beginnings of providing professional relationships to take place. Lastly, we advisory services to meeting planners have helped Sarawak to develop its in 2006, the Bureau has enabled the international brand, via our own unique business events profession to soar and creative branding campaigns. to new heights through positioning the world. Furthermore, according to We believe aligning consistency Sarawak as one of the leading second ICCA standards, SCB has positioned with creativity guarantees progress. tier destinations in the Asia-Pacific.

Sarawak as one of the leading 2nd tier The Bureau is constantly trying to In the present day after 11 years of destinations of the Asia-Pacific. We are push the envelope and explore how to tremendous effort by a consortium consistent with our message to the make conventions, ‘unconventional’. of parties, including government world, and our invitation is always open! That very notion in itself is part of the agencies, enthusiastic hosts and The undertaking of the 55th ICCA growing appeal of Sarawak as we industry partners, Sarawak is now Congress saw Sarawak as the ‘mouse re-imagine the boardroom and fringe perfectly poised as a top business that roared’. When the Sarawak team events of conferences for example, travel destination. The Bureau is well won the bid to host last year's ICCA which are carefully planned and recognised as a top player among its Congress, one of their promises was enthusiastically executed. Couple this international counterparts and has truly that they would share the secrets of fire with the unique values of Sarawak progressed an industry that is in its their success with the delegates, and – for example, a lush green jungle next infancy within Malaysia. be an inspiration for the many smaller to a modern city is hard to come by Amelia Roziman, Chief Operating destinations that are struggling to be in other parts of the world – and the Officer at the Sarawak Convention heard and seen in today's crowded warm hospitality of the Sarawakians.

Bureau tells us about current market. Its active three-pronged BE With those factors in play, you get a developments and explains the exciting Campaign: communicating, educating conference that is not only tremendous times ahead for the state. and awarding ensures the BE value for money but truly unique. ecosystem thrives! Ongoing business Asia Outlook (AsO): Since promotion, product development and AsO: Taking a more general inception, how has Sarawak recognition are essential elements for industry stance, how would you Convention Bureau developed players to expand their businesses. The evaluate the tourism sector in and progressed in terms of its key constant strive towards excellence will Sarawak now compared to its condition objectives and the messages it tries to ensure the longevity of the BE industry. when the Convention Bureau began? get across?

AR: The tourism sector has always Amelia Roziman (AR): Sarawak AsO: To this end, how would flourished under the direction of the fully embodies the concept of you say Sarawak Convention Ministry of Tourism and Sarawak ‘business meets adventure’ and is Bureau has developed in recent Tourism Board. A prime example would fully capable of delivering bold, fresh years as a business travel hub and what be the homegrown Rainforest World perspectives to conferences that can are the key reasons behind its growing Music Festival which is now a worldnever be obtained anywhere else in appeal? class icon.

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I believe the way to imagine the tourism landscape here is to envision a wide field that has different species blossoming at any one time or together.

In this sense, tourism encompasses many different segments, from medical tourism to ecotourism to business events (previously known as the ‘MICE’ sector). Recognising the importance of value beyond economics in today’s world, business events as a natural consequence will bring about a model which is sustainable for years to come.

Hence, upon the induction of SCB, a new segment within the existing industry began to soar and has become a viable contributor to the State as we know it.

AsO: What is in store for Sarawak over the course of 2017 and beyond to continue the good work already commenced and

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to enhance its reputation as a tourism and business travel hub further in the future?

AR: With 2017 encroaching into its last quarter it will ride on the momentum of the Bureau’s boldest campaign to date; Redefining Global Tribes (RGT). Looking into the future, as a destination with unique offerings, the RGT with its Tribal Warrior Challenge (TWC) at its peak has rallied the global tribes of BE. It has established that we have developed further from the success of the 55th ICCA Congress 2016 and entering our next phase of the game.

By being the host of the industry’s most prestigious meeting of meetings, we have opened up to the world. Sarawak and its numerous tribes want to unite with the world under one single ‘’Global Tribe’ in the name of Business Events.

More than 10 years have passed since the Bureau’s inception. Now, we want

ASIA to position Sarawak as more than just a “fresh destination”. Therefore, it is absolutely crucial to make a bold statement and with RGT we believe we have accomplished just that. In a numbers game, we have acquired business leads and this has ignited our spark to continue to elevate Sarawak as a tourism and business travel hub.

The Bureau with its longstanding BE Sarawak Campaign will soon see the preparations for the 9th Anak Sarawak Awards 2018, which will shine the spotlight on the industry’s gamechangers AsO: The theme for your campaign is “Join Sarawak in the revolution for Business Events communities to gather in unity to construct a stronger identity for Malaysia’s economy”. What revolution is SCB referring to, and why is Sarawak taking the lead for Malaysia?

AR: It is common knowledge that Sarawak Convention Bureau is the pioneering bureau in Malaysia, and we have always pushed the envelope and taken the road less travelled with unconventional and creative ideas. So, as Sarawak has always been leading the pack in this sector, why shouldn’t it be Sarawak to take the lead for Malaysia? We have the resources, we have the capacity, and we have attracted global international Business Events, without diluting our culture and heritage. Sarawak fosters it business relationships with care and interest in the people, resonating with the humane side of business.

We pour our heart and soul into our hospitality. That has always been a constant catalyst in our campaigns.

For example, Redefining Global Tribes is focused on the very human values of community, unity and identity.

It is through recognising the key values and synergy we share with our partners, that we are able to construct a stronger identity for our sector in the global economy.

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Out and About BETWEEN SARAWAK’S ENDLESS natural beauty and enticing cities, you will be spoilt for choice during your business trip. It is to be expected that the majority of your time there will be spent in its capital city, however with thanks to its excellent connections by air you have the opportunity to enjoy so much more.

Some of the natural highlights to be found in Sarawak include the caves of Gunung Mulu National Park - some of the largest in the world and not to be missed - and the orangutans of Semengoh.

If you are looking for more of a cultural city experience and have a morning spare in your schedule, you will find Sarawak Cultural Village the perfect place and only a 45 minute drive from Kuching. There you will encounter a living museum with an array of tribes - including Iban, Melanau and Bidayuh - and architectural feats, all located at the foot of Mount Santubong.

Back in the capital city and business hub of Sarawak, you’re treated to an exceptional array of hotels that are likely to exceed expectations.

Sarawak is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and hospitable nature, enabling you to feel fully relaxed while away from home. A prime example of this can be found at The Waterfront Hotel, located on top of the Plaza Merdeka Shopping Centre and looking out over the Sarawak River.

When it comes to culinary treats there is something to suit every taste, with anything you could possibly want ranging from fine dining to street-style options. You will enjoy a feeling of relaxation in all aspects of your time in Sarawak, be that in your working day or free time spent exploring the state.

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www.bcck.com.my www.facebook.com/BCCK.Sarawak www.twiier.com/BCCKSarawak www.instagram.com/bccksarawak

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*mid . in A wild vegetable similar to fiddlehead ferns. In Sarawak, it is known as 'midin' and usually flavored with shrimp paste or garlic cloves.

Delivering Successful Events, the Borneo Way

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Outlook Recommends “Sarawak makes access to Borneo’s natural wonders and cultural riches a breeze.”

- Lonely Planet

MUSEUMS

NIGHTLIFE Monkeebar Drunk Monkey Old Street Bar Zinc Restaurant and Bar

Ethnology Museum Art Museum Chinese History Museum RESTAURANTS HOSPITALITY

LEISURE

The Waterfront Hotel

Tua Pek Kong Temple

Sitting proudly atop the Plaza Merdeka Shopping Centre, the Waterfront Hotel is centrally located in Sarawak’s capital city, Kuching. With stunning views of both the Padang Merdeka and the Sarawak River, the Waterfront is the perfect spot to sit back and relax after a long working day.

Semenggoh Wildlife Centre Deer Cave & Lang Cave Toh Yuen

Pullman Kuching

Bear Garden

Riverside Majestic

Café Majestic

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RETAIL Plaza Merdeka Siniawan Night Market The Spring Shopping Mall

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Transport Links

Kuching City by sunset

SARAWAK HAS MAINTAINED autonomy when it comes to immigration control, ensuring that - mostly mainlanders - are unable to immigrate to the thinly populated state of Sarawak. Even if residents are travelling from other parts of Malaysia they still require ID, so it is important to ensure you have some form of identification on you at all times when in Sarawak.

The majority of travellers to Sarawak will arrive by plane, with the largest airport being located in Kuching and the international flights available

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include those to Singapore and Pontianak.

Due to the sheer size of Sarawak, travelling by air is probably the easiest form of travel when navigating your way around the state. The roads are especially poor by otherwise high Malaysian standards, again making planes the logical choice. A prime example would be when travelling between Kuching and Miri, which would take either one hour on a plane or 14 hours on a bus.

However, if you would prefer to stay away from planes during your time in

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Sarawak then the vast majority of cities are connected by express buses if you can handle the extensive journey.

You also have the option of express boats which are set up from the coast inland, along Borneo’s larger rivers and provide a faster alternative to buses and cheaper to planes.

When you are actually in the cities themselves, there is a plethora of ways to see the sites and arrive at your meetings with ease. Most cities have local buses and taxies which not only serve the city centres but also the surrounding suburbs.

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Landmark Attractions Tua Pek Kong Temple

“A modest wooden structure existed on the site of this colourful riverfront Taoist temple as far back as 1871; it was rebuilt in 1897 but badly damaged by Allied bombs in 1942… For panoramic views over the town and the muddy Batang Rejang, climb the sevenstorey Kuan Yin Pagoda, built in 1987; the best time is sunset, when a swirl of swiftlets buzzes around the tower at eye level.”

- Lonely Planet

Sarawak Cultural Village

“Possibly the finest "Living Museum" in South East Asia, Sarawak Cultural Village combines history, tradition, lifestyle and architecture with a dash of education and portion of theatre to create a unique multi-cultural extravaganza… Seven unique traditional houses, spread over a

beautiful 17-acre site, gives you the perfect introduction to Sarawak, its people and cultures, whether you are looking for insight into longhouse lifestyle or a taste of exuberant Sarawak hospitality, Sarawak Cultural Village is a must visit for visitors to Kuching and Damai.”

- SarawakCulturalVillage.com

Cat Column Kutching

“If, for any reason, you don’t love cats, stay far, far away from Kuching.

In this Malaysian town, there’s no escaping them. They are omnipresent: on rooftops, at traffic signals, on sidewalks, in parks. Not unlike other cities, you’d think. Except that these aren’t real cats we’re talking about. A bulk of Kuching’s ‘feline population’ is in the form of statues and sculptures, installed by the city’s smitten-bykitten folk.”

- Conde Nast Traveller

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is a leading business-to-business publication promoting and showcasing the leading companies across an array of sectors on the continent.

Appearing in both digital and print, the publication is aimed at boardroom members and hands-on decision makers, reaching more than 220,000 business executives.

Every other month we feature leading companies and business executives by profiling their operations and success stories. Covering areas of best practice, capital investments, the supply chain, innovation and continuous improvement, we aim to promote all that is good about the industry and the region, with your company taking centre stage throughout it all.

Producing business profiles across the full range of sectors and every corner of the continent, Asia Outlook is the platform to promote your business success.

Read on for this month’s profiles.

Phoebe Calver, Deputy Editor phoebe.calver@outlookpublishing.com

If you want to enjoy the exposure and coverage we can offer, please feel free to contact us to discuss the opportunity further.

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

Matthew Staff, Editorial Director Tel: +44 (0) 1603 959 655 matthew.staff@outlookpublishing.com

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Development DMIA Group’s vision of eminent construction growth is being achieved with integrity, foresight, professionalism and competence Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Tom Cullum

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ncorporated in Malaysia in 1996, the subsequent 20-plus years have witnessed the exponential growth of DMIA (Dhaya Maju Infrastructure Asia Sdn Bhd) Group, virtue of numerous prestigious projects both domestically and overseas.

Having now established itself in the local and international construction industry, the next goal for the business has been to utilise those same skills and that existing reputation to diversify its remit; subsequently venturing into the property

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development market and into an array of large railway infrastructure projects.

Ultimately catering for civil engineering, building construction, property development and railway works, the DMIA Group that exists today is a far cry from the one that incepted 21 years ago.

“Having successfully completed a number of prestigious construction projects, we have established our name in the local construction scene,” Executive Director (ED), Datuk Seri Subramaniam Pillai affirms. “Among

ASIA

these projects are the Central Link KLIA Expressway, the rail link to West Port, part of the Electrified Double between Gopeng and Ipoh, and major slope rehabilitation works along the North-South Expressway and the LHDN building in Bangi.

“In recent years, we have ventured into property development with our maiden project at Setapak Jaya, Kuala Lumpur, and another few locations in Klang Valley; and are planning another mix and residential township development at Senawang, Negeri Sembilan.”

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SIME DARBY INDUSTRIAL SDN BHD

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ime Darby Industrial Sdn Bhd operates the Tractors Malaysia Caterpillar dealership and is the exclusive distributor of Caterpillar® products and services in Malaysia and Brunei, with 23 branches, six depots and seven Cat Rental Stores.

Tractors Malaysia forms part of the Sime Darby Industrial Division, a core division of the Sime Darby Group. Sime Darby Industrial covers the Asia-Pacific region with heavy equipment operations in Australia, Brunei, China, Christmas Island, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Vietnam and Thailand.

Its multimillion ringgit projects in India further typify the evolution that DMIA has enjoyed in recent years, and help to compound an initial vision and mission that remain integral to this day.

“Our vision remains to realise the nation’s, the society’s and the people’s vision of a modern, efficient and high quality environment in which growth is sustained, progress is inspired, and development is accelerated,” Pillai enthuses. “Our mission is then to be an eminent construction company by delivering world-class projects with integrity, foresight, professionalism and competence.”

management services by providing the best people, expertise, skills and resources.

“It was also an objective to maximise customer satisfaction by fulfilling, if not exceeding the promise of timeliness, budget control and quality,” Pillai adds.

To get ahead and then stay at the forefront of new developments across all aforementioned sectors, the business has embraced state-of-the art management systems and has since been awarded ISO 9001:2000 quality certification.

“Since inception, Dhaya Maju has grown leaps and bounds, helped by a highly competent management Highest quality of services team and staffed by professionals Initially registered in Malaysia as a PKK from various disciplines who have Class A and CIDB G7 Contractor back been in lead positions in prestigious in 2001, the Company went into the mega infrastructure projects such market knowing that value held no as the Penang Bridge, North-South restriction, and it could therefore focus Expressway, Kuala Lumpur International wholly on its objective of ensuring high Airport, as well as the construction standard contract and construction of large residential townships,”

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For more than 88 years, Tractors Malaysia has been setting high standards in the heavy equipment business to deliver quality and efficiency to our customers. We have been working with heavy machinery since 1929, when Sime Darby acquired the Caterpillar dealership franchise to support oil exploration in Sarawak.

Today, there are few that can match Tractors Malaysia in its experience and the expertise. When the nation was growing, our equipment were prominently used to build highways, railways, dams, townships, international airports, ports and many more projects.

Our customers and business partners including Dhaya Maju Infrastructure (Asia) Sdn Bhd are prominent and established players in the development of Malaysia.

Tractors Malaysia offers a wide range of Caterpillar heavy equipment and services for construction, mining, quarry, forestry and agriculture industries, as well as power generation for uninterrupted power supply for hospitals and offices as critical standby application, powering boats in marine and for oil & gas sector.

T +60 38068 8000 E sidi-info@simedarby.com

www.tractors.com.my

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rom a classic machine manufacturer to a modern fullrange supplier.

Plasser & Theurer offers a wide range of products including machines and systems for laying and installing, renewing and maintaining tracks and overhead lines. More than 16,000 heavyduty machines have been supplied to 109 countries.

Today, the Company is more than just a machine manufacturer. Particularly in recent years, the Company has become a competent service partner offering an extensive range of services.

In 2016 alone, it carried out around 300 training sessions for 2,000 machine operators from 39 countries.

DMIA delivers the highest quality service and products

Pillai continues. “With our team of professionals representing a wealth of experience from across the length and breadth of the industry, we believe that we are well prepared and positioned to scale even greater heights in the construction and development industries both in Malaysia and abroad in the coming years.”

Consequent certifications including ISO 14001:2004, MS 1722:2011, OHSAS 18001:2007 and ISO 9001:2015 have compounded the Company’s commitment to quality; thus helping the business to live up to the numerous promises it makes to its clients.

Pillai lists: “Dhaya Maju shall deliver the highest quality of services and products to its clients within the specified time and cost by: implementing standard procedures to ensure consistency of quality; continuously reviewing the management system to ensure ongoing improvement of processes; ensuring employees are

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VOESTALPINE

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ctively supporting the Malaysian railway network and local industry for more than 20 years, VAE has helped develop the infrastructure and enhance the industry’s capabilities. The Company’s work is present in various rail networks including Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), Prasarana, MRT Corp and ERL Express.

As part of the nation’s Industry Collaboration Programme (ICP), the Company has transferred technology to Malaysian company Mastrak to preassemble turnouts in cooperation with DMIA and produce bearers for Malaysia.

In addition, the Company is creating access for Malaysian-made bearers to the regional supply chain and to countries in Southeast Asia.

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HIGH CAPACITY I PRECISION I RELIABILITY

Innovation for you www.plassertheurer.com “Plasser & Theurer“, “Plasser“ and “P&T“ are internationally registered trademarks

THINK GLOBAL ACT LOCAL voestalpine VAE offers outstanding track solutions for all kind of applications and transportation segments. The combination of turnout systems including signaling solutions and services around the total product lifecycle maximize track availability. More than 50 operations all over the globe make sure we understand local demand and challenges and help to provide appropriate solutions.

We are already implementing this strategy in Malaysia. voestalpine VAE GmbH Alpinestrasse 1, 8740 Zeltweg, Austria www.voestalpine.com/vae

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have aided the Company rapid rise to prominence in this sector, while its building works have been bridged from Malaysia to India via work on the Malaysian Hicommission building in New Delhi.

“At present, we are embarking on Klang Valley Electrified Double Track (KVDT) projects since railway infrastructures will be a key growth area for us in upcoming years. This is a most challenging project due to brown field and live track where safety is our utmost priority,” Pillai explains.

Secret weapon

engaged, resourceful and efficient; understanding clients’ requirements and expectations at all times; conforming to requirements of quality management systems; and making quick responses to the ever-changing best practices, contractual standards and regulations of the industry.”

Rapid rise to prominence

Yearly investments into new equipment, upgraded facilities, improved logistics centres, and internal technologies help to support the aforementioned promises and have culminated in numerous high profile projects.

On the civil engineering side, the Company is most reputed for the Expressway Linkaran Tengah, Malaysia; major rehabilitation work on the NorthSouth Highway, Malaysia; the upgrade of Madhya Pradesh’s state highway in India; the IT Corridor in Chennai, India; and the National highway between Jaipur and Mahua in Rajasthan, India.

Three key rail projects in Malaysia

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The strength of our people is the core value of DMIA...

Our attitude is based around ‘HIK’ which stands for Hire, Improve and Keep

Having established such a diverse portfolio, it has now presented DMIA with the perfect platform to expand its footprint in the future, with South and Southeast Asia more-than tenable options moving forward. Similarly, the types of work being undertaken are also open for broadening now that the facilities, equipment and - perhaps most importantly - the skills are all in place.

“The strength of our people is the core value of DMIA,” Pillai affirms regarding the latter. “Our attitude is based around ‘HIK’ which stands for Hire, Improve and Keep. We leave no boulder unturned when achieving this goal and talent has therefore been our secret weapon.”

Addressing the sustainability challenge, the focus then goes one step further in hiring local talent where possible, and in subsequently forming a succession plan within the company structure.

The same ethos is then applied to DMIA’s supply chain management strategy too, as Pillai explains: “We are a multi-discipline organisation that prides itself on providing a complete one-stop solution. Therefore, in addition to our internal talent, technology and equipment, we have also built up a solid and longstanding relationship with our partners and associates that bring with them very specialised skills and knowledge; in

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PROUD to be associated with the DMIA Group

Soil Instruments (M) Sdn. Bhd.

Fields of Activity:- Geotechnical and Structural Instrumentation Specialist - Site Investigation - Slope Stabilisation - Drilling and Grouting - Material Testing Laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025)

IMM SOIL Sdn. Bhd.

Fields of Activity:- Structural, Concrete and Cementitious Materials - Road Engineering and Testing on Asphalt, Bitumen and Aggregates - Advanced Testing on Rocks and Soils - Expertise and Consulting on Material Technology

PINNACLE, established in 2001 & incorporated in 2006, is a reputed player in civil & interior design industry & has successfully completed a diverse range of projects throughout India for luxury homes, hotels, restaurants, healthcare, hospitality institutions & corporates.

Recently Pinnacle have done interior finishes work at the High Commissioner Residence & Multipurpose Hall for the Malaysian High Commission in New Delhi, associated with the DMIA Group.

SOIL INSTRUMENTS (M) SDN BHD (117953-T)

Phone: 0091 11 26929122 Mobile: 0091 9810 331508 info@pinnacleassociates.in

pinnacleassociates2006@gmail.com

p i n n a c l e a s s o c i a t e s . i n

NO. 12, JALAN UTARID U5/14, SEKSYEN U5, 40150 SHAH ALAM, SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA. TEL: +603-7859 1352 /7859 1355 FAX: +603-7859 1566 EMAIL: soil@soil.com.my WEBSITE: www.soil.com.my

IMM SOIL SDN BHD (1048459-P)

NO. 10, JALAN UTARID U5/14, SEKSYEN U5, 40150 SHAH ALAM, SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA. TEL: +603-7843 8600 /7843 8700 FAX: +603-7843 8800 EMAIL: immsoil@immsoil.com.my WEBSITE: http://www.imm.ch/index_imm_soil.htm

“At present, we are embarking on Klang Valley Electrified Double Track (KVDT) projects since railway infrastructures will be a key growth area for us in upcoming years.”

“Procurement is centralised and we have established vendors in our group, who we are working with to try and enhance the delivery process with systems such as ‘Just in Time’ delivery.”

addition to a supply chain that allows them to complement us with their specialist input.

“Procurement is centralised and we have established vendors in our group, who we are working with to try and enhance the delivery process with systems such as ‘Just in Time’ delivery.

DMIA would also like to work with foreign or internationally renowned multinationals on technology transfers in order to then develop the product locally.”

As ever, DMIA is being proactive, innovative and entrepreneurial about its future, displaying the same can-do attitude that it looks to ingrain in its employees.

Looking forward, Pillai concludes. “In the next five years, we expect to have completed the KVDT project which will put us in a strong position to compete regionally and internationally with a large pool of talented professionals carrying out a greater scope of projects, across a wider geographic footprint.”

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Aspirational

Architecture aCTa’s ongoing success in India is epitomised by a series of awardwinning architecture projects in Kolkata; each designed courtesy of unrivalled experience and expertise Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Tom Cullum CTa was inaugurated as a business derived from expertise and opportunity back in 2004, at the hands of a man whose long and distinguished international career leant itself perfectly to architectural success in Asia.

The man in question is Stephen Coates whose personal journey began in London before taking him to Hong Kong as a founding Executive Director of Aedas. Subsequently securing work with the Company in China and India, aCTa proved to be a natural progression for the entrepreneur when setting up the practice in Singapore.

“India continued to grow as a more natural market than China due to its proximity to Singapore, and the language.

Furthermore, Indian developer companies tend to be

privately held by hands-on owners.

They therefore like the fact that aCTa is owned by an architect who has experience of delivering large projects across Asia and who leads the designs personally,” Coates details the Company’s strategy. “Over time, we have developed an understanding of the unique challenges of designing and delivering projects in this fascinating but challenging market.

“Larger foreign architectural practices struggle to make inroads into India but aCTa has been working there successfully since we launched 13 years ago.”

East India in particular has been a core focus for the Company in the intervening years, and while aCTa’s skillset and business proposition would technically facilitate projects anywhere around the world, it is the aforementioned business climate in India that remains most lucrative.

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And to this challenging, yet profitable country, the Company has managed to tailor its offering to become one of the most sought-after operators in the region.

Coates continues: “Our differentiator is our ability to offer original and exciting concepts that are relevant and achievable design solutions to a given challenge; combining innovative design solutions which maximise our clients’ investment, and presented in a clear, concise and interesting way using all available technologies such as VR. This is then backed up with enhanced and properly coordinated drawing packages.”

A small practice designing large projects

To survive, and then thrive, it has been imperative for aCTa to keep abreast of all developments in the global industry, before applying them locally in order to win business, keep clients, and secure new contracts.

“As for all service industries, our clients expect best design solutions backed up with full analysis, and better presentations at each stage; with more information, more quickly, and at a competitive price,” Coates explains.

“For a small practice designing large projects, we have to be up to speed with what the large practices are offering in terms of presentation techniques such as VR. With the improvement in software, we have been able to offer more services with less staff, enabling us to remain competitive.”

In turn, a plethora of high profile projects have been attained with three in particular epitomising the expertise of aCTa and its resultant appeal within the market.

Firstly, set on the Eastern Edge of Kolkata, Urbana’s Phase 1 comprises seven towers providing 1,170 units in the city’s tallest residential tower complex; also consisting of 40 detached bungalows set across 60 acres.

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Coates details: “The towers overlook a beautiful landscaped garden which is large enough for two cricket fields and is actually a roof garden that disguises a huge underground car park for 2,500 cars. All apartments have optimum views away from the low sun, and enjoy

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the wonderful cooling south-easterly breeze that wafts in from the Bay of Bengal for nine months of the year; minimising the need for air conditioning. “aCTa and the Urbana team are currently developing the design for Phase 2 which will feature three

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“For a small practice designing large projects, we have to be up to speed with what the large practices are offering...”

“The towers overlook a beautiful landscaped garden which is large enough for two cricket fields...”

50-storey residential towers designed to complete the full composition of 10 towers providing almost 2,000 apartments and 500,000 square metres of luxury accommodation.”

Awarded as Credai’s Best Luxury Project and Best Residential Project; as

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“Our challenge is to work with the client and contractors to design and deliver... and be proud of the final product from every aspect.”

“These simultaneously provide the owners protection against the low east and west sun and allow the apartments to be fully, naturally ventilated.”

“The architecture of the building is derived from the judicious use of beautiful, timbereffect, vertical sliding aluminium louvre panels.”

CNBC’s Best Project in East India; and as CMO Asia Real Estate’s Best Luxury Residential Project in India for 2017 aCTa has received similar acclaim for Hastings Park, a 10-storey apartment development also based in Kolkata, overlooking the German Embassy.

“The architecture of the building is derived from the judicious use of beautiful, timber-effect, vertical sliding aluminium louvre panels,” Coates describes. “These simultaneously provide the owners protection against the low east and west sun and allow the apartments to be fully, naturally

ventilated.

“Crucially they also provide privacy, and cover up the ugly existing structural design which could not be altered.”

Creative and technical edge

Finally, shortlisted for the World Architecture News’ Best Commercial and Eco Project categories, Unimark HQ has further set the tone for aCTa’s business opportunities moving forward; again focusing on Kolkata.

“We are particularly excited about developing the design for a 100,000 square metre headquarter office

ASIA tower in the heart of the city for a major client of ours,” Coates states.

“We are very fortunate that the client wants this to represent the best of 21st century office thinking and they are buying into many of the initiatives we have suggested; including aiming for a platinum green rating, and bringing a turnkey contractor on board from early in the design stage.

“Another project of note is a 1,800 unit, 150,000 square metre residential development on the outskirts of the city where the focus is on delivering high speed, high quality, low cost apartments. Our challenge is to work with the client and contractors to design and deliver this, and be proud of the final product from every aspect: best quality architecture, good homes, best price, shortest time.”

In each case, the investments into VR software, the introduction of Revit, and the adoption of management platforms such as Aconex are helping to create an unrivalled proposition to prospective clients, backed up a small but experienced and entrepreneurial workforce.

The culminating structure is a flexible and highly professional one able to respond to the varying needs of its clients, and indeed to the diverse nature of the industry itself.

“A main trend at the moment is continuing fee competition where Indian practices in particular are improving their service offer at attractive fees,” Coates says. “We therefore have to maintain our creative and technical edge, while staying focused on our market to make sure we continually improve our design solutions - and then deliver on our services - as effectively as possible.”

In the future, this will transpire in further Indian saturation, and the potential of a physical office in the country should Prime Minister, Mr Modi’s environmental FDI promises come to fruition. And aCTa will be ready and waiting to reap the rewards.

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Soulful Design or the Lumina Group, reputation is the key to success and acts as the driving force behind every action within the Company. It could be said that maintaining such an impeccable reputation over a sustained period of time has been the hardest job Lumina has undertaken, however, it is one of the many areas in which the Company excels.

Providing clients with soulful designs and surpassing all expectations in service is just the beginning when it comes to earning respect within the industry, and prioritising repeat clients is equally important to Lumina when it comes to building long-lasting business relationships.

“We strive to build strong working relationships with our clients and through giving priority to our repeat clients, they begin to see our service as one of exclusivity,” explains Abdi Ahsan, Principal of the Lumina Group.

“Of course with exclusive service, we have had to match our fees to maintain this and our ever-growing loyal clients understand the benefits that come with that.

“Lumina also ensures that the effort within its designs is recognised, while also keeping up to date in the market

For more than 15 years the Lumina Group has been driving excellence in architectural lighting design, building long lasting relationships within the industry and continuing to go from strength to strength Writer: Phoebe Calver Project Manager: Tom Cullum

with technological advancements that will aid the designs.”

Established in 2000 and based in Jakarta, Indonesia, the Lumina Group started out as an independent lighting design firm. Fast forward 17 years and the Group has become a holding company for several works, with lighting at the core of all its business.

“Our main business is involved in architectural lighting design, with exciting projects ranging from high-scale hotels, apartments, offices, malls and high-end residences,” affirms Abdi. “Our earlier focus and the main source of our business was in high-end hotels, such as the Conrad, W and Hilton at a time when lighting design was a little

known entity in Indonesia.”

Initially a large amount of the clients that required the Company’s service were foreign, however, evidence of the Lumina Group’s excellent work spread and with knowledge gained through every project its workload began to widen.

In a continuing effort to widen its reach - as well as educating the industry - Lumina Group has begun to develop separate works to accompany its core business. This work started two years ago and now includes companies that handle middle-range projects, lighting products, education and lighting event organisation.

Abdi Ahsan, Lumina

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MANDALA PUTERA PRIMA

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T MPP (Mandala Putera Prima) provides green & energy efficient lighting, electrical products and A/V controllers to the marketplace.

The Company aims to offer value-added engineering for lighting solutions and electrical services to meet client budgets and also undertakes requests for custom-made solutions.

With project experience for various private sector and government institutions, the Company’s variety of world-class products, which include Philips Lighting, Panasonic and Honeywell to name a few, allows the Company’s talented and experienced teams to always be ready to serve customers and clients alike with the values of can-do spirit, proactive, accountability, positive thinking and solid teamwork.

www.mandalaputeraprima.com

Lumina has worked on many award-winning projects

Character and philosophy

When taking into consideration the relatively young age of the Group, it has many award winning projects under its belt from the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), including Monumen Nasional Jakarta, ERHA Clinic Kelapa Gading and PERTAMINA Gas Station.

“Alongside our ever-growing awards, we are incredibly proud of all of the work we do,” states Abdi. “We are particularly proud of our work on the W Resort in Bali, with another icon being the Mandapa Ritz Reserve Ubud which holds the highest rank in the Ritz Carlton chain.”

Currently the Lumina Group is focused on high-end projects, mainly those being developed in big cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya and famous tourist destinations such as Bali. Its overseas work is still particularly popular, with projects in Frankfurt, Seychelles Island and Vietnam selectively handled.

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PT. TRIGLODE LITE INDONESIA

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T. TRIGLODE LITE INDONESIA, known as Triglode, established in 2004, is a vibrant and dynamic company providing a full service of interior works and products. The Company also specialises in planning, designing, and project managing residential, hotel and commercial clients from initial concept right through to completion.

A key partner to the Company’s success is Lumina, having worked on and delivered various projects throughout Indonesia, with Lumina providing their knowledge and expertise to help bring projects to a successful conclusion and expand the Company’s knowledge on product development.

T +62 21 30052760

Overseas projects are particularly popular

www.triglode.com

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Lighting solution providers & mechanical electrical services

Merah Putih Bridge - Ambon

Simpang Susun Semanggi - Jakarta

Stadion Utama Gelora Bung Karno - Jakarta

Soekarno Bridge - Manado

Can-do spirit | Proactive | Accountability | Positive thinking | Teamwork Work Office Ruko Pejaten Town House No. 4, Jalan Salihara No. 1, Pasar Minggu, Jakarta 12520 T: +62 21 7884 8389 | F: +62 21 7884 8397

www.mandalaputeraprima.com

Certified ISO 9001 & 14001 and OHSAS 18001

TRIGLODE is your Professional Specialist for Lighting solutions.

We deliver top-class technical parameters with extraordinary innovation, design and customisation.

Creating a perfect harmony between light and space.

Ruko ASTC, Jl. Alam Sutera Boulevard Blok 10G No.25 Tangerang Selatan P. +6221 30052760 / F. +6221 29445594

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“The nature of our Company philosophy is to work towards developing distinctive character for a local market,” continues Abdi. “This is instead of widening and searching for new markets, however we will always accept works from new regions that fit both our character and philosophy; enabling us over time to develop new regions of operation.”

In order to provide the best service in each local region, the Group makes use of extensive technology to support its services, with the use of both hardware and software.

“We recently acquired a handheld spectrometer with remote measuring, a 3D scanner, double monitor and render farm,” explains Abdi.

“Simultaneously while working on new design approaches, we installed specialist design working lamps that

can be tuned individually to match circadian rhythm. This enables each designer to experience the lighting before it is suggested to our clients, which subsequently improves success and client relations.”

Work on new design approaches is ongoing

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Training by working

In order to maintain its excellent success rate and client relationships, the Lumina Group is stringent when hiring new designers.

“We have established a three year ‘training by working’ programme to ensure that each new designer has developed the necessary skills in lighting design service to excel,” adds Abdi. “This is all carried out internally and systematically, which includes topics of basic lighting knowledge, lighting design and hands-on project skills.

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“The nature of our Company philosophy is to work towards developing distinctive character for a local market...”

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ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING Wisma Slipi 11th floor, room #1105 Jl. Letjend. S. Parman kav. 12 Jakarta 11480, Indonesia P: +62 21 5305865 / 66 Email: budilistijadhi@indoliteprima.co.id

Galaxindo Lighting PT. Galaxindo, an Indonesia based lighting solution company is focused on Design and Supply

Tel: +62 815 8699 2221 fenny.galaxindo@yahoo.com Pulo Gadung Trade Center, Jl. Bekasi Raya Blok 8H No. 17, Jakarta 13920, Indonesia

“In our other internal areas we also carry out training in marketing and research & development, both of which are updated regularly to keep up-to-date with current needs and trends.”

The Group also recognises the importance of building close relations with manufacturers, distributors and suppliers. Through providing its design teams with the right industry training and knowhow, management is able to let its staff work with the relevant companies to ensure the right products for the job are being sourced.

Human is the subject in design

When asking its clients and designer peers within the industry, many have described the Lumina Group’s work as soulful.

“From our point of view, we have always attempted to practice humancentric design throughout all of our project work,” adds Abdi. “We focus on how our lighting designs

From our point of view, we have always attempted to practice humancentric design throughout all of our project work

can support people’s activities, physiologically and psychologically; it will always be our main consideration while remembering that aesthetics is the skin that wraps it all together.”

Each project is tackled with a unique approach and therefore each project becomes unique in the industry. This combined with Lumina’s presentation method ensures audiences and clients are engaged by the Company’s love of lighting.

“We always ensure that we provide designs that fit both within the client’s budget and timing,” describes Abdi.

“Part of our integral process and our success is our ability to keep an open mind when it comes to project specifications and this is something we will continue to do in the future.

“Going to this effort has often pushed us to design incredibly creative solutions and sourcing hidden gems that we had never heard of. It is this innovation that we hope will drive us on in the industry in the future.”

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HIGH

Performance, DELIVERED With the right people to lead and the necessary knowledge to innovate, Accenture delivers transformational outcomes for a demanding new digital world Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Donovan Smith

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s part of a global organisation that places innovation at its core, Accenture Indonesia continues to succeed as a result of its customer-oriented vision to solve the toughest challenges and to provide unmatched services across strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations.

As part of a matrix organisational structure whereby each Managing Director is responsible for a certain sector before reporting to a country head, such streamlining is both a facilitator of growth to come, and a reaction to the diversification that has occurred within the Company over the years.

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Now, as the largest technology services Company in Indonesia, the past 16 years especially - since its rebranding to ‘Accenture’ in 2001 - has witnessed the rise of a truly global digital transformation entity.

“We partner with more than threequarters of the Fortune Global 500, driving innovation to improve the way the world works and lives,” the Company enthuses on its website.

“With expertise across more than 40 industries and all business functions, we deliver transformational outcomes for a demanding new digital world.”

In total, Accenture serves clients in more than 120 countries, retaining a vast amount of repeat clients with

ASIA whom it has worked for more than 10 years. As such, the Group has also enjoyed 15 consecutive appearances in Fortune’s ‘World’s Most Admired Companies’ list; compounded by more than 5,000 active patents and patent applications in 44 countries.

In Indonesia specifically, “Accenture has similar global standards in driving innovation to improve the way the world works and lives”, the Country’s Managing Director, Neneng Goenadi continues.

“As a leading global professional services company, Accenture provides a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations.

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HP ELITE PCS

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he HP Elite family offers best in-class design, security, and collaboration, built from the ground up to inspire creativity and ignite productivity in today’s business professionals. From the world’s thinnest and lightest business-class notebook to the world’s first built-forbusiness, every member of the HP Elite family packs powerful performance and unique innovations into beautiful and revolutionary designs that you’ll be proud to carry.

Technology is a personal statement for the Company’s customers and it has engineered the HP Elite family, offering performance standards while handcrafting designs to stand out from the crowd. From diamond-cut finishes to smart innovations that make the device fun and easy to use, the HP Elite family deliver the best of both worlds.

“Combining unmatched experience and specialised skills of its 800-strong workforce across all business functions - underpinned by the world’s largest delivery network Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders.

“In Indonesia, our core industry expertise is in products, resources, financial services, communication, media, and tech.”

Shape the future

Accenture Indonesia also has a technology hub, which is a delivery centre for other Asian countries, and covers every inch of the national portfolio.

This harks back to the initial values of the business, whose origins can be traced back almost 50 years as a business then called SGV-Utomo.

“It then collaborated with Andersen

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Consulting and changed its name to Andersen Consulting Indonesia, until the year 2000 when we had to relinquish the name; subsequently changing its name globally to Accenture,” Goenadi recalls.

Commencing on 1 January, 2001 in this new guise, the diversification and expansion of services that has occurred ever since is typified by the matrix structure that exists today; and driven by its five overriding business strands.

Firstly, Accenture Strategy is in place to “shape the future at the intersection of business and technology”; emphasising the need to focus on a business that is fuelled by technology in an uncertain economic climate.

“At Accenture Strategy, we combine our expertise in business, technology and operations strategy with a full understanding of how technology will impact industry and business models to help our clients ensure their future success,” the Company elaborates.

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Every HP Elite PC is tested for more than 120,000 hours as part of the HP Total Test Process, ensuring you can trust in your investment.

Dion Weisler, President and Chief Executive Officer at HP Inc affirms: “There is a massive shift toward mobility in the workplace, as well as the convergence of mobility and computing which will accelerate business productivity.”

Not only do HP Elite products look beautiful, they are also extremely secure and designed specifically with features that will help to protect your Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx devices, data and identity. With built-in systems including HP Sure Start with Dynamic Protection, HP Elite PCs are helping to reduce concerns surrounding malware and security breaches with great success.

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Accenture Consulting then brings aspects of insight, context, expertise and transformation into the equation, before application is addressed via Accenture Digital and Accenture Technology.

The former “creates value through new experiences, new intelligence and new connections”, while the latter “powers business with cuttingedge solutions using established and emerging technologies”.

Finally, Accenture Operations “delivers outcomes through infrastructure, security, cloud and business process services”.

The Company continues: “Big business is fuelled by efficient, flexible processes. Accenture Operations helps our clients accelerate innovation and disrupt markets by bringing together our cloud, security, infrastructure and business process services so our clients can scale more capacity when they need it, and less when they don’t.”

While each of these strands has the capacity to operate autonomously, the

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Through the Accenture Innovation Architecture, we combine our capabilities to invent, develop, and deliver disruptive innovations for clients...

overlaps are inevitable and intended, and all divisions benefit from the same ethos of innovation and continuous improvement that Accenture is renowned for. Numerous partner programmes, capital expenditures and supply chain management enhancements have been introduced in Indonesia to this end; embracing aspects of cloud technology, the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence.

“In today’s business environment, companies need to continually reinvent themselves,” the business states. “At Accenture, we take an

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innovation-led approach to help clients “imagine and invent” their future.

“Through the Accenture Innovation Architecture, we combine our capabilities to invent, develop, and deliver disruptive innovations for clients, and to scale them faster.”

Impacting positive change

As a testament to this structure and commitment to innovation working over the years, Accenture has received numerous international awards for its performance; recognised especially as a valuable, ethical and transparent

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industry leader.

It is perhaps the word “ethical” that holds most value to the Company, however, with local upliftment, social enrichment and personnel development held in as much regard as any financial accomplishment.

“Across all our accomplishments, we take pride in our business performance, diversity and corporate citizenship,” the Company says. “As such, we have been honoured to be recognised for our achievements as an employer of choice, committed to developing talent, and for impacting positive change for today and the future.”

Regarding the former, “Accenture provides continuous learning and experience to its people”, Goenadi adds. “We are never short of upskilling and updating the skills of our people to become relevant with the market.”

In a country like Indonesia where skills identification and retention can be a challenge, the role as an ‘employer of choice’ is all the more important, and Accenture

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A team that takes pride in business performance

affirms this status via a plethora of charitable Xxxx xxxxxxxinitiatives Etureperibus.to Su ensure a more all-encompassing impact on the surrounding community.

“We focus to empower youth and marginalised women by working collaboratively with NGOs through pro bono projects, programme funding or grants, and volunteering programmes,” the Company emphasises.

Alongside World Vision Indonesia, Accenture plans to work on an ASKA app upgrade to aid self-learning on apps as well as internet accessibility, while -

alongside Indonesia Business Links - the business plans to help develop a portal blueprint for volunteering activities to connect sponsors, volunteers and other related parties.

On the programme funding side, “we have provided a grant to Slukat Learning Centre to run in-class and practical training to enable skills and knowledge of youth in the Gianyar hospitality and tourism area, as well as a grant to the ‘Muda Terampil Berusaha’ and ‘Muda Terampil Bekerja’ programmes to empower youth entrepreneurship and training preparation”, Accenture continues.

“Finally, on the volunteering side, we have been involved in a business model canvas as part of business support; in product photography and branding; and - with Save the Children - in helping youths prepare for getting a job as well as with digital marketing and financial literacy.”

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Advancing

Wireless Awareness Elite Tech Group of Companies is operating in an increasingly fruitful market, rising to the new challenges set by customers and meeting the demand for wireless connections Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Donovan Smith

he market for internet connections in Myanmar is increasing on a daily basis and not only is the demand for wireless connections increasing, but so too are internet services due to the significantly improved awareness of its users.

Elite Tech Group of Companies consists of three separate companies; Elite Tech Manufacturing, Elite Tech IT Services and Elite Telecom Public Co. Elite Tech Manufacturing produces Hi-Tech ICT equipment at a factory built to assemble base transceiver station equipment, fixed wireless terminals and customer premises equipment. The Company has worked with the likes of Huawei Technologies Co to build upon its projects in the implementation of a qualified communication network.

The Company’s IT Services were developed in 2009 with the purpose of distributing the one-time prepaid RUIM cards, SIM cards,

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top-up cards, mobile handsets and accessories for all mobile networks.

“Four years later in 2013 we created Elite Telecom Public to provide internet network services,” begins Chan Nyein Zaw, Director and Chief Executive Officer at Elite Tech Group of Companies. “Within this remit we provide internet services that include domestic private leased circuit, domestic bandwidth wholesales for telecom operators, internet access providers, web design and internet

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Competitively priced, all-encompassing services

bandwidth wholesales.

“All of the aforementioned services are competitively priced and targeted to reach not only small businesses, but also high-level customers.”

For Elite Tech Group of Companies, its customers also enjoy faster access speeds, higher security and a larger number of email accounts than the average residential customer.

“When we start considering starting up an ISP (Internet Service Provider), it is paramount that we have an extensive business plan in place as well as a robust marketing strategy,” explains Zaw. “At the beginning of each project, we have concentrated strategies and activities that are comprehensive in nature and allow for a thorough investigation of our options.”

When it comes to promoting and utilising the ISP, Elite Tech excels in its marketing department. Throughout the year press releases are sent out to support advertising campaigns, email marketing and the creation of annual advertorial processes.

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Facilitating both business and personal growth

Zaw continues: “Our marketing activities are concentrated in a number of categories; initially the various initiatives will encompass various methods to reach potential customers while generating interest. That is followed by a direct email out to each potential customer.”

Driving developments

The Group has experienced extensive growth during the past two years, with plans in place to deploy another 200 kilometres expansion in the next 12 months and is expecting thousands of new subscribers next year. However, in order to achieve this growth, it is the stringent belief within the Company that hiring the right people will drive forward developments.

“It is our belief that all our employees have the potential to grow, be that in their working role and personally,” affirms Zaw. “We constantly endeavour to provide opportunities for our personnel to

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We also support our employees to participate in their job related conferences and seminars, in order to enhance their professional growth

enable the aforementioned growth.”

The needs of each employee is determined through a performance review process, through individual development plans, training needs analysis and individual requests from employees.

“We also support our employees to participate in their job related conferences and seminars, in order to enhance their professional growth,” adds Zaw. “There are plans in place to develop their profession by reimbursing membership fees to professional organisations, registration fees for meetings and online learning workshops and seminars.”

Not only that, but the monitoring process is incredibly important, with effectiveness of training measured by pre-post test scores, on the job assessments and financial reports.

These factors all improve the corporate wellness of the Company and are the best ways to attract current and new employees.

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Modifying container production

Demon was founded in 2014. We have provided high quality scratch card machines, wrapping machines and printing raw materials for our clients. The Company has already sold nine high quality scratch card machines in Myanmar.

The Company also undertakes modifications by using a second hand container.

DEMON CO Ltd No 204, YCDC (Yakin Center) Sayar San Road Yankin Township Yangon Myanmar

T: +95 9778 444553 demon.business@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/demoncoltd

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Elite has been finding new and innovative ways to attract both customers as well as the right employees. In May this year the Company received an International Gateway Licence which will allow it to work in the Myanmar boarder regions, giving customers reasonable rates for internet usage and providing exciting opportunities for new projects for the team.

Social contract

Alongside creating a supportive atmosphere for its employees and

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We promote CSR from a range of angles in order to meet our social responsibilities as a company...

their personal growth, the Company also recognises the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to support its local environment.

“The ‘social’ in corporate social responsibility highlights the relationship between corporate organisations and the society outside of our organisation,” explains Zaw. “This is applicable to all organisations; not only businesses and the societies around us expect good CSR activities to be created from large, multinational enterprises rather than small and medium business.”

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“All of the aforementioned services are competitively priced and targeted to reach not only small businesses, but also high-level customers”

“It is our belief that all our employees have the potential to grow, be that in their working role and personally.”

“At the beginning of each project, we have concentrated strategies and activities that are comprehensive in nature...”

“We hope that moving forward we will continue to be recognised as a reputable employer...”

It has become extremely important for the Company to develop its social contract between society and business, including the achievement of a sustainable society through working with companies that have a major effect on society.

Zaw states: “We promote CSR from a range of angles in order to meet our social responsibilities as a company in our business activities, requiring each employee to consider CSR and act responsibility in all their work within the business.”

One of the plans for the future is

to raise awareness of staff through education and the creation of an internal CSR programme.

Foreign partnerships

In a market that is so heavily saturated by technology companies, Elite Tech has worked hard to create partnerships with highly experienced foreign partners to gain a better grasp on the world market. Some of these partnerships have included the Vietnam Post and Telecommunication which is providing the Company with competitive technical solutions and marketing strategies.

Elite Tech Group is currently Myanmar’s top Company in the areas of IT services, engineering projects, manufacturing of top-up cards and in the near future doing business in the transportation sector with expert companies from Singapore such as JFQ and SMRT. “Our ultimate aim is to reach world class status and become a multinational Company,” concludes Zaw. “We hope that moving forward we will continue to be recognised as a reputable employer, developing the best people to provide the best possible service.”

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Transform,

Transcend NTT Com Thailand is spreading its wings with the help of its globally renowned reputation in the creation of thriving data centres Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Donovan Smith s the world moves towards an everincreasing reliance on digital transformation and every transaction can happen with a simple click, NTT Communications Thailand has faced the challenge of moving forward at a faster pace than ever before.

Now more than ever, it is important for companies such as NTT Com Thailand to create professional services to be developed according to the needs of each customer’s business.

At present there is a marked increase in the number of banking and financial entities utilising NTT Com’s services, predominantly to provide data centre services as well as premium support.

NTT Com has recently built two data centres to support financial institutions in Bangkok, ensuring a low risk of flooding with extensive firewall protection to meet the requirements of the financial sector.

“We are proudly the leading global ICT company in services including consultancy, architecture, security, international communications and cloud services,” explains Masatoshi Tsuboi, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Sales

Consulting, Product & Services in the Data Centre Department. “We specifically aim to optimise information and communications technology in the working environments of each enterprise.”

Not only has the Company’s skill been recognised and rewarded by an influx of custom, it has also won Best Cloud-Based service for the fifth consecutive year at Telecom Asia Awards 2017. In a short space of time NTT Com Thailand has reached supreme highs within the industry, having only been established in 1993 as NTT International Thailand Co., Ltd.

Manabu Kahara, President of NTT Com Thailand

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Innovative service technologies

During its time in Thailand, the Company has utilised the plethora of opportunities that have allowed for growth within the region and believes there is still more to gain.

“We have developed and grown together with other enterprises in support of each other, focusing on transforming the industry as a whole,” affirms Manabu Kahara, President of NTT Com Thailand. “We strive to provide our clients with innovative services and technologies, constantly creating new services and solutions in order to fulfil customer requirements.

“We also provide world-class infrastructure services such as networks, cloud and data centres enabling the support of customers in Thailand and the Mekong sub-region.”

Increasingly, solutions providers such as NTT Com are under pressure to create innovative resolutions that will provide a one-stop style service, accelerating businesses through the current digital transformation.

Moreover, the Company is delivering high-quality after-care service to more than 140 data centres around the world.

“Through our new developments, we are providing a cutting-edge service in 196 countries and regions worldwide,” continues Tsuboi. “At present our highly reliable network services comprise VPN service, Hybrid WAN, Digi-Path internet and Enterprise Cloud service.

“Our networks range from consulting to operation and management, bringing together innovation technology Enterprise Cloud on top of our world-class MultiCloud Connect. We have achieved this through the use of world-leading virtualisation technology with a security network to connect our variety of cloud services.”

As a global tier one IP Backbone provider, NTT supports and is subsequently supported by major

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systems such as Biometic,” adds Tsuboi. “We ensure that we are driven by high-quality in order to reach every customer’s needs.”

When it comes to flexibility, NTT Com is second-to-none in its service and supports customers’ business operations across all manners of varying platforms. It has successfully honed its ability to achieve flexible facility designs and technological Three-value strategy capabilities worldwide.

Through the various developments that have taken place over the years The last of NTT Com’s three values includes achieving consistent cost to reach this point of success in the efficiency, found through its spacemarket, the Company has created a saving and energy-saving technologies three-value strategy to adopt in each that help minimise the costs at all project. These values include quality, flexibility and cost efficiency. levels of the production.

“We have found that bundling A truly representative example of the quality that is experienced via NTT various types of ICT management Com’s service is found in its Bangkok 2 services has also achieved the Data Centre, where you will find global- desired effect when it comes to cost standard operations. reduction,” states Tsuboi. “In addition, “We provide fully equipped facilities our Network Operation Centre (NOC) offers rich functionality monitoring according to the highest standards, services on a 24-seven basis, saving our including cooling systems and the customers’ operations both time and highest levels of security possible money.” delivered through authentication service providers around the world through a high-speed and highcapacity network. With thanks to the aforementioned connections, NTT Com can provide a wide range of solutions with flexibility to customise for unique requirements to help customers strengthen competitiveness in the market.

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Expansive knowledge and capabilities

Following suit with the fast-paced nature of the innovative technology industry, NTT Com has seamlessly worked to expand its business in Bangkok city, Chonburi, Ayutthaya and Sriracha.

“Recently we have also established local offices in Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos due to extensive research and the subsequent potential located within those countries,” continues Kahara. “We have also worked extensively to provide high-speed internet connections for enterprises throughout the Yangon area, and in July this year we proudly presented the Myanmar Yangon Kamayut Data Centre.”

With the Company’s knowledge and capabilities, expansion is both a logical and viable option. Having such extensive experience within the industry, it can offer innovative service and cutting-edge technologies

The Company’s knowledge and capabilities have made expansion both a logical and viable move for the future

from the offset and meet its goal to transform and transcend the business environment.

“I hope that moving forward in the years to come we will continue to expand while developing key technologies for unlocking potential within the industry,” concludes Kahara. “As well as continuing to build

upon our work on flexibility and cost efficiency in Thailand, we will continue to create new business value in Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos.

“We are excited to take on the challenge to strengthen operations and create reliable infrastructure for the future, all through a seamlessly connected service.”

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MATTERS ope Ambulance Service Pte Ltd has honed its ability to provide quality safety services that now set the national standard in Singapore, excelling far beyond expectations for a company of its size.

The Company opened its doors in 2003, starting out as a family-run company by Theresa and Charles Johnson with an aim to improve the standards of emergency medical services (EMS) available in Singapore.

Both had extensive industry knowledge with the former a critical care nurse and the latter an emergency physician.

“Almost 15 years ago we came to the decision that there was something that we could do to improve Singapore’s EMS, hoping to provide seamless medical transport,” explains Dr Charles Johnson, Chief Executive Officer at Hope Ambulance Service Pte Ltd. “This was most definitely a gap that was yet to be filled in Singapore, so we set out with four staff and two ambulances.”

At that time every member of the Company was still working in hospitals and subsequently was working two incredibly pressurised jobs simultaneously.

Johnson adds: “Our family home became the office and from that point in time we have grown significantly, now with more than 250 full-time staff and 42 operational ambulances to our name.”

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Hope Ambulance is redefining emergency medical services in Singapore; a growing 15-year longevity typifying its list of achievements Writer: Phoebe Calver Project Manager: Callam Waller

In a relatively short space of time in this industry, Hope Ambulance has also expanded its remit to offer air ambulance services as well as seabased emergency response meaning that the Company has operations across air, road and sea.

“We take a lot of pride in our position as one of the biggest private integrated emergency services in Singapore currently,” continues Johnson. “It would be fair to say that we never factored in that where we are now could be a possibility, with our focus always on making a difference for the community in any way we could.”

Designing ambulances

The Company’s drive to better EMS services in Singapore has led it to design and build ambulances, having realised the gap in the market for specialised vehicles.

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erno is the global leader in prehospital emergency care. The Company provides solutions in more than 150 countries and has partnered with EMS professionals to create a new vision for the delivery of emergency care.

The Company is proud to have worked closely with Hope Ambulance to integrate revolutionary products like Acetech and iN∫Traxx into their fleet.

Hope Ambulance is an early adopter of integrated patient safety solutions and is commended for their strides in making safe patient transport a priority.

Hope Ambulance provides 80 percent of event medical services in Singapore

“We wanted to be able to use properly built and equipped ambulances that were operationally efficient,” affirms Johnson. “It was also important to us that we weren’t compromising on the quality of medical care for our patients, something we quickly realised would not be possible when working with local engineers.

“Many companies that we approached could only offer a product that was the equivalent of ‘off the shelf’, with many of them telling us to focus on our core business.”

With those experiences behind it, the Company expanded its search for a partner into Austria where it met with one of the top five ambulance builders in Europe. This company would go on to become Hope Ambulance’s partner, building the vehicles in Austria and shipping them back to Singapore.

Various sectors

The Company has expanded its

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services a tremendous amount in the past 15 years, now working with international organisations to facilitate complex commercial flights for longhaul and more simple air ambulance journeys.

“As we are now working on a variety of facets within EMS, we aim to take a solutions-based approach for each area,” states Johnson. “We will never provide a one-size-fits-all solution; people come to us with an issue and that is what we now specialise in.”

Alongside its reputation when working with the air ambulance services, Hope Ambulance is now the number one provider of event medical support services in the country and sets the standard within Singapore.

Johnson describes: “Recently we covered the entire medical services for the Singapore Grand Prix, which included ambulances for the track, medical centre, spectators and VIPs. We would never have imagined reaching this sort of level when we

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began, but through hard work with event coordinators and experience we are setting the standard.”

When it comes to event medical services, Singapore doesn’t actually have any national standards set in stone. Hope Ambulance has been working tirelessly with the authorities in the country to do something about altering this and setting a precedent for others within the industry.

“We currently provide 80 percent of event medical services to events within Singapore, which has helped in giving us some sway with the authorities,” explains Johnson.

“Our overall coverage of emergency medical services in Singapore comes to approximately 20 percent, which is impressive as a private company.”

There is still a lot of potential for Hope Ambulance in the country as at present, there are no nationally integrated private EMS services. This has opened up a huge opportunity for growth through working with

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DESIGNED TO EMPOWER

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authorities, government bodies, and private and public agencies to provide various services.

Establishing the standard

When it comes to ambulance building and design, the Company has been pivotal in establishing a benchmark for Singapore’s private emergency services.

“We feel ready to move onto our next challenge in the realm of smart ambulances,” continues Johnson.

“We no longer wish to look at the ambulance as simply a transport tool, but actually create fully integrative systems where we can review patient data and stream live to the hospital.

“This is an ongoing project and we are currently working with a US software company to hopefully put the desired software in place as soon as possible.”

Hope Ambulance has reached this point in the industry through continuous adaptation from the best practices found globally, as it is the way that Singaporean companies have always worked and grown.

“One of the great things about operating in Singapore is our ability to quickly innovate and offer new solutions to our customers, such as the smart ambulances we are working on right now,” concludes Johnson.

“I hope that through continuing to adapt this philosophy we will always be improving our services to best serve Singapore’s residents.”

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Smart Energy in

ACTION Gunkul Engineering is focused on becoming the leading producer of electricity from renewable energy, including work as both the manufacturer and provider of equipment for power systems Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Matthew Cole-Wilkin

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Currently, there is well-founded expectation that Thailand’s economy will have a much improved growth trajectory in the latter part of 2017, supported by the stability of the country’s political situation.

Of course, these predictions for stability can only mean good things for Gunkul, enabling the Company to continue successfully driving forward within the industry - setting the standard for the industry. It is predicted that ASEAN economies will also expand more than previous years, in order to focus on expansion and maximise the potential that can come from it, Gunkul is adjusting its business strategy by focusing on investment and increased production in overseas countries.

“We have successfully generated revenue - even throughout the difficult economic situation for both the Company and our subsidiaries,” explains Sopacha Dhumrongpiyawut, Chief Executive Officer at Gunkul Engineering. “This revenue came from the distribution of electricity in our commercial project Solar Rang Ngern, which actually began at the beginning of 2016, alongside the distribution of electric commercial wind power plants.”

Adjusting to new agreements

Presently the revenues from construction services have decreased, due simply to the distribution of supply equipment for electrical systems to the power plants, the cooperative solar project and the government. Due to newly signed agreements by the

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extremely large capacity and potential,” Dhumrongpiyawut describes. “We are very proud of the fact the Company is continuing to successfully develop new projects - even through difficult times of change - and generate sustainable growth for the future.”

Performance under pressure

Gunkul is undertaking many exciting projects

government, there have been changes to the way in which scheduling is undertaken and subsequently project developers of solar projects were experiencing delays.

Dhumrongpiyawut continues: “As a company we had to make some major adjustments in other areas to compensate and be able to move forward, particularly our strategy of investing in renewable energy to overseas companies, especially in Japan.”

Through these adjustments to its working strategy, 2016 saw Gunkul achieving the agreement of beginning an additional two projects, which cumulatively provided a total production capacity of over 140 megawatts (MW); a factor that will inevitably create more chances for the Company.

“It is exciting for us to also be able to work on power plants that have

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Strategic investments in solar projects are pivotal

Product development is extensive

After a difficult year for the industry as a whole, the operational performance at Gunkul has been given priority of the Company’s main focus, alongside joining the network of private practice alignment Thailand - the private sector collective action coalition against corruption - keeping on top of whistle blowing policy and business ethics in the market it works in.

“Every member of the team working at Gunkul has been made aware of the aforementioned practices, keeping us at the top of our game in both business and ethics, while supporting the stable foundation of trust that we have worked hard to build,” affirms Dhumrongpiyawut. “The transparency that we provide for our shareholders builds confidence for them in our ability, alongside customers and business partners of the Company both now and in the future.”

The Company has come a long way as a business and with its ethical development alongside the country, since it was founded in 1982 as an electrical equipment trader. It experienced a great amount of expansion over the years before entering into renewable energy EPC business in 2009, doing so by achieving the supply and set-up of the first wind turbine in Thailand to EGAT. “Since 2010, we have grown exponentially into a strong renewable energy power production business in Thailand and across other Asian countries,” adds Dhumrongpiyawut.

“Our renewable energy business has come a long way and we work on the basis that our business is carried out with a focus on social and environmental needs.”

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The Smart Logistics Solution LEO Global Logistics Public Company Limited, one of Thailand’s leading end-to-end global logistics services providers, provides a full range of worldwide logistics services, including air and sea freight forwarding, multimodal transportation services and value added services.

nd End-to-E s logistic s service

Information technology is developing rapidly

251-251/1 Soi Pakdee, Rama 3 Road Bangkorlaem, Bangkok 10120 Thailand T: +66(0)2 079 9888 E: center@leogloballogistics.com

Meeting customer requirements

Not only does the Company offer existing products through its sales, but also procures new products from around the world in order to meet customer needs and gain customer satisfaction, with an emphasis on brand building that will increase its commercial value.

Dhumrongpiyawut describes: “With regards to our renewable energy system, we provide a full-option service, subsequently offering a wider range of product lines and equipment set-up services at our project sites.”

Subsequently in order to keep up with its product developments and sales, there have had to be huge developments in manufacturing technology and the techniques used.

In the spirit of innovation, Gunkul has adopted new production technology to both improve productivity and reduce production costs. In adapting to these technological advances enables the Company to adopt

Gunkul has huge potential in the industry

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information technology and respond well to the fast moving and ever changing business environment.

“In order to support the everchanging environment that we are working in, we have to consistently increase our employees’ capability to enhance the Company’s competitiveness,” continues Dhumrongpiyawut. “Enhancing our competitiveness on a global scale and retaining talented employees has been a key pillar in our success.”

Of course, for that to be a success, the management framework at the Company has been built upon the principles of good corporate governance.

“We hope that looking forward, we will continue to make exciting advancements and be a driving force for the industry,” concludes Dhumrongpiyawut. “The Company will build upon the hard work we have put in place to become the leading producer of electricity from renewable energy.”

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ON TAP

Himalayan Brewery Ltd has instigated a dramatic reversal of fortunes over the past seven years, recovering from near dissolution to become one of Nepal’s most innovative and modern-thinking beer producers Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Joshua Mann

ince being acquired back in 2010, Himalayan Brewery Ltd has restructured and upgraded its image and facilities in order to reinvigorate a beer producer that has become synonymous with quality and taste in Nepal.

Incepted initially in 1981, the past seven years have presented the Company the perfect opportunity to re-establish itself as a market leader courtesy of fund injections and a more robust management team; culminating in improved quality and a license to produce more than 80,000 hectolitres (hl) of beer per annum.

“The brewery is now closely held by three major investors with business value exceeding £10 million.

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It is incorporated as a closely held public Company,” further details Himalayan Brewery’s Chairman, Arvind D. Joshi.

“As with other professionally managed organisations, the Company has various departmental functions for production, technical and quality controls, engineering and plant management, sales and marketing, finance, audit and funds management, procurement, human resources, and administration. And each department is led by a manager with a team of officers and assistants to ensure efficient and effective management.”

This may sound like an archetypal business structure, but it has been this refreshing adherence to internal stability that

has paved the way for its products to flourish in recent years. At present, this range comprises beers in both 650 millilitre (ml) bottles and in kegs; across its Kathmandu Premium Lager, Iceberg Extra Strong Lager, and Commando Super Strong Lager brands.

“We sold approximately 540,000 cases of bottled beer in 2016-17, as well as more than 20,000 litres of draught beer,” Joshi explains, emphasising the footprint that the Company is able to cover across the country. “At present, we sell our beers all over Nepal through our distributors. In order to gain our customer base, our major focus over the past seven years has been to increase our production and sell the produced beers that were possible from the installed capacity of 80,000 hl annually. Without increasing our sales by widening our consumer base, our business objectives would not have been met.”

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In recent years, the taste for refined beer has become more prominent in Nepal as more and more citizens travel further afield and experience overseas cultures and styles. And Himalayan Brewery is set to capitalise on this trend, as a small and flexible operator honing in on quality over quantity.

“In the years to come we will strive hard to gain a larger market share in the strong lager segment before looking to venture into the premium beer segments and other styles available worldwide,” Joshi emphasises. Once we are able to do that, we will look into exporting our beers brewed in the Himalayas; all the while sticking to excellent quality so that we continue to be known for the best quality, and best tasting beers.”

Remarkable turnaround

The modern day ethos of Himalayan Brewery seems a far cry from the Company’s origins back in 1981 as the result of a technical collaboration with Mohan Meaking India. But in reality, the core values have remained the same; staying true to the initial

commitments to corporate social responsibility which saw the business become the only brewer to utilise water from its own natural springs to produce better tasting beers.

“Enjoying smooth operations until 1995, the brewery then went through financial difficulties for the next 15 years when it was leased out and operated by various external parties; operations almost coming to a complete standstill,” Joshi picks up the story.

“After the acquisition in 2010, the main strategies that were implemented revolved around the replacement of the old plant and machineries, with new ones embracing the latest technical specifications.

“While production during 2010 was minimal, the current production volume of beer has exceeded 500,000 cases (12x650ml bottles) annually.”

The turnaround has been remarkable not just from a volume and sales perspective, but impressively from an operational excellence point of view with the business essentially

Core values of the Company have always remained the same

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evolving its infrastructure from a standing start, to one of the most refined and modern facilities in the country.

A new plant, machines, laboratory equipment and processes have all been introduced to not only salvage the reputation and status of Himalayan Brewery, but to also stand the Company in good stead for expansions to come.

Joshi continues: “Most of the equipment we acquired back in 2010 has now been replaced with modern machines on a phase-by-phase basis.

We started by installing a KHS filler/ crowner, replacing a filler that was 20 years old, before then changing our steam boilers that were using furnace oil to a Thermax boiler which uses rice husk to generate steam and hot water for our production process.

“This has not only saved our production costs resulting from lower fuel consumption, but has also contributed to reduced environmental pollution. We are constantly upgrading our facilities and other existing machineries by changing the various components, in order to make our operations more effective and more efficient.”

A journey of great-tasting beers

Of course, in order to enact such a drastic overhaul of processes and fortunes, a huge emphasis has been placed not just on the facilities that Himalayan Brewery Ltd has at its disposal, but on the people manning these new, significant premises.

As such, the Company’s HR policy has been of paramount importance, in hiring “the right person for the right job”.

Joshi notes: “Different skills and experiences are required for various functions in the operation of the brewery right from the production of beer to its sales and marketing.

We also hire employees from local communities to the extent possible depending on the available set of skills.

“When we first took over the

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families. Since we are contributing to their incomes, this creates a cyclic flow back into the local community and its economy.”

The Company’s HR strategy can be attributed to the success of this local enrichment; subsequently fostering employee loyalty and retention in the process.

The same ethos is then also applied to the formulation of business partnerships where possible.

Inevitably, imports of raw materials from neighbouring India are required, but localisation is preferred when the resources are available, and long-term

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relationships are instilled regardless of location.

And in cementing such a stable footing, the business is better equipped than ever before to foresee and negotiate potential challenges to come; thus avoiding a repeat of its now long-forgotten past.

“At present, our business activities are no different from other breweries operating in Nepal but now that we have completed our initial phase following the acquisition, we can now look forward to moving into a more exciting world of beers,” Joshi concludes. “We want to brew various beer styles with varied tastes in the future, taking our consumers through a journey of great-tasting beers.

“Within the next three-five years, we expect to see increased variation across the beers that Himalayan Brewery exports around the globe; produced from locally-grown barley manifested from high altitudes, and nurtured by the fresh and pristine Himalayan waters.”

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A I R P O R T S

C O R P O R AT I O N

Smarter Airport

SOLUTIONS National Airport Corporation (NAC) is driving developments in airport operations, delivering premier customer service and economic opportunities for the residents of Papua New Guinea Writer: Phoebe Calver | Project Manager: Eddie Clinton

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ASIA laying a central role in the changing economic, political and social development of Papua New Guinea (PNG) is the country’s ever-evolving aviation industry.

Due mainly to the complexity of PNG’s terrain - which often can present major constraints for road construction - air transport is the only possible means that can link certain parts of the country to its main centres. The National Airports Corporation (NAC) currently owns and operates 22 national airports located within Papua New Guinea, including 13 jet and nine non-jet.

“At present the main gateway into the country is Port Moresby International Airport, with our Lae, Gurney and Mt. Hagen airports designed to handle the requirements of international flights as well,” explains the Company on its website.

“Since we were established in 2010, we have both developed and implemented a comprehensive corporate strategy that has an end goal of high technological and economic significance for Papua New Guinea in the long-run.

“We hope that by 2030, our Company will be operating a total of 15 smart airports and providing and operating these airports under international ICAO standards.”

The Company has always been driven by an underlying need to provide PNG with state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring efficient and effective processing of both aircrafts and passengers with thanks to a highly skilled workforce.

“We work tirelessly to strengthen our working relationships with strategic development partners and stakeholders,” continues the Company.

“NAC is continuing to ensure our airports are having a positive effect on improving the mobility of people in this country, as well as creating economic opportunities in the region.”

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BIGE PETROLEUM LIMITED

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ige Petroleum Limited is the leading nationally-owned Company involved in the petroleum industry in PNG for more than a decade since its establishment in 2005. The Managing Director of the Company, Mr John Endiken Bige ventured into this business with a clear vision to provide an “efficient and fast service” to its clients.

Its clients comprise individuals, small to medium size business entities, government instrumentalities and large corporate companies, some of them having sound and long-term relationships including with National Airports Corporation Limited. Initially servicing NCD, this has now expanded to Central, Gulf and Western Provinces with a view to expand to other parts.

NAC is renowned for operational excellence in all aspects of business

Core strategies for excellence

There have been many aspects that came together to create the success that is NAC, a large part of which came down to stakeholder management to include all donor agencies, development partners and commercial banks. Some of the other stakeholders have included airline operators, regulators and key interest parties such as governments of countries located towards the North and South of our borders whose citizens will often fly into the Company’s airspace.

“It is not just support from our partners that has helped us establish such a renowned reputation, we have also had to work tirelessly to achieve excellence in governance,” adds the Company. “There are many key facets involved, including responsibility, engagement, accountability and transparency in all aspects of our decision making.”

Then of course you have to take into account the achievement of

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operational excellence across all aspects of the business. All of NAC’s key airport terminal buildings, facilities and equipment are in operation 24-seven in order to ensure the efficient processing of aircraft and passenger traffic, as well as providing a safe and secure environment.

“Our internal processes are automated and integrated in order to improve the reliability of our brand,” adds the Company on its website.

“But of course our people possess the skills, knowledge and behavioural competency that is there to support and secure the successful execution of each of these processes consistently.

“In addition our management and leadership practices are the best in the business, with the right tools, systems, technology and the right people doing the right job at the right time.”

Innovative solutions

NAC offers an extensive range of airport operations and services,

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Bige Petroleum Limited provides and distributes a range of petroleum products in diesel, petrol, kerosene; sourced from the only refinery in PNG. It also imports lubrication products known as Hyrax Bige which is of international standard and helps keep critical engine parts such as intake valves, fuel injectors and combustion chambers clean.

Cleaner engines have lower emissions and increased performance, thus helping to maximise fuel economy.

Bige Petroleum Limited service solutions include: • Managing the movement of clients’ empty 200L fuel drums • Door-to-door delivery of drums & bulk fuel products in NCDxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx • Supply and installation of fuel storage tanks • Shipment of drums & bulk fuel to outer ports • Distributor of Hyrax Bige brand lubricants • Establishment of retail service stations T +675 3234731 or +675 3235106 E sales2@bigepetroleum.com.pg

www.bigepetroleum.com.pg Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

BIGE PETROLEUM LIMITED

Bige Petroleum Limited (or BPL) was established in 2005 with a view to providing efficient and reliable fuel distribution services. Initially, the focus was to distribute fuel and lubricant products within the National Capital District but has expanded to Central, Gulf and Western Provinces.

BPL provides a wide selection of branded fuel and lubricant products just like other major fuel distributions companies. We offer competitive prices and reliable delivery for all our fuel products. As with the other wholesalers, Bige also has excess to the Napanapa Refinery we all obtain our fuel to supply the market. Contact us for a free quote today!

+675 3234731 or +675 3235106 sales2@bigepetroleum.com.pg www.bigepetroleum.com.pg

N A T I O N A L

A I R P O R T S

C O R P O R A T I O N

The Company caters for a wide range of aviation services

commercial services, engineering and project management in Papua New Guinea.

“We believe as a company we excel in the market that we are in,” affirms the Company. “We are constantly able to innovate and come up with new solutions to meet the needs of our customers while keeping them safe.”

There is a wide variety of services that the Company now caters for, having adapted over time to create a more varied and well-rounded offering.

The services on offer can range from pavement construction, repair and maintenance, to safety inspection,

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One of the more important points we believe will be paramount in our growth is having a solid core airport system...

reporting and surveillance.

The Company states: “We feel we have created an offering that covers every possible need within the industry, including ground services, terminal services, retail management, commercial property development, planning design and development, as well as contract administration.”

This is an aspect of the Company that has used up a lot of time and energy in development, ensuring that each varying aspect is perfected to offer the best possible and safest service to customers.

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2030 corporate strategy

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Always looking to the future and placing itself at the forefront of developments, NAC has recently launched its 2030 corporate strategy plan and for the Company this is the first of its kind to be published and launched. At the event when NAC announced this exciting plan, approximately 200 guests attended.

“We were blessed by the presence of our two Civil Aviation Ministers as well as other dignitaries, including Secretary for Transport, First Secretary to the Minister for Transport, CEOs and MDs of both international and local

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stakeholder organisations,” explains the Company on its website. “During the past five to six years we haven’t had a plan to guide us and therefore in essence have been operating without knowing where we are heading.

“The strategy outlined within the document that we have put together gives us some sense of direction and milestone dates to work towards and targets to achieve.”

Some of the key points that NAC has come up with include its aspiration to run 15 smart airports by 2030, implement corporate core

ASIA

values and behaviours and lastly a fiveyear sustainable growth strategy plan from 2017 to 2022.

“One of the more important points we believe will be paramount in our growth is having a solid core airport system, as well as the ability to capture data for planning and forecasting future airport and airline developments,” concludes the Company. “We are incredibly excited for the future of our corporate strategy plan, working on it as a living document that will be updated as we progress in our journey to positive change.”

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GAS ASIA SUMMIT & EXHIBITION (GAS) 2017

E V E N T

F O C U S

Connecting the gas and LNG value chain across Asia

Event Details WHEN: 25-27 October WHERE: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore WEBSITE: www.gasasiasummit.com

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THE FIFTH EDITION of Gas Asia Summit & Exhibition (GAS 2017) takes place from 25-27 October, 2017 bringing up-to-date discussions on the dynamic Asian gas market. The GAS 2017 programme will be developed around the theme, “Connecting the Gas & LNG value chain across Asia” with a panel of market leaders that will serve in an advisory capacity to the conference programme.

The event aims to address all aspect of the gas and LNG value chain from the upstream to the downstream and power sector as well as highlight new dynamics that are revolutionising the Asia gas market today.

GAS 2017 conference aims to draw 300 regional and international C-level

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executives and decision makers in the industry while the exhibition aims to draw 2,500 visitors with a key interest in doing business in Asia’s gas & LNG portfolio.

REGISTER FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY VISITOR PASS

Marina Bay Sands Singapore 25 - 27 October 2017

The only exhibition serving the gas & LNG industry supply chain at Singapore International Energy Week

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GLOBAL EXHIBITORS

300+

3,000

MID-SENIOR DELEGATES

EXPERT SPEAKERS

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STRATEGIC, TECHNICAL & COUNTRY FOCUSED SESSIONS

INTERNATIONAL ATTENDEES

EVENT INFORMATION

UPGRADE TO ACCESS ALL AREAS

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Upgrade to a Conference Delegate Pass to unlock more networking, content, business opportunities at GAS 2017.

Level 4, Peony Ballroom Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore

OPENING HOURS: Dates

Visitor Badge Collection/ Register Timings

Exhibition Opening Hours

25 Oct, Wed

09:00 - 16:30

10:00 - 17:00

26 Oct, Thurs

09:00 - 16:30

10:00 - 17:00

Do business on the show floor, hear from over 70 leading industry speakers presenting the latest and most relevant content, attend exclusive high level networking functions only available for delegates only.

Contact us at info@gasasiasummit.com for more information.

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INTERNETRETAILING EXPO INDONESIA 2018

E V E N T

F O C U S

Pick the right strategies, execute with lower risk and lower cost, and achieve greater success

Event Details WHEN: 24-25 January, 2018 WHERE: Pullman Jakarta Central Park, Jakarta, Indonesia CONTACT: infoasia@clarionevents.com

THE 3RD EDITION of InternetRetailing Expo Indonesia happening this January, 2018 (24-25 January, 2018, Pullman Jakarta Central Park) is aimed at the progressive retail business industry and its changing landscape of how retailers interact with the consumer through the multichannel shopping experience.

Alongside a retail technology conference rich in relevant content, this event also hosts more clinics, meeting scheduling platforms, networking breaks and other sessions worth your day out of the office!

WEBSITE:

www.internetretailingexpo-asia.com

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Why Indonesia?

Retail ecommerce sales in Indonesia summed up to US$5.65 billion (S$7.92

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billion) last year, up from US$4.61 billion in 2015. It is expected to increase to US$10.34 billion in 2019.

Experts believe that there is space for innovation because of Indonesia’s vast market and progression potential.

The two-day programme designed to help brands and retailers transform their operations will attract more than 3,000 key retail stakeholders and 80plus exhibitors who will provide their expertise and innovative solutions on the following: • Online and offline ecosystem Cross-border ecommerce • Mobile • Measurement and analytics • Social • Content marketing • Insights & data • IoT / Big Data / Cloud / Tech innovations • Logistics and fulfilment • Payment and security InternetRetailing Expo Indonesia 2018 is your opportunity to transform your retailing business. Taking your business ‘online’ promises increased sales, international customers and a more engaged, loyal customer base. If you’re looking to progress from offline to fully-fledged online retailer, then you need to learn the lessons from retailers across Indonesia that have tried, failed and succeeded in a wealth of aspects of online retail.

Register your visitor pass for free to access the exhibition and see the latest products and services that can help transform your business.

However, if you would like to meet speakers from Ralali, Lazada, and Kanmo Retail Group, save up to 30 percent and register for a delegate pass at the early bird price of US$350.

Pick the right strategies, execute with lower risk and lower cost, and achieve greater success.

MINING INVESTMENT ASIA

E V E N T

F O C U S

The foremost Southeast Asian forum for the global mining community

Investment Go, an interview with mining’s leading investor for exclusive market insights. The conference will also provide plenty of networking opportunities through roundtable discussions, a cocktail drinks reception, online business matching application, and an exclusive ‘Meet the Speakers’ Dinner.

Women in Mining Day

Event Details WHEN: 26-28 March, 2018 WHERE: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore CONTACT: Maureen.beatriz@spire-events.com WEBSITE: www.mininginvestmentasia.com

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Following the successful launch of Women in Mining Day in 2017, Mining Investment Asia will once again shine the spotlight on inclusion and diversity with Women in Mining Day on 26 March, 2018, bringing together likeminded companies, individuals and organisations to champion the cause of women in mining and address the gender imbalance in the mining sector.

Besides the conference, the exhibition also provides a great opportunity for mining technology, MINING INVESTMENT ASIA is equipment and services companies, a strategic mining conference and miners and governments to expand exhibition for the leaders of the mining, connections, launch new products quarrying and construction materials and forge new business partnerships.

With key Asian and global buyers industries, bringing together 800 attendees from 35 countries. and industry leaders conveniently Ministers, mining companies, located under one roof, it is also an investors and service providers travel excellent branding platform for mining from all over Asia, Africa, Europe, companies and service providers to profile themselves to their target North America and Middle East for three days of partnering, networking audience. and business matching in Singapore.

Special rates are available for As one of the world’s leading financial advanced registration and more hubs, Singapore is the ideal location information on Mining Investment Asia to attract mining companies, investors as well as registration details can be and their partners from across the found at www.mininginvestmentasia. entire region. com.

At the conference, various topics Mining Investment Asia is organised such as key issues disrupting and

by Spire Events (Singapore) and is part innovating the mining sector, insights of the global Mining Investment Series on the mining landscape, mining that has successfully spanned across finance, and business strategies will be Asia, Africa, Middle East, Latin America discussed. Mining Investment Asia will and Europe. More details on the latest bring in top-notch business thought global Mining Investment conferences can be found at www.spire-events. leaders to share their insights with the delegates; including via Mining com.

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MININGINVESTMENT 4TH ANNUAL

ASIA

26 - 28 MARCH 2018 Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Where Miners, Investors and Service Providers Converge

Take Advantage of our Special Offer to Attend and Exhibit Today!

Contact Maureen at +65 6717 6019 | maureen.beatriz@spire-events.com or Michael at +65 6717 6017 | michael.lim@spire-events.com Spotlight Sponsor Government of Western Australia

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AEROTECH INDONESIA 2018

E V E N T

F O C U S

Bringing the commercial aerospace, airport and maritime industry under one roof

Event Details WHEN: 25-27 July, 2018 WHERE: JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, Indonesia WEBSITE: www.aerotech-indonesia.net

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THE PREMIER AEROTECH Indonesia 2018 will take place on 2527 July, 2018 at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta and will co-locate with Indonesia Airport Show and INAMARINE 2018.

It will definitely be one of the ASEAN’s most eagerly awaited and productive one-stop exhibitions for commercial aerospace, airport and maritime industry under one roof.

The exhibition is projected to attract more than 500 exhibiting companies and an astounding 20,000 trade and professional visitors across its 12,000 square metres of space.

More details can be found online at www.aerotech-indonesia.net

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Outlook Creative Services

Complementing the production of Africa Outlook, Asia Outlook and Europe & Middle East Outlook magazines, Outlook Publishing’s award-winning 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

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