Asia Outlook - Issue 35

ASIA

www.asiaoutlookmag.com

ISSUE 35

From Singapore to Dubai, DP Façade is helping shape some of the world’s most iconic skylines

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE

Bali: The island of the gods

20

NISHIMATSU CONSTRUCTION SINGAPORE 74

Supporting a long-term water system built to last

HOSPITAL CANCELOR TUANKU MUHRIZ OF UKM 96

KFC MYANMAR 112 The QSR brand of choice for consumers

Powering the healthcare revolution

ALSO FEATURING: SUMMIT POWER INTERNATIONAL | CARABAO | ENCYCLOPÆDIA BRITANNICA

IS BIG ON ALL THE

SO YOU CAN FOCUS ON THE BIG PICTURE Darwin

Mt Isa

Karratha

Mackay

Eagle Farm DC

Geraldton

Kalgoorlie

Kewdale DC

Tuggerah Wetherill Park DC Thomastown Dandenong

atom.com.au

getit@atom.com.au

1800 999 024

W E L C O M E New horizons

ASIA The UN’s stark warning on climate change published on October 8 didn’t mince its words.

Indeed, the authors of the landmark report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said that unprecedented changes are required if the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-degree global warming pledge is to be honoured.

Consumers through to government and business, the report says, must all redouble efforts to reduce their greenhouse gas footprint.

However, this is not to say that sustainability hasn’t been at the forefront of many firms across a vast array of industries for quite some time.

In the construction space, green building initiatives have gathered serious traction over recent years, and façades are frequently being designed with energy efficiency in mind. Operating in an industry forecast to be worth $337.8 billion by 2025 is Singapore-based DP Façade. One of nine specialist units under the DP Architects umbrella, the firm has been able to draw on expertise from around the world and continues to shape the region’s skylines. Mathieu Meur, Director at DP Façade, tells us more.

Staying in Singapore and the construction sector, we speak to Nishimatsu about its role in the city state’s massive Deep Tunnel Sewerage System, a project which will see the firm dedicate 2.6 million manhours. Completing our focus on construction this issue are exclusive insights from Merx Construction Management and Emrail.

In the energy and utilities domain, Summit Power International is emerging as Bangladesh’s leading light when it comes to developing the nation’s electricity infrastructure. Ayesha Aziz Khan, MD and CEO, reveals what lies ahead in the Company’s project pipeline.

Elsewhere, we look into the healthcare industries of Malaysia and Hong Kong through respective interviews with UKM Medical Centre and Union Medical Healthcare, while our business travel section arrows in on Bali, Nepal and Langkawi.

Another continental success story of the past 12 months can be found in the form of Thai energy drink brand Carabao. It has proven a hit in the likes of the UK, thanks in part to some bold and creative marketing campaigns – we speak to John Luck, the Company’s Chief Marketing Officer.

You will also notice a new opinion column in the form of Expert Eye, immediately after our news spread. The first of what will be a regular series of frontline insight on topical issues comes from Siddharth Shankar, who examines the post-Brexit trading environment in Asia.

Finally, a nod towards outgoing Editorial Director Matt Staff, who I’ve had the pleasure of working with on more than one occasion. After years of dedication to Asia Outlook, myself and Deputy Editor Jonathan Dyble will be continuing where he left off. www.asiaoutlookmag.com

ISSUE 35

From Singapore to Dubai, DP Façade is helping shape some of the world’s most iconic skylines

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE

Bali: The island of the gods

00

NISHIMATSU CONSTRUCTION

SINGAPORE 00 Supporting a long-term water system built to last

HOSPITAL CANCELOR TUANKU

MUHRIZ OF UKM 00 Powering the healthcare revolution

KFC MYANMAR 00 The QSR brand of choice for consumers

ALSO FEATURING: SUMMIT POWER INTERNATIONAL | CARABAO | ENCYCLOPÆDIA BRITANNICA

ASIA EDITORIAL Editorial Directors: Tom Wadlow tom.wadlow@outlookpublishing.com Deputy Editor: Jonathan Dyble jonathan.dyble@outlookpublishing.com

PRODUCTION Production Manager: Daniel George daniel.george@outlookpublishing.com Art Director: Stephen Giles steve.giles@outlookpublishing.com Advert Designer: Devon Collins devon.collins@outlookpublishing.com

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 PROJECT DIRECTORS Joshua Mann joshua.mann@outlookpublishing.com Tom Cullum tom.cullum@outlookpublishing.com HEAD OF PROJECTS Joe Palliser (Business Travel) joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com Kane Weller kane.weller@outlookpublishing.com SALES MANAGERS Donovan Smith donovan.smith@outlookpublishing.com Jordan Levey (Business Travel) jordan.levey@outlookpublishing.com Ryan Gray (Business Travel) ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com PROJECT MANAGERS Callam Waller callam.waller@outlookpublishing.com Josh Hyland josh.hyland@outlookpublishing.com Lewis Bush lewis.bush@outlookpublishing.com Matt Cole-Wilkin matt.cole-wilkin@outlookpublishing.com Vivek Valmiki vivek.valmiki@outlookpublishing.com

ADMINISTRATION Finance Director: Suzanne Welsh suzanne.welsh@outlookpublishing.com Administrative Assistant: Sophia Curran sophia.curran@outlookpublishing.com Office Manager: Karla Doyle karla.doyle@outlookpublishing.com Web Design: Hamit Saka IT: James Le-May

OUTLOOK PUBLISHING Managing Director: Ben Weaver ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com Outlook Publishing Ltd 69-75 Thorpe Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1UA, United Kingdom.

Sales: +44 (0) 1603 959 652 Editorial: +44 (0) 1603 959 657 SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel: +44 (0) 1603 959 657 tom.wadlow@outlookpublishing.com www.asiaoutlookmag.com Like us on Facebook - facebook.com/asiaoutlook Follow us on Twitter - @AsiaOutlookMag

Tom Wadlow

Editorial Director, Outlook Publishing

Enjoy the issue!

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

3

C

O

N

T

E

N

T

S

In this issue...

6 8

NEWS

10

FOOD & DRINK A Brave Boost into New Markets

Around Asia in seven stories

EXPERT EYE

Post-Brexit Trade: The View from Asia

A Q&A with Carabao’s Chief Marketing Officer John Luck

14

EDUCATION 250 Not Out

How Encyclopædia Britannica has provided access to learning since 1768

S E C TO R F O C U S

18

SHIPPING & LOGISTICS Why the Cold Chain is Striking Hot The latest insight on the life sciences supply chain

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDES

20 32 40 4

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

BALI

The island of the gods

NEPAL

Asia’s alpine playground

LANGKAWI

Malaysia’s tropical gem

ASIA 54

ENERGY & UTILITIES

SHOWCASING LEADING COMPANIES

128

Tell us your story and we’ll tell the world

CONSTRUCTION

56

DP FAÇADE Design’s Global Superpower

Nine companies, one global network

74

NISHIMATSU CONSTRUCTION SINGAPORE Singapore’s Construction Custodian Supporting a long-term water system built to last

SUMMIT POWER INTERNATIONAL Power to the People

Opening up access to electricity across Bangladesh

H E A L T H C A R E

96

UKM MEDICAL CENTRE Malaysia’s Medical Marvel Powering the healthcare revolution

106

UNION MEDICAL HEALTHCARE Hong Kong’s One-Stop Healthcare Shop Investing in innovation and knowledge

140

UPC RENEWABLES LIMITED Dream, Develop, Deliver A global track record in providing clean energy

E V E N T

F O C U S

146

MINING INVESTMENT OMAN

148

GAS SINGAPORE

150

INDONESIA INFRASTRUCTURE WEEK 2018

The country’s foremost mining forum Opening doors to new opportunities

Unveiling the important role of infrastructure development

80

152

EMRAIL Right on Track

Providing the platform to explore business opportunities

Gaining ground in Malaysia and the wider region

154

WORLD OPTICAL FIBRE & CABLE

156

CEMAT ASIA

158

MALAYSIA CLOUD & DATACENTER CONVENTION

F O O D & D R I N K

112 88

LNG AND NATURAL GAS FOR POWER AND INDUSTRIES THAILAND

Showcasing leading connectivity solutions, products and innovations

KFC MYANMAR Maintaining Momentum

The QSR brand of choice for Myanmar’s consumers

MERX CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT Built to Inspire Broadening horizons across Southeast Asia

Setting the benchmark for Asia’s supply chain industry

Unlocking the country’s digital economy

O

I

120

L

&

G

A

KUMUL PETROLEUM Maximising PNG’s Petroleum Potential

A key player in the country’s largest ever investment

S

160

BIG DATA & AI ASIA

162

ASIA-PACIFIC FOOD INGREDIENTS EXPO

Driving business innovation and benefits through synergising big data and AI

The critical platform for food and beverage producers

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

5

N

E

W

Around Asia in seven stories…

S

ENERGY & UTILITIES

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

Toyota and SoftBank JV to develop driverless car services

Singapore to end SP Group monopoly on electricity Singaporean electricity consumers and businesses will be able to choose between multiple providers from November after governing authorities decided to open up the sector to competition.

The city state’s Energy Market Authority said that the rollout of its Open Electricity Market will be carried out in stages over six months, with districts in Choa Chu Kang, Yishun, Sembawang and Upper Bukit Timah

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Tencent’s music business plans to go public in US

6

to be the first to benefit.

Among the companies vying for custom are Best Electricity, Environmental Solutions, Geneco, ISwitch, Keppel Electric, Ohm Energy, PacificLight Energy, Sembcorp Power, Senoko Energy, SingNet, Tuas Power and Union Power.

The new system will replace the current monopoly held by SP Group, which saw customers placed on a regulated tariff reviewed every quarter.

A new business will be created by Toyota and SoftBank which will provide self-driving shuttle services across Japan.

The two companies said that MONET Technologies Corporation would be established before April 2019, with the first phase of services including on-demand transportation through regional partnerships and corporate shuttles.

Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s President, said in a speech at a joint press conference: “I think that cars will become part of our social network by connecting us to our communities through data and information, and helping to provide services that support our everyday lives.”

Future possibilities include meal deliveries where food is prepared on the move, hospital shuttles where onboard medical examinations can be performed, and mobile offices.

The news comes shortly after Honda announced plans to invest $2.75 billion in GM’s self-driving business.

The online music division of Tencent has filed for what could turn out to be the biggest US IPO made by a Chinese company.

Tencent Music Entertainment (TME) Group comprises streaming services such as QQ Music, Kugou and WeSing, and is expecting to hit a valuation of $25 billion.

According to its latest submission, TME, which is 9.1 percent owned by Spotify, turned over $1.3 billion in the first half of 2018.

It has been a record year for Chinese companies listing in the US this year, with firms already raising close to $6 billion.

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

ASIA T E C H N O L O G Y

T E C H N O L O G Y

Alibaba and KPMG join forces to advance digitisation of businesses A new global alliance is being formed by KPMG and Alibaba Cloud to drive digital transformation across businesses in Asia Pacific and Europe.

The alliance was announced at Alibaba’s largest global customer and partner event, the Computing Conference 2018.

“Simon Hu, President of Alibaba Cloud commented: “Alibaba Cloud is excited to drive innovations across different industries and businesses together with KPMG,

India to roll out facial recognition at airports next year

and to address the ever-growing needs of high performance and secure cloud infrastructure.”

As part of the alliance, KPMG and Alibaba Cloud will form a joint strategy team comprised of systems architects and engineers from both companies who will develop cloud infrastructure solutions for clients expanding into new markets.

The Indian government has pledged to install facial recognition technology at its airports throughout 2019 in a bid to enhance security and ease congestion at passport control.

Domestic travellers will have a choice over using biometric identification, the country’s Ministry of Civil Aviation said.

The first airports to roll out the solution will be Bengaluru and Hyderabad, in February, followed

by Kolkata, Varanasi, Pune and Vijayawada in April.

International airlines such as British Airways and Delta Air Lines have also been using the technology at certain terminals in the USA, including New York, Orlando Miami and Atlanta.

F I N A N C E

Hong Kong heading for $38 billion in 2018 IPOs

‘Abenomics’ are still valid but need to be broadened, sustained and accelerated.

The organisation has forecast a 1.1 percent growth in Japan’s economy this year, a figure predicted to drop to 0.9 percent during 2019.

The International Monetary Fund Despite these warnings, Japan (IMF) believes that the Japanese remains the world’s third largest government should rejig its economic economy, but the IMF warns this could approach, citing low inflation, sluggish be in danger over the longer term, growth and an ageing population. forecasting a contraction of 25 percent Christine Lagarde, the head of the in both the population and economy IMF, said that the basic principles of over the next 40 years.

G O V E R N M E N T

IMF calls for Japan to rethink economic policy

The total value of initial public offerings (IPOs) in Hong Kong is set to reach $38.4 billion in 2018 according to new figures released by KPMG. In terms of volumes, Hong Kong is set to be the most active IPO destination in the world, with Chinese companies Xiaomi and China Tower both going public this year.

Maggie Lee, Head of Capital Markets Development Group, Hong Kong, KPMG China, added: “Three prerevenue biotech companies and two with weighted voting right structures completed their IPOs by the end of Q3.

“We expect to see six to ten prerevenue biotech companies list by the end of 2018 as the trend continues.”

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

7

E

X

P

E

R

T

E

Y

E

Post-Brexit Trade:

The View from Asia

Why the UK should look to Asia to extend its economic footprint post-March 2019 Written by: Siddharth Shankar, CEO of Tails Trading

W

ith only a few months to go until Brexit and a ‘no deal’ scenario between the EU and the UK looking ever more likely, the UK needs to start looking beyond the EU and building strong, sustainable trading relationships with non-EU countries.

Of the global trading partners the UK could strengthen ties with, Asia is perhaps one of the most important.

It has a rapidly increasing population, the fastest growing middle class in the world, booming economies and a high demand for British products within the region.

Asia is becoming increasingly important to UK trade. The latest figures from the Department for International Trade already show a significant uplift in exports to Asia. UK exports to India grew by 31.8 percent in the year to March 2018, whilst exports to China grew by 15.3 percent.

But what about from the perspective of Asian countries – how is Brexit viewed in Asia and how do Asian countries view the opportunities to strengthen trade links with the UK? Leaving the EU will have a negative impact on the UK economy on the whole. This means it will be harder to raise funds in that market. This

8

in turn provides an opportunity for Asian investors to enter UK markets with lower barriers. Asian investors, due to their increased buying powers, will not only buy up real-estate in the UK, but businesses alike. The fact that the UK’s economic recovery plan includes strengthening the export market, means Asia can expect a lot of quality British products at competitive prices heading their way. Asian travel companies are also expected to sell the UK as a more popular choice of destination due to the increased buying capacity of those visiting from Asia.

It’s important to note that Asian countries, whether in the Middle East or the far east, tend to mind their own business. Countries such as India

‘The US-China trade war means that Asian countries are in need of import goods from the UK and the EU’

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

About the Expert Siddharth Shankar, 27, is a leading figure in trading with Asia and CEO of Tails Trading, a new solution helping UK SMEs to export their goods to Asia.

Shankar has a high-profile banking background and has to date established companies in India across various industries collectively worth $4.7 billion. and China are big enough to be self-sustainable, are fairly happy with the current scenario and, in general, do not appreciate change.

It’s most likely that, when Brexit occurs, they will keep out of the situation and are unlikely to extend a helping hand. Asia, as a collective, does not tend to become too engrossed in anyone else’s problems. However, post-Brexit trade could have a unique impact in Asia. In reality, it may need UK products in its markets.

The US-China trade war means that Asian countries are in need of import goods from the UK and the EU. The US and China are hitting each other with ever more explosive tariffs on each

ASIA other’s goods and, to an extent, the whole of Asia is suffering as a result.

China itself also desperately needs to counter the effect of their battle with the US by finding a new international partner to help them in terms of keeping the Chinese market healthy.

Similarly, countries within the ASEAN region need other parties to join their market in order to ease the impact that the fight between these two global superpowers is having on them. ASEAN countries are more heavily involved in the US-China trade war as they have strong links with both sides.

For as long as the US and China tie themselves up fighting each other, Southeast Asian countries are likely to feel insecure, fearing collateral damage. This is likely to make them more open to forming strong trading relationships with the UK. The other important factor to consider is if the US and the EU negotiate a zero-tariff trade deal. The idea was first floated

in a White House press conference between Juncker and Trump over the summer, but if this comes into fruition this could have a significant impact on Asia’s relationship with the UK post-Brexit. It could make China more likely to agree a good trade deal with the UK. China would likely realise an EU-US zero-tariff deal would not only put the pressure on its exports to the US but also take away its trade parties from Europe. The UK market and UK export goods (agriculture goods and industrial goods alike) would then prove to be vital to its economy and sustainability for the future five to 10 years. If this scenario plays out, China will have to be more open than ever towards the UK. As far as ASEAN countries go, if the EU and the US enter into tariff-free trading, it would become even harder for them to penetrate either the EU or the US market in order to

benefit from world trade. They would have to make a difficult choice: either to secure new tariff-free deals with the EU and US and, as such, join their circle, or they’d have to tighten their relationship with China. This would likely make it more difficult for the UK to build stronger links with ASEAN countries and increase their exports to the Pan-Asia area.

With all of this in mind, the UK needs to develop a unique approach towards Asia. It would be prudent of the UK government to keep Asian countries happy, as they are at the moment, but also to subtly put the export and allowance of FDI from Asia on the table. This would not be the UK government asking Asian governments for help – it would give Asia a helping hand, maintaining an advantage point while also maximising benefit.

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

9

C A R A B A O

A Brave Boost into New Markets

E

xpanding into new markets is no mean feat for any company.

Extensive analysis is required, with a need to understand different demands, cultures, trends and demographics, whilst a number of barriers may have to be considered and overcome. And even after all of this, success is by no means guaranteed.

With more foreign expansion and investment occurring now than ever before, marketing has become a crucial function to businesses looking to broaden their horizons – a function that Thai energy drink Company Carabao has mastered.

Having launched just 16 years ago, the Company now holds 26 percent of the energy drink market in Thailand and has established itself in several European markets, including the UK. Speaking to Asia Outlook, John Luck, Carabao’s Chief Marketing Officer, reveals how the business has managed to be so successful in conquering new markets in the face of established competition, and what the Company has been recently pursuing to maintain its upward trajectory.

Asia Outlook (AsO): John, you previously worked in executive marketing positions for the likes of Coca-Cola, Duchy Originals and Time Out London.

How has your time at Carabao differed and what drew you to working as CMO of the Company?

John Luck (JL): Put quite simply, everything is different from my previous roles! As a startup and a

10

Originating from humble beginnings in the coastal suburbs of Bangkok, Carabao has conquered Thailand and is now making fast advances in the UK Writer: Jonathan Dyble challenger brand, Carabao has to approach things differently, whether that’s our marketing initiatives, our products, the broad audiences we’re trying to engage, or the way in which we work in sports through our football sponsorships.

This means my role is hugely diverse and spans across all areas of the business, not just marketing.

From the speed at which we work, to the intuitive rather than researched decisions we take, to the necessity to

John Luck, Carabao’s Chief Marketing Officer

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

take risks and be wholly accountable for those choices – this is far and away the most challenging job I’ve ever had, but that’s what makes it great!

This is part of what drew me to the role, alongside the allure of working for Thai owners based in Bangkok. That, and the incredible opportunities our investment in football and sport affords us, especially as a big football fan, makes this a pretty irresistible CMO role.

AsO: How crucial has marketing been to the success of Carabao?

JL: Marketing has been a key component in Carabao’s success to date since we launched in the UK almost two years ago. Our highprofile sponsorships with Reading, Chelsea and our sponsorship of the EFL Cup, now known as the Carabao Cup, have grown brand awareness to unprecedented levels.

On top of these football partnerships we’ve invested heavily to drive trial and repeat buying of our drinks. Earlier this year we launched a multi-millionpound integrated marketing campaign entitled ‘The Bonkers Drink For Bonkers Lives’ which successfully told our unique brand story and explained that, unlike other energy drinks on the market, Carabao is designed to give men and women of all ages a boost to help them get through their busy lives.

Our nationwide campaign targeting exhausted commuters, students and working men and women ensured our great-tasting products were sampled at the right time by the people who need them most.

F

O

O

D

&

D

R

I

N

K

ASIA

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

11

C A R A B A O

AsO: Have the challenges that the Company has faced in Europe been different to those in Asia?

JL: Naturally, different markets throw up different challenges. Our launch in Thailand was an overnight success because Carabao was invented by a well-known Thai rockstar, Aed Carabao, whose massive local fanbase created an instant market for his drink of the same name. As a consequence, our marketing approach in the UK has had to be markedly different.

In the UK, the energy drinks sector is dominated by long-established companies that have invested in their brands for many years. For Carabao to secure listings with key retailers and drive consumption amongst UK consumers, we’ve had to uniquely position the brand to offer genuine points of difference versus the competition.

In Thailand, Carabao exists as a single, high-sugar SKU, packaged in a small glass bottle and retailing for

10 Baht (approximately £0.25). In the UK we have five fruit-flavoured SKUs including Green Apple and Mandarin Orange that are all either low sugar (less than five grams of sugar per 100ml) or sugar free. This product portfolio is unique in the UK energy drinks market and is integral to our ‘for everyone’ strategy and commitment to growing the category.

AsO: Has Carabao’s UK launch so far been a success?

JL: We are very pleased with the progress we have made in the UK to date. From a distribution perspective, we have listings in many key retailers and our rate of sale is improving as we grow. Brand awareness has increased massively in the two years since our launch and our exceptional flavours are driving strong repeat purchase rates.

Our football partnerships are delivering huge numbers in terms of awareness, claimed consideration

AsO: The Company has partnered with the English Football League (EFL), Chelsea FC and Reading FC. How have these collaborations helped this launch?

JL: Our football partnerships have grown Carabao’s brand awareness exponentially since our launch.

Football is incredibly popular in the UK and so fits well with our desire to appeal to men and women of all ages.

We activate our football partnerships with the same challenger thinking that drives all of our marketing and as such, unlike other football sponsors, we promote our sponsorship of Chelsea and Reading Women’s teams equally alongside the Men’s teams.

Earlier this year we also launched the acclaimed ‘We Are Female Fans’ initiative to coincide with the 2018 World Cup, a campaign to change the online representation of female football fans. In addition, we have also sought to make conventional football draws more interesting and so throughout the Carabao Cup competition we have deployed a series of live draws held overseas, via Twitter and the first all-female

“...throughout the Carabao Cup competition we have deployed a series of live draws held overseas, via Twitter and the first allfemale draw”

Emile Heskey, Carabao Cup Tour 10

12

and trial. Importantly, we have external data that shows that over 50 percent of Carabao’s volume is derived from drinkers outside the category, which not only supports our unique positioning, but also validates the promises we have made to our customers.

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

F

O

O

D

&

D

R

I

N

K

ASIA supermarkets, high street retailers, wholesalers, independents and symbol groups, and we are committed to landing further top tier customers and deepening our distribution within existing customers. Marketing-wise, we will continue to sweat our football sponsorships to grow awareness, trial our products and invest further in advertising campaigns to explain why Carabao is the go-to drink for anyone in need of a great tasting and low sugar energy boost.

draw. Collectively this approach has allowed Carabao to engage millions of potential consumers up and down the country and establish a reputation for doing things differently.

AsO: How else has Carabao invested in marketing practices in recent times to maintain the brand’s continual growth?

JL: We are continually exploring new ways of shaking up the energy drink market to attract new drinkers.

In July we offered consumers the opportunity to win a share of Mr Carabao’s £1 Million Giveaway with cash prizes to be won every 60 seconds. Unlike most FMCG promotions, we didn’t use complicated algorithms to reduce the odds, instead we wanted Carabao drinkers to win.

To date we have given away over £850,000 and over 25 percent of the unique ring-pull codes have been redeemed. Consequently, our can sales have been phenomenal.

Internationally, we are always on the lookout for profitable new markets for the Carabao brand to add to the existing markets of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos and we activate a number of global marketing initiatives to grow the brand in these territories.

Football has no boundaries, so our sponsorships with Chelsea and the EFL in particular have been brought to life

overseas to engage our Southeast Asian drinkers. Cash giveaways, like the UK’s Win A Million promotion work well in these markets too and last month Carabao introduced the UK’s Green Apple product to a more affluent, younger Thai consumer. Sampling Carabao repeatedly to the same people is another common feature in Carabao’s marketing plans across the world.

On a personal level, I’m excited about bringing new people into the energy drink market and ruffling a few of our competitors’ feathers along the way. As a Liverpool fan, I also hope to present my team with the Carabao Cup trophy, but that will already have to wait until next season’s competition!

AsO: Looking ahead to the next few years, do you have any personal goals or strategic targets for the Company?

JL: Growing our distribution base and reinforcing our competitive advantages is key to our continued growth. We have already secured significant listings with major

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

13

E N C YC LO P Æ D I A

B R I TA N N I C A

250 Not Out

Founded in 1768, Encyclopædia Britannica has reached a milestone very few companies alive today can claim. CEO Karthik Krishnan reveals how the organisation remains relevant in the modern age Writer: Tom Wadlow

Utility ought to be the principle intention of every publication.

Wherever this intention does not plainly appear, neither the books nor their authors have the smallest claim to the approbation of mankind.”

Company mottos often evolve to remain relevant in the present day.

14

As technology advances, globalisation intensifies and consumer habits change, so too do the ways in which businesses approach their work.

In 1768 Encyclopædia Britannica published the first sections of its inaugural edition in Edinburgh, Scotland. These opening words on utility, cited from its preface, have formed the basis of Britannica’s existence ever since.

The complete first edition, made up of three volumes, was released in 1771 at a time when scientific intrigue exploded and learning became a commodity, all set during the heart of a period commonly referred to as the Enlightenment.

Fast-forward through the ages and Encyclopædia Britannica continues to stand at the side of innovation and advancement after 250 years.

Heading up the now digital publishing enterprise is Karthik Krishnan, 20-year veteran of industries including healthcare and consumer and B2B media. Speaking from New York, 1,300 kilometres west from Britannica’s

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

HQ in Chicago, it is abundantly clear he brings with him a deep-rooted passion for empowering learning.

“The transformative power of education, in a nutshell, is why I was attracted to the organisation,” he says.

“I believe education needs to be reset globally, away from a mass production model to a much more personalised system where people are not only given an education, but a lens through which to learn.

“The two are different, and Britannica offers the opportunity to transform our approach to learning.

At the moment we solve problems in conformity – we need to fall in love with the problem and not the solution, because the solution can change in many different ways through one lifetime.

“We must ask the question why, encourage critical thinking and be collaboratively curious. The founding members of Britannica were true visionaries – they were curious and wanted to bring knowledge to the masses.”

E

D

U

C

A global heavyweight

A quarter of a millennia on, and Encyclopædia Britannica has evolved from a single publication in Edinburgh to a global organisation comprising more than 5,000 contributors and several standalone sister companies.

“Collectively we reach around 150 million students from 83 countries around the world,” says Krishnan.

“Across all of our platforms we generate around five billion pageviews annually, which places us in the top 10 reference sites in the world.

“More important is the fact we have the largest semantically referenced data set in English, which equates to around 25 million individual data points connecting various topics. This is also

A

T

I

O

N

ASIA

personalised in terms of categorising information at different learning levels, from beginners upwards.”

Asia forms an important part of Britannica’s global reach. In the early 1970s, the 29-volume giant Buritanika Kokusai Dai Hyakka Jiten, or Britannica International Encyclopædia, was published in conjunction with the Tokyo Broadcasting System. This is subject to continual revisions and additions, as demonstrated by partnerships with Casio, Uchida Yoko and Tsutaya.

In China, an agreement was struck with the Greater Encyclopedia of China Publishing House to translate a concise version of the 15th edition Britannica into Chinese. Starting at 10 volumes

ABOUT KARTHIK KRISHNAN As the Global CEO of the Britannica group of companies (Britannica, Merriam-Webster, Britannica Knowledge Systems, and Melingo), Karthik Krishnan is focused on value creation for customers and unlocking the true potential of the trusted brands within Britannica Group.

Prior to joining Britannica in November 2017, he spent over a decade at RELX (formerly known as Reed Elsevier, a FTSE 100 company) in various business leadership roles, driving cultural transformations and accelerating growth.

In his last role, as Senior Vice President and General Manager for the Clinical Reference business, he launched products that won coveted industry recognition, including Best in KLAS and Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation awards. His other positions within RELX included Senior Vice President and General Manager of Global Pharma and eCommerce and Vice President of Interactive Media.

He is currently on the board of Urban Upbound, a non-profit focused on transforming the lives of people in public housing in New York through job training, financial fitness and college education. He is an adjunct professor at New York University – Stern School, where he obtained an MBA, and is a National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) governance fellow.

Krishnan strives to live up to a guiding mantra: “Every job is a selfportrait of the person who does it. Autograph your work with excellence.”

in 1985, it grew into the 20-volume Encyclopædia Britannica International Chinese Edition in 1999 and was substantially revised in 2007.

“Asia is a very interesting market for us,” Krishnan adds. “With the general huge growth economically and in terms of population, a great emphasis will be placed on this region regarding new knowledge creation.

“We will continue to learn the market here, understand its needs, build partnerships and add value.”

Channelling curiosity

It is no coincidence that Britannica greatly extended its geographical reach as computerised publishing began to take off.

From publishing through LexisNexis in 1981 through to launching on CDROM in 1989 and online for consumers in 1995, the advent of online connectivity has opened up what must have been an incomprehensible number of channels for content consumption.

Krishnan goes on to describe numerous channels Britannica has forayed into, including a partnership with Google Chrome to launch a sidebar information service for

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

15

E N C YC LO P Æ D I A

B R I TA N N I C A

consumers using its search engine.

Named Britannica Insights, the tool can be installed as a browser extension and will instantly feed a menu of accurately researched content once a term is searched in Google.

“Google is such a common starting point for seeking knowledge,” Krishnan says. “Today, 92 percent of people don’t navigate beyond the first page of search results and 60 percent only look at the top three results. This means that users could be going away without the most correct information.

“Britannica Insights is a free extension that presents fact-based, encyclopaedia-style way of navigating

16

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

“Our job is to inspire curiosity and the joy of learning, and with the reach Britannica has, we have an amazing opportunity to make this happen”

the topic you have searched. This is a learning framework we are trying to provide so that people don’t walk away with just one piece of information about a subject that could have numerous elements.”

Other emerging channels include video and voice assistants, an area in which Britannica has also partnered with industry pioneers.

“We have to improve the discoverability of content,” Krishnan continues. “But not just any content, because today in the internet age everybody is a publisher, and misinformation is an issue. For instance, we are also partnering with YouTube to

E

D

U

C

help filter out fake information.

“With voice assistants, people will be receiving one response in answer to their questions. We want to make sure that piece of information is verified, accurate and hasn’t surfaced from anywhere on the internet.

“Our goal is to figure out how we make great knowledge accessible – people could be using a voice assistant, social media or even talking to their refrigerator or oven through the internet of things. We are looking at all of these areas and more.”

Having stood alongside innovation for 250 years, empowering millions around the world through access to

A

T

I

O

N

information, it is the CEO’s objective to ensure Britannica builds on this formidable legacy.

By making learning as accessible and transformative as possible, generations to come will be futureproofed and ready for jobs which are yet to be defined. If Encyclopædia Britannica continues to play its part, it will be job well done for Karthik.

He concludes: “We are coming into a world where we are competing with artificial intelligence. Machines are better at remembering things than we are, so we as humans must start thinking about the kinds of problem solving skills

ASIA

that will empower us to be successful.

“If we cannot adapt to a future world, then things will become very difficult. Our job is to inspire curiosity and the joy of learning, and with the reach Britannica has, we have an amazing opportunity to make this happen.”

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

17

C R YO P O R T

Why the Cold Chain is

Striking Hot Mark Sawicki, Chief Commercial Officer at Cryoport, offers his take on why the life sciences cold chain space continues to grow apace in Asia Pacific and how supply chains can keep up with ever-complex demands

T

Written by: Mark Sawicki | Edited by: Tom Wadlow

he life sciences cold chain logistics space, particularly within the Asia Pacific theatre, continues to expand and develop in response to the investments being made by both public and private enterprises in the region, as well as the emergence of precision therapies moving through the pipeline.

In fact, according to a recent Allied Markets Research Report, the life sciences cold chain logistics field in the Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to grow at a rate of 18.7 percent a year through 2022.

Perhaps the most prominent new trend in pharmaceutical cold chain logistics is the arrival of cellular therapy products, notably cell and gene therapies. The first to market of these so-called therapies are CAR-T cell therapies, which depend on extracting T cells from a patient, reworking the cells’ genetics and then re-infusing to

18

the same patient.

The emergence of regenerative medicine as a viable therapy class has amplified the focus on current clinical product distribution standards and the need for enhanced requirements that parallel current manufacturing standards in the industry. The regenerative medicines market generated $17.03 billion in revenue in 2016 and is expected to reach $50.55 billion by 2025.

CAR-T cell therapy is the most rapidly growing area of research in the pharmaceutical industry, and the Asia Pacific region is playing a disproportionate role in the emergence of regenerative medicine companies and new therapies in development. China is quickly racing to be a large player in this space and aims to introduce CAR-T therapies into the mainstream, most recently having 116 CAR-T trials, 20 more than

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

the 96 currently registered in the US. It is anticipated that the APAC region will experience an annual growth rate of 38.6 percent through 2023 in the regenerative medicine space.

Moving cell therapies from the manufacturing site to the site of clinical administration is no simple task. First, fresh blood must be collected from the patient, processed, and either shipped at 2-8°C or -196°C to the manufacturing site where it is modified into a therapy.

Both methods require specialised packaging and have demanding transit times that leave little room for error. The challenges can be further compounded if these materials need to move from one country to another which introduces complex customs requirements for the movement of human cellular material between countries. Having robust, redundant processes, equipment and informatics is critical to success.

S U P P L Y

C H A I N

The new drug products developed through regenerative medicine are more fragile and valuable than tablets or pills, and if they are damaged in shipment, it’s not visually obvious.

They don’t change in smell, or colour.

Even a slight temperature deviation could render the product unusable.

In an instant, a therapy worth $475,000 can be destroyed. Yet even those outcomes are not the worst imaginable. The products involved are often patient-specific and entirely irreplaceable, and the patient needs are critical. Small mistakes can literally become a matter of life or death.

Traditional processes and procedures have been insufficient in supporting such complex supply chains. One common observation is that current

&

L O G I S T I C S

cold chain container qualification and management processes are insufficient in effectively managing risk during regenerative medicine distribution.

Basic requirements outlined and used for the manufacture, including traceability of equipment utilised in the manufacture and storage of drug substance and drug product, must be implemented and utilsed in the drug distribution space.

Newly emerging Chain of Compliance requirements for regenerative medicine distribution are rapidly becoming the standard for ensuring product integrity.

Chain of Compliance is establishing full traceability of the equipment and processes used in managing the environmental control of the

‘The emergence of regenerative medicine as a viable therapy class has amplified the focus on current clinical product distribution standards...’

ASIA

commodity. This includes container performance and requalification history, commodity history, courier handling and performance history, calibration history, and correlation competencies that can link in field events to equipment performance.

The reason that the FDA and other regulatory bodies are interested in Chain of Compliance is that it provides the ability to collect, interpret, and leverage comprehensive data, enabling a significantly more intelligent supply chain. Rather than reactively trying to determine what has gone wrong after multiple failures, it becomes possible to take a proactive approach. Moreover, effective implementation provides historical traceability of logistics processes, equipment, and third-party support entities, enabling one to critically assess its complete supply chain and minimise failures and risk.

Regenerative medicine is revolutionising the treatment of diseases and promises to rapidly scale in the coming quarters, putting additional stress on supply chains used to distribute therapies globally that have no tolerance for temperature excursions. Carefully engineering your cold chain to support these therapies is critical if one is to be able to successfully distribute these therapies on a global basis.

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

19

B A L I

BALI

Home to some of the world’s most beautiful scenery, immersive culture and exotic wildlife, Bali has become a key pillar of the Indonesian economy Writer: Jonathan Dyble Project Manager: Jordan Levey

The island of the gods

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple

20

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

RENOWNED AS ONE of the most picturesque islands of Indonesia, a country it has been part of since 1950, it’s not hard to see why Bali has one of the most illustrious tourism industries on the planet.

Situated in the Lesser Sunda Islands, Bali features towering mountains, volcanic hillsides and some of the world’s most luxurious sandy beaches across 5,780 square kilometres of land – a natural composition that has led to it being nicknamed ‘the island of the gods’.

Bali accommodates some of the most revered species throughout the animal kingdom, from the Bali and

S

T

R

A

V

E

L

Javan tigers and Komodo dragon on land, to manta rays and dolphins within its surrounding active marine life.

Despite being part of Indonesia, a country dominated by Muslim culture, with 87.18 percent having identified themselves as such during a 2014 census, Bali is largely and uniquely centred around Hindu culture.

Its people are known globally for their expertise in the arts. From crafts to music to dancing, Bali has it all.

With such an abundance of things to do, see and experience across the island, catering to all travellers’ desires, the hospitality industry has

ASIA FACTS & FIGURES Languages: English, Balinese, Indonesian Area: Indonesia Population (2014): 4.225 million Currency: Rupiah Time zone: GMT+8 Dialling code: +62 Internet TLD: .id Climate: Tropical Highest recorded temperature: 42.2°C

continued to grow exponentially, now offering some of the world’s leading leisure attractions and tourism-related businesses.

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

21

B A L I

The Business End

Singaraja

BALI HAS A surprisingly diverse and expansive economy considering its reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s tropical paradises.

One of the country’s key cities is Singaraja, located close to the north coast, directly linked to other cities on the island and the Buleleng port on the Java Sea. Throughout its history, Singaraja has been fundamental to Bali’s trade – a reputation that it has retained to this day, renowned as a national export centre of rice and coffee.

60 miles south lies Denpasar, the capital and largest city on the island.

Home to Bali’s only international airport, the Bali museum, and Udayana

22

University, it is, as you would expect, the main hub of Bali’s industry.

Elsewhere, Klungkung is labelled as the centre of the national wood carving, gold and silver industries; Gianyar is home to one of Indonesia’s most vibrant markets; and the areas of Kuta, Sanur and Nusa Dua are all experiencing a flourishing tourism trade, alongside other regions across the country.

Whilst this growth in tourism and rising population has led to the need to import many foods, Bali is widely known as an exporter of a number of agricultural products including beef, pork and palm oil.

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

From top, left to right: Bajra Sandhi Monument, Bali Temple, Mayor’s office building, fast food outlets with traditional Balinese architecture, and Cellular superstore in the city centre

B A L I

Bali Hotels Association HAVING EVOLVED FROM its branding of Casa Grande in 2002, Bali Hotels Association (BHA) has been fundamental in facilitating this rapid tourism-centric acceleration in the past 16 years.

With the region having been in economic difficulty in the wake of the Bali bombings, and the resultant drop in tourism, BHA has since overseen the national marketing strategy that has led to the island rising to one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Speaking to Asia Outlook, Ricky Putra of BHA explains how the organisation is looking to maintain this trajectory by capitalising on a range of new prospects.

Asia Outlook (AsO): Since inception, how has the Bali Hotels Association developed and progressed in terms of its key objectives and the messages it tries to get across?

24

Ricky Putra (RP): We have particularly focused on helping our members to provide reliable resources such as standard operating procedures, current information and assistance in prevention as well as in the face of crises. Developing local executives as hotelier candidates through scholarship programmes at the Tourism School in Bali has also been made a priority, providing regular training for the employees of our hotel members, allowing them to develop their skills.

Further, we have made sure that there has been a focus on environmental sustainability by having regular clean-ups, energy saving benchmarking and a green champion forum for sharing on green initiatives as reference to hotel members, and, where possible, we encourage our members to adopt available environment programmes. These

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

include Soap for Hope, a soap recycling programme that processes used soaps to make new ones, then sharing them with the less advantaged, Say No to Plastic Bags, waste management system programmes, and others.

AsO: To this end, how would you say Bali has developed in recent years as a business travel hub and what are the key reasons behind its growing appeal?

RP: Bali is more a place for meeting and travel incentives than a business hub as such. Meetings, incentives conferences and exhibitions (MICE) have always been a key component of the market mix and with the wide range of top-notch accommodation, world-class dining venues, exceptional sceneries, international night scene, yet still with a highly cultural component, it is a logical choice for so many organisers.

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

T

R

A

V

E

L

AsO: How would you evaluate the tourism sector in Bali now compared to its condition when the Bali Hotels Association began?

RP: It is better organised, and we can safely say that it’s better connected internationally through our cooperating with various organisations such as the UN, WTO, PATA, and the growth in the role of media worldwide.

The excellent synergy that we have had with the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and various tourism stakeholders has allowed us to be able to deliver ample resources and services to our members and the national tourism industry as a whole.

RP: The annual IMF World Bank Meeting is set to take place in Bali in October, an event that has really put us on the map in the world of business and economics. Additionally, internally, the country has been working to deliver the upcoming underpass connecting Nusa Dua with the rest of the island – a project that is expected to significantly lower the level of traffic congestion, speeding up travel times to and from the airport. Aside from this, the country is continually launching new leisure venues, international restaurants, and better and more luxurious international hotel brands, helping to improve our tourism offerings by the day.

AsO: What is in store for Bali over the rest of 2018 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?

AsO: Looking forward, what progress and developments are you expecting to see, both in regards to the Bali Hotels Association as an entity, and in regards to the business travel industry in Bali as a whole?

ASIA

RP: I think we would like to see the tourism industry better integrated and regulated, where all players are on a level playing field. Further, although the ongoing developments have been crucial to the success of our tourism industry, it would be good to see a pause in these to allow for better sustainability, and to just allow the entire industry to breathe for a moment.

Other than this, as is always the case, it would be good to see the benefits of tourism better reflected on the welfare of our inhabitants of all kinds, and a reduction in traffic is something that is ultimately becoming more and more necessary in tandem with this expansion.

Bali Hotels Association exec@balihotelsassociation.com www.balihotelsassociation.com

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

25

B A L I

Out & About TRAVELLING TO SOME of the island’s more built up areas offers the chance to experience some of the world’s most idealistic retreats, with five-star hotels in an abundance on the island’s southern shores and within the Ubud region.

However, whilst the white sandy beaches, infinity pools and deep blue oceans might be the reason many holiday makers make the trip to Bali, this is certainly not everything it has to offer.

Tours that are widely available around the island provide the perfect opportunity to see its most beautiful natural wonders, from waterfalls to tropical forests to mountain-top scenic views.

Bali offers some of the world’s most stunning temples, brought to life

during the day, and seen from a whole new perspective with the backdrop of sweeping sunsets. In total, with such a widespread Hindu populous, it is estimated that the island province is home to around 10,000 temples.

Further, the local villages themselves embody Bali’s indigenous culture, each featuring an assembly hall that serves for markets, festivals and other events that happen all year round, whilst each family lives in a compound surrounded by either earthen or stone walls.

Bali is often described as having an artistic temperament, with its expansive arts and crafts featuring anything from bone carvings to silverwork to sculpture.

Pristine beach bathed by the Bali Sea

26

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Manta Bay, Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida Island

Pura Besakih temple

B A L I

Outlook Recommends “The mere mention of Bali evokes thoughts of a paradise.

It’s more than a place; it’s a mood, an aspiration, a tropical state of mind” – Lonely Planet

HOSPITALITY

ACTIVITIES

NATURE

Canyoning in Kalimudah

Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking

Anyung River White Water Rafting

Ubud Monkey Forest

Karma Kandara Combining outstanding natural beauty with luxury hospitality, the Karma Kandara beach resort is situated on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, also known as ‘billionaires’ row’.

Offering stunning villas, an elegant spa and a leading restaurant, Karma Kandara is surrounded by cliff-side ocean views of tropical beaches.

Ayana Resort and Spa The Award-winning Ayana Resort and Spa is a world-class destination for tourists spanning 90 hectares of clifftop land above Jimbaran Bay. Providing the perfect perch to watch the country’s glowing sunsets, the resort is home to 19 restaurants and bars, 12 swimming pools, gold putting and a fitness centre.

Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel SereS Springs Resort & Spa

28

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Bali Quad Bike Adventure

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

T

R

A

V

E

L

ASIA

TEMPLES

Best Beachfront Location in Kuta - Bali, Indonesia

Uluwatu Temple

Managed by Discover Resorts Discover y Hotels & Resor Jl. Kartika Plaza, South Kuta Beach 80361 PO Box 1012, Bali, Indonesia Tel: +62 361 751067 | Fax: +62 361 754585 reservation@discoverykartikaplaza.com www.discoverykartikaplaza.com

Besakih Temple

Tanah Lot Temple WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

29

B A L I

Transport Links

WHILST MOST HOTELS will provide all the transportation information that you need, there are a range of ways to travel around Bali.

Rented bikes and motorbikes are a popular option for short journeys and inner-city travel alongside the use of bemos (minibuses) – the country’s solution to public transport that can be used publicly or privately at a low cost.

Haggling is often required for bemos, as drivers will generally charge foreign tourists higher prices, but for those looking to immerse themselves in local culture, this is definitely the mode of transport of choice.

30

PHOTO: PASCAL KOBEH

Ngurah Rai Airport

Similarly, you can get a lift from ojeks (a motorcycle or motorbike that takes a paying passenger), but this can be a riskier option, particularly within busy cities where traffic flows are largely unpredictable.

Taxis and car rentals are also available and are proving to be an increasingly attractive option for those seeking to

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

explore all areas of the island, largely due to recent and upcoming expansions to its road networks.

Looking more broadly, Bali features just the one airport, known as the Ngurah Rai Airport, based 13 kilometres south of Denpasar. According to statistics, Ngurah Rai is Indonesia’s third busiest international airport.

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

T

R

A

V

E

L

ASIA

Landmark Attractions Gunung Kawi

“Comprising a collection of ancient ‘Candi’ or shrine reliefs carved directly into the face of a rock cliff, this is definitely one of the most stunningly unique archaeological sites besides being an important sacred place for the Balinese” – Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia

Uluwatu Temple

“Uluwatu Temple, or Pura Luhur Uluwatu, one of six key temples believed to be Bali’s spiritual pillars, is renowned for its magnificent location, perched on top of a steep cliff approximately 70 metres above sea level” – Hotels.com

Tegalaland Rice Terrace

“The emerald-green rice terraces in the river gorge north of Tegallalang village in central Bali are generally considered to offer travellers the best photo opportunity” – Lonely Planet

Brahmavihara Arama

“Brahmavihara Arama is a peaceful place to pass half an hour. The flower-filled gardens and manicured lawns add to the sense of serenity, a world removed from the rest of Bali” – Travelfish.org

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

31

N E P A L

NEPAL Famed as the hiking capital of the world, the country’s agricultural charm and altitudinous landscape is capturing the curiosity of travellers from all over

LYING ON THE southern slopes of the Himalayas, Nepal is renowned as the world’s trekking paradise.

Home to eight of the world’s 10 tallest mountains, the alpine terrain offers stunning views that are arguably unrivalled across the continent.

However, travellers are not only able to enjoy mountain climbing in

Writer: Jonathan Dyble Project Manager: Ryan Gray

32

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Nepal. Landlocked between China to the north and India to the south, the country is home to some of the continent’s most intriguing culture and history.

Having only been declared to be a democratic republic in 2008, Nepal to this day has largely remained exempt from Western influences as a result of its self-imposed isolationist policy that had been implemented by a series of prime ministers up until 1951.

Untarnished by industrial and commercial influences, the country features a number of thriving national parks and nature reserves that are home to an array of exotic species such as the Asiatic elephant, one-horned rhinoceros and the Bengal tiger.

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

Meanwhile, having largely been inspired by the Hindu and Buddhist religions, Nepal exhibits some of the world’s most amazing architecture, colourful artwork and music from the ancient times that has been preserved by families throughout generations.

From world heritage sites to ancient squares to Mount Everest, there is an abundance of reasons to visit Nepal.

S

T

R

A

V

E

L

ASIA FACTS & FIGURES

Languages: Nepali Area: 147,181 km² Population (2016): 28.98 million GDP (2015): $21.14 billion Currency: Nepalese rupee (Re) Time zone: GMT+5:45 Dialling code: +977 Internet TLD: .np Highest recorded temperature: 45°C

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

33

N E P A L

The Business End AGRICULTURE REMAINS NEPAL’S principal economic activity, with more than half of the population and roughly 27 percent of GDP accounted for by agricultural activities.

The country grows a variety of crops including apples, pears, tomatoes, various salads, peaches, nectarines, potatoes, rice and wheat, with the lowland Terai region producing a surplus that helps supply food deficient areas in the forests and mountains.

Meanwhile, progress is being made in a number of alternative and more advanced industries. The national resources sector has somewhat flourished in recent times, whilst Nepal has also expanded its hydroelectric

34

capabilities with an estimated 42,000 MW of commercially feasible capacity.

However, one sector that has truly come to the forefront of the economy is tourism.

2017 alone witnessed a 24 percent increase in the number of travellers visiting the country, rising from 753,002 in 2016 to 940,218 in 2017, largely driven by interest from India, China, the United States and the United Kingdom.

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council in its Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2018 report on Nepal, the travel and tourism sector accounted for 7.8 percent of GDP last year, supporting more than 1,000,000 jobs.

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Indra Sarovar is a man-made lake constructed in Kulkekhani and Markhu villages in Nepal. It is about 35 kilometres south of Kathmandu. The lake is part of the Kulekhani dam and hydroelectric project. Besides its hydropower contribution, the lake is also an important source of income for the locals from fishing

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

T

R

A

V

E

ASIA

L

Out & About

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal

WHILST NEPAL IS best known for its popularity amongst hikers and mountain climbers, so too is the country becoming renowned for the broad range of other adventurous activities on offer.

Operators provide a range of helicopter tours and paragliding and bungee jumping experiences, whilst the country is also home to one of the most exhilarating rafting scenes on the planet. With a number of fast flowing rivers across Nepal, including the Sun Kosi River, Trishuli River, and others, rafting and kayaking excursions that last up to 10 days are in good supply.

On land, tours are a popular way of exploring the variety of sights.

The beauty of Nepal is that wherever

you decide to stay, there is almost undoubtedly going to be an abundance of places to see and things to do, and having a guide to show you the way is often the best option to satisfy cultural cravings and other interests.

Exploring city streets can pay dividends, with locals offering vibrant homemade food. Defined by its flavoursome but healthy ingredients, there are evidently gastronomic influences from India, China and Tibet throughout the country’s national cuisine that aren’t to be missed.

Some cookery highlights include Momos, Nepal’s version of dumplings; Dhal Bat, considered to be the national dish of Nepal; and the local take on Pulao.

Dhal Bat

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

35

N E P A L

Outlook Recommends “Nepal combines Himalayan views, golden temples, charming hill villages and jungle wildlife watching to offer one of the world’s great travel destinations” – Lonely Planet

HOSPITALITY

MUSEUMS

THINGS TO DO

Patan Museum

Hiking in Nagarkot

Annapurna Group of Hotels A Group that is 50 years old, Annapurna offers three alternative deluxe accommodation options across Nepal.

Spread over 5.5 acres, Hotel Annapurna is positioned in central Kathmandu next to breath taking heritage sites and the regional business districts.

Meanwhile, Jagatpur Lodge situated in the heart of the Nepalese jungle and Fishtail Lodge on Fewa Lake pose as two of the most immersive getaways on offer.

Chandragiri Cable Car Bhaktapur Tour RESTAURANTS National Museum of Nepal

The Old House Kumari Boutique Hotel Hotel Mystic Mountain 36

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

International Mountain Museum

Le Sherpa Mul Chowk

KATHMANDU

POKHARA

CHITWAN

HOTEL ANNAPURNA • PO Box 140, Durbar Marg • Kathmandu, Nepal • T: +977 1 4221711 • info@annapurna.com.np FISH TAIL LODGE • PO Box 10 • Pokhara, Nepal • T: +977 61 465071 • info@fishtail-lodge.com.np JAGATPUR LODGE • Bharatpur Maha Nagarpalika 23 • Jagatpur, Chitwan, Nepal • T: +977 56 411085 • info@jagatpurlodge.com

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

37

N E P A L

Transport Links DUE TO THE terrain, weather and the condition of the vehicles in Nepal, getting around can be a challenging business, so it’s worth ensuring you put aside plenty of time to accommodate for any delays or mishaps when travelling.

However, for those looking to immerse themselves in local culture or the landscape, there are a multitude of transport options that allow tourists to soak in the sights.

Flying is often considered to be

38

the most effective option for quickly getting around, particularly with routes operating between Kathmandu and Pokhara fairly regularly.

Navigating the roads by bus can certainly be an interesting experience, with many local travellers opting to cram on top of vehicles. With this in mind, private car hire is likely the better option for those looking for a smoother, more comfortable, more convenient ride.

However, if you’re only looking

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

to travel shorter distances, cycling can be the perfect option. Nepal’s stunning mountain roads are ideal for experienced cyclists, whilst scooters and motorbikes are equally a relatively cheap and easy ride if you’re able.

To this end, it is no surprise that rickshaws have become regionally synonymous with Nepal, readily found in Kathmandu and Terai in particular, offering a more scenic and relaxing way of getting around the country’s winding inner city streets.

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

T

R

A

V

E

L

ASIA

Landmark Attractions Nayatapola Temple

“The imposing structure, a classic of Nepali pagoda architecture built in 1702-03, stands proud with its large lion, elephant and other guardians. It’s worth climbing the steps to the top for the view of the square below” – The Culture Trip

Bhaktapur Royal Palace

“Forming the entire eastern side of Durbar Square, the Royal Palace of Patan was originally built in the 14th century, and expanded during the 17th and 18th centuries by Siddhinarsingh Malla, Srinivasa Malla and Vishnu Malla. The Patan palace predates the palaces in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur and remains one of the architectural highlights of Nepal” – Lonely Planet

Bishwa Shanti Stupa

“If you are bored of crowds and are searching peace then the place you deserve is Bishwa Shanti Stupa (World peace Pagoda). Situated at the birth place of Lord Buddha, this is a place that is free from pollution” – SuggestNepal.com

Durbar Square

“Kathmandu’s Durbar Square was where the city’s kings were once crowned and legitimised, and from where they ruled. As such, the square remains the traditional heart of the old town and Kathmandu’s most spectacular legacy of traditional architecture” – Lonely Planet

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

39

L A N G K A W I

LANGKAWI Malaysia’s tropical gem Lying off Malaysia’s west coast, Langkawi’s 99 islands are awash with hidden natural wonders that keep visitors coming back for more Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Joe Palliser

40

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

ONE ARCHIPELAGO, 99 islands – Langkawi is a self-contained tropical paradise sat in the Strait of Malacca.

Just off the west coast of Malaysia, the popular tourist destination revolves around Langkawi Island, the largest of the 99 at 29 kilometres long and 16 kilometres wide. Rising to 880 metres atop the Raya Mountain, the interior of the main island is characterised by jungle-clad hills.

The district is officially known as Langkawi Permata Kedah, or the Jewel of Kedah, of which it is a part of despite sitting 30 kilometres away from its coastline. In 2008, Sultan Abdul Halim of Kedah consented to this change of name in conjunction

S

T

R

A

V

E

L

with his golden jubilee celebration.

Kuah is the main administrative centre and entry point for most visitors coming to Langkawi by ferry from the mainland and Penang Island. Over the years it has developed into a vibrant destination powered by the enormous growth in visitor numbers.

Tuba Island is the only other of the 99 which is inhabited, containing around a quarter of the estimated 85,000 residents.

Asides its astounding beaches, picturesque paddy fields and mountainous backdrop, the fact Langkawi is a duty-free zone makes serves as another major draw for visitors.

ASIA FACTS & FIGURES

Capital: Kuah Number of islands: 99 Population (approx): 85,000 Vehicle registration: KV Currency: Malaysian ringgit Time zone: UTC+8 Climate: Tropical

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

41

L A N G K A W I

The Business End THOUGH TOURISM HAS driven the development of major villages such as Kuah, most of Langkawi Island’s inhabitants earn their livings through fishing and farming. The island is intensively cultivated with coconuts and rubber being the primary goods produced and sold.

Increasing numbers of Malay and international visitors, however, is proving to be the key economic stimulus for the region.

Kedah province, and by definition Langkawi, is a crucial part of the Malaysian Government’s Northern Corridor Economic Region, a scheme designed to increase northern peninsular tourism revenues to more than $20 billion a year by 2020.

The plan was launched in 2007 with a target of transforming the four northwestern states into a sustainable, socio-economically balanced region by 2025. It targets five core economic sectors: agriculture, manufacturing,

44

tourism, logistics, and education and human capital.

UNESCO, also in 2007, awarded Langkawi Island World Geopark status, designating three conservation areas – Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park and Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest park.

These are among the most popular destinations for visitors, along with the abundant golden beaches.

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

T

R

A

V

E

L

ASIA

Recharge + Restore Awaken to restorative sunshine and inspiring views of Andaman Sea at The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, where wholesome menus, revitalizing treatments and our signature Heavenly® Bed leave you feeling your best.

To book your stay, please call: +604 960 8888 or visit www.westinlangkawi.com

©2018 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Starpoints, SPG, Preferred Guest, Sheraton, Westin, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Le Méridien, Design Hotels, Tribute Portfolio, Element, Aloft, Four Points and their respective logos are trademarks of Marriott International, Inc., or its affiliates.

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

45

L A N G K A W I

Essential Visit Completed in 2005, Langkawi Sky Bridge is a 125-metre (410 ft) curved pedestrian cable-stayed bridge, located 660 metres (2,170 ft) above sea level at the peak of Gunung Mat Chinchang on Pulau Langkawi, the main island of the Langkawi archipelago in Kedah. The bridge can be reached by first taking the Langkawi Cable Car to the top station, where an inclined lift called SkyGlide takes visitors from the top station. Maintenance and upgrading meant the construction was closed in July 2012 and the reopening was put off several times, but partially reopened in February 2015. The bridge is now fully accessible.

46

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

T

R

A

V

E

L

ASIA

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

47

L A N G K A W I

Out & About

Island hopping is a popular passtime

LANGKAWI IS RENOWNED for its diving opportunities, with operators organising daily tours to the nearby Payar Island, around 35 kilometres to the south. Those who enjoy boat cruises will also not be disappointed, as various options are always available during the day or evening.

Island hopping is another popular option, again with different options available such as taking it slow and spending time on selected islands or sitting on a speedboat for a quick tour of the area.

Further inland, and forest parks provide a rich array of wildlife for guests to explore, including sea otters, brown-winged kingfishers, monitor lizards and macaque monkeys. At Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, comprising three river estuaries over a 10 kilometre stretch, visitors often make the trip just to see its bat cave.

In terms of food and drink, Kuah,

48

Long Tailed Macaque

on the southeast corner of Langkawi Island, is home to a wealth of dutyfree stores and many restaurants.

Eateries are spread right across the island, with many hidden gems serving local delicacies including fresh crabs, lobsters, prawns and squid. Malay and Chinese cuisines are especially popular here, although Langkawi does cater for those seeking cuisines from other parts of the world.

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

T

R

A

V

E

L

ASIA

Meeting Success Whether you are catching up with colleagues or convening for a celebration, our professional planners are dedicated to make your meeting or event effortless. Through Langkawi International Convention Centre innovative meeting programs and initiatives, we offer countless ways to connect and collaborate in the heart of Langkawi

• Full-day meeting package | MYR 230 nett per person • Half-day meeting package | MYR 200 nett per person Meeting Package Inclusions: : • Full/Half Day Usage of Meeting room for 9/5 hours • 'Go Local' themed lunch and coffee breaks • Free flow of coffee & tea throughout the meeting • Complimentary use of motorized/portable LCD projector and screen • Complimentary use of flipchart and/or whiteboard • Complimentary use of 2 microphones (choice of wire or cordless microphone) • Complimentary Wifi Internet access throughout the meeting • Conference stationery, mints and bottled water are provided throughout the meeting To begin planning your next Westin and LICC event, please visit: westinlangkawi.com/langkawi-meeting or email: westin.langkawi@westin.com

LANGKAWI INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE

There are two main island areas: the southern islands, with a heavier tourist population and the islands to the north east which are more secluded with little tourist traffic. Langun Island has a fresh-water lake like Pregnant Maiden Lake only without the tourists and has Sand Spit Beach on its south-facing orientation.

Dendang Island next to it forms a bay used by Langkawi sailing yacht tour operators.

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

49

L A N G K A W I

Outlook Recommends “Langkawi is synonymous with sandy shores, junglecloaked valleys and bargain shopping” – Lonely Planet

ACTIVITIES

HOSPITALITY & EVENTS

Umgawa Legendary Adventures With a mission is to share breathtaking nature experiences, Umgawa Legendary Adventures named itself after the legendary character Tarzan. Most renowned for its zipline adventures, thrill seekers can scale the heights of the forest 365 days a year from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Located in the west of Langkawi Island, highlights include flying 80 metres up and above the Seven Wells Waterfall. Umgawa also offers skybridge and jet ski combo tours and prides itself on the minimal environmental impact of its operations. Indeed, no trees were penetrated in during the construction of its site.

The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa Redefining the traditional retreat into an unrivalled wellness-fuelled tropical journey, The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa provides 191 guest rooms, 11 suites and 20 private ultra-luxury Ocean View Pool villas with lushly landscaped gardens, six dining venues, four outdoor pools and the Heavenly Spa.

The St. Regis Langkawi

Langkawi Nature Park Toro Watersports 50

The St. Regis Langkawi is located in an exclusive enclave in a pristine private cove on the island’s southern tip, fringed by a 600-metre private white sand beach overlooking the clear, emerald green waters of the shimmering Andaman Sea. Bordered by the sea and rainforest jungles, sprawling over 14 acres of lush gardens, the island’s only all-suite boutique resort features four overwater villas and 85 suites, including 20 private pool suites with cabanas.

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Langkawi International Convention Centre Whether you are planning an international conference, global summit, private wedding cocktail or themed dinner event, Langkawi International Convention Centre offers state–of-theart facilities. Our grand ballroom space capacity is of 1660 square metres with seating for up to 1,200 participants will be transformed into a spectacular venue for your world-class convention, conference, gala dinner, luxury wedding or corporate event.

Casa del Mar FOOD & DRINK The Gulai House at The Datai Langkawi The Cliff Langkawi FatCUPID

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

T

R

A

V

E

L

ASIA

Casa del Mar is Langkawi’s most personal hotel.

It appeals to the leisure traveller seeking attentive, individual yet unobtrusive service. The hotel conveys a feeling of being at home.

TOUR OPERATORS Tour & Incentive Travel

Tel: +60 4 955 2388 | Fax: +60 4 955 2228 Email: info@casadelmar-langkawi.com www.casadelmar-langkawi.com

FTZ Travel

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.

Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel

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

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

51

L A N G K A W I

LANGKAWI CAN BE reached by boat or by plane, with Langkawi International Airport, located 20km from Kuah, one of seven international aviation hubs in Malaysia and connecting the island to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Penang and Subang.

Airlines serving these routes include Silk Air and Air Asia.

Large numbers of visitors arrive from the Malaysian mainland by ferry, swarming the Kuah Jetty. Routes include to and from Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis, Penang and Satun in Thailand, virtually operating around the clock.

Travelling within Langkawi is predominately achieved by car, motorcycle or bicycle, with small boats also used to hop between the 99 islands. The main island’s road network is continually being upgraded, and because of a lack of public transport, car hire or taxis are how most decide to get around.

Motorcycles are also a quick way of travelling from A to B, while some prefer to enjoy their surroundings on bicycles or even on foot, given Langkawi Island’s small size. Some resorts and hotels offer their own vehicles to rent or even chauffer guests.

52

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

PHOTO: MITHUNAHAMED - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 4.0 PHOTO: ILYA PLEKHANOV - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 3.0

Boarding a flight at Langkawi International Airport

PHOTO: ZAMWAN - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 4.0

PHOTO: HZH - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 4.0

Transport Links

B

U

S

I

N

E

S

S

T

R

A

V

E

L

ASIA

Landmark Attractions

PHOTO: FLICKR USER “ THE DILLY L AMA”, CC-BY-2.0

Dataran Lang

“Also known as Eagle Square, Dataran Lang is one of Langkawi’s best-known manmade attractions, a large sculpture of an eagle poised to take flight. A sight that greets visitors to the island via ferry, the 12-metre-tall statue is one of the island’s most instantly recognisable monuments” – Hotels.com

Langkawi Sky Bridge

“Completed in 2004, this suspended bridge is built on top of the Machinchang mountain. Accessible from the Top Station, the bridge is suspended from an 82-metre-high single pylon, hangs at about 100 metres above ground and it can accommodate up to 250 people at the same time” – Panorama Langkawi

Taman Lagenda

“This beautiful parkland spreading over 20 hectares of area has been themed on folklore and myths from the prehistoric era to the modern times of Langkawi” – Langkawi Insight

Gunung Raya

“The tallest mountain on the island (881 metres) can be reached by a snaking, paved road through the jungle.

It’s a spectacular drive to the top with views across the island and over to Thailand from a lookout point and a small teahouse” – Lonely Planet

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

53

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

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

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

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

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

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

FREE Mark

kmag.com www.asiaoutloo

ASIA

eti

Opportu ng nity

ISSUE 35

D P

FA Ç A D E

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

ASIA

Design’s

Global Superpower

Dubai, From Singapore to g DP Façade is helpin shape some of the world’s most iconic skylines

ASIA DP FAÇADE

Nine companies, one global network

Director Mathieu Meur explains how Singapore’s DP Façade is able to draw on the expertise of nine other business units spread across multiple architectural-related disciplines and territories Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Tom Cullum

F

GUIDE BUSINESS TRAVEL of the gods Bali: The island

00

CONSTRUCTION NISHIMATSU00 SINGAPORE system built to last Supporting a long-term

ING: SUMMI ALSO FEATUR

water

T POWER

HOSPITAL CANCELOR 00 MUHRIZ OF UKM Powering the healthcare

TUANKU

00

açades, perhaps contrary to popular opinion, serve a far greater purpose to a building than providing an attractive frontage.

In an age where the popularity of green buildings is booming, the need for a façade to boost performance in energy efficiency as well as differentiate aesthetically from others in ever-busier skylines is more pressing than ever.

Add in the indispensable element of a building’s safety, and it is no surprise that the global demand for façade expertise is expected to reach $337.8 billion by 2025.

This figure, produced by Grand View Research, represents an annual growth rate of more than seven percent, driven by the demand for sustainability and cost-effective

heating and air conditioning systems.

Another striking observation is that Asia Pacific dominates the façade sector. In 2016, the region accounted for 30 percent of revenues thanks to growing construction of commercial and industrial buildings in the likes of China, India and Southeast Asia.

DP Façade, headquartered in Singapore, could not be better situated to take advantage of and influence this exploding market.

As one of nine specialist units operating under DP Architects, its origins can be traced back to 1967 when Design Partnership (DP) set up shop as a small architectural practice just two years after the country achieved independence.

KFC MYANMAR of choice for consumers

IMAGE: RORY DANIEL COURTESY OF DP ARCHITECTS PTE LTD

The QSR brand

revolution

| ENCYCL OPÆDIA L | CARABA O INTERN ATIONA

1

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

2

BRITAN NICA

+44 (0) 1603 959 650 ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com

www.asiaoutlookmag.com/get-involved

D P

FA Ç A D E

Design’s

Global Superpower Director Mathieu Meur explains how Singapore’s DP Façade is able to draw on the expertise of nine other business units spread across multiple architectural-related disciplines and territories Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Tom Cullum

F

açades, perhaps contrary to popular opinion, serve a far greater purpose to a building than providing an attractive frontage.

In an age where the popularity of green buildings is booming, the need for a façade to boost performance in energy efficiency as well as differentiate aesthetically from others in ever-busier skylines is more pressing than ever.

Add in the indispensable element of a building’s safety, and it is no surprise that the global demand for façade expertise is expected to reach $337.8 billion by 2025.

This figure, produced by Grand View Research, represents an annual growth rate of more than seven percent, driven by the demand for sustainability and cost-effective

56

heating and air conditioning systems.

Another striking observation is that Asia Pacific dominates the façade sector. In 2016, the region accounted for 30 percent of revenues thanks to growing construction of commercial and industrial buildings in the likes of China, India and Southeast Asia.

DP Façade, headquartered in Singapore, could not be better situated to take advantage of and influence this exploding market.

As one of nine specialist units operating under DP Architects, its origins can be traced back to 1967 when Design Partnership (DP) set up shop as a small architectural practice just two years after the country achieved independence.

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

ASIA

IMAGE: RORY DANIEL COURTESY OF DP ARCHITECTS PTE LTD

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

57

VALUATE “I WANT TO E ND MY DESIGN A N CONSTRUCTIO T ON R F P U DETAILS TER S AND TAKE FA ED WELL-FOUND DECISIONS”

OUR ANSWER : THE AVALON VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERIENCE

TOGETHER FOR BETTER

Step into a building that doesn’t yet exist. A building that’s still in the design phase. Yet you’re standing right there. Take in every detail. Experience and evaluate spaces with your construction partners standing right behind you. All in the same virtual world. You can consult one another. Adjustments can be made in real time.

All in your design. All at the Reynaers Campus.

www.reynaers.com

Aluminium systems for Windows & Doors, Sliding Systems, Curtain Walls, Sunscreening and Solar integration.

The combination of two powerful context components, being the surrounding architecture and mountain views, results in the dynamic and modern shape of this outstanding project, without harming its function. A3 Apartments is organised into five distinct volumes, positioned together as an ensemble to determine the overall final shape. Each of the volumes is outlined with soft and elegant forms, allowing your imagination to run free.

For the architect, using high quality materials was very important. Having this in mind, he chose Reynaers Aluminium CW 50 curtain walls and CS 77 windows for the remarkable façade of the project.

REYNAERS AL

’

Wego go We stepfurther further a astep

REYNAERS ALUMINIUM

For over 50 years, Reynaers Alumini most iconic buildings in the world. En curtain wall systems have been spec nies.

Hi-Finity Apartment in Nice Architect: Jan Nedvěd Photo: Filip Šlapal

Hi-Finity Apartment Nice The recent renovation of this Reynaers Aluminium is recognised g Nice apartment showcases toAluminium products, you can rest as day’s latest modern solutions. offer industry-leading performance a In order to ALUMINIUM take advantage REYNAERS of the expansive outdoor For over 50 years, Reynaers Aluminium has been designing TOGETHER FOR BETTER terraces andarchitectural breathtaking sea cutting-edge solutions for some the motto. most iconic This of is our We want to be a tr views a 490 cmworld. wide window buildings in the Engineered withoutfabricators, compromise, our range architects and other stak Reynaers Aluminium can realize thehave highest standards and offrom aluminium windows, doors and curtain wall systems been was specified for the living specified time and again by the world’s leading architects and room/terrace area. Because construction companies. of its hidden frame and lack of Reynaers Aluminium is recognised globally for the premium opening apparatus, the system quality of in itssome products. appears sensesWhen vir- you choose Reynaers Aluminium products, you can rest assured tually invisible.

Thanks to the that you are choosing a product that will not only lookHi-Finity great, but will also offer industry-leading Reynaers Aluminium CONTACT performance and reliability. system, the border between indoors and outdoors is only apparent inFOR the BETTER case of bad TOGETHER weather, theWe glass walls This is ourwhen motto. want to be a true business partner, sharing areworldwide closed. knowledge with fabricators, architects and other our

stakeholders. With our open and proactive collaboration approach we can realize the highest standards and get the best results in any project, big or small, together.

CONTACT REYNAERS ALUMINIUM THAILAND Telephone: +662 024 6653 Jurgen.Cop@reynaers.com www.reynaers.com

D P

F A Ç A D E

Koh Seow Chuan, William SW Lim and Tay Kheng Soon established the business with the aspiration ‘to produce architecture that uplifts the human spirit’ at a time when Singapore was in dire need of major infrastructure development.

Like the city state over the past 51 years, DP Architects has grown enormously in stature, now operating as the eighth largest architecture firm in the world.

DP Façade is dedicated to delivering the highest level of building envelope consultancy, with Director Mathieu Meur providing strategic and technical leadership based on an extensive career as a multi-disciplinary engineer.

“I have been in the industry for almost 20 years,” he says. “I have spent most of that time within a large multinational engineering group, starting as an engineer and rising to become the Managing Director for its façade engineering branch.

“After more than five years in this position, during which I more than doubled the size of the company, I decided to move to DP Architects to lead its façade team, returning to a position where I am closer to the design process and to the clients.”

Meur’s educational grounding comes in the form of a master’s degree in engineering from specialist science university Ecole Centrale de Lyon.

Graduating in 1999, it was at this time when Meur also furthered his passion for underwater art photography, writing five books on the subject.

One Global Studio

Singapore serves as an ideal gateway into Asia, and for DP Façade it is just one of 16 global offices it can draw expertise from.

This forms the basis of One Global Studio, something which Meur identifies as a key differentiator for DP Façade and the wider organisation.

Mathieu Meur, Director, DP Façade IMAGE:DP ARCHITECTS PTE LTD

60

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

IMAGE:DP ARCHITECTS PTE LTD

REYNAERS ALUMINIUM’S SLIMPATIO 68 COMBINES OPEN ELEGANCE WITH SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE THROUGH SLEEKER DESIGNS With its new SlimPatio 68, Reynaers Aluminium brings innovative patio sliding window solutions that not only offer even wider views, but also deliver superior air, wind and water tightness Reynaers Aluminium, leading European specialist in sustainable architectural aluminium solutions, has launched its new SlimPatio 68 sliding element to extend panoramic views through creative design features. The elegant flush design with its concealed frame delivers higher wind load resistance through improved sealing technology and supreme comfort.

This new product, with its first project realisation at Ithaafushi in the Maldives, features considerable view expansions to assure maximal panoramic vistas by reducing visible lines to the very minimum. Based on its market proven predecessor, the CP 68, visible widths of 110 and 102 millimeters have all been reduced to the SlimPatio’s slim profiles of equal thickness at 34 millimeters; a total reduction of 68 percent.

This has further been complemented by its beautiful flush design and a frame that is concealed in the wall cavities; offering elegant symmetrical views at a competitive price. A full height integrated handle has been incorporated in the profile to keep the narrow lines intact.

Ensuring comfort and safety In addition to the aesthetic value of the expanded view, SlimPatio 68 also excels in comfort and safety. Outstanding thermal insulation, as well as superb air, wind and water (AWW) performance levels have been achieved as reflected in the following table:

Air permeability - 4 (600Pa) Water tightness - 8A (450Pa) Wind load resistance - B5 (2,000Pa) The SlimPatio 68 with reinforced meeting section can handle wind loads of up to 2,000Pa, which makes this solution ideal for areas exposed to harsh weather conditions such as coastal environments and high-rise buildings.

Like the CP 68, the SlimPatio 68 solution offers a wide variety of options varying from a simple, single rail setup to two- and three-rail solutions to allow for much wider openings where this is required. The variety of combinations of fixed and sliding elements allows architects and designers creative freedom. This includes a concealed pocket solution, where the vents disappear into the wall, and a very narrow central closing option with a standard seven millimetre spindle.

Vents can reach up to 2,700 millimetres and can support up to a maximum weight of 250 kg; considerably up from the 200 kg and 2,500 millimetres of the standard CP 68. Glass thicknesses of 24 or 36 millimetres are accommodated, delivering an insulation performance of up to Uw 1.2 W / m²K. Willem Naudts, Product Manager for sliding systems at Reynaers Aluminium, highlights the Company’s commitment to continuous improvement to ensure its market leadership in offering superior levels of performance and comfort and a reasonable price. “When we launched the ever reliable CP 68 in 2014 it was designed to bring the superior features of our high end products to within reach of all our consumers. That desire has not changed, and the SlimPatio 68 is proof of our dedication to quality and excellence through innovative design.”

T +662 024 6653 E Jurgen.Cop@reynaers.com

www.reynaers.com

D P

F A Ç A D E

“All this knowledge and skills of DP’s 1,300 employees, which include specialists in multiple disciplines, typology research groups and country experts, are capitalised through its One Global Studio network of 16 strategically located international offices,” he explains. “Functioning as such, we are able to offer localised design solutions based on a common design methodology.

“One Global Studio also enables us to take advantage of dispersed time zones for greater productivity and efficiency.

This enables us to deliver the same standard of design quality anywhere in the world – it is the promise of the DP brand and it is what sets us apart from others in this industry.”

The companies comprising this global network alongside DP Façade and DP Architects include DP Consultants, DP Design, DP Engineers, DP Green, DP Infrastructure, DP Lighting, DP Sustainable Design, DP Urban and DP Xperience, each carrying its own expertise and contributing to the holistic offering of DP as a whole.

ELVAL COLOUR

E

lval Colour SA is a leading European coated aluminium manufacturer, standing as a subsidiary of the Elval Group, the aluminium processing and trading division of VIOHALCO. Established in 1977, the Company currently employs more than 200 people at its two manufacturing sites in Greece, each fitted with state-of-the-art equipment that see 98 percent of the firm’s sales exported to more than 70 countries.

Elval Colour offers a full range of products and services including coated aluminium coils and sheets for roofing, Orofe®, YDORAL® rain gutters, flashings, roller shutter applications to ELVAL ENF Corrugated sheets, ELVAL ENFTM solid façade cladding and etalbond® composite panels (ACP).

Offering such a broad and complete range of products, the Company can meet all building envelope requirements.

Further, Elval Colour’s products are offered in a wide range of standard and custom made colours, developed within an in-house colour mixing lab and applied to one of four coating lines to match any requirement.

Leveraging this full package of products and solutions, the firm aims to enhance architectural vision by creating innovative and creative architectural spaces.

Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

At Elval Colour we are very proud of our fruitful co-operation with the globally recognised DP Facades, a Company we’ve worked with on several projects. Specifically, we have successfully offered value added services by assisting the appropriate product specification and selection to best suit the needs of any application, project or design.

T +30 22620 53564 E ecs@elval-colour.com www.elval-colour.com IMAGE: IFAN NAQI COURTESY OF DP ARCHITECTS PTE LTD

62

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

The most advanced aluminium composite panel, with non-combustible core for your building façade etalbond® A2 has been tested according to EN 13501-1 and has received a classification of A2 s1 d0 as a panel. It holds many national certifications as part of a façade system and it is ideal for high rise and high sensitivity buildings. etalbond® A2 is designed to be low weight, rigid and perfectly flat, available in many different highly durable colours.

www.elval-colour.com 3rd Km Inofyta Peripheral Rd., 32011, Saint Thomas, Viotia, Greece, tel: +30 22620 53564, fax: +30 22620 53581 • email: ecs@elval-colour.com | follow us:

D P

F A Ç A D E

TECHNOFORM Standard and custom designs and materials for a wide range of industries

IMAGE: RORY DANIEL COURTESY OF DP ARCHITECTS PTE LTD

Technoform offers an array of unrivalled tailored and standard engineered plastic solutions for multiple industries across the globe. This spans from thermal edge bond solutions for manufacturers of insulating glass units, a vast range of insulation solutions for aluminium windows, doors and facades for the construction industry, to high-precision custom designs and system components for the automotive, aviation, and electrical engineering industries, just to name a few.

Our 14 global production sites and 45 sales offices around the world ensure one of us is always near you to offer the exact matching solution to meet your requirements.

Interested to find out more? Let‘s talk!

Within DP Façade, the One Global Studio ethos is reflected by the multicultural feel to the Company’s offices in Singapore and Dubai. The practice’s teams are made up of eight different nationalities and are very close-knit, with employees leveraging their cultural differences as opposed to being hampered by them.

Another important component of DP’s ethos is collaboration and knowledge gathering, be it in the form of attending conferences around the world or organising training sessions on the latest design techniques, materials and systems that are being developed.

Meur himself is frequently invited to speak at industry-focussed events, most recently in July at the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival (KLAF) 2018.

64

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

...the One Global Studio ethos is reflected by the multicultural feel to the Company’s offices in Singapore and Dubai’

Automotive

Aviation

Chemical Industry

Construction

Insulating Glass

Lighting

Oil & Gas

Railway

Shipping

Ventilation / Windows / Seawater Desalination Air Conditioning Doors / Facades

T +65 6273 9595 E enquiry@technoform.sg

www.technoform.com

Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

Engineered for performance.

Curtain wall system engineered with 1

2

Technoform Thermal Break Technoform Warm-Edge Spacer

1

2

Curtain wall frame U-value

improves by >79% Fenestration U-value and SHGC

improves by >40% and 9%

ETTV of building

improves by >15% Energy Consumption of building

improves by >4%

Source: GBIC Project - R&D: Enhanced ETTV and RETV Formulations for Energy Efficient Building Envelopes, 2018

Ensuring sustainability is what we do.

Technoform is the world leader in thermal insulation solutions for windows, doors and facades. For over 45 years, we have have helped building owners improve energy efficiency, quality and comfort of their buildings, reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

Some of the services we provide include: - Consultation on design and optimization of the thermal zone in facade systems to meet your performance targets - Support and documentation for the specification of thermal break technology in your windows and facade design

Thermal break1,2 and Warm-edge spacer2 are widely used thermal insulating components in the building sector. Thermal break reduces heat gain through fenestration frames while Warm-edge spacer reduces heat gain through edge of glazing.

In addition, our Warm-edge spacer helps to enhance the durability of the glass unit.

Are you designing an energy efficient building facade in the tropics? Let‘s talk!

1 : Green Mark point can be scored for the use of SGBC certified thermal break/insulating profiles to achieve frame U-values of <6.0 W/m2K under GM NRB:2015, 1.3a (Advanced Green Efforts) 2 : Technoform Thermal Break and Warm-edge spacer are SGBC certified

Your asia pacific partner onsite Technoform Bautec Asia Pacific Pte Ltd Technoform Glass Insulation Asia Pacific Pte Ltd 6 Temasek Boulevard, #28-06, Suntec Tower Four, Singapore 038986 +65 6273 9595 | www.technoform.com | enquiry@technoform.sg

D P

F A Ç A D E

Speaking at the Datum: Green half-day forum which focusses on the latest insights in sustainable design, he shared his thoughts on the disruptive technologies which are helping to shape the future of the façade industry. Meur elaborated on how technological advancement has brought about new design techniques and construction methods that allow for speedier and more efficient façade building.

In March, the Director delivered a keynote speech at the World of Façades event in Dubai. Speaking to an audience of more than 400 participants, Meur explained his thoughts on various new materials which will allow buildings to become more energy efficient and sustainable.

Such materials include carbon fibre, a lightweight but strong material that surpasses conventional steel, and nano-coated glass, a product that reflects heat back to the source while allowing light to enter the building.

TWO NINE SIX O TRADING

T

wo Nine Six O Trading Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based Company, established in April 2002, is a leading building materials distribution company, specialising in construction glazing sealant, passive fire-stop systems and mechanical building joint systems.

Working closely with its associates, the Company’s extensive operational experience leads and shapes the building industry.

The Company’s technical and logistical support has won confidence from its business partners, and today we are serving Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia.

The Company provides a full range of façade glazing products and specialty sealants as solutions to make the impossible possible. Not limiting its skills and experience to façade glazing only, joint treatment is also provided.

Being a qualified FM approved Class 4991 firestop contractor, with Specified Technologies Inc. [STI], the Company offers simple solution to complex firestopping problems relating to façade and MEP penetrations.

Providing technical evaluation for every design scenario using fully tested systems and implementation of strict workmanship inspection regimes, the Company meets international compliance to offer fire-safe environment for building owners, including the insurer.

In partnership with GV2-VEDA Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx France, the firm provides mechanical building expansion joint systems to accommodate standard and seismic movements of façade and structure, which adapt to all types of buildings and desired architectural finishes.

Our Mission: We, a Company with trustworthy leading brands for our consumers, endeavour to become our customers’ preferred supplier of choice, pursuing excellence through dedication, innovation and technical competencies with an ongoing passion to deliver the right quality products in a timely manner.

Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

IMAGES: RORY DANIEL COURTESY OF DP ARCHITECTS PTE LTD

66

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

t2960.com.sg

Construction Sealants Performance Coatings

Expansion Joint Systems

Fire-Stop Solutions For Your Building

Faรงade Perimeter Firestop Solution

Firestop Solution for Mechanical, Electrical & Plumping for Data Centre, Semicon, Pharma & Healthcare

Singapore Vietnam Two Nine Six O Trading Pte Ltd Two Nine Six O Trading Company Ltd 18 Fan Yoong Road Singapore 629795 Tel: +65 6267 1300 Email: contact@t2960.com.sg

B05.35 RiverGate, 151-155 Ben Van Don, Ward 6, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Tel: +84 28 36361960 Email: 2960vn@t2960.com.sg

Seismic Expansion Joint Systems

D P

F A Ç A D E

Beyond its global reach, the other facet which Meur believes sets DP apart, is the Company’s designFIRST ethos, which enshrines a commitment to design excellence. Every project is examined at its inception and scrutinised strictly through critiques and sharing sessions led by design leads and experts of various typologies.

“This enables us to ensure that every design and concept carries the vision of DP to promote architecture of excellence,” Meur adds. “Architecture that uplifts the human spirit and experience.”

Track record

Such dedication to excellence is evident in both DP Façade’s and the wider group’s formidable portfolio of projects that has widened over the decades.

Meur’s own experience encapsulates this, the Director having worked on many regional landmarks through his career, including Resorts World Sentosa, one of Singapore’s major tourist attractions.

A $5 billion integrated resort development, the site spans 49 hectares and is home to seven hotels, Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A.

PROGRESSIVE PARTNERSHIPS Meur recognises the importance of leveraging expertise from external suppliers and partners.

“One of the keys to building strong and lasting relationships with contractors and suppliers is to remain humble, realise that one does not and cannot know everything,” he says.

“We have very healthy working relationships with many players in the industry and continually learn from each other. In some cases, we even team up to run research projects or to help improve local regulations.

This is the case with Technoform, for instance, with whom we have long been engaged in discussions with local authorities to improve the thermal performance of façades.”

Meur goes on to highlight several other key partnerships which have borne fruit for DP Façade in recent times.

“For the past few years, I have been involved in the design of the building envelope of a new super-tall residential tower in Mumbai.

This type of project raises a number of unique challenges, in particular the very high wind loads, and the increased level of water-tightness required to tackle heavy monsoon rains. Reynaers Aluminium took on the challenge for the tallest tower, over 300 metres in height, designing and supplying the sliding doors and curtain wall.

“Working with Seele, an Austrian company specialised in complex façades, we have completed several outstanding and unique projects, such as the Apple Store on Orchard Road in Singapore, which features exceptionally large, free-standing glass panes.

“Saint-Gobain was founded almost 500 years ago, and survived throughout this period through continuous innovation, as epitomised by its subsidiary company Vetrotech, with which I have worked on many projects in various countries over the years. Vetrotech covers virtually every kind a glazing project imaginable.”

68

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

SEELE German façade specialist seele in Asia Founded in 1984 in Germany, seele has been realising complex building envelopes all over the world. Already the beginning of seele’s presence in Asia, around 20 years ago, was marked by prestigious projects like the Shanghai Grand Theatre and the Chek Lap Kok Airport in Hong Kong. seele has established itself as the expert when it comes to turning bold façade concepts into reality: Spectacular designs such as the Apple Store in Singapore or the Chadstone Shopping Centre in Melbourne represent the perfect realisation of the most exclusive architecture.

The utmost complex all-glass design on the luxury façades of the ICONSIAM shopping mall in Bangkok (opening fall 2018) fascinates with threedimensionally arranged large glass formats up to 16 metres in a single piece. With this project, seele is setting the current technical benchmark for the use of glass as a structural element not only in Asia but globally.

Nowadays, there are two permanent seele subsidiaries, one in Hong Kong looking after the sales and operations in the North Asian markets and a second one in Singapore serving Southeast Asia and Australia. seele is proud having cooperated with DP Architects on one of the most intricate projects in Singapore. About DP Façade, an integral part of DP architects, Andreas Geyer, Managing Director of seele Singapore says “it’s always a pleasure to discuss and develop solutions with DP Façade for architectural visions that are challenging far beyond conventional techniques and methods. We both - DP Façade and seele – share the passion for creating lasting value”.

E info.sg@seele.com

www.seele.com

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

ASIA

excellence in glass and steel

© Brian Chong Chee Kang

Glass as structural element creates stunning icons of architecture. With outstanding building envelopes worldwide seele has grown to the expert in complex all-glass constructions.

07.09.2018 13:57:51

IMAGE: RORY DANIEL COURTESY OF DP ARCHITECTS PTE LTD

180907_Asia_Outlook.indd 1

seele (S) PTE Ltd., 101 Thomson Road, #06-01 United Square, Singapore 307591, info.sg @ seele.com, www.seele.com

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

69

D P

F A Ç A D E

VETROTECH SAINT - GOBAIN On the Safe Side Your glazing challenge is our expertise.

Our broad range of products deliver solutions for many glazing applications which protect you from threats of fire, attack, ammunition, and explosions.

IMAGE: DP ARCHITECTS PTE LTD

Vetrotech Saint-Gobain’s life-safety, fire-resistant and high-security glass products are suitable for a variety of glazed building applications requiring complimentary protection, while blending seamlessly into the architectural design. Our fire resistant and high-security solutions are subjected to system tests under the most stringent conditions and international safety standards. So you can be sure, because we are. In our commitment to make this world a safer place, we partner with a wide array of regional and international system specialists to provide reliable and certified glazing solutions.

Aquarium, The Maritime Experiential Museum, Dolphin Island and Adventure Cove Waterpark.

Elsewhere in Singapore, Meur has been directly involved in the upgrade of Changi Airport’s Terminal 1, part of the international transit hub which continues to receive numerous awards and recognition.

For Meur, however, it is in Dubai that his proudest project lies.

“Although it was completed almost 10 years ago, I would have to name Dubai Mall, for a number or reasons,” he explains. “The scale of this retail project was unprecedented at the time, and it remained the largest shopping mall in the world for a long period.

“The façade was fairly complex and comprised of virtually every single type of system and cladding

70

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Although it was completed almost 10 years ago, I would have to name Dubai Mall, for a number or reasons”

Our dedication lies at design assisting your project and adapting our solutions. We strive to deliver not just a standard product, but believe in going the extra mile to develop beautiful, multi-functional solutions to fulfill all safety, design, aesthetic and comfort needs. The best example would be our Contraflam Structure which is a fire rated glass that finds application in and as Frameless butt-joint glass partitions.

Well, there is more. Please get in touch with us to benefit from our specialist expertise to develop a solution for your next life safety glazing project.

Meur on naming his proudest project Overseas projects are particularly popular

To know more: www.vetrotech.com For enquiries: asia@vetrotech.com

C

O

N

S

T

R

material available, including curtain walls, tension glass walls, architectural precast, aluminium, GRC, enamelled steel, and many others.

“More importantly, I was personally and intimately involved in the project from start to finish, preparing the design intent drawings and computations, working very closely with the architectural team to develop the design of the building, and remaining involved throughout the construction period until completion.”

It is this intimate involvement that characterises DP Façade’s approach to delivering projects to clients, with the same attention to detail being given to all of its work.

This includes the ongoing GuocoLand Beach Road scheme, a new mixed-use development that includes a high-rise office tower, a tall residential tower, a retail podium, conserved listed building, as well as a number of ancillary buildings.

U

C

T

I

O

N

ASIA

IMAGE: RORY DANIEL COURTESY OF DP ARCHITECTS PTE LTD

“The project is relatively complex, with a large swatch of façade and cladding systems,” Meur continues.

“However, it is its unique features that make this project stand out. In particular, the façade for the office tower is designed to be highly efficient thermally despite its large window-towall ratio, which allows the building to harness a great amount of natural daylight, while minimising heat ingress.”

Also slated for future completion is the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Spanning some 70 acres in the heart of the city, the site is destined to become the focal point for international finance and business flowing through the country.

TRX is due for completion in 2019 and will comprise four distinct quarters – the Financial Quarter, Lifestyle Quarter, Park Quarter and Urban

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

71

Overseas projects are particularly popular

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

ASIA

Façade Sealants and Membranes

Structural Glazing Sealants and Tapes

Fire stopping Structural Fire protection

Facades Sealants, Tapes, Membranes and Gaskets

Deck coatings waterproof membranes

Leaders in Weatherproofing Technology www.tremcoasiagroup.com

TREMCO & ILLBRUCK

t

remco & illbruck is a multinational leader in sealing, bonding and coating solutions for the construction industry. The Company’s belief is that it is very often the hidden details that play a crucial role in the success and efficiency of a project.

Wherever your life takes you, you will be surrounded by the Company’s products.

Its solutions are used everywhere, from window and façade seals to passive fire protection.

Driven by sustainability, longevity and efficiency. tremco and illbruck’s building envelope solutions are helping to shape the world of tomorrow.

T +65 6848 7162

www.tremcoasiagroup.com

Quarter, with the latter three offering the essential work-life balance its users will be looking for.

along, we first need to get to know them, understand their preferences, local capabilities, relevant cultural references, as well as any concerns Expansion or negative experiences the client To date DP has designed all typologies may have had. With this, we are best of buildings – community and sport, equipped to put our creative powers hospitality, institutions, healthcare, to realise their vision.” office, residential, retail and theme park By retaining existing clients and developments to name a few – in more building up relationships with new than 80 countries around the world. customers, DP Façade and the group It is this track record and reputation at large will continue to enjoy its place building which helps the Company among the top 10 largest architectural to grow organically with little or no practices in the world. marketing.

Meur outlines his ambition to grow “For new projects, we are frequently out DP Façade’s global presence yet approached by satisfied past clients further, all the while keeping abreast who would like to involve us in new of major industry trends. projects,” Meur says. “Knowing each He concludes: “We have great ambiother is certainly an asset when it tions for DP Façade. Beyond growth, comes to achieving a client’s specific we plan to continue to investigate and vision for a development.” leverage new technologies in order to For new clients, it is all about remain ahead of the competition, and creating an understanding. to showcase our designs in an even Meur adds: “When new clients come more conducive manner.”

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

73

N I S H I M AT S U

74

C O N S T R U C T I O N

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

S I N G A P O R E

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

ASIA

Singaporeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Construction Custodian Nishimatsu has been supporting vital infrastructure projects in the city state for almost four decades, the latest being the second phase of an enormous underground sewerage system Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Tom Cullum

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

75

N I S H I M A T S U

C O N S T R U C T I O N

S

ingapore is synonymous with state-of-the-art. A story of rapid post-independence development into one of the wealthiest nations in the world, the city state is consistently recognised for its enviable infrastructure.

Last year consulting firm Mercer named Singapore as the best in the world when it comes to infrastructure, a vital consideration for multinationals which continue to arrive in their droves. From immaculate and surprisingly affordable metros and buses to a massive container port, the city is an ideal home for organisations to base their regional operations.

These foundations have been built up over decades of meticulous planning and investment, and Japan’s Nishimatsu Construction Co., Ltd. has been an ever-present since it arrived in Singapore in 1980.

Drawing on its 145-year heritage in its home country, the firm has played a leading role in building key infrastructure throughout Singapore, most notably in rail transport. Indeed, when speaking to Asia Outlook in April 2016, Nishimatsu, together with its joint venture partner Bachy

S I N G A P O R E

Soletanche, was in full swing working on the Thomson-East Coast Line.

Considerable progress has been made on this project and new contracts have been landed since, as Assistant General Manager of Nishimatsu Singapore Lim Wee Beng explains: “It has been very busy for Nishimatsu in the past two years. On the operation front, we completed our SPPA cable tunnel EW3 project in 2017.

“Similarly, we achieved major milestones for our LTA Gardens by the Bay Station and Tunnel T228 project, where we completed all bored tunnelling works in December 2017 and achieved basic structure completion for the bored tunnels in July 2018.

“Currently, we are working towards achieving basic structure completion for the station and entrances, all achieved on time.”

Nishimatsu is currently tendering for upcoming projects in Singapore.

Lim also points to two new contracts awarded to the Company last year, the first for the construction of Keppel Station and tunnels for Circle Line 6, in joint venture with China State Construction.

NISHIMATSU AND T-10: THE FACTS Nishimatsu’s work on Phase 2 of Singapore’s Deep Tunnel Sewerage System is complex and draws on all of the Company’s experience.

Key statistics include: • Contract value: S$340,188,000.

• 3,100 employees involved at project peak.

• 2.6 million total manhours.

• Commenced on December 17, 2017 with completion set for January 2024, a total of 74 months of work.

• DTSS T-10 project comprises 14 shafts and adits, and eight kilometres of bored tunnels.

FUKUYAMA

O

ur company has been in the tunnelling industry since 2011 and with our track record of successfully completing seven major tunnelling projects in Singapore, it is our goal to be able to set again another milestone through Nishimatsu Construction’s DTSS Contract T-10 and C882 projects.

We are truly grateful to Nishimatsu for entrusting to us this invaluable project that will set our entire team to another greater heights. We believe that our sincere dedication accompanied by our expertise will pull us through this major project.

T +65 6747 0159 E hr@fukuyama.com.sg

www.fukuyama.com.sg

You can put the quotes in here if you want - to pad out the column. We did this on the Cocoaver the last 60 years, the Cola profile recently and Meinhardt brand has become it worked well

MEINHARDT

O

synonymous with trust, innovation and engineering excellence around the world.

Our customers value our highly-buildable, sustainable solutions for complex projects that are commercially successful and help save time and money.

A global company with a personal touch, we believe in challenging the status quo and delivering quality work that consistently exceeds our clients’ expectations.

Meinhardt Infrastructure, a subsidiary of Meinhardt Group, is proud to be supporting Nishimatsu Construction Co., Ltd delivering PUB Contract T10 for Singapore’s Deep Tunnel Sewerage System.

www.meinhardtgroup.com www.meinhardtinfrastructure.com

76

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

C

O

N

S

T

R

FUKUYAMA ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION PTE LTD

U

C

T

I

O

N

ASIA

2 Sims Close #05-08 Gemini @ Sims Singapore 387298 Tel: +65-67470159 Fax: +65-67477323 Email: mgt@fukuyama.com.sg

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

77

N I S H I M A T S U

Watertight work

C O N S T R U C T I O N

The second contract awarded is for the design and build of Contract T-10 for the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System Phase 2.

Singapore’s Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS) is a project initiated by the country’s Public Utilities Board (PUB), designed to serve long-term water treatment needs. An island-wide scheme, work on Phase 1, in Eastern Singapore, began back in 2000 and completed in 2008.

“To complete this island-wide project, in 2017 PUB started the Phase 2 project, which will extend these tunnels to the western and southern parts of Singapore,” explains Keng Ben Hoe, Nishimatsu Deputy Director.

The first phase of DTSS involved more than 300 local and international contractors, subcontractors and suppliers, with Phase 2 also bringing together a host of leading names in the construction industry alongside Nishimatsu.

Once completed, the fully-

78

S I N G A P O R E

functioning DTSS will deliver a host of benefits, including a 50 percent reduction in land used to treat water and an increase in overall water recycling rate from 30 percent to 55 percent of total water demand.

It is also Singapore’s first initiative to integrate used water and solid waste treatment processes, a move which will lead to significant energy and resource savings.

Nishimatsu’s involvement specifically centres around DTSS Phase 2’s T-10 project. This entails the construction of an eight-kilometre tunnel connecting Phase 2 to Phase 1, and all 14 associated shafts ranging from 20 to 65 metres in depth.

“To achieve this, Nishimatsu will deploy its highly experienced team on the project,” says Keng, who is also Project Manager for T-10. “The same team has successfully completed many similar developments overseas and locally, the latest being Singapore Power’s cable tunnel project.”

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

ASIA

We specialize in civil engineering, general building & alteration and additional works.

Email: aloft@aloft-builders.com.sg Tel: (65) 6848 4554 Fax: (65) 6848 1054 Aloft Builders Pte Ltd 37 Lorong 23 Geylang #07-06 Yu Li Industrial Building Singapore 388371

Soon Li Heng Civil Engineering Pte Ltd Soon Lee Heng Trading & Transportation Pte Ltd Soon Lee Heng Eco Engineering Pte Ltd A: 1 Tampines Industrial Drive Singapore 528546 T: +65 6288 1983 | F: +65 6288 1984 E: contact@slh.com.sg | W: www.slh.com.sg

On trend

As well as completing landmark projects such as DTSS, Nishimatsu is enhancing its own internal operations in a bid to boost productivity.

Keng explains: “We have proposed several productivity improving measures. In addition, one proposal which we are planning to implement is TIMS (tunnel integrated management system) on future projects.

“The system will potentially improve productivity of tunnelling works and keep systematic records of all tunnelling activities and data. In future, these data will form a database from which Nishimatsu can study and build on, to offer better tender proposals.”

Adoption of technology to enhance productivity is a trend reverberating across Singapore and the wider region’s construction industry.

“In Singapore, the government has been implementing various initiatives to push for improved productivity,”

The management team at the BCA Awards 2018

Lim adds. “Areas such as improving the skill levels of the workers, and embracing technology to improve, or replace, manpower resources are constantly being reviewed.”

Lim says that this provides an opportunity to bring in the Company’s sound practises from Japan, where it has introduced many new construction technologies to Singapore such as the soil pump and directional grouting.

With a solid project pipeline in place for the rest of the year and beyond, Nishimatsu is well-set to remain an infrastructure partner of choice for Singapore’s governing authorities for decades to come.

“In addition to our new contract awarded last year, we are also constantly looking out for and are in touch with industry partners to explore opportunities in new partnerships.

If we see synergy in a partnership, we will look to make it happen,” Lim concludes.

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

79

E M R A I L

Right on

TRACK Having risen to the top as one of the country’s leading railway engineering players, Emrail is now looking to conquer new markets across the continent Writer: Jonathan Dyble | Project Manager: Tom Cullum

I

n 1994 Kuala Lumpur was named ahead of Adelaide, Australia as the host nation of the XVI Commonwealth Games – an event that has since left an infrastructure legacy throughout Malaysia’s capital city.

The announcement was a defining moment for sport in the region, not only across the country but the wider continent. For the first time in the Games’ 68-year history, they were to be held in Asia.

With a total 3,639 athletes from 69 different territories in attendance, the Malaysian government geared up for the influx in tourism and demands surrounding such an event by commissioning a variety of infrastructure improvements.

The Games Village was constructed from scratch, now standing as one of the city’s most attractive condominiums, whilst the Bukil Jalil National Stadium, still considered to be the largest stadium in Southeast Asia with an official capacity of 87,411, was built in 1998.

With the entire nation having been geared towards preparing for the

80

event, many construction players took on significant responsibility in helping to create the required infrastructure.

One such company was Emrail, a local firm that has since risen to become one of the country’s major railway engineering businesses.

“Emrail got its big break in 1997 when Malaysia started to build the first metro networks in Kuala Lumpur in preparation for the 16th Commonwealth Games,” explains Dr Arvind Hari Narayanan, Executive Director of the Company.

In the years afterwards, Emrail continued to showcase its expertise, playing a key role in the development of the Rawang–Ipoh electrified double track – the first electrified intercity railway system in the country and a transport method that has become synonymous with Kuala Lumpur.

“Since then, we have successfully delivered over 1,000 kilometres of ballasted and ballastless tracks in projects such as the Ipoh-Padang Besar electrified double track and mass rapid transit Sungai Buloh-Kajang line,” Dr Arvind adds.

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

ASIA

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

81

North Soil Eng (M) Sdn. Bhd. is a leading and established geotechnical specialist contracting company in Malaysia, having been in business since 1990.

We are dedicated in providing engineering works and geotechnical support services. We have a team of geologists, engineers and management consultants to complement our technical expertise and professional support for related geotechnical projects.

We have an extensive range of technically advanced heavy machineries and ancillary

equipment’s to support our work.

North Soil Eng (M) Sdn. Bhd. is a vibrant and passionate establishment which carries client’s construction needs within set budgets and timely manner. We also provide our clients with a customised professional service and to integrate our work with that of other consultants and the respective construction processes.

Our reputation and services as a geological and geotechnical contracting company in Malaysia is par excellence and we are committed in delivering the best services to our clients.

OUR RANGE OF SERVICES INCLUDE: FOUNDATION WORKS

FOUNDATION WORKS

GROUND IMPROVEMENTS

GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION

• • • • •

• • • • • • • •

• • • •

• • • • •

Substructure works Ground anchor Bored pile Micro pile Hand dug caisson

7-3, Jalan Metro Perdana Barat 1 Taman Usahawan Kepong Kepong Utara, 52000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

River widening Earthworks Rock excavation & blasting Sheet pile Slope strengthening Soil nailing Rock bolt Gunite

Telephone: +603 6252 2010 Fax: +603 6252 2030 Email: info@northsoil.com www.northsoil.com

Pressure grout-ing Jet grouting Stone column Soil mixing

Soil investigation Instrumentations Mineral exploration Dam exploration Reverse Circulation drilling (RC)

Zulian Bina (M) Sdn. Bhd. was incorporated under the Pusat Khidmat Kontraktor (PKK) and Lembaga Pembangunan Industri Pembinaan Malaysia (CIDB) in 2017 as a general construction and geotechnical specialist contracting company in Malaysia. Zulian Bina (M) Sdn. Bhd.is wholly owned by Malaysian and all the shares are held by Bumiputera.

Zulian Bina (M) Sdn. Bhd. employs a wide range of dedicated team of professional and skilled workers and has successfully executed several projects, which covers building, infrastructure and geotechnical specialist works nationwide.

Zulian Bina (M) Sdn. Bhd. is a vibrant and passionate establishment which carries client’s construction needs within set budgets and timely manner. We also provide our clients with a customised professional service and to integrate our work with that of other consultants and the respective construction processes.

Our reputation and services as a general construction and geotechnical contracting company in Malaysia is par excellence and we are committed in delivering the best services to our clients.

OUR MAIN ACTIVITIES ARE: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Building construction Steel structure works Water treatment plants Road & bridge works Earthworks River widening/dredging Rock blasting Slope strengthening works (Soil nailing, rock bolt & guniting) Geotechnical infrastructure Foundation & substructure Ground anchor works Ground improvement

7, Jalan Metro Perdana Barat 1 Taman Usahawan Kepong Kepong Utara, 52000 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia T: +603 6242 2422 F: +603 6242 2322 E: info@zulianbina.com www.zulianbina.com

E M R A I L

From humble beginnings

Having worked on a multitude of major projects throughout its history, Emrail’s esteemed reputation has grown in tandem with the Company’s portfolio, having continued to diversify its services and offerings over the years.

“We moved away from our railway components manufacturing roots in the 1970s towards design and build works for railways throughout the 1990s and 2000s,” Dr Arvind explains.

“Currently, our core services are mainly in trackworks, but we also offer services in other railway mechanical and electrical systems. We are also able to provide services for rolling stock, an expertise developed from the operation and maintenance of our own fleet of on-track construction plant and machinery.”

For Dr Arvind himself, the Company’s emphasis on identifying new trends and exploring diversified services and subsectors has been key to its continual growth.

PROJECTS DELIVERED/ ONGOING BY EMRAIL IN THE PAST 10 YEARS • 2014 – Northern Electrified Double Track Project (329 kilometres) • 2016 – Klang Valley MRT – SBK Line (33 kilometres) • 2017 – Delhi Metro CT 24 (three kilometres) • 2018 – LRT Jakarta Phase 1 (six kilometres) • 2019 – East Coast Rehabilitation Package C (200 kilometres) • 2020 – Light Rail Transit 3 (40 kilometres) • 2020 – Nagpur Metro (43 kilometres)

84

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

North Soil Eng (M) Sdn Bhd was established in 1990 by Selvaraja Krishnan Thevar, a budding entrepreneur as an enterprise offering specialized services, confined to Soil Investigation works. The Company later evolved and diversified into other related specialised areas during the latter part of the same decade.

North Soil Eng (M) Sdn. Bhd. is currently a leading and established civil engineering and geotechnical specialist contracting Company in Malaysia. It is dedicated to implementing engineering works and providing geotechnical support services. With the ever increasing requirement for new and rehabilitations of existing networks of roads, railway lines, tunnels and dams, the Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expertise and experience in slope strengthening and stabilisation is providing this much needed specialised services. The Company had invested considerably in equipment and personnel for foundation work utilising Micropiles which is uniquely suited for structures in confined and built up urban areas. The restriction on driven piles had also enhance the demand for Micropiles. The other major emphasis is hand-dug caisson and to a lesser extend bored piling. Nevertheless, the Soil Investigation arm still is an integral part of the business and a significant revenue contributor.

With 38 years of experience in this field, Selvaraja leads a team of geologists,

engineers and project management professionals assisted by effective administrative support personnel to complement the technical team and professionals. The Company directly employs more than two hundred skilled, semi-skilled and general workers.

The Company has a fleet of heavy machineries and ancillary equipment to carry out the work and it continually reinvests in technically advanced and efficient equipment in order to stay ahead of the competition thus enabling it to repeatedly provide the results required by the clients.

North Soil Eng (M) Sdn. Bhd. is a vibrant and passionate establishment which carries out clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; construction needs within set budgets in a timely manner.

The Company also provide the clients with a customised professional service and to integrate the work with that of other contractors and the respective construction processes.

The Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputation and services as a civil and geotechnical specialist contracting Company in Malaysia is par excellence and is committed in delivering the best services to its clients.

T +603 6252 2010 E info@northsoil.com www.northsoil.com

E M R A I L

technologies and machinery to ensure that it remains ahead of the curve.

“Our biggest capital investments tend to be in our plant and machinery fleet which has served us for many years,” Dr Arvind continues. “Our ability to maintain our plant in house has been crucial to our project delivery. Keeping up with latest technologies, we have also invested in smaller equipment such as drones for aerial surveys which speeds up data acquisition.”

This is further evident in the Company’s attitudes towards its staff, placing great importance on ensuring that they are adeptly trained to carry out all of its operations to the highest of standards. Through its work with government agencies and universities, Emrail ensures that it both nurtures local talent and secures leading Sound strategy This commitment is readily reflected in international expertise when working Emrail’s investment policy, consistently on foreign projects.

By leveraging a range of technical financing the implementation of new Working closely with a number of clients in the region, Emrail also prides itself on its ability to maintain strong strategic relationships with its partners, largely through its ability to respond effectively to changing demands within the market. Clients Emrail has worked with include the Ministry of Transport Malaysia, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad, and PT Wijaya Karya in Indonesia.

“What makes us stand out is our commitment to the industry,” Dr Arvind states. “Having grown from humble beginnings as a small contractor, we are now recognised as a leader in railway engineering, entrusted to handle bigger projects as well as help grow other local players who can support us in return.”

EMRAIL’S CORE SERVICES • Track Design, Engineering & Procurement • Ballast & Slab Track Installation • Signalling Systems Design & Installation • Civil & Electrical Works

EMRAIL’S MAINTENANCE SERVICES • Track and yards • Rolling stock • Track machines and equipment Overseas projects are particularly popular

86

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

VOESTALPINE GROUP

F

aster trains, growing passenger numbers, and increased security requirements face rail operators with ever new challenges.

The voestalpine Group is already a global leader in high-quality rails, hightech turnouts, signalling solutions and digital monitoring systems. Now the Group is bundling these competencies under the “Railway Systems” brand, becoming a worldwide provider of complete systems for railway infrastructures.

The new segment covers around 7,000 employees at 70 production and sales locations on all five continents, who together generated revenue of €1.4 billion during the past business year.

www.voestalpine.com/railway-systems

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

ASIA

PERFORMANCE ON TRACK® Innovative System Solutions for Future-Proof Networks

www.voestalpine.com/railway-systems

and commercial expertise, the Company is able to successfully and transparently work with a number of multinational firms in delivering projects.

The Company is readily positioned to secure and retain the best talent due to its leading and trusted industry name, identifying like-minded, ambitious and hardworking individuals who readily adopt, nurture and empower the brand.

“Our strength in employment has always been finding individuals who share the same vision, and most have continued to be with us for a very long time,” Dr Arvind says.

Seeking expansion

Looking ahead, continual expansion into foreign markets is high on Emrail’s priorities.

Recently the firm has been eyeing entry into new markets across Southeast Asia, largely motivated by

the similar characteristics between these countries’ requirements and Malaysia’s own transport networks, and the fact that it is already operating in Indonesia and India.

“Venturing out of Malaysia gave us opportunities to work with proficient partners who share our values and high standards,” says Dr Arvind.

“We successfully worked in the new markets in India and Indonesia despite the challenges presented and we intend to use the lessons learned to make further forays into new ASEAN markets.”

Ultimately, Dr Arvind believes that Emrail’s dealings in international markets will become a more fundamental part of the business moving forward, whilst he is also confident that the Company will continue to bolster its domestic reputation and enhance its service offerings to rise above the competition.

He concludes: “The next three to five years will see the development of more railway systems in Malaysia and around the region based on the transport masterplans. We look forward to continue being associated with these projects, and successfully supporting our clients to deliver them.”

EMRAIL SDN BHD Tel: +603-7491 5380 info@emrail.com.my www.emrail.com.my

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

87

M E R X

C O N S T R U C T I O N

M A N A G E M E N T

IN 88

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

ASIA

BUILT TO

NSPIRE

Having undergone a brand refresh, Merx Construction Management is expanding its reach into new sectors and territories, all the while maintaining its unwavering commitment to a client-centred approach Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Tom Cullum

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

89

M E R X

C O N S T R U C T I O N

It’s been a crazy day here. We’ve had a photoshoot for all our staff, the guys from Savills in discussing a potential project, a meeting with another client about a possible office move, a submission due tomorrow, and I’m now about to travel to Melbourne.”

William Forwood had always wanted to run his own business. In 2001 the opportunity presented itself – a fork in the road which either led to Tokyo or the establishment of a business in Singapore based around a contract to build 1,000 bus shelters for the government.

MERX IN BRIEF • The Merx Group is an independent consultancy established in 2001 in Singapore.

• Its core business revolves around professional client representative project management, cost management and construction management solutions within the corporate, retail, industrial and hospitality industries.

• Operations are based in wholly owned offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Myanmar and Indonesia and via long term alliance partners in Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, China and Australia.

• Among its clients are many bluechip organisations operating across a multitude of sectors, including Diageo, ExxonMobil, Uber, Publicis Media, PayPal, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Accor and Marina Bay Sands.

90

M A N A G E M E N T

Forwood opted for the latter, and 17 years on the day to day running of Merx Construction Management remains a hive of activity.

“We have just finished a brand refresh with a new logo, website and tagline which is ‘Merx, Inspiring Spaces’,” the Group CEO adds.

“It has given us a freshness and reinvention, and this has been backed up by some exciting developments.

The past year has seen a lot going on, both in terms of internal machinations and taking on new clients and projects in some new sectors and markets.”

New horizons

Forwood identifies the transport sector, specifically aviation, as a promising avenue Merx has expanded into recently.

This involves working with clients on more technical construction types with more exacting industry regulations and standards. “We’ve picked up two new projects in Singapore and the Philippines with aviation related clients, which shows our geographical covered in Asia,” Forwood says.

“We see this as part of some exciting new growth for the Merx Group and are confident this will deliver for us over the next three to five years.

We are also talking to prospective customers in Malaysia and Thailand, and see this extension into aviation as in keeping with our fresh rebranding and the full suite of services we can offer.”

The rise of coworking spaces has also led to recent opportunities for Merx, with dozens of companies setting up in the wider region.

Forwood points to a handful of projects completed in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia, explaining how the coworking developments merge the traditional office design segment with hospitality, and how companies and professional employees are working in more collaborative spaces alongside each other.

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

SPECTRUM AUDIO VISUAL

S

pectrum Audio Visual has built a strong reputation in the AV industry in the Singaporean market for the past 20 years, built on the completion of numerous design and build projects for government, institutional and commercial businesses such as Ministry of Health, National University Centre for Oral Health, Seagate and Schneider Electric.

One of the larger design and build projects completed by the Company was the SGD $5.6 million development of the Lifelong Learning Institute and Employment and Employability Institute.

Over the years, Spectrum Audio Visual has been providing professional integrated solutions with the support of many audio visual manufacturers. Few of our key business partners include Crestron, Extron, D&B, Meyer-Sound, Epson and Panasonic.

International Presence Apart from Singapore, Spectrum Audio Visual has also established a global presence, with completed projects in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, London, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan and Indonesia. These overseas projects include Marriott’s office in Indonesia, United Overseas Bank in Thailand and Charles & Keith retail outlet in Japan.

Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

T +65 6722 3688 E sales@spectrum.com.sg

www.spectrum.com.sg

Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

Spectrum Audio Visual Pte Ltd, established since 1999, is a leading AV system integrator in Singapore, with core expertise in Design and Build for Professional Audio Visual Solutions for Multinational Corporations, Government, Education, Theatres and Houses of Worship across Asia Pacific Region.

Our Solutions - Professional Audio - LED Screens - Video Walls - Stage Lighting - AV Integration & Automation - Visual Presentations - Video Streaming & Recording - Lighting Automation - Interactive Displays - Video Conferencing - Digital Signage

Our Projects Performance & Large Venue

Hospitality & Entertainment

Multinational Corporations

Wildrice Theatre @ Funan

Raffles Hotel

Schneider Electric

Industry – Entertainment Venue Type – Performance Theatre Solutions – Audio & Stage Communications Est. Value – SGD $1 mil Est. Completion – May 2019

Industry – Hospitality Venue Type – Ballroom, Suites, Restaurant & Bar Solutions – Audio Visual & Automation Est. Value – SGD $2.8 mil Est. Completion – Feb 2019

Industry – Electrical Venue Type - Video Conferencing Room, Boardroom, Meeting Rooms, Training Rooms, Executive Brief Centre Solutions – Audio Visual, Automation & Video Conferencing, LED Video Wall Est. Value – SGD $1.1 mil Completion – Feb 2018

Contact Spectrum Audio Visual at +65 6722 3688 or email us at sales@spectrum.com.sg for any project partnerships/opportunities. Visit www.spectrum.com.sg to find out more about our company.

Send us a picture of this advertorial with your enquiry to stand a chance to win an iPhone XS in Spectrum Lucky Draw valid till 31 Dec 2019. T&Cs apply.

M E R X

C O N S T R U C T I O N

Merx has the experienced capabilities to deliver a multitude of different projects

92

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

M A N A G E M E N T

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

ASIA

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

93

M E R X

C O N S T R U C T I O N

“Another key development is the continued expansion of our Hong Kong operations, which have reached their 10-year milestone,” he continues.

“We have a strong team and client base in Hong Kong, completing many projects in the commercial office space.

“The Hong Kong office is also managing a project in Istanbul for a five-star hotel group, supporting them on the design and technical support for an iconic branded city hotel.”

Patchwork quilt This extended reach places Merx strongly in a market that Forwood believes is becoming increasingly competitive, with many multinational companies continuing to outsource real estate responsibilities since downsizing operations in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.

“Competition is increasing,” he says, “but what is interesting is how Southeast Asia is a kind of patchwork

quilt when it comes to operating in different countries and cultures.

“What we are seeing is the maturation of markets like Malaysia, where 10 years ago there was very little in the way of project management offering. Now, it is a different picture, with more mature clients wanting representation.

“What we are doing is looking at emerging markets to see if we can start a similar story. For example,

HK AXA - Blueprint -Dorsett House

94

M A N A G E M E N T

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Overseas projects are particularly popular

Myanmar is a market we have been working in for five years and are establishing a solid client base. We are also looking at Cambodia. These are less competitive markets that are more challenging to operate in, but we are nimble enough to go in and create value.”

Trending

This agility will also enable Merx to explore new technologies and

C

O

N

S

T

R

U

C

T

I

O

N

ASIA

We are specialised in building construction work for landed properties, factories, warehouses and amusement buildings.

CALL US AT +65 6747 5092 OR EMAIL daqiaoent@gmail.com practices regarding the construction and manufacturing processes involved with projects.

Modular construction, for instance, is one example which Forwood believes will become more influential in the Company’s work, especially in hotel developments where components or entire rooms can be constructed off-site. Key to this technique taking off, the CEO believes, is buy in from governments and the building up of skills so modular components can be made locally in emerging markets.

Forwood also highlights software innovation which is impacting processes across all kinds of sectors, from corporate office to residential.

This is especially prevalent against a backdrop of heightening demand for sustainability and green building solutions, software which can monitor human activity and trigger the building to respond accordingly.

New software applications are also helping Merx to enhance its client-centred approach to business.

A new eight-step dashboard, Merx Octagon, allows customers to track and manage all stages of a project’s life cycle to ensure quality standards and budgetary control. This provides crucial transparency at every stage, with communications and reporting tools accessible remotely for real-time updates.

“The appetite for our client contract management services has grown, and we continue to place the client at the centre of our work,” adds Forwood.

“Another example is a new service called “MerxCare” which supports the facilities management of a project once it has been completed. It is particularly helpful during the clients’ first year of occupancy to take care of any further works, modifications and ensuring everything is well maintained.”

The Merx approach to client focus and project delivery has resulted in around 45 to 50 percent of Merx’s work coming from repeat business, a trend which will serve the firm well as it enters its three-year plan covering 2019 through to 2021.

Asked what his priorities are for this next chapter in the Company’s development, Forwood concludes: “The plan revolves around continuing to drive into the sectors, services and geographies we have identified over the past year.

“We will continue to offer end to end solutions and are always looking at new lines of services and sectors combined with evolving the ways we work internally. The foundation has been set for the next three years.”

Merx Construction Management Tel: +65 6423 9664 enquiries@merxcm.com www.merxcm.com

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

95

H O S P I TA L

C A N S E LO R

T U A N K U

M U H R I Z

Malaysiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Medical

O F

Marvel UKM Medical Centre is leading the healthcare charge across the country, powered by its technological nous and operational synergie Writer: Jonathan Dyble | Project Manager: Callam Waller

96

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

U K M

H

E

A

L

T

H

C

A

R

E

ASIA

H

aving gained independence from the British Empire in 1957, Malaysia has made astronomical strides in the six decades since.

According to the World Economic Forum in its Global Competitiveness Index 2017-18, Malaysia is the seventh most competitive country in the East Asia and Pacific region, ahead of China, Korea and Thailand.

Further, a report this year from the OECD has predicted that Malaysia will continue to make headway in the years ahead, forecasting an average annual GDP growth rate of 4.9 percent between 2018 and 2022, driven by a continual influx of external investment and rising domestic confidence.

However, whilst such expansive progress must be admired, there is still significant room for progression – progression that Dr Hanafiah Harunarashid, Director of teaching hospital UKM Medical Centre, is hoping to pioneer within the country’s healthcare sector.

“The concept of a teaching hospital is certainly not new, but for a relatively young country like Malaysia it has been a dream even in the early days of her independence that this former British colony will produce its own doctors to meet the needs of the people,” he says.

UKM Medical Centre itself was formed in 2008 through the merger of Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (later named Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz in 2014) and the faculty of medicine at the National University of Malaysia, combined in order to gain greater operational synergies, bridging the gap between medical education, healthcare research and clinical excellence. Following a major restructuring process earlier this year, the hospital is now part of the UKM Kuala Lumpur Campus. The Kuala Lumpur Campus is the result of: the merger of four faculties (medicine, pharmacy, allied health sciences, dentistry); two institutes (UMBI and

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

97

H O S P I T A L

C A N S E L O R

T U A N K U

M U H R I Z

O F

U K M

BIOMED GLOBAL

O

ur journey began over two decades ago, driven by our passion to make a difference to doctors, patients, researchers and academics. Today, we are a onestop solution for our stakeholders, from handling product registration, engaging with customers, conducting symposiums, to providing reliable after sales service support.

The experience and expertise in our team has enabled us to forge strong partnerships with many worldrenowned brands in the industry, a notable few being Becton Dickinson, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Bio-Rad who has worked with us for more than 15 years.

I-Hears); and two teaching hospitals under one single administrative roof, led by Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor A Rahman A Jamal.

In the 10 years since, the organisation’s status as a tertiary

HOSPITAL TUANKU CANSELOR MUHRIZ, UKM MEDICAL CENTRE • Total beds: 892 • Maximum capacity: 1,084 • Outpatients: 45,000 per month • Inpatients: 3,000-4,000 per month • Awarded ISO 9001:2008 accreditation in 2005 • Awarded ISO 9001:2015 accreditation in 2018

98

medical centre and the exponential growth of Kuala Lumpur have contributed substantially to its growth, now accommodating for more than half a million visits annually, both as elective and emergency cases.

“Driven by a national mandate, the Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz has focused its efforts on providing both basic and specialised healthcare services, whilst also assisting its medical partner in providing the necessary clinical education environment to carry out the tasks of educating the future generation of doctors, nurses and healthcare scientists,” says Harunarashid.

“Having been very successful in our work, UKM Medical Centre as an academic healthcare institution has now grown into a full-fledged research hospital with more than a few nascent centres of excellence in clinical care, training and research.”

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Leveraging upon our partnerships, we provide a range of innovative technologies and proven platforms to our customers. Over the past 10 years, our solutions in UKM has assisted in diagnosing sepsis, therapeutic apheresis for cancer treatment, and automating blood bank services with gel cards.

These solutions have benefited at least 150,000 patients and facilitated over 8,000 treatments.

In order for us to improve our stakeholder experience, and expand our presence in SEA, we recently embarked on a journey to rebrand and strategise, which include restructuring our organisation, revamping our talent management system, reviewing our incentives and benefits, creating a new, stimulating work environment and instilling a continuous learning culture.

Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx Throughout our journey, the tagline Empowering Partners, Enriching Lives is a meaningful reminder of our mission, to raise the quality of healthcare standards and facilitate medical breakthroughs, by bringing innovative medical solutions and people together.

This is what inspires us every day. That is why, to us, Biomed Global is more than just a business.

It is our passion. And our reason for being.

www.biomed-global.com Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

What We Offer Total Solution Provider Consultation Services Training, Service & Support

Our Area of Focus Pathology Services • • • • •

Leukaemia Analysis HIV Immune Monitoring Blood Culture Infectious diseases Diagnosis & ID Allergy Diagnosis

•

Personalized medicine

Blood Bank & Transfusion • • • • • •

Immunohematology Apheresis Donation HLA Typing Stem Cell & Cord Blood Banking Blood Processing

Life Sciences • • • •

Cellular Analysis Tissue culture Molecular Biology Proteomic

•

Genomic

Supply Chain

Other Business Point of Care Testing Biopharma & Food Industry Veterinary

Find out more about us: www.biomed-global.com info@biomed-global.com + 603 6273 3068 MY + 65 6298 4347 SG

H O S P I T A L

C A N S E L O R

T U A N K U

M U H R I Z

Ahead of the curve

• Surgery • Orthopaedic • Otorynolaryngology • Obstetrics and gynaecology • Opthalmology • Radiology • Oncology • Internal medicine • Paediatrics • Emergency medicine • Psychiatry • Family medicine • Nursing • Pathology • Anaesthesiology and intensive care • Oromaxilofacial and hospital dentistry • Dietitic • Optometry • Pharmacy and clinical pharmacology • Physiotherapy and rehabilitation

100

U K M

UMMI SURGICAL

A decade on, UKM Medical Centre strategically decided to demerge earlier this year into its original entities – a move that aims to enhance the potential of the campus by better integrating the centre with innovative industry techniques.

“Over the years, we have strived to ensure that we consistently implement the latest international standards, advocating evidence-based medicine and practising the latest technological and advanced care at the centre,” says Harunarashid.

UKM MEDICAL CENTRE’S SPECIALISED SERVICES INCLUDE:

O F

U

MMI Surgical Sdn Bhd is a local company supplying surgical and medical products to the hospitals in Malaysia. Our focus is surgical supply, specialising in the area of minimally invasive surgery. We commenced business in 2009, upon appointment by Karl Storz as the exclusive distributor for Malaysia.

Dr Hanafiah Harunarashid

“For example, in 1995 we became the first medical body in Malaysia to perform a cochlear implant, whilst in 2009 we were also the first to successfully conceive an invitro test-tube baby.”

In ensuring that this progression is maintained, UKM Medical Centre is set to increasingly tie its operations to new technologies through its health technopolis initiative. Within this, the centre is looking to open a new private hospital, featuring state-of-the-art equipment and leveraging cutting edge industry technologies to better serve its patients.

Such has seen the organisation more recently become the first centre in Malaysia to be equipped with a 3D Kinevo microscope that assists in precise spinal operations; be named one of a select few centres in Malaysia able to perform awake craniotomy, an operation that excise brain tumours; and launch the first Tissue Engineering Centre in Malaysia specialising in regenerative medicine.

This has successfully produced a tissue engineered skin called ‘MyDerm’ which acts as a substitute for burns and ulcers.

“We are also heavily monitoring the advent of the fourth industrial revolution and its promises of hyper connectivity and a ubiquitous data driven work culture,” says Harunarashid.

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

UMMI means mother in the Malay language. It also symbolises an attitude of caring, passionate and responsible.

UMMI Surgical believes in doing its business with this attitude to ensure we add value to the customers’ work.

Karl Storz Endoscopy is the world’s most recognised brand for minimally invasive surgery products. They produce the highest quality rigid and flexible endoscopes, instruments and equipment across 18 different medical specialties.

UMMI Surgical and Karl Storz partner with UKM Medical to support Advance Surgical Skills Centre (ASSC) which up until now, is the only integrated training centre with a focus on minimally invasive surgery in Malaysia.

The support is in the form of a high definition video camera system, instrumentation, man power and technical assistance during the courses conducted at ASSC. Very often, Karl Storz helps bridge the contacts between UKM - ASSC with key opinion leaders in various surgical disciplines from different parts of the Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx world.

This enhances the engagements between the KOLs and provides variation to the courses offered.

UMMI Surgical - Karl Storz believe UKM Medical Centre will continue to shine and attain its goal to achieve excellence in the area of healthcare education and services.

T +603 5569 6799 E info@ummisurgical.com.my www.ummisurgical.com.my

! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Paediatric Surgery Oral & Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery Anaesthesiology Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgery Neuro Endoscope Proctology

! ! ! ! ! ! !

Gastro-enterology Imaging General Surgery Gynaecology ENT Arthroscopy and Spine Surgery Urology

UMMI Surgical Sdn Bhd (722847-X) No. 10 (First Floor), Jalan Pendaftar U1/54, Temasya Industrial Park, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor D.E. Tel :03-5569 6799 Fax :03- 5569 8799 Email :info@ummisurgical.com.my

H O S P I T A L

C A N S E L O R

“Technology will be the lynchpin of this hospital, particularly in the way that we harness the potential of big data to improve services.”

Moreover, the centre’s restructuring programme has enabled it to reduce its waiting times by opening a new acute admission unit, allowing for a more efficient discharge process and reduced pharmacy dispensing time, amongst other things, as Harunarashid explains.

“We have recently formed a special secretariat to ensure quality assurance

T U A N K U

M U H R I Z

to audit our performances and make sure we are providing the best of care, and are looking towards an ecofriendly hospital that has seen us start a green project where heated water is generated using solar power,” he says.

Expansive education

This sound and diverse investment plan is reflected across the board in UKM Medical Centre’s operations, once again evident in the centre’s staff retention and development strategies.

UKM Medical Centre serves thousands of inpatients and outpatients every month

O F

U K M

MEDI-LIFE

E

stablished in 2008, Medi-Life is a Malaysian healthcare industry expert and a leading distributor of advanced medical devices and services across the country.

Operating under the mantra “When Quality Healthcare Matters”, the Company is committed to making a positive difference to the lives of patients and caretakers by delivering safer, more efficient and effective care.

At present, Medi-Life carries 23 agency lines, operating from four offices throughout Malaysia with a workforce of 66 people.

Its mission comprises three key elements: to supply world class brands, invest in ongoing training to boost standards and to offer consistently high customer service.

T +603 5569 2699 E info@medi-life.com.my

www.medi-life.com.my

UKM Medical Centre has received numerous accolades in recent years

“Technology will be the lynchpin of this hospital, particularly in the way that we harness the potential of big data to improve services”

Overseas projects are particularly popular

102

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Harunarashid admits that the organisation’s significant emphasis on providing the platform for staff progression has been key to its continual success to date, coming to be renowned as Malaysia’s biggest centre for post graduate programmes.

“We are Malaysia’s National University hospital and have the mandate of the nation to not only serve the public, but also train and produce the next generation of paramedics, nurses, doctors, specialists, and consultants, driving forward our national healthcare industry,” he states.

This outlook is prevalent in the firm’s in-house advanced surgical skills centre – a leading national training facility that offers live surgery insights, cadaveric courses, simulations, lectures and conferences.

“We are committed to bringing the best out of each and every one of our staff,” Harunarashid adds.

H

E

A

L

Outlook Creative Services

T

H

C

A

R

E

ASIA

Outlook Publishingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

LEARN PREVENT CURE

MAKNA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Majlis Kanser Nasional I National Cancer Council is a not-for-profit that aims to mobilize resources, in order to reduce the suffering of cancer patients. MAKNA provides curative and preventive care, cancer research, and support services to patients and their families in Malaysia and Vietnam.

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

Scan to learn more about MAKNA

T: +603 2162 9178 www.makna.org.my

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

103

H O S P I T A L

C A N S E L O R

T U A N K U

M U H R I Z

O F

U K M

Patient care lies at the heart of UKM’s day-to-day activities

“We recognise that they are the driving force of the hospital and are key to us achieving excellence. We provide them with the necessary training, and collaborate with other organisations to enhance both the clinical and soft skills of our staff.”

These partnerships include UKM Medical Centre’s work with the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, an agreement that has seen the Malaysian organisation having been entrusted to host the College’s first international office.

Harunarashid continues: “This hub in our centre will enable continuous

104

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

We are committed to bringing the best out of each and every one of our staff”

education, training and assessment programmes of this established college in Malaysia and the region.

“For us, these partnerships are crucial, both in bolstering our training techniques and expanding our evolution. We have a global network of suppliers that includes the likes of Siemens, Toshiba, Phillips, Johnson & Johnson, Karl Storz and Braun, for example, for these same reasons.”

Looking to the future

As a tertiary centre, helping to manage some of the most complex medical cases across Malaysia, UKM Medical

H

E

A

L

T

Centre is already far ahead of the curve.

However, alongside its technological progression, the future holds a variation of exciting possibilities.

This year has already seen the centre commit to the launch of a new gym and synthetic football field within the complex in the aim of promoting a healthier lifestyle, announce the launch of the first UKM children’s hospital, set to become the first integrated children’s hospital in Malaysia, and improve public transportation to the hospital to provide better access and broaden its reach.

H

C

A

R

“We hope to be the best hospital in the country... and, if possible, become one of the top medical centres in this region”

E

ASIA

Continually pursuing such a wide range of informed and progressive solutions, Harunarashid hopes that the centre will succeed in achieving its long-term goals moving forward.

He concludes: “We hope to be the best hospital in the country, lead the healthcare industry in Malaysia and, if possible, become one of the top medical centres in this region.”

Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz of UKM Tel: +603 91 45 5555 pengarahhctm@ppukm.ukm.edu.my www.ppukm.ukm.my

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

105

U N I O N

M E D I C A L

H E A LT H C A R E

Hong Kongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s One-Stop Healthcare Shop Union Medical Healthcare has emerged as a leading health service provider since it came onto the scene in 2005. Now, driven by investment in knowledge, it is looking to broaden its coverage of medical disciplines even further Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Callam Waller

106

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

H

H

E

A

L

T

ong Kongers live, on average, longer than people from any other part of the world.

Since 2015, the vibrant urban centre has remained above its closest life expectancy rival Japan, with women enjoying an average lifespan of 87.66 years and men 85.84 years.

Among the factors supporting such long and healthy lives include easy access to well-used and maintained city parks and eateries serving local food which is healthier than many come to believe. It is also no coincidence that hiker-friendly mountain ranges and

H

C

A

R

E

water sport-conducive beaches lie on Hong Kong’s doorstep.

Another, and perhaps the most obvious human factor, is Hong Kong’s healthcare setup, consistently ranked as the most efficient on earth.

The sector is a hotbed of innovation, and companies such as Union Medical Healthcare (UMH) have emerged as frontrunners in terms of medical service provision.

Diversified

Founded in 2005 by Tang Chi Fai, UMH began life as a single aesthetic medical

ASIA centre and has rapidly grown into a one-stop-shop healthcare provider, which from 2013 has included dental care. Karen Chui, Director of Corporate Finance and Investor Relations, describes the Company’s recent growth journey. “UMH has successfully evolved into a multidiscipline medical service provider following two years of listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

“Further to the establishment of a health management centre and acquisition of the largest chiropractic chain in Hong Kong in

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

107

U N I O N

M E D I C A L

H E A L T H C A R E

2016, we successfully integrated the businesses, increased the efficiency of the medical discipline and expanded to offer physiotherapy and orthopaedic services in 2017.

“According to a report conducted by Frost and Sullivan, we were the largest medical aesthetic service provider in Hong Kong in terms of revenue in 2017, and we are well-positioned to broaden the coverage of medical disciplines.”

In total, UMH operates 54 clinics and service centres (including 13 in China) which combined occupy around 240,000 square feet of floor space across Hong Kong, China and Macau, supported by more than 80 in-house registered practitioners which include doctors, dentists and Chinese medicine practitioners. This footprint also includes a recently acquired chain of chiropractic clinics.

By the end of this year the Company expects to have more specialty clinics, an oncology and day surgery centre, and a diagnostic and imaging centre open for business. It is also busy striking up corporate partnerships,

recently inking a deal with lifestyle reward programme Asia Miles to offer access to its re:HEALTH health management centre, UMH DENTAL CARE facility and SPINE Central chiropractic services centre.

“Our niche lies in our capability to nurture our customers to be loyal users to our brand and services,” Chui adds.

“We assign a dedicated relationship manager to each of our clients, to understand their and their families’ medical, health and wellness needs, offering tailor-made solutions.”

Pioneering

In order to remain ahead of the chasing pack, Chui lists several areas UMH is planning to invest in to help grow its client base. These priorities include developing a mature marketing strategy, expanding services and products, and increasing the number of practitioners on its books.

Top of her list, however, is investment in technology such as big data and its customer relationship management (CRM) system.

SUPPLIER SCRUTINY On top of its in-house expertise, UMH equally relies on external partnerships and suppliers in order to operate as a go-to healthcare provider.

This involves a careful selection process, as Chui describes: “We consider, among other factors, the suppliers’ reputation, safety record, track record of performance, quality of goods supplied, price competitiveness, punctuality of delivery, relationship with our group, completeness of certification and credentials provided, service quality and product offerings.

“We regularly assess our suppliers’ performance, review their qualifications to ensure their quality and check they have obtained the applicable licenses (if any), and update our approved supplier list accordingly.

“The key local suppliers are primarily the authorised distributors or representatives of the global suppliers, including but not limited to Allergan Plc, Merc North America, Inc., Beaufour Ipsen International and TEOXANE Laboratories Geneva.”

SOLTA MEDICAL DESIGNS

S

olta Medical designs, develops, manufactures and markets energy-based medical devices to physicians worldwide for aesthetic treatments. The Company launched its first ground-breaking product over a decade ago and continues to define the aesthetic industry.

Today, Solta Medical holds one of the strongest patent portfolios in the aesthetic space with non-invasive, cutting-edge technologies. Solta’s portfolio of products includes six major brands Thermage, Liposonix, Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant, Isolaz and VaserLipo, in large and growing market segments including skin tightening, body contouring, skin resurfacing and rejuvenation as well as acne treatments.

With Solta’s latest innovation – Thermage FLX – physician and patient experience are taken to a whole new level. Thermage pioneered the technology for the non-invasive treatment of wrinkles using radiofrequency energy, it directs radiofrequency energy below the skin’s surface, heating deep into the dermis to help improve the appearance of surface skin from within.

Thermage FLX AccuREP Technology provides automatic calibration which allows for optimised energy delivery output. It is effective and flexible enough to treat a wide age range of adult patients and indications on the face, eyes, or the body. With more than a decade of innovation, 70 patent Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx applications, 50 clinical studies and over two million treatments, Thermage is a proven method that helps promote the process of new collagen production in wrinkled skin in just one treatment with little-to-no down time, delivering results that appear natural-looking.

T +852 2213 3333 E soltaHK@solta.com www.thermage.hk Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

108

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Specific For Your Skin

Tailored To Your Needs

Up to 25% faster treatment time #

Your Personalized Anti-Aging Skin Solution Total Tip 4.0 heats the deep,collagen-rich layers of the skin.

Radiofrequency (RF) energy penetrates down to 4.3mm to encourage production of new collagen, smooth wrinkles and firm up skin texture in just one treatment.1

# Compared to Total Tip 3.0 1. Lack E. B., Rachel J. D., et al. (2005) Dermatologic Surgery, 31: 1668-1670 2. Thermage internal sales data, 2002-2017, Solta Medical Inc. Refers to the whole Thermage product range in total.

2

Š2018 Solta Medical Inc. HK-SU-2018-09-074

U N I O N

M E D I C A L

H E A L T H C A R E

“We do look at medical AI and R&D opportunities as a tool to increase accuracy and efficiency of physicians’ diagnosis, or to enhance customers experience,” Chui adds.

“The founder and the executive management are young and visionary.

Mr Tang commenced digitalising the Group a couple of years ago and initiated the management system internally. He has been delivering on his promises to transform the medical industry, yet maintaining attractive financial performance to investors.”

110

As Chui also outlined, a greater breadth of medical products and services is a key investment priority, with a particular focus on preventative and precision medicine as a means of boosting the health of Hong Kongers.

The addition of OrbiMed Advisors LLC (OrbiMed), an American healthcare fund management firm, as a shareholder, has been a gamechanger in this regard.

With wide-reaching access to global developments in medical and healthcare solutions, including products which are yet to roll out in

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Greater China, Chui states that Union Medical Healthcare is set to harness this capability.

“OrbiMed and its affiliates manage public and private company investments of over $14 billion worldwide,” she adds.

“They have been investing from biopharmaceuticals to medical devices, diagnostics, and healthcare services, across the healthcare industry from early-stage private companies to large multinational corporations globally for over 20 years.”

H

E

A

Corporate citizen

L

T

From the backing of a global medical heavyweight to fostering relationships with communities on its doorstep, UMH prides itself on being a responsible operator in Hong Kong.

Whether it be encouraging employees to volunteer in community services or donating to the Po Leung Kuk (Society for the Protection of Women and Children) to help those less fortunate, the Company recognises the need to remain sensitive to local cultures and their needs.

H

C

A

R

E

This includes acting sustainably and preserving the local environment.

UMH has been awarded a Green Office accreditation by the World Green Organisation, fulfilling 150 criteria across energy, water, waste, paper, procurement, IT, transport, education and innovation categories.

The firm’s CSR activity also involves offering students a platform to showcase ideas. “We have organised a competition with Hong Kong University of Science and Technology,” Chui says. “Students in the course have been invited to define ‘GP 2.0 design

ASIA

concepts’, focusing on clinical facility and functions that can bring patience experience to the next level.”

By leveraging the expertise of global networks, local and global suppliers and budding healthcare experts from nearby education institutes, UMH is well-set to build on a formidable knowledge base and thrive as an industry go-to for the foreseeable future.

Union Medical Healthcare Tel: +852 8203 0058 ir@umhgp.com https://umhgp.com

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

111

K F C

112

M Y A N M A R

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

F

O

O

D

&

D

R

I

N

K

ASIA

M A I N TA I N I N G

Momentum KFC Myanmar continues to grow strongly having opened its first outlet in 2015.

We caught up with Managing Director JR Ching for an update on progress Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Josh Mann

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

113

K F C

M Y A N M A R

M

yanmar’s economy continues to develop at a solid rate.

According to the World Bank’s latest analysis, poverty declined by 16 percentage points to 32 percent between 2005 and 2015, while the country’s GDP is estimated to have grown by 6.4 percent during the 2017/2018 financial year.

A strong performing garment industry and recent approval of the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan are positive signs for investors, and such confidence is being emulated by an expanding mid-income section of the population with disposable income.

A not insignificant amount of this disposable income is being spent on dining out, and quick service restaurant (QSR) brands such as KFC

have seen lift off over the past few years. Indeed, since speaking to JR Ching, Managing Director of KFC Myanmar in December 2017, great strides have been made.

“We have very much continued our momentum into 2018,” Ching reflects. “With growth in disposable income, greater connectivity and economic development, we are seeing that consumer spending on food, beverages and other consumer goods is on the rise.

“This is not limited to Yangon and Mandalay, and the same trend is being replicated across the country.

To capture this opportunity, we have been simultaneously expanding our footprint in Yangon and Mandalay as well as continuing the push to enter smaller cities such as Bago, Monywa, Pyay and Taunggyi.”

LLUVIA

L

luvia is now one of the leading wheat flour mills in Myanmar, tracing its origins back to a small milling operation started in Mandalay under the Diamond Star name.

Today, we operate flour mills in Mandalay and Yangon, and supply wheat flour to major customers in all food industries, including the bakery, noodle, confectionery and HORECA industries, across Myanmar.

Lluvia takes pride in focusing on food safety, high quality and services to cater to our customers’ requirements. We are the only flour mill in the country with ISO22000 certification, and are proud to be a supplier and business partner with KFC.

T 001 373388 / 385083 / 374190 / 370917

www.cdsg.com.mm

You can put the quotes in here if you want - to pad out the column. We did this on the CocoaP’s food business produces highCola profile recently and quality products such as fresh it worked well

CP FOOD

C

chicken meat, sausages, meatballs and fresh eggs under two categories of chilled and non-chilled.

ISO, GMP and HACCP certifications ensure that all products are produced from local raw materials and controlled under strict manufacturing processes to promote quality and food safety.

With the emergence of CP’s products in international and local food shops within the foodservice industry, the Company provides services with high quality products to hotels, restaurants, caterers and bakeries.

CP’s brands always ensure that taste and quality, coupled with innovation, provide satisfaction to its consumers.

Hotline 09 421133777, 09 421116868

114

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

F

O

O

D

&

D

From Farm to Fork A Leader in Myanmar the Region and Beyond Elevating the lives of the Producers while enhancing the well-being of the consumers

R

I

N

K

ASIA

No. 126 (A), Kabaraye Pagoda Road, Sayar San Quarter, Bahan Township, Yangon Tel: 01 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 373388, 385083, 374190, 370917 Fax: 01 - 373388 www.cdsg.com.mm

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

115

K F C

M Y A N M A R

KOSPA LIMITED

K

ospa Limited provides logistics services to the Myanmar market for general cargo and temperature sensitive products.

Kospa operates a multi-temperature warehouse in Yangon with a full range of service options including real time traceability and tracking of all SKU. The Company’s fleet provides B2B last mile and long-distance deliveries for general and cold chain cargo throughout Myanmar, with location tracking and real time monitoring for critical data.

Kospa provides logistics services fully compliant with Yum International’s quality standards to all KFC outlets in Myanmar delivering on time, every time.

T +95 1 368 7676-8 / +95 9 4500 21223 E sales@kospalogistics.com E Myo.thu@kospalogistics.com

www.kospalogistics.com This growth in footprint translates into five new KFC store openings this year, bringing total coverage up to 26 locations nationwide.

“We have been particularly impressed with the demand for KFC outside of Yangon,” Ching adds. “For instance, the performance of our store in Taunggyi, a town of some 380,000 people, is comparable to many of our Yangon locations.”

KFC Myanmar’s revenue figures back up Ching’s observations. In the first quarter of the 2018/2019 financial year, the Company reported revenues of SGD 4.49 million, representing just over 15 percent of parent company Yoma Strategic Holding’s total revenue.

These figures look set to only move upwards in future years, with Ching stating objectives to open more than 70 stores by 2023. Many of these stores will reside outside of the major markets of Yangon and Mandalay, in keeping with KFC’s bid to become a country-wide hit and Myanmar’s

116

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

KFC Myanmar has set a bold target of opening more than 70 stores within the next five years

Overseas projects are particularly popular

F

O

O

D

&

D

R

I

N

K

ASIA

www.kospalogistics.com

Cross Docking, Warehousing and Inventory Optimization solutions.

B2B last mile delivery and territory network solutions.

B2B line haul transportation service throughout Myanmar.

Supply Chain consultancy services.

Integrated end-to-end supply chain solutions.

T: +95 1 368 7676-8 / +95 9 4500 21223 | E: sales@kospalogistics.com / Myo.thu@kospalogistics.com

Kospa Limited provides international standard end-toend supply chain solutions for our clients in Myanmar.

Kospa provides both ambient and cold chain solutions as a one stop service provider. With proven operations capabilities we operate and manage a modern multitemperature warehouse in Yangon and a modern multi model fleet throughout Myanmar. Our integrated WMS and DMS capabilities allow for the tracking of critical data parameters including location, tracking, traceability and critical supply chain measures.

Whatever your logistics needs contact us for a discussion on how we can assist you to manage your supply chain more productively and cost effectively.

best-loved food and beverages (F&B) brand.

Employee headcount across both restaurants and head office has also grown strongly, with more than 1,000 people now working for KFC. “We continue to offer industry leading training and development to our staff,” Ching adds.

“As an organisation, we go out of our way to reward peak performers and offer ample opportunities for career advancement across the board. I can talk to you all day about our expansion plans and creative marketing efforts, but none of this can happen without a happy, engaged and motivated workforce.”

In with the new

Although the aim to become Myanmar’s best-loved F&B brand has remained the same since its launch in 2015, new developments continue to keep KFC’s offering fresh and relevant to the modern-day consumer.

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

117

K F C

M Y A N M A R

“We continue to view innovation as a core driver for growth,” says Ching. “I feel our commitment to regularly adding exciting new menu items and backing them with creative marketing and social media campaigns has helped to carry the buzz of KFC to our nationwide rollout.

“I don’t see another F&B brand in Myanmar with such a strong commitment to offering their customers new and exciting products day in and day out.”

Limited time offers (LTOs) have been influential in generating the brand buzz to which Ching refers.

“The recent launch of our Sichuan inspired KFC Mala Chicken is a great example,” he continues. “This LTO exceeded all expectations both in terms

118

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

of sales and customer engagement with our social media and key influencer campaigns. In addition, we have introduced crispier fries and a number of new snack and dessert items aimed specifically at the local palate.”

As well as keeping its menu fresh, the way in which KFC delivers its hallmark offering in Myanmar is also being developed, chiefly through investment in digital innovations.

The country boasts an 80 percent smartphone penetration rate and is bidding to leapfrog its ASEAN neighbours in areas including mobile finance and ride sharing via the likes of Grab. For Ching and KFC, therefore, keeping up with the consumer population is paramount to its future success.

F

O

O

D

&

D

R

I

N

K

ASIA

Little Sheep is a new addition to Yoma’s portfolio

“Our digital roadmap is still in an experimental stage,” he says. “We have tested various initiatives such as in-store wifi, working with food delivery aggregators and mobile applications. Some have worked better than others!

“As the country is still going through its own digital transformation we believe all these learnings will enable us to craft a more meaningful digital roadmap that is both robust and nimble, able to meet the ever-changing needs of our consumers.”

Beyond KFC

Such needs, Ching believes, is resulting in a convergence of trends – the desire for fast, convenient food options and

massive uptake in mobile usage and internet connectivity.

“The first is a greater demand for international brands, like KFC and Little Sheep to tap into the global consumer culture,” he adds. “The second is an emerging Facebook and Instagram trend where consumers are not just looking for tasty, quality food, but also something which is ‘shareable’.”

Ching mentions Little Sheep Hotpot, which is a new addition to Yoma’s portfolio in Myanmar and has been identified as a complimentary brand to KFC, based on in-depth research into the tastes and dining habits of consumers.

“Spearheaded by KFC’s expansion, we will continue to introduce new food

and beverage (F&B) concepts to our portfolio, which includes the potential for both international franchises and local brands,” says Ching.

“Our targets are ambitious, by financial year 2023 we aim to have built a nationwide, multi-brand F&B platform with more than six brands and in excess of 125 restaurants and outlets across the country.

“This time next year I would hope to tell you that KFC is the undisputed number one F&B brand in Myanmar, not just in terms of physical store count, but also brand love!”

KFC Myanmar Tel: +951 230 4100 / 4104 www.yum.com

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

119

K U M U L

P E T R O L E U M

Maximising PNG’s Petroleum Potential Papua New Guinea’s national oil & gas company is fully invested in a giant LNG project that will ensure the security of the sector for years to come Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Josh Hyland

120

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

O

I

L

&

G

A

S

ASIA

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

121

K U M U L

P

P E T R O L E U M

apua New Guinea is home to more natural gas than previously thought.

In April, global oil & gas heavyweight ExxonMobil conducted a fresh estimate of reserves, concluding that PNG was home to 84 percent more natural gas than it had previously calculated at its P’nyang field. In other words, 4.3 trillion cubic feet of resource can be exploited.

In a statement concerning the new discovery, ExxonMobil Development Company President Liam Mallon said: “The increase in the estimated resource size of the P’nyang field helps illustrate the tremendous growth opportunities for our operations in Papua New Guinea.

“We are working closely with our joint venture partners and the government to progress the P’nyang field development proposal and secure the licenses needed to develop this

122

world-class resource.”

The reserve is located in the west of the country within petroleum retention license three, which covers 425 square kilometres.

To maximise the enormous potential of PNG’s production potential, Exxon and other industry players are engaging with national oil & gas company (NOC) Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL).

The organisation’s roots can be traced back to June 2008 and the incorporation of NPCP Kroton Limited, which then became NPCP Holdings Limited in March 2014. At this time, it was decided that all petroleum assets of the government would be consolidated into one company.

It was in 2015 when the Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited Authorization Act was passed, creating the organisation that exists and operates today.

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

PNG LNG

The major reason for KPHL’s original establishment was to manage the PNG government’s stake in the ExxonMobiloperated PNG LNG project, a $19 billion development designed to commercialise the gas resources of the country.

It includes gas production and processing facilities that extend from Hela, Southern Highlands, Western and Gulf provinces to Port Moresby in Central Province.

Beginning operations in 2014, these facilities are connected by more than 700 kilometres of onshore and offshore pipelines and last year saw 8.3 million tonnes of LNG produced and shipped to Asian clients. These include China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), Osaka Gas Company Limited, The Tokyo Electric Power Company Inc. and CPC Corporation.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA’S LEADING PROPERTY DEVELOPERS

SETTING THE STANDARD FOR BUILDING IN PNG

Integrated property development, from project inception to property management.

Pacific Palms Property has an enviable history of delivering and managing some of PNG’s most successful and innovative Apartment, Warehouse, Commercial, Retail and Serviced Office developments.

Whatever your property needs in PNG...

Call us today at +675 321 2822 Scratchley Road, Port Moresby | PO Box 2142 | Boroko National Capital District | Papua New Guinea | www.pacificpalmsproperty.com.pg | RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | INDUSTRIAL | RETAIL | SERVICED OFFICES |

K U M U L

P E T R O L E U M

So far, the project has delivered a number of socioeconomic benefits to PNG, from employment of 2,600 locals to the utilisation of more than 200 local businesses for essential services and supplies. In total, some 55,000 workers were involved in the construction phase, with 21,220 employed at its peak in 2012.

It is the largest investment ever made into Papua New Guinea, and KPHL owns a 16.57 percent share in the scheme, with Exxon (33.2 percent), Oil Search Limited (29 percent), Santos Limited (13.5 percent), JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration (4.7 percent) and Mineral Resources Development Company Limited (2.8 percent) the

other stakeholders.

In light of Exxon’s discovery earlier this year, plans are being explored regarding the PNG LNG project’s expansion.

This could involve the introduction of three new trains serving the LNG plant near Port Moresby, with one new train dedicated to gas from the P’nyang and PNG LNG fields and two trains dedicated to gas associated with the Papua LNG project in the ElkAntelope fields.

The development concept, which would add approximately eight million tonnes of LNG annually, would double the capacity of the existing LNG plant operated by ExxonMobil.

SITE GROUP INTERNATIONAL

S

ite Group International (SGI), in conjunction with Kumul Petroleum Academy (KPA), is looking to the future in ensuring Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) locals are well equipped to handle the increase demand in oil and gas skills.

Over the next few years, oil and gas is expected to comprise of around 60% of PNG’s export revenues. This growing demand for oil and gas leaves a skills gap in technical reserves throughout the nation.

SGI has an exclusive long term Manage and Operate agreement with KPA, to deliver competencebased programmes and courses to support the development drive of the next generation of PNG technicians, supervisors, engineers and managers.

SGI will use its unique Safe Live Process Plant (SLPP) and associated equipment and systems to go beyond training to provide real workplace experience, developing not only knowledge and skills but also the right safety behaviours and attitude that the new industries will demand. This facility in PNG will be the first of its kind in the region One of the key programmes SGI will deliver is its 12-month competence based Junior Technician Development Programme which is mapped against internationally recognised competence standards, producing “job-ready” junior technicians in disciplines of production, instrument, electrical and mechanical.

Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

Vernon Wills, Managing Director of Site Group International, said: “Site is committed to supporting National Workforce Development and Sustainable Growth throughout Papua New Guinea’s workforce. These first-class facilities provide invaluable training and development of world-class technicians who will run our facilities in the future.”

T +61 7 3114 5188 www.site.edu.au

Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

124

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Safe Live Process Plant Site Group International and Kumul Petroleum Academy working together to skill future PNG nationals in crucial oil and gas skills.

Immersive Safe Live Process Plant Environment

www.site.edu.au

K U M U L

P E T R O L E U M

OIL SEARCH

E

stablished in 1929, Oil Search has an unrivalled understanding of operating successfully and safely in PNG. We operate all of PNG’s producing oil fields and have major interests in the world class PNG LNG Project, Papua LNG Project and P’nyang gas field which will underpin proposed new LNG capacity.

We are a major investor in exploration and appraisal in PNG – aimed at delivering the next wave of growth opportunities.

We are committed to ensuring our contribution goes beyond our position as the country’s largest nongovernment employer and investor.

T +61 2 8207 8400 E rod.mapstone@oilsearch.com

Port Moresby

www.oilsearch.com

Mallon added in Exxon’s April announcement: “We are working closely with our joint venture partners and the government to progress the P’nyang field development proposal and secure the licenses needed to develop this world-class resource.

“This investment would extend our gas pipeline infrastructure into the country’s Western Province and have a meaningful and lasting economic impact for Papua New Guinea and its people.”

For KPHL and its dedicated PNG LNG subsidiary Kumul Petroleum, involvement as the third-largest shareholder could reap huge dividends if production is to be expanded along these lines.

At the moment, around a billion cubic feet of natural gas is turned into LNG at the Port Moresby plant, and it is estimated that more than 11 trillion cubic feet of LNG will be produced over the entire 30-year lifespan of the project.

126

Diversified

PNG LNG is not the only commercial interest being developed by KPHL. Given the country’s rich oil & gas resources and the fact that the Company, as the legislated state nominee, can always exercise its option for a 20.5 percent stake in every project, strong growth appears inevitable.

Together with a consortium of partners, Kumul sells gas to Oil Search’s Hides Project, which conditions and sells it to Barrick Gold Corporation’s Porgera mine, located at more than 2,000 metres altitude in PNG’s Enga Province.

KPHL has also held an interest in the SE Gobe field since 2014. Located in the Southern Highlands Province around 85 kilometres from Kutubu oil field, the site supplies gas to PNG LNG. Another recent development Overseas projects are particularly popular concerning the supply of gas to Port Moresby comes in the form of a new

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

plant being built with joint venture company NiuPower.

Set to be commissioned in November 2018, the $110 million project will see the replacement of around 50 MW of diesel-generated power. It will also deliver cheaper power to residential and commercial consumers.

In the oil space, the Moran field was transferred to the Company in June 2016 as part of the legislation mandating Kumul Petroleum Holdings as the PNG Government representative of all petroleum development licences in the country. The field is operated by Oil Search.

Fulfilling a vision

All of KPHL’s activities are geared towards delivering on a core set of values and clearly defined mission.

The organisation states six clear values by which it operates: benefiting Papua New Guinea; accountability and

O

I

L

&

G

A

S

ASIA

When the pieces come together YOU CAN ACHIEVE SOMETHING IMPRESSIVE

transparency; team value and diversity; protecting and preserving the environment; maintaining high health and safety standards; and promoting innovation and excellence.

By adhering to these principles, KPHL hopes to fulfil its mission, split into five key objectives, the first and second revolving around maximising value of upstream opportunities and diversifying into mid-stream operations.

The remaining goals include seeking external investment into the industry, generating wealth and opportunity for nationals and managing the business with the highest standards of governance, responsibility and transparency.

This is all grounded in the Company’s overarching vision, one which ultimately defines its purpose – to ‘create value and opportunity for PNG and its people by becoming a major national oil and gas corporation’.

Kumul Petroleum Tel: +675 320 2253 / +675 320 0238 www.kumulpetroleum.com

Posman Kua Aisi Lawyers (PKA or the Firm), in association with King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) [www.kwm.com], is one of PNG’s leading commercial law firms. We always aim to meet our client’s needs through provision of practical and cost-effective solutions.

The Firm has a demonstrated history of pursuing the resolution of problems with tenacity to achieve the best possible outcomes for its clients. Based in the capital city of Port Moresby, we have been serving the needs and meeting the demands of business organisations, statutory bodies and Government, here in PNG for over 30 years.

T: + (675) 3200 127 F: + (675) 3200 361 E: enquiry@posman.com www.posman.com

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

127

S U M M I T

P O W E R

Transporting power to Bangladesh

128

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

E

N

E

R

G

Y

&

U

T

I

L

I

T

I

E

S

ASIA

POWER

TO THE PEOPLE

B

angladesh is home to one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

The World Bank, in its latest ‘Bangladesh Development Update: Powering the Economy Efficiently’ report, has forecast a seven percent growth for the 2018/19 fiscal year, building on the 7.86 percent expansion seen in the previous period.

Qimiao Fan, World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, applauded progress made in reducing poverty and pushing human development, adding that growth will remain resilient thanks to strong domestic demand and structural transformation.

The report’s findings, published on 2 October 2018, are certainly welcome news for governing authorities and businesses operating in Bangladesh – however, it also cites the need to avoid complacency.

To achieve its growth aspirations, the World Bank says Bangladesh needs to create more and better jobs by boosting private investment, diversifying exports and building human capital.

Further, the country also needs to make doing business easier, complete its megaprojects on a fast track, and improve financial sector governance.

Finally, and of no less importance, is the need to expand a reliable electricity supply to meet the needs of a growing economy.

Much progress has been made in recent years, with access to electricity

Summit Power International Managing Director and CEO Ayesha Aziz Khan explains how the family business continues to deliver major energy infrastructure projects across Bangladesh Writer: Tom Wadlow Project Manager: Matt Cole-Wilkin increasing from 47 percent of the population in 2009 to 80 percent in 2017. But by 2030, electricity demand is expected to grow to 34 GW, more than double the country’s current installed capacity.

This is where organisations like Summit Power International have a crucial role to play.

“This is an extraordinary time in terms of infrastructure investment,” says Managing Director and CEO Ayesha Aziz Khan. “Continued economic growth has facilitated investment in big projects, and power generation is one of the priority areas.

“The business environment in our industry is much different now to what it was 15 years ago when one or two large multinationals would come in and finance, plan and develop projects outside of the country.

“Now, projects can be mostly

carried through from start to finish in Bangladesh at far greater speeds.

Logistically, we are far less dependent on third party providers than we were a decade back.”

Local roots, international reach

Summit Power International is uniquely positioned to fulfil this demand for power generation.

The firm incorporated in Singapore in 2015 with the backing of the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation, granting it access to global financing, crucial in ensuring the sustainable planning and execution of any major infrastructure project.

Add in the Khan family’s deep Bangladeshi roots and unrivalled knowledge of the local market, and no organisation is better placed to deliver

Ayesha Aziz Khan, Managing Director and CEO, Summit Power International

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

129

Summit, Mitsubishi and GE to invest USD 3 Billion in Bangladesh

www.summitpowerinternational.com summitpowerintl summitpowerintl Summit Power International

POWERING PROGRESS

Our Operating Assets

Our Committed Projects

S U M M I T

P O W E R

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

Power plants in Gazipur are testament to the expertise and knowhow possessed by Summit which have been recognised by awarding bodies

the sort of large-scale natural gas projects the country needs to open up access to electricity to consumers and commerce.

“The business was founded by my father, Muhammed Aziz Khan, around 38 years ago as a business which traded commodities in Bangladesh,” Khan explains. “In the mid-90s the country went through a privatisation process and one of the first sectors to be privatised was the power generation industry. Before this time all operations were completely owned by the state.

“In 1996 the government passed the Private Sector Power Generation Policy of Bangladesh, allowing the private sector to generate power and sell to the state, and this is when Summit entered the power generation space.

We co-developed Khulna Power, the first IPP in Bangladesh, along with El Paso and Wärtsilä, and still have a 28.8 percent stake in the enterprise today.”

Khan has been involved with business since graduating in London in 2003 and taking an MBA at Columbia University shortly afterwards. She has worked her

132

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

SUMMIT POWER INTERNATIONAL’S CAPACITY The 1,664 MW of current capacity is generated from 17 majorityowned operating assets and three associate operating assets where the Company owns a 28.8 percent stake.

CAPACITY SPLIT BY TECHNOLOGY TYPE: • Reciprocating engine – 976 MW (59 percent).

• Combined-cycle power plant (CCGT) – 689 MW (41 percent).

CAPACITY SPLIT BY FUEL TYPE: • Gas – 917 MW (55 percent stake).

• Heavy fuel oil – 748 MW (45 percent stake).

• The average remaining contract life of these assets is 13.9 years.

way through the ranks, holding several financial positions before becoming Managing Director and CEO of Summit Power International in 2016.

“I feel fortunate to be leading the Company at such an exciting time of growth in Bangladesh,” she adds.

“We are the largest independent power producer in the country with a consolidated revenue of $546 million and installed capacity of 1,664 MW.” Summit established Bangladesh’s first independent power plant in 1997, and today accounts for 21 percent of the country’s private installed capacity and nine percent of its overall power generation capabilities.

Powerful pipeline

This capacity is set to increase markedly over the next two to three years, not least due to a 590 MW project currently underway at Meghnaghat, just outside the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka.

Expected to commence operations in Q2 of 2021, Meghnaghat II is a CCGT, dual-fuel capable plant being built in

E

N

E

R

G

Y

&

U

T

I

L

I

T

I

E

S

ASIA

Summit Bibiyana 352 MW Combined Cycle Power Plant is the most efficient plant in Blangladesh

Summit Narayanganj Power was awarded the Gold Award at the Asian Power Awards 2011 for Best Fast-Track Power Project in Asia

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

133

S U M M I T

P O W E R

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

Located in Moheshkhali, off the Bay of Bengal, Summit’s floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) will be available to store 138,000 cubic metres of gas once finished by Q2 in 2019

partnership with GE, which owns a 20 percent stake in the development.

It is projected to cost around $510 million to complete.

“One of the main challenges with a project of this size is to secure feasible financing and make sure all the relevant studies are completed,” Khan says. “This requires a lot of work, but we are in a good moment currently in regard to raising capital.”

“Once finished Meghnaghat II will provide vital added capacity.

Although it is only a small percentage of the government’s total generation targets, it represents an important step.”

This will join the existing

134

Meghnaghat I plant, which has an installed capacity of 337 MW (gas) and 315 MW (HSD) and came online in June 2015.

Khan also highlights a floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) project that Summit has developed.

Located in Moheshkhali, off the Bay of Bengal, the site will be able to store

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

138,000 cubic metres of gas once finished by Q2 in 2019. This equates to a distribution potential of 500 million standard cubic feet per day.

The $147 million development is already in advanced stages, with the trenching and laying of the subsea gas delivery pipeline being completed in March 2019.

E

N

E

R

G

Y

&

“The government is looking to import LNG, which will play an important part in fulfilling the demand for electricity,” says Khan. “Although this is our only FSRU project at the moment, this aligns well with our business as it plays to our ability to generate power. Our job, ultimately, is to be available to deliver electricity.”

Record-breaking

Further down the pipeline is a 2,400 MW development in Matarbari, backed by a $3 billion investment from GE and Japan’s Mitsubishi, the largest private foreign direct investment ever made into Bangladesh.

Unveiled in July 2018, the project

U

T

I

L

I

T

I

E

The government is looking to import LNG, which will play an important part in fulfilling the demand for electricity”

S

ASIA

is in its infancy, but one which Khan hopes to have in full swing in the not distant future. Implementation is slated for 2023 and will single-handedly double Summit’s generation capacity.

“The signing of this MoU has been more than a year in the making, and is a milstone for the project,” says Khan.

“It is a multifaceted development and one of our key priorities over of the next one to two years in terms of getting off the ground. The Matarbari project will change Summit and Bangladesh.”

The work will involve installation of four 600 MW combined-cycle power plants powered by GE’s 9HA gas turbines, construction of two on-

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

135

S U M M I T

P O W E R

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

shore LNG terminals with a combined capacity of 380,000 cubic metres, oil terminals with 100,000 megatonne capacity, and another 300 MW HFObased power plant.

Ahead of time

Summit has been entrusted with developments of this scale and is able to attract investment from global heavyweights because of its formidable track record when it comes to delivering projects on time.

In Gazipur, around 40 kilometres north of Dhaka, the Company recently completed two HFO plants in less than a year, both powered by reciprocating engine technology from long-standing Finnish partner Wärtsilä.

Gazipur I became operational in July 2018 and is a 156 MW facility comprising eight Wärtsilä 18V50 Singapore office board of directors meeting engines and one 20V32 engine. Gazipur These two rapid developments, II is larger, its 18 Wärtsilä 18V46 engines providing a capacity of 307 MW. carrying a combined value of $294 million, are testament to the expertise and knowhow possessed by Summit and have been recognised by awarding bodies.

At the annual Asian Power Awards Summit Power International in September, Gazipur II was awarded operates under guiding the Fast-Track Power Plant of the Year principles outlined in for achieving construction-to-power its vision and mission generation in just nine months. The statements. same plant also helped Summit scoop the Best Private Power Generation Vision: “We aspire to be the Company award at the Power & leading provider of energy Energy Week 2018, handed to the firm solutions in Asia and deliver

by Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh sustainable long-term value Hasina. to all our stakeholders.”

Khan adds: “We take pride of the fact we are continually being Mission: “Our mission recognised for our ability to implement is to support economic power plants and are grateful to development and transform be working with regulators who the social landscape of appreciate and understand the private sector.

Asia through the provision “While not all of our plants are of reliable, affordable built within nine months, no matter and efficient sources of what the project or technology being electricity.” installed, we are able to complete on time and honour our commitments.

CORE BELIEFS

136

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Through the past 10-12 years of operating we have not encountered any significant delays – we have always been on time.

“The awards are a testament to our hard-working teams, whether they are in our office in Singapore or on the ground at the project site.”

Empowered by expertise

Since entering the power generation industry when it was opened up in 1997, Summit has accumulated a tremendous wealth of experience and expertise in project development, including sponsorship, structuring and financing capabilities.

This involves careful cooperation with the multinationals, financial institutions and government agencies, and has resulted in much-needed investment coming into Bangladesh’s energy infrastructure.

Partnering with the likes of GE, Mitsubishi and Wärtsilä also ensures Summit remains a front-runner in the use of advanced technologies, meaning its plants are fitted out with the latest, most efficient equipment.

E

N

E

R

G

Y

&

U

T

I

L

I

T

I

E

S

ASIA

Summit welcomed Abdullah Tarmugi, Lim Hwee Hua and Tang Kin Fei as Independent Directors in November 2017

Summit and IFC signed agreement in August 2017, for supporting the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission to bring sustainable long-term power solutions to Bangladesh

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

137

S U M M I T

P O W E R

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

Chairman of Summit Group Muhammed Aziz Khan received the award for the Best Private Power Generation Company in recognition of the fastest implemented power plant in the country from the Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina

We have had to raise significant capital over the last 15 years with the help of many international institutions and corporations, and this is where our challenge will continue to be” “Strength certainly does come from experience,” Khan adds. “The longer you work with a technology provider the better you understand that technology. It takes time for two enterprises to understand each other wholly, and our partnerships have developed over years, especially with the likes of Wärtsilä and GE. “Though we build long-standing relationships, we are open to new ideas and new partners coming on board, as demonstrated by the

138

announcement with Mitsubishi.”

This open-ended approach to innovation also trickles down into Summit’s internal employee culture.

The firm is Bangladesh’s largest private employer of engineers, and Khan states that the requisite operational and engineering skills are readily available to recruit.

“We have top quality engineers in our team – it is a clear process for us in terms of recruitment, we hire engineers with the education and

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

provide training and experience on the job.” Khan continues. “We find recruitment for management more challenging, senior managers and mangers for a business such as ours require multiple skills. We focus on finance and have built up a strong finance and commercial team.

“We have had to raise significant capital over the last 15 years with the help of many international institutions and corporations, and this is where our challenge will continue to be. We must be able to fund developments which, once complete, provide power that is affordable.”

Securing the future

By attracting more investment and securing finance for vital energy projects, Summit Power International will continue to chip away at the 34 GW of electricity the World Bank predicts will be required annually by 2030.

E

N

E

R

G

Y

&

U

T

I

L

I

T

I

E

SUMMIT’S OPERATING ASSETS Summit Power International owns majority stakes in 17 plants across Bangladesh. These include: • Bibiyana, 89 percent stake, 352 MW • Meghnaghat I, 76.6 percent stake, 337 MW • Barisal, 82 percent stake, 120 MW • Narayanganj II, 82 percent stake, 63 MW • Narayanganj, 63.2 percent stake, 103 MW • Maona, 63.2 percent stake, 35 MW • Jangalia, 63.2 percent stake, 35 MW • Rupganj, 63.2 percent stake, 35 MW • Ashulia (Unit-2), 63.2 percent stake, 35 MW • Madhabdi (Unit-2), 63.2 percent stake, 26 MW • Chandina (Unit-2), 63.2 percent stake, 14 MW • Ullapara, 63.2 percent stake, 12 MW

S

ASIA

Summit Power International awarded a 15-year support vessel services contract for its LNG terminal to PSA Marine

The promising strides made in recent years regarding economic growth and lifting more citizens out of poverty look set to be built on, and Khan wants Summit to play its part in writing the next chapter of Bangladesh’s development.

She concludes: “The government is looking to install around 10,000 MW of capacity every five years, capacity which is needed to meet base demand.

The country still encounters blackouts and there are still industrial sites and areas of Bangladesh which do not have access to power 24 hours a day.

“We want every citizen and every commercial enterprise to have access to affordable electricity, and will keep working towards this target.”

• Ashulia (Unit-1), 63.2 percent stake, 12 MW • Madhabdi (Unit-1), 63.2 percent stake, 12 MW • Chandina (Unit-1), 63.2 percent stake, 12 MW • Gazipur II, 92.6 percent stake, 307 MW • Gazipur I, 76.4 percent stake, 156 MW

Summit Power International Limited Tel: +65 62 25 4600 enquiry@summitpowerinternational.com www.summitpowerinternational.com

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

139

U P C

R E N E W A B L E S

L I M I T E D

Dream

Develop

Deliver UPC Renewables Limited is a pioneer in developing a robust and focused business through the utilisation of best-in-class equipment and quality project delivery Writer: Phoebe Calver Project Manager: Matt Cole-Wilkin

140

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

E

N

E

R

G

Y

&

U

T

I

L

I

T

I

E

S

he world’s appetite for wind and solar energy has grown dramatically since UPC Renewables came to fruition, and in that time the Company has built upwards of 50 renewable projects at a cost of more than €3 billion around the world to suit the needs of its increasing customer base.

Over the years UPC has remained true to its DNA, believing in good quality renewable projects, built accordingly to its tried and tested methodologies and using top-class management and equipment to produce clean energy.

As a developer, constructor and operator of renewable energy projects, the Company has been building both wind and solar farms around the world since the mid-90s.

Although it does business in a wide variety of countries and regions, the common thread is the Founder, Brian Caffyn, who has a controlling stake in each area of operation.

Initially UPC operated in Italy, under the name, Italian Vento Power Corporation (IVPC) and built up 75 percent of the wind energy capacity in the country until 2005. During those early years, the original partners of the Company set up UPC Wind Partners in the US, working on projects in Maine, New York and Hawaii. Then came China, the Philippines and North Africa.

“Our business became a very wellknown wind and solar developer and in late 2012 UPC set up its most recent platform - UPC Renewables Limited, based in Hong Kong,” explains Andrew Sutherland, Executive Director. “Now that entity has grown to encompass both wind and solar power in the Asia-Pacific region, including Indonesia, Vietnam, South Korea, India, Taiwan and Australia.”

Investment opportunity

One thing that remains a constant at UPC is Brian Caffyn’s influence.

ASIA Wherever a new UPC business is set up around the world, he remains central to driving it forward.

Sutherland continues: “When we start any new platform business, we will bring in likeminded development stage investors, usually individuals with an appetite for risk that suits the business we are in. Once projects are ready to construct, we will bring in different corporate investors with a different risk/reward appetite to provide construction funds.

For many project developers in the industry, they think of their product as the project itself and therefore as assets to be sold on when they can maximise their profits on those projects; normally exiting the project entirely sometimes prior to the project even getting built. UPC is different, staying in the project company once it’s in operation and retaining operational control.

“We like to think of our product offering as energy and specifically electricity, which we will go on to sell to utilities and corporate buyers.

“We also follow the trends in the industry closely,” adds Sutherland.

“For example, we were building projects with 500KW wind turbines in the early years, but now technological advances mean we are looking at turbines of 3,500KW and even 5,000KW rated outputs.

“Although these projects are more expensive to purchase and perhaps more difficult to transport and erect, they have approximately 20 times the output available, despite being only 10 times larger.”

Project milestone

At present UPC Renewables Limited is continuing to develop projects in Southeast Asia, Korea, Taiwan, India and Australia, the most recent of which is the Sidrap 75MW wind farm in South Sulawesi, Indonesia which reached commercial operation at the very end of March.

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

141

U P C

R E N E W A B L E S

L I M I T E D

“This project was the first utilityscale wind farm in the fourth most populous nation in the world,” affirms Sutherland. “We worked with national utility company, PT PLN (Persero) and helped to educate them - as well as a multitude of government agencies - in the nuances of wind energy, and after lengthy discussions and negotiations a power contract was signed.

“This was a huge milestone for us and congratulations and thanks go to PLN for their full engagement and thoroughness throughout the process.”

As it was the first project of its kind in the country, only international commercial and development banks were considered as an option to finance the development. This ultimately concluded in a loan agreement with OPIC (the Overseas Private Investment Corporation of the US) for 80 percent of the project cost. Ayala Corporation of the Philippines partnered with UPC in providing the other 20 percent of the funds necessary to fully fund the construction.

“We are hoping to begin work on the expansion of the Sidrap Project this year, while also pushing forward with four other wind projects in Indonesia plus another half dozen wind projects in Australia and Vietnam,” explains Sutherland. “Aside from wind, we have more than a dozen solar projects in operation throughout Asia, including Korea, Taiwan, India and Vietnam, all of which are moving forward well.”

Like many of the companies in the renewable energy space, UPC is also looking at moving forward with the development of energy storage. These projects will include battery storage, advanced control systems and other technologies that can alleviate the concern of intermittency that grid operators have to assist in managing wind and solar’s intermittency.

Sutherland goes onto describe: “Storage is becoming the key to

142

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

E

N

E

R

G

Y

&

U

T

I

L

I

T

I

E

ASIA

S

FIELD OF SERVICE - TECHNICAL SURVEY - PLANNING & DESIGN - ENGINEERING SUPPORT - CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT - SUPERVISION OFFICE: PAHLAWAN #95 BANDUNG 40123 WEST JAVA INDONESIA

“We worked with national utility company, PT PLN (Persero) and helped to educate them - as well as a multitude of government agencies - in the nuances of wind energy, and after lengthy discussions and negotiations a power contract was signed.”

PHONE: (+62) 22 2517430 WEBSITE: WWW.ATRYA.CO.ID

obtaining additional contracts for projects and is driving the industry forward. To bring more renewable projects into operation, it is imperative that utilities gain acceptance of the renewable product (wind and solar plus storage) while also acknowledging that the cost of that project is attractive. With no fuel, there can be no fuel cost shocks to the utility either, so we consider the renewable product to be less risky too.”

Forefront of technology

Over the years UPC has worked tirelessly to remain at the forefront of technological advancements within the industry, as well as spending copious amounts of time looking at trends such as wind turbine and solar panel technology.

“Working in such a competitive landscape for renewable projects, we often have to specify products when we tender projects that may not yet be available,” adds Sutherland.

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

143

U P C

R E N E W A B L E S

L I M I T E D

“However, we have a very good insight into the manufacturers and keep up with their product commercialisation timetables so we can be sure that these products will be available when we are required to start building.

“This is a fine line and one that we have to walk carefully in order to monitor any changes in regulations or technical issues that might mean the trend patterns change and that could

144

potentially upset this way of thinking.”

Alongside monitoring industry changes, in the operational phase of the projects, the Company carries out a vast amount of predictive analysis, ensuring that it will see any failures in wind turbine operations that are about to happen – rather than reacting to failures. Proactive management, not reactive management. This provides the Company with time to

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

undergo a programmatic switch out of potentially failing parts before the failure happens, putting a halt on any potential disruptions to productivity and upsetting its utility customers.

“We are also incredibly conscious of our environment and put together a lot of effort to ensure that the environments we operate in are minimally impacted by our activities,” explains Sutherland.

E

N

E

R

G

Y

&

U

T

I

L

I

T

I

E

S

ASIA

“We are also incredibly conscious of our environment and put together a lot of effort to ensure that the environments we operate in are minimally impacted by our activities.”

“In the same vein, we continue to nurture our relationships with the local government and communities through social engagement and a commitment to well-funded corporate social responsibility (CSR) budgets.”

The Company has remained relatively small and nimble in its operations, confining itself to markets that make good sense from a development point of view. Further to that, the Company manages its own construction processes through a multi-contracting strategy while also

staying in the game post construction.

“I hope the time is near when UPC and all companies in our industry would have managed to move all the utilities to renewable energy projects as a default, making them far more desirable, technically and financially, than coal or other fossil fired fuels,” concludes Sutherland. “It is only by doing this that we will be able to turn the tide on the relentless CO2 emissions that the world is experiencing at present, turning us away from the potential of a bleak future.”

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

145

MINING INVESTMENT OMAN

E V E N T

MINING INVESTMENT OMAN is a strategic mining conference and exhibition for leaders of the mining, quarrying and construction materials industries. Over the last two editions in Muscat, Oman, the event drew Omani and regional Arab attendees as well as representatives from Europe, Australia, India, Iran and so on.

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 22-23 October WHERE: Muscat, Oman WEBSITE: www.mininginvestmentoman.com

146

F O C U S

The countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foremost mining forum The third edition in 2018 is expected to bring together 170 attendees from 15 different countries.

Ministers, mining companies, investors and service providers will travel from all over Middle East, Asia, Europe, Africa and Americas for two days of partnering and networking in Muscat, Oman. As one of the major mineral rich countries in the Middle East, Oman is the ideal location to attract mining companies, investors and their partners from across the entire region.

At the conference key issues such disruption and innovation in the mining sector will be discussed, whilst insights on the mining landscape, mining finance and business strategies will be explored. Mining Investment Oman will bring in top notch business thought leaders to share their insights with delegates and the conference will

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

also provide plenty of networking opportunities through roundtable discussions and meal receptions.

Meanwhile, the exhibition will also provide substantial opportunity to expand connections, launch new products and forge new business relationships. With key buyers and industry leaders conveniently located under one roof, it is also an excellent branding platform.

Mining Investment Oman is organised by Spire Events (Singapore) and is part of the global Mining Investment Series which has 13 conferences spanning across five continents. Spire Events also organises MiningTech conferences which focus on the role of technology in mining. Full calendar of the latest conferences can be found at www.spire-events.com.

@MiningInvmt Mining Investment MiningInvestment Mining Investment Conferences

3RD ANNUAL

OMAN

LOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;AI BATAINEH CEO Ubhar Capital SOAC, Oman

ERWIN MORTELMANS Commercial Director Port of Duqm, Oman

MOHAMMAD AL DUAJI CEO Alea Global Group, Kuwait

22 - 23 October 2018

Sheraton Hotel Muscat, Oman www.mininginvestmentoman.com Spotlight Sponsors

Organised by

SPIRE EVENTS

GAS ASIA SUMMIT SINGAPORE

E V E N T

F O C U S

Opening doors to new opportunities EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 31 October-1 November WHERE: Singapore WEBSITE: www.gasasiasummit.com/confreg

148

GAS ASIA SUMMIT (GAS) Singapore returns to Marina Bay Sands for the sixth year as an integral component of Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW).

GAS Singapore is the only natural gas-focused commercial conference within the SIEW framework and has been developed under the theme: Your Gateway to New Natural Gas & LNG Opportunities. GAS 2018 will firmly position Singapore as a leading trading, services and innovation hub and will serve as a key platform for developing

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

new business and knowledge exchange within the natural gas and LNG community.

Join us at GAS and connect to energy professionals in Singapore and the region shaping the natural gas and LNG industry.

YOUR GATEWAY TO NEW NATURAL GAS & LNG OPPORTUNITIES 5 REASONS TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE GAS Singapore is the only natural gas-focused commercial conference within SIEW

Hear Singapore-focused sessions on new initiatives and opportunities in the LNG sector Discover innovations in business models and technologies in an increasingly diverse market Meet Global Gas and LNG Suppliers

THREE WAYS TO REGISTER AS A DELEGATE WWW.GASASIASUMMIT.COM/CONFREG INFO@GASASIASUMMIT.COM +65 6442 1470 SILVER SPONSOR

BRONZE SPONSORS

70+

DELEGATES

400+

Explore opportunities for emerging and developing markets

OFFICIAL LANYARD SPONSOR

SPEAKERS

OFFICIAL LEGAL PARTNER

SUPPORTED BY

ORGANISED BY

COUNTRIES

30+

INDONESIA INFRASTRUCTURE WEEK 2018

E V E N T

F O C U S

Unveiling the important role of infrastructure development

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 31 October - 2 November WHERE: Jakarta, Indonesia WEBSITE: www.indonesiainfrastructureweek. com

150

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IS fundamental in Indonesia’s quest to be considered a competitive and prosperous country economically. Indonesia’s competitiveness ranked 41st out of 138 countries, but its infrastructure competitiveness is ranked 60th and its technological readiness is ranked 91st.

In the long-term, the Indonesia Competitiveness Rank is projected to trend around 30.00 in 2020. The Indonesian Government is aware of the situation and is establishing infrastructure development as a key priority in 2018, aiming to improve inter-regional connectivity whilst achieving economic growth of 5.4 percent.

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

In response, Tarsus Indonesia, a business-to-business (B2B) based event, exhibition, conference and media company, together with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) and the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (KEMENPUPR), aims to present the answers to Indonesia’s infrastructure needs by holding Indonesia Infrastructure Week (IIW 2018) on 31 October - 2 November 2018 at the Jakarta International Expo, Indonesia.

This year’s event will feature a variety of products, technologies and best services in the infrastructure sector as well as providing exposure of a variety of priority infrastructure projects spread across the region. In order to support the development of government-prioritised infrastructure, IIW 2018 presents five new segments: InfraWater Indonesia, InfraEnergy Indonesia, InfraRail Indonesia, InfraPorts Indonesia, InfraSecurity Indonesia, and Special Economic and Industrial Zone.

Indonesia Infrastructure Week (IIW) is held in collaboration with the government represented by the ministry, SOEs and other private companies, by means to generate business opportunities for many parties in the infrastructure sector, while directly supporting the important vision of infrastructure development that sustains Indonesia’s economic growth.

Indonesia Infrastructure Week 2018, to be held between 31 October - 2 November 2018 at the Jakarta International Expo (JIEXPO), Indonesia will be co-located with Konstruksi Indonesia (KI) 2018 and the launch of internationally known expo, Intertraffic Indonesia 2018. This makes this event one of the largest and most comprehensive exhibitions of infrastructure and construction in the country.

Organised by:

Indonesie pms 300

100-56-0-0

rgb

web

Co-located with:

2018

INFRAWATER INDONESIA 2018

INFRAENERGY INDONESIA 2018

Special Economic & Industrial Zones

INDONESIA

INFRARAIL

INDONESIA 2018

31 Oct - 2 Nov 2018

INFRAPORTS INDONESIA 2018

31 OCT - 2 NOV

INFRASECURITY INDONESIA 2018

2018 JIEXPO

J A K A R TA - I D

Jakarta International Expo, Kemayoran contact: +62 21 5799 1465-6 | website: www.indonesiainfrastructureweek.com | email: sales@indonesiainfrastructureweek.co.id

L N G A N D N AT U R A L G A S F O R P O W E R A N D I N D U S T R I E S T H A I L A N D F O R U M 2 0 1 8

E V E N T

F O C U S

Providing the platform to explore business opportunities

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 5-7 November WHERE: Bangkok, Thailand WEBSITE: www.lng-world.com/lng_thai2018

152

AS PART OF the Optimising LNG and LPG Trade in Asia event theme, which is endorsed and supported by Prime Minister Office and Ministry of Energy Thailand, the upcoming LNG and Natural Gas for Power and Industries Thailand Forum 2018 will be a neutral one stop business matching and deal making platform for LNG and natural gas in Thailand, especially for power generation and industries.

This forum will take place on 5-7 November 2018 at the St Regis Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand, organised jointly by All Events Group and PVE Group.

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

Among the key Thai speakers you can expect to meet and network with include: • Ministry of Energy, Thailand • Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Thailand • PTT PLC • Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand • PTT LNG • Thai Oil • Siam Gas and Petrochemicals PLC (SGP) • Gulf Energy Development • Electricity Generating PLC (EGCO) The forum will serve as a platform for stakeholders and decision makers to hear case studies and business opportunities, and network with professionals within the LNG and natural gas industry, notably those involved with power generation and industries.

LNG FORUM SERIES

LNG WORD IS THE PREMIER SOURCE OF INFORMATION THAT CONNECTS AND DRIVES THE LNG SUPPLY CHAINS

2 18 LNG FORUM SERIES

SAVE THE DATES OF OUR UPCOMING EVENTS LNG FORUM SERIES

05 - 07 NOV 2018 LNG AND NATURAL GAS FOR POWER AND INDUSTRIES THAILAND FORUM 2018 St. Regis Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand LNG FORUM SERIES

24 - 26 OCT 2018 LNG PHILIPPINES 2018 SMX Aura, Manila, Philippines

LNG FORUM SERIES

19 - 21 NOV 2018 LNG SOUTH ASIA FORUM 2018 Le Meridien, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Samuel Tan Business Development Manager samuel.tan@naturalgasglobal.com

Chloe Lee Marketing Manager chloe@naturalgasglobal.com

T: +65 6506 0965 | F: +65 6749 7293 | W: www.lng-world.com

WORLD OPTICAL FIBRE & CABLE CONFERENCE

E V E N T

F O C U S

Showcasing leading connectivity solutions, products and innovations

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 5-7 November WHERE: Hangzhou, China WEBSITE: https://events.crugroup.com/ opticalfibreandcable/home

154

CRU’S WORLD OPTICAL Fibre & Cable Conference has experienced incredible growth since its launch in 2015. The three-day annual conference has become a well-established event in the calendar and is highly respected by those working in the global fibre and cable industry for the quality of the agenda and premium networking.

CRU is delighted to announce this year’s conference will be hosted by Futong Group, one of the leading manufacturers of internet-based information transmission materials.

After three successful years in Wuhan, 2018 sees the event move to Hangzhou - only an hour’s train journey from Shanghai, and a hub for China’s internet economy. The conference

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

will be held at the InterContinental Hangzhou, China between 5-7 November 2018.

The CRU World Optical Fibre & Cable Conference regularly attracts more than 700 attendees, including leading telecom network executives, fibre optic producers, solution providers, and industry innovators, and 2018 is expected to build on this success. The attendees value the conference for the excellent networking opportunities with hard-to-reach senior decision-makers and for its leading agenda, ensuring they’re equipped with the latest tools and business strategies in anticipation of the future of global fibre-enabled connectivity.

The agenda will feature senior personnel from across the industry.

Key themes will include preform, fibre and cable market outlook; cable-makers’ global strategies; ‘One Belt, One Road’ partnerships; 5G and smart city fibre requirements; next generation fibre and cable design; fibre factories of the future; plus a close look at world markets to highlight developments in China and other advanced telecom markets, and optical fibre and cable’s role in the new era of smart world connectivity.

The event also hosts a large exhibition of more than 40 exhibitors, showcasing the latest technologies and services that are disrupting the entire supply chain. Meanwhile, attendees will also have the opportunity to see a Chinese fibre and cable manufacturing facility first-hand and explore one of China’s leading hubs for high-tech innovation.

4th

World Optical Fibre & Cable

主办单位/ Hosted by

世界光纤光缆大会

2018年11月5日-7日 • 洲际酒店, 杭州, 中国 5-7 November 2018 • InterContinental Hotel, Hangzhou, China

A Smart World Connected by Optical Fibre

ASIA OUTLOOK READERS SAVE 10% USE CODE

'AS10'

WHEN BOOKING

#CRUopticalfibre

The 4th CRU World Optical Fibre & Cable Conference is being hosted by Futong Group and will be held in the InterContinental Hangzhou, only an hour’s train journey from Shanghai, and a hub for China’s internet economy.

Sponsorship and Exhibition Opportunities:

Conference Highlights:

CRU’s World Optical Fibre & Cable conference provides an unrivalled opportunity for you to raise your company profile, and to network and do business with a large and influential audience of industry leaders.

30+ EXHIBITION BOOTHS

Various sponsorship and exhibition packages are available and can be tailored to suit your business requirements.

700+

190+

INTERNATIONAL ATTENDEES

40+

INDUSTRY LEADER SPEAKERS

FIBRE & CABLE COMPANIES

For more information please contact: Paul Terry, Sponsorship & Exhibitions Manager T: +44 (0)20 7903 2131 E: paul.terry@crugroup.com

12+

NETWORKING FUNCTIONS

Key Themes: • Preform, fibre and cable market outlook • Hear cablemakers’ global strategies • One Belt, One Road partnerships • 5G and smart city fibre requirements • Next generation fibre and cable design • Fibre factories of the future Gold sponsors

Silver sponsors

For more information and to book your place please visit www.worldopticalfibreconference.com

CEMAT ASIA

E V E N T

F O C U S

All key players of the intralogistics industry will be present, with new brands constantly being added to the exhibitor list. Kaan Guclu, MD of SSI Schaefer China, confirmed their participation at CeMAT ASIA 2018, “because it is the most famous and influential international exhibition in the industry”. Some big names who will participate alongside SSI Schaefer are DEMATIC, TGW, Vanderlande, BYD, ABB, Fanuc and JD.com.

In line with the ‘One Belt One Road Initiative’, the Chinese government is investing into logistics infrastructure along the new silk-road. To meet the demand, many international logistic providers are visiting CeMAT ASIA to purchase more efficient and modern equipment. Another initiative called ‘Made in China 2025’ is putting a focus on automation and digitalisation, generating new export opportunities for material handling and logistics companies.

It drives demand in China for cutting-edge technologies – especially in areas like robotics and complete solutions. Dr Jens Hardecke, MD of DEMATIC Shanghai, announced that they “will show the latest automation CEMAT ASIA IS the leading international exhibition for materials technology and the secret of our handling, automation, transport and intelligent software system” in logistics technologies in Asia. The show November. Apart from production will be held from 6-9 November 2018 and manufacturing, CeMAT ASIA will focus on ecommerce and online retail. at the Shanghai New Int’l Exhibition Center.

Concurrently with CeMAT ASIA CeMAT ASIA has witnessed a steady there will be further related industry growth since the first edition in 2000. exhibitions. PTC ASIA is showcasing The exhibitor number has increased electrical and mechanical power transmission and fluid power over 27 percent in the last five years to more than 600 companies, whilst technology, machine parts, bearings the number of visitors has increased and springs. Industrial Supply ASIA is almost fivefold since the first edition. focusing on industrial subcontracting This makes CeMAT ASIA the perfect for parts, components and materials.

Cold Chain ASIA is a adding a focus on platform for international companies to enter the Chinese market, setting cold chain technologies and ComVac a benchmark for the supply chain ASIA is showcasing air compressors industry in Asia. and vacuum technology.

Setting the benchmark for Asia’s supply chain industry

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 6-9 November WHERE: Shanghai, China WEBSITE: http://cemat-asia.com

156

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

MALAYSIA CLOUD & DATACENTER CONVENTION

E V E N T

F O C U S

Unlocking the country’s digital economy

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 8 November WHERE: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia WEBSITE: https://w.media/cdc-my-2018

158

FOLLOWING FROM THE successful launch of the Cloud & Datacenter series in Singapore back on 3 July and in Indonesia on 5 September, W.Media will be hosting the first edition of Malaysia Cloud & Datacenter Convention 2018, bringing 600 enterprise and government end-users, data center and telco operators, cloud hyperscalers, facility managers, consultants and engineers together. This convention will be held on 8 November 2018 at Connexion Conference & Event Centre at The Vertical, Kuala Lumpur.

The event focuses on unlocking the potential of Malaysia’s digital economy and Asia’s technology innovations with a great line-up of world-class speakers, global audience of industry experts

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

and international sponsors. Over 20 visionary speakers including Andrew Martin, Thyaga Rajan, Maz Mira, Weng-Yew Wong, Patrick McCreery and more will discuss stimulating topics such as the challenges, benefits and transformation of cloud movement in Malaysia, and the key to successful data center relocation and consolidation. Highlighting the conference, the Woman in Technology panel brings together senior female executives to discuss their perspectives on growing the benefits of diversity in the maledominant industry.

Cloud & Datacenter Convention Series

As the premier event within the technology industry, the Cloud & Datacenter Convention series offers a truly unique platform for industry professionals to share their invaluable peer-based insights, industry-leading products and services, and the latest technology trends.

Engage and build networks with some of the world’s top professionals by participating in our international yet localised Cloud & Datacenter Conventions around the world.

Maximise your participation at our conventions by contacting our country managers and event concierge.

CLOUD & DATACENTER CONVENTION 2019 SERIES

As the premier event for technology industry, the Cloud & Datacenter Convention series offers a unique platform for industry leaders to share their invaluable insights, industry-leading products and services, and the latest technology trends.

Engage top technology and investment professionals in the world by participating in our international yet localized Cloud & Datacenter Conventions around the world. Maximise your participation at our conventions by contacting our Country Managers and Event Concierge team at partner@w.media or +65 31549 3210.

23

CHINA

JAN

CLOUD & DATACENTER TOUR

NOV

CLOUD & DATACENTER CONVENTION KOREA 2019

CHINA 2019

21

7 NOV

11 APR

FEB

CLOUD & DATACENTER CONVENTION VIETNAM 2019

CLOUD & DATACENTER CONVENTION THAILAND 2019

CLOUD & DATACENTER CONVENTION MALAYSIA 2019

11 JUL

5 SEP

https://w.media/

CLOUD & DATACENTER CONVENTION SINGAPORE 2019

APAC AWARDS 2019 Industry’s Choice

CLOUD & DATACENTER CONVENTION

PRESENTED BY

INDONESIA 2019

partner@w.media

+65 3159 3210

CONNECTING YOUR DIGITAL BUSINESS

BIG DATA & AI ASIA 2018 BIG DATA & AI ASIA 2018

EE VV E N TT

Steve LEONARD CEO SGINNOVATE

Sanjay BAKSHI Chief Digital Officer SHELL

James ONG Chief Investment Officer YCH GROUP

FF O O C UU SS

Shen SHENGMEI General Manager PANASONIC R&D CENTER

Driving business innovation and benefits through synergizing Driving business Big Data and AI

innovation and benefits BIGDATA&AI synergising through Big Data and AI ASIA 2018

E V E N T D E TA I L S

BIG DATA & AI ASIA 2018 WHEN 4 - 5 December 2018 EVENT DETAILS WHERE WHEN:

Singapore Convention 4Suntec - 5 December & Exhibition Centre

WHERE: Singapore

WEBSITE

CONTACT: www.bigdataasiashow.com hmurugesan@corp-agency.com

Andrea CASATI

Artificial Intelligence Lead

OCBC BANK

networking and collaboration with technology leaders.

3. Learn new skills and What is in store for you? technologies which you can apply immediately which canrising 1. Secure your position amid the create growthand opportunities. competition evolving business 4. landscape Engage and exchange pointers directly with Data Big 2. Monetise your organisation’s and AI experts from leading Data assets and AI development organizations. through networking and 5. collaboration Strengthenwith yourtechnology leaders. performance through key takeaways business case 3. Learn newfrom skills and technologies studies across the banking which you can apply immediately & finance, which cantelecommunications, create growth opportunities. insurance, healthcare, supply chain & logistics and 4. Engage and exchange pointers government sectors. directly with Data and AI experts

The 2nd Annual Big Data & AI Asia Conference returns to Singapore on 4 – 5 December 2018 Bigger and even Better!

This annual event will showcase the best partnership, investment and learning opportunities THE 2ND ANNUAL Big Data & AI driven

by Asiareturns Pacific’s Asia Conference to Singapore technological growth. on 4 - 5 December 2018, bigger and Our better! theme in 2018 is ‘Driving even This annual event will showcase Business Innovation and the best partnership, investment and Benefits through Synergizing from leading organisations. learning opportunities driven Asia Big Data & AI’ where we by will Pacific’s technological growth.

5. Strengthen your performance Don’t miss this showcase best practices, Our theme in 2018 is ‘Driving Business through key takeaways from investment opportunities, new unique opportunity Innovation and Benefits through business case studies across market expansion and new Synergising Big Data & AI’ where we will the banking and finance, totelecommunications, connect with top application showcase besttechniques. practices, investment insurance,

healthcare, supplyand chain and notch data AI logistics and government sectors. experts.

1. Secure your position amid the rising competition and Join usto now!

Don’t miss this unique opportunity connect with

opportunities, new market expansion What in Store for You? and newisapplication techniques.

WEBSITE: CONTACT www.bigdataasiashow.com

hmurugesan@corp-agency.com

160

Riku VASSINEN Head of Digital J. WALTER THOMPSON WORLDWIDE

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

evolving business landscape 2. Monetize your organization’s top notch data and AI experts. Join us now!

Big Data assets and AI development through

BIGDATA&AI ASIA 2018 Conference & Exhibition

2000 ATTENDEES 60 SPEAKERS 40 EXHIBITORS 30 TECH TALKS

LEAD The 4th DIMENSION

4 & 5 December 2018 SUNTEC SINGAPORE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE

LEAD

THE EVOLUTION

Register now at www.bigdataasiashow.com

A S I A- PA C I F I C F O O D I N G R E D I E N T E X P O

E V E N T

F O C U S

The critical platform for food and beverage producers

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 6-8 December WHERE: Hong Kong WEBSITE: www.asiapacificfoodingredientexpo. com

162

ASIA-PACIFIC FO OD INGREDIENT Expo (APFI) is a vital forum for the food and beverage manufacturing industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supply chain success in the regions.

Building on the success of organising the Hong Kong International Bakery Expo (HKIBE) for seven years, it has been decided that APFI will be held on 6-8 December 2018 at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, which is complemented with AgriPro Asia 2018 (Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specialised B2B annual events that provide a professional platform for international agricultural trade and technology exchange).

A wider spectrum of the food processors supply chain, including specialists in frozen foods, canned

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

foods, baked food, dried foods, healthy raw materials and natural raw materials, flavors and spices, food additives, baking ingredients zone, as well as food processing related equipment and technology, will be introduced at APFI. The event promises to bring delegates priceless industry knowledge across a wide range of seminars, exhibitor tours, and other exciting on-site features to help them get the most out of their time. Free pre-registration is now open for trade professionals. Join us and capture the market share with the growing trading hub. Please visit the following website for registration: www. asiapacificfoodingredientexpo.com.

Business Travel Guides A complete guide to the world’s leading business travel destinations

B

B A L I

BALI

Home to some of the world’s most beautiful scenery, immersive culture and exotic wildlife, Bali has become a key pillar of the Indonesian economy Writer: Jonathan Dyble Project Manager: Joe Palliser

The island of the gods

U

S

I

N

E

S

RENOWNED AS ONE of the most picturesque islands of Indonesia, a country it has been part of since 1950, it’s not hard to see why Bali has one of the most illustrious tourism industries on the planet.

Situated in the Lesser Sunda Islands, Bali features towering mountains, volcanic hillsides and some of the world’s most luxurious sandy beaches across 5,780 square kilometres of land – a natural composition that has led to it being nicknamed ‘the island of the gods’.

Bali accommodates some of the most revered species throughout the animal kingdom, from the Bali and

S

T

R

A

V

E

L

Javan tigers and Komodo dragon on land, to manta rays and dolphins within its surrounding active marine life.

Despite being part of Indonesia, a country dominated by Muslim culture, with 87.18 percent having identified themselves as such during a 2014 census, Bali is largely and uniquely centred around Hindu culture.

Its people are known globally for their expertise in the arts. From crafts to music to dancing, Bali has it all.

With such an abundance of things to do, see and experience across the island, catering to all travellers’ desires, the hospitality industry has

ASIA FACTS & FIGURES Languages: English, Balinese, Indonesian Area: Indonesia Population (2014): 4.225 million Currency: Rupiah Time zone: GMT+8 Dialling code: +62 Internet TLD: .id Climate: Tropical Highest recorded temperature: 42.2°C

continued to grow exponentially, now offering some of the world’s leading leisure attractions and tourism-related businesses.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple

48

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

WWW.ASIAOUTLOOKMAG.COM

49

See page

20 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, Ryan Gray or Jordan Levey to find out more. joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 676

ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 672

jordan.levey@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 668