Asia Outlook - Issue 37

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ISSUE 37

Straits Construction Singapore is futureproofing itself and the industry by investing in innovation, an approach that’s delivering a stream of award-winning projects

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE

Myanmar: A land of tradition and transition

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PUN HLAING SILOAM HOSPITALS GROUP 88

Operating as a key exponent of Myanmar’s social development strategy

N.U.R POWER SDN BHD 104 Providing power for Malaysia’s Kulim Hi-Tech Industrial Park

GAS & OIL PAKISTAN LIMITED 112

Adding quality competition to the nation’s O&G industry

ALSO FEATURING: HONEYWELL AEROSPACE | ASEAN CENTRE FOR ENERGY | BESTINET SDN BHD

W E L C O M E 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 Callam Waller callam.waller@outlookpublishing.com Joe Palliser (Business Travel) joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com SALES MANAGERS Jordan Levey (Business Travel) jordan.levey@outlookpublishing.com Ryan Gray (Business Travel) ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com PROJECT MANAGERS Donovan Smith donovan.smith@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

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Future Proofers More and more buildings and parts of buildings are being built off site.

As construction companies look to boost productivity and gain greater margins, precast techniques are beginning to soar in popularity. By 2023, precast construction demand is set to reach $185.35bn, enjoying an annual growth rate of around 6.5 percent.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to be a major regional market over the next few years, largely thanks to rapidly growing populations in the region which has led to massive demand for affordable housing. Increasing disposable income in developing countries is also driving this trend.

Straits Construction Singapore is very much riding on this wave, and an interview with Managing Director and CEO Wong Chee Herng forms the basis of this edition’s cover story.

With an established precast hub already in operation, it is investing in the future, as Chee Herng comments in relation to another technology, building information modelling (BIM): “The push for higher quality and productivity using technologies in our industry has made BIM mainstream for our projects…

“Our journey with BIM has also taught us that to be successful here, we must also remain mindful of new trends, and be ready to adapt when necessary.”

Equally investing in the future is Honeywell Aerospace. We spoke to Satesh Ramiah, its Senior Director of Commercial Aviation across Asia Pacific, about the rise of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) business across the region and how its predictive maintenance solutions are helping airlines forecast faults before they occur.

We further explore technological innovation with Malaysian firm Bestinet, a specialist in migration management solutions, while three other features this issue concentrate on the region’s energy industry. First is an interview with the ASEAN Centre for Energy, followed by exclusive insights from Gas & Oil Pakistan and another Malaysian enterprise in the form of NUR Power, key supplier to the Kulim Hi-Tech Industrial Park.

Finally, a nod towards a busy business travel

Managing Director: Ben Weaver ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com

guide section this issue with no fewer than four

Outlook Publishing Ltd 69-75 Thorpe Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1UA, United Kingdom.

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destinations explored, starting in Myanmar and followed by looks at Phuket, India and Nepal. Four

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

very different parts of the Asian continent, but equally inspiring with what they have to offer, from stunning mountainous scenery to bustling melting Tom Wadlow Editorial Director, Outlook Publishing

pots of modern and traditional culture.

Enjoy the issue!

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In this issue...

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NEWS

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AEROSPACE Sky High Connectivity

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ENERGY & UTILITIES Setting the Energy Agenda

Around Asia in seven stories

EXPERT EYE

Why batteries are key to sustainable energy in Southeast Asia

Honeywell Aerospace on a new era of aircraft maintenance technology

Enabling excellence in ASEAN’s power outlook

TOPICAL FOCUS

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CONSTRUCTION MEGAPROJECTS Keeping APAC Moving

Plugging Asia Pacific’s transport infrastructure deficit

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE

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MYANMAR

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PHUKET

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NEPAL

A land of tradition and transition An island for all occasions

INDIA

From Commonwealth to culture shock Asia’s alpine playground

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E V E N T

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

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SOUTH ASIA LPG SUMMIT 2019

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OIL & GAS TECH ASIA 2019

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HVACR VIETNAM

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5th EDITION MINING INVESTMENT ASIA

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CIPPE 2019

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MINES AND MONEY ASIA

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ICC ANNUAL MEETING 2019

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3rd ANNUAL TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE VIETNAM

CONSTRUCTION

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F O C U S

Soaring to new LPG Heights

STRAITS CONSTRUCTION SINGAPORE PTE LTD Power Through Productivity

Futureproofing an industry by committing to innovation

E N E R G Y & U T I LT I E S

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N.U.R POWER SDN BHD Hi-Tech Energy for Hi-Tech Business Providing power for Malaysia’s Kulim Hi-Tech Industrial Park

O H E A L T H C A R E

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PUN HLAING SILOAM HOSPITALS GROUP Powering Progressive Healthcare

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GOODPACK Containerised Transport Transformed

Supplying sustainable transport solutions for industries worldwide

Providing a forum for HVACR businesses

GAS & OIL PAKISTAN LIMITED Pakistan’s Petroleum Partner

Adding quality competition to the nation’s O&G industry

Operating as a key exponent of Myanmar’s social development strategy

SHIPPING & LOGISTICS

Vietnam’s one-stop oil & gas event

The foremost Southeast Asian forum for the global mining community The worldwide annual petroleum and petrochemical event

T E C H N O L O G Y

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BESTINET SDN BHD The Migrant Management Marvel Technologically transforming holistic cross-border solutions

Asia’s largest mining investment forum

Discussing the future of trade finance

Propelling development and the national agenda

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Around Asia in seven stories…

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TECHNOLOGY

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Indonesia’s Medco to buy Ophir for $511 million

ZTE, China Unicom complete world’s first 5G call Technology equipment manufacturer ZTE and China Unicom, China’s state-owned telecommunications operator, have completed the world’s first 5G call using a prototype smartphone made by ZTE. The call was conducted in the Shenzen-based 5G City research and development complex, with the pair having carried out a host of services during the call, including

video streaming and an online group conversation hosted by Wechat.

It was completed using ZTE’s endto-end 5G solutions that are currently under development, with the call made in the NSA mode and in compliance with the 3GPP Rel-15 regulations.

Known as the Chinese ‘City of Innovation’, it is expected that Shenzen will become one of the country’s first cities to successfully implement and launch 5G.

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Central Group to invest $200 million in Grab’s Thai subsidiary Thailand-based Central Group, the country’s largest retail group, has revealed that it has agreed to invest $200 million in Asian ride-hailing giant Grab’s local subsidiary.

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Indonesia-based oil & gas company Medco is set to acquire London-listed Ophir Energy in a deal valued at $511 million.

The move will allow Medco to more readily gain access to international assets, particularly in Tanzania and Mexico, while it will also make it the seventh largest privately-owned upstream oil producer in Southeast Asia.

Further, the deal will see Medco paying 55 pence per Ophir share, up from the 48.5 pence per share or $437 million offer that was previously rejected by Ophir.

The acquisition, said to be a significant non-controlling stake, will bolster the existing partnership between the two companies, providing a platform for them to work together in a number of markets, from transport to food to grocery delivery.

Being the first time that Central Group has invested in the company, the expanded partnership is expected to enhance the retail company’s ecommerce and logistics presence.

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

ASIA R E A L

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SoftBank-backed OYO forecasts major revenue growth

Nintendo seeks to diversify revenue streams

Softbank-backed India-based hotel startup OYO has forecast substantial revenue growth for the next half decade, predicting that its revenue will treble every year for the next five years.

Having secured revenues of $58 million for the year ended March 2018, up from the $16.7 million recorded in the year previously, OYO is predicting much of this growth to come from its rapid expansion into

Japan’s Nintendo has announced that it will be developing a new smartphone game in cooperation with messaging app operator Line Corp.

The decision marks further attempts from the digital entertainment firm to try and diversify its revenue streams, with the mobile game named ‘Dr Mario World’ set to be released in early summer, the Kyoto-headquartered company revealed.

The announcement has seen Line’s shares climb as much as 12 percent, while Nintendo’s shares dropped nine percent, largely as the company also lowered sales forecasts for its Switch console, dropping its estimates from 20 million to 17 million.

Nintendo began life as a small playing cards company in Kyoto in 1889.

The Taj Hotel, Mumbai, India

new local and international markets.

The company currently operates more than 13,000 franchised or leased hotels across India, China, the UK, Dubai, Indonesia and Malaysia.

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Lego to open 80 new shops in China this year

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

CATL, Honda to cooperate on EV battery development Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd (CATL) and Honda Motor are set to collaborate on the development of lithium ion batteries to be used in electric vehicles, the two companies have announced.

Danish toymaker Lego is planning to rapidly expand into Asia this year, evident in the company’s plans to The agreement continues the trend open 80 new stores in China during of CATL, renowned as China’s largest 2019. battery maker, looking to strengthen The expansion will more than ties with Japanese automakers, with double the retailer’s presence in Asia’s the firm having pledged to provide economic powerhouse, raising its total Honda with around 56 gigawatt hours number of outlets to 140, that are set of storage capacity by 2027. to be located in 30 Chinese cities.

Further, it is expected that CATL will The move comes as demand for now set up a new office near Honda’s Lego’s products remains strong research unit in Tochigi Prefecture, just despite broad slowdowns in the outside of Tokyo. economy, with China having recorded Demand for EV batteries will reach its slowest economic growth since $84 billion by 2025 (Allied Market Research). 1990 last year.

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

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Outlook Creative Services Complementing the production of Africa Outlook, Asia Outlook and EME Outlook magazines, Outlook Publishing’s award-winning in-house team is now utilising these same specialist production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

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Why batteries are key to sustainable energy in Southeast Asia Demand for energy in Southeast Asia has driven the use of renewable energy sources, which require efficient storage and distribution in the form of batteries Written by: Anthony Tan, Vice President and Managing Director, UL ASEAN

ABOUT THE EXPERT Anthony Tan is the Vice President and Managing Director for UL ASEAN Region. UL ASEAN Region includes operations in seven economies covering more than 17 divisions.

UL is a global independent safety science company offering business services to clients across strategic industries including consumer products, industrial products, medical, construction, energy, retail, banking and food services.

UL’s services include product testing, inspection, certification, supply chain, environmental-related, transaction security, workplace safety and many others. The testing, inspection and certification sector represents a $30 billiondollar global market.

Tan joined UL in 2016 with 25 years of experience at 3M where he had held a wide spectrum of regional responsibilities including General Manager – Southeast Asia for Consumer & Office Business, Head of Asia Pacific for Construction & Home Improvement Business, Head of Asia Pacific for Traffic Safety & Public Security Business, and Head of Commercial Excellence for Asia.

He received his MBA in Strategic Marketing from the University of Hull and is a Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt.

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emand for energy in ASEAN has grown by as much as 7.5 percent per year over the past four decades.

Driven primarily by high economic growth and underpinned by increased urbanisation and industrialisation, this phenomenon has resulted in increased greenhouse gas emissions. A large proportion (approximately 60 percent)

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of these emissions have come from fossil fuel combustion, with ASEAN currently accounting for 3.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

This share is expected to increase substantially due to continued population growth and industrial development. To combat this trend and to keep Southeast Asia on the path to becoming a smart region,

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sustainable energy sources are increasingly being used to produce power for the electric grid. However, intermittent renewable sources – primarily solar and wind – require batteries to store and help distribute power to match supply with demand.

For solar energy systems, power storage in batteries supplements photovoltaic cells during peak demand periods and supplies electricity at night or at other times when sunlight is blocked. Similarly, for wind power, batteries capture and retain excess power when the wind is strong, but when demand is weak, they store the unutilised energy.

In Southeast Asia, microgrids that use batteries to store the energy generated by renewables, mainly solar and wind, and to distribute electricity during on/off-peak periods, are a viable and green alternative to the traditional centralised power grid.

Batteries also play a lifesaving role when disaster strikes and the electric supply is disrupted or cut entirely.

Hospitals have long backed up their facilities with adequate batteries to provide energy to life-sustaining medical equipment in case of power failure.

However, the need extends beyond hospitals. Natural disasters such

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as earthquakes in Indonesia, and tropical storms in the Philippines and Vietnam occur regularly in parts of Southeast Asia. When power and communications are shut off, the stored energy is vital, where at times, tapping car batteries for power might be the only option.

The first primitive batteries date back to early Egypt, but they remained a science curiosity until the laws of electricity were understood. Since then, the technology has advanced rapidly and is incorporated into the industrial products that we increasingly depend on for our everyday needs. For example, the lithium-ion batteries that power most of our electronic devices are safe and only fail on the order of one time in 10 million.

As well as improving lithium-ion technology, the energy industry is

‘Batteries can play a lifesaving role when disaster strikes and the electric supply is disrupted or cut entirely’ developing batteries with many different chemistry types, configurations, and adaptations. The capacity and efficiency of battery storage needs to continue to improve.

Businesses can speed up their product development process if national laboratories provide open-source data

on technology developments based on what the researchers have uncovered.

The development of any technology can lead to unintended consequences and new safety risks. These risks can be significant for batteries since their use is interwoven into our everyday lives. Third-party research and testing is a crucial way for manufacturers to develop and build batteries safely for use in emerging applications.

To address the risks involved in the commercialisation of batteries, we worked with a range of stakeholders to develop and release the Standard for Energy Storage Systems and Equipment (UL9540) for home energy storage systems.

Ensuring that batteries are safe and reliable to use must always be a central component of battery storage technology development.

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Sky High

CONNECTIVITY Honeywell Aerospace’s Sathesh Ramiah discusses a new era of connected aircraft, and how predictive maintenance is the new frontier of such technologies

passengers have been driving the adoption of new technology which has resulted in the widespread introduction of internet connectivity Writer: Tom Wadlow in the air. here are many predictions beyond the number of human beings However, the value of being bandied about regarding the on earth. connected is reaching far beyond the streaming of movies or accessing of growth of IoT connected From talking refrigerators and devices. driverless vehicles to wearable devices emails mid-flight.

It also helps airlines, aircraft Whether it’s the popular 50 billion by and industrial manufacturing robots, 2020 or IHS Markit’s 125 billion by 2030, the boundaries of connectivity are ever manufacturers and maintenance, what is for certain is that the amount being widened. repair and overhaul companies (MROs) remain competitive, stay ahead of the of connected and communicating This extends into the commercial machinery has already exploded well aviation industry, where for years technological curve, and solve some of

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the industry’s biggest problems.

This is according to a recent study

by Honeywell Aerospace (Honeywell Connected Aircraft Report), which presents three key findings.

First, connectivity is a must-have investment for commercial airlines, OEMs and maintainers; second, predictive maintenance is the next frontier of connected technologies; and third, connectivity investment per aircraft is expected to rise significantly in the next five years.

These points are backed up by research from ICF International, which highlights the huge market opportunity across Asia Pacific for MRO services.

The region is set to overtake North America as the world’s largest generator of aircraft maintenance spend over the next few years, with roughly 30 percent of global

LEADERSHIP FOCUS Sathesh Ramiah, Senior Director, Asia Pacific, Commercial Aviation, Honeywell Aerospace.

Sathesh Ramiah is the Senior Director, Asia Pacific for the Honeywell Aerospace Commercial Aviation aftermarket business, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.

Based in Singapore, Ramiah leads the Asia Pacific airlines business teams across all regions including China. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing sales and business strategies, as well as all aspects of execution for airline customers.

Ramiah has over 15 years of experience in the aviation industry and currently leads the commercial aviation aftermarket business initiatives in high growth regions in Asia Pacific and connected aircraft. He joined Honeywell in September 2004 and previously was the Director of Finance for one of the key airlines business units.

Ramiah holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from University of Singapore and a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Marketing from Murdoch University, Australia.

ASIA air transport MRO originating from Asia Pacific airlines. Further, the firm predicts that the total MRO spend within Asia Pacific will double to approximately $41 billion by 2036.

Taking off

Honeywell Aerospace is primed to take advantage of this shift in activity towards Asia.

The company, headquartered in Arizona, USA, has a strong presence in the region, and Satesh Ramiah is its Senior Director of Commercial Aviation across Asia Pacific.

“I have been with Honeywell for 14 years now, and for me aerospace has always been an exciting sector to work in,” he reveals. “What we are seeing is a particularly strong opportunity for growth in the aftersales and MRO market in Asia, which is growing at 4.5 percent annually, much higher than the global average of 3.7 percent.

“This is driven by a lot of technology adoption and connected maintenance solutions. Clients are looking for predictive maintenance as a means to help minimise flight delays and reduce costs associated with unscheduled downtime, so it is an exciting time for me to help them achieve these objectives.”

Ramiah also cites International Air Transport Association figures which forecast the APAC region to be the largest driver of growth in commercial air travel in the coming years. Extending MRO operations in the region therefore makes economic and practical sense for airlines and manufacturers.

“It is our job to ensure that aircrafts fly with maximum efficiency, and we will be doing that more and more as the Asian MRO market grows,” Ramiah adds. “Our aim is for Honeywell to support the overall growth of the air industry here.”

An important regional hub for both the company and aftersales market more widely is Singapore.

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The city state is recognised as a centre of excellence, investing in stateof-the-art capabilities and maintaining an efficient workforce in order to stay ahead of countries which have lower labour costs.

“While Singapore is a good example, it is not just about one country, rather a network across the whole region,” says Ramiah. “Airlines continue to look at how best they can reduce downtime costs, and that involves MRO operations in multiple countries.

“In 2017, for instance, we opened our new aftermarket HQ and regional distribution centre in Kuala Lumpur to strengthen our regional ownership and the support we can offer clients.

We still have other facilities across Malaysia, China, the Philippines and Singapore, which cater to various elements of MRO operations.”

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“Predictive maintenance has been highlighted as the number one area to invest in when it comes to airlines wanting to become more efficient”

Connected Maintenance

Part of Honeywell’s GoDirect analytics platform, Connected Maintenance is a nose-to-tail solution that analyses aircraft data and delivers diagnostic information alongside predictive alerts.

Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines Group and Hainan Airlines are among the Asia Pacific airlines that have adopted the system to improve the reliability and efficiency of their flight operations.

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By leveraging connectivity and big data, operators and maintenance crews are able to gather real-time data wirelessly from APUs and other components seamlessly and report any potential component failure before it happens.

“This is all about predictive maintenance,” says Ramiah. “Airlines want to minimise disruption and forecasting component failure is an important part of doing this.

“GoDirect, thanks to its algorithms and ability to pick out the right data, will allow you to see which parts are going to need replacing, so you can schedule repairs and replacements around this. We have already had notable success stories with clients here in Asia Pacific and have so far achieved an accuracy rating of 99 percent.”

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Among the other Connected Maintenance benefits recorded by Honeywell so far include a 35 percent reduction in operational disruptions and 10-15 percent drop in premature removals of parts.

Commenting on the future role that predictive maintenance solutions such as this will play in the aviation industry, Ramiah circles back to Honeywell’s

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Connected Aircraft Report.

He concludes: “Predictive maintenance has been highlighted as the number one area to invest in when it comes to airlines wanting to become more efficient.

“Looking at connectivity more widely, almost 85 percent of respondents said that they were either likely, very likely or extremely likely to purchase new connectivityrelated technologies over the next year, with 58 percent further saying that predictive maintenance is a likely investment.

“We are gaining momentum with our current successes across Asia, and our objective is to enjoy continued success with Asian airlines. We will work with them to maximise their efficiency and minimise delays for their customers.”

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outheast Asia is quickly becoming one of the most enterprising parts of the global energy system.

According to the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), the energy demand of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s 10 member countries has grown more than 60 percent in the past 15 years, while forecasts show that this is expected to increase by a factor of 2.3 between

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now and 2040 under Business as Usual (BAU) Scenario of the 5th ASEAN Energy Outlook by ACE, which was endorsed by the 35th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting in Manila, 2017.

Combined with an expectation that the region’s economy will triple in size and its total population will expand by approximately one fifth, rapid growth is dictating that the provision of reliable, affordable and sustainable energy is becoming more pressing than ever.

With this in mind, maintaining strategic oversight will be crucial in the decades ahead – oversight that the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) is helping to provide.

An organisation that’s history dates back to 1976, established in the face of a greater need for political and economic collaboration, ACE has become a figurehead of progression for the continent’s energy industry.

Setting the Energy

Agenda ASEAN Centre for Energy is helping one of the world’s fastest growing regions to prepare for an impending economic boom and its subsequent power transformation Writer: Jonathan Dyble

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“Simply put, ACE’s vision is to accelerate the integration of energy strategies within ASEAN by providing relevant information and expertise, ensuring that energy policies and programmes are built in harmony with the region’s

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economic growth and sustainability goals,” states Christopher Zamora, the organisation’s acting Executive Director.

Having worked in the energy sector for 34 years, Zamora brings notable experience to the role and to ACE. “Myself? I spent 12 years with the Philippine Department of Energy who then seconded me to the ASEAN European Community Energy Management Training and Research Centre (AEEMTRC) where I worked from 1996 to 1998,” he reveals. “Thereafter AEEMTRC was transformed by the ASEAN member states into ACE – an organisation that I have been working under for the past 23 years.”

ACE’S KEY GOALS • To be a regional centre of excellence.

• To strengthen the region’s capabilities in aggressing energy issues and challenges.

• To promote cooperation and integration in energy security, availability and affordability towards sustainable energy development.

• To develop an institutional memory and energy hub for ASEAN. • To enhance the development of ASEAN energy expertise.

ASIA The energy thinktank

Recently headed by Zamora, the centre has been effectively identifying and surfacing innovative solutions that have been crucial in helping to tackle the energy challenges facing Southeast Asia for years.

Research forms a core part of its operations and, to this end, ACE regularly produces the ASEAN Energy Outlook that provides projections and analysis of the ASEAN energy market.

ACE also launched during the 36th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting last October in Singapore a knowledge depository for ASEAN states in the form of the ASEAN Energy Database System.

“This system helps to strengthen collaboration by coordinating, facilitating, integrating and implementing deliverables on the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC), an initiative running between 2016 and 2025 that aims to provide the platform for collective progression,” explains Zamora.

Currently in the latter stages of its first phase, ACE is able to cover a broad range of industry segments through APAEC due to its seven diverse programmes, namely ASEAN Power Grid, TransASEAN Gas Pipeline, Coal and Clean Coal Technology, Energy Efficiency & Conservation, Renewable Energy, Regional Energy Planning & Policy and lastly, Civilian Nuclear Energy.

“We act as a thinktank, a knowledge hub and a catalyst which help sub-sector networks and specialised energy bodies to implement the APAEC,” Zamora continues.

• To promote private sector investment and participation in the region’s energy activities.

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nder the APAEC there is institutional arrangement which helps ACE to establish the working mechanism with the 10 member states – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

This arrangement is as follows: The ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting provides overall guidance and advice on the implementation of the APAEC, as well as guidance to address key issues, challenges and concerns of common interest and to set policy directions.

The Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) collectively determines key priorities and provides directions and advice on the APAEC to ensure coordination, and integration of strategies and actions.

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The relevant sub-sector networks and specialised energy bodies, namely; Heads of ASEAN Power Utilities/Authorities (HAPUA), ASEAN Council on Petroleum (ASCOPE), ASEAN Forum on Coal (AFOC), Energy Efficiency and Conservation sub-sector Network (EE&C-SSN), Renewable energy sub-sector Network (Re-SSN), Regional energy Policy and Planning subsector Network (REPP-SSN) and Nuclear energy Cooperation sub-sector Network (NEC-SSN) shall serve as the SOME implementing arms in their respective programme areas.

ACE, with support of ASEAN Secretariat, shall assist SOME, sub-sector networks and specialised energy bodies in carrying out the above responsibilities, including technical support and assistance in the supervision, coordination and review of the cooperation programmes and activities of APAEC.

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A sustainable standpoint

‘Enhancing Energy Connectivity and Market Integration in ASEAN to Achieve Energy Security, Accessibility, Affordability and Sustainability for All’ is the theme of the 2016-2025 APAEC, directing much of ACE’s recent attentions towards the renewable and sustainability segment.

“The seven plans that we have ongoing are very much geared towards this,” explains Zamora. “For example, we have an aspirational target that 23 percent of ASEAN’s energy will be of renewable origin by 2020, and that there will equally be a 20 percent reduction in energy intensity.

“We ecourage all stakeholders to adopt cleaner coal technologies, since ASEAN still has abundant sources of coal while electrification rates are still very low in some areas.

“Further, ACE also continues to assist member states in their adoption of best practices in other ways such as the ASEAN Energy Awards, a ceremony for institutions and organisations alike which have already implemented the best practices in the energy sector.”

Working tirelessly towards achieving the targets laid out in the APAEC blueprint, ACE works extensively with each of the 10 member states, regardless of any differentiation in their economic development, GDP per capita, energy resources, energy production and energy consumption levels.

“We emphasise the importance of regionality in order to achieve energy security, accessibility, affordability and sustainability,” Zamora adds, “and in regard to regionality, ACE ensures that energy activities will provide benefits and opportunities to all ASEAN members.”

“The full potential of ASEAN’s renewable energy is still untapped, so there are a lot of opportunities to accelerate the implementation of such solutions”

Exploiting the opportunities

Looking to the future, ACE will continue to help deploy and integrate successful strategies and solutions across the region, driven by an increasing need for Southeast Asia to adapt and prepare for the impending acceleration of the fourth industrial revolution.

“At the 30th ASEAN Summit on April 29, 2017 in Manila, regional leaders recognised the need for ASEAN to maximise new opportunities in technology and innovation, human capital, regulatory frameworks, infrastructure and connectivity, as well as inclusive and sustainable growth,” Zamora reveals.

“Thus, besides our alignment with

the APAEC blueprint, digitalisation will undoubtedly become a major factor in our future predictions and forecast of ASEAN’s energy sector.”

Combined with influx of differentiated and effective industry technologies, the centre has also identified that the renewable energy segment is beginning to strive in the region. The likes of Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, for example, are increasingly leveraging the power of solar photovoltaic energy, while Indonesia is expected to develop more wind turbines in the coming years.

These things in mind, it seems renewable energy, alongside technology, may be crucial in allowing ACE to achieve its expansive APAEC goals in the next six years.

Zamora concludes: “The full potential of ASEAN’s renewable energy is still untapped, so there are a lot of opportunities to accelerate the implementation of such solutions, making the renewable energy industries key to ASEAN energy sector’s development.

“In my eyes, this will be the rising star of the future.”

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T O P I C A L

F O C U S

KEEPING APAC Moving With the region requiring billions of dollars of further investment to plug its transport infrastructure needs, we look at two megaprojects that will boost connectivity in Indonesia and China Writer: Tom Wadlow

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t is no secret that Asia is facing a huge deficit in transport infrastructure.

With populations growing apace and rapid economic development facilitating a surge in consumers with disposable income, demand for all modes of travel is soaring.

According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asia Pacific as a region requires some $8.4 trillion in financing if its transport needs are to be satisfied.

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ADB’s President Takehiko Nakao said in September that current investment levels are roughly half of what is needed, but that this gap presents huge opportunities for public and private enterprises alike.

The bank itself is playing a lead role in providing financial impetus for projects across APAC, including a $335 million loan to Pakistan to develop a bus rapid transit system in Peshawar and $400 million to boost Azerbaijan’s rail network.

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The region is awash with largescale transport infrastructure developments, work which will help address its chronic need for boosted capacity. Here, we look at two ongoing megaprojects – Beijing Daxing International Airport and the Jakarta to Bandung high-speed rail line.

Beijing Daxing – the world’s largest airport to be

Currently under construction and lying 46 kilometres south of Tiananmen Square is a monster of an airport terminal.

Slated for opening later in 2019, Beijing Daxing International Airport will become the world’s biggest single-terminal airport, a $14 billion investment made up of 220,000 tonnes of steel and eight runways.

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It is reported that 40,000 workers are currently on-site at Daxing, finishing off a terminal equivalent to the size of around 100 football pitches.

The airport’s futurist design is the work of the late architect Zaha Hadid and has been nicknamed ‘starfish’ by much of the Chinese media because of its five concourses connected to a main hall. It will also boast convenience, the furthest gates being no more than 600 metres away from security.

In January, the airport welcomed its first test plane, a 42-minute flight from Beijing Capital Airport that marked the beginning of a two-month assessment period to examine the quality of Daxing’s runway and air traffic control facilities.

Once fully operational it should be able to serve more than 100 million passengers a year (although official targets state a modest 72 million), relieving some of the enormous pressure currently on Beijing Capital International Airport which is running at full capacity.

It is thought that China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines will relocate to Daxing on its completion, accounting for a large share of the new airport’s traffic.

It is not inconceivable that Beijing could be home to the two busiest airports in the world, its current transit hub second only to America’s Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta.

Indeed, China is set to replace the USA as the world’s largest aviation market by 2024, a key driver behind APAC’s overall projected increase in passengers. The International Air Transport Association forecasts an additional 1.8 billion annual passengers will be transported to, from and within Asia Pacific for an overall market size of 3.1 billion by 2035.

Away from China, India will displace the UK for third place in 2025, while Indonesia and Japan will be ranked fifth and seventh respectively.

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IMAGE: BY GUNAWAN KARTAPRANATA - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 4.0

Jakarta to Bandung – Indonesia’s first high-speed rail route

In Indonesia, a 150-kilometre highspeed rail line is being built between capital city Jakarta and textile manufacturing hub Bandung.

The project is a joint venture between a consortium of Indonesian state-owned companies and China Railway International, which fended off competition from Japan to secure a 40 percent share in the development.

Indonesian authorities had previously favoured a mediumspeed rail link that would have cost 40 percent less, however, they reverted to the original proposal.

Construction on the project began in 2016 and is expected to be completed in 2021, costing around $5.9 billion and providing employment for approximately 40,000 people.

Along the route will be four stations, the most significant being in Gambir, an economic centre close to Monas that is predicted to

handle huge passenger numbers.

Another station will be based at West Bandung, close to a newly established tourism hub in West Java.

Once finished, trains are expected to reach speeds of up to 250 kilometres per hour, carrying around 44,000 passengers a day on average during the project’s early operational years.

The major benefit will be drastically reduced journey times, the current three- to five-hour haul forecast to be cut down to just 36 minutes.

The development runs alongside recently-announced intentions from the Indonesian government to make rail travel more affordable and reduce congestion on the country’s strained road network.

As well as freezing fares, authorities and state railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia are implementing an infrastructure, maintenance and operation agreement designed to revive old rail routes throughout 2019.

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M Y A N M A R

MYANM M

yanmar entered a new era in 2015, voting in the country’s first democratic administration for more than 50 years.

A momentous political and social event, it also heralded new financial developments as foreign investors started to see opportunity in the nation’s economic scene, prompting expansion of vital connectivity services like mobile and internet networks.

However, Myanmar is still steeped

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Myanmar is a country in transition following the recent installation of a democratic government, adding to the fascinating mix of sacred sites and stunning scenery Writer: Tom Wadlow Project Manager: Joe Palliser

in the traditional customs and ways of life that has forever intrigued visiting tourists.

Much of the country’s recent modernisation has been confined to the larger urban areas, leaving vast expanses either relatively untouched by this development or off limits due to ongoing ethnic conflict.

Among the undoubted highlights Myanmar’s safe havens have to offer are its mix of sacred landmarks and awe-inspiring physical terrain, some of

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NMAR the most breath-taking to be found on the entire Asian continent.

Whether it’s a stride up Mandalay Hill, a stroll around the mighty Inle Lake or a look at Buddhist site Shwedagon Pagoda, there is plenty for curious and adventurous visitors to embrace here.

Add in a mix of traditions and customs from multiple ethnic groups and it is little wonder why the likes of Rudyard Kipling described Burma (as it was known until 1989) as unlike any land you know about.

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M Y A N M A R

The Business End

MYANMAR’S ECONOMIC PICTURE, despite recent liberalisation, is still one of the least developed in the entire region.

Much of the population is engaged directly in agricultural activities, with many of the county’s other economic ventures like transport, processing, exporting and marketing indirectly linked to such rural enterprises.

Indeed, agriculture, forestry and fishing together account for the largest proportion of Myanmar’s GDP, which stands at around the $62 billion mark. Within this setup, rice alone accounts for around half of all agricultural land, the country’s spectacular mountainside rice paddies being a particular geographical hallmark.

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FACTS & FIGURES

Yangon, Myanmar downtown skyline at dusk

Capital: Nay Pyi Taw Languages: Burmese Area: 676,577 km2 Population (2017): 53,570,000 GDP (2016): $62.48 billion Currency: kyat Time zone: GMT +6.30 Dialling code: +95 Internet TLD: .mm Climate: Monsoon

The tourism industry is one that appears to offer promise. In 2017, 3.44 million visitors either touched down at airports or crossed the border into Myanmar, a marked increase of 18 percent on the 2.9 million seen in the previous year. However, this is still some way off the record 4.68 million tourists that flocked to the country in 2015, the year of its democratisation.

The opening of a stream of luxury hotels and resorts has helped numbers to recover, which when viewed over a period of more than 20 years show a remarkable rise, evidenced by the fact that 1995 saw just 20,000 visitors arrive.

M Y A N M A R

Out & About A TRIP TO Myanmar would not be complete without a visit to some of its numerous Buddhist sacred sites, the most significant and important being the Shwedagon Pagoda which is located in Yangon. It dominates the skyline on the 100-metre tall Singuttura Hill and is believed to contain relics of the four previous Buddhas, making it a must-see for those interested in local religious culture.

Myanmar’s natural wonders are also a major draw, the huge Inle Lake being a particular highlight along with Mount Popa, Maymyo Botanical Gardens and a series of wonderous cave sites. The Ayeyarwaddy River in Mingun is a highly recommended

visit, this vital artery of the country providing transport for both goods and people looking to take in the surrounding sights.

In terms of food and drink, teahouses represent an important part of local life, not only a place for eating and drinking but for social gatherings and chinwags.

The country’s food scene is made up of a wide and eclectic range of dishes that reflect its multicultural makeup, with rice, vegetables and tropical fruit key staples found in many recipes. Given Myanmar’s extensive river network and array of port cities, seafood and fish are also extremely popular.

Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar

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Mount Popa is a volcano 1,518 metres (4,981 feet) above sea level, located in central Myanmar in the region of Mandalay approx. 50 kilometres (31 miles) southeast of Bagan (Pagan) in the Pegu Range. It can be seen from the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River on a clear day. Mount Popa is best known as a pilgrimage site, with numerous Nat temples and relic sites at the summit

M Y A N M A R

Outlook Recommends “It’s a new era for this extraordinary and complex land, where the landscape is scattered with gilded pagodas and the traditional ways of Asia endure” – Lonely Planet

TRAVEL OPERATORS

HOTELS

SACRED SITES

Accor Hotels

Sulamani Guphaya Temple

Bangkok Airways Bangkok Airways is a regional airline based in Thailand, with services covering Myanmar. These include flights in and out of Yangon from Bangkok and Chang Mai, and also flights in and out of Nau Pyi Taw from Chang Mai.

Summit Parkview Yangon Hotel Villa Inle Boutique Resort Silk Road To Asia

NATURE

An exclusive inbound tour operator, Silk Road To Asia caters to all types of travel and touring requirements.

The company operates a network of multilingual tour guides with branches and transportation based in Myanmar’s major cities.

Ananda Temple Lampi Marine National Park Mount Victoria National Park

Exotic Myanmar Travel 28

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Maymyo Botanical Garden

Shwenandaw Monastery

Silk Road to Asia Travels & Tours Co., Ltd. is an inbound tour operator in Myanmar offering a number of tailor-made tour packages since 1992.

We want to share great experiences of travelling in Myanmar, nourishing your senses with her sights and sounds. We can assure you that, with each visit, there will always be something new for everyone and something left to explore and experience. This will not just be an experience but a memory, which will last for a lifetime.

Your visit with us is also a great CONTRIBUTION to the local communities as part of our sustainable development project.

Make your dream trip happen with Silk Road to Asia.

+95 1 656963, 656964, 656942 sales@silkroadtoasia.com tour2myanmar@silkroadtoasia.com www.silkroadtoasia.com

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M Y A N M A R

Myanmar Tourism Marketing OPERATING AS THE marketing arm of the Myanmar Tourism Federation, Myanmar Tourism Marketing (MTM) is one organisation that has been playing a key role in facilitating this rise.

Formed in 2000 under the guidance of Myanmar’s Ministry of Hotels & Tourism, the non-government and nonprofit body has been bringing together Myanmar-based tourism specialists over the past two decades, promoting the country as a destination offering rich experiences to its visitors.

Speaking to May Myat Mon Win, the Chairperson of MTM, we discover how the organisation is looking to propel this message during the coming years.

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

May Myat Mon Win (MMMW): One of our key objectives is to promote Myanmar as a preferred destination for tourists. MTM has organised travel trade shows and road shows overseas and every year we try to enter new markets and new countries to promote Myanmar in this way. MTM has been inviting travel writers, travel journalists and bloggers on media trips so they can better understand what Myanmar has to offer when they share their experiences in publications, in blogs and on social media channels. This can lead to greater credibility, better show that Myanmar is a safe destination to travel, and generally create a better image.

and rich natural resources. As such, with over 50 million people, Myanmar has the potential to play a pivotal role in many different business sectors across the country. The government has initiated a wide range of reforms to open its economy further to trade and investment, key factors behind its growing appeal.

AsO: Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Myanmar?

MMMW: This enchanting country has so much to offer and there are many reasons why someone should visit Myanmar. A land of golden pagodas, ancient capitals, traditional arts and crafts, diversity and warm and friendly people, Myanmar offers a richly rewarding travel experience.

AsO: Are there any specific attractions, landmarks or places to eat and drink that you would recommend?

MMMW: Myanmar has many wonderous sights, from thousands of temples scattered across the countryside in Bagan to the leg-rowers and floating gardens of Inle Lake, and the world-famous Ayeyarwady.

However, what makes a country is not merely its landmarks, but more its citizens. While it is true that Myanmar has breathtaking historical sites that you won’t want to miss, its real charm resides in its people.

AsO: What trends are transforming the tourism industry in Myanmar at present? How are you responding to these trends?

MMMW: In the past few months, we’ve been looking at digital transformation as a trend and are now focusing heavily on digital marketing as a way to promote the country both locally and internationally. With rising mobile integration, travellers can now do almost everything via their phone, from booking hotels and flights to choosing their destination. To deliver on these expectations, technology is a must.

AsO: How do you see Myanmar developing as a business travel hub over the next year to two years?

MMMW: We’re planning to Waive visas for some Asian countries, providing e-visas or visas upon arrival to facilitate the fast processing of documents for foreign participants coming to the country. Equally, we’re planning to introduce more hotels and international flights arriving to Myanmar. All of these things will help to make Myanmar a leading MICE destination in the near future.

AsO: Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in Myanmar?

MMMW: Although 2018 has been a challenging year for tourism in Myanmar, high hopes and strong belief remain across the country that tourism will bring positive change to this culturally diverse nation. In answer to your question, I am very optimistic about the future, yes.

AsO: What are the best ways of getting around the country?

MMMW: For most, the main ways AsO: How would you say Myanmar of getting around Myanmar are by has developed in recent years as a air and bus. You can of course mix business travel hub and what are the different modes of transport during key reasons behind its growing appeal? your travels depending on your MMMW: Myanmar is one of the budget and itinerary, but buses are the fastest growing economies in Asia cheapest form of transport and some with a sizeable yet young population destinations can only be reached by air. www.tourismmyanmar.org

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A Perfect Place to Relax & Rejuvenate This eco-friendly resort is situated near the village of Maing Thauk in Nyaung Shwe Township and on the spread over more than 20 acres on the eastern fringe of Inle lake where overlooking the Mystical Inle Lake in front and Shan Mountain Range at the background.

All Villas at Villa Inle Boutique Resort are designed to harmoniously blend in with the natural environment of the lake. Featuring hand-selected local paintings and antiques, high wooden ceilings, and spacious living areas and bathrooms, they radiate a sensation of luxury and comfort.

You will be amazed the spectacular view with the peaceful and unique atmosphere.

Phone : +959 2562 08093, 4283 54320 Email : sales.mgr@villainle.com fo@villainle.com Location : Eastern Shore of Inle Lake, Near Maing Thauk Village, Nyaung Shwe Township, Southern Shan State, Myanmar

www.villainle.com

Summit Parkview, the ďŹ rst international hotel in Yangon, is located in the up market vicinity of Embassies, Shopping Centers, Food Outlets, National Museum and facing the lush, green People’s Park.

It is near the Tatmadaw Exhibition Hall and the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda. It is a 10 minutes drive to downtown and 30 minutes to and from Yangon International Airport.

Summit Parkview Hotel occupies an accessible location that offers great convenience to guests and welcomes you with its quaint Myanmar architecture frontage, sets within a manicured garden.

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Restaurant & Bar Business Center Gymnasium Ballroom & meeting rooms

350 Ahlone Road, Dagon Township, Yangon, Myanmar.

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Shops & Clinic In-room safe box Concierge & Transportation Services ATM & Foreign Currencies Exchange Service Telephone : (95-1) 211 888, 211 966 Email : summitparkview@summityangon.com

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Complimentary Wi-Fi Access Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services 24 hours in-room dining 24 hours Security & CCTV surveillance : www.summityangon.com Website Follow us on :

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M Y A N M A R

Transport Links

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authorities. However, while Myanmar’s road network is often easier to negotiate than the likes of Vietnam and Thailand, only half of the 15,000 miles of road are paved.

Within cities and surrounding areas, bicycles are a very popular way of getting around, especially for tourists visiting Mandalay, Inle Lake and Bagan.

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PHOTO: PASCAL KOBEH

MYANMAR’S D OMESTIC AIR travel network has improved in recent years thanks to regional airlines’ investment in new routes and aircraft.

Major cities offer at least daily flights between each other, with more remote areas more likely to offer services once or twice a week.

Train travel is cheap but requires patience, with routes often taking longer than bus equivalents and sleep hard to get on overnight trains that rock back and forth. The British first introduced rail to the country in 1877, with the network today comprising more than 3,000 miles of track and 850 stations.

A more reliable (and more expensive) option is to hire a car with a driver, as driving a car yourself requires permission from government

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Landmark Attractions

Shwedagon Pagoda

“No visit to the Union of Myanmar is complete without a visit to the 2,500 years old Shwedagon Pagoda, which enshrines strands of Buddha’s hair and other holy relics.

Located west of the Royal Lake on 114-acre Singuttara Hill in Yangon, Shwedagon Pagoda is the most sacred and impressive Buddhist site for the people of the Union of Myanmar” – shwedagonpagoda.com

Sadan Cave

“22 kilometres southeast of Hpa An you can find the stunning Sadan Cave, which opens into a gigantic cavern filled with Buddhas and pagodas and can be walked all the way through to the other side, under the mountain” – go-myanmar.com

Mandalay Hill

“To get a sense of Mandalay’s pancake-flat sprawl, climb the 760-foot hill that breaks it. The walk up covered stairways on the hill’s southern slope is a major part of the experience; note that you’ll need to go barefoot in places, as you pass through numerous temples and pagodas” – Lonely Planet

Inle Lake

“…all the hype is justified. Picture a vast, serene lake – 13.5 miles long and seven miles wide – fringed by marshes and floating gardens, where stilt-house villages and Buddhist temples rise above the water, and Intha fisher folk propel their boats along via their unique technique of leg-rowing” – Lonely Planet

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P H U K E T

P

huket, or hill in Malay, emerges out of the Andaman Sea just off the southwestern coast of Thailand and is something of a paradise in itself.

Joined to the mainland by two bridges, the island is defined by its mix of shimmering white beaches and underwater wonders, cultural heritage and unique style of cuisine. Thailand’s largest island, Phuket is also one of the country’s most visited regions, served by its own international airport and home to some amazing natural wonders.

Its landscape is dominated, as the name suggests, by mountains that stretch north to south down the west side of the island, reaching heights of around 520 metres. While rubber and

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palm oil plantations also cover a large part of the landmass, a significant area of rainforest and coastline is protected by law to enable native flora and fauna to thrive and be explored by visitors.

There is truly something for everyone here regardless of budget or purpose for travel. While Patong is renowned as a go-to destination for

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nightlife and entertainment, Phuket City offers a cultural break from the beach life with its distinctive Sino-Portuguese architecture and artisanal food and drink scene.

Given its diverse offering, it is little wonder that tourism is a major economic contributor to Phuket’s economy.

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PHUKET Whether seeking out luxury, adventure, culture or budget backpacking opportunities, Thailand’s largest island caters to all travelling needs Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Jordan Levey

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THANYAPURA HEALTH & SPORTS RESORT

120, 120/1 Moo 7, Thepkasattri Road, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand Contact Us: info@thanyapura.com, +66 7633 6000 thanyapura thanyapuraphuket www.thanyapura.com

MAKE THE TIME

INVEST Today’s business executive lives a fast-paced, always-on world shaped by deadlines, client demands and digital distractions. In this world, weeks fly by, weekends are too short, healthy habits start to erode, sleep becomes more elusive and overconsumption of food and alcohol becomes the norm. Over time, these stressors build up and put your health and everything you value — career, family and finances — at risk.

IS A BETTER WAY, BUT ONLY IF YOU “ THERE MAKE THE TIME TO INVEST IN YOURSELF.

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Thanyapura Health & Sports Resorts is an oasis for busy executives to rest, recharge and rebalance their lives and lifestyles. We are a destination for personal improvement and help people of all ages and backgrounds regain their fitness, focus and energy levels. Our lifestyle and executive health programs are built around the foundations of good health — exercise, nutrition, detoxification, and bio-chemi-

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cal balance. In a word, we OPTIMIZE your life so your feel, look and perform better…naturally.

Thanyapura is both unique and different because we have everything you need in one place — comfortable rooms, complete sports facilities, group classes, a licensed on-site clinic, spas services and restaurants serving delicious and nutritious food. Our lifestyle and executive health programs are developed and supervised by doctors, nutritionists and support staff to ensure your plan fits your needs. We want you to leave feeling refreshed, revitalized and re-engaged.

Our philosophy is there is no better investment you can make than investing in your health. The steps you take today will pay dividends for the rest of your life. Make the time to make the change.

To learn more about Thanyapura Health and Sports Resort and our lifestyle and executive health programs, visit our website or speak directly to one of our consultants.

#WEOPTIMISEYOURLIFE

P H U K E T

The Business End

FACTS & FIGURES

PHUKET’S WEALTH IS historically based on tin and rubber, the island once serving as a major trade route between India and China for Arabian, French, Portuguese, Dutch and British merchants.

While much of the region’s tin mining has closed down, rubber still forms an important part of its economic picture (Thailand is the world’s largest producer of the material), with tourism very much the second major driver of revenue here.

The island has recovered from the enormous damage caused by the tsunami that struck in 2004, a natural disaster which killed thousands and left scars on the landscape.

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Tourists continue to arrive in greater numbers – in the first four months of 2018, some 3.5 million passengers landed at Phuket International Airport, an increase of 19 percent on the same period in the previous year. Almost 60 percent of this traffic was international arrivals, which jumped by 28 percent.

Phuket’s reach is also growing, with 10 new routes to Chinese cities being opened up in Q1 2018, bringing the total number of routes to and from the country to 33.

This bustling tourism scene has enabled the region to become one of the wealthiest in Thailand. Outside of Bangkok, it has the second highest GDP per capita of any province.

Ko Ta Pu islet was made famous by James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun

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Capital: Phuket City Languages: Thai Area: 579 km² Population (2015): 386,605 Currency: Thai baht Time zone: Indochina Time (GMT+7) Dialling code: +66 Internet TLD: .th Climate: Tropical

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Out & About PHUKET’S BEACHES, UNDERSTANDABLY, are its most renowned feature and a massive draw for tourists.

Arguably the most famous is the wide, sandy strip at Patong, with other, more laidback beaches to be found in the north at Hat Nai Thon to Hat Kamala, or Karon, Kata, Nai Han, and Rawai in the south.

Phuket City is the major administrative centre and home to distinctive architecture, galleries, boutique hotels and Chinese Taoist shrines, supplemented by a authentic Phuketian cuisine and lively local bar scene. The town represents the cultural crossroads it served as during the times of cash-hungry merchants, with clear influences from Arabia, China, India and Portugal visible today.

In terms of activities, the island is awash with choice, from exploring temples (Big Buddha is a must-see example) and snorkelling to sea kayaking and cycling.

It is perhaps under the sea, however, where Phuket’s real gems lie. Some of Thailand’s most breathtaking sites can be found under the surface of the Andaman Sea, and a range of operators offer diving tuition and experiences for all levels of ability.

A day trip to Ko Phi-Phi is well worth adding to your itinerary, as is a visit to the Similan Islands, home to national park-protected sites.

Some of Thailand’s most breath-taking sites can be found under the surface of the Andaman Sea, and a range of operators offer diving tuition and experiences for all levels of ability

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P H U K E T

Outlook Recommends “Jade-hued waves concealing rainbows of fish wash white-gold beaches wrapped in Phuketian heritage: Phuket (ภูเก็ต), Thailand’s dazzling largest island, is so diverse you may forget to leave” – Lonely Planet

HOSPITALITY

NATURE

Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort A health and wellness haven of Phuket, Thanyapura is home to some of the finest sports facilities in the region, boasting triathlon training, aquatics training, tennis training, gym facilities, fitness classes, sports science support and much more.

In terms of accommodation, the resort is split into two wings – the 77room Pool Wing and 37-room Garden Wing – while the site also comprises a medical centre, which provides detox and weight loss, regenerative and anti-ageing, beauty, chiropractic and physiotherapy services.

Its food offering is, unsurprisingly, focussed on health and nutrition, with Thai, Asian and Western all prepared daily using fresh, organic ingredients.

Cape Sienna Hotel & Villas A chic five-star resort on Kamala beach, Cape Sienna offers luxury rooms and villas along with a range of restaurants, bars and other amenities. A major draw of Cape Sienna is its exclusive beachside location, presenting guests with unrivalled views of the sea.

Nai Harn Beach

SALA Phuket Resort and Spa Splash Beach Resort Serenity Resort and Residences

Green Elephant Sanctuary Park

FOOD & DRINK Dee Plee Vista Rock Salt

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Soi Dog Foundation

Freedom beach

P H U K E T

Phuket Hotels Association HELPING TO CHAMPION the tourism offering of the region is the Phuket Hotels Association. Trisara Hotel Managing Director and General Manager Anthony Lark took on the role of founding President, building the membership of the island’s leading hotels, which now totals 65 properties.

We asked Lark for some more insight on both the work of the organisation and the growing appeal of Phuket as a destination.

Asia Outlook (AsO): Can you firstly talk me through the origins of the Phuket Hotels Association, how it came about, and its initial vision?

Anthony Lark (AL): Phuket Hotels Association was formed in January 2016. The Association was founded by Bill Barnett of Phuket-based hospitality consulting firm C9 Hotelworks.

The original vision was to provide a forum for the hotel owners and management to discuss issues that were of common interest and to

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develop a healthy dialogue between hotels. The main goals were to raise awareness of environmental issues affecting the island, to support education of Phuket’s future local hoteliers, and to promote the good news stories about the destination in marketing Phuket.

A long-time advocate of the destination, publishing regular hotel and tourism data on the market, it has also been long believed that the island’s hospitality sector needed to continue to not only take out, but also promote a sustainable path of long-term success. Mr Barnett brought in key tourism figures such as former Laguna Phuket Managing Director Michael Ayling, who contributed time to help set-up the organisation.

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

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AL: All of the hotel members have a strong commitment to the destination and through Phuket Hotels Association are active in investing in its future through key long-term environmental and educational programmes, which will provide the foundations for ongoing development and sustainable success.

We currently support 33 fulltime scholarship students in Phuket hotel schools. We work in an industry where human capital is key to the sector.

Within the year we will have over 50 students in the programme.

The Phuket Hotels Association’s events are not just about charity; it’s investing in the most important hotel asset – people. PHIST has a similar focus on our own local community and recognising the impact of mass tourism. While the association is a small organisation, it has power to initiate and influence the broader island tourism players. Lead by example remains the best mantra.

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AsO: How would you say Phuket has developed in recent years as a business travel hub and what are the key reasons behind its growing appeal?

AL: You can’t stay there if you can’t get there. Airlift is key, the rise of low-cost airline carriers. Ultimately, it’s location, location and location.

One third of the world’s population is within easy door to door travel time and the emergence of a growing Asian consumer class has packed a powerful punch.

AsO: Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Phuket?

AL: Warm weather all year, Asia’s cleanest air, sincere hospitality, great value and of course some of the best food in the world. In addition, the island is the gateway to the magical Phang Nga Bay, Krabi, and hundreds of beautiful tropical islands accessible via Phuket’s five international marinas.

AsO: Are there any specific attractions, landmarks or places to eat and drink that you would recommend?

AL: Ask a local. Get out of the hotel

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“One thing that is great in Thailand is you can eat 24-seven – it’s a cultural phenomenon and there is no place like it” or resort and explore. Now is the best time to be a traveller with all the resources on our smartphones, but I still prefer old school and ask locals where they prefer. One thing that is great in Thailand is you can eat 24-seven – it’s a cultural phenomenon and there is no place like it.

AsO: What trends are transforming the tourism industry in Phuket at present, and how do you see Phuket developing as a business travel hub over the next year to two years?

AL: Hotels and destinations are being driven by offering unique life-

ASIA changing experiences.

With access and more large facilities, Phuket is attracting a growing MICE (meetings, incentives, exhibitions and events) scene. Last year this was to the tune of around $340 million according to TCEB (Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau).

AsO: Are there any plans or projects in the pipeline that you wish to highlight?

AL: Central Group has a new mega mall in Phuket and in 2019 the Aquaria marine themed attraction will open… it’s a world class facility. Another is Blue Tree, a family-oriented attraction.

As the island is growing into a broader market, tourism is no longer just about the beach.

AsO: Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in Phuket?

AL: Absolutely. Phuket remains a dynamic destination that has helped define Asia’s leisure growth. It’s scale of quality hotels and tourism infrastructure is demonstrated and with the new expanded airport, geared to grow.

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Transport Links THOSE ARRIVING BY air will find themselves in the north of the island, around 30 kilometres from Phuket City.

In 2018 a new Phuket Smart Bus service launched, running between the airport Rawai via Ao Bang Thao, Surin, Kamala, Patong, Karon and Kata. The whole route lasts around two hours.

There are also plenty of vehicle hire options from Phuket International, with car and motorcycle hire representing reasonably economical ways of getting around. Many, however, opt for taxis or Grab, which is a great way of travelling in groups.

For those wanting to experience the open air, large passenger pickup trucks called sŏrng·tăa·ou and tuk-tuks offer an alternative to air-conditioned cars.

Lying a few kilometres south of

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Phuket City is Tha Rassada, the main pier for boats to and from Ko Phi-Phi, Krabi, Ao Nang, Ko Lanta, the Trang Islands, Ko Lipe and Pulau Langkawi in Malaysia. Other ways of reaching Thai cities include frequent and fast air routes, interstate buses and shared minivans.

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Phuket’s Largest Pillar-less Event & Wedding Space Book now at www.splashbeachresort.com

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P H U K E T

Landmark Attractions

Big Buddha

“Phuket Big Buddha has the best 360-degree views of the southern part of Phuket island, sightseeing of Phuket Town, Kata beach, Karon beach, Chalong Bay… easily reachable by a six-kilometre road leading from Phuket’s Chaofa road West” – Phuket Big Buddha

Phuket Old Town

“Long before flip-flops, glossy resorts and selfie sticks, Phuket was an island of rubber trees, tin mines and cashhungry merchants” – Lonely Planet

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REST RELAX RECHARGE

To find out more please call: +66 76 371 900 or visit - www.serenityphuket.com

Sirinat National Park

“Comprising the exceptional northwestern beaches of Nai Thon, Nai Yang and Mai Khao, as well as the former Nai Yang National Park and Mai Khao Wildlife Reserve, Sirinat National Park encompasses 22 square kilometres of coastal land, plus 68 square kilometres of sea, stretching from the northern reaches of Ao Bang Thao to the northernmost tip of the island” – Lonely Planet

Promthep Cape

“Promthep Cape is one of the island’s most photographed and perhaps bestknown locations. Every evening, large tour buses, scooters and private cars sweep through Rawai Beach and up the island’s southernmost hill in order to watch the sunset at its peak” – Hotels.com

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I N D I A

INDIA From the bustling inner-city streets of New Delhi to the picturesque terrain in the north, India is home to some of the world’s most fascinating culture and scenery Writer: Jonathan Dyble | Project Manager: Ryan Gray

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enowned as one of the world’s most breath-taking countries, it’s no surprise that India is often referred to as a vibrant, spiritual, colourful, chaotic and aweinspiring place.

Defined by its diverse and rich culture that is worlds apart from western civilisation, India has largely operated throughout history as a self-contained nation, with Hinduist and ancient Indus influences visible across the country.

More recent times, namely the period between 1958 and 1947, are categorised by colonialism, the impacts of which are equally evident. The Indian government retained the parliamentary system that was implemented during these years, for example, while English remains one of the more widely spoken vernaculars among the country’s 14 national languages.

As the world’s second most populous country, India is home to an innumerable number of different ethnicities, tribes and religions that are spread across all four corners of the expansive country, making it arguably the world’s most diverse nation.

From Rajasthan in the northwest where you can find brightly coloured sari’s and majestic palaces, to Portuguese Goa in the south with its westernised beaches and resorts, the Asian powerhouse truly has something for everyone.

Simply put, India is no less than an entangled assault on the senses, an experience that can’t be rivalled by many other places across the globe.

Picture: Taj Mahal at sunrise, Agra, India

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The Business End

Lotus Temple, New Delhi

IMAGE: AMPERSANDYSLEXIA

FACTS & FIGURES

Rashtrapati Bhavan, the home of the President of India

INDIA’S ECONOMY IS best described as a developing mixed economy.

Since achieving independence, the government has continued to promote this model, playing a key role as a central planner, regulator, and economic manager, evident in the country’s technological nous and simultaneous reliance upon the industrial and agricultural sectors.

Continuing to capitalise on its high economic potential across a large range of segments, the country has become the world’s sixth largest nation in terms of nominal GDP and the third most substantial in terms of purchasing power parity.

However, owed to a large wealth

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gap and other economic issues, India remains a developing nation – something that will continue to be a major challenge for the government over the coming years.

Its service sector in particular has been crucial in overcoming this, having maintained an annual growth rate of nine percent since 2001, now accounting for more than half of the country’s GDP. National tourism has been a core part of this, generating roughly $210 billion or 9.4 percent of the nation’s GDP in 2017 and supporting more than 41.6 million jobs, equating to eight percent of total employment, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.

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Number of official languages: 14 Area: 3.827 million km² Population (2017): 1.34 billion GDP (2017): $2.6 trillion Currency: Rupee Time zone: GMT+5:30 Dialling code: +91 Internet TLD: . .in Capital city: New Delhi Highest recorded temperature: 51°C

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Out & About MANY TOURISTS TRAVELLING to India choose to visit the ‘golden triangle’, a region consisting of New Delhi, Agra to the capital’s southeast and Jaipur to its southwest.

The area is the ideal tourist destination, home to global monuments such as the Taj Mahal, and encompassing Barsana, Mathura and Vrindavan – three locations that are famed for the spectacle they put on for Holi, India’s world-famous festival of colour.

However, despite being a region that is becoming perhaps the most purpose-built for travellers, there is so much more to the vast nation.

Escaping the crowds is highly recommended by those who decide to venture into more rural areas, with an

abundance of alternative experiences and activities on offer. The central and northern parts of the country are home to hundreds of architecturally stunning temples such as the Golden Temple in Amritsar and Khajuraho in Konark, for example.

Equally, the top of the country is the ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts.

The Kullu Valley, Uttarkhand and Himachal Pradesh in particular provide a multitiude of activities for thrill seekers, from skiing to white water rafting.

Meanwhile, national parks across the country offer the opportunity to see exotic wild animals such as tigers, rhinos and elephants in their natural habitats.

Hindu pilgrims take a holy bath in the River Ganges on the auspicious Maha Shivaratri festival at Dasashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

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Outlook Recommends “India is a beautiful and bamboozling place, an endlessly fascinating country that is often challenging and always surprising” - World Travel Guide

BUSINESS EVENTS

NEW DELHI HOTELS

MUMBAI HOTELS

Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India

Shangri-La’s Eros Hotel

Sahara Star Hotel Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai Taj Lands End Mumbai

Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre

NATIONAL PARKS Roseate House

Bandhavgarh National Park Jim Corbett National Park Mahatma Mandir 52

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Red Fox Hotel

Bandipur National Park

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2019

2019 EXHIBITION CALENDAR

EXHIBITION

Whatever Whatever your your destination – destination – you’ll find you’ll find us waiting forwaiting you. us for you.

Visit our website for full list of events and conferences in 2019-20: www.in.messefrankfurt.com

CALENDAR

MAY

9 – 11 May 2019 Bombay Exhibition Center Mumbai, India www.theledexpo.com

11 – 12 May 2019 Pragati Maidan New Delhi, India www.fitexindia.com

JUN

13 – 15 June 2019 Pragati Maidan New Delhi, India www.heimtextil.in

JUL 13 – 15 June 2019 Pragati Maidan New Delhi, India www.ambiente-india.in

NOV

EPTrade Centre SChennai Chennai, India 4 – 6 July 2019

S 20+EXHIBITION ONFERENCES 30+C20+ EXHIBITIONS

www.aes-show.com

DEC

20 – 22 November 2019 12 – 14 December 2019 Bombay Exhibition Center Pragati Maidan Mumbai, India New Delhi, India d an ts full list of even forwww.techtextil-india.in furt.com nkwww.theledexpo.com

e Visit our websit in.messefra 2019-20: www. in s ce en er nf co

6 – 8 September 2019 Pragati Maidan New Delhi, India www.themediaexpo.com

30+ CONFERENCES

RAJEK MANEK INTERVEW TEXT MESSE FRANKFURT INDIA

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I N D I A

Indian Exhibition Industry Association ONE ORGANISATION THAT has played a key role in powering this rapid growth is the Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA).

Providing the platform for organisers, managers and facilities providers and more to come together in the aim of facilitating improvement throughout India’s business travel and exhibition segment, the organisation has been fundamental to this progression in recent years.

Speaking to its Executive Director Nidhi Sharma, we find out what to expect from the business travel industry in India for 2019 and beyond.

Asia Outlook (AsO): Can you firstly talk me through the origins of the Indian Exhibition Industry Association, how it came about, and its initial vision?

Nidhi Sharma (NS): The Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA) was formed in 2006 when a few industry players came together to create a common platform for all stakeholders. This platform became fundamental in helping to address the concerns facing the industry and in enabling progress within the sector.

AsO: Since inception, how has the Indian Exhibition Industry

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Association developed and progressed in terms of its key objectives and the messages it tries to get across?

NS: With its mandate of promoting the exhibition industry in India, IEIA has been continuously endeavoured to achieve sector progress through various initiatives since its inception.

The association has come a long way in creating an identity for the Indian exhibition industry, both nationally and internationally as a potential global market leader.

IEIA has also been promoting exhibitions as the most effective marketing medium, by way of various campaigns and outreach programmes resulting in the growth of the industry and the region, owing to the multiplier effect brought in by these exhibitions on India’s overall economy.

AsO: How would you say India has developed in recent years as a business travel hub and what are the key reasons behind its growing appeal?

NS: As per reports from GBTA (Global Business Travel Association), India is poised to rise to sixth in the global business travel sector in 2019, up from 10th in 2015, with forecasts of continued double-digit business travel spending growth in the country.

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The business travel segment has been one of the fastest growing sectors in India in the recent years which can be attributed to infrastructure developments, technological advancements, political and regulatory measures being taken by the government, along with the demographic advantage, and the high purchasing power of the Indian middle class. The exhibition sector is also emerging as a leading market globally.

AsO: Why, in your opinion, should someone visit India?

NS: From a tourism point of view, India is one of the oldest civilisations in the world, and its rich culture and heritage offers a multitude of tourist attractions to business travellers.

There is a wide range of amazing destinations including historical sites, MICE destinations, mountain ranges, beaches and deserts all in the same country, which act as attraction for visitors of all kinds.

Considering the interests of the business traveller, India is also one of the fastest growing market places in the world and is one of the major global economic powers that is helping to drive the world economy forward, offering great avenues for business

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travellers visiting our country. There are purpose-built state-of-the-art exhibition and convention venues in the country, including IEML in Delhi NCR, BIEC in Bengaluru, HITEX in Hyderabad, BEC in Mumbai, JECC in Jaipur, Mahatama Mandir, Helipad & Gujarat University Exhibition Centre in Gujarat, and many more which support the country’s MICE sector.

AsO: Are there any specific attractions, landmarks or places to eat and drink that you would recommend?

ND: There is a myriad of options available across the country, including 36 world heritage sites, 103 national parks, places like Delhi as a historical city, Agra for the Taj Mahal and Hyderabad as the best MICE city in the country.

Alongside these world-renowned destinations, the state of Kerala is infamous for its backwaters and Rajasthan is famous for its forts and palaces, while northeast India has made a name from its tea plantations, Goa from its beaches and Himachal from the hills. There’s an extensive list of places to enjoy and explore, all of which offer a different variant of cuisines.

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NS: Increasing digitisation and the use of social media are the top two trends that are shaping the tourism industry in India. Additionally, ‘Bleisure’ is the key buzzword which combines leisure with business travel and is boosting tourism industry growth across the country.

AsO: How do you see India developing as a business travel hub over the next year to two years?

NS: India has high growth prospects as a business travel hub. Currently positioned as the third largest business travel market in the APAC region after China and Japan, it is likely that it will emerge as a leader in the near future.

Equally, according to a report from KPMG, business travel spending in India is expected to grow threefold by 2020, up from the $30 billion seen in 2015.

The exhibition industry itself comprises a major chunk of the business events, with 750 professional shows held across the country annually, helping to boost overall economic growth. With 22 purposebuilt venues, and new expansions and projects taking place, India is attracting many events and exhibitions from all corners of the world.

AsO: What trends are AsO: Are there any plans or transforming the tourism industry projects in the pipeline that you in India at present? How are you wish to highlight? responding to these trends?

NS: There is an increasing focus

ASIA on infrastructure development, with expansions and new projects coming up in the country. India’s International Convention & Exhibition Centre coming up in Dwarka will become the country’s largest MICE venue and is likely be operational by 2020. Further, HITEX is set to be launched as the country’s largest pillarless hall, with exhibitions and convention facilities expected to take place under the same roof.

BIEC has also recently added a new hall, expanding its the maximum indoor capacity, while Pragati Maidan is also looking at completely revamping its exhibition and convention facilities.

These steps towards infrastructure developments are certainly adding to India’s position as a preferred MICE destination.

AsO: Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in India?

NS: Definitely. The tourism industry in India is sure to have a bright future.

The unique amalgam of tradition and culture, beauty and nature, style and splendour, and technology and infrastructure all support this.

Specifically, the MICE sector has a lot to offer to business travellers which, supported by the proactive measures taken by the government, are bound to make India a top destination for all MICE activities.

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Transport Links

Metro arriving at Dwarka station, New Delhi

The tuk-tuk is a great way to travel in Udaipur

Calcutta,

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Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

is the company that oversees the operation of this network, employing 1.5 million people and monitoring the operation of around 20,000 working trains on a daily basis.

A great way to absorb the Indian landscape, rail travel can be perfect for people looking to immerse themselves in the culture and scenery of the country.

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PHOTO: PASCAL KOBEH

OWED TO THE substantial growth in India’s tourism sector, the country’s air travel industry has witnessed massive expansion also.

Last year, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport broke the record for the most flights handled in a single day, with over 1,000 planes taking off and landing at the site in just 24 hours.

Equally, the Indira Gandhi International Airport that is based in the capital handled well over 65 million passengers in the year ended June 2018, making it the country’s busiest airport.

Alongside the this substantial and thriving air travel scene, India is extremely well connected through its extensive rail network. Indian Railways

The conditions of the country’s roads, on the other hand, are largely hit and miss and can often leave a lot to be desired. However, travelling via the roads in and around the major urban areas can be the easiest solution for certain tourists, and in these cases, either hiring a car or using taxi services such as Ola and Uber are recommended.

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Landmark Attractions Ellora Caves

“These 34 monasteries and temples, extending over more than two kilometres, were dug side by side in the wall of a high basalt cliff, not far from Aurangabad, in Maharashtra. Not only is the Ellora complex a unique artistic creation and a technological exploit but, with its sanctuaries devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, it illustrates the spirit of tolerance that was characteristic of ancient India” – UNESCO

Taj Mahal

“An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage” – UNESCO

Amber Fort

“The resplendent Amber Fort sprawls along the top of a natural hill outside the city of Jaipur. Historically significant and architecturally stunning, Amber Fort is a well-preserved monument from the glorious days of Rajput rule in Rajasthan” – Atlas Obscura

Taj Lake Palace

“The icon of Udaipur, this romantic white-marble palace seemingly floating on the lake is extraordinary, with open-air courtyards, lotus ponds and a small, mango-treeshaded pool” – Lonely Planet

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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

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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 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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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Nepal Tourism Board ONE ORGANISATION THAT has been playing a key role in bolstering Nepal’s tourism offerings in the past two decades is the Nepal Tourism Board.

Since its inception, the Board and its current CEO, Deepak Raj Joshi, have been providing a platform for vision drawn leadership for Nepal’s tourism sector, helping to integrate the government’s long-term commitments with the dynamism of the private sector.

Asia Outlook (AsO): Can you firstly talk me through the origins of the Nepal Tourism Board, how it came about, and its initial vision?

Deepak Raj Joshi (DRJ): Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) is the national tourism organisation of Nepal, established in 1998 by an act of parliament in the form of greater partnerships between the government of Nepal and the country’s private sector tourism industry.

NTB is promoting Nepal in both the domestic and international markets and is working towards raising the image of the country. It also aims to regulate product development activities. The Board, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, consists of 11 board members with five government representatives, five private sector representatives and the CEO. AsO: Since inception, how has the Nepal Tourism Board developed and progressed in terms of its key objectives and the messages it tries to get across?

DRJ: In the years since its inception and as per its objectives, NTB has promoted Nepal’s tourism internationally while also providing service to the private sector. The organisation has progressed in recent

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View of Mount Everest and Nuptse with buddhist prayer flags

“We’re a diverse country, have the highest mountains in the world, and are home to some of the most exotic cultures and festivals” years as an institution that enhances the country’s tourism through the preservation of cultural and natural heritages, highlighting Nepal as an attractive and reliable tourism destination in the international market, while increasing the country’s domestic product, foreign exchange earnings and employment opportunities.

AsO: How would you say Nepal has developed in recent years as a business travel hub and what are the key reasons behind its growing appeal?

DRJ: As one of the pioneering and exemplary bodies of successful

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public-private partnerships, NTB has appointed representatives from the government as well as the private sector as board members to ensure that leadership gets the best of the public sector combined with the professionalism of the private sector.

This is how we have been successful in establishing our identity. Our continuous promotional efforts through every situation, taking the lead at times of crises and being open to the tourism community have always been major factors in our growing relations with domestic and international tourism partners.

AsO: Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Nepal?

DRJ: We’re a diverse country, have the highest mountains in the world, and are home to some of the most exotic cultures and festivals. We are known as the land of Mount Everest and the birthplace of Buddha. To a traveller from the west, a visit to Nepal is an enriching and enlightening experience when considering the novelty of the experience here

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in contrast to what other tourist destinations offer. In this age and time, most travellers are looking for meaningful experiences and Nepal, I believe, offers just that.

It is a once in a lifetime experience.

AsO: Are there any specific attractions, landmarks or places to eat and drink that you would recommend?

DRJ: There are many destinations in Nepal that are popular among tourists depending upon their interests. To name a few, Kathmandu is popular for its culture and cuisine, Pokhara is well known for adventure whereas Chitwan is famous for wildlife and nature.

Beside this, due to our geographical diversity, each part of country provides unique experiences to tourists.

Nepal is seen as a top adventure destination and trekking is a big part of the Nepalese experience. However, the luxury segment is equally very much an option here. We offer comfortable tours in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini, with these established destinations being filled with lavish hotels and resorts offering sumptuous experiences.

Meanwhile, inner-city activities range from city tours, trying local cuisines, and enjoying cultural shows, casinos, herbal massages and spas.

We also offer a brush with nature in style and comfort, from boating around lush lakes to seeing wildlife on jungle safaris to experiencing the best views of mountains from your own warm cosy bed, cable car rides, hilltop resorts and mountain flights.

AsO: What are the best ways of getting around the country?

DRJ: The best way to get around Nepal is trekking, driving or flying to different parts. Nepal is a mountainous country, and so the ease of access to different regions can vary. The Himalayan region of Nepal is not fully accessible by road yet, but most of

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“Kathmandu is popular for its culture and cuisine, Pokhara is well known for adventure whereas Chitwan is famous for wildlife and nature� the southern areas have good road networks. Trekking is most rewarding in terms of experiencing nature and culture when it comes to visiting the mountainous areas, but to reach the trekking areas, one may need to fly or drive to the initial destination.

AsO: What trends are transforming the tourism industry in Nepal at present? How are you responding to these trends?

DRJ: Nepal is also moving toward digital as per the global shift. As travellers are making last minute bookings online and visiting new destinations, they are increasingly requesting more new and authentic local experiences. Similarly, ecological and educational tours are in demand, and destinations that encourage responsible, sustainable practices are looked at most positively.

Nevertheless, history, culture and adventure are still the most important features that attract tourists to a destination, and Nepal is very much keeping up with current trends to reach out to potential visitors.

ASIA our dynamic tourism industry will be able to work in more innovative ways to create new products and packages.

We recently concluded the first ever Buddhist International Travel Mart in Lumbini to promote Nepal among the Buddhist pilgrims. Further, we organise the Himalayan Travel Mart each year to showcase our trekking and mountaineering products. We are positive that, with joint efforts from the tourism industry, we can make the Visit Nepal 2020 campaign a grand success.

AsO: Are there any Nepal Tourism Board plans or projects in the pipeline that you wish to highlight?

DRJ: Nepal is looking forward to welcoming two million visitors in 2020.

To achieve this, we will be conducting major promotional activities through both the digital sphere and traditional media. We will also be organising special events, offers for tourists, and customised experiences for potential travellers in the target market, allowing our visitors make the most of Nepal for a lifetime of memories.

AsO: Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in Nepal?

DRJ: Yes, we are very optimistic about our future tourism prospects.

As I mentioned previously, we are trying to increase international arrivals to two million by 2020, and substantial efforts are being made to develop and upgrade both infrastructure and services to facilitate tourists. Domestic airports are being upgraded throughout the country, and AsO: How do you see Nepal construction of international airports have been equally prioritised. developing as a business travel Similarly, hotels are being improved hub over the next year to two years?

DRJ: In the next few years, we will be and new international chains are being built in Kathmandu and different parts working closely on different markets through targeted programmes and of the country. Tourism is seen as campaigns on site and online, and we one of the most important tools for hope to be able to reach a mark of two development, and we are positive that our products are unparalleled. million by 2020. I’m also positive that

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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

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Patan Museum

Hiking in Nagarkot

Annapurna Group of Hotels

Chandragiri Cable Car

Kumari Boutique Hotel

Paddle Nepal RESTAURANTS National Museum of Nepal

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Le Sherpa Mul Chowk

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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Landmark Attractions

World Class Rafting, Kayaking, Canyoning & SUP Adventures 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

LAKESIDE · POKHARA · INFO@PADDLENEPAL.COM

paddlenepal.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

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Singapore is futureStraits Construction ng the industry by investi proofing itself and ch that’s delivering in innovation, an approa g projects winnin a stream of award-

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PRODUCTIVITY Straits Construction Singapore is futureproofing itself and the industry by investing in innovation, an approach that has seen it deliver a stream of award-winning projects Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Tom Cullum

GUIDE BUSINESS TRAVEL of tradition and Myanmar: A land transition

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HOSPITALS PUN HLAING SILOAM GROUP 00 key exponent of Myanmar’s

SDN BHD 00 Hi-Tech N.U.R POWER for Malaysia’s Kulim Providing power Industrial Park

GAS & OIL PAKISTAN LIMITED 00competition to the Adding quality nation’s O&G industry

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eaching 50 years not out is no mean feat for any company.

In an ever-globalised world where economic cycles of boom and bust reverberate across borders, it is more important than ever for businesses to safeguard their futures by forecasting trends and investing wisely.

The construction industry is one of the most prone to these economic mood swings, and Straits Construction Singapore has ridden through numerous cycles over the past five decades.

“Straits Construction started in 1969 as a small contracting firm and evolved to become one of the leading local players in the Singapore construction sector,” explains current Group Managing Director and CEO Wong Chee Herng.

“From the early boom of public housing development in the 1980s to the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s and the more recent global financial crisis in 2008, the organisation has come through boom and bust thanks to an ethos that is very much reflected in our five core values – integrity, progress, passion, positivity and support.

“We have never stopped to renew to stay relevant. Our 50th birthday will be a milestone and is testament to our beliefs. More importantly, it will give us a solid base to push into the future.”

The immediate future, by Chee Herng’s own admission, involves navigating something of a headwind.

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Futureproofing an industry by committing to innovation

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PRODUCTIVITY Straits Construction Singapore is futureproofing itself and the industry by investing in innovation, an approach that has seen it deliver a stream of award-winning projects Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Tom Cullum

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eaching 50 years not out is no mean feat for any company.

In an ever-globalised world where economic cycles of boom and bust reverberate across borders, it is more important than ever for businesses to safeguard their futures by forecasting trends and investing wisely.

The construction industry is one of the most prone to these economic mood swings, and Straits Construction Singapore has ridden through numerous cycles over the past five decades.

“Straits Construction started in 1969 as a small contracting firm and evolved to become one of the leading local players in the Singapore construction sector,” explains current Group Managing Director and CEO Wong Chee Herng.

“From the early boom of public housing development in the 1980s to the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s and the more recent global financial crisis in 2008, the organisation has come through boom and bust thanks to an ethos that is very much reflected in our five core values – integrity, progress, passion, positivity and support.

“We have never stopped to renew to stay relevant. Our 50th birthday will be a milestone and is testament to our beliefs. More importantly, it will give us a solid base to push into the future.”

The immediate future, by Chee Herng’s own admission, involves navigating something of a headwind.

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T +65 6392 3788 | F +65 6291 7088 | E alanchew@chewhockseng.com.sg 55, Serangoon North Ave 4, #08-08, S9, Singapore 555859

SERVICES EXCAVATION WORKS DEMOLITION WORKS TRANSPORT & DISPOSAL WORKS CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS BUILDING WORKS

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Singapore’s construction sector is currently emerging from a three-year downturn, but the Group MD and CEO is optimistic that this trend will continue upwards with strong growth restored once more.

“The construction industry, like many others, is undergoing transformation,” Chee Herng adds.

“No longer is low productivity with high labour content acceptable. It is excitable that we are part of the transformation and we look forward to contributing to it.”

Project pride

Straits Construction has already played its part in transforming Singapore’s industrial practices.

Indeed, this opportunity to enact change was a key motivator for Chee Herng to join as the second generation in the family business.

“I spent many school holidays temping at construction work sites,” he recalls. “The work environment was not conducive – it was dirty and unsafe. Upon graduation, I thought I could help to change some of the unfavourable impressions of the industry.

“This is not forgetting the satisfaction of seeing something evolve from an empty piece of land to completed buildings, and these beliefs have been reinforced by witnessing positive sector changes and how Straits Construction has grown as part of this evolution.”

Although the company’s project pipeline may be slightly smaller than what it saw during its peak before the sector contracted, it remains busy with numerous tenders in both the public and private spheres thanks to its investment in diversifying capabilities.

“The project I am most proud of working on at the moment is Royal Square @ Novena,” says Chee Herng.

“It is our first mixed commercial project which comprises retail spaces, medical suites and a 250-room hotel.

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Wong Chee Herng, Group Managing Director and CEO

STRAITS CONSTRUCTION AN INTRODUCTION Straits Construction is one of Singapore’s leading builders with projects spanning across both the public and private sectors, from residential to commercial and industrial projects.

Beginning in 1969, its dedicated approach to project delivery saw it pick up larger contracts through time, a major breakthrough occurring in 1982 when it was awarded its first Housing and Development Board (HDB) project at Serangoon Avenue 4.

This has led to the company becoming renowned in the residential construction subsector, and in 1997 it won the tender to build its first private residential project at Woodgrove Condominium. This was followed in 2002 with a 40-storey project at Queenstown, Singapore’s first satellite town.

Innovation and diversification now sit at the heart of Straits Construction’s strategy. While residential projects still form a core part of the firm’s pipeline, a lot of energy is being put into developing its precast and prefabrication capabilities, as well as the use of other cutting-edge technologies in a bid to improve productivity and serve different markets. developing its business case for national rollout.

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Founded in 1969 as a small contracting firm, Straits Construction has emerged as one of the leading local players in the Singaporean construction industry

Having grown substantially from these humble beginnings, 2019 now marks the milestone golden jubilee anniversary year for the company

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It marks an important milestone in our company history to venture out from residential projects.”

The development, which has received a CONQUAS Star rating and Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Green Mark Platinum award, saw Straits Construction overcome several challenging aspects, including a narrow land plot, deep excavations, limited frontage access and high ceiling requirements.

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It is one of a number of recent projects demonstrating the company’s newly diverse portfolio that features the likes of industrial precincts and educational buildings alongside its staple residential offering.

“We believe customer satisfaction is the key factor for our success,” says Chee Herng. “We focus on delivery of quality end products to our customers, and our completed projects have consistently achieved

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stablished in Perth, Western Australia in 1954, the Cementaid International Group is an acknowledged leader in the field of concrete durability and enhancement ingredients, and a world pioneer in concrete admixture technology.

Cementaid’s ultra-sustainable Everdue Caltite System of added ingredients to concrete is time-proven over 50 years to deliver permanently dry and corrosion-proofed structural reinforced concrete that will never absorb water and contained salts or acids or transmit dampness.

Similarly, depending on the design and usage, it has been proven that added ingredients to concrete do provide good and stable waterproofing performance – our systems like 3CC PB, 3CC and Aquapel System do just that. This is truly ‘concrete for keeps’!

Since the company’s inception, we have serviced and supported many major industries owned by the private and public sectors. The story behind our success is our network of customers, suppliers and staff all over the world.

As part of our ongoing drive for quality, our operations system has been upgraded into a full quality management system, compliant to internationally recognised standards ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 and Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems, specifically OHSAS 18001:2007.

Our aim is to ensure that we will always Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx have thexxxxxxxx best products and services to meet our customers’ requirements.

As such, we commit to working closely with an array of quality manufacturers.

In addition, we serve to provide upto-date technical and new product information to our customers from our business network and we are committed to satisfy all customers’ needs.

T +65 6896 9801 (9802 ) (9803) E singapore@cementaid.com

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In Waterproofing, you can truly rely on CEMENTAID! T: +65 6896 9801 (9802) (9803) | F: +65 6896 9807 E: singapore@cementaid.com www.cementaid.com

Since 2009, we have been engaged in a good working partnership with Straits Construction for waterproofing in most of their projects.

Cementaid has witnessed the change and growth of Straits Construction and it is indeed our joy and honour that Cementaid’s Everdure Caltite, 3CCPB, 3CC and Aquapel Systems are continuing to be the waterproofing systems being adopted by them in enhancing the durability of all their prestige projects that were built in the past and going to be built in the future.

To Straits Construction, we delivered as promised.

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higher CONQUAS scores than the national average. Almost all our recent completed projects were awarded with CONQUAS Star certification.”

Besides measuring the quality of architectural, structural and MEP services workmanship against an acceptable baseline, CONQUAS also publishes the results for all construction projects in Singapore.

Builders are thus able to evaluate their performance against the industry

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average and therefore develop improvement programmes to better their results in subsequent projects.

Transformers

The other factor that differentiates Straits Construction, in the eyes of Chee Herng, is the company’s belief in technology and digital transformation and the role this has in boosting construction productivity.

For example, Straits has invested

PROJECT FOCUS Alongside Royal Square @ Novena, Straits Construction has overseen many successful developments. Here are three recent examples either completed or near completion: Nexus International School: Located near the Aljunied estate in central Singapore, the Nexus International School comprises a 12-storey vertical campus with a capacity to serve 2,000 students. The facility, which Straits in on track to complete, will house a large capacity theatre, music recording rooms, a state-of-the-art sports field, Olympic swimming pool, gymnasium and fitness centre.

Hundred Palms Residences: Made up of 531 dwellings, the Hundred Palms Residences project represents an important exploration of precast/prefabrication techniques with Greyform. Situated in the mature estate of Hougang, residents will be able to enjoy a range of amenities and a wide array of dining and shopping options, as well as several reputable schools nearby. The homes will also feature smart home technology.

JTC Trendspace (Formerly known as Furniture Hub): Based at Sungei Kadut, the JTC Trendspace is Singapore’s first highrise multi-tenanted development housing both furniture and furniture-related companies. The Hub comprises modular factory units of about 500 to 1,000 square metres with the flexibility of expanding the space to larger floor plates of up to 3,000 square metres. It will also feature trade showrooms, a training institute, an experience centre, a resource library and an ecommerce fulfilment centre.

Sustainability is a key consideration for all Straits’ projects, the company awarded with BCA’s Green and Gracious Builder Scheme (GGBS) certificate, STAR category. There are numerous measures implemented at work sites, such as the use of recycling rainwater for washing.

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orten Interior Solutions Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based integrative interior fit out solutions company specialising in fitting out interior spaces and manufacturing sustainable furniture products.

Dedicated service, creative product designs, quality products with fine workmanship are the hallmark of our core deliverables, in dynamic collaboration with Woodcraft Studio Sdn Bhd. Woodcraft Studio is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Corten, and a leading manufacturer of a comprehensive range of customised furniture for residential, retail and hospitality developments.

Located strategically at Iskandar in Johor, Malaysia and 10 minutes from Singapore Tuas Checkpoint, the 70,000 square foot site houses the office, production base and facilities of Woodcraft Studio.

As a one-stop service provider of many bespoke development projects, Corten is fully equipped to produce and install custom-made architecturally wood works such as doors and frames, wall panels, kitchen and wardrobe systems, vanity cabinets as well as fixed and loose furniture.

We are committed to providing meaningful product designs and functional solutions to create environments that build sustainability, value and support the business goals of our clients. Each project is approached with prompt and professional consultation.

Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx This is combined with high levels of creativity and expertise, full assessment of budgets, close attention to schedules and timelines, and active commitment and management until final completion.

“As we continue to grow and expand our business, we maintain cherished and long-standing relationships with our valued clients with our comprehensive suite of solutions.”

T +65 6376 2322

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heavily in setting up a highly automated precast prefabrication plant for both structure elements and prefabricated bathroom units, making it a regional pioneer and hub for futurist construction techniques.

The incorporation of Greyform and completion of the Integrated Construction and Prefabrication Hub took place in 2017 has enabled Straits Construction to become a major supplier of precast components to the industry, greatly enhancing its efficiency and competitiveness.

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In terms of supplying the hub, Straits, as with the entire Singaporean construction industry, relies on imports.

“Greyform has opened another precast fabrication plant in Johor Bahru to supplement the automated plant in Singapore,” says Chee Herng.

“We are constantly on the lookout to diversify the source of supply in order not be caught off-guard by geo-political risk. In fact, we have previously brought in engineered timber flooring from Switzerland.”

Greyform has opened another precast fabrication plant in Johor Bahru to supplement the automated plant in Singapore”

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ur collaboration with Straits Construction started back in 2011 with one of our major project, Vacanza. Since then, Leng Aik Engineering has been working closely with Straits Construction and given other contract opportunities such as Sophia Hills. Smooth collaboration between the two companies was made possible by Straits Construction’s reliability and credibility. Leng Aik Engineering has forged a strong bond with Straits Construction through mutual respect and fine business ethics which benefits and propels the relationship of both companies, allowing recurring businesses to take place.

Survival of construction companies in Singapore is heavily reliant on service standards which is etched in Leng Aik Engineering’s mission and core value.

Leng Aik Engineering’s mission is to deliver high grade and cost-effective projects on schedule through the means of employing and supporting motivated, diligent and committed employees.

We strongly value business relationships and we strive to be fair and true in our dealings with clients, suppliers, partners and employees.

Staying committed to our customers, we seek solutions that best achieve our clients’ needs and goals at all times while providing consistent attention to all our clients.

In addition, we promote selfdevelopment using conducive Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx workplace to build self-esteem, morale and motivation for the workforce to perform and provide quality services to our valued clients.

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Leng Aik Engineering

ingapore, frequently referred to as a “Little Red Dot” on the world map is a small country with a population of 5.6 million and counting. Even though Singapore is a small island, it has become a bustling city with extensive infrastructure. With the help of many construction firms such as Straits Construction and Leng Aik Engineering, Singapore’s infrastructure has evolved over the years.

Being in the industry for 20 years, Leng Aik Engineering is well versed in the fields of electrical, plumbing and sanitary works as well as integrated building services for maintenance and upgrading works. We have a dedicated team who are equipped with confidence, entrepreneurial spirit and great foresight, spearheading the company to greater heights.

Leng Aik Engineering was established in 1997 as a partnership which eventually changed into a private limited company in 1999, developing and strengthening throughout the years. Since our establishment, we have completed numerous project, from real estates to factories and government buildings. Small projects to big projects, we jump at any opportunities given to us.

Upon acquiring the highest grade (Grade L6) in electrical works, Leng Aik Engineering now works alongside our related companies, namely LAP&S, LABuilding and LASteel, to offer a one-stop shop service for its customers while acting as a mechanical and electrical contractor.

With resources such as a sizeable pool of employees, headquarters consisting of factory and dormitory as well as the possession of extensive vehicles and

Condominium Project ‘Vacanza equipment, we are able to consolidate all operations under one roof. This allows Leng Aik Engineering to leverage on and mobilise its employees to operate effectively and efficiently 24-seven, allowing us to maintain a competitive advantage.

Apart from residential and factories projects, what sets Leng Aik Engineering apart from other competitors is us venturing into other infrastructures such as Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). Being the only transport in Singapore which uses trains, the MRT is of great importance in the eyes of the government and the people of Singapore. Thus, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is very mindful in the selection of contractors dealing with the repairs and addition of tracks and trains.

With Leng Aik Engineering being amongst the selected few and Singapore’s continual expansion of the transport route, we are able to secure our place within the market and further find opportunities for the company to grow.

Singapore’s declining economy in recent times has caused many industries to be placed in a tough spot. Despite the economy, Leng Aik Engineering has persevered and continued to maintain our profit margin, serving our clients indefinitely. The commitment to our clients has helped us gain their trust and boost our reputation, allowing opportunities for recurring business.

Mass Rapid Transport Project ‘Thomson East Coast Line

Leng Aik Engineering Singapore 17 Soon Lee Road S (628080)

T: +65 6515 4553 F: +65 6515 0456 E: lae@lengaik.com

On November 8, 2018, Leng Aik Engineering was acquired by Kyowa Exeo, a major listed company in Japan. The acquisition was highly anticipated with the speculation of a promising foresight for the company. With the acquisition by Kyowa Exeo, Leng Aik Engineering was strengthened financially and in expertise which will bring the company up to greater heights.

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PLAYPOINT

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laypoint specialises in the provision of sculptural playground and landscape products. Recently, the firm installed a landmark five-storey netted playground at Singapore’s Changi Airport called the Chandelier.

Located in Terminal 4, the Chandelier Net combines a sculpture and playground into one, classifing it as functional art. Anchored to the ceiling and ground, it features sliding poles and a double helix shaped climbing net weaved to the tapestry steel core with an LED light ring at the top.

The installation stands at 16.1 metres in height and uses 10 kilometres of rope, supported by 15 tonnes of steel.

T +65 6398 1558 E info@playpoint.com.sg

www.playpoint.asia Asides the prefabrication plant, other innovative solutions utilised by the firm include software such as Lean PlanDo, a planning and process optimising tool for project management, and drones to take aerial photos for monthly progress reports.

Further, it employs extensive webbased applications for management of safety, quality and materials across multiple platforms, including mobile devices.

Building information modelling (BIM) is another core technique used by the company.

“The push for higher quality and productivity using technologies in our industry has made BIM mainstream for our projects,” comments Chee Herng.

“In other words, the way we do business has been transformed by embracing this platform. Our journey with BIM has also taught us that to be successful here, we must also remain mindful of new trends, and be ready to adapt when necessary.”

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Straits Construction’s innovation centre enables the company to do just that.

Set up in 2015 and known as TOOLBOX, this centre of excellence supports capabilities development, such as the use of construction equipment and technology, safety training and software.

“We also involve external parties such as institutions, research centres and collaborative companies who share the same interest,” Chee Herng adds. “Technically, there are no boundaries as long as these R&D works can be translated to gains for the organisation (or the industry) in the long haul.”

Employee empowerment

Straits Construction staff are major beneficiaries of the TOOLBOX innovation centre, a resource which is supplemented by a dedicated Learning and Development Department.

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Drones are used to take aerial photos for monthly progress reports

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VISION TO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF PLAYGROUND AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN PLAYPOINT scouts around the world for the latest range of innovative playground and landscape products that not only enhance our user’s imagination, but also maximize play value, while ensuring safety and fun.

T: +65 6398 1558 | F: +65 6398 1559 E: info@playpoint.com.sg Regional offices information: www.playpoint.asia/contact/

www.playpoint.asia

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“We provide in-house training courses and scout for suitable external courses for our team,” says Chee Herng. “The courses include English lessons for non-English speaking personnel, BIM courses, drone operation courses, project management software and other skillsets.

“We view our staff as valuable assets, and training is a way to keep our staff relevant and build up capabilities to adapt to changes in the evolving environment in the construction industry.”

This attitude is reflected in the company’s approach to recruitment.

“To attract and retain the right talent to achieve business objectives, we adopt clear and transparent career progression paths,” Chee Herng continues. “Passive and active recruitment through traditional and digital platforms enable us to access the right talent pool.

“We conduct recruitment locally and overseas, working with the BCA

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for scholarships and sponsorships for tertiary students and also with Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education.”

Another vital aspect of employee welfare is an uncompromising stance on safety, with Straits Construction operating a thorough work safety and health programme through regular training, inspections and innovative use of technology.

The value of this is no better proven than by receipt of the RoSPA (UK) Gold Award for Occupational Health and Safety on many projects.

“We value our employees and those engaged in our works,” Chee Herng adds. “Their welfare and wellbeing are our utmost concern and we show this by instituting a strong safety and health culture throughout the entire corporation. We have a clear commitment and responsibility in ensuring no harm to all by implementing comprehensive safety and health management systems.”

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SAMWOH GROUP Over four decades of construction excellence Samwoh Ready Mix, an integrated arm of the Samwoh Group of Companies, specialises in the production of concrete mixes and is poised to meet the growing demands of the construction industry.

The business arm is staffed by highly dedicated professionals that operate ready-mixed concrete (RMC) plants that are strategically located around Singapore.

Being a forerunner in developing sustainable products, our continuous research with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) of Singapore enabled us to be the first in Singapore to supply eco-concrete using up to 100 percent recycled concrete aggregates (derived from construction and demolition wastes) for structural applications. Our eco-concrete has been awarded with the Singapore Green Building Product Certification.

We take pride in our ability to provide a wide range of cost-effective concrete products and speciality mixes to the industry. Our RMC plants are capable of producing high strength, fast or delayed-setting, temperaturecontrolled, water-proofing, high density, lightweight and other specialised mixes.

These mixes are rigorously tested to ensure consistency and quality at our research and development lab within the Samwoh Innovation Centre.

Timely delivery of products to our customers is also paramount to us. Our fleet of mixer trucks is fully equipped with precise global positioning systems to ensure safe, punctual and efficient deliveries all year round.

Samwoh Ready Mix T +65 6368 6800 Samwoh Innovation Centre (SWIC) T +65 6368 5413 F +65 6367 2276 E info@samwoh.com.sg

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With over 40 years of construction excellence, Samwoh Corporation continues to be at the forefront of the industry. Growing from humble beginnings as a transport company in 1975, Samwoh is now a leading integrated construction and engineering company.

Samwoh’s strategic focus in research and development allows us to synergise our complementary specialisations. This ensures we deliver innovative, sustainable products and services with quality workmanship in workplaces with uncompromising safety standards.

Samwoh is proud to be a pioneering leader in Singaporean infrastructure development which is envied by the world.

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Whitley Residences

Employees are also encouraged to partake in community outreach projects, the most potent example being Straits Construction’s support of Club Rainbow (Singapore).

This non-profit charity organisation supports children who are suffering from chronic and potentially lifethreatening illnesses.

It was established in 1991 when the Rotaract Clubs of Singapore collaborated to organise a special camp for children with various chronic conditions, the scale of the event’s success leading to the formation of a dedicated charity.

Club Rainbow (Singapore) has grown over the years, now providing emotional, informational, educational, social and financial support to more than 1,000 families.

“These children have to cope with their illnesses and its effects as they try to lead as close to a normal life as possible,” says Chee Herng. “Hand-inhand with Club Rainbow, we organise outreach activities where our staff volunteer their time and talents to engage and uplift these children.”

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An optimistic future

Established as a true corporate citizen in Singapore, Straits Construction is ready to emerge from the industry downturn stronger than it ever has been, both in terms of its contribution to landmark projects and the wider community of the city state.

The backdrop is also improving, and the BCA is bullish about the year ahead, outlining in its latest forecasts that construction demand is expected to remain strong due to sustained public sector contracts.

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Last year an estimated $30.5 billion in contracts were awarded, a solid increase of 23 percent on 2017.

2019 is set to continue this trend, the BCA predicting somewhere in the region of $27-32 billion in contract value despite ongoing challenges such as the delay in construction of the high-speed rail link between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

This leaves the likes of Chee Herng optimistic about the near future.

He concludes: “This year marks the golden jubilee anniversary for the company. We plan to go beyond what we have achieved thus far, and target to secure more challenging and complex projects in the coming years.”

Straits Construction Singapore Pte Ltd Tel: +65 6222 6722 enquiries@straitsconstruction.com www.straitsconstruction.com

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A leading mechanical and electrical integrated specialist whose core business is providing innovative management & quality services.

Crane World Asia specialise in sales and rental of Terex full range of tower cranes as well as other brands of tower cranes including supply of spare parts for all tower cranes.

For operational fields, we provide related services in erecting, dismantling, commissioning, servicing, maintaining, jacking

Exclusive distributor for full range of Terex tower cranes and spare parts.

Crane World Asia Pte Ltd | 27 Pioneer Sector 1 | Singapore 628433 T: +65 6509 3690 | F: +65 6509 3696 | www.craneworldasia.com

Outlook Creative Services

Outlook Publishing’s awardwinning in-house team is now utilising its extensive production skills to offer a full and bespoke

15 Bukit Batok Street 22 #06-00 Propell Building Singapore 659586

T: +65 6282 2822, F: +65 6282 0300 www.propell.com.sg

We are the specialist in Sanitary and Plumbing in government housing, private housing and commercials projects including Design and Build.

range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

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

+65 6788 4402 | sinhongyong@singnet.com.sg | www.sinhongyong.com

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Progressive Healthcare Operating as a key exponent of Myanmar’s social development strategy, PHSH is changing perceptions and misconceptions across Myanmar with its forward-thinking approach Writer: Jonathan Dyble | Project Manager: Callam Waller

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istorically renowned as a nation that has been defined by economic and political isolation, the tide seems to be turning in Myanmar, with waves of positivity sweeping the nation in the face of recent events.

Owed to the success of the democratic elections that were held in November 2015, the new government has been outlining an agenda focused on providing the platform for a revolutionary transformation and modernisation process.

Above: Dr Gershu Paul, Group CEO of PHSH

In the short time since, Myanmar has already transitioned away from being an enclosed and hostile region, now standing as one of Asia’s fastest growing countries, with the Asia Development Bank forecasting GDP growth of seven percent for 2019.

Currently, much of the government’s emphasis is being placed on bolstering the country’s structural and institutional foundations, from energy and transport to education and healthcare, a strategy that Pun Hlaing Siloam Hospitals Group (PHSH) is helping to enable as one of Myanmar’s most progressive healthcare providers.

“PHSH was initially established in 2005 by First Myanmar Investments (FMI), a Yoma Group company whose mission is to ‘build a better Myanmar for its people’,” explains Dr Gershu Paul, Group CEO of PHSH. “And what better way to realise this mission than to drive social transformation by improving the national healthcare scene.

“As an emerging country, there is both huge opportunity in Myanmar

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and many challenges to overcome, prospects that inspire and motivate us more and more by the day.”

Prior to his current role, Dr Gershu acted as Group CEO for Indonesianbased Siloam Hospitals, taking the business from four hospitals in 2006 to an IPO, listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange at a market cap of US$1.8 billion with 29 hospitals, in less than nine years. In 2014, PHSH entered a joint venture with Lippo Group, the controlling shareholder of Siloam International Hospitals and, as a result, in 2014 Dr Gershu took up the role of CEO of PHSH in Myanmar.

Breaking the mould

Bringing such a depth of expertise to his position at PHSH, Dr Gershu has played a crucial role in helping the firm to expand substantially in the past five years since its restructuring began.

During this short period the hospital has expanded to open a three-story Pun Hlaing Primary Care Clinic in

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downtown Yangon and another at Star City, in Yangon’s Thanlyin Township. Meanwhile, in Mandalay, PHSH has opened a state-of-the-art, 75-bed hospital that offers the first 1.5T MRI in the city, along with 24hour fulltime specialists, fully-fledged emergency services and end-to-end digital technology solutions.

Moreover, close to Inle Lake, Taunggyi, PHSH opened the Nyaung Shwe Clinic, and in October 2018 acquired a 70 percent stake in SEIN Hospital that has been the leading private hospital in Taunggyi City for almost two decades.

“Our plans are to expand this to a state-of-the-art 150-bed hospital within the next two years,” adds Dr Gershu.

As such, the company has rapidly amalgamated a broad footprint, providing not only extensive services, but equally unrivalled standards in terms of quality across its six operational facilities.

JJ-PUN

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J-Pun has been providing worldleading technology solutions to Myanmar in a wide variety of industries including healthcare, agriculture and material handling since 2011.

With over 50 world-renowned technology partners and more than 1,500 customers, JJ-Pun’s highly skilled sales, application and service specialists provide complete tailored solutions, allowing businesses to focus fully on operations.

Founded as a joint-venture between ASEAN conglomerate Jebsen & Jessen and Myanmar based Serge Pun & Associates, JJ-Pun unites the technological and market expertise of both family enterprises.

JJ-Pun’s healthcare department is a long-time partner of Pun Hlaing Siloam Hospital and has a comprehensive portfolio of medical equipment, laboratory equipment and consumables products. As a premier healthcare solutions provider we offer installation, troubleshooting and maintenance of medical equipment.

On the ground a well-trained team of medical professionals and biomedical engineers support and educate endusers on equipment application.

As a responsible corporate citizen, we believe in making a difference in the environment and community.

This is reflected in our steadfast commitment to contributing resources and innovative technologies for the sustainable development of xxxxxxxxx the Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx environment and engagement of the community. With ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 certifications, our record of safety makes us a prudent choice for industrial partners and clients.

These are only a few of the ways JJ-Pun lives out its mission statement of “Building a better Myanmar for its people”.

T +95 1 368 77 90

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PHSH’S SERVICE PORTFOLIO Yangon

The 174-bed flagship hospital on the Pun Hlaing Estate is operational 24-hours every day, seven days per week. The hospital comprises a three-storey medical service building and a four-storey treatment ward, with a total floor area of 21,000 square metres. Facilities include five operating theatres, a designated delivery suite with three labour suites. There are 16 ICU (intensive care unit) rooms, a modern imaging suite and a laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art testing equipment.

Specialties include internal medicine, neurosciences, cardiology services, orthopaedics, plastic and reconstructive surgery, radiology, ICU, obstetrics and gynaecology and paediatrics.

In addition, overseas doctors in specialties such as cardiology, orthopaedic surgery, laparoscopic surgery and obstetrics and gynaecology are regularly practicing at PHSH. The 24-seven emergency department is run based on American emergency guidelines led by the only American Heart Association (AHA) certified instructor in Myanmar. Equally, its emergency department is the only AHA certified training facility in Myanmar.

Alongside the hospital, the PHSH clinic in downtown Yangon is available for primary care as well as daytime emergency care.

It is connected to the firm’s flagship hospital through a ‘Hub and Spoke’ digital platform. Services include medical check-ups and specialist consultation across all clinical specialities. It also provides a specialist aesthetic service equipped with state-ofthe-art Alma laser equipment. Further, the clinic is also installed with four haemodialysis chairs, and there is a 9am to 9pm emergency service, chest-pain clinic, imaging, laboratory, and pharmacy service.

CONCORDIA INT’ CO. LTD

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ince 1994, we have been providing office automation, engendering and medical equipment and services in Myanmar.

Concordia, one of the leading medical companies in Myanmar, would like to say thanks to Asia Outlook for inviting us to participate in Pun Hlaing Siloam Hospitals Group feature.

Concordia and PSH Group have been building on a strong relationship ever since it was established many years ago, and we are looking forward to bettering the healthcare of our patients in the future.

Building 11, MICT Park Hlaing Township Yangon Myanmar T +95 1 654 950 to 7 E concordia@myanmar.com.mm

Mandalay

In Mandalay, PHSH provides primary and secondary care including general surgery, internal medicine, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, orthopaedics, oncology, cardiology, nephrology, radiology and pathology. Mandalay also offers 24-seven emergency services and acute care services, and it is the only facility with fulltime specialists across all of the disciplines that the firm offers in the region.

Taunggyi

At present, the 100-bed hospital in Taunggyi offers primary to secondary medical procedures including obstetrics and gynaecology, internal medicine, general surgery, medical checkup, imaging, laboratory and pharmacy. A joint venture company is being formed to manage the Taunggyi hospital, and it will be transformed and rebranded. On completion it will have state-ofthe-art equipment and offer an expanded range of services to be the leading facility in the region. Overseas projects are particularly popular

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Exterior of PHSH Yangon

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Interventional Cardiology

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Concordia International Co.,Ltd, we first incorporated in Myanmar at 1994 to provide sales of Office Automation Equipment, Medical Equipment, Laboratory Equipment, Engineering Equipment & Material Testing Equipment, Environmental Testing Equipment, with 500 employees.

The main activities are developed into import, distribution, technical support, after sales service and maintenance of these products in various specialties in Myanmar as following area ; Head Office : Yangon Branch Office : Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Magway, Taung Gyi, Myeik, Sittway

“We are leading the way, not only in the high standard of care and services PHSH offers, but also by championing improvement across the national healthcare system�

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“Socially and culturally, many people here have little trust in the medical system, believing that other places like Bangkok, India and Singapore will offer better treatment,” Dr Gershu states.

“In order to break this misconception, we have a very clear and precise vision whereby we will deliver international quality; provide a vast reach throughout our nationwide ecosystem of healthcare services and

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facilities; offer unrivalled scale as an equitable, affordable and accessible healthcare firm; and remain driven by compassion, providing a holistic approach to delivering healthcare.

“We firmly believe that it is the commitment of our core team to deliver this vision, 60 percent of whom have been with PHSH for over five years, percentages that set us apart from the competition. We work in a spirit of one

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team, one dream, one vision.”

PHSH’s extensive achievements include the obtaining of JCI accreditation, becoming the first, and to date the only, JCI accredited hospital in Myanmar. Dr Gershu continues: “Only around 640 hospitals worldwide have obtained this, so we are extremely proud to put Myanmar on the map as being a globally recognised healthcare provider.”

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Further, in April 2018 PHSH also became the first hospital in Myanmar to implement a fully integrated, digital medical record system. This achievement has afforded farreaching benefits including improved performance, productivity and efficiency. More importantly it has allowed the firm to connect its facilities and services across the country, bringing much needed specialist services to all regions, setting the foundation of the ‘Hub and Spoke’ platform to be a national network.

“We are leading the way, not only in the high standard of care and services PHSH offers, but also by championing improvement across the national healthcare system,” says Dr Gershu. “Through a series of education sessions and one-on-one mentoring, we share knowledge and experience with practitioners and facilities in tier one and tier two cities, as well as in rural centres.”

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Facilitating the future

A company on the up, PHSH has outlined ambitious goals for the next decade, aiming to establish a wider reach through a network of 10 facilities across Myanmar by 2029.

“This network will not only allow us to provide easier access to medical services for patients, but equally it will provide greater synergy across recruitment, training, procurement and the development of specialist centres through referrals,” explains Dr Gershu.

All things combined, PHSH will play a key role in helping to achieve the country’s extensive development goals, standing as both a true social enabler and a champion of progress.

Dr Gershu concludes: “On all fronts, we will continue to inspire our people and further fuel their commitment to our vision, and enhance the overall patient safety and quality agenda across the sector.

“Ultimately, to reiterate, we want to help build a better Myanmar for its people.”

Pun Hlaing Siloam Hospitals Group Tel: +95 9 957 797 723 helenarosefield@phsh.com.mm www.punhlaingsiloamhospitals.com

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CONTAINERISED

Transport Transformed

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t is little surprise that the global seaborne container industry is booming.

As the world becomes everconnected, combined with the fact consumer and commercial demands for rapid turnaround times are increasing, the market for efficient, timely shipping is growing.

Take 2017. Container transport across the oceans accounted for 60 percent of all sea trade, activity equating to around $12 trillion in value and forecast to grow at 4.7 percent to the end of 2019.

This growth has been made possible by the massive increase in the size of ships and subsequent capacity of freightliners. Over the last 40 years, deadweight tonnage of container ships has risen from approximately 11 million to more than 250 million tonnes.

However, a second revolution is gathering momentum.

While larger ships have permitted enormous financial growth and helped drive improved living standards across the world, it has come at a monumental cost to the environment.

Just 15 of the largest container ships in operation today match the carbon emissions of every car on the planet.

In country terms, the shipping industry ranks between Germany and Japan as the sixth largest polluter on earth.

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Having introduced a revolutionary mode of containerised transport, Goodpack is expanding its global network to help supply chains across a range of industries to become more efficient and sustainable Writer: Tom Wadlow Project Manager: Richard Thomas

MB9 Container Ideal for applications which require the removal of all four walls

Efficiency of such operations, therefore, is paramount in ensuring that supply chains worldwide continue to fuel the demands of customers and minimise their environmental impact at the same time.

Enter Goodpack. Established and named from a contract to provide a shipping solution to tyre-making giant Goodyear in the 1990s, its inventive, collapsible system has been a gamechanger for the rubber industry.

Company founder David Lam spotted the flaw of splintering woodbased packaging and designed a metal-based, reusable solution that offered an efficient and safe means of transporting valuable rubber payloads.

“In the mid-1980s Goodyear mandated a non-fibre, non-wood packaging for its natural rubber,” explains Goodpack CEO Eric Gregoire.

“At the time Japan was leading the way with metal containers, but the key was that they were not collapsible. The challenge David Lam confronted was making a metal container economically viable, especially in the context of returns from the USA. It took him the best part of a decade to solve the problem and bring a solution to market, but he did.”

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Eric Gregoire, CEO, Goodpack

Not only do these leased containers (named Goodpacks) offer superior conditions for transport at a competitive price, they also carry tremendous sustainability credentials.

“Firstly, the reusable nature of the format reduces waste from the start,” Gregoire continues, “and given that it is an alternative to wood in many instances, it also reduces demand for forest resources as well as avoiding wood contamination of the finished products.

“At the processing stage, Goodpacks reduce packaging requirements, increase filling efficiencies, as well as

storage and transport. It also removes the need for wooden pallets which are used with drums.”

Indeed, Goodpacks are designed to increase the fill efficiency of shipping containers and can do so by as much as 29 percent against drums. Further, at the end user stage and due to their collapsible nature, they are more efficient than traditional container solutions to store, transport and empty, leaving less packaging to dispose of.

At the end of life, the containers are melted down and either remade into new Goodpacks or converted into another industrial application.

Formidable footprint

Gregoire was employed by parent company KKR in 2017, which has pursued a bold diversification strategy since acquiring Goodpack in 2014.

While rubber still represents around 80 percent of business, the company has expanded its specialisations into a range of other, fast-growing subsectors such as tyres (downstream), food and beverage, automotive, machine components, chemicals and energy.

These diversifying activities are underpinned by a global network which, for Gregoire, is Goodpack’s key differentiator.

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Comprising four million containers in operation at any one time, the company’s work is conducted through 4,800 global delivery and collection points, 70 depots and 18 subsidiary operations spread over six continents.

“What sets us apart today is less the physical product or SKU, but our network,” says Gregoire. “It is our ability to deliver and collect the containers on a global scale through nearly 5,000 different points, and this requires a lot of planning and work with local companies.”

Such an expansive network relies on a series of tightknit, long-term partnerships with local freight forwarders and depot operators at the frontline of supply chain operations.

When selecting partner companies, Goodpack is uncompromising when it comes to five key values. These include safety, quality, delivery, cash and inventory management and cost,

with long-established, local partners preferred.

In Costa Rica, for example, COANSA manages depot activities for all regional Goodpack customers, serving the region’s food and rubber supply chain.

“COANSA is something of a global ideal when it comes to how to run a depot,” explains Regional President for Europe and Africa Camburn Withers, who comes into close contact with the firm under his food operations remit. “They are absolutely driven by the quality and service they provide to customers, and we use them as a reference point time and time again.

“South America is a food-orientated market for us, and they operate across all the processors for us in Costa Rica.

The word partnership is bandied around a lot, but I would describe COANSA as an extension of Goodpack, and our face in the region.”

COANSA Your partner in Central America Founded in 1986, COANSA partners with top companies from around the world who are interested in accelerating growth by entering Central America.

With regional presence and state-of-theart facilities, its expertise lies in technical sales (indent and distribution), supply chain and logistics aimed at the region’s industrial sector.

COANSA has been Goodpack’s partner in Central America since 1995, bringing the efficiency and sustainability advantages of Goodpack to, among others, the pineapple and banana processing industries. COANSA’s agro-industrial and aseptic packaging expertise made the company the key sales partner, but its logistical and operational capabilities make the firm an ideal regional depot.

Central America consists of seven countries, each with their own laws and customs. Most companies don’t have the bandwidth to enter and develop each country, hence COANSA: it has sales and distribution activities throughout the region, with clients across more than 50 industrial sectors.

Its operational footprint serves the entire region, starting with its hub in Costa Rica where it owns and operates state-of-the-art facilities, including a bonded warehouse.

COANSA believes it is successful thanks to a relentless focus on customer service. It has enabled its customers to develop the flexibility necessary to continuously adapt to evolving market Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx needs, while creating long-term value for all parties. The company prides itself on an impeccable record of payments and compliance which enables it to work with top financial institutions and companies from abroad.

T (+506) 2239-9590 E hello@coansacorp.com Back in August 2017, Goodpack strengthened its leadership structure at its Singapore operations with key global appointments to enhance its ability to service clients worldwide

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www.coansacorp.com

Your Partner in Central America

• Indent Sales & Distribution • Supply Chain & Logistics • State of the Art Facilities • Regional Presence (+506) 2239-9590

hello@coansacorp.com

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New opportunities

COANSA’s specialism in the food sector represents the diversification plan being pursued by Goodpack.

Its aim is to become a true supply chain partner across a multitude of industries, with seven distinct regional business units also being joined up with sector specialisms. For example, Withers is the company’s Regional President for Europe and Africa and also the Global Business Unit Director for Food, a subsector which has been served by Goodpack since 1996.

Serving these different markets requires a continual churn of product innovation that involves close dialogue with both customers and manufacturing partners.

SUSTAINABLE CREDENTIALS Sustainability is at the core of Goodpack’s existence. Its containers, for example, provide the following efficiencies: • Sea: 29 percent more product in 20-foot container (vs wood/ plastic bins)

We approach problems with an industry-wide lens but at the same time collaborate closely with customers and discover their specific requirements” “As we look to move into new applications we are getting there with a willingness to solve a problem,” explains Gregoire. “We work with customers to develop a container that will fit their needs, and have recently developed, for example, a prototype for our components business that we hope will fulfil the requirements of the sector.

“We approach problems with an industry-wide lens but at the same time collaborate closely with customers and discover their specific requirements.

“For instance, we developed a container (TomatoCubeTM) for the large tomato processors whereby they told us what the product needed to do, the dimensions and so on,” adds Withers. “They trialled it in their factories and they shaped the format

• Rail: 10 percent more product in domestic shipments (vs wood/plastic bins) • Land: 12-40 percent savings in transportation/freight costs (vs bins/drums)

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to make it their own, which is really important.”

Much of this R&D work is coordinated by Goodpack’s Product Development Committee, led by Chief Operating Officer Peet Leong Kok, working with a longstanding manufacturing partner responsible for producing the company’s containers and experimental prototypes.

Not only are the containers at the leading edge of storage and transport solutions, they are backed up by innovative information analytics developed by the company’s digital lab, helping to deliver excellence in supply chain effectiveness, visibility and data intelligence to its customers.

This goal of establishing an end-toend supply chain solution also involves geographical expansion.

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ASIA Specialising in the Pontianak & Pasir Gudang feeder container markets!

Delighting our customers since 1998, with 21 years of efficient container services West Malaysia East Malaysia

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Leading in temperature controlled logistics

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Kloosterboer provides innovative and sustainable complete solutions in the supply chain for temperature controlled food products.

With a storage capacity of more than 4,700,000 m3 and an annual throughput capacity of more than 3,500,000 tonnes of food products, we are one of the market leaders in our sector.

(65) 6839 7021

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PACC Line is a subsidiary of Pacific Carriers Limited, a member of Kuok Group

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The company already has a matured presence covering Europe, much of Asia and North America, with the likes of China, Latin America and Africa, especially in the northwest, representing lucrative opportunities for growth.

Africa’s rubber industry is a particular focus in the North West, while the food sector can be explored through Goodpack’s depot and office setup in South Africa.

“Developing nations are wanting to use more responsible packaging and deal with the problems of waste,” Gregoire adds. “We have a longstanding presence in northwest Africa and want to build on this in places like Morocco, Egypt and Libya.

“These new trade lanes from Europe into northern Africa, especially with synthetic rubber exports, represent a

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We have a longstanding presence in northwest Africa and want to build on this in places like Morocco, Egypt and Libya”

lot of opportunity, and this is without even looking at connecting into these countries’ domestic trade markets.

“Wooden boxes are the norm at the moment, and companies are wanting to adopt new solutions to boost their own competitiveness economically and environmentally.”

Central to the successful execution of Goodpack’s expansive vision is its cohort of professional staff, from its experienced management team to frontline and back office employees who ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the business.

“In a market where finding quality talent is a challenge, Goodpack recognises that there are steps to take to ensure that top talent enters our company and stays,” says Gregoire.

“From work-life balance, diverse culture, strong leadership, staff

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feedback, and creating compelling visions of each employee’s contributions, Goodpack goes beyond traditional engagement and empowerment programmes giving our workers the freedom to succeed.”

A prosperous future

Looking ahead, Gregoire is confident that the second container revolution will continue to gather momentum as more and more companies and supply chains realise the economic and

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environmental value of its solutions.

“There is no choice,” he says.

“Increasingly sustainability and efficiency are linked, so it is simply good business sense to pursue both.

Sustainability, responsible sourcing and efficiency are demanded by every step in the value chain, right through to the consumer.

“And with all these forces aligned through the supply chain, we are seeing increasing focus and investment, a positive desire to

“Wooden boxes are the norm at the moment, and companies are wanting to adopt new solutions to boost their own competitiveness economically and environmentally”

“We approach problems with an industry-wide lens but at the same time collaborate closely with customers and discover their specific requirements”

“In a market where finding quality talent is a challenge, Goodpack recognises that there are steps to take to ensure that top talent enters our company and stays”

ASIA engage, and a willingness to make changes to long established processes.

There are no sacred cows anymore.

You cannot help but be optimistic in the current environment if you believe in change.”

This growing belief in change is helping to transform the supply chain ecosystem through the uptake of returnable packaging formats, something which the CEO is adamant will grow further, and fast.

“As businesses focus on continuous improvement of both their supply chain and their environmental footprint, it is inevitable that returnable formats will increasingly become a more critical enabler in the global supply chain,” Gregoire continues.

“The increasing demands of that process also serves to drive our innovation pipeline at Goodpack, developing new formats and exploring advanced construction materials to maintain durability while reducing weight.”

This, coupled with the added layer in IoT-based container intelligence, is driving progress, the very reason Gregoire was inspired to join Goodpack in the first place.

He concludes: “I like to enable change. What drew me here was the transformational nature of the business. It has already impacted supply chains around the world and has huge potential to further transform and make them much more efficient and eco-friendly.

“Globalisation and environmental stewardship are two of the most important challenges facing the world right now, and Goodpack can have a positive influence on both.”

Goodpack Tel: +65 6382 1788 www.goodpack.com

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Hi-Tech Energy for Hi-Tech Business

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Sat just 27 kilometres from the Port of Butterworth, Penang, and 45 kilometres from the city’s international airport, the 4,400-acre, governmentbacked Kulim Hi-Tech Industrial Park (KHTP) has attracted thousands of

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industrial, commercial, domestic and institutional clients, and shows no sign of slowing its momentum.

“In addition, the number of workers in the KHTP exceeds 28,500 people,” comments Ikwan Hafiz Bin Jamaludin, Executive Director of N.U.R Power Sdn Bhd (NUR Power), the firm exclusively responsible for generation, distribution

NUR Power has been providing electricity for Malaysia’s Kulim Hi-Tech Industrial Park for more than 20 years, investing in vital capacity as the site continues to expand Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Matthew Cole-Wilkin

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“Also, there are over 8,300 students who attend the primary and secondary schools, polytechnic and university on site.”

As of 2017, more than $10 billion of investment has gone into KHTP, much of this coming from 37 multinational corporations located there, and this figure set to rise rapidly with KHTP’s plan to expand to 12,000 in the near future.

For NUR Power, Malaysia’s first and only privately-owned independent power utility, it is a great turn-around story. It was taken over by a white knight in 2012 from receivership and has since turned corners with prudent operational and financial management.

It has become an acute value proposition for KHTP and is growing in tandem with the park.

The firm currently owns, operates and maintains a 220 MW combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant in a 115-acre zone of KHTP, and has been selling electricity to the park’s customers since May 1998 through its self-built and managed distribution grid.

Energised expansion

Of the 115 acres occupied by NUR Power, just 40 are actually used by the

Ikwan Hafiz Bin Jamaludin, Executive Director

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existing plant, meaning there is ample room to expand alongside the wider growth of the hi-tech industrial site.

For Board member and former Group CEO Abd Rahim Bin Md Noh, kickstarting the development of a new CCGT plant is a top priority for the coming year. “It will be adjacent to the existing plant and be in the region of 100 MW to 150 MW, in line with the strong growth we are expecting in KHTP,” he says.

“We have appointed a Technical Adviser to conduct the technoeconomic study and thereafter prepare the technical specifications of the plant. An investment bank has already been engaged to look at the project financing potential of the site.

“Commercial operation date of the first unit is targeted by 2020/21, but this is just the beginning. We have ample land, sufficient gas supply and are in close proximity to the national grid which are building blocks for bigger prospects to come.”

This project will be the latest in a string of recent investments made by NUR Power to better serve clients at KHTP. “Last year we implemented a new

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“Last year we implemented a new billing system to enable us to have a flexible, customisable and scalable platform and ensure better billing to customers and efficient receivables management” billing system to enable us to have a flexible, customisable and scalable platform and ensure better billing to customers and efficient receivables management,” Abd Rahim says.

This follows the opening of a new west substation in 2016 and installation of a dry air injection system to NUR

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Ir. Fam Yew Hin M: +6012-2048681 E: yh.fam@wibawa.org.my

Executive Director

Services that we offer: - GT upgrades, repair and reconditioning - Boiler upgrades, repair and refurbishment - Field services and contract works - Spare parts supply for industrial and utility GTs - Conversion and relocation of power plant - DLN upgrading - Feasibility studies - 3D Plant modelling and stress analysis

Wibawa Services Sdn Bhd No. 3-2, Plaza Danau Desa 2 Jalan 4/109F Taman Danau Desa 58100 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia T: +603 797 22672 C: +601 2 2048681, +601 2 268 3056 E: admin@wibawa.org.my

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Power’s gas turbines the following year, a system which has increased gross output by around eight MW. In early 2018 the company began upgrading its SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system enhancing its distribution network, facilitating crucial visibility of network performance thanks to advanced data collection capabilities.

Secrets to success

For Abd Rahim, investment in stateof-the-art technology has been central to NUR Power’s ongoing success and

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development.

However, this has also been dependent on a number of other factors, as the director explains: “We engage our stakeholders very early and regularly – we want to know what matters most to them and what their pain points are.

“We also don’t accept defeat. If a job cannot be done, we ask what it takes to get it done. More time? More resources?

Better tools and equipment? Better expertise and knowledge? Specialised training? We will do what it takes to provide a reliable and quality service, on time and at a reasonable cost without compromising on safety.”

Such an approach has been validated by customer feedback.

NUR Power conducted its inaugural customer survey satisfaction in 2017 and achieved an overall customer satisfaction score of 82 percent, comparable to a national utility.

This measured six key metrics – electricity supply services, billings and payments, customer service, metering services, centre call experience and communication.

Powered by people

Another crucial factor in NUR Power’s

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progress has been its investment in human capital, its entire staff being Malaysian.

“We value capable people,” says Ikwan Hafiz. “We are lean so everybody has to carry their weight.

We equip staff with training in both technical and non-technical skills at home and abroad. We believe in empowering our staff by representing the company in seminars, conferences, study visits to manufacturers, repair shops and other utilities. Regular knowledge sharing sessions are also conducted internally.”

If employees wish to take professional qualifications, NUR Power provides study leaves and examination fees.

“The company provides a platform for our people to enhance their career development,” continues Ikwan Hafiz, “and we are encouraging them to advance with greater responsibilities and enable opportunities for promotion and job rotation.”

Guided by core values of performance excellence, innovation, teamwork, integrity and ownership, team members who embrace these principles are recognised with awards.

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“We also don’t accept defeat. If a job cannot be done, we ask what it takes to get it done”

The company is looking to expand its existing power capacity

Ikwan Hafiz Bin Jamaludin

“We believe in empowering our staff by representing the company in seminars, conferences, study visits to manufacturers, repair shops and other utilities”

We maintain close relationships with both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and nonOEMs alike...”

NUR Power involves itself in industry events

Further, the company holds regular team building exercises, and organises sports and social events.

NUR Power also depends on external expertise in order to concentrate on and excel in its core business.

“We maintain close relationships with both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and non-OEMs alike, both locally and internationally, and leverage against these

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relationships to gain the best value in terms of provision of services for the company,” says Abd Rahim.

“Working closely with our suppliers, our procurement department has initiated effective pricing negotiations and value-added services, resulting in efficiency and savings.

“Having said that, we are looking into consolidating some expertise inhouse to further improve operational excellence.”

Community cohesion

While NUR Power may be geographically confined to KHTP, it actively promotes and empowers the local community there through a number of initiatives.

The company is heavily involved with the Kulim Industrial Tenants Association and its various subcommittees, striving to make KHTP a preferred area for work, play and stay, investing in improved facilities for those living in and around the site.

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STANDING OUT Asked what stands NUR Power apart from other power companies in Malaysia, Abd Rahim and Ikwan Hafiz identify six key points: > Power quality - electric supply meets stringent customer requirements. > Underground distribution system - reduces risk from weather related disruption and faster restoration time. > Rapid response to customers - zero downtime mindset. > Low technical losses - in-situ generation, no transmission losses. > Low non-technical losses - detailed consumption monitoring and on-time collection. > Strong partnerships - capable, experience and reliable vendors.

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“We consider ourselves as part of the local community,” says Ikwan Hafiz. “Contributing and giving back to the community forms a very important element of our existence.”

This is evidenced by the implementation and support of various programmes, from education initiatives such as internships to high performing students, awareness in electrical safety, energy efficiency and first aid, to donation of computers and printers to schools and charitable organisations.

NUR Power also makes regular contributions to disadvantaged students and religious festivities such as Iftar during the month of Ramadan.

Meanwhile, in the sporting arena, the company supports numerous local community football clubs and sponsors UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) cycling event Le Tour De Langkawi 2018.

On the environmental side, NUR Power has sponsored a tree planting programme organised by Yayasan

Hijau Malaysia, an agency under the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (MESTECC), in collaboration with a local municipal council. The firm also pledges support to natural disaster relief efforts.

By safeguarding its surrounding community and environment, NUR Power has built a legacy based on trust that will ensure it can continue to thrive in years to come.

This will depend on monitoring and responding to key industry trends, and Ikwan Hafiz concludes by outlining those which have the potential to radically impact the company’s development path in the future.

“I want to continuously engage with business partners and stakeholders to understand industry development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies such as the IoT (internet of things) and AI (artificial intelligence).

For example, by enhancing our SCADA

network capability, big data will allow us to further improve service delivery and operational efficiency.

“NUR Power is also evaluating seriously renewable energy opportunities that will bring tangible benefits to the community and be economically viable to the business.

“To conclude, in three to five years’ time, we hope that NUR Power will grow into a force to be reckoned with in a sector which is embracing liberalisation. We want to achieve this whilst creating value for all stakeholders by playing our role in spurring FDI and economic development in the park and beyond.”

N.U.R Power Sdn Bhd Tel (Head Office): +60 3 8082 3131 / 3111 cs@nur.com.my www.nur.com.my

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akistan’s economy is growing at a rate that many developed western nations would envy.

Despite analysts predicting a slowdown in GDP growth for 2019, the country’s income has been expanding solidly in recent years, enjoying a 5.4 percent increase in 2017 and a predicted 5.8 percent rise for 2018.

This is well above the rates seen across the G20, a pattern that must continue if Pakistan is to develop quickly enough to sufficiently cater for a population that is growing by around two percent every year.

It is also important for investor confidence, and the recent economic growth is fuelling optimism for the likes of Gas & Oil Pakistan Limited (GO) and its Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO Khalid Riaz.

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Pakistan’s

Petroleum PARTNER In a just a few short years, Gas & Oil Pakistan Limited has grown into a nationwide supplier of petroleum products and services.

Chairman and CEO Khalid Riaz tells us more Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Josh Hyland

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Asked whether the country’s petroleum sector is an exciting place to be operating in, he responds: “Absolutely, the oil & gas industry in Pakistan is booming with plenty of space to expand alongside some shortage and price issues that need to be resolved.

“With the current economic growth, increasing income levels and a larger number of people with access to personal transport, there are opportunities for companies to capture this momentum in the fuels and allied services market.”

GO itself is testament to this trend.

Commencing operations in 2015, it has enjoyed a remarkable rise into a nationwide company that manages around 400 retail outlets, 400 tank trucks and considerable storage

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Currently managing 400 retail outlets, GO hopes to raise this number to 1,000 by 2022

infrastructure.

Riaz has been involved in the industry since joining his father’s business in 1979, quickly setting up his own retail outlet before moving

into logistics services for oil marketing companies (OMCs) in 1998.

“Having established the retail and logistics side of the business, I was looking for opportunities to provide

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a first-class, end-to-end experience to the Pakistan market,” he recalls.

“Traditionally, the multinationals had a stronghold in this area. With government policies changing to encourage investment in the sector, I took the bold step of acquiring a licence for an OMC along with two partners and formed GO in 2011. After building the required storage infrastructure and completing the stringent regulatory requirements, the company started operations in early 2015.”

growing our network, particularly in big metropolitan cities to cater for a diverse group of consumers. We are also planning to increase our storage capacity, especially in remote areas to expand our reach.”

GO’s commitment to boosting storage capacity could be a gamechanger for the wider industry.

Maintaining momentum

GO’s network of retail outlets provides high quality fuels, lubricants and services to motorists, with the company recently introducing a new lubricants brand from Germany to its offering.

Its ambition for 2022 is a bold one – to operate more than 1,000 retail outlets.

“During the last four years, our focus has been on increasing our presence in smaller areas,” Riaz adds. “In order to become a major player, we are now aggressively

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Riaz continues: “Pakistan has seen little investment in storage infrastructure over the past few decades and we are proud to have built storage facilities in different parts of the country, which today amount to well in excess of 100,000 metric tonnes.”

Working in and out of these facilities are the firm’s branded fleet, responsible for delivering various petroleum products to different parts of Pakistan.

The tank trucks are fitted with satellite tracking systems and driven by experienced drivers who undergo regular training, a key priority for Riaz being an uncompromising approach to health and safety.

These drivers will soon be delivering to and from a brand-new terminal at Mahmoodkot in Punjab, near PARCO’s Mid-Country Refinery, the largest oil storage facility of any OMC in the province.

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ASIA Able to store more than 84,000 metric tonnes and deliver 12,000 metric tonnes of product a day, Riaz explains how the new development will transform the local backdrop for movement of petroleum.

“The commissioning has helped in creating additional storage of petroleum products in mid-country,” he says, “and from now onwards will help in saving millions of dollars in demurrage cost which is currently being incurred by the industry due to delayed berthing of vessels.”

GO’s eyes are not just on oil & gas, however. Riaz also hints at plans to diversify into renewable energy, specifically solar projects, both in terms of powering the company’s existing sites and separate commercial operations.

Mahmoodkot Terminal

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“Pakistan has seen little investment in storage infrastructure over the past few decades and we are proud to have built storage facilities in different parts of the country”

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COMMUNITY COHESION Gas & Oil Pakistan Limited continues to be active in a number of CSR programmes across the country.

Some examples of recent initiatives include: • A state-of-the-art dialysis centre supporting a population of around a million people.

• Installation of water filtration plants at various locations to provide clean drinking water.

• Establishment of a new school and college for girls.

• Contribution to the government’s initiatives on building new water conservation and energy generation.

• Regular tree plantation drives in multiple cities.

• Mobile food banks providing free meals to more than 400 people daily.

“Pakistan is a country with limited basic resources that are out of reach for large groups of the population,” says Riaz.

“I therefore believe that we at GO have a responsibility to give back to the society which we represent.”

A responsible employer

This will require diversification of the company’s employee base, which is currently made up of seasoned oil & gas professionals and senior management personnel.

Riaz wants to bring new, upcoming talents into the organisation and plans to collaborate with leading business,

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management and engineering schools around the country to start management trainee programmes and paid internships. This will complement further investment in internal training and development workshops already in place for existing staff.

Another central pillar of GO’s culture is health and safety, in which Riaz holds

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with a tremendous degree of pride.

“We firmly believe that there is no reason why we cannot go home from our work places safely without injury or illness,” he says. “We take the stance that no business objective will take priority over health and safety and no task is so important or urgent that it cannot be completed safely.

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Bank AL Habib

extends its Heartiest Felicitations to

Gas & Oil Pakistan Get going with GO

on its rapid growth & wishes the Company every success in years to come.

Over 720 branches and sub-branches in 270 cities in Pakistan including offshore branches in Bahrain, Malaysia, Seychelles and Karachi Export Processing Zone.

The Bank also has Representative Offices in Dubai (UAE), Istanbul (Turkey), Beijing (China) and Nairobi (Kenya).

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“Our health, safety, environment and quality management system is thus centred around commitment at all levels, driven by management and embraced by all employees and customers. Our goal is to protect our people, the public, our property and the environment in which they work and live, as to enhance our business success by reducing risks and adding value to our services.”

This investment in safety standards will ensure GO continues down its unrelenting growth path in a responsible, sustainable way, crucial if the company is to spearhead the development of Pakistan’s oil & gas industry.

Combined with commitments to boost storage capacity, expand its retail network and bring new generations of staff into the business,

the future looks to be burning bright for Riaz and his team.

Gas & Oil Pakistan limited Tel: +92 42 111 46 46 46 corporate.communications@gno.com.pk www.gno.com.pk

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The Migrant Management

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Marvel Leveraging the latest technologies in the name of progress, Bestinet is pioneering transformation when it comes to cross-border migration solutions Writer: Jonathan Dyble

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ithout question, global migration is on the rise.

According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the number of migrants has almost tripled since 1970, increasing from around 84 million to more than 243 million people.

This also translates into a proportional increase, with one in 30 people around the world now claiming migrant status.

In the face of such statistics, global migrant management has continued to come under growing pressure, pressure that Malaysian firm Bestinet is seeking to relieve with its innovative approach.

An information technology specialist, Bestinet’s focus is centred on delivering comprehensive cross-border migration solutions, serving its clients in both the public and private sectors.

“Established in 2008, we saw there were a lot of challenges when it came to Malaysia’s migrant management processes,” explains Ismail Mohd.

Noor, the firm’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our founders recognised that the system was being abused by a large number of opportunists so, looking to correct this, they

Ismail Mohd.

Noor, CEO

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BESTINET’S CORE SERVICES FWCMS

The company’s Foreign Worker Centralised Management System (FWCMS) is a multi-touch-point system, involving a full-fledged webbased online management system that is backed up by secure data processing management infrastructure, developed for the Malaysian government.

Bio-Medical Systems

Bio-Medical Systems is famed as a custom-made online system with real-time status updates, designed to effectively monitor and manage health issues and medical data, often required for migrant recruitment processes.

MiGRAMS

Also known as Migrant Management System, MiGRAMS is an easy-to-use and cost-effective single online platform for any labour receiving countries which require a holistic management of migrant workers, designed to assist governments in their efforts to maximise the efficiency of management and controlling and monitoring of migrant workers processes. Renowned for this, MiGRAMS won an award at the United Nations World Summit in the Government & Citizen Engagement category.

ORACLE NETSUITE

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or more than 20 years, Oracle NetSuite has helped organisations grow, scale and adapt to change.

NetSuite provides a suite of cloudbased applications, which includes financials / enterprise resource planning (ERP), HR, professional services automation and omnichannel commerce, used by more than 15,000 customers (with Malaysia’s Bestinet one such client) in 203 countries and dependent territories.

For more information, please visit http://www.netsuite.com.sg Follow NetSuite’s Cloud blog, Facebook page and @NetSuiteAPAC Twitter handle for real-time updates.

Unified Recruitment Platform (URP)

URP is an innovative solution that allows labour sending countries to efficiently and effectively manage and monitor the recruitment processes carried out for candidate migrant workers going to work in host countries. URP is a strategic national solution that enables labour sending countries to jump start national economic transformation by successfully rejuvenating, innovating and revolutionising the migrant workers industry into a vibrant national key sustainable income and growth catalyst.

proposed the introduction of a Foreign Worker Centralised Management System (FWCMS) to the Malaysian government, known as Migrant Management System (MiGRAMS) for other labour receiving countries.”

Encapsulating efficiency

Overseas projects are particularly popular

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Built to act as a holistic solution, FWCMS was first implemented under a proof-of-concept basis for the Malaysian government. The proof of concept is a pilot implementation for Bestinet to showcase the feasibility of FWCMS as it was the first cross-border solution in 2012 that was developed to manage the entire recruitment process of migrant workers. The overwhelmingly positive results it displayed led to the Malaysian government adopting the system in 2015 – a contract that the firm still retains today.

In the time since, Bestinet has developed both its Bio-Medical System, Unified Recruitment Platform

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The #1 Cloud ERP – NetSuite helps Bestinet Spread its Wings

infoapac@netsuite.com | www.netsuite.com

(URP) and its Migrant Management System (MiGRAMS) that, alongside FWCMS, make up the company’s core service portfolio, collectively satisfying a diverse range of migrant management needs.

Having successfully developed these complex systems, Bestinet has become a champion of revolutionised administration solutions throughout Malaysia, a feat that Ismail is particularly proud of.

“What we’ve seen from the elimination and replacement of many outdated, manual migrant management processes between countries with the introduction of digital systems is a vast improvement in efficiency, transparency and compliance,” he explains.

“It is this that I feel that differentiates us. We work to both achieve optimum efficiency and security from a management perspective, and equally place substantial emphasis on

We are always looking to expand our capabilities to help our clients travel down any challenging migrant management pathway” reinstating the human rights of migrant workers, providing a win-win situation for all stakeholders involved.”

A passionate player in the IT sphere, Bestinet’s core values are centred on going beyond just solving problems.

Further to this, the firm ensures that it delves deep into each individual project, seeking innovative ways that it can deliver improved solutions, from conception to development to deployment.

“The company’s culture is simple – solve the world’s problems and

aid humanity by leveraging the latest technologies,” Ismail adds.

“We are always looking to expand our capabilities to help our clients travel down any challenging migrant management pathway.”

Malaysia’s enabler

This admirable philosophy is readily displayed in Bestinet’s investment strategy, focusing on both improving the firm’s existing offerings and exploring the development of new capabilities.

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“Within our current systems, we’re now looking to include new technologies such as facial recognition, digital identification and artificial intelligence,” reveals Ismail.

One such example can be seen in the recent enhancements to its BioMedical Systems model. Incorporating a number of AI-enabled and digital document signing elements, Bestinet has been able to both bolster the security of the system and simultaneously more accurately monitor and manage national security, health issues and medical data.

“Previously, this system was being used by medical centres to upload X-rays to the cloud, with radiologists then manually analysing the graphics to determine a diagnosis,” Ismail reveals. “However, by integrating AI, the process of radiological screening has become much more efficient as we utilise the principles of machineorientated learned behaviour.”

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We’ve partnered with local schools across the country, for example, helping to upgrade their infrastructure and provide students with better access to educational materials” Moreover, the firm is also an innovative player for open source solutions platform Red Hat, a position that offers a reflection of its ideals in regard to pursuing collaboration and cooperation in the aim of achieving excellence.

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Ismail continues: “We’ve been with Red Hat from the beginning, largely due to our own values being synonymous with what Red Hat is trying to achieve – working together to provide the basis for global technology-enabled progression.

“To this end, we consistently try to maximise synergies both internally and externally.”

Pioneering progress

These synergies can be seen in a variety of ways throughout Bestinet, evident in its training programmes.

Working readily with external partners, the company exposes its staff to a variety of different training strategies, providing them with the opportunity to excel when working alongside complex technologies.

Equally, aside from learning new core skills, Bestinet ensures that each employee is individually given the chance to expand their soft

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skills, regularly sending its workers on leadership, communication and management courses in support of this.

“Emphasising training in this way, we have grown to house a large number of talented individuals within the group, something that is, and will continue to be, crucial to our success,” states Ismail.

Bestinet’s role as a facilitator of social progress is not confined to the company internally, however, with the firm actively working alongside local communities in similar ways, thriving as a corporate social enabler.

Ismail continues: “Education is a passion of Bestinet, and I’m proud to say that we tirelessly work to promote this in as many different ways as we can. We’ve partnered with local schools across the country, for example, helping to upgrade their infrastructure and provide students with better access to educational materials.”

Breaking new ground

Having adhered to this humble approach since 2008, Bestinet continues to play a key role in helping to transform Malaysia in wider ways than just its speciality of migrant management.

BESTINET’S CORE VALUES

Be proactive and principle centred.

Enhance knowledge and skills.

Synergise with a win-win mindset.

Think holistically and appreciate diversity.

Moving forward, the firm hopes to continue to expand both its service portfolio and footprint in the hope of offering this expansive platform of opportunity and expertise to a broader range of people, both locally and internationally.

The Chief Executive concludes: “Last year was indeed our 10th anniversary year, and was cause for celebration when you consider how far we’ve come.

“However, as we move into 2019, I firmly believe that the next decade will be even more exciting and we’re

expecting that a vast number of opportunities will present themselves on a global scale, a prospect that everyone here at Bestinet is truly relishing.”

Bestinet Sdn Bhd Tel: +6018 8605 0250 gcc@bestinet.com.my www.bestinet.com.my

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SOUTH ASIA LPG SUMMIT 2019

E V E N T

F O C U S

Soaring to new LPG heights EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 3-4 March WHERE: Dhaka, Bangladesh CONTACT: chloe@lpgsummit.com WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/salpg2019-mp

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BANGLADESH PLANS TO cement its place as a South Asian regional hub for all things liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The country will be the meeting place for companies from around the globe to discuss and plan for the development and future of this clean energy alternative in South Asia on March 3 and 4, 2019 at the South Asia LPG Summit in ICCB Hall 4, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The conference will bring together more than 1,000 officials from the Bangladesh government, the local LPG industry, other industry players and key global industry stakeholders.

Here, they will discuss action points to move the industry ahead and develop

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the supporting infrastructure that will come in tandem with increased demand.

For more information, please contact us at +65 6506 0964 or chloe@lpgsummit.com.

2

19

SAVE THE DATES

OF OUR UPCOMING EVENTS! www.lpgsummit.com

LPG Summit - Bringing the LPG value chain together under one roof!

South Asia LPG Summit 2019 3 – 4 March 2019 ICCB Hall 4, Dhaka, Bangladesh www.lpgsummit.com/asia2019

Myanmar LPG Summit 2019 3 – 4 April 2019 Lotte Hotel, Yangon, Myanmar www.lpgsummit.com/myanmar2019

7th Africa LPG Summit 26 - 27 November 2019 in partnership with the 9th Annual NLPGA Conference & Exhibition Lagos, Nigeria 6th Africa LPG Summit 3 – 4 July 2019 Mlimani City Conference Center, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania www.lpgsummit.com/africa2019

chloe@lpgsummit.com |

+65 6506 0965 |

www.lpgsummit.com |

lpgsummit |

LPG Summit

OIL & GAS TECH ASIA 2019

E V E N T

F O C U S

Vietnam’s one-stop oil & gas event

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 5-7 March WHERE: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam CONTACT: info@phoexnixtradefairs.com WEBSITE: www.oilgastechasia.com

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PHOENIX TRADE FAIRS is proud to present to you Vietnam’s most anticipated oil & gas industrial trade show, Oil & Gas Tech Asia 2019! Set to be held in Ho Chi Minh City, Oil & Gas Tech Asia 2019 is the one-stop event for Vietnam’s oil & gas community, showcasing the latest technology in both the upstream and downstream segments.

Oil & Gas Tech Asia 2019 seeks to offer a holistic business experience by combining exhibition, conferences and seminars, and a host of networking sessions that connect quality buyers to oil & gas suppliers.

With strong backing from the local government, the oil & gas industry in Vietnam offers international companies

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an easy point of entry to conduct business locally with minimal barriers.

Held over a span of three days, Oil & Gas Tech Asia 2019 will consist of conferences conducted by industry professionals, technology seminars presented by exhibitors, as well as an exhibitors’ night for delegates and VIP guests.

With combined experience of more than 10 years in the trade exhibition industry, our team at Phoenix Trade Fairs aim to connect international companies with local businesses on the ground, allowing easy access for overseas businesses looking to set foot into Vietnam.

For more information or to book a stand, please visit our website at www. oilgastechasia.com

Updates about the market.

International Seminar

VIP Networking Nite

JOIN OUR SEMINAR

JOIN OUR SEMINAR (WIRE ROPE “SAFETY & RELIABILITY”) Military Zone 7 Indoor Sports – Vietnam Date 5th March 2019 Time 9:30 am up to 4:00 pm Presented by David J Vickress Chartered FCIPD Director of PT Wire Rope Training and Consultancy

Target Group Managers, Directors, Supervisors, Inspectors, Buyers, Sellers, Field Engineers & end users of steel wire rope used in lifting applications.

If you are responsible for the safety of the wire ropes used in your business, then this is for you.

Content Includes Responsibilities, Law & Standards Rope Design & Characteristics International Wire Rope Terminology Wire Rope Selection Safety, Storage, & Handling Wire Rope Deterioration & Inspection

For booking and further details contact: Ms Noami marke�ng@wireropetraining.com Phone +62 (0)821 709 82209 Ms Hebe hebe@pheonixtradefairs.com Phone +84(0)28 665 000 00

OIL & GAS TECH ASIA 2019 www.oilgastechasia.com

HVACR VIETNAM

E V E N T

F O C U S

Providing a forum for HVACR businesses

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 25-27 March WHERE: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam WEBSITE: www.hvacrseries.com/vietnam

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HVACR VIETNAM, THE one and only focused exhibition on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, air filtration and purification, and refrigeration Systems (HVACR) in Vietnam, is back in Ho Chi Minh City on March 25-27, 2019.

With 12 successful editions to date, HVACR Vietnam 2019 offers the best platform for buyers and sellers in the HVACR industry to launch new products, reach out to buyers, appoint agents and distributors, as well as to create brand awareness and establish presence in Vietnam’s thriving HVACR market.

The edition last year drew 250 participating companies and brands and 7,906 visitors from 28 countries.

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The three-day exhibition showcases the latest HVACR technology in air filtration and purification, energysaving/renewable energy systems, heat pumps, fans and ventilators, refrigeration and air conditioning equipment and HVACR green products, by local and international exhibitors from countries, such as China, Germany, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the UK and Vietnam.

The HVACR Vietnam seminars presents a series of professional seminars, featuring collaborations with relevant trade associations and industry experts on the latest HVACR technologies and trends, cooling techniques, sustainable green building and energy-efficient solutions for the industry. This knowledge exchange platform is a valuable learning resource for all visitors of the show, as well as a good opportunity to meet and network with industry leaders.

HVACR Vietnam 2019 is supported by the Ministry of Industry and Trade Vietnam, Vietnam Association for Building Materials (VABM), Vietnam Association of Construction Contractor (VACC), Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), Vietnam Green Building Council (VGBC) and Vietnam Society of Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (VISRAE), International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) and the Asia Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA).

The 13th International Exhibition

+65 6411 7709

5TH EDITION MINING INVESTMENT ASIA

E V E N T MINING INVESTMENT ASIA is a strategic mining conference and exhibition for the leaders of the mining, quarrying and construction materials industries, bringing together 350 attendees from 25 countries.

Ministers, mining companies, investors and service providers travel from all over Asia, Africa, Europe, North America and Middle East for three days of partnering, networking and business matching in Singapore.

As one of the world’s leading financial hubs, Singapore is the ideal location to attract mining companies, investors and their partners from across the entire region.

At the conference, various topics such as disruption and innovation in the mining sector, insights on the mining landscape, mining finance and business strategies will be discussed.

Mining Investment Asia will bring in top notch business leaders to share their exclusive market insights with event delegates. The conference will also provide plenty of networking opportunities through roundtable discussions, a cocktail drinks reception and an online business matching application.

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 26-28 March WHERE: Singapore WEBSITE: www.mininginvestmentasia.com

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F O C U S

The foremost Southeast Asian forum for the global mining community Women in Mining Day

Following the successful launch of Women in Mining Day in 2017, Mining Investment Asia will once again shine the spotlight on inclusion and diversity with Women in Mining Day in 2019, bringing together likeminded companies, individuals and organisations to champion the cause of women in mining, addressing the gender imbalance in the mining sector.

Mining Tech

Given the importance of mining technology for the sector, we will be having a conference stream called ‘Mining Tech’ which is dedicated to the benefits of technology for the mining industry.

Besides the conference, the exhibition also provides a great opportunity for mining technology, equipment and services companies, miners and governments to expand

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connections, launch new products and forge new business partnerships.

With key Asian and global buyers and industry leaders conveniently located under one roof, it is also an excellent branding platform for mining companies and service providers to profile themselves to their respective target audience.

Special rates are available for advanced registration and more information on Mining Investment Asia as well as registration details can be found at www. mininginvestmentasia.com.

Mining Investment Asia is organised

by Spire Events (Singapore) and is part of the global Mining Investment Series that has successfully spanned across Asia, Africa, Middle East, Latin America and Europe. More details on the latest global Mining Investment conferences can be found at www. spire-events.com.

@Mininginvmt Mining Investment Conferences & Exhibitions Mining Investment Events Mining Investment Conference

5TH ANNUAL

ASIA

26 - 28 March 2019

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Where Miners, Investors and Service Providers Converge DANIEL ORNATOWSKI

STANLEY T PARK

Board of Directors, Chief Investment Officer IMP Minerals (PT Indo Mineralita Prima), Indonesia

MD & Head of Legal, Asia Pacific Scotiabank, Singapore

DEBORAH McCOMBE

TOM JAMES

President and CEO, Principal Geologist RPA Inc, Canada

CEO & Founder NR Capital Pte Ltd, Singapore

Take Advantage of our Special Offer to Attend and Exhibit Today!

Contact Vishal at +65 6717 6019 | vishal.sengupta@spire-events.com Featuring

ASIA

www.mininginvestmentasia.com Organised by

CIPPE 2019

E V E N T CHINA INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM & Petrochemical Technology and Equipment Exhibition (cippe) is an annual assembly of the petroleum and petrochemical industry. Since 2001, cippe has been successfully held for 18 years and has become one of the most influential oil & gas exhibitions in the world. The 19th China International Petroleum & Petrochemical Technology and Equipment Exhibition (cippe) will be held on March 27-29, 2019 at New China International Exhibition Centre in Beijing.

Taking advantage of rising oil prices, cippe 2019 will continue to invite global oil giants to showcase the latest oil equipment and technology to professional buyers from all over the world, and discuss the prospects of the oil & gas industry with experts and business representatives.

The worldwide annual petroleum and petrochemical event

Covering the whole oil & gas industry chain

Cippe 2019 will showcase eight sectors: petroleum and petrochemical, shale gas, offshore oil & gas, ocean

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 27-29 March WHERE: Beijing, China WEBSITE: http://en.cippe.com.cn

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F O C U S

engineering, natural gas, pipeline and storage, explosion-proof instruments and devices, and soil remediation of oilfield.

To provide a more professional and accurate business matching platform to buyers, in addition to these eight traditional sectors, cippe 2019 will also exhibit smart field and communications equipment, pump valve, industrial fire control and security, new materials, oil field environmental protection, and more.

Gathering global oil giants

Cippe 2019 will welcome 18 international pavilions from USA, Canada, Germany, Russia, Scotland, Britain, France, Italy, South Korea, etc., and 1,800 exhibitors from all over the world. Global enterprises including Saudi Aramco, Rosneft, Gazprom, Transneft, Caterpillar, NOV, Schlumberger, Cameron, Honeywell,

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Philips, Schneider, Dow, Rockwell, Cummins, AkzoNobel, Tyco, Atlas, Sandvik, AKSA, Hempel, API, 3M, E+H, MTU, ARIEL, KSB, and more will be in attendance.

117,000 professional visitors are expected

As a global display platform, hundreds of activities will be held at cippe.

Thematic activities including cippe 2019 Gold Innovation Award Selection, the 11th International Petroleum & Natural Gas Summit, 2019 International Petroleum and Petrochemical Technology Conference, cippe 2019 Embassy Promotion Seminar, cippe 2019 Business Matchmaking Meeting, etc., will take place.

Cippe Organizing Committee sincerely welcomes your participation on March 27-29, 2019 at New China International Exhibition Center, Beijing.

MINES AND MONEY ASIA

E V E N T

F O C U S

Asia’s largest mining investment forum EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 2-4 April WHERE: Hong Kong CONTACT: asia@minesandmoney.com WEBSITE: https://asia.minesandmoney.com

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MINES AND MONEY Asia is Asia’s largest mining investment forum.

Now in its 12th year, it has helped to generate billions of dollars in new business deals and opportunities and helped to finance hundreds of junior miners.

Over 1,500 key global decision makers, mining executives, investors, commodity buyers and policy makers from over 40 countries will converge in Hong Kong from April 2-4 for three days of learning, deal making and unparalleled networking.

Discussing the global mining investment landscape with an indepth look at China’s commodity consumption and the political and macroeconomic influences on

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commodity prices, the conference programme features over 150 global thought leaders including leading investors and miners such as IAMGOLD, Xcoal, Franco Nevada and CEF Holdings to name a few.

Base, precious, bulk and battery metals will all be up for discussion, with spotlight presentations from emerging mining companies as well as an exhibition featuring over 80 mining companies from Asia and around the world, showcasing their projects to leading prospective investors.

With majors looking at replenishing their resources, explorers once again raising money and M&A deals on the rise, Mines and Money is still how and where deals get done.

Claim your complimentary investor pass or receive 10 PERCENT OFF when registering with the discount code: MH2030AO

ASIA’S LARGEST MINING INVESTMENT FORUM Mines and Money Asia is Asia’s largest mining investment forum, now in its 12th year, it has helped to generate billions of dollars in new business deals and opportunities and helped to finance hundreds of junior miners.

Over 1500 key global decision makers, mining executives, investors, commodity buyers and policy makers from over 40 countries will converge in Hong Kong from 2-4 April for three days of learning, deal making and unparalleled networking.

Discussing the global mining investment landscape with an in depth look at China’s commodity consumption and the political and macroeconomic influences on commodity prices; the conference programme features over 150 global thought leaders including leading investors and miners such as IAMGOLD, Xcoal, Franco Nevada and CEF Holdings to name a few.

Base, precious, bulk and battery metals will all be up for discussion with spotlight presentations from emerging mining companies as well as an exhibition featuring over 80 mining companies from Asia around the world showcasing their projects to leading prospective investors.

With majors looking at replenishing their resources, explorers once again raising money and M&A deals on the rise, Mines and Money is still how and where deals get done.

CLAIM YOUR COMPLIMENTARY INVESTOR PASS OR RECEIVE 10% OFF WHEN REGISTERING WITH THE DISCOUNT CODE MH2030AO

12TH ANNUAL TM

HONG KONG CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 2 – 4 APRIL 2019 ASIA.MINESANDMONEY.COM

ORGANISED BY

BEIJING 2019 | ANNUAL MEETING ICC BANKING COMMISSION | 8–11 APRIL 2019

The ICC Banking Commission meetings are the only events of their kind gathering more than 500 banking executives and government officials from more than 65 countries to rethink the future of trade finance, encourage governments, regulatory bodies and G20 leaders to remove obstacles to trade finance, and stimulate economic growth and job creation.

Visit www.iccwbo.org/events for details and registration information.

For questions and sponsorship opportunities contact us at Paulina.Martinez@iccwbo.org

5 REASONS TO ATTEND

1. INSIGHT

2. EXCHANGE

3. INFLUENCE

4. LEARN

5. NETWORK

Gain valuable insight into the latest developments in trade finance from prominent keynote speakers, industry experts, and business and finance leaders.

Exchange ideas in lively discussions specially designed to address the most topical themes in trade finance.

Influence the debates through active participation, whether in the plenary sessions (via Q&A sessions) or as participants in the breakout roundtables and panel discussions.

Develop unique skills to enhance best practices.

Extend your sphere of influence through our network of over 600 members in more than 100 countries.

Keep up-to-date with the policy and regulatory changes affecting the industry through ICC’s marketleading work in standard-setting, market intelligence and policy-making.

Forge high-level relationships with key influencers in business and trade finance globally.

ABOUT THE EVENT

2

TWO DAY PROGRAMME

65+

COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

600+ ATTENDEES

100+ SPEAKERS

COUNTRIES TO BE REPRESENTED

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? > FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

(sales and client relationship managers, product managers, back office managers, risk managers)

> MULTILATERAL DEVELOPMENT BANKS AND EXPORT CREDIT AGENCIES

> GOVERNMENTAL

ORGANISATIONS

> CORPORATES > INDEPENDENT FINANCIERS > INSURANCE BROKERS AND UNDERWRITERS

> LAWYERS AND CONSULTANTS > SERVICE PROVIDERS

3RD ANNUAL TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE VIETNAM

E V E N T

F O C U S

THE FOCUS OF THE CONFERENCE WILL BE ON:

Propelling development and the national agenda

• Creating a system of highways with between four and eight lanes linking Lang Son, Ho Chi Minh City, Thai Nguyen, Hai Phong, Ha Long, Hoa Binh, Tay Bac with Hanoi.

• Upgrading and modernising railway networks to the north and south to achieve train speeds of 80-90 kilometres per hour for passenger ships.

• Developing Expressway to connect Hanoi and Vientiane.

• Exploring metro projects to drive railways growth.

• Enabling port and logistics development in Vietnam.

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 16-17 April WHERE: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam CONTACT: aditi@bricsaconsulting.com WEBSITE: https://bricsaconsulting.com/ event/3rd-annual-transportinfrastructure-2019

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3RD ANNUAL TRANSPORT & Infrastructure Vietnam is a two-day conference that is being hosted on 16th – 17th April 2019 at Gem Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The conference focuses on the future of transport and infrastructure in Vietnam with further discussions about Vietnam National Transport Development Strategy 2020, Vietnam National Railway Masterplan 2030

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to 2050, TRAMOC activities and port and logistics development. It also discusses the potential for growth in the transport infrastructure sector including rail, road, and marine and air transport in passenger and freight movement. It’s a platform to discuss and debate best practices which can be instrumental in increasing and improving regional infrastructure developments.

Join us to get the latest update of the Transport & Infrastructure sector at 3rd Annual Transport & Infrastructure Vietnam conference

16 th - 17 th April, 2019 | Gem Centre - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Highlights of the Conference • Development of the system of highways with 4-8 lanes linking Hanoi-Lang Son, Hanoi-HCM City, Hanoi – Thai Nguyen, Ha Noi – Hai Phong, Hanoi – Ha Long, Hanoi – Hoa Binh, Tay Bac – Highway 5, Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh Highway • Upgradation and modernization of railway to the North - South to achieve speed train 80-90 km/h for passenger ships and 50-60 kg/h for cargo ships • Expressway to connect Hanoi and Vientiane • Decree No.63/2018/ND-CP on Public-Private Partnership • Metro projects to drive railways growth • Port & Logistics Development in Viet Nam

An Event By: www.bricsaconsulting.com

aditi@bricsaconsulting.com

Powering Nations, Transforming Lives

Summit Power International (SPI) is a leading infrastructure developer and operator in South Asia. SPI comprises a group of businesses which focus on developing, owning and operating power generating assets. Our portfolio of infrastructure assets produce reliable energy for sale to governments and state utilities, in return providing long-term predictable revenue streams.

Having established Bangladesh’s first independent power plant in 1997, Summit Power International is the largest Independent Power Producer (IPP) in the country, with 20 power plants and total installed capacity exceeding 1,941 MW reflecting

21% of Bangladesh’s total private installed capacity and 9% of Bangladesh’s total capacity in 2017. Summit has received the highest national recognition of Best Private Power Generation Company five times in a row.

In 2019, Summit in partnership with Mitsubishi Corporation is expecting to operationalise LNG terminal facility comprising of a storage and regasification unit (FSRU) connected to shore by six-kilometre subsea pipeline on a build, own, operate and transfer basis in Moheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar to supply approximately 500 million cubic feet per day of natural gas to Bangladesh’s National Grid.

For more information please visit our website - www.summitpowerinternational.com