Asia Outlook - Issue 38

ASIA

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ISSUE 38

MICROSOFT ASIA 14 An interview with Larry Nelson, Microsoft Asia’s Regional General Manager for Education

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE 22 Cambodia: A kingdom of charm and curiosity

HOFMANN ENGINEERING 70 Defining differentiated service excellence with esteemed engineering expertise

KOSPA LIMITED 78 Empowering logistics using transformative technologies

ALSO FEATURING: T A T A C O M M U N I C A T I O N S T S | T O T A L S O L A R | H . L . Y O N G

Summit-GE consortium to build the largest 583 MW combined cycle power plant in Bangladesh

• Summit Meghnaghat II is expected to be operational by March 2022 at the lowest cost at current gas prices with capacity to power 700,000 homes in Bangladesh.

• Summit has chosen the world’s largest and most efficient heavy-duty gas turbine GE’s 9HA fleet to equip Summit Meghnaghat II Power.

• Summit’s long-term association with GE is a testimony of its commitment to provide uninterrupted quality electricity to Bangladesh.

For more information please visit our website

www.summitpowerinternational.com

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 Art Director: Stephen Giles steve.giles@outlookpublishing.com Senior Designer: Devon Collins devon.collins@outlookpublishing.com

BUSINESS

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Cause for Optimism Mining activity in Western Australia is on the up following a difficult period.

Increasing revenues and job vacancies are cause for optimism in the industry, and companies such as Mondium are poised to lend their experience and expertise to this ongoing recovery.

The WA-based firm forms the focus of this edition’s cover story, with insight into

Sales Director: Nick Norris nick.norris@outlookpublishing.com Operations Director: James Mitchell james.mitchell@outlookpublishing.com

both the sector and how the company itself continues to thrive.

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Eddie Clinton eddie.clinton@outlookpublishing.com

Director of Mondium.

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 Thomas Arnold thomas.arnold@outlookpublishing.com SALES MANAGERS Jordan Levey (Business Travel) jordan.levey@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: Daniel George daniel.george@outlookpublishing.com Web Design: Hamit Saka IT: James Le-May

“Market activity has come alive in 2019,” explains Bob Osmetti, Managing “We’re anticipating that the mining sector is heading into a busy period for the next two to three years, particularly looking at the iron ore and battery metals sector where major projects are in progress. Generally, the precious and base metal sectors have remained active and there is a mixture of greenfield and brownfield projects in the pipeline.”

For Osmetti’s full interview, be sure to read our exclusive feature.

Larry Nelson is another optimistic Australian. Now serving as Microsoft Asia’s Regional General Manager for Education having moved out to Singapore a little over a year ago, he has just celebrated a decade at the company and carries the same levels of energy as he did on day one.

“I was extremely fortunate to be able to join in the aftermath of the financial recession of 2008-2009, as Microsoft was still investing and looking to drive change in the sector,” he tells me whilst waiting for his flight in Brisbane.

“Today I am responsible for our education business across Asia, which is organised into five areas – India, Greater China, Japan, Australia and APAC which includes New Zealand and Korea. It is a wonderful challenge and I have a great team on the ground who are dedicated to making a difference.”

Nelson’s interview is one of three technology-focussed features kicking off this

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issue, while we also delve into the construction,

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manufacturing, supply chain, retail and energy

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industries with more exclusive interviews with top executives.

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

Our business travel guide hones in on Cambodia, a fascinating kingdom of charm and curiosity made by its welcoming people, who continue to embrace Tom Wadlow Editorial Director, Outlook Publishing

visitors from all over the world.

Enjoy the issue!

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In this issue...

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NEWS

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TECHNOLOGY Facilitating the Future Telco

Around Asia in seven stories

EXPERT EYE

Assessing the impact of the ongoing US-China trade war

Meeting with TCTS to discuss the transformation of communications

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EDUCATION Education Empowered

An interview with Larry Nelson, Microsoft Asia’s Regional General Manager for Education

TOPICAL FOCUS

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5G TRENDS Asia’s 5G Forecast

Dell EMC’s outlook on next-gen continental communications

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE

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CAMBODIA

A kingdom of charm and curiosity

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

SHOWCASING LEADING COMPANIES

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Tell us your story and we’ll tell the world

CONSTRUCTION

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MANUFACTURING

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HOFMANN ENGINEERING The Emblem of Modern Engineering Defining differentiated service excellence with esteemed engineering expertise

SHIPPING & LOGISTICS

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EURO FAÇADE TECH Broadening Horizons

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KOSPA LIMITED Pioneering Progress

DMIA GROUP Motivating Malaysia’s Modernisation

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TE (PNG) Powering PNG’s Progress

Delivering quality on projects across Papua New Guinea

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E V E N T

H.L. YONG Shaping Singapore’s Retail Reputation A fourth-generation family business epitomising client satisfaction

5TH GLOBAL DAIRY CONGRESS ASIA

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BELT & ROAD INTERNATIONAL FOOD EXPO

Supporting clients from start to finish

Exploring opportunities in the regional dairy market

A food trade hub for companies the world over

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ENERGY MINES AND MONEY

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IEIA OPEN SEMINAR 2019

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CWC WORLD LNG & GAS SERIES: 11TH ASIA PACIFIC SUMMIT

Showcasing mineral, coal, oil & gas opportunities

Catalysing India’s economic growth

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The premier meeting place for LNG buyers and sellers in Asia Pacific

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MALAYSIAN INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND BEVERAGE TRADE FAIR 2019 A platform for F&B businesses to showcase products and services

MINING & RESOURCES CPC ENGINEERING Hitting the Sweet Spot

F O C U S

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Empowering logistics using transformative technologies

Adopting innovation to transform cityscapes in Malaysia and beyond

Transforming Southeast Asia’s urban landscape

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A partner of choice in Asia’s solar market

MONDIUM Setting the EPC Standard

Speaking with Western Australia’s esteemed mining engineering, procurement and construction contractor

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TOTAL SOLAR Strength in Solar

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LAST MILE ASEANCONFERENCE & EXPO ASEAN’S online retail distribution forum

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Around Asia in seven stories…

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ECONOMY

T E C H N O L O G Y

China’s Caixin to raise $200 million for technology developments

Indonesia launches three SEZs in bid to attract $7.7 billion in investment Indonesian President Joko Widodo has announced the launch of three new special economic zones (SEZs) across the archipelago in the aim of attracting roughly $7.7 billion in fresh investment to the country.

It is hoped that the SEZs and potential investment will inspire further economic growth across the nation, particularly aiding lessdeveloped areas.

120,000 new jobs by 2025 is the

ultimate goal according to the national Ministry for Economic Affairs, with SEZ investors expected to benefit from the removal of import duties and export duties for manufactured goods, among other things.

Indonesian GDP has grown by an annual average of five percent in recent years, but foreign investment has lacked – an area that President Widodo will be looking to address.

OIL & GAS

JERA, Mitsubishi sign major LNG agreement The world’s leading buyer of liquefied natural gas (LNG), Japan’s JERA, has signed a new agreement with a division of Mitsubishi Corp to purchase 1.2 million tonnes of LNG

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Beijing-based news outlet Caixin Media is apparently aiming to raise up to $200 million in an upcoming funding round in the aim of financing its growth plan, Reuters reveals.

The firm’s target valuation stands at approximately $500 million, with the funds set to primarily be used for the development of internal, industrycentric technologies.

The funding round comes amidst Caixin’s recent ambitions to go public overseas over the course of the coming three years, with Hong Kong reportedly the preferred destination.

According to a recent study from Tsinghua University, China has experienced major media growth in recent times, with the market expected to reach ¥3 trillion ($447 billion) next year.

from the flagship LNG Canada project.

The deal will mark the first time that JERA will procure LNG from Canada, with the agreements in line with recent anti-competition rulings from the Japan Fair Trade Commission.

JERA will join an ever-growing list of buyers from the LNG Canada project that currently includes Vitol, Tokyo Gas, Toho Gas and Korea Gas Corp.

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

ASIA R E T A I L

Japan’s 7-Eleven to replace President

AUTOMOTIVE

Hyundai Motor, Tencent to research self-driving car software South Korean auto-manufacturing firm Hyundai Motor and Chinese technology giant Tencent Holdings have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop

autonomous vehicle software, according to Maeil Business Newspaper.

The joint research will see developments centred around safety and security systems that Hyundai will reportedly aim to bring to market by 2030.

The latest agreement expands on Hyundai’s recent forays in the self-driving sphere, with the world’s fifth largest automaker having fostered similar partnerships in the aim of commercially launching highly automated vehicles by 2020.

H O S P I T A L I T Y

Airbnb to invest up to $200 million in India’s OYO Global home renting platform Airbnb is looking to invest between $100 and $200 million in Indian hotel startup OYO, according to Reuters.

Airbnb confirmed that it had invested in OYO’s latest funding round and is reportedly looking for ways to include the SoftBank Group-backed business’s accommodation available within its own domain.

OYO raised $1 billion last year from a number of investors such as Grab, alongside SoftBank, and currently operates in China, Britain, Dubai, India,

Indonesia and Malaysia.

The company is anticipating strong growth rates, expecting its revenue to more than treble each year for the next five years as it embarks on an aggressive expansion plan.

Seven & I Holdings, Japan’s most significant retail group, has revealed that it will be replacing the head of it’s 7-Eleven convenience stores business as the firm has come under pressure from franchise owners.

The firm’s Japanese Vice President, Fumihiko Nagamatsu, will replace the division’s current President Kazuki Furuya, the company announced.

The pressures are related to a shortage of workers, a situation that has led to calls for the company to abandon its 24-hour store policy.

Despite this, however, the firm announced a five percent increase in operating profit in the financial year ended February 2019.

A U T O M O T I V E

Ford to bring 30 new vehicle models to China by 2022 US automaker Ford Motor has revealed plans to launch over 30 new vehicle models in China during the course of the next three years, over a third of which are expected to be electric vehicles.

The latest announcement provides a more detailed timeline on the firm’s previous announcement where it stated that it would bring 50 new models to market between 2018 and 2025.

According to the company, this emphasis on the Chinese market will improve relations with its local partners, many of which Ford has signed jointventure agreements with.

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

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Trump, Tariffs and Economic Self-Harm

With tensions still running high between the powerhouse economies of China and the US, the wider consequences are being felt around the world Written by: Suresh M. Lodha, Chairman of Western Thermal Group

ABOUT THE EXPERT Mr Suresh M Lodha is one of India’s formidable business figures and is accredited with scaling businesses for sustained growth. He began his career leading Indsur Group, a $150 million valued Mumbai-based global business house, with diverse interests spanning across iron and steel castings, auto gears, oil & gas pipe, steel products, thermal engineering and boutique investments.

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usinesses around the world have been caught up under multiple developments – Brexit, market mayhem, volatile oil markets, slowing growth rates, protectionist policies and trade wars rhetoric.

At the heart of all this are two of the biggest global economic powerhouses – the US and China, increasingly bolder in testing each other’s waters. While tensions escalate between the two, the larger consequence is to be felt by the rest of the world.

The Trump administration is currently attempting to rewrite global trade routes and transactions by promoting a nationalistic agenda, and it has in all seriousness escalated globally with other friendlier markets as well – NAFTA with Canada and Mexico, and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) with Europe.

At heart, the rise of protectionist

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policies is logically understandable – they are intended to support and revive the failing rustbelts and factory towns in advanced economies, reeling under cheaper competition from developing economies. But what they fail to account in their logic is the shifting trends in technology and manufacturing that the world is moving over to. Therefore, it would be irrational to expect a coal town in Kentucky to be revived over tariffs on China or a wall to be built with tariffs on Mexico.

This rhetoric doesn’t work in isolation and it has detrimental consequences on the rest of the world as it directly impacts the trade and transactional routes. The ongoing US-China trade war has already seen incredible declines in emerging markets; and coupled with a slowing global growth rate, volatile oil markets and rising dollar rates, currencies including the Indian Rupee, Turkish

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Lira and Argentine Peso have been drastically impacted.

Undoubtedly, Asia has suffered significantly as a result of this dispute as China struggles to find a foothold as it battles with its own economic woes. The country is facing falling investment, and its stock market was the worst performing throughout 2018, finishing with a loss of 28 percent as demand fell.

Keeping up with the changing times

One of the critical factors for companies to invest in a country is the associated costs involved – both at the production level and the market level.

With rising labour costs, manufacturers do not find labour intensive tasks to be cost efficient in the developed world.

Therefore, it would be unwise to assume tariffs would promote local manufacturing, without contributing to compounding supply chain costs on the product, and thereby increase national inflation. Besides, due to the technological advancements, industries are already automating to deliver high quality products and at far lower costs.

Manufacturing industries in developed economies have increasingly adopted automation when they move their production lines back home. For instance, German shoemaker Adidas has set up highly automated sneaker

ASIA

factories in Germany and outside Atlanta, bringing back production from Indonesia and Vietnam to the west. Tariffs may force companies to bring back manufacturing into the country, but under the changing wave of technological transformations, it is unlikely they will result in any job creations.

Economic interdependence

We have already started the next chapter of globalisation – it is no longer a case of exchanging of goods and services from one part of the world to another, but that of an intertwined complex socio-political order constructed over many years of international collaborations and synergy.

It is the same reason why physical wars between most countries are

improbable. For example, China and the US may provoke each other across many fronts, but they would never imagine going into direct physical combat. They are mutually dependent on each other’s economic output and success that their stability is a prerequisite for both their economies.

Chinese investment in the US and the US’s dependence on Chinese manufacturing output are so very closely entwined that a slowdown of either would be economically catastrophic for the other.

Therefore, a trade war is never a sensible answer. The US trade tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, at 25 percent and 10 percent respectively, intended at creating and maintaining US jobs in the metals industry, had a negative impact on the rest of the employment market.

A trade partnership analysis found that tariffs, quotas and retaliation would increase the annual level of US steel and aluminium employment by 26,280 jobs over the first one to three years, but reduce net employment by 432,747 jobs throughout the rest of the economy, for a total net loss of 400,445 jobs. The analysis found 16 jobs would be lost for every steel/ aluminium job gained.

The operative cost of metals production in the US is also higher compared to China, and therefore it stands to directly impact US consumers with higher costs on allied metals dependent industries – from cars to soup cans.

It is time we understand the selfharming nature of trade wars and tariffs, and fully appreciate the interconnected nature of our economies.

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T A T A

C O M M U N I C A T I O N S

T R A N S F O R M A T I O N

Facilitating the Future Telco Meeting Vaibhav Dongre of TCTS at Mobile World Congress 2019, it was clear that although the communications industry has come a long way, transformation is very much an ongoing prospect for telcos Writer: Jonathan Dyble

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t is safe to say that advancements in telecommunications technologies during the first two decades of the 21st century have been fundamental to the monumental progression seen in global digital transformation.

From the launch of the world’s first 3G commercial network in 2001 to recent 5G LTE developments, quoting speeds up to 50 times faster than that of the former, communications service providers (CSPs) and associated industry innovations have served to revolutionise both the consumer and enterprise spheres.

Much of this is owed to the work of CSPs themselves, readily investing in new technologies in order to support these ever-growing developments.

“The kinds of technologies we are now dealing with, whether its analytics, AI, automation, or other prominent trends, telcos have become more capable of making intelligent decisions,” reveals Vaibhav Dongre, Global Head of Marketing at Tata Communications Transformation Services (TCTS) as we sat down with him at the company’s booth during Mobile World Congress 2019.

Vaibhav Dongre, Global Head of Marketing, TCTS

“Take the internet of things, for example. If a sensor in an autonomous car fails, there’s no time for human intervention. What there is, however, is an opportunity for connectivity solutions to step in, solving the problem temporarily until a permanent fix is provided, using rapid, intelligent decision making.”

TCTS is one business helping to facilitate the rising use of new and emerging complex communications technologies.

A subsidiary of Tata Communications, it was formed in 2006 to consolidate, centralise and optimise the wider company’s operations internally, but despite this, it wasn’t long before the subsidiary’s capabilities and expertise were noticed by others.

“Pretty quickly we had CSPs coming to us and asking the same question – if you’re doing it for yourselves, why not do it for us as well?” explains Dongre.

Capitalising on the opportunities presenting themselves, TCTS began to

Scenarios like that of autonomous vehicles that we’re heading towards will be facilitated by the future telco... operating as ubiquitous connectivity hubs” work with other enterprises and has since established itself as a provider of core transformational services, working with telcos the world over.

“Scenarios like that of autonomous vehicles that we’re heading towards will be facilitated by the future telco, entities that will be the flag bearers of intelligent connectivity, operating as ubiquitous connectivity hubs,” Dongre continues.

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T A T A

C O M M U N I C A T I O N S

Evaluating innovation

The idea of the future telco is one that TCTS has been exploring extensively of late, aiming to identify the key transformation priorities of CSPs. This examination manifested itself in a study, commissioned by the company itself and conducted by Ovum, that evaluated these priorities amongst 60 major telcos across the globe.

“From this we’ve seen that there are a number of steps that industry players are trying to take,” he reveals. “Many of these are related to simplification, retiring legacy technologies and replacing these, and the need of the hour is definitely automation.”

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T R A N S F O R M A T I O N

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What TCTS found was that by bolstering speed, enhancing efficiency and reducing long term operational costs by investing, prominent telecommunications players are effectively streamlining their operations, helping improve customer engagement, deliver new services, and reduce manual processing.

Dongre continues: “Right now, innovation is the key piece of the puzzle when it comes to reaching the Nirvana of smart utility status, and unless you partake in the global ecosystem, you will not succeed.”

This innovation community is comprised of not only major players but equally new enterprises, simultaneously playing a fundamental role in driving change across industry.

Asked about Asia’s current role within this, Dongre replies: “It’s fair to say that various geographies are in different stages and have different flavours from a technology stance. North America, for example, has been a hub of new developments for decades.

“However, the world has caught up more than you’d think, and we’re seeing a lot of startups and disruptive business models coming through, not only in the way of technology but similarly in the way of operations, partnerships, and other fronts.

TCTS’s concept of a future telco

“This is something we’ve been seeing from a number of Asian companies in particular – businesses in this region are used to working with limited budgets so in many ways are forced into being more innovative in the knowledge that they may only have one shot to get their product or service right.”

Looking at the future of such companies and the wider industry as

a whole, both in Asia and beyond, the Global Head of Marketing is quick to emphasise that innovation works in both ways.

He concludes, gathering his things: “I do believe that it’s time for the mature markets to start picking up on the lessons to be learned from emerging markets – markets that are very rapidly bringing innovations to the table.”

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M I C R O S O F T

A S I A

Education Empowered Microsoft Asia is supporting educational institutions across the region as it bids to build a brighter future for students and economies which increasingly rely on digital skills Writer: Tom Wadlow

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come from a family of educators, and after a stint working in New York I moved back to California and joined my mother in a small software company that made products to use in schools.

“It was great experience being able to grow and build a family business

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for 10 years, and I left with a notion and feeling that I wanted to work with products that have a positive impact on people’s lives.”

Larry Nelson has been infatuated by technology ever since he was first exposed to computers in the mid-70s, playing Star Wars while at Woodside

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Priory School in the Silicon Valley.

Though formally educated in marketing and finance with an MBA from Cornell University, the 1990s defined his career path, the family business (Decision Development Corp.) pioneering products to replace textbooks and selling into 12 states

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ASIA education business across Asia, which is organised into five areas – India, Greater China, Japan, Australia and APAC which includes New Zealand and Korea. It is a wonderful challenge and I have a great team on the ground who are dedicated to making a difference.”

Technology, for Nelson and Microsoft, is the enabler of that difference.

For instance, the company recently teamed up with IDC to release a study on the impact artificial intelligence will likely have on Asia Pacific by 2021.

The headline finding shows that AI will allow the rate of innovation and employee productivity improvements to nearly double, according to regional business leaders.

However, despite the fact 80 percent of participants said AI will be instrumental to their organisation’s competitiveness, only 41 percent have embarked on implementation.

Three key challenges were identified – a lack of thought leadership, a shortage in tools and infrastructure to develop actionable insight, and finally a deficit in skills, resources and continuous learning programmes.

It is this third challenge, centred around education, that Microsoft and its work with learning institutions can make a truly transformational impact.

across America.

Nelson now serves as Microsoft Asia’s Regional General Manager for Education. Having moved out to Singapore a little over a year ago, he has just celebrated a decade at the company and carries the same levels of energy as he did on day one.

“I was extremely fortunate to be able to join in the aftermath of the financial recession of 2008-2009, as Microsoft was still investing and looking to drive change in the sector,” he recalls.

“Today I am responsible for our

Lary Nelson, Microsoft Asia’s Regional General Manager for Education

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M I C R O S O F T

A S I A

“Technology adoption varies in each area we are in,” Nelson explains, speaking from Brisbane while waiting for a late night flight back to Singapore. “For example, in Australia we are doing some really innovative work around aboriginal language with the New South Wales Department of Education, using augmented reality.

In New Zealand we have students using the computer game Minecraft to learn coding by building virtual worlds.

“While there are

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differences in how technology is used, what I see is a consistency in what we’re all trying to achieve – our aim is to prepare students for the next level and ultimately boost the economic potential of these places.”

Nelson’s team comprises around 150-170 people across the five main territories that make up Microsoft Asia’s education division. From state to city to national level, the firm strikes up close relationships with educational authorities in order to assess and then deliver the technology required to meet their needs.

This order of events is crucial to Nelson. “The first step for us is not technology-based,” he says. “It is vital we understand where their goals and

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PROJECT FOCUS: MALAYSIA In Malaysia, Microsoft has helped transform the technology setup at Universiti Sains Islam (USIM), a fully federal government-owned Islamic university based in Negeri Sembilan with more than 12,000 students and 723 faculty members.

Course content, lectures and assignments are now managed from a central hub, and the university is also able to access updated curricula and experience faster resolution of IT challenges.

Among the solutions adopted are Microsoft Imagine Academy, Office 365, Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams, the ultimate aim being to provide personalised, interactive experiences to its stakeholders and gather enriched data insight.

“USIM needed a digital transformation to deliver enhanced student outcomes while at the same time helping to contain costs and drive efficiency in their operations,” adds Nelson.

“This is one of hundreds of examples of us working with schools and colleges of all kinds.”

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objectives lie, and this can be achieved through workshops and development of education transformation frameworks.

“What are the school’s capacity to install technologies? What knowledge will we need to pass onto the teachers and build up? These are vital questions that must be examined, and the conversation about the type of technology comes quite late in the process. At the end of the day we want to build personalised, engaging ways for people to learn.”

A challenge for Microsoft (and indeed any organisation influenced by digitisation) is to remain ahead of the curve regarding the speed of technological change.

For Nelson, working towards the same endpoint is vital in ensuring the organisation continues to facilitate positive transformation in education.

“Technology changes so quickly and in so many different ways,” he says. “My 30 years of experience have witnessed tremendous change but the core objective about driving the learning experience has remained the same. Whether it’s big data, AI, analytics, to me it’s all geared to the same goal.”

ASIA “Microsoft has huge potential to help unlock the massive talent base across Asia. Education will fuel our future and it is a joy to be a part of it” But what technologies will be the most transformative in years to come?

“There are many technologies and trends that will help redefine education,” he continues. “Data and analytics, AI, this idea of immersive learning; these are all tremendously exciting.

“We recently acquired DataSense, a solution in the US from a company called BrightBytes and something we envisage building into a platform in some way. Leveraging data was a key takeaway from our research with IDC, and DataSense is used by schools and educational authorities to gather information and report it to authorities.”

For example, causes of absenteeism and identification of at-risk students can be obtained from such solutions, the potential impact on individuals and schools clear to see if this analytical power is used appropriately.

This is just one of many developments constantly unfolding both through acquisition and internal development at Microsoft, a cause for great optimism for Nelson looking into the future.

“Absolutely I am optimistic,” he says. “I am very positive, excited and honoured to be part of a Microsoft that has huge potential to help unlock the massive talent base across Asia. Education will fuel our future and it is a joy to be a part of it.”

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Asia’s 5G Forecast

With monumental growth and game-changing innovation on the cards for the next half-decade, Dell EMC is confident that one continent will rise to the forefront of global telecommunications transformation Writer: Jonathan Dyble

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sia Pacific is a region on the up, a statement no better reflected by its rising emphasis on new technologies.

According to GSMA, for example, APAC is expected to become the world’s largest 5G region by 2025, led by several prosperous and pioneering markets such as Australia, China, Japan and South Korea.

What’s more, Asia’s mobile industry added more than $1.5 trillion in economic value to the continent during 2017, figures that will remain on the up as 5G moves from concept to reality, with CommScope forecasting that service operators will invest almost $200 billion over the coming years.

Speaking with David Lin, Business Development Director of Communications for Dell EMC APJ OEM & IoT Solutions, the Hong Kongbased employee is quick to highlight

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Asia Outlook (AsO): How, in your opinion, should we define 5G? David Lin (DL): 5G networks will extend virtualisation into the radio access network and network edge, virtualising the network core, extending end-to-end overlays for network and service slicing. 5G is a new foundational architecture which will be part of a rebuild of cellular networks, representing an important pivot which will be the first end-to-end architecture that is fully softwaredefined from the radio through the core.

Essentially, the concept of 5G is not to us that both he himself and the an evolution from our current band of wider company are optimistic when 4G networks, but it requires massive considering such forecasts. transformation, demanding new Presented to you in a Q&A below, distributed architectures that leverage we discuss with Lin how 5G is expected software-defined infrastructure in to broadly impact the entire continent order to automate delivery of mobile and how Dell EMC itself is helping services, and new improved analyticsto facilitate some of these core, driven telemetry to ensure consistent transformative progressions. service levels.

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AsO: Generally speaking, are businesses willing and/or able to adopt new technologies such as 5G? DL: Businesses are willing to adopt new technologies such as 5G as it will provide richer experiences and outcomes for consumers, businesses, and service providers. The impending 5G transition will improve operations and processes in an unparalleled manner, driving speed, connectivity, and premium user experiences, improving business offerings, monetising user data by gaining a deep understanding of customer bases and an improvement of services, and enabling more real-time, immersive services.

Whilst research suggests more organisations intend to deploy 5G in the coming years, there still needs to be an evolution in the technical and operational standpoint for organisations who want to deploy 5G networks.

New platforms will also be needed for the future 5G network, which will require workload execution platforms that are flexible, and can bring together IT, services, and workload management. This

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includes mobility capabilities at levels of scale and concurrency that require increased embedded logic, intelligence, and automation across diverse administration domains and technology types.

Tomorrow’s 5G infrastructure requirements, with an emphasis on multi-factor, distributed, workflowbased deployment in an efficient and agile manner, look a lot like today’s large-scale IT cloud solutions. As businesses want to rapidly deploy their services into a 5G environment, where they previously did so into the cloud, this will require more openness in terms of access to current infrastructure, where new customer relationships need to be formed.

AsO: Equally, how have data specialists such as yourselves responded to the new challenges posed by 5G? DL: We live in a time where huge amounts of data are required to compute, and in our recent Dell EMC Global Data Protection Index research, it was revealed that organisations in the Asia Pacific and Japan region managed 8.13 petabytes (8,130,000 gigabytes) of data on average in 2018, which grew by a massive 384 percent from 2016 (1.68 petabytes).

In light of the oncoming age where we see an explosion of data being managed by businesses, this presents a great opportunity for enterprises across all industries to evolve and take massive steps forward in their digital transformation journey – opportunities which will be imperative in light of 5G supporting data-heavy workloads.

5G, a once-in-a-decade transformation of the mobile platform, will manifest itself alongside digital transformation, IT transformation, workforce transformation, security transformation, and will require solutions that are open, standardsbased, multi-cloud, scalable, secure, virtualised, automated, edge-enabled,

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and intelligent. From device to edge to core to cloud, capabilities must be omnipresent and ubiquitous, which is what Dell believes will enable businesses to thrive.

As an infrastructure technology vendor, we see ourselves as a facilitator of 5G, and through our partnerships with customers and service providers, our product portfolio helps bring the best of IT, service and workload management and mobility capabilities together under one unified, validated platform. For instance, under the Dell Technologies family of brands, we partner with VMware to provide our customers with validated solutions around edge computing, IoT, 4G/5G architectures and solutions to accelerate mobile rollouts, simultaneously reducing associated technology and integration risks.

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ASIA governments will be trialling best-use cases and coming up with policies and safety guidelines in order to ensure that new networks will be safe and secure for all to use. I predict more coming out in the pipeline for 5G networks and associated adoption as competition ramps up.

“We are already seeing the roll-out of commercial 5G networks in the region, in countries such as Korea, Japan, the Philippines and Australia” We believe that there will be no one-size-fits-all solution, and each service provider will undertake their own digital transformation journey at their own speed, and we have been working with service providers to address specific requirements across their multiple architectures and business models. Our portfolio of products provides solutions across IoT, network edge and the cloud, enabling our clientele to realise their 5G journeys.

AsO: Can you provide forecasts on the uptake of 5G amongst enterprises in Asia in particular? Will we

see much progress over the course of 2019?

DL: We are already seeing the roll-out of commercial 5G networks in the region, in countries such as Korea, Japan, the Philippines and Australia, and it is not unreasonable to expect the regional uptake of 5G in the private sector to grow as well in the next few years. In fact, GSMA Intelligence’s latest Mobile Economy Asia Pacific report predicts that the Asia region will account for more than 50 percent of 5G networks by 2025, which will reach at least 675 million people.

As the region begins to adopt 5G publicly, this will mean that

AsO: Further, are there any 5G-related technological trends of note that you believe will be particularly transformative for early adopters during the coming years?

DL: As technology innovates, this will impact our lives positively and improve processes that shape our everyday lives. We have already witnessed these changes, some trends we can take note of being enhanced mobile broadband services, connected cars, smart retail, drone delivery services, industrial robots and machine learning.

These technologies are already well underway, and we will see more of these emerge in the future. What was previously unthought of in sciencefiction movies may soon be a reality – with millions of devices consuming and generating data, we are already seeing autonomous drones, driverless vehicles and seamless machine-tomachine interactions across the globe.

As cities continue digitalising and becoming smarter, a breadth of new transformative solutions will also come to the fore in services. Think of solutions such as streetlights equipped with facial recognition surveillance cameras in Singapore, the implementation of smart trash cans in Seoul which utilise real-time monitoring to cut out waste collection, or the world’s first drone food delivery business in Australia. As cities evolve, rising IoT and wireless connectivity will drive improvements in future technologies, and this trend will only continue in the years to come as 5G networks become a reality and allow more data-driven technologies to come to fruition.

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C A M B O D I A

CAMBODIA A land of magnificent temples, bustling markets and served by the enormous Mekong River, Cambodia is a welcoming country embracing millions of international visitors each year Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Jordan Levey

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land of plains and rivers, Cambodia has evolved into a unique destination combing both the ancient and the modern, from the temples of Angkor to the charismatic capital Phnom Penh.

For 2,000 years the country’s civilization has absorbed influences from India and China, and in turn imparted its own cultures and customs across the region, especially during the 12th century when the Khmer empire reached its peak, a time marked by the building of the remarkable Angkor Wat temples.

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Cambodia’s more recent history also draws visitors, the devastating events of the late 1970s mourned at numerous killing fields across the country, the most infamous being at Choeung Ek outside of Phnom Penh.

The capital city itself has emerged as a revitalised city, revered for its riverside location and exceptional food and drink scene. What makes Cambodia, however, is its people, who remain remarkably welcoming to visitors despite having to live through years of instability.

ASIA This diverse and fascinating offering has resulted in a steadily growing tourism trade, 2018’s 6.2 million foreign tourist arrivals representing a massive jump on the 2.5 million recorded in 2010. Indeed, the country is home to the third fastest-growing tourism destination in the whole of ASEAN.

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The Business End

Rice is the nation’s major crop

Long Beach in Koh Rong island

FACTS & FIGURES The Ta Prom Temple

CAMBODIA’S ECONOMY HAS historically been dominated by agriculture, which today still represents the most important share of GDP and employs most of the country’s workforce. Rice is the nation’s major crop, most important food and most commonly exported commodity.

Given Cambodia’s relative lack of resources, sectors like manufacturing and tourism have emerged as key economic contributors.

In 2017, the tourist trade generated $3.63 billion in revenue, up 13 percent on the previous year and accounting for 12.3 percent of national GDP. This income and foreign exchange has helped mitigate the effects of large

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trade deficits, and a great deal of this investment goes into constructing hotels, developing resorts, and improving facilities for tourists visiting popular sites like Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh.

In terms of visitors to Cambodia, the country’s largest tourism market comes from China, followed by Vietnam and Laos.

Chinese tourist numbers shot up by 70 percent during the course of 2018, accounting for 1.9 million of the total 6.2 million foreign visitors. By 2020 this figure is predicted to rise to three million, helped by the fact the two countries are actively engaged in the cross-promotion of each other’s major destinations and attractions.

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Capital: Languages: Area: Population (2018): GDP (2017): Currency: Time zone: Dialling code: Internet TLD: Climate:

Phnom Penh Khmer 181,035 km² 16,074,000 $19.7 billion Riel Indochina Time +855 .kh Tropical

UNLOCK CAMBODIA WITH LE MERIDIEN Within close proximity to the magnificent Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Le Méridien Angkor is your gateway to a cultural exploration. The hotel’s pleasing synthesis of opulent architecture and historic charm celebrates the beauty of Cambodia’s culture.

Le Méridien Angkor also features event spaces that offer elegant choices for all manner of private and professional events, equipped with the state-of-the art technology, to ensure every event is successful.

Le Méridien Angkor Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Khum Svay Dangkum Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia T +855 63 963 900 | F +855 63 963 901 reservations.angkor@lemeridien.com lemeridienangkor.com

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Out & About A VISIT TO Cambodia is not complete without seeing the temples of Angkor. Described as a place with the proportions of the Great Wall of China, the intricacy of the Taj Mahal and the symbolism of the Egyptian Pyramids, Angkor is understandably a tremendous source of inspiration for all Cambodians.

There is far more to the country than its magnificent temples, however. Urban life is defined by interaction through markets, which are a great way to not only shop, but experience local culture and sample some delicious street foods.

Most commerce is conducted through various markets, a particularly striking example being Central Market in Phnom Penh, one of the largest

in the country and based in a huge French-style building. Anyone looking for gold, jewellery, food, silk, textiles and silver should visit here.

Over in Siem Reap, Angkor Night Market is also worth a visit.

Comprising more than 200 stalls, it is known for its unique range of paintings, figurines, puppets and other crafts.

Those looking to embrace nature should head to the Mekong River, the longest river in Southeast Asia and source of numerous boat cruises and water sport activities. A half-day cruise to Silk Island from Phnom Penh is a popular excursion, taking in the sights of the floating villages and fishing farms to be found on the river.

Stone Asura and sunset over moat surrounding Angkor in Cambodia

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Amazing view down from Angkor Tom on late evening

Central market landmark in Phnom Penh city

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Golden Temple Residence

Golden Temple Villa

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Golden Temple Hotel

Night Market Road, Stueng Thmei, Siem Reap Kingdom of Cambodia.

Tel: (+855) 63 212 222 | Fax: (+855) 63 761 222 www.goldentemple.asia

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A warm welcome to the Kingdom of Cambodia. Situated on the banks of the famous Mekong River, the magnificent Hotel Cambodiana is in the heart of Phnom Penh’s central business and tourist districts, offering visitors convenient access to all that Phnom Penh has to offer.

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Cambodia Tourism Federation OPERATING WITH A mandate to put Cambodian tourism on the map is the Cambodia Tourism Federation (CTF).

A relatively new body, it has bold ambitions to become the leading voice of organisations operating in the tourism and travel sphere.

Sharee Bauld is its Executive Director, and here she took time out of her schedule to answer our questions on both CTF and the wider industry scene in the country.

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

Sharee Bauld (SB): CTF began in 2015 and was put together by some industry leaders who believed it would be more effective than a group of smaller subsector players. It was thus set up as an umbrella association – for example, the Cambodia Hotel Association and Cambodia Restaurant Association are part of us.

The difference with CTF’s setup is that we have a secretariat that oversees the running of the association, which ensures the day-today activities continue when leadership changes occur.

The initial vision, which is still the case today, is for CTF to be the leading organisation for tourism in Cambodia, covering a wide range of subsectors.

For instance, we will soon be setting up spa and sommelier associations along with one geared towards destination marketing companies, or DMCs. We also want to be independent of both government and companies that may want to exert influence.

and when I did so last year, I put together a strategy for CTF and the subsector associations underneath us to follow.

Tourism is a crosscutting sector with many intertwined activities, meaning it is easier for all of us to move in the same direction and cross-fertilise our activities.

We now have five pillars from which we operate from. These are sustainability (social, environmental and financial); advocacy (representing key issues to government); marketing, branding and product development; events; and education (especially vocational training).

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

SB: The federation has waxed and waned trying to find its feet in a sea of many associations. I am the first Executive Director to come on board

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

SB: In the 1990s and early 2000s Cambodia had a lot of international development organisations, meaning international visitors would frequently be coming and going. However, that sector has slowed recently and now we are seeing more visitors of a business orientation.

A lot of industries are growing and many international brands are arriving here. The government regularly reviews its investment and business regulations and is trying to reduce the red tape involved in setting up in Cambodia.

With such a young workforce here as well, it makes for an exciting place to do business and Phnom Penh in particular is a hub for business travel.

The city has become more sophisticated – there are more restaurants and places to eat and drink, along with other vital facilities to ensure business travellers can explore the place as well as conduct their business meetings.

Tuktuk touring at Angkor Thom, Cambodia

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ASIA bigger cities, which now includes a service from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, on the doorstep of some increasingly popular attractions.

Domesticated elephants retired to spend time in the jungle east of Sen Monorom, Cambodia

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

SB: I have done a lot of market research over the past 16 years since I’ve been here and one question that never seems to go away is why people come to Cambodia. Most people when I ask them think of Angkor Wat which, of course, is an incredible religious and anyone who comes here should go and visit.

However, the number one reason is because of the people, and I would have to say I agree with that. When I first stepped into the country in 2001 it was the people who hooked me, and this is why I have never left. Even after all of this time, they are still so warm and welcoming to everyone who comes here.

Mekong River in Stung Trend and Kratie, which are home to one of the last populations of the freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins.

East of the Mekong in the highlands is Mondulkiri, which is beautiful. It is at least three to four degrees cooler up there and a lot of forest remains, making it a key destination for ecotourism.

Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are the places to eat and drink. From Russian and Lebanese to Korean and French, these cities have an incredible choice of cuisine. Local Cambodian cuisine is also becoming more widely promoted to tourists, and CTF will be working with the industry this year to improve the perception and promotion of local gastronomy.

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

SB: As I have mentioned, Angkor Wat is absolutely magnificent and should be on everyone’s itinerary.

Cambodia’s secondary destinations are beginning to take off as well – there are more facilities and infrastructure around these places, and one of my favourites is along the

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

SB: In terms of getting around the main cities, the best thing since sliced bread has been the introduction of Grab and PassApp which has made it much easier for tourists to navigate these places.

For the other provincial areas, motorbikes with carts for passengers are everywhere and very popular.

There are also flights between the

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

SB: The infrastructure to support business tourism has definitely grown over the years, and there are certainly a lot more hotels and related facilities to host events and conferences. There are more coming online in the next two years.

In Siem Reap, there have been several new facilities which are focussing on events and conferencing which can cater to large audiences. In the future I can see this city developing a very strong MICE sector.

Cambodia is also seeing a lot more flights in and out of the country, especially direct flights from all over the region and the world. For example, a recent addition has been a direct service to and from Manila. This is helping to facilitate more business travel and Cambodian Airports, a founding partner of CTF, is doing a lot of work to encourage more airlines to come here.

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

SB: Absolutely. When I first came here as a tourist in 2001, I could see the massive tourism potential Cambodia has, both in terms of its attractions and the kind-hearted, hardworking people.

It was something I really wanted to be a part of, and the past 16 years have progressed an incredible amount.

This has taken a lot of work, and seeing the industry come so far in a relatively short time has been very rewarding. There are plans in place to ensure it remains sustainable and there are a lot of public and private players eager to see the next phase of development.

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Must Visit BUDDHIST TEMPLE WAT Sampov Pram and the amazing view of the bottom of Bokor mountain and the gulf coast of Siam, a coastal line of Kampot in Preah Monivong Bokor National Park.

Considered to be the highest pagoda in the whole of Cambodia, Sampov Pram is a rustic temple and a site that’s not to be missed.

Meaning the ‘temple of five boats’, its name is derived from the large rock formations nearby, conveying a scene of ships.

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Outlook Recommends “There’s a magic about this charming yet confounding kingdom that casts a spell on visitors. In Cambodia, ancient and modern worlds collide to create an authentic adventure” – Lonely Planet

ACCOMMODATION

Le Méridien Angkor

Jaya House River Park

The Royal Sands Koh Rong

Park Hyatt Siem Reap

Song Saa Private Island

Operated by Marriott, Le Méridien Angkor is within close proximity of Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm and described as a gateway to cultural exploration. The five-star hotel houses 213 guest rooms and suites, a Khmerstyle outdoor pool and an extensive spa offering.

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MUSEUMS

NATIONAL PARKS

Malis Restaurant

The Killing Fields Museum of Cambodia

Bokor National Park

Hachi La Residence

ArtBox

Phnom Kulen National Park

Angkor National Museum

Virachey National Park

PHOTO BY MANGOHOLIC2 (TALK), CC ATTRIBUTIONSHARE ALIKE 3.0 UNPORTED

Eleven One Kitchen

PHOTO BY NARITH5 - ORIGINALLY POSTED TO FLICKR AS WATERFALL, PHNOM KULEN, CC BY 2.0

FOOD & DRINK

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Transport Links

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appear to be taking over much of the water-based transit, and are widely available.

Much of Cambodia is also flat or moderately hilly, making it ideal for cyclists with mountain bikes as road surfaces are often worn down and cycle trails unpaved. One should approach using Cambodia’s roads with

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PHOTO: PASCAL KOBEH

CAMBODIA HAS TWO major international airports serving Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, while another, smaller hub exists at Sihanoukville.

The number of destinations flying direct into the country is increasing, with Cambodian Angkor Airways offering the most connections to cities around the region including Bangkok, Danang, Guangzhou, Seoul and Shanghai. Air Asia is another good bet, the airline expanding the availability of budget flights both domestically and regionally.

Air is the simplest way to navigate Cambodia’s major cities, though many tourists opt to drive or even use some of the country’s 1,900 kilometres of waterways. Bus services, however,

caution, as the volume of vehicles on the roads has increased hugely in recent years.

Those wishing to take in the scenery from above may consider a private helicopter ride, the temples at Angkor a particular highlight with aerial tours offered by the likes of Helicopters Cambodia and Helistar.

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Landmark Attractions Angkor Wat

“Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Stretching over some 400 square kilometres, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the ninth to the 15th century” – UNESCO

Mekong River

“The Mekong River Basin’s biodiversity is immense, even in comparison with other parts of tropical Asia. Its biodiversity is fundamental to the viability of natural resource-based rural livelihoods of a population of 60 million people living in the Lower Mekong Basin” – Mekong River Commission

Beng Mealea

“A spectacular sight to behold, Beng Mealea, located about 68 kilometres northeast of Siem Reap, is one of the most mysterious temples at Angkor, as nature has well and truly run riot” – Lonely Planet

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eti

Opportu ng nity

ISSUE 38

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Setting the EPC Standard An esteemed mining engineering, procurement and construction contractor, Mondium is leveraging years of experience to the benefit of Western Australia’s preeminent industry Writer: Jonathan Dyble Project Manager: Tom Cullum

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14 MICROSOFT ASIA Larry Nelson,

An interview with General Microsoft Asia’s Regional Manager for Education

ALSO

GUIDE 22 BUSINESS TRAVEL of charm and curiosity Cambodia: A kingdom

NG 70 HOFMANN ENGINEERI service excellence Defining differentiated expertise with esteemed engineering

aced with six years of declining growth that ended with a 1.8 percent contraction in 2017, last year marked an upturn in fortunes for Western Australia.

The state economy grew by 1.9 percent in 2018, in no small part owed to its position as a competitive exporter of minerals and petroleum commodities, with the mining industry accounting for 30 percent of gross state product according to the regional Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

What’s more, recent industry prosperity is expected to continue throughout 2019 and beyond, owed to a rising number of projects taking off across Australia’s largest territory.

“Market activity has come alive in 2019,” explains Bob Osmetti, Managing Director of Mondium. “We’re anticipating that the mining sector is heading into a busy period for the next two to three years, particularly looking

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KOSPA LIMITED logistics using

at the iron ore and battery metals sector where major projects are in progress.

Generally, the precious and base metal sectors have remained active and there is a mixture of greenfield and brownfield projects in the pipeline.”

With this optimistic climate in mind, while mining companies are gearing up to take on new opportunities, so too are those powering the industry with associated services, such as Mondium.

An independent engineering, procurement and construction company specialising in the design and construction of processing plants, permanent villages, construction camps, bore fields, pipelines, powerlines, power generation facilities, plant buildings and other mine site infrastructure, the firm is ideally positioned to capitalise.

ASIA

THE MAKING OF MONDIUM Established October 21, 2016, Mondium is an EPC joint venture that was formed by two key Australian mining players, Monadelphous and Lycopodium.

An independent company, Mondium brings together the complementary strengths, resources and experience of Monadelphous’ multidisciplinary engineering and construction capabilities and Lycopodium’s technical expertise and minerals project delivery experience.

MONDIUM

Speaking with Western Australia’s esteemed mining engineering, procurement and construction contractor

Headquartered in Perth, the company is led by Osmetti – a founding partner of Lycopodium.

Empowering transformative technologies 1

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Setting the EPC Standard An esteemed mining engineering, procurement and construction contractor, Mondium is leveraging years of experience to the benefit of Western Australia’s preeminent industry Writer: Jonathan Dyble Project Manager: Tom Cullum

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aced with six years of declining growth that ended with a 1.8 percent contraction in 2017, last year marked an upturn in fortunes for Western Australia.

The state economy grew by 1.9 percent in 2018, in no small part owed to its position as a competitive exporter of minerals and petroleum commodities, with the mining industry accounting for 30 percent of gross state product according to the regional Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

What’s more, recent industry prosperity is expected to continue throughout 2019 and beyond, owed to a rising number of projects taking off across Australia’s largest territory.

“Market activity has come alive in 2019,” explains Bob Osmetti, Managing Director of Mondium. “We’re anticipating that the mining sector is heading into a busy period for the next two to three years, particularly looking

at the iron ore and battery metals sector where major projects are in progress.

Generally, the precious and base metal sectors have remained active and there is a mixture of greenfield and brownfield projects in the pipeline.”

With this optimistic climate in mind, while mining companies are gearing up to take on new opportunities, so too are those powering the industry with associated services, such as Mondium.

An independent engineering, procurement and construction company specialising in the design and construction of processing plants, permanent villages, construction camps, bore fields, pipelines, powerlines, power generation facilities, plant buildings and other mine site infrastructure, the firm is ideally positioned to capitalise.

THE MAKING OF MONDIUM Established October 21, 2016, Mondium is an EPC joint venture that was formed by two key Australian mining players, Monadelphous and Lycopodium.

An independent company, Mondium brings together the complementary strengths, resources and experience of Monadelphous’s multidisciplinary engineering and construction capabilities and Lycopodium’s technical expertise and minerals project delivery experience.

Headquartered in Perth, the company is led by Osmetti – a founding partner of Lycopodium.

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CST

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acked by 125-plus years of storage tank experience, CST Industries, Inc. is the world’s largest manufacturer of factory coated storage tanks for commercial, industrial and municipal applications.

CST manufactures Aquastore® glass-fused-to-steel enamel coated, TecTank™ epoxy coated, stainless steel, and galvanised tanks. CST’s tanks are available in bolted and welded designs, capacities of 15 to 22,712 cubic metres, and in-ground, standpipe or elevated configurations. Tanks are manufactured in ISO 9001:2015 certified facilities and meet or exceed all standard design codes such as AWWA D103, ANSI/NSF Standard 61, AISC, FM codes, NFPA 22, FM, USACOE and other industry standards. CST now offers Vulcan by CST™, a pre-configured storage solution for the municipal, wastewater and fire protection markets.

CST offers the only complete product line of advanced tank coatings and is better positioned to efficiently provide its global customers with the right product for the right applications, no matter the coating – Vitrium™ glass-fused-to-steel or OptiBond™ epoxy coating system.

Complete storage solutions are backed by engineering resources located in multiple centers of excellence to provide project expertise. CST brings the most experienced team of construction and field service personnel through our network of authorised dealers and representatives to deliver successful installation from start to finish.

“I am a strong believer in the value of what a true EPC company can bring to a project,” states Andrew Carnie, Business Development Manager of the company, “and this is where Mondium truly shines.

“It differentiates itself as a turnkey provider, bringing a wealth of experience and resources that, combined, provide full project development and execution capability from the conceptual early design phase right through to project delivery.”

CST has five manufacturing Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxfacilities, xxxxxxxxx technical design centers and multiple regional sales offices located throughout North America and the United Kingdom. International offices are located in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Singapore, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. With over 350,000 tanks installed worldwide, no other company can match CST’s tank design, manufacturing and construction experience.

Project excellence

This project delivery that Carnie refers to speaks for itself in regard to the company’s rapidly rising reputation, with Mondium having executed a range of extensive developments for a multitude of clients across Australia.

Asked about a couple of projects that spring to mind that highlight the company’s philosophies, Osmetti first cites the business’s design and

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Mondium has proven to be a reliable partner for WA mining companies

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construction work for Galaxy Lithium Australia Limited on its lithium yield optimisation project at Mt Cattlin, WA. “Mondium undertook the scope and engineering definition phase and developed a capital cost estimate, schedule and contracting strategy for the project,” he explains. “This was followed by the execution phase, which involved the detailed design, engineering and construction of four new circuits for the new ultra-fines dense medium separation (DMS) plant, and other brownfield works within the existing DMS plant and associated plant services.

“The contract involved extensive tie-ins with the existing infrastructure, the upgrade of the plant water system and included the re-evaluation of the plant control system, all of which was completed without lost time,

injuries or environmental incidents, on schedule and within budget.”

Posed the same question, Carnie was quick to emphasise his pride in one of the firm’s current projects, with Mondium busy designing and constructing the Tailings Retreatment Project (TRP) for Talison Lithium Australia Pty Ltd at Greenbushes, WA. He adds: “This project involves the processing of existing tailings through a new circuit to produce a six percent lithium oxide concentrate product via high intensity magnetic separation followed by coarse and fine flotation as currently employed on site. It entails constructing the related infrastructure and services required to operate and maintain the plant.”

Evidence of the esteemed success of Mondium’s undertakings on this project, Tailison Lithium Australia

ECG ENGINEERING

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or joint venture projects to be successful, the partners must have the expertise, a synergy of purpose and the ability to work together in a harmonious relationship.

The working partnership between ECG and Mondium is reflected in the successful completion of a major infrastructure expansion and upgrade for Galaxy Resources at their Mt Cattlin Spodumene Mine in Western Australia.

ECG has the experience, capability and resources to undertake all project scopes from feasibility studies, design, construction and commissioning in a variety of industry sectors.

For your next project contact – PERTH +61 (0) 8 6164 3400 MANILA +63 2858 2400 E info@ecg-engineering.com.au

www.ecg-engineering.com.au

Mondium undertook the scope and engineering definition phase and developed a capital cost estimate, schedule and contracting strategy for the project”

JAGCOR

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agcor was established in 2009 and is a privately owned multidisciplined civil construction company with operations across Australia.

Jagcor’s core focus, safety, quality and culture, is coupled with our expertise in civil construction, concrete pumping, mobile batch plants and precast concrete, servicing the mining, oil & gas, and infrastructure sectors.

Jagcor’s extensive and concerted approach to each project, working parallel with our clients, to deliver on our three main core values ‘safety, quality and culture’, distinguishes Jagcor from its competitors.

‘Our Point of Difference’ We MANUFACTURE the concrete We PUMP the concrete We PLACE the concrete

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ECG & Mondium a Partnership in Perfect Harmony ECG in partnership with Mondium, designed, constructed and integrated a complex plant upgrade with existing infrastructure for Galaxy Resources Yield Optimisation Project at their Mt Cattlin Spodumene Mine – on time and on budget.

ECG and Mondium are now partnering again on the design and construction contract for the Talison Lithium Greenbushes tailings retreatment plant, with ECG undertaking the electrical, instrumentation and controls engineering services.

A 2-10 Adams Drive Welshpool, WA, 6106 P PO Box 3071, Carlisle South, WA, 6101 E info@ecg-engineering.com.au W www.ecg-engineering.com.au PERTH T +61 (0) 8 6164 3400 MANILA T +63 2858 2400 Engineering innovation & integrity in partnership

Safety, Quality, Culture • Civil Construction -

Manufacture & Construct - Delivering high quality projects nationwide

• Mobile Concrete Batch Plants Mobilised and batching within 7 days

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Large fleet and highly skilled operators

Jagcor has been involved in several high profile and challenging civil construction projects in recent years. Jagcor‘ strength and expertise lies in its ability to deliver – both in terms of cost efficiency and timeliness. Jagcor boasts an unblemished Health and Safety record.

Central to Jagcor’ success, is the active involvement of senior management in all aspects of the project, from initial tendering, to final completion.

Depending on your requirements, we have the systems, experience and resources to manage small, medium and large scale civil construction projects.

Head Office Unit 1, 35 Cooper Road, Cockburn Central WA 6164 | Phone: +61 (08) 9417 9011 | Email: admin@jagcor.com.au

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OUTLINING OBJECTIVES Building on a successful period through 2017/18, Mondium has outlined four key ambitions for the year ahead: • Establish further project execution teams.

• Develop the early contractor involvement (ECI) offering internally and externally and improve its internal study execution with the Lycopodium group.

• Secure further work with tier one clients such as Rio Tinto, FMG and others to establish ongoing base load of work.

• Maintain the ongoing execution success while building the core team and brand reputation.

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has further engaged the business, contracting it to oversee the design and construction of an alternative project – its Mine Service Area Relocation Project.

An undertaking that requires Mondium to deliver numerous mining facilities and accompanying utilities in order to service the increased number of mining and haulage equipment and drill rigs and involves construction of new fuel systems, lubrication and greases, heavy wash-down facilities and related roads and drainage design, this further collaboration is testament to the company’s diverse level of experience.

One of Mondium’s key goals for the year ahead is to secure further work with tier one clients

Facilitating progression

“It will be critical to the ongoing success of Mondium that these projects are delivered to the absolute satisfaction of our clients to further build a positive brand reputation”

Powering these operations are the company’s staff, an asset that both Carnie and Osmetti acknowledge as being crucial to Mondium’s success.

Recognising this, the firm readily promotes internal development in a number of ways, accentuating both the importance of employee satisfaction and coherent career planning.

“Our future relies on recruiting, training and staff retention,” reveals Osmetti. “We establish teams for each project and appoint managers, empowering them to deliver projects, safely, on time and within budget, to the client’s satisfaction.”

Carnie adds: “We carefully select personnel who share the same visions as the company and are aligned to our culture of putting our clients first.

By looking after projects, we deliver success and remain focussed on the importance of teamwork and on open communication at all levels.”

In a market on the up, high-level talent such as design managers, mechanical engineers and lead planners are becoming increasingly hard to come by, so operating in such a way effectively consolidates

Mondium’s success with low staff turnover and continual employee progression.

Project perfection and team excellence combined, 2018/19 has proved to be a prosperous period for Mondium that has seen the business excel, transitioning from startup status into a significant project delivery company.

Now positioned on a solid platform, the year ahead will be centred around consolidation for the company, “where Mondium will need to build up its resources to match the project awards secured in 2019,” reveals Osmetti.

He concludes: “It will be critical to the ongoing success of Mondium that these projects are delivered to the absolute satisfaction of our clients to further build a positive brand reputation.”

Mondium Pty Ltd Tel: +61 8 6210 5650 info@mondium.co www.mondium.com.au

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Broadening

Horizons By embracing innovation and stepping into new markets, Euro Facade Tech continues to exceed client expectations and deliver landmark projects across the APAC region Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Tom Cullum

F

irst impressions, rightly or wrongly, count for a lot in many aspects of life.

Whether it’s entering an office for a job interview or taking a first glance at a plate of food in a restaurant, conclusions are often made within seconds.

The same can be said of buildings.

Entire periods of history are identified by architecture, while a passer-by’s impression of a company, organisation or residence can be defined by what they see from the outside.

The need for façade engineers to

constantly evolve their offerings, therefore, is paramount.

“Façades are ever changing,” comments Stephen Matula, Operations and Production Director for Malaysia’s Euro Facade Tech. “We are seeing more complex designs and features being incorporated into building structures.”

Picking out an example, Matula highlights the increasing uptake of glassfibre reinforced concrete (GRC) as a particularly innovative construction material.

Lightweight and extremely strong,

GRC panels provide durability, fire resistance, sound reduction and energy efficiency on top of the inherently superior properties of the material itself.

“We are seeing an increase in the number of projects using GRC products as a feature façade element,” Matula continues. “U-City in Adelaide was our first project to use this, and since then we have been awarded the Chowkit Hotel here in Kuala Lumpur and 472 Bourke Street in Melbourne with a GRC façade system.

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PERIMETER FIRE BARRIER PROTECTION

CURTAIN WALL PERIMETER FIRE BARRIER PROTECTION A building’s facade is distinctive. Perimeter fire barrier systems in high rise construction are an important life safety consideration, but sound fire containment practices should not interfere with design aesthetics. As a designer or builder, you need perimeter fire barrier systems that afford adaptability to work with your design, and STI can help.

Building codes, such as the International Building Code® (IBC) and NFPA® 5000, include provisions for preventing the floor-to-floor spread of fire and specifically refer to ASTM E2307.

CONSTRUCTION JOINTS Adequate sealing of Construction Joints involves not just the achievable fire and smoke ratings, but also surviving the movement of the underlying joint. STI is a leader in the development of construction joint firestop materials offering products and solutions that exceed even the most extreme of movement needs.

SpeedFlex TTG Track Top Gasket

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SpeedFlex Joint Profile System

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No. 3, Jalan TPP 1/6, Seksyen 1, Taman Perindustrian Puchong, 47100 Puchong, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.

Tel : +603 - 8063 0888 Fax: +603 - 8063 0068 Email : sti_firestop@alphaprogress.my

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“We also see a growth in the use of energy efficient LED lighting in facades.

Additionally, we are witnessing more geometrically complex structures and are currently engaged to do such work on the Saloma Bridge in Kuala Lumpur.”

Indeed, much has happened since the start of 2018 when Asia Outlook last spoke with Matula and Ted Graban, the company’s Managing Director.

The latter sums up what has been an exciting period. “The last 12 months have seen significant progress on works completed, as evidenced by our increase in square metre production output by over 18 percent year on year,” Graban says.

“We have had five projects come to production completion in 2018, and our next wave of projects are well into the design and procurement phases, with production commencing in the coming months.”

Broadening horizons

Euro Facade Tech prides itself on its engagement with construction projects from concept to completion, no better evidenced than by its landmark work on the Exchange 106 Tower in Kuala Lumpur, one of Southeast Asia’s tallest buildings.

The centrepiece of the $10 billion Tun Razak Exchange, the Exchange 106 Tower and its blue glass façade makes for a commanding presence.

Matula is particularly proud of the company’s work on the striking 12-storey clear glass crown.

“This has been the most challenging part of the project,” he says. “Designed using the latest 3D software, the crown comprises of a series of triangular articulated shaped panels that resemble a crystalised lantern effect on the building.

“The challenge for production was that every single unit was customised in size and shape and needed to be allocated to its individual specific location. As such our quality control

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Exchange 106 Tower, Kuala Lumpur

Thermalbond® Structural Glazing Spacer Tape The industry standard for more than 30 years, Thermalbond® is the world’s most recognized brand of structural glazing spacer. Thermalbond glazing spacers are designed for use in structural silicone glazing systems where there is direct contact with the silicone adhesive. Thermalbond structural glazing spacers temporarily fasten the glass to the frame, allowing movement of units through the shop. The vapor permeable cell structure provides for rapid curing of the silicone adhesive.

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No. 3, Jalan TPP 1/6, Seksyen 1, Taman Perindustrian Puchong, 47100 Puchong, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.

Tel : +603 - 8063 0888 Fax: +603 - 8063 0068 Email : alphapro@alphaprogress.com.my

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Additionally, we are looking at expanding our business into several new markets, including India, South China, Hong Kong, the Middle East and Africa”

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inspections were clearly of paramount importance. The site installation was conducted under restricted and confined spaces, at a level of 492 metres, which made this task even more special.”

Not far from another iconic Kuala Lumpur landmark, the Petronas Towers, will stand the Oxley Towers, one of the largest single developments in the area and a project which Euro Facade Tech recently won a contract to work on.

Outside of its home’s capital, the company has also been busy expanding its portfolio.

For instance, it completed a first venture into Papua New Guinea by fulfilling a design and supply contract for APEC House in Port Moresby, which went on to host last year’s APEC Summit.

Euro Facade Tech has also been expanding its presence in Australia.

“Until now, our main focus has been on the Melbourne market as it has been booming over the past few years,” Graban explains.

“To date we have executed five projects, with the highlight being the 52-storey, six-star residence known as the Capitol Grand. We have recently been awarded two new projects in Melbourne, namely 472 Bourke Street for Multiplex and Lincoln Square for Hutchinson. We are currently pursuing projects in the other main cities in Australia as well.”

Asked what lies behind the firm’s successful track record of project delivery, Graban highlights two major differentiators.

“Our success on projects relies on our ability to innovate and draw on international technical experience to add value to clients’ expectations,” he explains.

“Secondly, working closely with the architects and clients early in the project allows us to stay ahead and maximise the benefit to the client.

Ironing out all design issues at the start, through the promotion of mini

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“We have had five projects come to production completion in 2018, and our next wave of projects are well into the design and procurement phases, with production commencing in the coming months”

and full scale visual mock ups, allows for a better understanding of the design intent.

“These mock ups ensure that we leave nothing to chance – the clients understand what the end result will be early on during the initial design phase, to guarantee a desired result.

This in turn allows the project to run smoother throughout the various phases of procurement, manufacture and installation.”

Staying ahead

As eluded to by Graban at the beginning, the façade industry is an ever-changing one, and Euro Facade Tech will need to continue innovating and adopting new techniques in order to build on the progress it has made to date.

Matula mentions the development of a vertical sliding window system for high rise buildings, a solution currently under testing and expected to become available on the market by late 2019 or early 2020.

This adds to the ongoing development of a dry double skin (DDS) façade system, a solution which comprises highly transparent curtain walls with an internal blind system.

This traces the sun’s movements in order to deploy blinds automatically when needed the most, helping clients to save on what can be extremely high air conditioning bills.

Matula also highlights an internal technological investment. “We have implemented a new sophisticated customised management resource planning system.

“This is designed for our specific business and streamlines our entire operation, from design through to installation. We are already seeing significant benefits by the implementation of this software.”

Such innovations and willingness to

try new ideas will stand Euro Facade Tech in positive stead for the rest of 2019 and beyond. As the industry continues to advance at a rapid pace, so too will the capabilities and capacity of this pioneering Malaysian firm.

Commenting on his priorities for the year ahead, Graban concludes: “Hopefully we can continue our year on year growth in the façade industry and continue to be a leading player in the Southeast Asia and Australasia regions.

“Additionally, we are looking at expanding our business into several new markets, including India, South China, Hong Kong, the Middle East and Africa.”

Euro Facade Tech Tel: +60 3 8025 9288 Info@eurofacadetech.com www.eurofacadetech.com

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D M I A

G R O U P

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t’s almost a year on from Malaysia’s 14th general election, yet political euphoria still best describes the feelings of many of the country’s citizens.

In May 2018 the Pakatan Harapan party was voted in, marking the nation’s first change in government in more than six decades. Now finding its feet, the new administration is focusing attention on creating a new-era Malaysia that will embody both diplomatic harmony and economic prosperity.

“There’s a genuine and real effort being made by the government to transform the nation’s infrastructure,” explains Datuk Mohammed Razeek Hussain, revealing a key outcome of the ongoing transformation.

“Construction is a sector that already accounts for approximately 23 percent of national GDP, and as far as growth and development is concerned, everybody knows that the industry is an ideal proponent.”

Well placed to comment on the current climate being the Chief Operating Officer of DMIA Group, one of Malaysia’s leading construction entities, Hussain is optimistic about these current conditions. He continues: “No less than 80 percent of construction materials in Malaysia are obtained locally, whether it be sand, cement, paint or other architectural materials.

“Combining this with the fact that many companies are willingly answering the government’s call to create a new, modern Malaysia, an exciting stage is set for both the country and our industry right now.”

Out with the old, in with the new

Having successfully established itself as a one-stop shop service provider within the rail construction niche, not to mention a substantial portfolio amassed across its infrastructure, highway and property divisions, DMIA Group has been acting as a motivator of modernisation since its inception in 1996.

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Motivating Malaysia’s

Modernisation A diversified construction company specialising in specific niches, DMIA Group is helping to transform the Southeast Asian urban landscape by embodying progressive, new-era ideals Writer: Jonathan Dyble | Project Manager: Tom Cullum

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An ISO 9001:2008 accredited company, the business has delivered a number of prestigious projects in recent years, working on the Central Link KLIA Expressway, the Rail Link to West Port project, part of the Electrified Double Tracking access road between Gopeng and Ipoh, and major slope rehabilitation works along the North-South Expressway.

Excelling in a number of fields, one of DMIA Group’s key differentiators

is its rail rehabilitation prowess, the company being the proud owner of Malaysia’s leading specialised track construction machinery and expertise.

“From regulators to stabilisers to S2PV machines that are able to remove and relay tracks seamlessly, it’s a sphere that we’ve continued to invest in heavily in recent years,” explains Hussain. “In fact, I can reveal that our investment is now close to reaching RM300 million ($73 million).”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Driven by its own vision that hopes to make Malaysia a modern, efficient and high-quality environment in which growth is sustained, progress inspired, and development accelerated, DMIA Group remains a pertinent player in helping the government achieve its ambitions.

Questioned about this vision, Hussain responds: “We want to provide employment in the construction industry. One of our objectives is to nurture and create new talent, and DMIA Group provides substantial opportunities for real-life experience and on-the-job training, working with Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), Malaysia’s largest railway company, in facilitating this.

“We sometimes struggle – as you can image, the construction industry is not often viewed in a particularly glamorous light. But we ensure that promising individuals who do seek opportunities are provided with the platform to grow and excel.”

SEM, A CATERPILLAR BRAND

S

EM wheel loader was first manufactured in 1958 by Shandong Equipment Machinery Co., Ltd, China, and had been fully acquired by Caterpillar in 2008 (renamed as Caterpillar Qingzhou Ltd.) SEM is one of the 21 brands under Caterpillar which serves the utility segment and have expanded its product line to include dozers, motor graders and soil compactors in the span of last 5 years. The products are serviced and distributed via a dedicated or a co-located dealer of CAT in a country.

Sime Darby Industrial is the world’s fifth largest CAT dealer with a footprint of 93 branches in 10 countries across the Asia Pacific. The “SEM, A Caterpillar Brand” has been introduced to the Malaysian market to provide users with a highly affordable and reliable machines with excellent after sales.

• Wheel Loader: SEM Wheel Loader series caters the heavy working condition with higher load capacities to light working conditions with improved dump height and enlarged bucket.

• Dozer: The hydrostatic system and world-class undercarriage delivers maximum output traction force, high durability and resistance to wear.

• Motor Grader: Machine comes with a seven-position link bar with electric over hydraulic controls and optimum blade design which ease of operation and versatility.

• Soil Compactor: With a compaction force of up to 15 percent more than competitive models, the SEM Soil Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx Compactor have an eccentric vibe pod design and sealed gear that extends system life up to 50 percent.

Over the years, Sime Darby Industrial was largely instrumental in supply of off-road equipment to various national projects in Malaysia such as the Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak, the Gemas - Johor Bahru Rail Double Tracking & Electrification Project and the West Coast Expressway. One such collaboration was with Dhaya Maju Infrastructure (Asia) Sdn Bhd. (DMIA), which started in 2015 with both CAT and SEM machineries deployed in infrastructure, railway, earthwork and quarry projects.

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Today’s Work, Tomorrow’s Legacy Sime Darby Industrial proudly brings you an affordable and reliable earth moving equipment from “SEM, A Caterpillar Brand”.

Please contact us for full-range of products and after-sales enquiries: Sime Darby Industrial Sdn. Bhd. Tel: (603) 8068 8000 Fax: (603) 8068 8100 Email: sdi.info@simedarby.com

www.tractors.com.my /TractorsMalaysia For Dealer coverage in other countries, please visit SEM official website: www.semmachinery.com

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A PROVEN PLAYER Alongside DMIA’s extensive rail construction portfolio, the company has undertaken a range of alternative construction projects including its Hypermission development in Delhi, India.

Delivered 18 months ago, the real estate project has recently completed its certificate of making good defects (CMGD) period with total client satisfaction.

“Visitors have been describing it as a five-star hotel,” states Hussain. “It’s opulent and reflects our country very well in the way of its stature and finishing.”

Renowned as the go-to service provider within this segment, DMIA recently won a RM1.4 billion ($340 million) contract from the Malaysian government for the Klang Valley Double Track (KVDT) project, a major track rehabilitation undertaking between Kuala Lumpur and Rawang, a town located roughly 40 kilometres north of the capital.

“We’re currently halfway to completion and are expecting final delivery in Q3 2020,” Hussain reveals.

“We’re removing the existing 25-yearold tracks, rebuilding the foundations and putting in a thicker ballast, then relaying stronger, heavier, modernised rail lines.

“The ultimate outcome is that both passenger and cargo locomotives

Alongside this, other flagship projects that DMIA Group has held lead position on include: • 13.5-kilometre Penang Bridge • 772-kilometre North-South Expressway • Kuala Lumpur International Airport • Brickfields residential development, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur • Senawang residential development, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan • Bagan Datuk residential development, Bagan Datuk, Perak In total, it is estimated that DMIA currently has a landbank of 2,000 acres, amounting to approximately RM3 billion ($735 million) worth of projects in the pipeline.

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using the lines will be able to both travel faster and haul greater tonnage.”

A double track project, the track length will far exceed the 40-kilometre route length, totalling approximately 121 kilometres when accounting for siding and loops, substantially further bolstering KL’s ever-growing transport network.

Alternative ambitions

Alongside undertaking one of Malaysia’s current flagship rail construction projects, DMIA Group has equally been attracting international attention by virtue of its reputation – attention that has allowed the firm to begin exploring new opportunities across Southeast Asia.

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

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Hussain affirms: “Myanmar, Thailand and the Philippines stand as particularly interesting prospective markets. We haven’t been actively seeking out new projects in this region as such, but rather have been approached by local players regarding potential collaborations.”

Speaking with the COO, it is clear that rehabilitation works are often a challenge in the way of railway construction, owed to a lack of available equipment or expertise.

A company renowned for intense planning, meticulous research and its unrivalled equipment, however, DMIA Group has the potential to change this stagnant industry status quo.

“You can’t just throw down new track,” Hussain muses. “There are a multitude of factors, from the strengthening of foundations and ballasts that I mentioned to the safety concerns of working besides a live line, let alone providing new and upgrading signalling infrastructure, electrification infrastructure and more.

“It’s very onerous in terms of logistics planning. Everything has to be spot on and the materials and sequencing planning has to be delivered correctly. It can be very constraining and restraining, but we’re

proud to have amassed our current portfolio with no fatalities to date across four million of man hours.”

While the company has a lot on its plate in the way of ongoing projects such as KVDT2 and its alternative real estate and infrastructure developments, this new avenue of opportunity will provide DMIA with a platform for substantial growth looking ahead.

“Optimistic is probably an understatement. We’ll certainly be busy over the coming months,” Hussain concludes.

DMIA Group +603 7726 1189 dmia@dmiagrp.com www.dmiagrp.com

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C P C

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HITTING THE

Sweet Spot CPC Engineering, thanks to its agile setup and full suite of engineering and drafting expertise, is able to support clients across continents throughout the entire life of a mining project

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Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Donovan Smith

ustralia has long supported the African mining industry.

According to the AustraliaAfrica Minerals and Energy Group, there are more than 185 ASX-listed mining and other resource companies operating over 430 projects in 37 African countries.

This amounts to an estimated footprint of more than $40 billion based on current and potential future investment.

“At the moment there is no shortage of opportunities to work,”

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says Rod Davies, General Manager of CPC Project Design at Perth-based CPC Engineering, a company supporting a range of mining projects across multiple regions including Australia and Africa.

“Companies are always trying to progress projects and expand plants, although a slowing impact both in Africa and Australia has been the sourcing of financing for such plans. The world is becoming more risk averse, but by February after the Christmas shutdown we tend to see investment picking up

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and we are starting to see those green shoots again.”

The opportunity for Davies to join CPC, by his own admission, came out of the blue, but it was too good to turn down – the GM headhunted on recommendation from colleagues of his retiring predecessor.

It is an industry he has always held a passion for, stemming from a young age.

“I like big machines and how they do things, to put it simply,” says Davies. “I loved the idea of working

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in big processing plants and felt as if it would be like having a giant train set to play with. I actually started out in a metallurgy processing plant, rather than in engineering.”

Sweet spot

CPC’s size and scope of expertise was a key draw for Davies, this being a key differentiator for the firm which has been in operation since setting up in Kambalda, Western Australia, in 1970.

Today the company employs over 350 qualified and skilled personnel

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split between design and engineering units, a combined team which is able to provide a full suite of services from studies and fabrication through to construction and maintenance.

These services are conducted from offices and workshops located in Perth, Kalgoorlie, Kambalda, Port Hedland, Ravensthrope and Esperance, perfectly positioned to serve Australian mining clients, many of which are based nearby.

“We’re one of few engineering houses that cover the entire

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discipline,” says Davies. “We have metallurgists and process engineers and can start right away with the design of a plant, taking it all the way through to mechanical and electrical phases, the full scope.

“We are also the perfect size for our clients and can react quickly to their requirements and are backed up by reliable systems. I like to call it a sweet spot that we are in – we are not a giant multinational and can move quickly.

Our clients can also pick up the phone to our CEO.” It is also from these Western Australian facilities that CPC supports its clients’ projects based in Africa, the company also ensuring staff are on the ground to oversee the work and provide crucial engineering and design support.

A diverse portfolio

Closer to home, the firm has a number of ongoing projects with clients covering numerous areas of mining and engineering.

Davies cites work with AngloGold Ashanti in WA, where CPC is supporting the study and design stage at the Boston Shaker underground mine supporting infrastructure at the Tropicana site, located nearly 330 kilometres east-northeast of the town of Kalgoorlie. Ground work on this is expected to begin by Q2 of 2019 after final investment decisions are taken.

“We are also on a project with Talison Lithium at its Greenbushes operations south of Perth,” continues Davies. “We have just finished the studies for a second new crushing

CPC IN AFRICA Many of CPC’s clients rely on the firm’s expertise to deliver projects in Africa, including Melbourne-based Syrah Resources which developed the Balama Graphite mine in the Cabo Delgado province of northern Mozambique.

As well as delivering the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) study for the project, CPC was also awarded the engineering and procurement contract for the mine’s design phase, a process which was completed inside 12 months and managed from the company’s Perth office.

BGRIMM

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GRIMM is a leading Chinese company operating in the minerals industry, specialising in the production of mineral processing equipment using the latest technologies.

The firm, founded in 1956, carries 60 years of experience in its ranks, a formidable track record that has seen it cater to needs across a mine’s life, from production through to closure.

As well as supply leading equipment, BGRIMM also consults with clients and provides engineering services and is a leading light when it comes to research and development. For example, it is the major research undertaker in National ERC for Comprehensive Utilization of Metallic Resources as well as National ERC for Clean Extraction and Energy Saving in Nonferrous Metallurgy.

Its research capabilities have seen it awarded dozens of patents and qualify similarly large numbers of individuals in disciplines such as metallurgical engineering and mechanical engineering.

BGRIMM operates under the following vision and values…

Corporate vision: To be a world leader in technology and equipment for development and utilisation of mineral resources.

Following the completion of the engineering phase, a team from CPC joined the Syrah construction and commissioning teams on site to ensure smooth project delivery.

Core values: Turning rock into gold by delivering efficient solutions; creating value to achieve reciprocal benefits with clients.

Ongoing work on the African continent includes study phase support for Blackrock and its graphite asset in Tanzania, the client requesting maximised local input in terms of employment and procurement, the latter very much managed on a best for project basis. Having completed the DFS, CPC will continue providing engineering and project management services into project delivery

Xxxxxxxxthe xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx “Taking advantage of technical resources of BGRIMM and BGRIMMMAT, we deliver technology, equipment and packaged solutions featuring high efficiency and low energy consumption for the comprehensive utilisation of mineral resources. We strive to acquire remarkable social and economic benefits whilst leaving a lighter trace on the earth.”

CPC is also assisting AVZ Minerals in the DRC with feasibility studies on what is thought to be a significant lithium deposit.

The drill core samples have already arrived in Perth with testing set to commence before the flow sheet verified and optimised.

T +86 10 6329 9261 F +86 10 6329 9632 E bkjd@bgrimm.com

www.bgrimm-mat.com Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

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680m3 Flotation Cell Larger size for larger benefit Leading performance for value recovery Sustainable technology for chemical & energy saving

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T +86 10 6329 9261 | F +86 10 6329 9632 | E bkjd@bgrimm.com

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ANDRITZ

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NDRITZ Separation is the world’s leading separation specialist with the broadest technology portfolio and more than 2,000 specialists in 40 countries.

For more than 150 years, we have been a driving force in the evolution of separation solutions and services for industries ranging from environment to food, chemicals, and mining and minerals. As the OEM for many of the world’s leading brands, we have the solutions and services to transform your business to meet tomorrow’s changing demands – wherever you are and whatever your separation challenge.

T +65 6512 1800 E separation.sg@andritz.com

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e deliver innovative waterproofing and protection systems for the mining industry, designed to transform the way people live and work. Providing protection, added value and peace of mind for engineers, installation companies, general contractors and owners alike.

Artist impression/technical drawing and real life image of a CPC project

plant and are now entering the detailed design phase for Talion’s main contractor MSP. “This is a key part of the site’s expansion, and the first new plant CPC designed for the project is now approaching 80 percent through construction.”

In New Zealand’s Foulden Hills, CPC is engaged in a somewhat less conventional project involving diatomaceous earth that was

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discovered by gold prospectors in the early 1870s.

“Plaman Global’s operation, which we did the study work for, will entail digging up black diatomaceous earth, refining it and turning it into animal feed. The diatomaceous earth is a natural product formed from microscopic fossils and rich in natural organic matter, which helps with animals’ growth, digestion and reduces the need for antibiotics as well.

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BMI Group is a standard industries company, like GAF, the leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing solutions in North America. Together, we are the largest roofing and waterproofing business in the world.

E bmi.engineering@bmigroup.com

www.bmigroup.com

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SEPARATION

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TERANAP TP – The Bituminous geomembrane - Mining environmental protection solutions for 45 years - Excellent ageing performances - Technical assistance on site • Better interface friction angle (savings about embankments and earthwork) • Better dimensional stability (no wrinkles on Teranap so no stress cracking, workforce time saving) • Excellent puncturing resistance • Possibility to get rid of geotextiles • Wind uplift resistance • Easy connection to concrete (and details) • Installation under extreme conditions • Certification for potable water • Excellent chemical resistance

bmi.engineering@bmigroup.com

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SKILLED MATERIALS HANDLING

CPC continually updates health and safety policy to ensure safe operations

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killed Materials Handling specialises in bulk materials handling equipment.

We are committed to working with our customers to design, manufacture and supply robust reliable, fit for purpose bulk materials handling equipment.

An innovative approach to engineering design and manufacturing, supported by 30-plus years of experience, partnerships within Australia and overseas ensures that we deliver optimal equipment and ongoing support and spare parts globally for all materials handling requirements.

To date we have supplied 1,000-plus conveyors to 60 clients worldwide in the energy, mining, cement, agriculture, food and waste handling sectors.

T: +61 3 9544 4188 E: smh@skilledmaterial.com.au

www.skilledmaterial.com.au “I didn’t know you could feed diatomaceous earth to animals, and if you look carefully enough you can find this sort of product for people to eat as well.”

CPC’s work is not just limited to Africa, Australia and New Zealand, however.

Davies also points to a project with repeat customer First Quantum Minerals in Panama, a huge copper deposit spread over a concession that consists of four zones totalling 13,600 hectares. CPC assisted First Quantum with the design stage in Perth, the project now advancing into the commissioning phase.

refreshing our safety practices is absolutely essential,” says Davies.

“When we start a new project and recruit blue collar workers or unskilled labour, we must make sure we not only choose the right people, but that our induction processes are spot on.

“Standards are routinely checked and kept fresh. We require everyone working on a job to go to a different area on a weekly basis and carry out an inspection on how other people are working. Talking about safety is so important. These peer reviews are a crucial part of our management philosophy for safety.”

Regarding CPC’s own employee base, Davies doesn’t deny that it is a Uncompromising standards challenge to find adequately skilled Successful delivery of these projects engineers to join the organisation. all around the world would not be While the company’s cohort of possible without an uncompromising engineers is made up of multiple stance on standards, both in terms of nationalities, they are all Australian quality and HSE (health, safety and residence, and many have come environment). through the ranks to become key “Maintaining vigilance and continually assets having acquired valuable

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TRUE AUTOMATION

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rue Automation, based in Perth, Western Australia, provides system integration services to many prestigious clients from around the world. Continuing this spirit, True Automation is proud to have successfully delivered the control system for CPC’s Balama Graphite Project in Mozambique for the miner Syrah Resources.

The highly productive collaboration between True Automation and CPC started with the design phase and continued through to site commissioning and performance optimisation of the plant. In addition, True Automation continue to provide resources to ensure the ongoing successful operation of the plant.

T +61 1300 880 641, +61 8 6118 0900 E admin@trueautomation.com.au

www.trueautomation.com.au

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CHAIN CONVEYORS

SIDE WALL BELT CONVEYOR

SPARE PARTS

true automation Innovative Process Control Solutions True Automation specialise in providing advanced process control solutions and industrial automation systems to the mining and minerals processing sectors.

We offer an extensive range of engineering services to ensure we deliver outstanding solutions to satisfy our clients’ business requirements. With a strong customer focus, we are dedicated to working closely with our clients to deliver high quality and cost effective control systems.

Our goal is to deliver control systems that are effective, intuitive, scalable, reliable and maintainable.

Suite 166, 580 Hay Street Perth Western Australia 6000 T +61 1300 880 641, +61 8 6118 0900 E admin@trueautomation.com.au www.trueautomation.com.au

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experience and training.

“We are a competitive payer and can offer tremendous experience,” Davies adds. “Four or five years ago we took on a lot of young engineers who are now in their early 30s and very good – we now need to promote them, offer more opportunities and retain them.

“It is about keeping the right balance between younger and more experienced engineers to ensure a continual passing on of knowledge.”

In terms of environmental stewardship, CPC has a detailed Environmental Management Plan

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It is not unusual for supervisors to be walking around with iPads now, not paper and hard copy design drawings”

structured to meet the requirements of the AS/NZS ISO 14001 (2004) Environmental Management Systems standard.

Looking ahead

Executing projects to these exacting standards will also require CPC to stay abreast of key technological trends influencing the mining sphere.

“This sector is inherently conservative, and the development cycle of a project can be a number of years,” says Davies. “This means when something new comes along you have

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CPC employs over 350 qualified and skilled personnel

CPC is based in Western Australia, serving clients with operations here and in Africa

“We have metallurgists and process engineers and can start right away with the design of a plant, taking it all the way through to mechanical and electrical phases, the full scope”

to be aware of it, otherwise it can be three or four years before you can actually implement it.

“We come across the saying that we need to be at the leading edge of technology, not the bleeding edge.

By that I mean it’s a race to be first to second place, i.e. let someone try it first and make sure it works.

“There have been some fantastic developments that have made their way into the mining industry – we are extracting more at faster speeds than ever before.

“Further, connectivity in mines

is massive and engineers like us are using bigger and bigger programmes.

It is not unusual for supervisors to be walking around with iPads now, not paper and hard copy design drawings.”

Keeping a keen eye on developments like this will ensure CPC remains a relevant, reliable supporting partner to mining operations at home and abroad. And it is this continuation of the sweet spot position the company currently occupies that is a key priority for Davies moving forwards.

He concludes: “I want to consolidate

the growth we have experienced over the past couple of years. That requires replacing projects we have finished with some new ones and keeping our team as strong as it is now. I am optimistic for the year ahead.”

CPC Engineering Tel: +61 (8) 9365 0300 cpcprojects@cpceng.com.au www.cpcengineering.com.au

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The Emblem of Modern Engineering Offering esteemed engineering expertise across mining, oil & gas, defence, and other industries, Hofmann Engineering has come to define differentiated service excellence Writer: Jonathan Dyble | Project Manager: Thomas Arnold

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969 is a famous year in the context of 20th century history.

Renowned for Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s Apollo 11 moon landing, it equally marks The Beatles’ final public performance and the first test flights of the world-famous, now dormant Concorde in France.

For the Hofmann family, 1969 was no different in terms of significance, marking the launch of Hofmann Engineering – an enterprise now standing as one of Australia’s most esteemed industrial players.

“From the humble beginnings of a suburban garage at the hands of my great Uncle, Erich F Hofmann, and grandfather John Hofmann, the company has enjoyed steady growth over the past half century to be the expansive entity that it is today,” states Jarrod Hofmann, the business’s current General Manager of Engineering.

“The company began manufacturing small parts for the mining industry and various products with a plastic injection moulding machine, with focus turning to larger, more complex mining parts as it grew.

Fast forward to today and we’ve proudly developed products and

experience spanning the aerospace, defence, mining, gearing renewable energies, oil & gas and agriculture industries.”

50 years in the making, the company has managed to successfully differentiate itself within a busy market by operating a unique business model that specialises in producing high-end engineered products for a wide variety of industry applications.

“I’d like to think that we’ve become known for taking on projects that others shy away from,” adds Hofmann, “adhering to our mantra that there is always a better solution. It’s unacceptable to build redundancy into parts. There is always a way to improve productive life spans and enhance performance.”

Taking new shapes

This ethos has been key to Hofmann Engineering’s gradual diversification, its solutions and capabilities now encompassing a broad range of industries. Welcoming new, challenging projects has allowed the business to take its existing expertise and utilise these across different verticals, adding more strings to its ever-growing bow over the years.

ACCESS WORLD

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ccess World provides worldclass global logistics and warehousing solutions for its clientele. Developing long-term relationships with our clients and service providers alike to support sustainable business growth, service and quality are at the heart of Access World.

Access World has built a strong relationship with Hofmann Engineering.

We have taken the time to understand its business requirements, large range of products along with special handling and timeframes to become an integral part of its operation. Access World has a full understanding and expertise to handle the heavy yet sensitive cargo Hofmann Engineering is renowned for.

We strive to continuously innovate and improve our processes, deepen our knowledge of handling clients’ products and are expanding our reach to help our clients create a competitive advantage by engaging Access World as their service provider of choice.

We specialise in the movement of all cargo including break bulk, containerised, general and heavy haulage. Through our worldwide network of offices, we can offer our clients complete tailor-made logistics solutions covering the full supply chain.

We offer door-to-door shipments nationally and globally. Logistics services can be combined with other services, such as warehousing and stevedoring.

Our experienced personnel and bestXxxxxxxxservice xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx in-class providers ensure a dedicated and efficient service. We can offer a wide variety of options whether you need to ship less than container load (LCL), a full container load (FCL), breakbulk cargo or airfreight.

T +61 8 9240 2863 E aus_commercial@accessworld.com

www.accessworld.com

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Your Leading Project Logistics Partner in Australia

With a strong GLOBAL presence across worldwide locations, Access World has your logistics under control across the entire supply chain.

Project Logistics

Responsible business management from mine to market.

Road Transport Extensive road network across the whole of Australia.

Warehousing Over 150 warehouse facilities strategically located across the globe.

Freight Forwarding Market leading cross-border logistics solutions and forwarding capabilities.

Quality, commitment and tailor-made solutions.

Australia: aus_commercial@accessworld.com +61 8 9240 2863 www.accessworld.com

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“A common theme of our expansion has been finding opportunities to use knowledge and experience gained in one industry and applying it to solve similar problems in others,” Hofmann affirms. “In turn, diversification has provided us with a safety net, where we’re not relying on any one product or single industry to carry us through the inevitable downturns in national and global economic cycles.

“To this end, we’ve been enjoying measured and long-term success.”

Equally, the organisation places substantial emphasis on upholding quality, evident in its extensive supply chain that spans the globe, ensuring the firm has access to the best suppliers available.

“From the high end, ‘special Hofmann recipe’ steel that we import from Germany, to material being sourced from Asia and more locally in Australia, there is really a large spectrum of materials supplied to our company,” explains Hofmann.

These are procured at each of the business’s six factories and its extensive number of offices in Australia and around the world – a footprint that the business has been adding to in recent times.

Asked about the company’s recent investments, Hofmann is quick to unveil the firm’s prosperous activity in Peru that is still very much on its agenda at the current moment. “We’ve set up a large workshop in Peru that’s just opened. It was constructed after we won a five-year supply contract for the largest copper mine in the world, to refurbish a specialised type of crusher, known as high-pressure grinding rolls,” he reveals.

“A common theme of our expansion has been finding opportunities to use knowledge and experience gained in one industry and applying it to solve similar problems in others”

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ONLINE LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS

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LS has built an online system that our customers have embraced as an integral part of their freight solutions.

Typically, organisations may have multiple service providers, rate schedules, non-dedicated customer service contacts, variable accounting/ billing formats, multiple consignment processing platforms and lack of visibility on consignments.

OLS has addressed these issues via the world’s best service providers. We have created a simple online freight platform that is an informative and proactive link between customer and supplier, while streamlining invoicing and CS processes.

OLS. Logistical services tailored to your requirements.

www.onlinelogisticssolutions.com

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Online Logistics Solutions was founded in 2005. The team at OLS has many years of courier, freight and Logistics experience to provide the best possible support for your business. OLS has harnessed the worlds best practice suppliers and made them available to our customers through our Online Platform.

Personalised Customer Service is our key deliverable.

www.onlinelogisticssolutions.com

For more than 20 years, we are proud to have been a supply partner to Hofmann Engineering, through Bearing Supplies Pty Ltd and previously Koyo Western Australia.

As an authorised distributor of Koyo Bearings in Western Australia, along with access to many of the world’s leading bearing brands and associated products, we are well placed to support the Australasian market, as well as those around the world.

With combined staff experience in excess of 45 years, across the industrial, mining, earthmoving, railway, automotive as well as truck & trailer, we have the knowledge to also partner your business.

We understand that business is a 24-hour, 7 day a week service environment and as such, we provide support to meet your requirements – 24 hours a day.

T +61 8 6252 7150 | E sales@bearingsupplieswa.com.au

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Many of its plants, the latest Peru facility included, feature some of the most sophisticated machinery on the market, an element that forms a large part of Hofmann Engineering’s strategy, allowing it to remain a leader in high-end engineered products.

Playing a major part

Alongside the Peruvian copper mine, Hofmann Engineering has recently won a number of alternative contracts, one such project being the firm’s manufacture of a 22-metre slew bearing for a major space telescope being installed in the north of Australia by the national government.

“The sheer design, manufacturing and installation complexity makes this a clear standout in my eyes,” states Hofmann. “We were commissioned to make the slew bearing, which is a part that will basically allow the whole telescope assembly to rotate.”

PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL PROSPERITY Standing as an advanced engineering firm with a unique business model, Hofmann Engineering places substantial emphasis on finding, bolstering and retaining key skills within its employee base.

To this end, the company trains 50 apprentices annually in a number of different trades, from machinists and fitters to boilers and electricians. The top performers are offered full time positions at the company at the completion of their certification.

Further, the group readily collaborates with universities that produce engineers, advising on the necessary skills and outcomes required from courses, conducting tours and providing students with the opportunity to focus their theses on topics within the company.

“At the heart, we are a family business with family values,” states Hofmann. “We try to instil this ethos in our workforce, while engaging with young and ambitious people to help them build a prosperous career within the industry.”

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

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Industry Leaders in Surface Engineering & Thermal Spray Coatings in Perth We are a Thermal Spray Coating Solutions provider that serves all industries, repairing components and providing improved wear characteristics through our range of innovative coatings and processes.

T +61 8 9359 4211 E sales@newmetal.com.au

www.newmetalsurfaces.com.au

The current GM of Engineering is equally quick to highlight the firm’s role in Victoria’s high capacity metro rail project. He continues: “We tendered for a five-year contract and were successfully contracted to supply 900 bogie mainframes that each of the new train carriages will sit on.”

A competitive project valued at AUD$2.3 billion, Hofmann Engineering stood itself apart through its intuitive investments and setup of state-ofthe-art machining equipment at its Bendigo centre – equipment that will be used to efficiently and effectively connect the axles and wheels to carriages for 65 new metropolitan trains that are expected to enter service later this year.

“Our European robotic welding lines have been crucial in this tender these are investments that are already helping us to produce these bogies,” adds Hofmann.

Positivity on all fronts

All things considered, Hofmann Engineering stands in good stead to further its reputation and position on the global engineering scene moving forward.

Asked about the company’s priorities for the year ahead, Hofmann replies: “Our major focus is on the development of our own intellectual property. We’re on quite a steep growth curve on this front, both in terms of overall revenue and the rising volume of business in these product areas, and we see this as being a fundamental part of our future.”

Delving into the specifics, the GM of Engineering reveals that the ramped-up development of intellectual property will be particularly tailored towards the rail and mining industries – two that Hofmann sees as providing substantial opportunity looking ahead, particularly when considering the positive economic climate that is

shining on Australia.

He concludes: “The previous three to four years have been a bit slower when compared to the big boom times in Australia during 2010-13, but now I’d say that we are the busiest that we’ve been since then. In the quieter years we witnessed a number of major manufacturing firms either closing down or relocating – two factors that have stood us in a good position.

“With reduced competition and rising market confidence, our outlook is definitely positive.”

Hofmann Engineering Tel: +61 8 9279 5522 www.hofmannengineering.com

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Pioneering

PROGRESS

Seizing the opportunity, KOSPA Limited is empowering the success of supply chains through intuitive investment and transformative cost-efficient technologies Writer: Jonathan Dyble | Project Manager: Josh Mann

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rom the Anyathian era to the Bagan Kingdom and more recently Burma, Myanmar has been home to human civilisation for over 13,000 years, boasting some of the world’s most captivating antiquity. However, despite this rich cultural history, the modern state as it stands today remains a developing nation and is still considered by many as the last frontier market in Southeast Asia.

This began to change in the early part of the decade when a series of sweeping political and economic reforms led to the re-opening of Myanmar’s economy. The nation’s first openly contested elections were held in November 2015.

During the past year, the government has prioritised creating the right climate to attract foreign investment and encourage economic development. This pivot towards an investment-friendly pro-business stance is evidenced by the creation of the Ministry for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations, the introduction of the New Companies Law and the opening of the country’s insurance sector. With these positive economic developments alongside numerous proposed Belt and Road infrastructure projects, the Asian Development Bank predicts that Myanmar will continue to be one of the world’s fastest-growing economies with a growth forecast of 7.2 percent for 2019.

International bodies and businesses such as KOSPA Limited (KOSPA) have also been working to drive positive reform throughout the country, facilitating progress that is quickly bringing Myanmar into the modern era. Due to a relative lack of legacy technology and systems, new digital ways of working can be implemented quickly with minimal friction, allowing Myanmar to leapfrog other countries in its digital transformation. Such leapfrogging has already been seen in

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NISU CONSULTING

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division of Nisu Co. Ltd., Nisu Consulting is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) consultation and implementation service specialist, renowned as the only consulting firm in Myanmar that focuses solely on the delivery of Odoo ERP total solutions.

Having worked with a long list of impressive multinational companies and government agencies, the company has established itself as a trusted service provider, readily working hand in hand with chief financial officers, finance directors and other key decision makers at both foreign and local companies.

Home to a team of professional Odoo ERP consultants, Nisu Consulting is readily able to adhere to any customer’s requirements in order to allow the production of important assets for businesses leveraging key data and insights.

From agile project management and extensive industry experience to esteemed professionalism and highquality projects and training, we are able to work with any client to deliver projects efficiently and on time.

the telecommunications and financial services sector and is an approach KOSPA is leveraging as it works to modernises logistics in the country.

“Myanmar is a country that was economically isolated for a long period of time,” Howard Seargent, Managing Director of KOSPA Limited states, providing his own perspective, “and there are a number of infrastructural and regulatory challenges as a result.

With the formal banking industry in its infancy, Myanmar is still very much a cash economy.

“In the logistics industry there is no legacy technology to speak of – supply chains just don’t have the extent of infrastructure and management systems found in most Southeast Asian markets. Nevertheless, Myanmar is a country braced for change and with growth rates on the up we see great opportunities.”

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Nisu Consulting’s services include:

In the logistics industry there is no legacy technology to speak of – supply chains just don’t have the extent of infrastructure and management systems found in most Southeast Asian markets”

• ERP Consulting • ERP Implementation • ERP Customisation • BI Reporting • ERP Training KOSPA Limited is one of our clients and Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx for xxxxxxxxx has trusted Nisu Consulting its Odoo ERP project deployment that includes customisation of accounting module to meet its specific requirement in logistics operations.

The reasoning behind Kospa’s move to Odoo ERP was to have a system in which management can generate fast reporting for making decisions and increasing productivity for its finance department – something that the company has been able to achieve.

T +95 1 8560 208 E erp@nisu.consulting

www.nisu.consulting

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How much time and money is it costing your business to run without a proper ERP system?

It’s time to focus on automating your business administration so that you can focus on running your business.

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Odoo enterprise resource planning (ERP) system simplifies business operation by automating business processes from sales, warehouse, accounting & finance to human resources operation.

Home to a team of professional Odoo ERP consultants, Nisu Consulting is readily able to adhere to any customer’s requirements in order to allow the production of important assets for business leveraging key data and insights.

Nisu Consulting is an official Odoo partner in Myanmar and has helped many businesses to

Contact us for further discussion on how we can assist with your ERP implementation.

Our Services:

Consultation

Implementation

Customisation

Contact us: For English language: Mr. Suyanto Suyanto T: (+95) 925 0924 719

For Myanmar language: T: (+95 1) 8560 208

www.nisu.consulting | E: erp@nisu.consulting

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Providing fresh perspectives

Formed in 2015, KOSPA has quickly become a leading third-party logistics provider, having brought fresh perspectives to the market over the past four years – perspectives that have allowed the company to both thrive and consolidate. KOSPA is a subsidiary of Yoma Strategic Holdings (Yoma Strategic) and a joint venture between Yoma Strategic, Kokubu Group (Kokubu) and SF Express (SF).

Initially focussed on the fast-moving

consumer goods sphere, particularly serving the food, beverage, healthcare and agricultural industries with general cargo and temperature-managed logistics solutions, KOSPA has rapidly established a reputation for quality end-to-end service provision and supply chain reliability.

“We offer a full suite of solutions in Myanmar, covering inbound logistics order fulfillment consolidation and deconsolidation, clearance, cross border logistics, demand fulfilment,

RECOGNISING RESPONSIBILITY A sound corporate citizen with progressive values, KOSPA has implemented managed programmes in the aim of promoting diversity within its teams, both to help ‘Build a better Myanmar for its people’ and to become a trusted partner for its clients.

“As a leader, this is a major focus for me,” reveals Seargent.

“One of the most pleasing aspects is witnessing how Myanmar talent can thrive when given the mentoring and motivation to accept and overcome challenges.”

Further, as a subsidiary of Yoma Strategic, KOSPA continuously seeks to adhere to Yoma Strategic’s mission of building a better Myanmar for its people, across all its business activities.

KOSPA also actively seeks to reduce emissions and plastic waste, and this year will be refocusing efforts to educate and support agricultural producers in reducing waste and boosting product yield by optimising storage and transportation for crops.

“We’re also investigating the practicality of installing solarpowered temperature-controlled storage units to facilitate this process in Shan State,” Seargent adds.

KOSPA offers a full suite of services to clients in Myanmar, from inbound logistics to consultancy work

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FUSO MYANMAR

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USO Myanmar offers a full range of trucks, from four to 65 tonne vehicles, with best-in-class performance, reliability and efficiency.

Driven by an overriding aspiration of being a valued partner for its customers in the pursuit of business growth, FUSO Myanmar prides itself on offering superior performance, reliable products and low maintenance costs with a high level of comfort and safety for drivers.

The company works extensively with KOSPA Limited, providing them with leading products such as its FUSO FZ trucks and extensive aftermarket support through maintenance and related services.

T +95 9 456 111 101 E enquiry@cyclecarriage.com.mm www.facebook.com/FUSOMM/

www.cyclecarriage.com

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HINO Myanmar was established in August 2014 as Summit SPA Motors Ltd, a joint-venture between Sumitomo Corporation and SPA Group. HINO is a global manufacturer and distributor of commercial vehicles, as well as providing genuine spare parts and aftersales service to its customers.

The 300, 500 and 700 series is exclusively manufactured for the Myanmar market. Summit SPA Motors provides its customers with products suited to their needs and partners with them to drive their businesses further with a comprehensive follow-up service in the spirit of “Total Support�.

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inventory management, reverse logistics, consulting and other related services,” explains Seargent.

“Our transport network covers all of Myanmar, and, supported by integrated transport management and world-class warehousing systems, KOSPA has one of the youngest fleets in country with an average age of less than two years for our fleet of 70-plus vehicles.”

Leveraging this broad service portfolio and expansive infrastructure, the firm provides expertise, analysis and solutions that add and share value improvement across its customers’ supply chains, from bolstered routing efficiencies to expanded inventory management capabilities.

“Logistics is the foundation of how businesses can quickly bring products and brands to market,” Seargent adds.

“You cannot build brand equity without product availability or access to services.

This is why logistics is so important – something that we understand.”

KOSPA’S CUSTOMERS Serving the retail, food, beverage, consumer and pharmaceuticals industries among others, KOSPA has established a broad network of customers that include, but are not limited to: • KFC • Coca-Cola Pinya Beverages Myanmar Limited • Metro Wholesale Myanmar Limited • Myanmar Brewery Limited and Heineken Myanmar • International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) • Marrybrown • CP

Implementing innovation

A core part of KOSPA’s transformational approach to supply chain operations in Myanmar has come from the incorporation of cloud-based management systems for logistics, introducing and making available modern processes and systems to the national market at reduced cost compared to three or five years ago.

“Emerging markets offer logistics providers an opportunity to offer innovative, low-cost solutions in order to bring goods to market, be it B2B,

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KOSPA helps clients to bring products to market

B2C and even C2C,” Seargent explains.

“Further, Myanmar isn’t encumbered with outdated technologies, an element that would have contributed to inefficiencies in the past but equally offers a particularly exciting opportunity when considering the implementation of cloud and mobile tablet-based solutions.”

With this in mind, KOSPA is currently focussed on painting this blank canvas with a multitude of different technology-enabled systems and solutions, from its warehouse management system (WMS) and transport management system (TMS) including an electronic proof of delivery (e-POD) support concept.

“These technologies will be revolutionary for Myanmar, bolstering real-time transparency, tracking and traceability, enabling remote access and allowing us to align ourselves with regional best practices,” Seargent adds.

KOSPA recently partnered with Shenzhen-based SF Express, a leading player in express logistics in China, allowing the firm to both leverage synergies and accelerate its investment ambitions through 2019 and beyond.

Seargent continues: “By bettering the management of goods and payments, we can speed up transactions and cut down the bureaucracy of administration, curbing a major cost and time-consuming exercise for many businesses, while simultaneously laying the foundation for the successful future growth of ecommerce in Myanmar over the coming years.”

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The competition in emerging markets is intense, and the environment is rapidly changing, but we continue to ensure that we remain ahead of the curve” Expanding opportunities

While further consolidating its position as one of the leading providers of highquality domestic logistics services will undoubtedly be an outcome of these investments, KOSPA’s rapid scale has allowed it to think about broadening its outlook in the international arena.

KOSPA has sound and supportive shareholders in Kokubu, SF and Yoma Strategic whose expertise and knowhow are complementary and pivotal to its future expansion plans.

“SF Express aren’t only an excellent innovative technology partner,” Seargent explains. “Equally our partnership will allow us the

opportunity to connect with new customer bases in new markets.

Further, regulatory changes are also under discussion in the region - that will free up the movement of goods, such as agricultural products and consumer products, across borders.”

Consequently, KOSPA will remain committed to pursuing new opportunities both in China and Southeast Asia moving forward, bolstering not only its national status in Myanmar but equally spreading its reputational excellence and technology-enabled innovative approach across the wider region.

“We’re encouraged by the attention

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being shown by Myanmar’s authorities in addressing existing infrastructure and regulatory constraints and are optimistic that new legislation will be in place within the next one or two years,” Seargent reveals. “These regulatory changes, combined with our own emphasis on implementing cost effective logistics systems to bring both long- and short-term benefits to our clients based on market demands, will result in our operations becoming more ambitious, efficient and agile.

He concludes: “The competition in emerging markets is intense, and the environment is rapidly changing, but we continue to ensure that we remain ahead of the curve.”

KOSPA Limited Tel: +95 1 368 7676-8 sales@kospalogistics.com www.kospalogistics.com

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TE (PNG) is stamping its hallmark of quality on projects across many industries in Papua New Guinea, a country set to benefit tremendously from boosted connectivity Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Josh Hyland

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It’s an exciting time in PNG. “The introduction of a new fibre optic cable linking us to Australia will provide a much-needed increase in capacity with the added benefit of a reduction in costs.

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“This, combined with new domestic fibre cabling linking key centres, means that businesses and individuals will have access to more affordable services that will impact all industries.”

Robbie Huxley is full of optimism when it comes to Papua New Guinea’s development.

Joining TE (PNG) and moving to the country from Norfolk Island at

ASIA the end of 2014, he now serves as the company’s Managing Director and Owner having jumped at the opportunity to join a firm with a longstanding reputation.

“I moved to PNG as an opportunity to expand my professional skills and have the opportunity to tackle some new and interesting projects,” Huxley continues.

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“TE has a long history in PNG and has been part of many large communications projects such as Kokoda Track Radio Communications and the HF Health Network. It seemed like a really challenging and fulfilling step in my career.”

And it is these technology-driven projects which, for Huxley, will be genuine game-changers for the nation in years to come.

TE (PNG) – AN INTRODUCTION Founded in 1955 as a buying agency called Carl F Radke Agencies, TE (PNG) assumed its current name in 1976 and is a company of diversified product ranges across a number of markets.

The firm is particularly wellknown for the distribution of specific hardware and electrical products. This includes an extensive range of satellite and terrestrial communication equipment, broadcast television and radio, audio visual and musical instruments, IT, locksmith and security electronics, commercial catering equipment and furniture.

TE (PNG) operates from two major facilities in Port Moresby and Lae and employs around 100 people.

MOFFAT Standing together – the test of time.

Standing the test of time, with a history of manufacturing and distribution, Moffat prides itself on delivering quality commercial cooking equipment and bakery solutions.

The in-country partnership between Moffat and TE PNG Ltd enjoys a relationship that extends back to the 1980’s. Both companies understand the complexities of the food service environment in PNG and the challenges that operators face daily. The process of finding the right product solution, supplying and supporting it for our customers is of the utmost importance.

Together we do it better than anyone else.

Feeding 50 or 5,000, our partnership will craft the right solution for operators.

With certified and trained service personnel, a large stock of critical parts in-country, as well as equipment, TE PNG and Moffat invest together in training and capability development. Choosing the right brands supplied through the right partner quality, performance and support are assured.

Education, mining, healthcare, government, as well as restaurant, café and hotel scenes, are all part of the TE PNG customer segment approach.

You are encouraged to reach out to discuss your needs directly with our TE PNG team. We want to see you succeed and stand the test of time - with us.

Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

Asked what stands the company apart, Huxley answers: “It’s simple – the quality of our work. Our motto is ‘when quality makes a difference’.

“There has been an expectation in PNG that poor and unreliable quality is just a fact of life but not at TE (PNG). We bring international standards and high quality to every project and customer no matter how big or small. We guarantee everything we do and provide in-country support.”

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international@moffat.co.nz

www.moffat.co.nz info@tepng.com

www.tepng.com

Xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

Best brands. Best service.

Best solution.

TE (PNG) has been supplying and installing Moffat solutions right across the country for over 30 years, with quality options for cafes, restaurants, commercial catering and other hospitality services including mining camps and the hospital sector. Moffat provides some of the best brands in the market, and back up TE (PNG)’s leading service department with training and a comprehensive spare parts supply.

international@moffat.co.nz moffat.co.nz phone +643 983 6600

info@tepng.com tepng.com phone +675 325 6322

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Robbie Huxley receiving a recent performance award on behalf of TE (PNG) at the PNG Security Congress – March 2019

“The subsea cable upgrade for Port Moresby is a really important and life changing project for PNG,” he adds.

“If the government offers lower cost traffic services to ISPs and those cost savings are passed on, 3G and 4G services for data will grow, health and education will have new opportunities and commercial businesses will be able to continue growth through internet and voice services.

“TE is directly involved with many sectors of the market which will be engaged on this.”

Multifaceted

Huxley also points to exciting developments in the mining and resources sphere.

The company has been engaged with global giants ExxonMobil and Total during their time in PNG, supplying a suite of products and services to them.

Huxley and TE (PNG) are looking to build on these partnerships both with the two O&G majors and

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their contractors, the companies currently in dialogue over the provision of IT products and support, communications systems (radio, satellite and wireless), security systems, access control, intrusion protection and asset monitoring.

In the aviation space, a long-term partnership with PNG Air Services also continues to bear fruit.

“Most recently we have been working with them on their NiuSky project, a full upgrade to all their systems related to air traffic control across PNG,” Huxley explains. “When completed it will provide a very modern and world-class platform.

“We have built redundant microwave networks between key remote sites, upgraded all the data cabling within their buildings to the latest standards to support high throughput and reliable networks, and are currently building a high capacity microwave network for key information flow to third parties.”

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Crucial to the successful delivery of projects such as these, asides for TE (PNG)’s own competencies and adherence to quality, is a strong supplier network built up over many years.

Just as TE (PNG) operates as a partner to many of its clients, so too are the firms involved in the company’s own supply chain. The majority are Australian, and some have been working with the organisation since it was founded in 1955.

“We choose our suppliers based on their quality products and accurate information regarding timelines for manufacturing and shipment in order to meet our customers’ expectations and timelines,” Huxley adds.

“Our supplier partners often make the difference in our ability to meet our project deadlines by providing us high-level technical support on products and systems. We have completed many unique projects in PNG and have suppliers in the country regularly assist with product training, upskilling, new product development and commissioning of large projects.”

Power to PNG people

While most of TE (PNG)’s partners are located in Australia, Huxley is proud of the fact the firm is first and foremost a PNG company.

More than 90 of its staff are nationals, and considerable efforts go into ensuring they are offered the opportunity to train and develop skills.

“We believe all projects in PNG should have a strong focus on sustainability,” says Huxley, “including local supply and installation, training and support for local technicians and ongoing reliability.

“It is upsetting when we see projects that are installed and stop working after a year or two as there is no support or ongoing maintenance as engaged by outside companies.”

Indeed, key to TE remaining ahead of the curve is keeping its skills base up to date.

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World-Class Drug & Alcohol Testing Solutions

Proudly appointed distributor of all Alcolizer Technology products and services. www.alcolizer.com

Staff have the opportunity to train and develop skills

This is ensured by detailed training programmes in the form of in-house courses and online modules from numerous external providers. Further, when necessary staff are sent to other locations, including overseas to supplier firms.

Asides developing its own employees’ knowledge, TE empowers locals through eager support of charities via initiatives such as event sponsorship.

For example, it recently assisted St John Ambulance with a full upgrade of the non-profit’s operations centre in Port Moresby, providing the organisation access to its existing UHF radio network for communications in the area, and assisting with IT requirements.

It is vital for Huxley that such work within the community continues in the years to come, the MD outlining this objective alongside the ambition of developing the company’s market presence across PNG through local and international partnerships.

This includes introducing new technologies to the country, something which Huxley is adamant will catalyse development to the benefit of all.

He concludes: “PNG may be behind other countries in certain areas, but that provides the best chance of actually improving as the bar has already been set. Commitments from companies such as Exxon and Total indicate outside investment is strong.

“The ICT upgrades such as the subsea fibre cables have the opportunity to disrupt many sectors of the market by providing low cost services within data and voice.

The knock-on effects could see improvement in education, health and commercial sectors overnight.

“PNG has a lot of opportunity to offer for those willing to work hard, be part of the community and provide long-term solutions.”

TE (PNG) Tel: +675 325 6322 info@tepng.com www.tepng.com

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Shaping Singapore’s Retail Reputation Approaching its centennial anniversary, family-owned business H.L.Yong maintains the same client-centric course that has seen it grow from humble beginnings to lofty heights Writer: Jonathan Dyble | Project Manager: Josh Hyland

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alancing a prosperous career with a healthy social life is never an easy trick.

According to a recent Harvard Business School survey, for example, 94 percent of service professionals work more than 50 hours per week, while 26 percent of work is reported to be done outside of normal hours.

Statistics like these rang all too true for Victor Ha, a current Director at his family-run business, H. L. Yong Company (Pte) Ltd (H. L. Yong), that is renowned as one of the leading food and beverage enterprises across Singapore and Malaysia.

“I never thought I would end up in the retail industry,” he reveals. “It only happened because the stars aligned at a point in my career. I was roughly two years into my legal career at one of Singapore’s finest firms and I was decent at what I did, but I always had

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Victor Ha, Director, H. L. Yong Company (Pte) Ltd

a nagging feeling that lawyering was not for me in the long run, especially if I wanted to have a family of my own and actually get to spend meaningful time with them.

“So, when my father asked me to join him at the family business, I decided to give it a go.”

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Eight years on and Ha hasn’t looked backed, bringing his sound, educated background to help streamline operations and modernise the dry foodstuffs, packaging, glassware and tableware specialist, taking it in new and coherent strategic directions.

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He continues: “My focus early on was very simple – to establish a more systematic way of doing things, from reorganising our paper trail and document retrieval process to developing a custom enterprise resource planning software system.

“There was a culture of ‘it’s how we’ve always done things here’ or ‘if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it’ – ways of thinking that were not suitable for businesses operating in the 21st century. We’ve managed to tackle this mindset, however, and are now

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thinking about the next steps for the company.”

Customers, clients and partners

Having firmly stamped a reenergised footprint on the business, Ha has equally ensured that H. L. Yong’s core values, philosophies that have been testament to its ongoing success over the years, have remained at the forefront of operations.

“When I first joined the company, I was amazed at the strength of the relationships that we had with some

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of our principals and longstanding customers. This has not changed,” the Director adds. “We believe in going the extra mile for our business partners and customers.”

Reminiscing, Ha calls upon a particular example of this ethos in practice, showcasing the lengths that the family business has been willing to go to for its clientele.

“Back in 2017, one of our newest customers, a quick service restaurant, had plans to run a nationwide campaign using one of

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our products as a feature ingredient,” he explains. “As fate would have it, however, we were hit with production delays by our US supplier, while our backup airfreight shipment was also delayed.

“Faced with this predicament and a short timeframe, we decided to fly over to Bangkok in order to physically carry some of the stock back with us onboard. Of course,” Ha muses, “we were notified after landing in Thailand that the airfreighted foods reached Singapore in time.”

By bending over backwards, the QSR customer, like many others alongside it, has since given H. L. Yong its full support and loyalty, testament to the number of hoops that the company is willing to jump through to ensure customer satisfaction.

Making headway

Having established an esteemed reputation off the back of these practices, H. L Yong has recently attracted a number of new brands to its ever-growing portfolio, one of particular excitement being La Molisana – a fast-growing pasta producing business based out of Italy that, much like H. L. Yong, is a fourth-generation family business.

“I believe it is now the fifth largest pasta producer in Italy,” Ha reveals.

“I first fell in love with La Molisana’s pasta more than eight years ago, but never pursued them until much later. I guess you could say that we were both ready for each other at the right time, and its high quality of pasta, along with the introduction of a fresh and attractive new packaging, has already achieved traction in our local market.”

THE H. L. YONG STORY Initially founded by Ha Lian Yong, the current Director’s great-grandfather, in 1922, H. L. Yong started out from humble beginnings, serving the retail needs of the European community in colonial Singapore.

In the post-World War II era, the business began to grow more rapidly through organic expansion, taking on notable brands such as Pyrex, Marmite, Spalding and Cow & Gate Milk, trading everything from food to sporting goods.

In the face of rising success, H. L. Yong was formalised as a company in 1962, with its strong relationships with retail supermarkets, wholesalers and overseas distributors allowing the firm to ascended to lofty heights as one of Singapore’s premier trading companies, representing global brands such as Scott, Estée Lauder, Caborchard, Reynolds and Libbey.

“Our third generation of leadership, Lim Kim Lee, joined in 1979 and has been leading the charge since, and I, as the fourth generation in our family, have been helping him since 2010 along with my cousin Jonathan who joined us a couple of years ago,” adds Ha. Fast forward to the present day, the firm currently specialises in the distribution of premium quality dry foodstuffs, food packaging, glassware and tableware across Singapore and Malaysia, servicing hotels, restaurants, caterers and retail traders with a wide selection of consumer and foodservice products.

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What’s more, the Singaporean retailer has also welcomed Carmencita to the fray, renowned as the number one spice company in Spain with a presence in over 50 countries worldwide.

“It’s ‘Paellero’ sachets have been doing particularly well for us since coming to Southeast Asia, known as the secret to idiot proof paella,” Ha adds. “Due to its friendly price point, Carmencita’s products have garnered quite a bit of consumer interest.”

These two exciting opportunities for H. L. Yong aside, the company is equally exploring other avenues in the aim of both diversifying its offerings and adhering to market movements.

One such path has seen the company increasingly ramp up its ecommerce presence, leveraging partnerships with other existing leaders in this space.

“We recognise that the next wave of retail in the form of online grocery shopping is already here,” states Ha,

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A FORMIDABLE FOOTPRINT 70 percent of H. L. Yong’s business is still derived in Singapore, while 30 percent is attributed to exports, much of this being accounted for by Malaysia – a second country that houses the company’s branches.

Alongside this, the firm also helps service Brunei, Vietnam, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Thailand.

“and we would be silly to ignore it.”

Further, asked about the possibility of launching in-house, own-brand products, Ha responds: “Similarly, this has always been on our mind and we

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would be foolish not to entertain the thought.

“We have been blessed with wonderful, long-term relationships with each of our suppliers that we are grateful for. The challenge, and one that we are considering, would be launching innovative, new products that would not compete with those of our existing suppliers, and we’ll certainly be keeping our eyes on the ever-changing consumer needs to this end.”

Heading for a century

A company that has come a long way, embodying an illustrious history, the family-owned business is hoping to take a few final strides in the lead up to its landmark 100th anniversary in three years’ time.

This will be no easy feat while operating within a relatively saturated market that will see rising emphasis on consolidation through 2019 and beyond. However, owed to its

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overriding customer-centric, familyfeel approach, Ha remains confident that the business will continue to excel moving forward.

He concludes: “We aim to grow by 10 percent this year as we continue to incorporate Carmencita and La Molisana’s products, while our existing principles have also become more aggressive in introducing new commodities to the market.

“Generally speaking, having more business on board will help us to reach our goals – we’re always looking out for new brands that we can represent, and they are free to look for us.”

H. L. Yong Tel: +65 6258 3744 sales@hlyong.com www.hlyong.com

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Seamless

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Strength

in Solar Total Solar is a partner of choice and thought leader in Asia’s vibrant, expanding commercial & industrial (C&I) solar sector, the company being the first oil & gas giant to make serious inroads into this form of renewable power Writer: Tom Wadlow Project Manager: Matthew Cole-Wilkin

Pardon the pun, but solar is a super-hot market here,” muses Gavin Adda, CEO, Industrial & Commercial for Total Solar’s Asia business.

Joking aside, Adda is right.

According to a report by Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables, Asia-Pacific is poised to install 55 percent of the world’s new solar PV systems over the next five years, increasing its regional capacity by 60 percent by 2023.

The large economies of China, India and Japan will account for 78 percent of this increase, but the allure of solar has caught on in many other Asian countries.

“We are seeing a snowball effect,” Adda adds. “India, for instance, has gone from $30 million worth of projects annually to over a $1 billion in just a few years, and this enthusiasm for solar has taken off in the likes of the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia, among others.”

So how did Adda, an Englishman with an Archaeology & Anthropology Masters from the University of Cambridge, end up in Singapore leading the regional solar business for one of the largest oil & gas companies in the world?

“I completed an INSEAD MBA in France and Singapore before getting headhunted to work for Samsung in South Korea,” he recalls. “Samsung was quite an early adopter of solar, and it was here I came across the solar industry, developing around $1 billion of utility-scale projects across the US.

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“It was actually at a dinner with one of the largest utilities in California where I had a discussion about how Southeast Asia will become the world’s most important solar markets – especially for C&I. “You’ve got a lot of island countries, new power requirements from people buying air conditioning and refrigeration for the first time, abundant sunlight, expensive power, bountiful labour and problems with connecting remote areas to grids. This all adds up to a massive opportunity for rooftop-based commercial and industrial solar which can typically save customers 20 percent on energy bills.”

After running C&I for REC Solar in Singapore and then selling the company to ChemChina in 2015, Adda founded two startups in the C&I solar space. He brought the team of one of these to Total at the end of 2017.

TOTAL SOLAR – AN INTRODUCTION Total SA and its affiliates are one of the largest investors in C&I Solar with more than $2 billion deployed into C&I Solar projects for companies like Coca-Cola, Intel and Danone. Much of this has been historically in Europe and the US, though Total is increasingly focusing on emerging markets now.

As part of the world’s fourth-largest energy major, Total Solar is a leader across the whole photovoltaic solar value chain, from manufacturing through to complex system design to long-term operation. Total also has significant investments in battery technology, energy retailing and energy efficiency.

As the energy industry increasingly moves to a distributed model, Total is taking solar directly to industrial and commercial customers and cutting out what can be underdeveloped and problematic grids.

There are increasingly opportunities for customers to sell surplus power back to the grid.

Total’s history with solar dates back to 1972 when the company set up Total Énergie Développement (TED), which engineered its first solar panels. In 2011 the firm acquired 60 percent of SunPower, a leading producer of solar panels and key supplier to Total Solar projects.

In Asia, Total Solar plans to scale up operations through establishing partnerships with local companies and stakeholders.

Gavin Adda, CEO, Industrial & Commercial for Total Solar Asia

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Powerful partner

Total Solar is determined to become an industry thought leader

Adda runs the business as a fullyowned subsidiary of Total Solar, his startup team receiving the sort of multibillion-dollar enterprise backing that will be vital in ensuring solar is adopted meaningfully in both Asia and around the world.

Indeed, Total Solar has several other hubs around the world, making it a truly global organisation and significant part of Total’s business.

“We want to become a billion-dollar organisation and we are nearing that with our teams in the US, Middle East, Europe and China,” Adda says. “I am extremely excited by the opportunity… this is a goliath organisation that is now setting its sights on really increasing access to renewable energy at scale.”

This desire to be part of the global energy mix shift is evidenced by Total’s own adoption of solar.

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For example, Total is installing solar on 5,000 facilities around the world in a $400 million investment.

In Singapore, Total Solar is installing solar on a Total lubricant blending facility in Tuas and developing a visitor centre designed to showcase solar to commercial clients.

Singapore is one of four Asian nations where the company currently

has projects under construction, the others being Cambodia, the Philippines and Indonesia, where two months ago Total Solar signed one of the country’s first C&I solar projects.

Adda expects the company to be operating in eight or nine countries in the region within the next year, pointing towards its unique position to provide the full suite of services

SOLAR IN ACTION While Total Solar works with some of the world’s largest brands, Adda points out projects in the Philippines and Indonesia that show a desire to work closely with locally-based clients.

“We’re not just chasing big brand names and have been working with local companies across the region,” he says. “For example, in the Philippines, we’re working with Gaisano that operates around shopping malls around the country.

“They want to reduce costs, which we’ve been able to do by 20 percent, and be a positive force for good in their local areas, reducing their carbon footprint and potentially generating power for the local schools and other nearby facilities.”

In Indonesia, Total Solar has pioneered the development of projects behind the meter. Chandra Asri is the country’s largest petrochemical business and has been looking to reduce its carbon footprint.

The project will involve installations at the company’s refineries, and Adda explains how Chandra Asri is looking to set an example in its industry by adapting to cleaner power generation, something which Total Solar will play a key role in facilitating.

Work on new design approaches is ongoing

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Total currently has projects under construction in four Asian countries

on a global and regional basis. Most importantly though, Total is a natural partner for local firms and a long-term operator of assets.

“We are unique in that we don’t look to just flip our project,” he says.

“Total owns assets for decades at a time and solar needs a 20-year contract to make the required return. We are comfortable with these long-term relationships and many of our clients we have already been working with for many years.

“This means we build for the longterm unlike some others who are focused on re-selling the projects in the short-term. Total has a unique

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ASIA SolarGy Pte Ltd is one of the leading professional system integrators of solar PV systems based in Singapore.

The founder of SolarGy, Albert Lim, has been a practising M&E consulting engineer for more than 25 years. Leveraging on the founder’s background knowledge and experience, SolarGy deliver optimum solutions to clients from a designer’s perspective.

The result is a PV system that is not only high in performance but integrates seamlessly into the building architecture. Since its incorporation in 2007, SolarGy has successfully undertaken several notable PV projects for clients such as NTU, NUS, PUB, Resorts World at Sentosa, Keppel Infrastructure Trust, CapitaLand, SingTel, Singapore Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic, NEA, NParks, ST Aerospace, and SP Group.

20 Sin Ming Lane, #04-65 Midview City, Singapore 573968 Tel +65 6570 9001 Fax +65 6570 9002

The company is at the forefront of a seismic shift in power generation Total is installing across the region, and Adda is buoyant solar on 5,000 about the future solar has both here facilities around and across the world. the world in a $400 million investment He concludes: “The future will be solar. There’s a huge appetite for it and approach to HSE and system quality in Southeast Asia, who knew the I think anywhere between 10 and 20 which many customers prefer.” challenges facing us and had a network percent of the power we use will come he could bring into the business. We from solar in the not too distant future.

Knowledge transfer also needed someone who could teach “Given we’re sub one percent Total Solar’s ability to form long-term our own internal project managers.” currently, even less so in this region, partnerships and commit to the whole This knowledge transfer exercise that implies a massive growth story lifecycle of solar developments is made ties into the company’s engineering ahead. The future will see much more possible by its team of experts. hub in the Philippines, while continuing of a balanced energy mix, and solar has Adda expects to double the partnerships with local firms will also a huge part to play in that.” headcount on a yearly basis as more help to impart skills more widely across projects are taken on. these emerging solar markets.

“Finding the skills we need is a big And it is this element of partnership challenge,” he adds. “When bringing a that will be crucial to realising Adda’s new product to a new market you need ambitions for the year ahead. On to reskill local people, so passing down track to become a regional leader and knowledge is absolutely essential. opening up at least two new markets “It took us a long time to find our during 2019, Total Solar is determined Head of Tech because we wanted to become a trusted partner of choice Total Solar someone with experience of working and thought leader in the industry. www.solar.total.com

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5TH GLOBAL DAIRY CONGRESS ASIA

E V E N T

F O C U S

Exploring opportunities in the regional dairy market EVENT DETAILS WHEN: May 16-17 WHERE: Jakarta, Indonesia CONTACT: Cathyw@szwgroup.com WEBSITE: www.szwgroup.com/global-dairycongress-asia-2019

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THE 5TH GLOBAL Dairy Congress Asia 2019, organised by SZ&W Group, will be launched on May 16-17, 2019 in Jakarta, Indonesia. You are welcome to join in the most influential dairy community platform for future growth in the Asian market.

The congress aims to be the number one dairy event in Asia for 150-plus regional and international industry chain stakeholders to gain first-hand information on Asian dairy market opportunities, consumer preference, dairy trade trends, glocalisation strategies, and engagement potentials from farm to market. This will run together with a trade missions showcase platform, farm visit and farm-site open training workshop to generate more business opportunities.

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Top six reasons to attend: • Learn about dairy investment and growth opportunities in 10-plus Asian countries.

• Explore Asian dairy preference trends and brand glocalisation strategies.

• Unveil new engagement potentials from farm to fork.

• Special trade mission showcase platform to generate new growth waves.

• Ministry-nominated dairy farm visit and farm-site open workshop.

• Unlimited networking opportunities with 150-plus participants from regional and international dairy communities.

B E LT & R O A D I N T E R N AT I O N A L F O O D E X P O

E V E N T

F O C U S

A food trade hub for companies the world over

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: June 11-13 WHERE: Hong Kong WEBSITE: www.brifexpo.com/en

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to the interrelated markets. Benefiting from the development plan of the Greater Bay Area of 60 million population, BRIFE is an ideal platform for global companies to promote brands, products and expand business landscapes, especially in the B&R, and it was officially supported by the governments of more than 40 countries and regions.

THE BELT & Road International Keeping up with last year’s success, Food Expo (Hong Kong) (BRIFE) is BRIFE 2019 will take place on June the one and the only overseas food expo echoing the national Belt & Road 11-13, 2019 in AsiaWorld-Expo, which is Initiative (BRI). It forges a professional hosted by Hong Kong Belt and Road Food Trade Association and China B2B and G2B trade platform for food Agriculture Exhibition Association and agriculture along and beyond the which is managed by the Ministry of Belt & Road (B&R) region, exploring Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the emerging markets spanning over 70 P.R.C. A highly dynamic city serves as countries and seizing the business the perfect platform into the lucrative opportunities brought by the BRI. Greater China and Asia market, and BRIFE is serving on the cuttingHong Kong is an irreplaceable place edge of agri-food industries, the for global commerce. BRIFE and expo covering more than 30 product ATS is fully leveraging Hong Kong’s categories including food and beverage, agri-food, catering franchise, competitive advantages to meet the countries’ needs, to promote agri-food equipment and services, investment trade and industry development. and financing which actively respond

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ENERGY MINES AND MONEY AUSTRALIA

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Showcasing mineral, coal, oil & gas opportunities

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: 12-13 June WHERE: Brisbane, Australia CONTACT: queensland@minesandmoney.com WEBSITE:

www.queensland.minesandmoney.com

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ENERGY MINES AND Money showcases strategic mineral, coal, oil & gas opportunities, and matches projects with global investment throughout a two-day conference and exhibition taking place in Brisbane from June 12-13, 2019.

With the support of the Queensland Government and Trade Investment Queensland, the second annual Energy Mines and Money will bring together over 700 mining leaders, energy executives, investors, commodity buyers, traders and brokers for two days of learning, deal making and unparalleled networking.

The conference programme features over 80 global thought leaders including speakers from Whitehaven

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Coal, PwC, ANZ, Denham Capital and EAS Advisors discussing investment strategies, future commodity trends as well as energy policy.

View the programme: https:// queensland.minesandmoney.com/ programme The programme will also take an in-depth look at coal, oil, gas and renewable energy, alongside precious, base, bulk and battery metals projects with spotlight presentations from over 40 mining and energy companies.

See which companies are participating: https://queensland. minesandmoney.com/energy With mining and oil & gas companies on display, some of the world’s largest natural resources fund managers in attendance, and a packed programme of keynotes, market analysis, company presentations, panels and workshops, this unique forum to hear from industry leaders, network, share knowledge and most importantly get deals done is not to be missed.

Claim your free investor pass or receive 10 percent off current early bird prices when registering with the discount code MA1180AO at: https://queensland.minesandmoney. com/register

MINERAL | COAL | OIL & GAS

MATCHING PROJECTS WITH GLOBAL INVESTMENT B RIS BANE CO NVEN TION & EXH IB ITION C E NT RE W O RKS H O P

C ON F ER EN C E & EXH I B I TIO N

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12-13 J U N E 2019

Energy Mines and Money showcases strategic mineral, coal, oil and gas opportunities, and matches projects with global investment throughout a two-day conference and exhibition taking place in Brisbane from 12-13 June 2019.

With the support of the Queensland Government and Trade Investment Queensland, the 2nd annual Energy Mines and Money will bring together over 700 mining leaders, energy executives, investors, commodity buyers, traders and brokers for two days of learning, deal making and unparalleled networking.

The conference programme features over 80 global thought leaders discussing investment strategies, future commodity trends as well as energy policy. With an in depth look at coal, oil, gas and renewable energy, alongside precious, base, bulk and battery metals projects with spotlight presentations from over 40 mining and energy companies.

With mining, oil and gas companies on display, some of the world’s largest natural resources fund managers in attendance, and a packed programme of keynotes, market analysis, company presentations, panels and workshops, this unique forum to hear from industry leaders, network, share knowledge and most importantly get deals done is not tobe missed.

P R I N C I PA L PA R T N E R

Claim your complimentary investor pass or receive 10% OFF with the discount code

MA1180AO QUEENSLAND.MINESANDMONEY.COM

IEIA OPEN SEMINAR 2019

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F O C U S

Catalysing India’s economic growth

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: June 13-15 WHERE: Delhi, India CONTACT: ed@ieia.in WEBSITE: www.ieia.in

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IEIA OPEN SEMINAR is Indian Exhibition Industry Association’s annual flagship international conclave, where the Indian exhibition industry comes together with its members, associates and international delegates to deliberate on the happenings in the industry and to build on the business, presence and network.

Now in its ninth edition, the IEIA Open Seminar 2019 will be based on the theme “Catalysing India’s Economic Growth”, acting as the most meaningful platform to meet peers, share knowledge, discuss collaborations and developments, address industry challenges and most importantly, network among members and participants to build successful business alliances.

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The Indian economy is one of the most promising economies in the world, registering a consistent growth of over seven percent. The rapid socioeconomic growth of India is attracting investors from all over the world. Likewise, owing to its market attractiveness and progressive government support, the Indian exhibition industry is witnessing rapid growth over the past few years (growing by over 10.4 percent annually in the last three years), thus attracting exhibitions from all corners of the globe.

The last edition of our event witnessed participation of stalwarts of our industry from 30 countries with heads of 33 international exhibition and conference industry bodies present at the event.

The event will be attended by around 600 exhibition industry professionals with around 100 international delegates from various countries, providing one of a kind networking opportunities for all participating organisations.

13 - 15, June 2019

India Expo Centre & Mart, Delhi NCR

Catalysing India’s Economic Growth International Conclave of the Indian Exhibition Industry

Organized By

Host & Venue Partner

Platinum Partner

Education Programs Parnter

Awards Nights & Gala Dinner Partner

Silver Parnters

Technology Partner

Media Partners

www.ieia.in

Industry Study Partner

Gold Parnter

Conference Notepad Partner

Venue Branding Partner

C W C W O R L D L N G & G A S S E R I E S : 1 1 T H A S I A PA C I F I C S U M M I T

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F O C U S

The premier meeting place for LNG buyers and sellers in Asia Pacific

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: June 24-28 WHERE: Singapore WEBSITE: cwclng.com/asiapacific

NOW IN ITS 11th year, the most established and highly-regarded LNG Summit in the Asia Pacific region returns to Singapore.

Bringing together the key LNG buyers and sellers from across the globe, this summit provides the perfect platform to network and do deals with key decision makers.

The 2018 Summit saw 300plus attendees, 22 sponsors and featured presentations from key decision makers as well as buyers, sellers, portfolio players and traders from 23 countries.

Why attend?

• The most established and highlyregarded strategic LNG Summit in Asia Pacific. Gathering established and emerging LNG and gas buyers in Asia Pacific for over 10 Years.

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• Held in Singapore – the emerging trading hub for Asia.

• Senior representation from the new southeast LNG buyers.

• Unrivalled programme that honestly reflects the changing market.

• Understand how buyers are reshaping the way in which LNG is being traded.

• Spearheaded by an industry-led steering committee.

• Official support from EMA & IE Singapore.

• Celebrating excellence with the CWC Asia Pacific LNG Innovation Award.

• From the organisers of the industry acclaimed World LNG & Gas Series.

THE PREMIER MEETING PLACE FOR LNG BUYERS AND SELLERS IN ASIA PACIFIC PRODUCED BY:

OFFICIAL SUPPORTERS:

FROM THE PRODUCERS OF:

Andrew Walker VP Strategy Cheniere Marketing Ltd

Ye Yishu President GCL Petroleum Trading Singapore

Darshan Hiranandani CEO H Energy

Rajnish Goswami General Manager LNG Marketing Anadarko Petroleum Corporation

Tom Earl

Keita Enjoji Head of LNG General Manager Tokyo Gas Asia Pte. Ltd

Christophe Malet Senior Vice President Upstream LNG Hanas

Parulian Sihotang

Chief Commercial Officer Venture Global LNG

Deputy for Finance & Monetization SKK Migas

Ryosuke Tsugaru CEO Diamond Gas International

Kaushik Deb

Research Fellow Markets & Industrial Development KAPSARC

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

pantone 287C

pantone 355C

pantone 186C

For more information, please contact Elliott McGinn or Tyler Forbes on: +44 20 7978 0000 or email: LNGAsia@thecwcgroup.com

CWCLNG.COM/ASIAPACIFIC #LNGASIA

MALAYSIAN INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND BEVERAGE TRADE FAIR 2019

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F O C U S

A platform for F&B businesses to showcase products and services

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: June 26-28 WHERE: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia WEBSITE: www.mifb.com.my

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MIFB 2019 WILL work in line to grow Malaysia’s trade, by bringing in food and beverage providers, industrial experts, innovators to offer a plethora of products and services under one roof.

The event will be an ideal platform for companies serving the food and beverage industry and is constantly finding innovative ways to improve and cater new products to the community with the Healthy living vision.

We are the largest food and beverage focused trade event in the country which offers a platform for businesses from the industry to showcase their products and services

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at an international level.

Exhibitors will be offered a highly focused event which caters to their needs and brings them the best ROI. Over 600 participating companies from 50 countries will be hosted and more than 20,000 trade visitors from around the world are expected to visit the 20th MIFB 2019.

If you are looking to introduce, exchange, and learn about the latest innovation and technologies from around the world, MIFB is the place to be.

MALAYSIAN INTERNATIONAL

FOOD & BEVERAGE TRADE FAIR

26 - 28 JUNE 2019

KUALA LUMPUR CONVENTION CENTRE (KLCC) KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

REGISTER NOW www.mifb.com.my mifb@sphereexhibits.com.my

FOOD & BEVERAGE –

NATURAL & HEALTHY PRODUCE

FOOD TECHNOLOGY

SEAFOOD & FISHERY

HALAL FOOD

LAST MILE ASEAN-CONFERENCE & EXPO

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F O C U S

ASEAN’S online retail distribution forum

EVENT DETAILS WHEN: September 26-27 WHERE: Bangkok, Thailand CONTACT:

prashant@manchcommunications.com

WEBSITE: www.LastMileAsean.com

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THE THIRD ANNUAL Last Mile ASEAN Conference & Expo (LMA), powered by E-Commerce Logistics Show, will take place on September 26-27, 2019 at BITEC in Bangkok. Last Mile ASEAN is a platform to give voice to intricate matters of delivery and fulfillment logistics covering supply chain, operations, ecommerce, logistics, post and parcel for the multichannel retail industry.

The event will focus on how retailers and pure-players can transform their ecommerce operations to respond to market growth and reach their customers as quickly and costefficiently as possible. It also aims at creating better understanding of the last mile fragment’s opportunities and

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challenges in running cross border last mile delivery business.

The second edition of LMA was held last year with an impressive lineup of speakers from several market leading organisations including Kerry Express, DHL eCommerce, SGshop Ecommerce, Interroll, Yangon Door2Door, Lalamove, Seroyamart and Thailand Post. The power packed conference saw 36 speakers, five sponsors and 15 exhibitors from all gamut of ecommerce industry. The conference attracted more than 400 delegates representing ecommerce, retail, postal operators, courier and express, delivery and fulfillment and logistics to debate and discuss the challenges, latest trends and technologies in last mile delivery, and what factors drive ecommerce growth in the Asia Pacific region.

The Last Mile ASEAN is dedicated to the professional ecommerce, online and offline retailers, delivery and fulfillment community.

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EDITION

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SEPTEMBER 2019

BITEC, BANGKOK

ASEAN’S ONLINE RETAIL DISTRIBUTION CONFERENCE & EXPO

supporting association

Contact Detail Prashant Narain Phone: 02-103-4863 Mobile: 061-736-1478 Email: prashant@manchcommunications.com

Powered by

www.LastMileAsean.com

Produced by

BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDES A complete guide to Asia’s leading business travel destinations

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CAMBODIA A land of magnificent temples, bustling markets and served by the enormous Mekong River, Cambodia is a welcoming country embracing millions of international visitors each year

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land of plains and rivers, Cambodia has evolved into a unique destination combing both the ancient and the modern, from the temples of Angkor to the charismatic capital Phnom Penh.

For 2,000 years the country’s civilization has absorbed influences from India and China, and in turn imparted its own cultures and customs across the region, especially during the 12th century when the Khmer empire reached its peak, a time marked by the building of the remarkable Angkor Wat temples.

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Cambodia’s more recent history also draws visitors, the devastating events of the late 1970s mourned at numerous killing fields across the country, the most infamous being at Choeung Ek outside of Phnom Penh.

The capital city itself has emerged as a revitalised city, revered for its riverside location and exceptional food and drink scene. What makes Cambodia, however, is its people, who remain remarkably welcoming to visitors despite having to live through years of instability.

ASIA This diverse and fascinating offering has resulted in a steadily growing tourism trade, 2018’s 6.2 million foreign tourist arrivals representing a massive jump on the 2.5 million recorded in 2010. Indeed, the country is home to the third fastest-growing tourism destination in the whole of ASEAN.

Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Jordan Levey

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See page

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

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

joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 676

jordan.levey@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 668